#Anthony gets to punch them don’t worry | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

thechaoticdruid · 4 months

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[This Bites] 7

Astarion x F! Chubby MC

Plot: Winnie and Astarion attend the carnival in hopes to get information on a certain mysterious modder.

Content/Warnings: Violence, touching without consent, clowns, a special guest, death threats, near death experience, choking.

Chapter 6: Here

Chapter 8: I don't fucking know man...

The screams of people riding the roller coaster filled the air. Winnie held Astarion’s hand as the group walked across the carnival grounds. Astarion who'd been rather enthusiastic about going, now seemed rather unsure. Winnie assumed he was more excited about going on a date than the date itself. Astarion’s hand tightened around Winnie’s as they passed a rather eerily looking clown who was putting on a show for some children, juggling sparklers. His eyes looked over to them for a split second. Winnie shook her head and decided to ignore the strange person and focus on what she came for.

“So erm…. Anthony I was really wondering if you could maybe help me. Becca said you're a modder and you might know the person who made this BG3 cheat engine.” Winnie took out her phone and showed him a screenshot of the cheat engine file she took with her laptop.

“Hm ... .Oh yeah I chatted with him before over discord.” Anthony replied, not looking back at the short female, too distracted by all the sights and sounds.

“Babe, look! A haunted house, let's go!” Becca exclaimed as she took hold of her boyfriend’s arm.

“Oh alright I'll come with so you don't get scared” Anthony winked at Becca before taking her arm.

“I don't know what you're talking about, you're the one always getting scared.” Becca teased back before looking at Winnie. “Come on Wyn! Let's go!”

“Yeah okay.” Winnie replied.

“So we're going to hunt for spirits?”Astarion hummed.

“No. It's not real. Just people in costumes jumping out from behind the corner to scare people.” Winnie explained.

“Oh? Well that's considerably more boring.” Astarion huffed.

“Hey, don't hate on our fun! We don't have magic and dragons like you do back home.” Winnie playfully punched him in the shoulder.

“Very well let's go then.” Astarion smirked and followed Winnie towards the ‘haunted house’ ride. The attraction was set up to where you'd get and ride through a fake haunted house. Winnie and Astarion sat behind Anthony and Becca as the car slowly moved along. For the most part the vampire was unimpressed. Being much too perceptive he could always tell when someone was about to jump out.

“Hmm…That's a poor hiding spot.” Astarion mused as he noticed a man in a bloody pig costume hiding in the shadows. The man jumped up causing Anthony and Becca to scream. Astarion stared boredly, an arm wrapped around Winnie’s waist as she tensed up, startled. The vampire caressed his beloved's back comfortingly. He honestly relished the thought of taking a protective role. It made him feel strong, valued, like he had a purpose.

“Oh now he's just lying on the floor, tut tut tut. You can do better than that.” Astarion tsked before a man in bloody clothes leapt up and screamed at the cart. The vampire rolled his eyes before looking back at Winnie. She didn't scream at the attempts to scare them like Becca and Anthony did, but she would tense up or flinch. Astarion leaned in and whispered in Winnie’s ear, “There’s another idiot hiding behind that door over there.”

Suddenly a man in caked in white costume makeup with fangs and fake blood all over his face jumped out from behind the door hissing and getting way too close to Winnie’s face for the pale elf's liking. Astarion’s eyes narrowed a bit before he punched the ‘vampire’ in the jaw.

“Why the hell did you do that for?” Winnie asked, looking at Astarion in confusion.

“He was getting on my nerves and he got far too close for my liking.” Astarion huffed.

“You can't just punch people because you want to! You're going to get us in trouble.” Winnie said with a look of worry.

“Don’t fret love, I’ll handle any ire that comes our way.” Astarion replied.

“That's what worries me.” Winnie rolled her eyes.

“Sweetheart, everything worries you.” Astarion sassed. Winnie pouted as the carts came to a stop outside the haunted house. They got out and Winnie silently thanked God that somehow miraculously Becca and Anthony missed Astarion's little outburst.

The group walked away from the attraction as Astarion glanced over to see that creepy clown from before. He began clinging on to Winnie as he glared at painted face fool.

“It's just a guy in make-up Star.” Winnie said, running a hand over his back comfortingly. Astarion huffed a bit as they kept walking, the clown disappearing amongst the crowd of people.

“It's hideous.” Astarion murmured quietly.

“So Winnie I have a question, how did you and Star meet?” Becca turned to Winnie with a curious look.

“Oh you know…We…um…” Winnie tried to think up something quickly.

“My darling and I met at the beach. I needed some assistance fending off this disgusting beast.”

“It…was a really big crab.” Winnie added, rubbing the back of her neck nervously.

“It was monstrous, but Winnie smashed the little wretch with a boulder, my sweet little hero.” Astarion hummed before looking at Winnie fondly.

“It was a very small boulder.”

“Well that's…..interesting.” Anthony hummed as he and Becca stared at them awkwardly, clearly thinking their story was ridiculous.

“AH LOOK BUMPER CARS!!!” Winnie said, trying to change the subject as she pointed at the ride.

“Ooh that actually looks fun.” Astarion said as his red eyes trailed over the scene of people smashing into each other.

“How about we have a little playful competition against the ladies?” Anthony suggested as he looked over at Astarion.

“Oh, you two are on!” Becca exclaimed and grabbed Winnie’s arm, “come on Wyn let's go kick some ass!” Becca dragged Winnie off before she could comment and Astarion rolled his eyes and followed after Anthony.

Eventually the two pairs got separated in the line with at least ten people between them. Winnie looked back, worried about Astarion doing something chaotic while she wasn't within range to intervene.

Astarion glanced back in her direction, he wasn't exactly torn up about their separation, but he would have much preferred trying this activity with Winnie instead of Anthony whom he knew nothing about. Anthony looked Astarion over for a moment before he spoke.

“So…Winnie seems nice.” He hummed aloud.

“She is absolutely wonderful, my Winnie.” Astarion hummed with a content smile.

“Okay…I mean she's not around bro. You don't have to go all out.” Anthony chuckled.

“All out? I mean every word.” Astarion huffed, “don’t you feel the same about your Becca? She seems very taken with you.”

“She's aight. Pretty hot and good in bed.” Anthony said nonchalantly.

“Oh, well lucky you then.” Astarion rolled his eyes. Meanwhile Winnie was standing with Becca, looking back at the others with a nervous gaze.

“Maybe we should see if we can squeeze into line with the boys…So we don't get separated?”

“Nah it's fine, there should be enough bumper cars for them to join us.” Becca stated, her eyes looking over Winnie curiously observing her gaze.

“You're staring at him.~” The redhead said in a sing-songy tone.

“He has a tendency to get into trouble.” Winnie said honestly.

“You sure you're not just disappointed he's not glued to your side like normal?” She teased.

“You act like he's hanging on me 24/7.” Winnie chuckled.

“Isn't he? Whenever I've seen you two he follows you around like a lost puppy.”

“You've seen us together like twice before today.”

“And I have amazing intuition. So…Have you two….you know…?” Becca smirked.

“I'm not having this conversation.” Winnie rolled her eyes.

“Whaaat? I was just gonna ask if you two had kissed! Don't be weird about it!” The redhead teased making Winnie turn bright red.

After a few minutes they climbed into the cars. The bumper cars were brightly colored and had both a driver and passenger seat in each of them.

Becca and Winnie got into one, Becca in the driver's side and Winnie in the passenger seat. However before they could even get buckled up, they were slammed into by Anthony and Astarion. Astarion smirked mischievously as his fingers curled around the steering wheel.

“Star!? What the hell?” Winnie hissed.

“Sorry darling, I've never controlled one of these things before aha!” Astarion giggled with a mischievous grin.

“Oh it's on! Let's get him back!” Becca exclaimed, steering the bumper right into the guys. The group giggled and teased each other as their cars would collide. Despite the fun eventually Winnie had to usher their little group away when her vampiric partner began to slam the car into some obnoxious children. (One whom so rudely exclaimed “out of the way old lady!”)

Once the four had left the ride Astarion slipped back beside Winnie. Anthony seemed to follow after Astarion however.

“So…Make a new friend?” Winnie asked glancing over at Astarion and Anthony.

Astarion wrapped an arm around Winnie and pulled her off away from Anthony until the two of them were out of earshot.

“Friend isn't quite the right word I believe, but nevermind that while I was alone with him in line he mentioned that the creator of your modification lived nearby in some city called Varamont.”

“Varamont? That's like a five hour drive from here.” Winnie rubbed her temples. “I'm not sure I could stand riding for that long on my bike.” Winnie said with a sigh.

“Come on Winnie we're going into the mirror maze!” Becca called as she and Anthony caught up with the two.

“I think I'll sit this one out actually.” Astarion spoke up.

“Ah yeah…He gets a bit claustrophobic!” Winnie added.

“You ladies go on in then. I wanted to get some food anyway.” Anthony piped up.

“Okay….” Winnie said as Becca dragged her off into the mirror maze. Winnie followed after her reluctantly as her friend continued to talk her ears off about mundane things. They had a lead on where ShadowMommy69 was. Things were going well. So why did Winnie have this gnawing feeling something bad was going to happen?

She sighed as her and Becca walked through the maze occasionally bumping into a mirror once and a while. “Becca…Is everything okay with Anthony? I mean he is your boyfriend but it seems…like he's avoiding you.”

“Anthony can be a bit reserved, but he's really a sweetheart.” Becca replied. Winnie frowned, Anthony didn't seem to have any problem hanging out with Astarion. She wasn't quite sure he was a good match for Becca. As much as she admired her friend, Becca had a bad track record when it came to dating. Winnie could recall that the redhead's last girlfriend apparently maxed her credit card and her parents had to help her with the debt. She really didn't have the best judge of character when it came to romantic partners. Not that Winnie could really talk considering her first boyfriend was a bloodthirsty undead creature of the night, but at least Astarion payed attention to her. A little too much sometimes. That wasn't his fault though. The man barely had anything to do while he was cooped up all day to avoid the sun's rays.

As Winnie and Becca continued walking through the mirror maze the two ended up taking different paths. Winnie being distracted by her thoughts and Becca distracted by chattering about her own boyfriend. Eventually the girls were separated in two totally different parts of the maze. Winnie was even pulled out of her head by her nose bumping against the cold glass of a mirror.

“Shit…Where'd she go? Becca!?” She called, looking around as she got no answer. The lights that illuminated the maze from above flickered a bit. And Winnie felt a chill go down her spine.

It's okay. Everything is alright. We’ll just find our way out.

Winnie could feel her heart speeding up as she carefully maneuvered through the maze. However each turn and path seemed to go on forever. Winnie couldn't even tell how long she'd been in here! She quickly took out her phone as she began to get nervous only to find that the battery was dead.

Okay…Maybe this isn't so great…

Suddenly she noticed a shadow move across one of the mirrors. Winnie nearly jumped at the sight of it, backing up fearfully. Then suddenly there was a voice.

“Ah, we finally meet in the flesh.” A familiar looking brunette haired man suddenly appeared in front of one of the mirrors, his reflection appearing in all the surrounding ones. It took a moment for Winnie to process who this was.

“Raphael?! What the hell are you doing here!? I'm pretty sure I killed you!” Winnie gasped in complete and utter shock.

“And yet here we are face to face.” The devil chuckled as Winnie began to back up. “I should actually thank you, you know. If you hadn't pulled Astarion out of our dreadfully repetitive world I would never have been able to find a way out.”

“Shit. I knew something bad was going to happen. You…You better not s-start any trouble!” Winnie said, trying to act intimidating though deep down inside she was terrified.

“What trouble? I'm simply here to explore this new realm much like your toothsome companion. Besides, you have other things to worry about.”

“What do you mean?” Winnie asked with worry.

“Astarion and I are not the only ones who've found a way to enter your domain. The person who caused this opened far more doors into your world than he intended.” Raphael spoke in a calm tone. A smile etching its way onto his face.

“Why are you telling me this?” Winnie raised an eyebrow with suspicion.

“Because you are of interest to me and without this knowledge you'll likely meet a very early demise.”

“If you're planning to use me to do your dirty work you must be desperate. You realize I'm no fighter. Hell I'm not even an advent-” Before Winnie could finish her sentence the devil disappeared without a trance. “Oh you Asshat! I was talking to you!” Winnie huffed, looking around for the devil, but he was gone. Raphael showing up was bad enough but the thought of others coming into this world was horrifying. Dragons, mind Flayers and God knows what else could appear and there was nothing Winnie could do about it. She was literally just a retail employee!

“I need to find Astarion.” Winnie murmured to herself.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Astarion had been waiting outside, trying to keep to himself as best as he could. The carnival goers were all looking more delectable by the minute. He could feel the ravenous maw inside begging, no, demanding to be sated.

“Hey Star.” Anthony called as he returned from getting some food. “Damn, the girls sure are taking their time aren't they?” The dark haired male hummed. Astarion looked up, red eyes immediately noticing the pulsing vein on the human man’s neck. He gulped nervously, doing his damnedest to ignore the urge to tear into Anthony's throat.

“Oh…I-I'm sure they'll be back soon.” Astarion said with a huff, his eyes looking away from the other male.

“Hey, you alright?” Anthony asked.

“I'm fine. Just a bit cold.” Astarion lied and looked back towards the mirror maze. The vampire tried to keep his mind focused on Winnie, knowing well that she'd allow him to feed once they arrived home. But then he suddenly felt an arm wrap around his waist. He looked back and noticed the other male was getting far too close for comfort.

“Hey why don't we ditch the girls? I think the two of us have more in common anyway.~” Anthony said with a smirk before suddenly Astarion shoved him off.

“Touch me again and I'll choke you with your own innards.” He hissed.

“Whoa hey! Calm down! There's no need to pretend here. I know you're just pity-dating that girl, it's kind of obvious.” Anthony exclaimed, causing the vampire to narrow his eyes at him.

“Pity-dating? Ha! Darling, if I was going to court anyone out of pity it'd be you. Now stay the hells away from me before I rip out your throat.” Astarion snarled, his eyes were beginning to glow red, as he bared his fangs. This set off alarm bells in the human man’s head.

“J-Jesus Christ!” He cursed and backed away. The vampire pushed back the urge to drain the male dry as he stepped away, beginning to retreat to a less populated space. His eyes then suddenly perked up at the sight of caged pigs off inside some tent.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

After stumbling through the mirror maze Winnie bumped into Becca once again.

“There you are, Wyn! God, I thought You left for a moment!” Becca exclaimed.

“Becca! I need to get out of here and talk to Star! It's important!” Winnie said.

“Shit. Did something happen? Are you okay?” Becca asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“I'm fine…I just need to talk to him about something personal, okay.” Winnie stated. Becca nodded in understanding.

“Okay. Let's go, I think I found the way out.” Becca grabbed hold of Winnie’s hand so the two of them wouldn't get separated again before she led her he down another path. Winnie could spot scratches and smudges on the mirrors, as if someone had already left a trial to help guide them out. Eventually they reached the end of the maze and stepped out. Not a moment sooner chaos broke loose as pigs began to charge across the fields in front of them.

“Fuck sake!” One of the carnival workers yelled.

“Someone let loose the pigs!” Winnie and Becca looked at one another in complete and utter bewilderment. As the carnival workers rushed to wrangle their swine, one began to slowly approach the two girls. It was the clown Winnie had seen earlier.

“Ladies, may I speak with you for a moment?”

“Uhh…We're a bit busy at the moment! S-Sorry.” Winnie blurted out before suddenly the make-up caked stranger began to move in.

“What's the hurry!? There's a show starting soon. Come and see!” The clown chuckled.

“She said we're busy.” Becca spoke louder and stood in front of Winnie. The clown cracked his neck before suddenly grabbing a hold of both their arms.

“Hey get the fuck off us!” Becca shouted as both her and Winnie began to flail and attempt to pull away, but the clown was surprisingly strong.

‘Let us go!” Winnie shouted, eyes scanning the area for passerbys but it seemed the whole pig fiasco had distracted anyone who could have helped.

Winnie suddenly kicked the clown in the shin, making him release them. The two of them bolted as the stranger began his pursuit.

Fucking hell this is like something out of a horror movie!

Winnie panted and huffed as Becca moved ahead of her. The slender female was able to keep more distance between herself and the creep chasing them. Winnie could feel her ribs and legs burning. She didn't think she had enough stamina to keep going. The clown chased them back into an empty tent when suddenly Winnie tripped, falling onto her hands and knees. She winced, feeling blood dripping down a cut on her knee. Winnie scrambled to get back up as the clown lunged at her grabbing hold of her by the throat. Winnie gasped for air, gripping onto the clown's large hands

“Winnie! Get off her you creep!” Becca shouted and ran back towards the clown. The red head leapt into his back and grabbed hold of his hair, yanking it hard and even tearing a chunk out, causing him to shout and let go of Winnie before moving to throw Becca off of him. Winnie fell to the ground holding her neck as the clown moved to strike at Becca. The redhead looked up with wide eyes before suddenly something sharp pierced through the clown's chest from behind, causing blood to pour down onto the ground as the carnie fell to the floor. Astarion stood there clawed fingers dripping with blood as he quickly turned his attention to Winnie who was still rubbing her throat.

“Winnie! Winnie my sweet, are you alright?” Astarion looked down at the human woman with fearful eyes as she rubbed her throat. She gave a small weak nod.

“Y-You just shoved your fingers through that man h-how!?” Becca began to stutter out. Astarion ignored the redhead, his attention was on the marks on Winnie's throat.

“Arghhhhh!” A loud snarl suddenly filled their ears. The clown corpse began to stand back and change, growing bigger and bigger. Suddenly a large blue skinned humanoid beast with long tusks and glowing eyes.

Shit. The devil was right.

Winnie mentally cursed as Astarion stood in front of her protectively. Blood was still dripping from the wound in the creature’s chest. The creature growled down at the trio. The silver haired vampire bared his fangs at the beast. He was unarmed but he'd be damned if he let some filthy creature hurt his beloved and get away with it. While the beast was slowed by its injury he took the opportunity to attack.

“Ignis!” He launched a firebolt straight into the monster’s face. The beast roared in pain as its eyes were blazing. The stench of burning flesh filled the air. The beast quickly turned tail and darted out the back of the tent, disappearing into the night. Winnie got back to her feet, taking a few deep breaths. Astarion peeked out through the back of the tent to make sure it was go before returning to Winnie’s side.

“Magic…He just did magic!?” Becca sputtered out. Winnie sighed and rubbed her temples before looking over at Astarion.

“I'm going to assume that's not normal here.” Astarion spoke up.

“No, definitely not. I was actually looking to warn you about this kind of thing earlier.” Winnie replied, her voice sounding a bit croaky from nearly getting choked out. “I ran into Raphael in the mirror maze…”

“The devil is here!?” Astarion asked aloud.

“Devil?!” Becca exclaimed.

“Yes. He said when you came here others did too, himself included. I imagine that monster was one of them.” Winnie said.

“Would someone please tell me what's going on here!?” Becca demanded.

“Ah….Right…This is all probably going to sound insane.” Winnie sighed.

“Everything that's happened today has been insane. We just got attacked by a god-damned clown monster-thing and your boyfriend chucked a fireball at it!”

“Yes ... .Um…How do I put this…..Hm…Becca this is Astarion…I uh…pulled him out of my computer about a month ago after downloading this messed up cheat mod.”

“Ah…Hello.” Astarion gave her an awkward little wave. Becca just stayed silent for a moment, eye twitching at the insanity of it all.

“This is a dream. I fell asleep while getting ready for the carnival and Anthony is going to wake me up any moment now.” Becca spoke to herself as she tried to rationalize the situation.

“Oh I doubt he'd stay long enough to realize you were asleep.” Astarion muttered under his breath.

“I thought it was a dream at first too, but after a couple of weeks I didn't wake up.” Winnie said softly.

“How is this possible?” Becca asked.

“Honestly I have no clue. I've actually been trying to the bottom of this. This is why I need to find out who made that mod. I'm certain it's behind everything.”

“I need to take some time to process this. I'm going out to my car…” Becca said before walking off, looking rather shaken up.

Winnie stepped out of the tent with Astarion slowly following behind her.

“It looks like the number of people who know our secret seem to be growing.”

“I wouldn't worry too much about Becca. She knows how crazy this all sounds, she's not going to go tell someone. Shame all hell broke loose tonight.”

“Gods I'm glad I was able catch a whiff of your blood before it was too late. I….I should have been with you…. I'm sorry…” Astarion pulled Winnie into his embrace.

“It's alright Astarion, there's no way you could have known we were going to get attacked. I had no idea there was any danger until I met with Raphael.”

“What did the devil want?” Astarion asked.

“I'm not sure. He kind of just showed up to warn me. That in itself seems very suspicious.”

“He wants likely wants something from you, no doubt.” Astarion furrowed his brows.

“I can't imagine what. I'm not a fighter, I can't go and kill anyone for him. Could it be my soul he’s after?”

“Maybe…But I have a feeling it's not as simple as that.” The pale elf huffed before looking at her neck once again, gently cupping her cheek.The marks were turning into bruises.

“You sure you're alright?”

“I am, just…sore…Are you alright? You still need to feed?” Winnie asked before moving up the sleeve of her jacket to expose her arm. Astarion gently pushed it away declining.

“No. I took care of that, besides you've been hurt enough today.”

“Astarion, I wish I could protect you instead, but I'm not an adventurer or a hero. Suppose I'm just going to end up being a burden.” Winnie sighed.

“Darling, you do enough for me already. You practically feed, clothe and put a roof over my head. Keeping you safe would never burden me my love.” Astarion slowly wrapped his arms around Winnie, pulling her into a hug. Winnie returned it nuzzling her face into his neck.

“We should return home. Get something for your bruises.” Astarion pulled back.

“Okay…..and thank you…For saving me Astarion…” Winnie wasn't exactly sure what came over her. She definitely wasn't one to initiate affection very often being as shy and timid as she was, but in that moment nothing else seemed to matter. Winnie leaned up on her tiptoes and pressed a soft, chaste kiss upon his lips. Astarion was slightly taken back for moment but almost immediately returned the gesture leaning into it.

Winnie quickly pulled back as she realized what she'd done, her face flustered and full of embarrassment. What was she thinking!? She didn't even ask for fucks sake!

“I'm sorry! I should have asked if it was-” Astarion grabbed hold of her hips and pulled her back into a kiss. This one was more passionate, full of longing and need. It seemed Astarion wasn't satisfied with Winnie’s sweet little peck. The brunette was a little at a loss of what to do. She'd never been kissed before. Not in romantic sense anyway. She did her best to try to mirror his movements before he eventually pulled back and rested his forehead against hers.

“Took you long enough.~”

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

Apologies for the wait! I've been rather distracted since the last chapter, but here it is! The monster in the chapter was an oni btw. It's a shapeshifting monster in DnD.

~Druid

@seradyn , @plimsim , @astarioffsimpmain , @marcynomercy , @iamsexytrash , @gaymistakeboi , @divineknightmare , @tinyfreakgirl , @misscrissfemmefatal, @gianchan-de @jaksfanficsaver , @the-disaster-in-waiting , @hp-art-studio , @im-just-a-simp-le-whore , @dajeong , @iamnotokei , @the-pale-elfs-love , @geminipridekitty

#bg3 #baldurs gate 3 #astarion bg3 #astarion #astarion romance #astarion ancunin #Astarion x oc #Astarion x chubby oc #astarion x mc #astarion x female oc #Astarion x Female mc #astarion x chubby reader #Astarion x chubby mc #isekaied into the real world fic #fictional characters in the real world fic #astarion x modern oc #astarion x modern mc #bg3 raphael

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ynbabe · 2 years

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Lockwood & Co. X Fem!Reader:- Incorrect quotes pt.3

*The gang responding to being stabbed by a sword* George: Rude. Y/n: That's fair. Anthony: Not again. Lucy: Are you gonna want this back or can I keep it?

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Lucy: Are you upset you don’t get to be on the same team as Y/n? Anthony: Have you ever played a game with Y/n? Lucy: No… Anthony: Have you ever been trapped in a tomb with a Type 3? *Meanwhile, on the other side of the field* Y/n, chasing George: I SAID FASTER! DO YOU KNOW WHAT THE WORD “FASTER” MEANS? IT MEANS MORE FAST!!!!

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Anthony: So Y/n was just using me? Lucy, new to the Anthony-Y/n bullshit: I’m sorry, Anthony. George, trying to contain his sarcasm: You must feel pretty stupid right now. Anthony: Lucy, slightly concerned, reaching for the tea: Ok, that’s a time-out. George: No, you don't know the story, it's funny- Lucy: Go sit over there! George: *walks away in defeat*

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Y/n: A pessimist sees a dark tunnel. Lucy: An optimist sees light at the end of the tunnel. Anthony: A realist sees a freight train. George: The train driver sees three idiots standing on the tracks.

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Y/n: I want to kiss you. Anthony, not paying attention: What? Y/n: I said if you die, I wont miss you.

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Anthony: Where the devil is Y/n? Lucy: Well, it is raining outside... Maybe she melted? George: Shall I look outside for a pointy hat?

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Lucy, finally getting along with Y/n: You guys worried about Y/n? George, concerned for both his friends but loving the fun: Totally. Anthony, after a fight with Y/n: Yeah, she called me in the middle of the night and just yelled, "what do I do, what do I do, what do I do, what do I do?" Lucy: And what'd you say? Anthony: "I dunno, I dunno, I dunno, I dunno." George: Lucy: She's lucky to have you as a boyfriend.

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Anthony: If I punch myself and it hurts, am I weak or strong? Y/n: Strong. Lucy: Weak. George: An idiot, is what you are.

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Anthony: Are you ready to commit? Y/n, on the run in 26 countries: Like, a crime or a relationship?

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Y/n: I can't take this anymore, someone needs to take me out! Anthony, ready to do both: In a dating type of way, or an assassination type of way? Y/n, wants both: I don't know, surprise me!

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Y/n: I’ve been dropping them the most insanely obvious hints for like a year now. No response. Anthony: Wow. They sound stupid. Y/n: But they’re not. They’re really smart actually. Just dense. Anthony: Maybe you need to be more obvious? Like, I don’t know… “Hey! I love you!” Y/n: I guess you’re right. Hey Anthony, I love you. Anthony: See! Just say that! Y/n: Holy fucking shit. Anthony: If that flies over their head then, sorry Y/n, but they're too dumb for you. Y/n: Anthony.

━━━━━━━━━▼━━━━━━━━━

Y/n, throwing her head into Anthony's lap: Tell me I'm pretty! Anthony, lovingly stroking her hair: You're pretty fucking annoying, that's what you are.

━━━━━━━━━▼━━━━━━━━━

Y/n on their second time meeting: *angrily presses Anthony against a wall* WHERE'S THE MONEY?! Anthony: ... Anthony, messed up a little: Are we about to kiss-

━━━━━━━━━▼━━━━━━━━━

George: Why don’t you go talk to her? That's why I introduced the two of you. Anthony, sarcastically: Oh. Yeah, sure. George: What? So you tell her she's cute, what’s the worst that could happen? Anthony: She could hear me.

#anthony lockwood x reader #anthony lockwood #lockwood & co #george karim #lucy carlyle #x reader #x female reader #x fem!reader

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whumping-valentine · 13 days

Text

🦌 Fawn and Hunter - Part 15 🦌

"Remnants of the Past" ---- Masterlist

Content: Zombies and general apocalypse vibes. Not too whumpy as it's been lately, but don't worry, it'll get real whumpy again soon! (Looking at you, part 18...)

Word count: 2000

Hey hey, Fawn and Hunter is back after a breif block!

I think it's quite ironic that right after I said to expect these to come out more frequently I dipped for over a month. I think I just like to spite myself. Everything that I always say I'll do, I end up doing the opposite. Let me try some reverse psychology...

Expect more Fawn and Hunter NEVER! Expect updates to come out with month long gaps! Expect part 16 in 10 months! Expect them to be the worst quality of writing you've ever seen!!

Fingers crossed 🤞 and enjoy! 🧟‍♀️

“Okay…” Hunter said, shutting the cabin door behind them, “We’ll be safe here.”

“Yeah… I don’t see how being out in a cabin in the middle of the woods is safer than being in town.” Agnes said.

“Because it’s my house and I’m biased.”

Agnes rolled her eyes, “Fair enough for your honesty, I guess, but also, you’re an idiot.”

“I’m so glad someone agrees.” Fawn said.

“Yeah, yeah, call me an idiot all you want, but you'll see I'm right.” Hunter retorted, “You and your brother may be able to hide in plain sight, but what about this bitch?” They pointed to Severin, “There ain't no hidin’ that for long. And what will you do during a full moon? Nah, bein’ away from people is the safest bet for you.”

The room went quiet in thought. Agnes crossed her arms, “Sure. Whatever.”

“So, uh…” Anthony started, “What do we do now?”

“Prepare for the apocalypse.” Hunter said simply.

“And how exactly do you suggest we do that?” Fawn said, “You want us to just stay here and hide forever? Want us to all live off your fucked up deer meat? Do you think that’s feasible? You were struggling to feed just two people, let alone five! I mean– for fuck’s sake, we’re hiding out with two werewolves and a fucking alien! An alien, Hunter! Two werewolves hiding out from a fucking cult and an invading alien who’s probably got an entire army looking for him! What on EARTH do you suggest we do?! God, I cannot BELEIVE I let you fucking drag me back here! I was at my home, and I willingly followed all of you freaks back here! I was home! What the FUCK!”

Hunter folded their arms and raised an eyebrow, “...Ya done?...” they rolled their eyes, “Look, you’re free to leave if you want, I don’t care anymore. This isn’t about you anymore, and it’s not about me. Obviously you saw some kind of value in sticking with us and coming back here, but if you changed your mind, by all means, the door is right there.”

Fawn looked like they were ready to punch them, though they ended up angrily sitting on the ground, locking their fingers tightly into their hair in frustration.

The room once again fell into silence. Agnes put her hands on her hips, “So are any of you going to come up with a plan of some sort, or is the only woman here going to have to do everything herself?”

The four of them looked around at each other. Agnes raised an eyebrow, but still they didn’t respond. She rolled her eyes and groaned. “Fucking useless, all of you. Hunter—” She pointed, “—You're the collecter. Go out and hunt for more food. Fawn, you can clean up the rotting mess that’s been festering for a month.” She picked up a canteen and tossed it to Anthony, “You go and collect us as much water as you can. And Severin— You’re our lookout. Make sure that your little friends hunting us down don’t find us, or you. Same goes for Ethel. She can’t get ahold of us. As for me, I’ll get a fire going. Do you have a fireplace?” She asked Hunter.

“Um. In the basement..."

“Why the hell do I have to be the one to clean up the rotting deer corpses?!” Fawn argued.

“Hey, I gave you all a chance to pitch in ideas and you said nothing. Now you get to do what I say.”

“Ugh. This is bullshit.”

“Well, we’re in survival mode now. Luxury will soon be a thing of the past. Either get used to it or die. Now, let’s all get to it.”

Hunter grabbed a rifle and began to walk out of the cabin with Anthony. Agnes made her way to the basement while Fawn and Severin didn’t move. Fawn wasn’t too eager to clean up dead deer, and Severin wasn’t exactly sure what he should do.

Though before they could actually start any of their tasks, the ground began to shake violently under their feet. Assuming it was an earthquake, the three of them rushed outside with Hunter and Anthony, only for them all to find cracks forming in the ground. Cracks that slowly expanded, before they began to quickly form cavernous ravines.

“What the fuck?!” Fawn shouted over the loud rumbles. The ground shook beneath their feet, almost knocking them over to the ground. Finally, the rumbling stopped, and the forest ran eerily silent. The group froze in fear before Fawn decided to caustiously peek down.

"WHAT THE FUCK?!" They shouted once more, though their tone was much different; more alarmed. Hunter peeked down with them. Dirty, rotting corpes could be seen standing, wobbling on their feet. The two of them snapped their heads forward as bodies began rising from the dirt of their shallow graves.

“Ah, shit." Hunter said, "Looks like the people I’ve killed are back for revenge.”

“OH, WOW, HUNTER! IF IT ISN’T THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR ACTIONS!” Fawn shouted.

“Now is not the time to be petty!”

“I’LL BE PETTY TO THE GRAVE YOU BITCH!”

“I CAN MAKE THAT SOONER RATHER THAN LATER!”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake!” Agnes interjected, picking up a metal pipe, whacking one of the corpses’ heads off. “Do you do nothing besides argue?! Where are your survival instincts?”

That seemed to snap them out of it, sudden adrenaline filling them. Fawn clutched their bat, and Hunter held up their gun, while Agnes steadied the pipe. Anthony went looking for a weapon of his own, picking up a wooden board.

Severin pulled a raygun out from his bag, and aimed, though it didn’t shoot. He fidgeted with it for a second, and finally a beam unexpectedly shot out, blasting him backwards as he fell to the ground.

“I might not know a whole bunch about your kind and all that…” Agnes said, “But… how exactly did you make it on the invaders team in the first place?”

“I would take offense to that if I didn’t wonder that myself.” he said, focusing his attention to the ravines. Luckily they were trapped down their, but safer is better than sorry. He shot them, melting them down into atoms.

"Oh... wow..." Agnes said, then lightly patted them on the back, "... You... you be careful with that thing..."

"It isn't much different than theirs," they gestured to Hunter, "just more effective..."

Hunter was attemping to shoot them down with their gun, but it wasn’t enough. Unlike TV, a simple bullet wasn’t enough to take down a walking corpse. They were already dead and rotting off their bones, a small piece of metal through the brain wasn’t going to take them down. Once they ran out of bullets they began beating them down with the gun.

While they were busy taking care of the horde in front of them, they were completely unaware of the one approaching behind them. Though before it could latch onto their flesh, a loud whack sounded behind them. Hunter jumped around to look, where they saw Fawn beating it into the ground with their bat.

“Th-thanks…”

Fawn didn’t respond, giving them nothing but a brief glare.

The world around them grew now eerily quiet, as it was the last of them. The group of five stood around in silent shock as they tried to process what just happened. Whether they stood there for 10 seconds or 10 minutes, none of them were sure. They were only snapped out of it when the sound of helicopters could be heard loudly buzzing above them.

“Shit.” Agnes cursed, “everyone get back inside, make the place look abandoned— actually, it already looks abandoned.”

Everyone quickly scrambled inside, footsteps loudly stomping across the floorboards, stamping down the old stairs. Hunter locked the basement door, following the others down into darkness. Anthony turned on a flashlight. The room was freezing cold, and so quiet that their breathing felt deafening. Hunter lit the fireplace and went to sit with the other four, all huddled in the quiet room. They all sat in a circle next to the fire, hugging their knees to their chests.

No one really knew what to do now. They looked around to one another, just waiting for someone to speak, though that didn’t happen. Perhaps they were too scared of the helicopters. An alien and two werewolves hiding out in a basement after fighting zombies getting found by the government? That wasn’t good news for anyone involved.

“So… Severin, how’d you get here?” Fawn broke the silence. “You know, being an alien and all.”

“Well, it... it wasn’t exactly my choice. I mean, I did want to go into the invader program, but… I dunno, it’s complicated.” He sighed, “Every Ieartin wants to grow up to be an invader, but we’re all just drones in the end. We work tirelessly just so that The Council can expand their empire. We don’t even get anything in return, the only folks that are ever rewarded are the commanding invaders, you know like the leaders. The rest of us are just sacrificial working bees who mean nothing in the end. Now I’m on the run from my own people because I fumbled the mission so hard I couldn’t even start it.”

“Oh… wow.” Fawn replied.

“Yeah…” Severin trailed.

“So um… Agnes…” Fawn said, “That whole vampire-werewolf cult thing… what’s up with that?”

“Well… you see werewolves and vampires have a… complicated history.” Agnes said, “A bunch of petty shit that eventually spiraled out of control. That kind of stuff. Complicated in that no one’s really in the right or in the wrong, you know? Um… With Ethel and Anaira, there’s a kind of history there. If you couldn’t tell. They were both the leaders. Ethel of the cult, and Anaira of her colony. How’d a human like you get into this?”

“Well, I may not be a werewolf who got wrapped up in a cult, or an alien sent to take over earth, but I like to think my story is just as crazy. I’m just a human, minding my business, when I step into a fucking bear trap, and the deranged hunter who set it up decides to keep me as some kind of pet, or whatever. How deranged is that?” Fawn looked over to Hunter to see their reaction, but they weren’t paying a lick of attention, staring off into space.

“They also killed people, didn’t they?” Anthony asked, “Well, I mean, yeah, we kinda literally fought them off like an hour ago, but… at least you weren’t put six feet under?”

“I would greatly prefer neither option, Anthony.”

“Yeah… fair enough.”

Finally, everyone looked to Hunter. They didn’t even notice at first, “... what?”

“Well? What’s your story?” Fawn said.

“My story? What story? I don’t have one.”

“You live in the woods and kill people. Why did you start doing that?”

“How should I know? I didn’t mean to, it just happened. What am I supposed to do when a guy comes on my property armed to the teeth and thinks I’m a threat? Like, I know I became one, but I didn’t have a choice when they’re all ‘shoot first ask questions later.’ They all think I’m some homeless guy in an abandoned building and they think they can come tramping up on my property. I live out in the woods for a fucking reason, to not be botherd! But you know what people love to do? Be a bother! This is my fucking house, goddamn it! I’ve been here since I was 11 and these assholes aren’t gonna take the ONE goddamn thing that I still have away from me!”

They yelled, and breathed heavily to catch their breath. The room was silent all but the crackling embers of the fire. Hunter looked around at all their staring faces, “What the hell are you all looking at? You asked me a question, I answered it, now mind your business.”

All conversation died for the rest of the night as they stayed silent by the fire, worried they’d hear the stopping of boots tear down the basement door. Thankfully, that didn’t end up happening.

Hunter stared up at the ceiling, illuminated only by the flickering light of the fireplace. They tapped their fingers on the ground beside them, lost in their own thoughts.

Taglist: @parasitebunny @whumpy-wyrms @fruitypinapple00 @otter-chaos-violence @catnykit

Lmk in the comments if you want added or removed !

(Also, otterfrost, I noticed you changed your name, so I updated it. Hope that's alright!)

Thanks for reading!

#fawn and hunter #whump blog #whump #whumpblr #whump community #my writing #whump writing #whump series

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weirdmorefics · 2 years

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Hi if not to much trouble could you do a brigeton x brother reader where the brother gets into a fight and all of the family are really worried thank you, you're writing is absolutely amazing.

Bloody Gossip

A/N- Eek thank you so much for liking my writing. I appreciate it so much! I apologize for the long wait my computer is being a butt. It is from 2013 and I should probably get a new one lol.

Warnings- Blood

Pronouns- He/Him

Word Count- 751

Summary- The Bridgerton’s are featured in Lady Whistledown’s newest paper due to some shocking events at last night's ball.

Eloise and I have always been the closest among our siblings. Mainly because I help her sneak out of events much to Mother's dismay. However, Mother threatened to put us in this season if we snuck out of this ball because she was tired of us skipping out on our social duties. So here we are me and Eloise hiding by the refreshments.

“You two couldn’t be more antisocial,” Benedict laughs at us.

“And you couldn’t be more annoying,” Eloise rolls her eyes.

“Could we stop arguing before Mother scolds us?” I ask.

“We are not arguing!” They say in unison.

I raise my hands, “Of course, of course. Now if you don’t mind me I am going to try to find some lady to dance with me so Mother does not chastise me.”

“May we all pray for that young woman’s soul,” Benedict puts his hands in the prayer position.

“Ha ha, you are soooo funny,” I fake laugh and walk away.

Once I step away from my sibling's a man about Benedict’s age bumps into me. He quickly apologizes but seems to be happy once he realizes who I am.

“You’re Y/N Bridgerton, right?” The man asks and I nod hesitantly. “So you’re Eloise’s brother right?”

“Yes, that would be why we have the same last name and Mother,” I say sarcastically.

He ignores my comment, “Well, good! Then maybe you can give me a few tips on how to tame her.” I gag at his comment but he still continues. “I love the wild ones they’re so fun to break.”

“You do realize you are talking about my sister,” I say through gritted teeth.

“Of course I do! That’s why I’m talking to you, for tips. God, I hope your sister isn’t this dense. However, the denser the girl the easier she is to fool. I was going to go for Daphne but she seemed too dense it must run in the family.” He mocks.

That was my last straw how dare he insult my family. “I implore you to take that back. I will not stand for you to talk down about my family.” I respond and try to stand my ground.

“You do not seem to be the brightest out of your family. I suppose I’ll ask Anthony, maybe I can give him some tips on how to hide his rake tendencies in exchange.”

I have had enough of this man so I give in and sucker punch him in the face. Sadly this does not go well for me because I have never been the strongest out of my brothers. The man returns my punch in the stomach and knocks me down. Then he proceeds to kick me while I'm down and I swear I see stars until my vision fades to nothing.

--------

I wake up very disoriented and see my very fuzzy siblings sleeping on the bed, chairs, and floor. I try to get up and a sore groan leaves my mouth. Next thing I knew my siblings are all waking up and rushing to get me things.

“I’m fine, I’m fine. You all can relax,” I groan.

“Yeah, you sure look fine,” Anthony says sarcastically.

I roll my eyes as but am interrupted by Eloise jumping onto the bed causing me to groan and Eloise to quickly apologize.

“Thanks to you Brother of mine we know that Lady Whistledown was at the ball and she was close enough to know to hear all the atrocious things that man was saying he shall never find a suitor now!” She laughs

“That also means everyone knows you stink at fighting,” Benedict laughs.

“Do not listen to them we were so worried never start a fight like that ever again. We could not sleep the whole night! We weren’t sure if you were going to make it! If you had just told me none of this would have happened.” Anthony says making me feel like the worst brother ever but he probably feels the same.

I assure Anthony I’m fine but he bosses me around and tells me I’m on bed rest. I’m lucky though that Eloise kept me up to date on all the drama and Gregory play many card games with me to keep me entertained. However, I am not sure I will ever be left alone again. I just have to remind myself that they do it out of love or else I think I may strangle them for their constant hovering.

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#Bridgerton brothers #bridgerton x reader #bridgerton x you #bridgerton x y/n #bridgerton x male reader #bridgerton family #bridgerton fanfiction #bridgerton fanfic #bridgerton fandom #bridgerton fic #Bridgertons #lady whistledown #eloise bridgerton #eloise bridgerton x reader

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sea-owl · 1 year

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In the isekai and yandere au instead of Felicity looking to remarry to run away from her feelings for Lucy and Gregory what if she was looking because she was pregnant?

Original post found here

Oh god, Felicity was going to be sick, and it wasn't the morning sickness this time.

“I’m pregnant,” Felicity announced in her sister’s drawing room.

Penelope stared at her sister. She put her teacup back down on the table. “Are you sure?”

Felicity nodded. “I have not had my courses for the past two months. At first I thought it had been the stressed with dealing with the inheritance but that has finally been resolved.”

Penelope observed her, in the way that made Felicity uncomfortable, like her sister was digging through her head. After a moment Penelope leaned forward. “Felicity tell me this now and I promise it will be taken care of. Were you forced?”

Forced? No, far from it. Stupidly drunk, but not forced. All of them had been drunk. They were celebrating after a successful hunt, happy emotions had been high. Felicity doesn’t remember who started it, probably her. She was the one dumb enough to fall in love with very married and very happily married friends. Friends who were kind of enough to take her and her daughter in when Felicity’s husband had passed. Now she was carrying her consequences in her womb.

Felicity shook her head. “No, it was accident. We were drunk, I barely remember anything, they have no idea it happened.”

Penelope looked disappointed, but Felicity felt like it was not directed at her. “Do you wish for me to get a special tea from Ms. Kazan? You will not have to worry about a baby then.”

Felicity put her hand to her stomach. “No.”

“That leaves us few options,” Penelope said. “You know the family will help you with whatever you choose, but your time is limited. Our best two options is either to hide you in the countryside or remarriage.”

Felicity bit her lip. She did not want another marriage, but she also refuses to ruin the marriage those she is deeply fond of. Maybe she’ll take one out of Prudence’s book and become a widow once more. She just has to make sure they believe the baby is not their’s.

“Geffory has a country home I can go to,” Felicity offered. “If you could gather names of those looking for an heir, by any means, then I can choose from that list.”

Penelope nodded. WIth a plan set Felicity left to gather her daughter and their things to leave for the country.

“I’m going to kill our siblings,” Penelope ranted to her husband later that night.

Colin raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

“Gregory, Lucy, and Felicity,” Penelope said. “Gregory and Lucy had foolishly taken liberties and now Felicity is pregnant.”

Colin sat up, his eyes narrowing. “Do they know?”

Penelope groaned. “No, and Felicity refuses to say anything. She has even asked me to gather a list of gentlemen desperate for heirs while she hides in the country. That is how desperate she is to hide this baby from Gregory and Lucy. Never mind the fact that there is a high chance the baby will more than likely look like the rest of their siblings. You Bridgerton all look ludicrously alike.”

“Well,” Colin said, “when Gregory and Lucy come storming over here looking for Felicity I will talk with them then.”

Two days later Colin’s prediction came true and he was greeted by Gregory and Lucy in the drawing room.

Colin immediately punched his younger brother.

“What were you two thinking doing something so stupid?!” Colin yelled. “Felicity had said you were drunk but I thought between the three of you one of you would have the brain power to stop! You are lucky Pen and I do not get Anthony or worse the mothers involved!”

Gregory pulled himself off the floor while Lucy looked confused. “What do you mean?”

“Felicity is pregnant.”

Gregory and Lucy both tensed. Who do they have to kill? It was bad enough they had to live through boring Mr. Albansdale, now some other rake had dared to touch their Felicity?

Colin rolled his eyes. “Don’t get yourselves up in a tizzy. That baby will come out looking like a Bridgerton. You have six months to fix this, possibly less since Felicity asked Penelope to gather list of names looking for an heir.”

Gregory and Lucy looked at one another. That night three months ago wasn’t a dream. They had Felicity in their bed. And now she was trying to leave?! Nope, absolutely not, the will crash a wedding if they have too.

“She’s at her country home,” Colin told them as they got up to leave.

When Felicity returned from her walk she was not expecting to see Harmonia and Hermione rushing past her.

“Hi Mama!” They both called as they rushed past.

“Hermione?” Felicity blinked, she took a step forward. “What are you doing-hmph!”

She was dragged into an empty drawing room, pulling out her pistol Felicity lowered it when she realized who it was.

“What are you doing here?” Felicity hissed.

Gregory and Lucy ignored her. One pressed their hands against her barely noticeable bump while the other began to loosen the fastenings on her dress. They both trapped her between them.

“Well we heard you had retired to the country side for your pregnancy,” Lucy said. “It would be rude of us to miss out on our baby so we came.”

Felicity felt a rush of possessiveness hit her. “You mean my baby.”

“Our baby, all three of us,” Gregory and Lucy corrected.

“All three of us were there during conception,” Gregory said. “So it’s fair to say the baby is all of our’s.”

“Just like how you are our’s and we are your’s,” Lucy added. She had finished loosening Felicity’s dress. It dropped down to her waist, Lucy add her own hands above the tiny bump.

Felicity’s face flushed.

Six months later Eurydice Bridgerton was born to three loving parents and a bunch of siblings.

#decided on eurydice as a fun easter egg to felicity’s roll in spring’s rebirth #and to keep with the theme that all the Featherington daughters are named after Greek/Roman mythology figures #isekai and yanderes #what if villainess isekai au #gregory x lucy x felicity #bridgerton #gregory bridgerton #lucy abernathy #felicity featherington

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khalixascorner · 2 years

Text

Say it Loud(er) Epilogue

Summary: When Tony goes before the Senate to protest an inhumane amendment to the Superhero Accountability Act, he doesn't mean to admit he loves Spider-Man on live CSPAN. Rather than recant his statement, Tony rolls with the punches and declares them married too. Now he just has to let Peter know before the press gets their hands on him.

Tags: Accidental Marriage, Public Confessions, no literally, it's mostly fluff with a little bit of spice right at the end.

Fill for Marvel Trumps Hate 2022

Read on AO3 Here Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

“You ready, Tones?” Rhodey asked, and Tony checked his suit in the mirror one last time.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m ready,” Tony said, throwing a grin at his friend. “And we get real pictures this time too.”

“You get a whole ass real wedding this time,” Rhodey retorted. “Nice of T’Challa to host it for you too.”

“Peter did ask for the trip to Wakanda and a honeymoon,” Tony said.

“I still can’t believe you invited Secretary Ross,” Rhodey scoffed, turning to check his own appearance one last time.

“Hey if it weren’t for the man being a greedy short sighted bigot, who knows how long it would have taken for us to get our shit together,” Tony said with a laugh. “Plus, there was no way T’Challa would let him within 100 miles of Wakanda.”

Rhodey started to respond, only to get interrupted as Happy stuck his head in.

“Alright gentlemen, let's go,” Happy said. “Don’t want to keep the bride waiting.”

“If he hears you say that and takes offense, don’t expect me to protect you,” Tony teased. “He’s stronger than me and I don’t have my other suit.”

“It’ll be fine,” Happy said with a scoff. “Kid still owes me for driving him around when he was a twerp.”

“That’s my fiance you’re talking about, Hogan,” Tony warned, and Happy just held up his hands while muttering.

“Alright, alright, enough stalling, let's go,” Rhodey said, pushing Tony towards the door.

-------------------

Soon enough Tony was standing at the front of a small crowd, Rhodey and Happy at his side, while T’Challa stood in front of a vibrant tapestry.

Ned and MJ walked down the short aisle first, taking their places on T’Challa’s other side. Then the music changed. It wasn’t a traditional bridal march and was probably more suited to the epic scenes found in Peter’s favorite movies, but as the music built, Tony couldn’t imagine anything more fitting for a pair of heroes.

His first look at Peter stole his breath away. The suit was perfectly tailored, hugging Peter’s body like a glove. It was a beautiful blue, reminiscent of his other suit, with a red shirt and gold vest. It was also a not so subtle nod to their colors.

May walked Peter down the aisle and Tony smiled as she pulled Peter into a hug before turning to Tony.

“You hurt him, and they’ll never find the body,” she told him, smiling pleasantly as she placed Peter’s hand in his.

“Don’t worry, Friday will help you hide the body and Peter gets everything when I die,” Tony replied honestly. May nodded, her eyes already suspiciously wet as she moved to her seat.

Tony took both of Peter’s hands in his and gave his fiance an encouraging look as they turned to T’Challa.

“Thank you all for being here today,” T’Challa said. “We have come together to witness the marriage of Anthony Stark and Peter Stark. Well, the second marriage, rather.”

The audience chuckled and Tony rolled his eyes as T’Challa continued.

“Love is a precious thing, as is family, so there is no greater joy than celebrating a love shared between two people and the joining that will grow their families in turn,” T’Challa said. “Now, the couple has written their own vows, so I think we shall leave it to them. Anthony?”

Tony’s heart was pounding in his chest as he turned towards Peter again. He had written his vows probably a dozen times, and yet, he found himself throwing away the metaphorical notecards again.

“You know, I wrote a lot of drafts for my vows,” Tony said with a chuckle. “I wanted them perfect. But I’m a mechanic, not a poet, and honestly, there aren’t words enough in the whole universe to encapsulate how much I love you. And the truth is- well, the truth is I plan to spend however much time I have left on this planet doing my best to make sure you’re happy, healthy, and cared for. So I’ll be here, no matter what. Whether you’re sick or exhausted or excited, it doesn’t matter. I want to be by your side through all of it.”

“You know, for a second, I thought you were gonna say I am Iron Man,” Peter teased with a sniffle when Tony paused.

“The thought did cross my mind,” Tony teased back before his face became serious again. “I want you to know, Pete, that you’re it for me. For as long as you’ll have me, I’m yours and I hope you’ll still consent to being mine.”

“Of course, I still consent,” Peter said, rolling his eyes. Then the younger man took a deep breath. “I don’t have any fancy vows either, but I can promise you this: I promise to be loyal and true, to always have your back, and to never give up on us so long as you’re willing to try too. I’ll stay by your side, even when you’re old and grey. Well, more grey.”

Peter gave Tony a watery smile and he squeezed Peter’s hands reassuringly. He knew how much it scared Peter to think about losing him and maybe it was selfish, but Tony wanted all of the years he could get at Peter’s side.

“But most of all, I plan to spend every day loving you, for as much time as we’re gifted together,” Peter said as a few tears slipped down the younger man’s face.

Tony lifted up his hand to gently wipe them away then turned his attention to T’Challa. When it was time to exchange the rings, Rhodey pulled the custom set from his pocket. Friday had ordered their original set, and while she had gotten them functional ones, Tony had wanted something a little more them.

The rings were made of blacked vibranium with a nanite ring in the center, coded to look like a starry sky in deep space. Before Peter, Tony would have said he never wanted to look too closely at the stars again, but Peter had followed him to space and had stayed by his side after everything. So when the younger man had grandly proclaimed that his love for Tony was greater than all of the universe, it had stuck.

Peter gasped as he got a good look at it. Tony smiled softly, glad that he had managed to keep these a surprise after all.

“Not that I intend to let you forget but just in case, all you have to do is look down to remember that you’re my whole universe and I can’t imagine not having you by my side,” Tony murmured. Then he handed the other box to Peter.

“I love you more than there are stars in the sky, and I’ll follow you to the ends of the universe,” Peter promised as he slid the ring on Tony’s finger.

T’Challa smiled and declared them husbands. Tony drew Peter in, pressing their lips together with all of the tenderness and love he had.

---------------

The rest of the night passed in a blur, and all Tony could remember was smiling so hard his face hurt as he realized that Peter was finally his husband for real this time and he didn’t have to give him back.

When he told Peter this, the younger man just laughed.

“I’ve always been yours, Tony,” Peter said, his eyes filled with love. “You just didn’t realize it yet.”

#khalixa writes #starker #tony stark/peter parker #tony stark x peter parker #marvel trumps hate

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symbiote-siblings · 1 year

Text

“I don’t know where anyone else is- I- we can get them out as well, right?

Athena, right?”

She flinched and her ears perked as she heard another ear splitting scream echo down the halls, but it was hard to tell where it was coming from. She shivered,

“Fuck- fuckfuckfuck-“

Now she wasn’t sure what to think, the adrenaline of the fight was gone only to remind her of what was at stake and where they were.

-(+)-

Scarlet clenched her jaw, trying to zero in her focus on the tracer ping. Tara was already on edge, she couldn’t risk responding and letting her voice betray her own fear. The cuts on her sides burned with every step, but at least the webs she had spun in them in lieu of stitches had held together. Her spider sense alerted her to the bite on her arm, which was freely bleeding. Her spider sense also alerted her to the hundreds of armed soldiers stationed all over the lab. She could practically hear some of their footsteps, the clicking of their guns against their belts, the static of their comms as they communicated, it was all so loud.

She sucked in a deep breath willing her super senses to try and block out the excess noises like Matt had taught her. She couldn’t afford to panic, not now, everyone was counting on her.

As they came up to a corner she held out one of her hands in a ‘wait’ motion, slowly peeking around the corner to see another large metal door, guarded by two armored men with guns.

Okay. Okay. You got this.

Scarlet let out a breath, then snapped her eyes open and darted out into the hallway. The guards barely had time to react as she came barreling towards them, knocking the first one out with a well aimed punch and kicking the other one into the side wall. Cracks splintered up the concrete as the guard fell limp on the ground next to his partner. Scarlet winced, catching herself on the wall near the door as another wave of pain radiated through her.

-(+)-

“Shit!”

Tara didn’t have time to register what had happened- or what was happening. Before she knew it, she was staring at Scarlet Spider, leaning against a wall with two unconscious guards on the ground.

Where even were they?

And her focus fell back onto the others. Teddy, Ravage… Anthony- hell, even Gabe, Carnage, and Gareth! She barely even knew them besides her own brother and his symbiote, yet it still worried her. Based on the sounds coming from behind closed iron doors made it clear that the intentions of this place was dark and if she didn’t get out of here, she didn’t want to know what they’d do to her and Karma. They’ve been able to stay together for this long- they can’t separate now.

And even if there was a faint chance of getting the other’s out, she’ll be taking it in a heartbeat. She was known to be self centered at times and sure, she could be careless and reckless at the most inconvenient times but-

Well, she supposed this just put it all into perspective.

“Athena! C’mon!” She hissed through her teeth, running up to the other and gripping her back,

“I know you’re in pain and- crap, that is a lot of blood-“ she shook her head,

“C’mon! Let’s go through this weird door and hope it leads somewhere out- is there anyway you can like- I dunno- stop bleeding so much?”

-(+)-

Stop calling me by my name!

Scarlet Spider tried to articulate the statement, but she was only able to manage a pained groan. She clenched her teeth, pulling herself off the wall with the help of Tara supporting her back and turned to the keypad, hovering her hand over it as she flexed her fingers to release a couple of blue sparks. The keypad shorted out as the sound of the steel doors unlocking echoed through the hallway.

-(+)-

Her head whipped to the side as the door opened.

“Wow, ominous hallway- but it’s the only way we can go- now C'mon!” She shrieked, grabbing Athena by the arm to pull her through the door.

-(+)-

How much of this place is just hallways?

Scarlet thought as she was dragged ahead, vision blurring and stomach turning at the sudden movement. A message popped up on her lenses, indicating the first spider tracer had found someone in an open room ahead.

“There, someone’s-“

A scream cut off the vigilante’s voice, finishing her statement for her.

. . .

END OF PART 1

Part 2

/collab w @ask-spidersisters

#symbiotesona #symbiote sona #karma and tara #teddy and ravage #metal mirrors arc #writing #ocs #we’re back baby #tw mentions of violence #tw blood #tw injury

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silverhallow · 1 year

Text

🎭Fortunes Fool🎭

Chapter 5: Oh, I am fortune’s fool!

⭐️Masterlist⭐️

Prev | Next

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x Sophie Beckett

Chapter summary: Romeo learns that his Juliet is not to be taken for granted and someone learns that the hard way

Warnings: none just some lovesick teenagers and the odd punch and kick to the balls

Word count: 2482

Fuck. was the first thought that ran through Benedict’s mind followed by, Do you think he saw me… and if he could run away. He was relatively light on his feet but as he heard “BRIDGERTON” being called out he knew he was stuck.

“Footman…” Benedict said wearily. His mother was expecting him home soon, he had told Anthony that he was walking Sophie home in a text and they were supposed to be taking Eloise and Francesca, the other set of twins to the Featherington’s party tonight, Hyacinth had a cold so their mum couldn’t take them so he knew his brother would come looking for him soon, or at least call him which might get him out of this “to what do I owe the pleasure” Benedict asked trying to keep his tone friendly.

“You know fine well what I’m fucking doing here! You stole my girlfriend and I want her back!” John said, walking towards Benedict, his face red and his fists by his side.

“You can’t steal a person. Sophie is fully capable of making her own decisions and if she doesn’t want you, then that’s your tough luck! You should have treated her better!” Benedict said, hoping his nonchalant tone would cover the way his heart was racing and he was having to fight his flight or fight response.

“I treat her perfectly well before you came along and put some fucking spell on her! You’re a fucking Geek! Girls like Sophie don’t belong with GEEKS like you” John spat.

Benedict snorted “and girls like Sophie belong with men who treat them like the fucking goddess they are not some fucking trophy”

“Come on mate, girls like her…”

“Are the same as every other girl you fucking neanderthal… you wouldn’t treat your sister like that… you don’t fucking treat anyone like that” Benedict hissed back, the fury at this idiots behaviour and attitude.

“I don’t have a sister” John said rather stupidly

“That explains a lot” Benedict snorted

“It makes no difference if i have a sister or not. I want my girlfriend back! You stole her from me and I want her back!!!” he said petulantly.

“Why?” Benedict asked.

“Why what?” John asked

“Why do you want her back?” Benedict said, rolling his eyes.

“Because she was mine first!” John said pulling a face

“Technically she wasn’t… she was Mark’s before you… and Karl’s… and I think Daniel was in there before everyone so…” Benedict said being deliberately obtuse. “Sophie is a big girl, she can make her own decisions, if she wanted to be with you, she would be. She doesn’t… and for the moment she wants to be with me… be a fucking man and respect her decision”

“No. She’s a girl, she doesn't know what’s best for her! She’s just caught up in the the fucking play… she’s just pitying you, she’ll come crawling back to a real man soon” John said puffing his chest out

“Then you’ve got nothing to worry about… but I'm not sure you count as a real man if you don’t know a single thing about pleasuring a woman,” Benedict snorted, taking a step around the shorter man.

Benedict was the tallest in their year, but he was lanky and scrawny, he had a rower’s body unlike John who was thick set, burly and very much the front rower of the rugby team so his entire body was at least twice as wide as Benedict’s but he was at least a head shorter. He could see the other was getting more and more frustrated with each passing second

“Fuck you Bridgerton, you’re nothing but a passing fancy. She’ll come crawling back, her type always does…”

“Her type?” Benedict asked bristling a bit.

“Desperate and pathetic” John said.

“You aren’t fit to lick Sophie’s fucking boots let alone any other part! Though I bet you’ve not even done that, everything about you screams over compensating, You might be the big sports star now but when you go into the real world you’re going to find out that you’re not going to get far with your small cock and inability to do anything but grunt and ruck with other men” Benedict said, looking disgusted as he stepped around the man to make his way down the street.

“FUCK YOU” John called, grabbing Benedict’s shoulder and whirling him around and throwing a punch.

It wasn’t a particularly hard one but it landed right in Benedict’s left eye and he toppled backwards onto the floor and as John went to lunge forward to continue his assault, they heard a voice “Benedict?!” and Anthony running towards them looking furious.

“Fuck!” John said, backing up and running away. Anthony was a similar build to John but a bit taller, but two pissed off Bridgerton’s was not odds he wanted to face so he ran as quickly as he legs could carry him.

“Ben, are you alright?” Anthony asked as he reached his twin brother’s side and crouched down.

“Mother fucker…” Benedict groaned holding his eye “I’m going to kill him”

“No you’re not, he’ll snap you like a twig…” Anthony said, hauling his brother to his feet, removing his hand from his face to look at him, “that’s gonna be a shiner alright… What the hell happened?”

“He wanted Sophie back, was being a prig about it all and when I told him had a small cock, was overcompensating and wasn’t going to get far in life he seemed to take offence at it” Benedict said, wincing as he touched the skin around his eye.

Anthony laughed “well yeah it’s not really wise to pick a fight with someone with his IQ Ben… besides it’s not up to him what Sophie wants”

“That’s what I told him but he got all belligerent and ridiculous”

“And you wonder why I didn’t join the rugby team…” Anthony chuckled “come on, lets get you back before Mum sends out a search party, she’s gonna have a fit when she sees your eye”

Benedict groaned “wonderful”

“I’m proud of you, losing two big V’s in a week” Anthony grinned as his brother.

Benedict nearly tripped over himself “what… how… two?”

“Kate told me” Anthony said with his brows raised “thanks for the heads up by the way…”

“Shit sorry, I forgot and was too consumed by the fact Soph wasn’t in class…”

“It’s fine Ben I get it…” Anthony said with a chuckle.

“How did it go?” Benedict asked

“Meh, she just wanted to talk to me. Asked if the rumours at Lady G’s were true… and asked if I wanted to hang out over the weekend as she assumed Soph would be with you”

“We could all go out together or something? If Soph even wants to still be with me after this…”

Anthony looked at him like he’d grown a second head. “Why would she not…”

“Well you know that idiot is going to turn this on its head and say I started it…”

“You’ve a witness. He doesn’t” Anthony said “I’ll back you up tomorrow at School if needs be”

“Thanks Ant but suppose we will just have to see, come on, I need to get something on this and we need to get El and Fran out or Mum will have our necks…”

The following morning, Benedict saw the shiner in all its glory as he readied for school that morning, dread in the pit of his stomach.

His mother had been beside herself but Benedict assured her it would be okay and it was nothing but it wasn’t his mother he was worried about. It was Sophie.

He had been in a fight with her ex-boyfriend. He wasn’t even sure if he was her boyfriend or not, they hadn’t actually talked about it. They held hands when they walked home and he had been seen going into the dressing room and she into his but nothing had been said about being together officially.

Eloise, Colin and Daphne had teased him about this eye. Greg and Hyacinth were a little too young at 5 and 4 to totally understand what was going on and Francesca had just rolled her eyes at her siblings over breakfast.

When they got into school, Benedict did his best to keep his head down, avoiding eye contact with anyone. Anthony had gone to see Simon and promised to be back soon. Benedict had his head in his locker as he felt a pair of hands wrap around his waist and Sophie’s familiar scent engulfed his brain “Hey Romeo…” She practically purred into his back.

Benedict took a deep breath and turned around, he saw Kate first who was leaning against her locker just a few doors down from his and he saw her eyes widen in horror and fury as he felt his cheeks go red and he looked down at Sophie “Hey” he said, his voice barely above a whisper as horror dawned on Sophie’s face.

One hand reached up to his cheek “Oh Ben… what happened…?” Sophie asked blinking, he didn’t have the black eye when he left her last night, so it happened sometime between him dropping her at home, and him going home.

“I got punched” Benedict said simply

“No shit Sherlock…” Kate said taking two steps forward “that’s nasty”

“Who punched you?” Sophie asked, looking mildly sick.

“John” Benedict said quietly

“He WHAT?” Sophie said looking up and down “why?! When!?”

“After I dropped you at home last night, as I was walking to meet Ant, he was at the bottom of my street. Demanded I ”give you back” we got into an argument about it, not wanting to hear that you’re your own person and can decide for yourself… and I think he may have took offence at me calling him a small cocked neanderthal”

Kate snorted and looked quite proud of him as she smiled.

“I see…” Sophie said, taking a step back and craning her head to look down the corridor and spotting John down the other end of the corridor.

“Excuse me” she said very stiffly and Benedict frowned

“Soph…?” he started to say but she held up a silencing finger and stalked off down the corridor, the students parted like the red sea as she made her way down to her ex-boyfriend who was leaning against his locker, his Rugby Hoodie tied around his waist and his hair slicked back as though he thought he was one of the T-Birds, talking to Tom who was looking thoroughly disgruntled as well.

“JOHN!” Sophie called out in a voice that caught the attention of every single person standing there in the corridor, Tom slapped his friend and gestured.

“Well well well, little miss Sophie coming crawling back already” John said with a smirk on his face “Knew it wouldn’t take you long to… urgh….” his speech was curtailed back Sophie walking straight up to him and jamming her knee so hard into his balls that he was sure they would have ended up his throat.

Benedict watched the entire thing from down the corridor and his mouth fell open and Kate cackled with pride at her best friend.

Benedict watched as the petite pretty blonde had the attention of the entire school, all looking extremely amused as the school’s Loose head prop was felled and crumbled to the floor. “If you so much as lay a finger on my boyfriend ever again, I will make sure you never walk or use that miniature twig, that you call a monster cock… which FYI it isn’t… again. Do I make myself clear??” Sophie spat a venom and coldness that Benedict was so taken aback by that hadn’t realised what Sophie had said about boyfriend.

John just grunted on the floor as what felt like the entire school watched the scene unfold as the rugby player was felled and embarrassed by his petite ex-girlfriend. He had no words and Benedict could only feel for the bloke, having been felled by a knee to the crotch on a number of occasions from his sister’s he knew that the man’s balls must be in his throat.

Sophie turned, her long blonde hair whipped Tom in the face who was standing next to John before she paused and turned back around, one finger pointed at Tom “and you , if you so much as lay a finger on Ben OR his brother… I swear…”

Tom raised his hands “I’m going nowhere near them… Kate did me a favour anyway, saved me breaking up with her” he said looking absolutely terrified “I was only with her cause John wanted to be with you…”

Sophie’s mouth dropped open “You… you… bastard ” her eyes narrowed and she slapped Tom “You don’t even deserve to breathe the same air as Kate…” she stormed off.

The entire school just stared at her as she walked back over to Benedict, Kate as well as Anthony and Simon who had just joined them all of them staring at her like she’d just grown two heads.

Kate saw the look from Sophie and grabbed Simon and Anthony’s arms “come on geeks, let’s leave Romeo and Juliet be” as she steered the two taller men down the corridor towards their first class that morning.

Sophie looked at Benedict a little sheepishly as the rest of the student body started to disappear towards their first classes. “I’m so sorry that gorilla punched you…” Sophie said, her head at her feet, starting to feel ashamed of her outburst, the sole of her shoe scuffing on the floor “sorry you had to see that… I’ll… i’ll… see you at rehershal…” she said not looking up.

Benedict’s arm shot out and grabbed Sophie before she was able to take more than a step away and pulled her to him. “I’m not…” he said as he tugged her into his arms “sorry that is…” he grinned at her.

“really?” Sophie said blinking at him.

“Nope” he grinned a hand coming up to caress her cheek. “I’d take a thousand punches for you Soph,”

“But that… I just… I embarrassed you?” Sophie said shaking her head

Benedict shook his head “No, that codpiece yesterday was embarrassing… that… what you just did… was hot” he grinned leaning in and pressing a gentle kiss to her temple

“Hot? Really?” She beamed at him, her green eyes alight with happiness.

“Mmhmmm” he grinned “declaring me to be your boyfriend in front of everyone in our year…? Very sexy… in fact… you’ve got a free period now haven’t you?”

Sophie grinned at him “I do indeed…”

Benedict looked around, made sure no one was in the corridor and lifted Sophie to her feet “I think I know just the place…”

Sophie giggled as she let herself be carried out of the hallway feeling very content with life.

#fortunes fool #beauty and the geek au #bridgerton #benedict bridgerton #sophie beckett #benophie #benedict x sophie

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lukamoonvibe · 2 years

Text

All For Love and Love For All [Hanahaki AU pt 2]

Summary:

To love with every fiber of your being, that's what he'd been taught. Never did he think this unconditional sentiment would lead to unrequited love, but that's where he was, surrounded by an array of different coloured flowers.

Fandoms: Crewniverse, Homies SMP, Chaos Crew/Derp Crew

Ships: Anthony | ChilledChaos/Max Gamble, Anthony | ChilledChaos/Jess Bubger, Max Gamble/Taryn Hillin

Rating: Mature

Part 1

AO3 Link

“You can’t just keep avoiding them you know?”

"I know. But they all know now. If they didn't before they do now. I don't want pity, they'll never look at me the same again."

"Then don't stop being you. Max, you're one of the most genuine and caring people I've ever met. Don't let anyone or anything take that away from you. But you have to realise that your friends, they're worried. You haven't talked to anyone except me for three weeks and that's not great. You know what I'm probably not the best person to give you advice in this field."

He shook his head, "Don't put yourself down like that. Your illness, it's treatable. It doesn't define you as a person. I would take advice from you over anybody else. They don't know what it's like to live with something invisible. Something can't see."

She smiled, "Take a dose of your own medicine for once you goose."

He chuckled and shook his head, picking up his phone.

Zach

Max seriously. This isn't a joke anymore. We're really worried about you. Kara said…

He clicked the notification, punching in the code it opened up the messaging app.

Max seriously. This isn't a joke anymore. We're really worried about you. Kara said that if you don't start answering us now, she's going to come over and bust the door down. I don't want you to get in trouble with the landlord or whatever but radio silence normally isn't a good sign. Especially not with the condition you're in.

He rolled his eyes, “In your condition, you’d think I had something not curable.” he said taking a sip of his tea.

“Well, I mean. Science has cures for cancers and other ailments, but what you’ve got they don’t even know how to stop it without taking a fundamental part of human nature away. So in a way, they’re right. You could be dead by now, any normal person would be.”

He glanced down at his arms, stems remained where flowers used to be, “It’s getting better.”

“What?”

He stuck his arm out for her to see, “It’s going away.”

She pulled his arm closer to her, prodding the stem. “You haven’t been leaving trails anymore, have you? I honestly just thought you were cleaning it before I managed to catch them.”

He thought for a moment, “No. Not for a few days actually.”

“You’ve been coughing them up less too, from the time we spend together. Maybe you’re moving past him .” she caught his eye, her grin wide like a Cheshire cat.

“Excuse me. I never said that I was caught up on a he. Where do you get that idea?”

She laughed, “It doesn’t take a genius to piece the puzzle together sweetheart. You fall off the face of the earth, ghost your friends, stay locked up in here, only talk to me, all after that one clip started floating around of Cheesy absolutely owning Chilled with facts. A blind man could see you were in love with a him. If your friends can’t figure it out by now, maybe they’re just being blissfully ignorant.”

He stared dumbfounded, “I- was it really that obvious?”

“Maybe. I mean for me, someone who met you on that day yeah it was. For your friends, probably not, they probably had ideas for who it could be, maybe even bets. But I could be wrong. He seemed or seems pretty oblivious though. Does he flirt with everyone?”

Max snorted, placing his cup down, “Yeah. Especially with Ze, I think it’s their little bit y’know? Fan service or whatever.”

“So if you knew he jokes about this often, what changed in you for you to take it the other way.”

He looked down, he could clearly see the memory in front of him but he shook it away, “I don’t want to think about it anymore. Actually, I don’t want to think about him anymore.”

She lifted his head by his chin, “Hey I didn’t mean to pry. Don’t be sad, sometimes a new begining is needed.” her phone dinged and she glanced at it, “Shit, I was meant to meet Jess 10 minutes ago. Uh, continue this later yeah?”

He chuckled, “Of curse.” the door slammed a couple of second later and he let out a sigh.

Jess. Wait Jess? Must be a coincidence, I’m sure it’s not his Jess. What are the chances?

--------

Dude the stems are all gone, what happened over your break?” the curly-haired man engulfed Max in a hug.

“I just took some time to myself, sat alone with my thoughts a lot, reconciled them. Boring shit y’know?”

“Right, you didn’t meet someone and move on or anything right?” Kara taunted, patting him on the shoulder and heading over to the couch.

Max laughed.

“What’s that? Jealous he clearly wasn’t hung up on you eh Kara?”

Kara scoffed, throwing a pillow at him.

“Hey, those aren’t mine. Don’t ruin them.” Max called from the kitchen area.

“Ooo, mystery person that we don’t know about?” she said, shielding her face as Speedy chucked the pillow back at her.

Max rolled his eyes, taking some drinks over to the, sitting beside Cheesy, “First of all, her name is Taryn. You guys might get to meet her today actually. Second, she moved in two months ago, the landlord's choice. Not mine.”

The others sighed collectively.

“You haven’t found new friends you’re hiding from us have you?”

“Nobody could replace you guys-” the lock clicked and they all looked across the room.

“So I said- oh hey Max, didn’t realise that your friends were gonna be here.”

“Is all good, was hoping to introduce you all eventually anyway.”

“Are we able to come in or are we gonna be hallway goblins?”

“Right, sorry.” Taryn moved towards the group, behind her followed by a woman.

Their eyes met and Max felt sick, What are the odds?

“This is Jess. Jess this is-”

“When you said your roommate's name was Max, I never thought.” he assumed Jess said that.

Kara, Speedy and Kara shot quick glances between the new comers and Max.

“This can’t be real,” Max mumbled, breaking eye contact with the stranger, “Taryn you aren’t playing some sort of prank on me right?”

Taryn stood clueless about the situation at hand, “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I told you I was going out to meet Jess and she’d something about her partner being with her. Can someone please tell me what’s going on, I’m so lost.”

He stared hopelessly at his roommate and just shook his head, he stood and made his way across the room to the bathroom, locking the door behind him. He lent over the sink his heart felt heavy, what were the chances? One in a million.

His lungs seized, and a tidal wave of petals poured out of his mouth and into the basin, he started banging on his chest, trying to force them out, but it was no use. Why bother, you don’t want pity and no one understands it anyway. Just let go. Blood pumped in his ears as the petals spilt over the basin onto the floor. Screams were muffled by the door and he wasn't sure if they were trying to get to him or arguing with each other.

Why did it have to be him? Out of all the Jess' and their partners in the world it had to be them. His chest seized again but nothing came up. I guess she did say her friend was in town visiting for a week. His legs felt like jelly, he gripped the sink tighter in hopes of holding himself up. He looked up at the mirror, examining his face. The first thing he noticed, his lips were clear, not a stem, petal or flower in sight. They're gone. He glanced at his arms and hands. Clear.

"YOU DID WHAT?" Kara's voice was clear through the others and his head snapped towards the locked door.

He heard a muffled male voice. He couldn't make out the words.

"You toyed with his emotions, Anthony. What the fuck is wrong with you?" In her two months of living with him, he'd never heard Taryn yell, but he made a mental note to never get on her bad side.

He stood, taking shaky steps towards the door. He opened it quietly, leaning on it for support. The scene in front of him, his friends arguing with each other across the living area. He noticed Jess was standing away from it all, she looked ashamed and disappointed. Their eyes met and he gave her a little smile.

'It's not your fault.' he mouthed.

She shook her head, quietly making her way over to him, unbeknownst to the others. "Hi Max. I'm so sorry." Her voice was quiet and laced with regret.

"You didn't know. Nobody did." His voice was hoarse.

She helped him over to the breakfast bar.

"So what happened. Because he said he kissed you, but that's all he remembers."

Max looked down at the bench, "I don't. I don't want to think about that night anymore. I want to put what happened in the past, move on." He looked at her, "But if you're worried he cheated on you, he didn't, that happened at the party you guys met at. I shouldn't have let him do anything. I wasn't drunk, he was. I am just as much at fault as he is, if not more."

"That's okay, I won't pry. I'm just glad you're okay. He was really worried about you, you know? Genuinely, I don't know what he'd do without you or Ze. I don't think he'd be very happy."

He smiled, "Yeah. In some timeline we worked out but I guess this isn't then and you know what-" he felt something tickling the back of his throat, he coughed and out fell a small sunflower into hi hand.

She raised an eyebrow as they both glanced across the room at the others who'd noticed Max was no longer locked away.

"I wouldn't have it any other way." He smiled fondly and Jess gave his shoulder a pat.

#aplatypuss #chilledchaos #kara corvus #cheesybluenips #kyr sp33dy #homies smp #crewniverse #chaos crew #derp crew #courtilly #taryn hillin #jess bubger #hanahaki #au #friends to lovers...maybe

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sorryjustafangirl · 2 years

Text

defender

a/n: based on this gif which we all, very reasonably, reacted over. i couldn't not write something. i hope you all enjoy!

pairing: Mat Barzal x gn!reader

work count: 1.6k+

warnings: mentions of fighting and i think that's it

disclaimer: this is a work of fiction and real person fiction if you don’t like that, please don’t read! also the gif isn’t mine! all credit to the wonderful gif-maker!

You had Anthony to thank for your newfound happiness.

When he found out you worked in New York, he was eager to reconnect and catch up like the old friends you were. You’d told him about your new job, he talked about his position in the Islanders, and you both caught up on the family drama of your shared hometown. When the topic of relationships came up, Beau raved about his partner Amy and was quick to start scheming when you told him you hadn’t been on a date in a while. You protested, but he would not let it go until he had set you up on a date with his best friend.

“Please, it’s my two best friends. You’ll be a perfect match,” He had said.

And he was right. From the moment you sat down in that restaurant, it was instant chemistry. Mat had warned you of how intense it could be to be the partner of an NHL player, much less one of the stars of the team like himself. So, he suggested that you keep…whatever was starting between the two of you on the more private side of things. He didn’t want anything to jeopardize what was shaping up to be the best relationship he’d ever had.

Since your relationship with Mat was fairly new, you opted to sit in the upper bowl with Amy watching your first Battle of New York. It wasn’t the first game of Mat’s you’d seen (but it was the fifth), and you thought you’d seen everything you’d ever see in a game.

Boy, were you wrong.

Within the first period alone, there had been more hits than you remember a hockey game having. Reaves had been hanging around your boyfriend the whole period, just mouthing off. You figured it was just typical trash talk, and thus nothing Mat and his big mouth couldn’t handle, but when you saw him yelling from the bench, you got a little bit more nervous. Throughout the rest of the second period, the two of them were rougher, a couple cross-checks that went unseen by the refs, more mouthing off. Tensions were high going into the third period, the game still scoreless. It wasn’t until Bailey scored that it turned to something more.

The Islanders were deep in the Rangers zone and had been for more than a couple minutes, trying to cement their lead. Reaves had matched up next to Mat and as soon as the puck dropped, the gloves did too.

They were circling each other, their hands circled tight in fists. From your seats you couldn’t see much, so you focused on the jumbotron. Reaves made the first move, grabbing him by the jersey and throwing a right hook. Mat went down on one knee but wrapped his arms around Reaves and hoisted himself back on his feet. He threw a few blind punches, one of them connecting with the helmet. They exchanged a few more punches with each other before Mat lost his footing and they both went down, the refs finally stepping to break them apart. They were both headed to the box, blood dripping from Mat’s face. You looked onto the ice and saw the faintest red marks where there shouldn’t be red, and you felt your stomach churn a little.

“Whoof, well, I’m sure you two will have fun tonight,” Amy lightly laughed, trying to get your focus back from what had just happened on the ice. You nodded along to her words, thoughtlessly, as your eyes were trained on your boyfriend’s blood on the ice. It felt like no time had passed before the final buzzer rang, resulting in a 1-0 win for the Islanders. Amy led you down to the parking garage and made small talk with you, even though your responses were limited to one word answers with the amount of worry running through your mind. You’d never seen Mat so angry or intense in any of his games.

Beau came out of the arena and into the underground parking, first greeting Amy before turning to you. You didn’t have to ask before he answered the only question that had been in your head since the fight.

“He’s okay. He’ll be out in a while.”

You let out a sigh of relief and swallowed the lump in your throat. “What…Do you know why he got so worked up tonight?”

“I don’t think you want to know,” He said quietly.

“Beau, please. I don’t know how to help him if…if I don’t know why he reacted like that.”

He sighed. “All I heard was something about ‘manning up’. What Reaves said at the circle that really set him off, I don’t know. I didn’t hear that part.”

“Thank you. Have a good night you two,” you told them, once they saw Mat come out into the parking garage and they went to Anthony’s car. Once he got closer, you saw he had a cut above his eyebrow and his knuckles were split. You held your hand out and he took it in his, squeezing it a tad. You walked over to his car, silently getting into the passenger seat. The drive back to his place was quiet, only the sound of lo-fi beats playing in the background breaking it.

When you got back to his place, you silently dragged him to the bathroom. You told him to sit on the toilet while you rummaged under his sink to find some first aid supplies. The antiseptic, the band-aids, the butterfly clips, the cotton gauze, everything you thought you might need was placed on the counter.

You met Mat’s eyes through the mirror, and got a good look at the bruising forming around his eye. You took one of the gauze pieces and put the antiseptic on it, walking over to stand between his legs as you wiped away the dried blood.

“What did he say that got you so worked up?” You asked, after he hissed one particular contact after his cut.

“Nothing.”

You took the wipe off his eyebrow, looking him in the eyes. “I don’t think it’s nothing if I’m bandaging you up.”

“Fine, it was something. Just not something I want to repeat.”

“Tell me what he said.” Immediately, he was shaking his head and you pulled away from him, stopping your actions. You sighed. “Mat, I know that this,” you gestured between the two of your bodies. “is new, but you..can tell me stuff. We’re a team, I don't want you to have to hold this burden all on your own.”

He takes a few deep breaths as you continue to look at him. He looks down at his hands, his fingers rubbing over the now bruising skin.

“At first it was just typical trash talk. Saying how like I wasn’t living up to the star they kept saying I am. But then he started to mention stuff about…” He took a deep breath, and you traced over his knuckles before intertwining your fingers with his. “Then he said stuff about you. How I only showed glimpses of you on Instagram. How I wouldn’t man up and actually commit to a relationship. Because if I did, if I showed you off, someone else would come and sweep you away. I shook it off because we were winning but then… he called you ‘my dirty little secret’. And I don’t know I just- I just snapped. He said that and I just saw red. It was like I couldn’t help it and my hands moved before my body.”

You dropped his hand and felt tears start to well in your eyes a little bit because he just… he defended you. He defended this relationship. Without thought, it was his instinct to fight for you, to defend you and your relationship. Even though you’d only been seeing each other for a little while, he believed enough in what you two were, to defend you against someone who barely even knew him.

He saw the tears well in your eyes and immediately leaned back, his heart dropping. He’d heard from Beau that you didn’t like fighting – something in your past – and he’d heard from his mom that the fighting he so rarely engaged in was scary. The last thing he ever wanted to do was scare you.

“I’m sorry, I-I didn’t mean to make you scared of me,” He mumbled, but before he could elaborate on that, you had barrelled into him, your arms tight around him. You heard the gasp leave him, before his arms were wrapped around you just as tightly.

“You defended me, Mat. Defended us. I-I could never be scared of you when you–you didn’t have to do that but you did. I— thank you.”

“Of course I was going to defend you.” He pulled back and ran a hand over the back of your head. “I couldn’t not do that, we’re a team, remember? I wasn’t going to let him get away with such bullshit. You’re… you’re way too important to me to let things like that slide.”

“You’re really important to me too. Typically, boyfriends are really important.”

He lifted his eyebrows and a smirk came across his face. “Boyfriend, eh?”

“If you want to be,” you said, biting your lip.

“Oh hell yeah, I want to be,” he said, pulling you in for a kiss. “I’ll try to be the best boyfriend too.”

“You already are. No one else could sweep me away.” You brushed a stray hair out of his face. “You defended me against someone you didn’t have to, you comfort me when I need it, and you make me laugh all the time. You are enough and I want you, and no one else, to be my boyfriend.”

“How did I get so lucky?” His thumb brushed your cheek, and you smiled into him, pressing a kiss to the inside of his palm.

“I think I’m the lucky one. Now, can I finish patching you up or am I just going to have this band aid in my hand forever?”

taglist (join here): @heatherawoowoo @4ambagelbites @tysonjost-taylorsversion @2manytabsopen @stars-canucks @lorrmorr @fallinallincurls @plds2000 @barzysandhughesbaby @yummygoldenfood @drei-mrssvechii @bananarantanen @pulpfixion

#mat barzal #mat barzal fic #mat barzal imagine #nhl imagine #nhl fic #nhl x reader #new york islanders imagine #hockey imagine #hockey fic #abby writes

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rubysunnday · 4 years

Text

Favourite brother - Part 2

A/N: well, part one went down surprisingly well!

“So, Daphne is now a duchess...”

Y/N raised her eyebrows expectantly at her brother, waiting for him to finish his comment. She looked back down at her embroidery and poked the needle through the fabric. “And?”

Colin leant forward in his chair. “Perhaps, now, the ton will be watching you.”

Y/N let out a unladylike snort. “Oh, please. As long as Miss Thompson is around and as long as Daphne and Simon are in their ‘newlywed’ bliss, I will always be the wallflower of the family.”

Colin eyed his sister with a sad gaze. He didn’t miss the way she stabbed her needle through the fabric a little harder than necessary nor the way she practically glowered at Anthony (probably hoping he would spontaneously combust).

“Colin, I can feel you staring at me,” Y/N said, looking up from her embroidery to give her brother a level stare. “What is it?” “You truly don’t believe you are worth anything, do you?”

Y/N paused, needle halfway through the fabric. She slowly pushed it through, trying to ignore the burning in her eyes.

Colin was right. She didn’t see herself as worthy of anything. Compared to Daphne who’d captured the eye of the ton and then a duke and a prince, she’d had nothing. Her three older brothers had always been swarmed with suitors and Y/N had truly believed that, maybe, one day, it would’ve been like that for her.

But apart from an almost marriage to Nigel Berbrooke that was out of spite to her brother and sister and was unwanted by her, she had had no proposals and no suitors.

A fact she wanted to blame Anthony for but that Y/N knew was down to nothing more than bad luck.

If she’d made her debut a year later it would’ve been the same story. Everyone would’ve been captivated by Eloise and she would’ve been forgotten. Or everyone would’ve been terrified of Eloise and been forced to look at Y/N.

Either or.

When you were a twin of someone who excelled in everything you didn’t, it was easy to be overlooked and forgotten - especially in a family of nine.

But up until she and Daphne came of age, she hadn’t felt overlooked. She’d felt loved and seen as an equal to her brothers. Anthony hadn’t been so protective (He'd always been protective of them all. But compared to how Benedict was when someone upset or threatened his family, Anthony was a saint.).

Everyone fawned over Daphne when she began courting Simon - and rightfully so. But Y/N’s prospects and potential suitors had become nothing more than polite conversation between her and her ladies maid.

“Y/N?”

Y/N inhaled sharply and jumped slightly at Colin’s voice. She looked over at him and gave him a somewhat unconvincing smile. “I’m fine. I just feel somewhat underwhelming compared to my sister,” she replied, turning her eyes back to her embroidery.

Which was beginning to look less and less like a violet and more like an oddly shaped duck.

Colin, sensing his sister wasn’t in the mood to be proved wrong, left the conversation there. He also didn’t want to end up with a sewing needle in his eye - the chances of which were becoming increasingly likely the more he poked and prodded.

It was a beautiful ballroom.

There were candles in every window and garlands of flowers draped across the walls with petals dashed across the floor.

The garden was a lit with numerous furnaces and torches that blazed in the summer night and the fountain set in the centre of the sprawling, immaculate hedges and flowers trickled away.

None of the beauty, however, was making Y/N feel any better about being left out of yet another ball.

She’d been standing on the sidelines watching ever since she’d arrived. Benedict had offered to dance with her but Y/N hadn’t wanted to be mentioned in Lady Whistledown for dancing with no one but her own brothers so had declined the invitation.

Instead she chose to stand and watch the beautiful couples dance around the room as she sulked and drank yet another glass of lemonade.

“Why are you skulking back here?” Anthony asked, approaching his sister with a confused, concerned and curious expression.

Y/N swallowed the rather large gulp of lemonade she’d taken and tried not to give her brother a glare. “No one’s asked me to dance.”

“I’m sure Colin -”

“That is not the point, Anthony!” Y/N exclaimed, cutting him off. “I’ve had no one to dance with apart from my brother’s and Simon, who is now my brother too!” She almost growled but remembered that half the ton were around and forced herself to calm down. “Daphne has been the centre of everyone’s attention and had the suitors falling at het feet. I thought that now she’s married, they’d look to me - but apparently no one settles for second best.”

Anthony stared at his sister. “Y/N, you’re not second best to anyone.”

Y/N scoffed. She set her empty lemonade glass down, slightly worried she was going to through it at her brother’s head. “Then why haven’t you looked at me twice all season, Anthony? You walked off at my very first ball, leaving me to flounder. You never escorted me - not even tonight! You have, so far, not cared about who comes calling for me - which was no one, by the way - and you don’t care that I have had no suitors, no callers and no proposals!”

She was breathing fast and could feel her heart pounding in her chest. She was angry. She was so angry and even though most of the anger was at the ton for being so vain, she couldn’t very well direct it at a ballroom full of people.

Instead she directed it at her older brother, the one who should’ve looked out for her and guided her through her first season in society but didn’t.

Anthony, for once, had the decency to look hurt by his sister’s accusations. He had a broken look on his face as he realised she was right and that he’d ignored her. He was stunned into silence.

But Y/N hadn’t want pitiful silence, she’d wanted an argument - for Anthony to get angry at her and prove her wrong but also right.

“Say something!” Y/N snapped, glaring at Anthony.

Benedict and Colin had noticed the, somewhat heated argument, and were trying to weave their way through the crowd to intervene before one of them snapped and punched the other.

Anthony opened his mouth and closed it again. He was speechless - a rare feat, indeed.

Y/N scoffed and shook her head. “Fine.”

She turned on her heel and disappeared through the crowd, heading towards the door to the garden.

Benedict and Colin made it to Anthony’s side and frowned.

“What was that all about?” Benedict asked, looking at Anthony expectantly.

Anthony swallowed and forced himself to look at his brother. “She hates me.”

Colin, who had sensed the argument was coming, put a hand on Anthony’s arm. “No, she doesn’t. She’s angry at the world and the expectations society place on her shoulders. All she really wants, Anthony, is you.”

“I’ve ignored her almost this entire season,” Anthony said, staring at Colin. “How...”

“There’s still a few weeks left of the season, though,” Colin reminded him. He gestured to the door that Y/N had fled through. “Go on.”

Anthony didn’t need anymore encouragement, he brushed past his brother’s and all but marched through the crowd towards the door.

Y/N had disappeared out onto the fire lit terrace of the house and was leaning on the stone bannister, trying to calm down.

She loved her brother. Truly, she did. She also knew that he would never do anything to ruin her prospects intentionally.

That didn’t, however, stop her from wanting to throttle him.

“Y/N?”

Y/N closed her eyes and inhaled. She could feel Anthony watching her and heard his footsteps approaching closer as he walked up to her.

“Are you alright?”

There was concern - genuine concern - in his voice. Y/N was usually good at keeping her emotions together and not breaking down until she was either with her mother or on her own.

But all it took was Anthony’s concerned question and a gentle hand on her shoulder for her to lose any control she’d had.

Y/N felt the tears drip down her face and turned to Anthony, practically throwing her arms around him and clinging on to him as if he was the only thing keeping her afloat.

Slightly surprised by her sudden change in emotion, it took Anthony a moment to catch-up with the fact his sister was sobbing in to his arms and needed, not Lord Bridgerton, but her big brother.

Anthony wrapped his arms around her and held her as she sobbed, waiting for her to speak.

Y/N eventually managed to get control of her emotions again and she stepped away from Anthony, wiping her eyes as delicately as she could to avoid ruining her make-up.

“Sorry.”

“Never apologise for being human,” Anthony said softly, sitting next to her on a bench.

Y/N sighed. “I’m just... compared to Daphne I am nothing. No one has even looked twice at me this entire season. I’m her sister and nothing more.”

Anthony put a hand on her knee. “Do you truly believe that?” He asked, looking her in the eye.

“I don’t know. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t. All I wish is for someone, anyone, to look at me and call on me because they like me. Not because they wanted an easy way to my sister or to you or to Eloise or to anyone who isn’t me!”

“Y/N, you are a wonderful young lady and if those men can’t see it -”

“Then they’re not worth my time, I know,” she said, shooting Anthony an amused smile. “You sound like Benedict.”

“I believe you meant that Benedict sounds like me, he did come second after all,” Anthony quipped.

Y/N smacked her brother on the arm. She shook her head with a smiles she tried not to laugh.

“Come on,” Anthony said, standing up and holding a hand out to her. “Will you do me the honour of a dance, Miss Bridgerton?”

Y/N took his hand and let him pull her to her feet. “Of course, Lord Bridgerton.”

“Excuse me, Miss Bridgerton?” Y/N turned around. A young man, Lord Durrell if she remembered correctly, was standing in front of her looking slightly anxious.

“Yes, Lord Durrell?” Anthony asked, raising his eyebrows in his trademark brooding, older brother way.

“I was wondering if you would do me the honour of a dance this evening?” Durrell asked, looking directly at Y/N.

Y/N smiled and held out the arm that her dance card was on. “Of course, Lord Durrell. After I’ve dance with my brother, of course.”

Lord Durrell smiled and wrote his name on her card. “I look forward to it,” he said, bowing down.

Y/N curtsied slightly in response and watched as he left. She waited a few seconds and then squealed and jumped up and down.

Anthony chuckled, stepping back to avoid being hit by a flailing limb. “See, I told you.”

“No, you didn't, actually,” Y/N said, taking her brother’s arm. “You just repeated what Benedict said and gave me a hug.”

“Which is just as important.”

“Naturally.”

Anthony led Y/N to the dance floor and the two took up their positions.

“I don’t say this often enough,” Y/N said as they danced around the room, “but I’m so glad you’re my brother, Anthony.”

Anthony managed to concel his surprise by twirling Y/N around and using the brief moment she wasn’t looking to show his surprise before hiding it again.

“I’m incredibly lucky to have you in my life,” she continued, oblivious. “I just wanted you to know that.”

Anthony nodded and smiled, twirling her around again.

Later on, however, when he was in his own lodgings away from prying eyes, Anthony looked back on the moment and had to hide his tears in a bottle of whiskey and the mountain of paperwork he had to fulfil.

#bridgerton #anthony bridgerton #bridgerton x reader #bridgerton sister #sibling!reader #bridgerton sibling #bridgerton imagine

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writers-block246 · 3 years

Note

Hi!! I love your writing so much! I was wondering if you could make a fluffy Daveed Diggs one shot where the reader and Daveed is dating and the whole Hamilton cast is super supportive and protective of them and maybe where she gets hurt during the show and the whole cast is worried and Daveed is takes care of her and is just really worried about her 🥺💖

Thank you so much! The support is appreciated :) Sorry it’s a little short, I used this request to try to get back into writing again. I hope you like it!

Notes: italics are thoughts and emphasis

Y/N- your name

————————————————————————

You knew you had messed up. Right before your foot hit the ground you had a dreadful feeling, and sure enough, the jump that was supposed to be graceful and perfected, ended with a sprained ankle that you hopefully concealed from the audience.

Well, at least it’s the last show of the night.

Half-limping backstage, you locked eyes with Daveed, and you could instantly see the worry shining in them. He rushed toward you, quickly cradling you in his arms.

“Oh shit, baby. Are you okay?”

You gave a pained smile. “Yeah, I’m okay. I think I might’ve sprained my ankle though.”

Lin, who was passing by on his way to the dressing rooms, abruptly spun on his heel and turned to face you. “What? You’re hurt?!,” he exclaimed. At the sound of this news, the rest of the cast began to titter, worry for your being taking over the room.

It took him less than a minute to begin fretting over you, calling for Anthony and Jasmine to help maneuver you into a side room. The couple helped you settle into a chair, while Daveed went in search of some water and Tylenol. You couldn’t help but giggle through Lin’s incessant questioning of if you were comfortable or not.

He laughed shyly. “Am I being too much?”

Jasmine and Anthony were sent into a fit of giggles. “Maybe just a little,” Anthony replied through a bright smile.

“Thanks, though, you guys. Seriously, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

I really don’t, you thought. They’re so caring.

“Oh, watch out, your boyfriend might get jealous,” Jasmine teased.

The man in question chose this moment to walk through the door, Tylenol and water in hand. Noticing everyone’s eyes on him, he looked at the members of the room with a questioning look.

“Did I miss something?”

The three of you burst into laughter at the confusion in his tone, though yours had a slightly painful tinge to it. Daveed picked up on the sound immediately, and remembering what he had been previously doing, quickly made his way to your side to give you the items in his hand.

“Here you go, darling. I’m sorry it took so long.”

Swallowing the pills, you gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you, sweetheart. And it’s no big deal, I just appreciate you guys taking care of me.”

Anthony wiped a fake tear from his eye. “Aw, now you’re making me all emotional.”

You punched him playfully in the shoulder as the rest laughed.

Jasmine gave you two a fond look. “For real though, you two are so cute. You make a good couple.”

You met her eyes bashfully, thanking her quietly. Daveed took your hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

Checking his watch, Lin said: “Well guys, we better get back out there. Y/N, take it easy, and Daveed, feel free to stay with her as long as you need.”

You smiled at Lin’s kindness, thanking him once more for his help. He headed out of the room, Anthony and Jasmine following behind him.

“And don’t be getting up to anything R-rated in there you two!” Anthony called over his shoulder.

Stifling a laugh, you pulled Daveed into a hug, burying your face into his shoulder.

His large hand made its way to the small of your back, rubbing slow circles there. Sighing, you closed your eyes and relaxed into his hold. He pulled you closer and pressed loving kisses to any skin he could reach.

Pulling back a little, he said: “Are you sure you’re okay?”

Your heart melted at the worried look in his eyes, and you nodded, pulling him back to you. “I’m fine, though I could use some more cuddles.”

“I think I can do that,” he chuckled. Stroking your hair soothingly, he buried his face in your neck, nuzzling you softly.

It didn’t take long for your eyes to begin drifting close, Daveed’s comforting smell and warmth surrounding you.

Before sleep claimed you completely though, you felt Daveed shift.

“So, just to be clear, we’re not doing anything R-rated in here?”

-Admin Cheyenne :)

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la-fille-en-aiguilles · 4 years

Text

Dog Tags

Billy Russo x Female!Reader

Request by @nebulastarr : Hey! Whenever requests open up again, could you do a Billy Russo x Reader where the reader liked Billy but doesn’t want to tell him because she thinks he won’t feel the same way

A/N: I was going to wait and get down to writing this once I was finished with my series... But this one has simply hit a little too close to home. I couldn’t stop thinking about it when I saw it and I ended up putting a lot of personal stuff in it so I’m sorry if it feels chaotic at times. Thank you for requesting, love, I hope it lives up to your expectations. The Only Living Thing series will be back with its third part next week. The song: Isak Danielson - Power

All you heard was an excited scream, that raised above all of the New York’s past-6-pm commotion, as a slender tall body smashed into you, locking you in a bone-crushing hug. You laughed happily, albeit feeling a little bit uncomfortable in Karen’s strong hold. You knew it didn’t seem that way, but Karen packed a wicked punch in those elegant arms of hers. Those self-defense sessions with Frankie boy that she’s been gushing about over the phone must have been finally paying off.

“Once I am done hugging you, I am so kicking your ass,” she breathed out into your hair as she squeezed you harder, as if reading your thoughts. “You’ve been ghosting me for what, a month now?”

You sighed guiltily as Karen pushed you slightly away, keeping her hands on your shoulders. You watched her as she studied your face, a creeping smile stinging at the corners of her mouth.

Grabbing one of her elbows, you groaned dramatically, pulling her towards the busy road. With your hands locked, you finally admitted:

“I did suck at communicating these past couple of weeks. Work’s been…. hectic”, the lie tasted bitter on your tongue, but this was the best explanation you’ve been able to come up with so far. “Please don’t kill me”.

Trying to keep up with your power walk, Karen let a bubbling laughter leave her lips.

“You’re not the one who should be worried then,” she gave you one of those bright trademark smiles of hers. “Next time I’m going to interview Russo, I’ll…”

You stuttered at her tirade as you walked, and of course it didn’t go by unnoticed. Karen was the best journalist you have ever met during your prominent career. She just sensed that sort of thing.

“I’m getting this ‘I-meant-to-tell-you-Karen-but-I-didn’t-and-now-you’ll-need-to-fight-it-out-of-me’ vibe”, she gave you a scrutinising look. “Want to maybe share whatever it is you’ve been not telling me before I go full interrogation mode on your plump backside?”

You rolled your eyes as you led her to a terrace-ringed Upper East Side high-rise, waving to the doorman through the glass doors. Jackson, a thirty-five year old ex-military with three kids and a labrador, gave you a brilliant smile as he hurried to open them for you.

“Good evening, Mrs Y/L/N!” He bowed his head in a stiff, very army-like manner. “A package arrived this afternoon for you, should I bring it up?”

From the corner of your eye, you caught Karen looking around, confusion written all over her face. You had a lot to catch up on.

“Don’t worry about it, Jax, just give it to me,” you didn’t mean to urge him, but you couldn’t wait to change out of your corporate attire into some comfortable old pyjamas and crack open a bottle of whiskey - that’s right, some habits did die hard. And to think you were a bubbles-kind of girl a year ago when you met him.

You could feel Karen’s blue eyes drill a hole in the back of your head as you took a small, envelope-sized package from Jackson’s hands.

It wasn’t until you both stepped into the elevator that Karen cleared her throat.

“When you said you’d rather have a girls’ night in, I asked Frank to pick me up from Queens, not from…here,” she spoke, her eyes skimming expensive red wood and mirrors. “Did you finally sleep with Russo and moved in with him?”

Whatever it was that Karen expected you to say to that, it definitely didn’t include you spitting out a roaring laugh, as you nearly dropped the package on the floor.

“Quite the opposite, actually,” you informed her after you finally restored your breath. “I left Anvil. And, well, Russo. At the end of last month”.

—

A half-bottle of whiskey for you and a bottle of white wine for Karen later, both of you were sprawled out on the lambskins thrown over the hardwood floor in your living room. Jazz music was seeping out of the speakers by the TV, a couple of Diptyque candles emitting a soft yellow glow.

You stared at the ceiling of your new living quarters, your mind a blur. As you folded your hands on your stomach, you felt Karen twitch as she bent her elbow and leaned her blond head on the palm of her hand, facing you.

“So let me get this straight,” she paused, narrowing her eyes. “After becoming the Forbes’ hottest CSO, concluding what can easily be described as deals of the century - especially the one with Anthony Stark aka Iron Man and his magnificent goatee…”

Involuntary, you giggled at this. This talk brought out some very dear memories that you wouldn’t trade for the world - the way Billy’s dark eyes shimmered in the dim lights of the opera house as he gave you a look that said you did it, ever the perfect team… Or the way he threw his arms around your frame, his long fingers sliding down your back… You knew you looked good in that dress, but the moment Billy saw you wearing it… You felt like the only girl in the world, the way his jaw dropped a tad, his lips opening up in awe…

Oookay, Y/N, can’t go there, your mind screamed at you as you wiped that dreamy smile off your face. Sitting down, you took your whiskey glass, and washed those memories away with a gulp of amber liquid.

Meanwhile, Karen ranted on.

“…you just quit?!”

She jumped to her feet all of the sudden, brushing her blond hair away from her face as she watched you excitedly.

“Jesus Christ, did Billy make a move?! He made a move on you, didn’t he?”

The urge to facepalm was fierce, almost overpowering, but you managed to resist. Slamming your empty glass against the floor harder than you intended, you gave her a bored look.

“No, Karen, why… Why in the world would you think that?” You sounded just a little short of desperate, so you cleared your throat. “I was his second-in-command, that wouldn’t have been appropriate…”

When you were done studying the flame, dancing within the glass walls of one of the nearby candles, you raised your eyes to meet Karen’s. She wore quite possibly the most blatant look of ‘you are shitting me’ on her face.

“So you just quit?” she stared at you in disbelief, unblinking. “No explanations provided?”

“This wasn’t how it happened,” you said, hating the fact that you felt like you had to justify yourself. You brought your knees closer, hugging them tightly. “I…”

—

“…I’m here to see William Russo”.  

With a nonchalant gesture, you unbuttoned your Burberry coat, looking at a red-head secretary behind a desk that screamed power and status with every inch of its epic proportions.

Anvil was certainly new money. With all of those hedge funds injecting their cash into emerging companies, there was no shortage of these - entrepreneurial endeavours that didn’t last long.

You didn’t know that at the time, but you were going to make sure this one would.

“My name is Y/N Y/N/L,” you added, perching your sunglasses on top of your head. “He’s expecting me.”

The red-head gave you a polite smile before checking something on her Mac.

“Welcome, Miss Y/N/L,” she almost seemed shy, as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before standing up. “Mr Russo is indeed waiting for you. If you would like to follow me, please”.

As the redhead led you through the training grounds, packed with fit men and women that looked like they walked straight outta Gym Shark ad, you did notice a couple of vagrant stares in your direction. You couldn’t blame them. You looked slightly out of place; more Vogue than the setting allowed for.

You quit your job as the COO of a global FinTech company just weeks ago, looking for a new challenge. It was an adventure of a lifetime, and while your ex-executive board had literally begged you to stay, once you’d decided something, no promise of a generous promotion could make you change your mind. While you absolutely loved your job, working for one of the most prominent online payment giants in the world, it felt like it was time for you to step down. Due to all the processes and wise investments you’d initiated, the company could make millions of profits without their CEO having so much as to lift a finger.

And you, well, you lived for the hustle. And that’s exactly what you were here for.

You still had your doubts about Anvil’s owner and acting CEO, though. William “Billy” Russo had already become a household name in the financial circles, albeit the company he was spearheading had little to do with the FinTech space. Some said he had the potential to succeed; others badmouthed him for being ruthless and balancing on the very edge of legal limits.

In short, the man had you intrigued. So the very moment he called and invited you to drop by Anvil to talk strategy, you knew you had to meet him.

See the beast for yourself, so to speak.

The first thing you noticed about William Russo as you walked into his office, spacious and entirely transparent, with its glass walls overlooking the training grounds, was experience, for the lack of a better word. It was etched into his every handsome feature, especially into his scruff strong-willed jaw. As he raised his gaze to meet yours upon the red-head’s announcement, his black eyes swallowing you whole, you realized no light reflected on their surface. There was a certain confidence to him as he raised from his chair, his white shirt straining some over his chest, long dark strands of hair falling onto his long eyelashes. This man meant business, as those black impenetrable eyes zeroed in on yours. He almost seemed too flawless - to spotless to be an ex-marine, stained with blood and murder.

All that Hallmark handsomeness was nothing but a cover.

Before William Russo had even got a chance to open his mouth, you were determined to find out what was lurking underneath.

“Mrs Y/L/N”, the hot-shot gave you a polite smile. “Thank you for coming”.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Russo”, you didn’t move an inch. He may have invited you for interview, but he wasn’t the only one with a long set of demands.

You briefly wondered if he knew that.

Before your thoughts could take you further, William Russo made his way to you, composed and calculated. He stopped by your side, albeit for a moment; rolling the sleeves of his shirt further up, he shot the red-head a charming smile (nothing like the one he gave you).

“Olivia, would you please bring a fresh pot of coffee to the conference room? Mrs Y/L/N and I have a lot to discuss”.

When he turned back to face you, you noted unconsciously that he was taller than you expected, the top of your head barely reaching his shoulders. The cool and composed look was back on his face as he motioned towards the doors.

“Would you like to follow me, Mrs…”

“Y/N”, you cut in with a slight raise of your chin. “I’d also prefer to call you William while I tear Anvil’s strategy down”.

His reaction didn’t disappoint. Some tension left his arms, his stung-up body relaxing just enough for a spark of mischief and curiosity flicker its way to his eyes’ surface.

A twinkle of a smile danced across his lips as he bit on the inside of his cheek, nodding ever so slightly in approval.

“It’s Billy”, he said, amusement echoing in his every word. "I don’t expect any leniency, Y/N”.

“Good”, you replied instantly, looking him straight into his eyes. “That’s not what I came here for”.

He nodded again.

And this time, there was liveliness in the quirk of his brow and a touch of insecurity in the corners of his mouth.

Now that was the man you could potentially work with.

—

Working with William Russo was anything but predictable. There were, however, certain patterns to his way of handling things. Whatever the trouble was, Billy was good at seeing the bigger picture - he was usually able to put things into perspective, but there were occasions when he refused to. You dare say that sometimes, you felt like he thought that money didn’t matter - like Anvil’s financial prosperity didn’t matter - as long as his team got not to risk their lives one extra time. You watched him turn down several lucrative deals that you’d busted your ass to put on his table, because it involved sending his men a little too far from home, in a place where he had no strings to pull whatsoever should anything go south. A part of you (the part that wasn’t frustrated as hell) admired him for that - it didn’t, however, stop you from disagreeing with him, time and again.

You may have never been to Iraq, and may have never known the horrors of sleeping with the bombs exploding a mere kilometer away, but you knew a game-changer when you saw it. There were risks involved, there was no arguing about that, but those were calculated, and those kind of deals could make Anvil jump straight to the top of the private military sector overnight.

William and you disagreed.

When William and you disagreed, no voice was raised, no blood was spilt, but Billy usually became distant, cold and just short of snappy when those conversations took place. 

He only crossed the line once.

  You were three months into your job as Anvil’s Chief Strategy Officer when Mayhew happened.

The clock on your desk showed midnight as you paced in your office, on the phone with Rex Mayhew, the U.S. Ambassador in Cairo. A cat-and-mouse game between the Egyptian Armed Forces and the nefarious arms dealer group had become common knowledge since a week or so; the U.S. special forces got involved in the conflict when it’d been discovered that the arms were being transported onto American soil. Rex, an old friend from your Yale days, had let you in on the fact that General Richard Ravelin, in charge of the operation, was looking to reinforce his rangs with private military before “neutralising the threat”. This was a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity, with a potential governmental recognition in play… and Billy wanted to hear nothing of it.

You were exhausted and barely hanging in there; Billy was categorical and stubborn.

You’ve dropped the phone on your table promising Rex you were going to give him an answer in two hours, tops. Taking a deep breath, you walked out of your office, your bare feet thudding on the parquet floors of the corridor. When you reached Billy’s hideout, you found the man leaning against his desk with a glass of whiskey in his unnerved hand.

“Billy…” you spoke firmly, barely stepping through the doorway. “Rex…”

“Can go fuck himself”.

Oh, okay. No sugarcoating this. Alright.

You saw his lips barely touch the amber liquid as he slammed the glass against the surface of his desk.

“I said no, Y/N,” he wasn’t facing you anymore, leaning on his desk with his hands digging into the wood, his back tense. “Please just go home. Have a good night sleep. We will talk about this tomorrow.”

You could have sworn you felt your head starting to fume. This was the third time Billy Russo was shutting you down. For the third time he was making you feel like an incompetent fool when you were trying to do your goddamn job.

Why in hell would he hire you if whatever vision you had for Anvil didn’t match with his own?!

“You could at least say this to my face, Billy,” you spoke a bit harshly before you could stop yourself. “You know, to my tired and disappointed face, with a mouth that you have been shutting up every time it offers you a deal of the century”.

This sounded so much better in your head.

“Why did you hire me?” you asked almost immediately, trying to soften the impact of the words that had already escaped. “If this isn’t the direction in which you want to take your company, maybe I should just…”

“Oh for fuck’s sake, Y/N, just fucking leave already!” Billy snapped like a branch that’s been holding too much weight, the sound of it dry and final.

…maybe I should just rethink the entire plan.

There was no point in finishing that sentence now, was there?

“I was there long before you came along, so I’d think I know a shitstorm in the making when I see one!” Billy was looking at you alright, brushing his hair back, his eyes black and void.

You had wished It would have been new to you - looking in William Russo’s eyes and not seeing him there. But it wasn’t. He was back to his Hallmark version of a man, but instead of playing a hero, he was now putting on his villain guise.

“Let’s get something straight here,” he leaned back on his desk, crossing his arms on his chest, his black eyes narrowed. “While you were making your way to the top of a rich-ass cookie-cutter FinTech company, I was crawling in the dirt in Iraq under a downpour of the Trident D5LE missiles. While the closest thing you’ve come to havin’ your hands dirty was bribing an investor or two, I was fucking beheadin’ people under the direction of the CIA,” his words were cold, measured and rhythmic, like a round of bullets being fired on a range. “You know nothing of what’s it like to be in the middle of that kind of shit show, princess, so when I fucking say no, you listen. Is that clear?”

Bark. Sit. Roll over.

“Crystal. Sir.”, you finally broke the heavy silence hanging in the air, just barely resisting the urge to salute him. “I’ll see myself out.”

Biting the inside of your cheek like your life depended on it, once you turned your back on him, your first thought was don’t you dare cry on his account, bitch and then almost right away wait at least until you’re home.

You could have sworn you heard William call your name in a stranded voice, but you made sure to slam the door somewhat hard as you left his office so you could pretend you didn’t hear him.

If you were to face him now, with all that power and toughness he exuded… You would never admit it, even to yourself, but you’d just end up on the floor, huddled into a shivering little ball.

—

You were grateful that the next day after the shit went down with Mayhew fell on a Friday. When you stumbled into your apartment in Queens at almost one in the morning, you immediately shot an email to the HR department asking for a day off. Once that’d been done, you dialled Rex to decline his offer to introduce Anvil to general Ravelin, washed the makeup off your face and crawled into bed, hugging the second pillow close to your chest.

You didn’t cry, if that’s what you’re wondering.

As you rolled out of bed in the morning at around 8 am, you took a shower and grabbed a coffee from the kitchen before settling behind your home office desk with a heavy head. When you opened up the Keynote presentation with your strategy outlined for the H1, you couldn’t help but steal a glance at the iPhone you left on your couch last night.

You weren’t going to check if you had any missing calls.

There was nothing you had left to say to each other.

…with your chest hollow, you powered up the screen. There were no missed calls and no new messages.

It all looked like you had another strategy to build now. If Billy Russo thought that calling you a rich-ass princess that knew nothing of the world, all butterflies and rainbows, was going to make you resign, then man, was he in for a surprise.

You once heard one of his men compare you to a military convoy, when the guy thought you weren’t listening.

He had no idea.

You spent the morning refilling you coffee cup and rebuilding your H1 plan from scratch. After about eleven calls with the people you knew could get you a foot in the door of the offices of some government officials, billionaires and generals, after typing, deleting and typing again for 5 hours straight, by 2pm you had a solid game plan. You were pretty sure it would still need some tweaking from Castle, who essentially held the role of the Chief Operating Officer, dispatching men and women on missions and planning operations, and, well, from Billy Russo.

The Badass-ex-Sniper-turned-CEO himself.

You kept the email short and to-the-point, sending the document over to Russo with Castle on copy, saying you’d be in the office to debrief on Monday.   Refusing to check whether your email’d been opened, you slammed your MacBook shut.

The rest of the day rolled on uneventfully. You grabbed a coffee with the People Culture Officer from your previous company, who also happened to be one of your dearest friends; then you picked up your dry cleaners and did some shopping, cracking for a pair of new shoes in Saks Fifth Avenue.

Shoes were, indeed, your weakness.

By the time you got home, the tired sun was yawning, stretching its rays in one last effort before rolling into bed. Humming a Dua Lipa song under your breath, you were putting your new Jimmy Choo’s away when you suddenly heard your phone ring.

You didn’t even have to look at it to know who it was.   You checked the time, however, noticing is was two minutes after the official end of the working day.

“Hi, Y/N”, Billy spoke, clearing his throat. “Are you… Um… Any chance you’re available to meet tonight? I would really appreciate it if you could give me fifteen minutes of your time. Please.”

It sounded like the real Billy Russo was back around. Insecure. Rugged. Imperfect.

“Can you pick me up?” you asked softly, “I’ll text you my address. There’s a pizza place just around the corner, I could use a free slice”, you circled the cold coffee cup you left on the counter with your finger. “Free as in you’re paying, Russo”.

A laugh that came somewhere from within caressed your ear.

“Uh, yes, I’m actually… Yeah, thanks. I’m leaving the office now,” even if he tried to hide it, a shocked surprise still seeped through the cracks in between the vowels.

You chuckled silently at his reaction.

“Just one more thing,” you ventured, placing the cup in the sink and making your way to the balcony - your small piece of heaven with a wooden chair, pillows and lavender. As you stepped outside, you put oyour free hand on the railing, just to feel the coolness of it, the evening air and the gentle flower smell stroking your skin. “What kind of car should I be on the lookout for?”

Billy hesitated, biting his bottom lip, running his nervous fingers through the thick strands of dark hair. The setting sun was hitting him just from the right angle, making his sculpted cheeks look like they were made of marble.

“A Rolls Royce Wraith”, he squirmed, rubbing his forehead, probably realising how lame and pretentious it sounded. “I’ll call you once I’m downstairs”.

“Uh-huh”, you smirked, leaning on the railing with your forearms.

You saw Russo pinch the bridge of his nose, sinking his teeth into his bottom lip again.   Your small balcony provided quite a view, when you really thought about it.

“Don’t take too long”, you couldn’t help it, it really was stronger than you. “I’m starving”.

With a wide grin, you dropped the call and went back into your apartment.

You were planning to make him wait for ten extra minutes when he would finally “arrive”.

Just for the hell of it.

—

“That’s a lot of hot sauce for one pizza”, Billy commented, watching you spray your truffles and cheese generously with the piquant olive oil.

You gave him a mischievous smile.

“What can I say,” you shrugged, leaning back in your chair and licking the tip of your finger after you swept a drop of it from the top of the bottle. “I like them hot”.

That startled a laugh out of Billy as he eyed you with something in his irises looking a lot like awe.

Just when he was about to speak, a servant brought a glass of red wine for him and bottle of sparkling water for you.

You thanked the guy with a sweet smile, while Billy eyed him a bit coldly, obviously waiting for him to leave.

When the waiter had finally made himself scarce, Billy softly called your name.

You raised your eyes to meet him, struggling as hell to keep your stare vacant. (Which was hard to do with some foreign tightness in your throat).

“Before we dig in and I hope spend a nice evening as two friends, getting together on a Friday night”, he didn’t even blink? Was he blinking? You couldn’t tell, his black eyes swallowing you whole, again. “I want to apologise. I was completely out of line… It was unacceptable. You don’t need my validation, of course, but I still want you to know that you are doing a terrific job at Anvil, taking us to the heights I never even thought existed. It’s just… It’s hard for me sometimes to be a good CEO and someone who promised to take care of my men at the same time… Everything is happening so fast, I’m afraid to lose my footing.”

You reached out for his hand across the table before you could stop yourself. You didn’t take it, but your fingers brushed his ever so slightly before you realized what you were just about to do. Your eyes widened as you looked at him, searching for a reaction.   Billy remained perfectly still, not taking his eyes off you.

You grabbed a napkin next to his wrist, pretending this was what you had meant to do all along.   “We’ll get there, Billy”, you said, a small encouraging smile blooming on your lips. “We just need some tweaking”.

You weren’t sure if you were talking about strategy at this point anymore.

—

You had a great time at dinner.

(And a whole-hearted laugh as Billy finished your remainders of the truffle pizza, downing a litre of water to numb down the burning sensation in his throat afterwards).

You talked about your respective lives, your ex-colleagues, your hopes for the future… You dared think this who the real Billy Russo was.

And he was incredible.

After the two of you were done with dinner, you offered him to come upstairs to your place and go through the new strategy together. He didn’t hesitate, although you could swear you’d seen something ambiguous flash in the depths of his dark eyes before he nodded.

(You must have imagined it.)

The two of you ended up sprawled out on your soft faux fur carpet talking game plan, bouncing ideas off each other. You watched Billy frown, as he rubbed his mouth with his long fingers, smile in excitement and shake his head in awe when you voiced your ideas - you felt proud and appreciated, and you wouldn’t trade the sensation for anything in the world.

A couple of hours later the two of you had finally decided that it was enough brainstorming for one night, and you rose to your feet to go and make Billy a coffee before he got behind the wheel. As you pushed the start button on your coffee machine, you heard him speak over the noise.

“You know I’ve done four tours - three in Iraq and one in Afghanistan”, you popped your head up, only to see him play absentmindedly with something on his chest. “And every time I’m considering a mission for Anvil, I find myself back in there again… A part of a death squad.”

You carefully picked up his cup of coffee and made your way back to him. You didn’t say a word as you leaned lower to hand it over to him, encouraging him to go on.   Billy thanked you in a whisper before clearing his throat.

“Every time I have to send them somewhere, especially overseas, I force myself to stop and think… Is this really worth it? Is a fat check really worth putting the lives of my men and women in danger? And most importantly - you may think it’s stupid…” he avoided your gaze, staring into his coffee cup, a miserable smile on his lips. “I think, will it make a difference? If one of them dies on a mission, I have to at least know they made a difference… it’s selfish and it’s more about the peace of my own mind, but it is what it is, you know?”

When he looked up at you, his eyes were full, full to the brim. There was so much emotion in them, hatred, misery, hope, adoration, all whipped in a wild mix that was Billy Russo’s dark, velvet eyes.

“I carry these at all times,” the fingers of his free hand dropped to his chest, as he got a hold of something hanging around his neck. A necklace? “When in doubt, I just look at them - they help me remember where I’ve been and what I’ve done - and I just know if it’s worth it or not. The answer is usually no, by the way”.

He smiled again, the curve of his lips looking less haunted this time, as he sipped on his coffee.

Dog tags. Those were Russo’s dog tags.

“So they’re your reminder that, even being a badass CEO of a private military company”, you couldn’t help but feel some kind of zero gravity settling in your lower stomach as you saw him chuckle at your words. “…you still have a heart”.

“How poetic”, Billy teased you without missing a beat, putting the empty cup on the floor next to him. “But yeah. Sort of, I guess”.

As you fell asleep that night, you dreamed about explosions, piquant olive oil and holding Billy Russo’s dog tags in your hand.

—

The time flew by after that. In 8-month time (after some tweaking) Billy Russo and you became a team. It sometimes felt like nothing could stop you, as long as you were together.

It should not have come as a surprise that the two of you earned yourselves a catchy nickname - at first, it was spoken solely behind your backs, but soon enough it became some kind of a title, more powerful than that of the CEO or the CSO.

Anvil’s men and women (and especially Frank - the fact that he invented the nickname secretly tickled him pink) - were now calling you Bonnie and Clyde. The ultimate partners in crime, against all odds, doing the impossible.

The two of you also settled in an almost homely kind of routine. Ever since that Mayhew fiasco and the day that followed, Friday had become the non-spoken partners in crime day. What it meant in practice was exchanging Friday jokes on Anvil’s internal communications suite…

(Billy once attacked you with a “would you look at this, just found the actual footage of your interview @ Anvil”. Before you even got a chance to answer, he forwarded you a cheesy meme with two old women speaking to each other, one of them saying “We need someone who can do the job of two men”, and the other responding “oh, so it’s only a part-time job then”. When you shot him back a message asking whether he really considered himself an arthritic old woman, that seemed to have shut him up).

…grabbing a beer in a bar nearby…

(you sometimes invited your colleagues to join you, plus it was an unspoken rule that Frank and Karen were to be there as well)

…you making fun of Billy Russo’s eating habits…

(It was honestly a nuisance to have a lunch with him. The list of things he refused to eat went on and on: no asian food, no food chain restaurants (even high-rated), no soups, no cheesecakes… He sure was settling well in that peaceful life he earned after spending all those tours living off canned food).

…and just overall enjoying each other’s company.

By the time the ninth month of your being Anvil’s CSO had rolled in, you couldn’t imagine not seeing Billy Russo every day. Not noticing him rolling his eyes at a smart-ass comment you or Frank made, or his orbs lighting up every time you told him the deal with that or this decision maker had gone through. You simply could not understand how you managed to live day in and day out, and think you were genuinely happy, before you actually met Billy. Everything before him just faded away somehow, your memories lost their colour and spike in comparison to the life you were living now. You kicked ass at your job, your career thrived, but most importantly, you were feeling like this was exactly where you were meant to be, braving the obstacles by Billy Russo’s side, knowing he would catch you should you fall.

He would, wouldn’t he?

It was your usual Friday night outing, the seven of you - Billy, Frank, Karen, Curtis, James from legal, Ashley from mine clearance and yourself - occupying your usual table at Whimsy, the bar that must have made 90% or their revenus off of Anvil’s folk. It was just around the corner from the headquarters, after all.

The overall mood of the evening was rather nostalgic. It’d been four weeks since you’d lost a team member in a crossfire in Falluja, Iraq. After everything was said and done, his loss still hung heavy in the air, and it felt right to get one more drink in Jasper’s honour. The conversation flowed easily, even though the topics you’d spoken about were anything but.

“I remember how I felt when I lost Andy”, Ashley nursed her beer as she stared into the distance. “I just literally had the weight of the entire world on my shoulders, pinning me to the ground, I just couldn’t move on”, she finished her bottle in one go and motioned for the bartender to bring her another one. “Sometimes, I just ask myself, what would have I done if I’d known he was going to die the next day? Would I have stopped him from going? I think I would,” she thanked the bartender as he put the beer in front of her, her eyes a bit foggy. “Yeah, I definitely would have.”

Frank grasped Ashley’s shoulder and squeezed it hard in a comforting gesture; Karen gave her a tender look.

You didn’t know why your mind had gone there, but all of the sudden a memory of Billy sitting in his office chair, laughing his ass off at some offhand comment you’d made flashed before your eyes; it quickly got replaced by the recollection of his hand brushing against yours during the Zoom meeting you’ve had with general Warren Singer; then you remembered him putting his hand on the small of your back, staring daggers at some army brat wanting to join Anvil, eyeing you like a piece of meat (you learned later that day that the man’d been thrown out before having a chance to introduce himself); until finally, your brain stopped dead at the picture of Billy running his nervous fingers through his hair as he called you from his car, telling you he was only leaving the office.

What would you do if you knew he was going to die tomorrow?

Your heart sunk at the thought as you gulped hard, ducking your head and staring at your hands folded in your lap.

A soft touch enveloping your elbow had you facing the man of the hour, his black eyes shimmering with concern.

“Are you okay?” he half-whispered, half-mouthed, not letting go of your hand.

No.

Nothing is okay, Billy.

I’m so happy that I met you, but you’re scaring the hell out of me.

I never wanted any form of eternity until now, I never saw the point…

So stay. Please, stay forever, and feel something for me, too.

“Yes. I’m fine,” you whispered back, staring into his eyes, hypnotised and helpless. You watched him turn away from you as if in slow motion, the warmth of his hand leaving nothing behind but emptiness in your bones.

“Here is to always telling the things that matter to the people who matter”, Billy spoke firmly, raising his beer. “Here’s to never missing a chance to open up to the people we love”.

Well, if this was his way of crossing the t's and putting the dots to the i’s regarding his feelings for you, he couldn’t have been clearer.  

As far as confessions of love went, this one was non-existent.

—

You tried, time and again, to convince yourself you had to go. You learned the hard way that your unrequited feelings were feeding on a sort of inadvertent parasitic relationship where every moment of your day depended on the level of Billy’s unintentional emotional indifference. Your days were spent questioning his every move - every look and every touch; until, the grown-ass woman that you were, you’d commanded yourself to stop second-guessing everything - stop feeling - and decided your best course of action would be… to work yourself into the ground.

If Billy ever noticed anything, he didn’t show it - your were still you, after all, working hard, laughing when he said something funny, calling him out on his bullshit when needed. He didn’t notice slight change in your eyes, when their icy surface cracked at every other compliment he threw in your direction (and there was no shortage of those). He didn’t realize the smile you gave him was different from those tightlipped signs of appreciation you gave to Anvil’s potential clients, he didn’t think twice about the reason for which you glowed around him, your every move softening, your every gesture emanating warmth.

Because Billy hadn’t really known you until you started to have feelings for him.

You knew this couldn’t go on forever. This entire situation was bound to result in some explosion of nuclear proportions, and then all hell would break loose. You needed to get yourself out of this situations, but you just… couldn’t. You couldn’t imagine your life without Billy Russo. You couldn’t leave him.

Even if being friends with him meant tearing yourself apart and suffering in silence.

  Long story short, you waited with fear in your bones for someone to walk into your life and to get you out. You’ve had no fight left in you to do it yourself.

Your salvation came in the form of a phone call on a Friday evening, when Billy was on a recruiting mission in California.

You were typing back a response to his cheeky message when the call cut in half-sentence.

Billy Russo: Please remind me to take you with me instead of Frank next time? He’s driving me insane trying to set me up with the ladies from the Organising Committee. Any ideas on how I can calm him the fuck down?

You: Sorry, Billy, but recruiting is out of my mission scope. As for the calm down part, try bondage maybe? :)

Billy Russo: I’m going to pretend you did not just suggest I engage in sexual practices with Frankie. Karen will have my balls.

Billy Russo: But perhaps you’re right. Taking you with me is probably not a good idea. Wouldn’t want my new recruits’ brains to turn into mush because of how beautiful you are.

You: The flattery will….

“Hello? Y/N speaking”, you brought your phone close to your ear, your cheeks still a lovely shade of pink. If you were going to feel miserable when Billy came back, acting like nothing happened, you were sure going to make the best of that fuzzy feeling in your chest right now.

“Miss Y/N/L”, a smooth deep voice greeted you, and you could have sworn you’d heard it many times before. “I hope I’m not interrupting?”

Frowning in an attempt to remember, you urged:

“No, not at all. How can I help you?” you stared into the screen of your Mac, wheels turning in your head as you silently catalogued all the men you were in discussions with regarding a deal. “I didn’t catch your name…”

“Oh, how rude of me”, the man chuckled but there was no mockery in his voice, more like self-depreciation. “Tony Stark, from Stark Industries”.

Your mind went blank. Did you hear his last words correctly?

“Uh… Mr. Stark”, you quickly got a hold of yourself - well, as quickly as you could. “I appreciate you reaching out to me directly. What can Anvil do for you?”

You did a pretty bang-up job trying to mask your amazement with polite cheerfulness, and Stark had caught on that.

Tony Stark just called your cellphone number. What in the world?…

“We don’t really do alien invasions”.

Ohyourgod, did you just say it out loud?!

His uproarious laughter took you by surprise, reverberating through your entire body. It took every ounce of your self-control not to giggle in response.

“That’s a good one, I love it”, Stark finally said, restoring his breath. “And the better question would be, Y/N - can I call you Y/N? - what you can do for me”.

Before your brain could take you into some naughty direction, freaking Iron Man cleared his throat.

“Okay, this came out wrong,” he admitted with a sense of self-irony. “I um… I’m looking for the Co-Chief Executive Officer for Stark Industries. Well, Virginia Potts is actually looking for a Co-CEO, I’m just her errand boy. And my missions apparently include recruiting…. Anyway,” it was a bit of a challenge to follow Anthony Stark’s train of thought, but you were also still shocked, so that could explain it. “…I think you are the perfect fit for the job”.

You just stared into the screen front of you, your breathing barely audible.

“Mrs Potts and I would love it if you could swing by the A-Tower, let’s say, on Thursday? You’ll be surprised, but I can also whip up a mean cup of coffee…”

Say something.

Fucking hell.

Say something!…

“Thursday sounds great,” you blurted out without thinking. “Let me just shuffle my schedule around… I could stop by after lunch?”   Your hands were slightly shaking as you clicked on your mouse, opening your schedule window.

“Whatever works for you, Y/N”, you could hear Stark smile. “Not to sound like a creep, but I’ve been following your career for quite a while now, and I think that the work you've done in such a short span of time for Anvil is outstanding, even though you still don’t offer protection from alien invasions”.

That made you chuckle, pushing you halfway out of your stupor.

“I’ll put that on the list of things for us to consider”, you promised.

"Tell Mr. Russo I sent my best,” Stark added, and you felt your heart drop to your stomach. “I actually might have some ideas for how we could collaborate. Let's discuss this on Thursday, too, shall we?”

After you said your goodbyes, you fell back in your chair, dropping your iPhone on the table.

You: The flattery will….

...get you nowhere.

You never finished that message, leaving Russo on Read.

—

Starting with that evening, things were moving fast - too fast for you to keep track.

After a three-hour long coffee and the tour of the A-Tower, Virginia Potts, the acting CEO of the Stark Industries, had offered you the job - just like that - and asked you to come back to her executive assistant should you wish to take the job, with your salary expectations and the information about your notice period. You thanked her for her time and promised to get back to her as soon as you made your decision.

Virginia Potts was a brilliant woman; but running a company like Stark Industries while being equipped with a vagina was certainly no walk in the park. Sexism was still very much present within the Boards of the Tech Businesses. You understood perfectly well why she wanted a woman in her corner - it would have been a massive slap in the Board’s face, but it was also about having someone to lean on, who just understood.

In any other circumstances you would have peed your pants in excitement. It was an opportunity to work for Stark Industries - no, scratch that - it was an opportunity to step in as a Stark Industries co-CEO. The idea of it still made you dizzy.

…but as you looked at Virginia’s email sent to your personal address thanking you for stopping by, your eyes were swimming with tears.

You weren’t ready to leave Billy.  You just couldn’t.  You couldn’t leave him.   There was no epic finale to your story. There was no big revelation, no closure, no moment of relief, no acceptance, nothing. Only a fat-ass what if.

And you didn’t know how to let go of a what if with Billy Russo.

And that was exactly why you had to do it.

You heard Billy come in the next Monday earlier than usual. He was positively humming Usher’s Yeah! quietly as he made his way past your office’s doors straight into his own.

You took a deep breath, closing your eyes. You’ve been psyching yourself up during the entire weekend, telling yourself it wasn’t a big deal, we wouldn’t even flinch when you were going to tell him.

You had to tell him.

As you stood up from your chair, straightening you skirt with the palms of your hands, you suddenly heard the footsteps coming back in your direction. You froze in place like a deer in headlights when Billy swung open the door to your office, a box of Pierre Hermé macarons in his hands.

Your goddamn favorite Pierre Hermé macarons.

“You’re here!” Billy’s warm smile illuminated the room. “So much for a surprise, huh?”

He shook the box carefully in the air. You stared at it, dumbfounded, every single thought leaving you.

You couldn’t breathe.

In the hazy morning light seeping through the windows of your office, Billy looked beautiful and dissolute, shirt open at the collar, longer strands of dark hair falling into his eyes.

He was going to be the death of you. It really wasn’t fair.

“Billy, I have to tell you something.”

Was it you who spoke those words? They seemed distant and cold, so uncharacteristically detached.

Blood roared in your ears.

“What’s wrong?”

Billy’s reaction was instant. In three decisive steps he closed the distance that separated you, leaving the macarons on your desk. He stood still just mere inches away, and just like during your very first meeting, you had a fleeting thought cross your mind: you really were tiny next to him, the top of your head barely reaching his shoulders.

You bit the inside of your bottom lip, trying to keep your composure. He stared at you unblinking. He wasn’t touching you, but it felt like his eyes were looking straight into your soul, undressing you, blowing that wall you built around yourself into dust. They were taking you down, piece by piece, determined to see what you’d been keeping from him.   Because, of course, he knew. He should have known something was going on. Hence the surprise this morning.

He had no idea what it was though.

“Maybe you should sit,” you said, making a physical effort to tear your eyes away from him, feigning sudden interest in the buttons of his shirt.

  That chest…

  …was going to be just fine. He didn’t feel the same way you did. He would just find someone else to fill your position. With brilliant women stalking him - in cooperative packs - that would not be a problem.

“You’re leaving, aren’t you”.

You squeezed your eyes shut as soon as his words reached your ears.  Fucking hell, you should have done that by phone. Or with other people around. You should have…

“You’re leaving”, you heard Billy repeat as his voice broke a little. He stepped away, burying his face in his hands as he dragged them down his jaw and neck, staring into the ceiling.

“Billy, listen, I…”

You were the one to close the space between the two of you this time, and before you could think too much into it… You threw your hands around his shoulders, burying your face in his neck.

The sensation struck you like a bolt of lightening when you felt his hands cross behind you back and pull you closer.

He smelled heavenly. Like a forest fire, a hint of smoke with oud and pine. You inhaled deep, deeper still, losing yourself in his comforting touch.

In his arms, just for a second there, you felt home.

“You… The company doesn’t need me anymore”, you nearly choked on words, screaming internally at yourself to keep the waterworks at bay. “It’s thriving, there’s not much else I can give you. My job here is done.”

I need to leave because your indifference is destroying me, and when I think I’m ready to let go, all it takes is one look from you, and I’m back to wanting you, to settling for anything you give me, like a goddamn fool.

“What the hell are you talking about, Y/N?!” Billy exclaimed, his hands grasping your shoulders as he distanced your bodies just enough for him to look into your eyes. “I nee- The company needs you! I was… You know, I was planning to make you the CEO of Anvil in a couple months time,” his smile, as earnest as it was, did not reach his eyes. “Yeah”, noticing your eyes go wide in shock, he let his hands slide down your sides. “You’re so much better at it than I ever was. I was going to join Frank and just manage operations… under you”.

You just stared at him, dumbfounded, not feeling a stray tear escape your eye and rolling down your cheekbone.

“These are the tears of happiness, I hope”, Billy added, and you barely registered his touch as his thumb wiped the salty drop off. “Well, I guess Anvil will have to settle for the little old me. With my best girl going places."

You gave him a strained smile before you carefully wiped your cheeks, just taking a moment to look at him. To try and read him.

Billy Russo was a goddamn ceiling. Plain white, cool and unattainable. In all of your time working for him, you have never seen this Hallmark version of him before. Which one was it?  

Oh wait, you guessed you knew. The happy-for-you friend.

“So where are you going?” Billy asked, his eyes empty. “Who snatched you away from m- Anvil?”

The stutter was so subtle you barely noticed. You were finally tired of reading into shit.

“Stark Industries. I’ll be their co-CEO”.

—

Before you left Anvil you promised yourself you’d get the deal with Stark Industries up and running. There was no one in the world you trusted more in terms of security than Billy.

(The fact that you couldn’t keep your heart safe from him didn’t really count, did it?)

As a matter of fact, Billy and you were going to shake hands with Anthony Stark on the deal on your last night of being Anvil’s CSO. It was happening in The Metropolitan Opera and required both Billy and yourself to dress for the occasion.   He promised to come pick you up at 6pm sharp; you were putting on the Jimmy Choo’s you’d bought a coulee months ago in Saks Fifth Avenue when you heard a low knock on your door.

Straightening up, you threw a quick glance at your reflection in the mirror. You decided to go with a long Marchesa black velvet gown with a rather deep V-line, a pair of long diamond earrings and an elegant half-up half-down hairdo, soft curls in the front framing your face.

“I’m coming”, you yelled out, picking up your leather jacket (because why the hell not) and your purse from the kitchen counter. Sharply opening the entrance door, you realized moments later that you didn’t even take time to prepare yourself for seeing William Russo in a tux.

If you weren’t already half in love with him, the sight before your eyes would have sealed the deal.

God-fucking-damn, like he needed any help being unforgettable.

With a black jacket thrown on a crisp white shirt with a couple of buttons undone and the tie hanging loosely around his neck, Billy was here to make a statement, to leave a mark. His hair was coiffed back in his usual style; honest to God, he looked like he just stepped out of the Man of the Year special GQ edition…

Just when your thoughts were about to switch to the way you must have looked next to him, ridiculous in your simplicity, like you refused to make an effort…

…Your eyes met his.

And the way he looked at you was so intense, his big black eyes with galaxies in them probing into yours, his strong jaw slack. There was beauty and tragedy reflecting in those orbs, but only just for a second - just for a second, he looked at you the way he probably looked at the sky he could never reach. Just for a second, he looked at you the way that made your heart beat twice as fast, like the world could crumble all around him and he still would not have blinked.

Would not have taken his eyes off you.

“Wow, Y/N, you look… You look beautiful”, he finally said. “I just can't spot a part of you that beats the other.”

Something in your chest exploded silently.

“Thank you, Billy,” you smiled at him - a genuine and happy smile, because you felt on top of the world with his adoring eyes on you. “You’re quite a catch yourself”.

Before you could scold yourself for your choice of words, you stepped out of your apartment and locked the door behind you.

“Shall we?” Billy offered his hand to you, without hesitation it seemed.

“We shall”, you replied instantly, slowly sliding your hand into the crook of his elbow.

And, just like always, you were going to enjoy it while it lasted.

—

The crowd in the opera was so posh, the looks all the women had been throwing you first made you question your choice of outfit. It’s after overhearing their conversations that you realized, the reason they stared daggers at you was the man that kept by your side no matter where you went.

Virginia and Anthony welcomed you at the buffet with sun-stained sincere smiles. After a short small talk, Anthony Stark informed you both that he had signed the contract earlier today, thus officially giving Anvil an exclusive security deal with Stark Industries. As of now, Anvil was the only company allowed on the Stark Industries’ premises in the quality of guards and protection officers.

The look Billy and you exchanged spoke volumes; while your eyes were sparkling with excitement though, screaming “we did it!!”, his bottomless black eyes were whispering “thanks to you”.

The four of you then shook hands and went through rounds of gratitude and appreciation; when a pleasant woman’s voice announced the imminent start of Onegin, inviting the guests to go to their seats. Virginia immediately took you hand, leading you straight into the Opera house, saying something about leaving men to finish their drinks. You threw Billy a laughing look over your shoulder, mouthing “come join me” before disappearing out of his sight.

“So on the scale of one to ten, how pissed at me are you, Mr. Russo?”

Billy turned his head sharply to a side, leaning on the high table, and spotted Anthony Stark himself, nursing a glass of whiskey. “For taking your queen away from you? Excuse the chess metaphor, but that woman”, Stark took a sip of his whiskey and savoured it before swallowing it down. “Is a goddamn queen.”

Billy chuckled, straightening up, digging his hands into the pockets of his trousers.

“That, she is,” he whispered, his eyes still piercing the spot in the crowd where your smiling face was mere minutes ago.

—

When the opera ended, both Billy and you couldn’t be more relieved - because both of you hated it with passion.

Exchanging meaningful glances in the dark during the singers’ performances now and then, you had to bite your tongue in order to not just ask Billy if you could maybe sneak out. Russo proved to be more stoic than you, carefully covering your hand with his in what was meant to be a comforting gesture.

You didn’t look at him once after that, afraid to say or do something that would make him remove his hand.

How much more pathetic could you get?

When the performance was over, Billy led you out of the opera house without saying a word, his hand hugging carefully the small of your back.

His silence was unnerving. You didn’t know what to make of it. Should you have shaken his hand off back in the darkness of the concert hall? Or should you have caressed it with your thumb?

Your mind was spinning in circles by the time he opened the door for you and you slid into the front passenger seat of his Rolls goddamn Royce.

When he got in the car and gripped his steering wheel, you reached out and placed your hand on his whitening knuckles.

“Billy,” you spoke softly, barely audibly. “Is everything alright?”

“Yes,” he whispered back, turning his head to a side to face you. His black eyes stared into yours, looking hypnotised and helpless. “Everything is fine.”

It didn’t take a degree in Psychology to see that he was lying. You could feel his gaze on you as you turned away from him, taking your hand away at the same time.

Billy started the car. The revving engine filled the silence, loaded with the unsaid words.

—

“…he then walked me to my door, we exchanged our goodbyes. And that was it,” you finished lightly, looking back at Karen.

Her eyes were red as she stared at you, unblinking.

“Unbelievable…” she whispered. “So you never told him?…” her lips barely moved.

You sighed.

“Have you ever felt like you’re potentially in love with someone? Like, you don’t actually love him, you know you don’t, but one day you realise that you could? You realise just how easy it would be for you to fall in love with him? With all the teasing and the banter, the play hitting each other, calling each other names, just…. You start to pick up on little things - like if you listen closely, in every shut up, there’s a barely-there ring of I could love you.”  You shifted on the floor a little, and Karen watched your memories transport you somewhere else again. While physically your were here, in your apartment - with your fluttering eye-lashes, uneven breathing and loaded expression - mentally, you were somewhere else.

“….You probably don’t notice it at first, but your body is drawn to him. Every accidental or absentminded touch…” you continued quietly. “And there’s that twinkle in his eyes when he looks at you and it messes you up, because - what’s going on with you? What the hell does it even mean? Are you imagining shit? You’re trying to make sense.”  

Karen didn’t interrupt, still staring at you as if she were seeing you for the first time

“I mean, he didn’t ask for any of it, you know?” you finally raised your foggy stare at Karen, as if searching for confirmation. “Maybe he just did something dumb one day, smiled at you or said something that seemed important and then all of the sudden you’re full on Looney Tunes, seeing stuff that isn’t there?”

Your words barely audible, you swallowed hard, before continuing.  “…I just kept looking at him with what ifs, and could haves, seeing all that goddamn potential. It’s so fucking twisted. Over-analyzing everything? Waiting for a sign?…” you chuckled bitterly all of the sudden. “…I was so fucking scared of reading too much into it, of crossing that line, because… It would be so easy!… Falling in love with him would have been so easy.”

Oh sweetheart, Karen’s eyes glowed with comfort as she reached out for your hand and squeezed it softly. But you already are in love with him.   

A loaded silence ripped through the air in your living room. The sound of an engine revving somewhere close squeezed its way through the slit of an opened window, and it seemed to break the trance.

Both Karen and you shuddered, and as you took in the realisation Karen’s eyes just bestowed upon you, you pinched the bridge of your nose.

“It’s pretty late,” Karen spoke up, reading you like an open book. She knew it was her cue to leave the stage. You needed time to process. “Frank is in a bar nearby with Curtis, let me just give him a call, okay, sweetheart?” she gave your hand one last reassuring squeeze. “You know where to find me when you need me”.

“Yes”, you responded, blinking tiredly. “Thank you so much for coming, Karen. I didn’t mean to unload on you like that…”

“Shut the hell up,” the blonde advised, raising her eyebrows. “But honestly, Y/N, please call me once you… come to terms with things, okay?”

You nodded.

When Karen left, leaving the sweet and pleasant smell of her perfume behind, you closed the door behind her and turned around, leaning on the cold wood and metal with your eyes closed.

It’s been a month. This was supposed to pass by now. Billy was supposed to stop inviting himself into your dreams. You were supposed to heal.

You may have just realized you were in love with the man instead.

Letting out half a moan, half a groan, you peeled yourself from the door slowly, and brushed your hair back, wanting nothing more than to fall face-first into bed.

After you at least cleaned up a bit and put out the Dyptique candles, that is.

As your eyes scanned your living room in an attempt to asses the size of the job at hand, you stopped mid-way, zeroing in on the box Jax gave you earlier in the evening. It rested silently on the kitchen table.

Tucking a strand of hair behind your ear, you made your way to the kitchen area. Grabbing the package, you turned it around, looking for any indication of the sender.

The package wasn’t even stamped.

Curiosity getting the best of you, you took a moment to grab a knife from one of the drawers, and carefully swished it between the two cardboard sheets.

Flipping over the envelop, you heard something fall out of it before you could actually see it. A small sheet of paper floated in the air before falling on the surface, partially covering whatever fell out of the package.

Your heart squeezed the second your brain identified the object, attached to a worn silver chain.

With trembling fingers, you slid two metal pieces from under the paper, covering your mouth.

Finding their home in the palm of your hand, Billy’s dog tags shimmered in the dim candlelight.

Squeezing them in between your fingers, you grabbed the paper with your free hand, your eyes staring at one single sentence scribbled on its surface.

“You took my heart with you”.

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