#I don’t even know what kind of fresh hell these thoughts came from

[cherryobx]

pheromone perfume

pairing: jj maybank x reader

request: Could you write about that one perfume that’s making all men go crazy over their girls, like all clingy but with jj? Thank you (if not that’s fine sorry) 💕

a/n: thank you for the request @m3ntally-unstable! so sorry it took me so long to write! hope you enjoy it! and if any of yall find any typos or smth then let me know im too lazy to proofread lol

summary: you accidentally buy a pheromone perfume and JJ can't keep his hands off of you

warnings: none i think

wc: 0.9k

It was a total accident. You didn’t realise at the time of purchasing that you had bought a pheromone perfume. It smelled good and that’s why you bought it, not paying much attention to the label on the bottle. It was not very strong but it smelled sweet and fresh.  Only when JJ started acting weirder than normal did you start to suspect that your new perfume might be the cause.

When it first happened you were in the kitchen making yourself a sandwich and JJ came to the kitchen to get a glass of water. He grabbed a glass from the cupboard and filled his glass to the brim with cold water, chugging it afterwards.

“Can you make me one too? Pretty please.” he asks, looking over to where you’re assembling your mid-day snack with his puppy-dog eyes.

“Sure.” You happily oblige. You’re making yourself one anyway, might as well make two. It’s not a problem.

“Thank you.” He kisses you on the cheek and intends to turn to leave and go back to the living room but something stops him in his tracks. You smell different. 

He doesn’t understand it at first. You always smell good, good enough to bite. But this is different. He leans in closer, his nose almost touching your neck, and takes a deep whiff.

“What the hell are you doing?” 

JJ almost doesn’t register what you had just asked him. His mind is in a whirlwind and his mind is foggy, the only thought in his head is that he needs to be closer to you. He needs to touch you.

“You smell so good.” He stands behind you and wraps his arms around your waist, face pressed to the crook of your neck.

“JJ.”

“Hmm?” He presses small kisses to your neck, behind your ear, on your jaw. He’s so enamoured he can’t get enough of this new scent of yours. It smells like you always do, except somehow stronger and even better. It has enhanced your smell and it’s addicting.

“Are you okay?” The sandwich-making is on pause for the moment and you put down the knife in your hand.

“Mhm.” His mind barely forms any other thoughts than you.

You turn around in his arms and he lifts his head from your neck and meets your eye. He doesn’t waste a second to kiss you. You melt into his touch and let yourself enjoy the moment for a second.

His big hands snake behind your thighs and he lifts you on the kitchen counter, stepping between your parted legs. He breaks your kiss just to move back down to your neck and press even more kisses there, not so secretly smelling you again.

“JJ,” you pant.

He just grunts in response.

“If you want a sandwich you’re gonna have to take your hands off of me for a sec.”

“Fuck the sandwich.”

For the rest of the day he’s unable to keep his hands to himself. He’s constantly touching you, following you around like a dog. He’s being clingier than normal but you don’t give it that much thought at the moment. Maybe he’s just really into your new perfume. 

Later you start to think that it’s kind of weird that the day you buy a new perfume he can’t stop touching you. You then intentionally don’t wear the perfume for the next couple of days, instead spraying on your old ones that you’re still so fond of. And even though JJ likes those too, has expressed it many times in the past, he’s not as clingy anymore. Of course, he’s touchy and affectionate like he usually is  but not to that extreme degree.

So you put the new perfume on a few days later to test your working theory and JJ’s drawn to you like a moth to a flame. It’s like he smelled it from miles away because as soon as he’s at your place he’s almost climbing you like a tree. You called him over for a movie night and you’re on the couch together. Usually you lean against JJ or he has his arm wrapped around you or you’re laying on his chest. But this time JJ is literally smothering you. He’s laying on top of you and his head is resting on your collarbone. Occasionally he presses a light kiss there or on your neck. 

“JJ, I need to go pee.” He groans at that. “Can’t you just hold it?” he mutters into your skin.

“That’s not how it works, JJ. Please let me get up.” 

He reluctantly rolls off of you, a mopey look on his face. “Can I come with you?”

You’re confused. “Come with me? To pee? Why?”

He shrugs. “Just because.”

“It’ll take two seconds. I’ll be back before you know it.” JJ throws his head back and lets out another groan. 

You go to the bathroom, do your business, and just before your hand grabs the door knob you eye the perfume from the corner of your eye, sitting on the bathroom shelf. It makes you wonder. Maybe it really is the perfume. You pick it up and for the first time actually read the label on it. “Pheromone perfume,” you mutter to yourself and then scoff. It’s almost funny.

You return to the living room where JJ has been impatiently waiting for the last few minutes. “Took you long enough. Back to your spot, princess.”

You lay back down and he lies on you once again, but not before pressing a small peck to your lips.

Safe to say you’ll be using your new perfume more often.

[18250mm]

She Kicks Ass | N. Romanoff

Gif not mine, credit to creator

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x GN!Super-Soldier!Reader

Word Count: 1,122

Warnings: None

Summary: You save Clint’s ass when Natasha gets angry at him, but not before reminding everyone just how good she is at kicking ass.

---

“Who the hell ate my sandwich?!” Natasha’s voice echoed through the Avengers Compound. She’d just come back from a tough morning at the gym and she was, without a doubt, ready for lunch.

When the redhead opened the refrigerator to grab the food you had so graciously prepared for her before heading off to fulfil your own duties at S.H.I.E.L.D., it was gone.

Pissed wasn’t even enough to describe how she felt right now.

“What are you yelling about, baby?” you asked, walking into the kitchen since you were on your lunch break too. “How was your training this morning?”

You and Natasha had been together for about two years now, having started dating a few months after you joined S.H.I.E.L.D. as an agent. You had defected from HYDRA — although… to be fair, you never really agreed with their ideologies in the first place — after being born to parents in the organisation. With your expertise and skill sets matching that of a high-ranking agent, you worked closely with Maria and Natasha as the second Deputy Director.

You weren’t small either, making you useful for certain field missions. Since HYDRA loved to experiment on their troops, it came as no surprise when you were eventually chosen to test their latest version of the super-soldier serum. It wasn’t an exact replica of the one Steve Rogers had coursing through his veins, but hey — at least it didn’t kill you.

“It was good up till the point I found out that someone ate the sandwich you made for me,” Natasha replied with a pout before resuming her stoic expression. “And when I find out who it is–”

She didn’t even finish her sentence before storming off (not without giving you a quick peck on the lips, of course) — but you knew exactly what she was going to say. You weren’t the most religious, yet you found yourself saying a silent prayer for the culprit.

You chuckled, turning around to grab the same ingredients you had used to make the first sandwich. Whatever happened to the last one, you didn’t know; but you weren’t going to let that spoil your girlfriend’s mood for the rest of the day.

…

A good 10 minutes had passed since you last saw Natasha. You’d finished preparing and bagging the second sandwich, and was awaiting the redhead’s return before lunch was over.

You had also brewed a fresh pot of coffee, mostly for the two of you to enjoy, but in good nature, the rest of the team too.

“Y/N! Y/N, help me!” came an exasperated whisper from across the room.

Turning around in confusion, your furrowed brows quickly softened when you saw Clint running into the kitchen with… a sandwich in his mouth.

Natasha’s sandwich.

He had taken it. And your girlfriend was hot on his tail.

“You really should know better than to take Nat’s food, Hawkeye,” you told him, but stepped aside anyway for him to climb into the vent above you. “She isn’t the kind of target you’d wanna mess with. You know that.”

The blond rolled his eyes and nodded, mumbling quick apologies you couldn’t even make out. “Mmank hyou!” he said — and that was the last you saw of him as he disappeared somewhere into the inner spaces of the Avengers Compound.

“I don’t care if you’re my best friend, I wouldn’t even let my sister eat that sandwich! Y/N made it for me!” you heard your lover’s voice as she made her way towards you — she had definitely seen Clint turn the corner here — with Wanda, Yelena and Kate behind her.

By now, a small crowd had formed — with all the shouting and vent-climbing, how could it not? — around you two.

Natasha came to a halt and looked around. “Detka, where’s Clint?”

You shrugged, feigning innocence. “I haven’t seen him, I thought he was with Kate,” you met the tall brunette’s eyes, subtly motioning for her to go along with it.

At first, Kate didn’t catch on, shaking her head before glancing up and spotting her mentor directly above her as he watched the scene unfold while chewing on the sandwich. Her eyes widened and she went into a coughing fit — causing all eyes to turn to her for a brief moment.

“I’m fine, thank you,” the young archer assured everyone. “Uh, yeah. Clint was just with me, ‘Tasha. I think he went to the armoury to grab more trick arrows…”

“I could’ve sworn I saw him come in here with my food,” Natasha mumbled, sighing. You immediately wrapped your arms around her comfortingly. “I really wanted that sandwich.”

“It’s alright, sweetheart,” you cooed, stepping aside to reveal her newly-replaced lunch and a cup of coffee. “I made you another one. Now, how ‘bout you eat before our break’s over?”

The way Natasha’s eyes lit up was the reason you wanted to do everything in life that would make her smile like that.

“Thank you,” she whispered, kissing you on the cheek as you tightened your grip on her.

“I’m just glad she won’t kick Barton’s ass today,” Tony laughed. “Though I’m sure with Rogers and Barnes around, that won’t be too easy for her.”

You merely scoffed at the billionaire’s statement. “My girlfriend can totally kick their asses! She can kick anyone’s ass. Hell, she can even kick my ass. And she has, many times. It was hot.”

Natasha watched you lovingly and casually sipped on her coffee as you rambled on. The other Avengers laughed, some shaking their heads while others looked away nervously because they saw no lie in what you said.

“Thank you for coming to my sister’s rescue,” said Yelena. “But I feel the need to clarify that I am still better than her.”

“Yeah, okay. We’ll see about that,” your beloved redhead replied sarcastically, finishing the rest of her food and putting the dishes in the sink. “Come, sestra. Let’s put that to the test.”

As the two made their way to the gym — with Wanda shaking her head and mumbling something along the lines of ‘here we go again’ — and the rest dispersed to either have their lunch or resume whatever task they had been doing, you sat alone by the island and took a bite of your own sandwich.

You smiled to yourself, thinking about how good you had it despite having to risk your life every day. You were absolutely in love with Natasha Romanoff, not to mention the amazing family you’d made with the Avengers.

Your thoughts were briefly interrupted when a blur of purple darted past you, but not before giving you a kiss on the head.

“Thanks for saving me back there, Y/N/N!” Clint waved, making his way to the armoury to actually get some of those trick arrows so Natasha wouldn’t be suspicious.

[spectres-n-soap]

All The Things I've Said - Ghost x Reader x Soap

Content Warnings - Pregnancy, pregnancy complications, c-section mentioned, therapy, fem afab reader

Series Masterlist

Main Masterlist

A/N - one of seven done.

You tap your foot against the linoleum of the hospital floor as you pick at the skin beside your fingernails. You ignore the weight of Simon’s stare as he watches you fidget. From the moment you had gotten the appointment reminder late yesterday you had been anxious.

He had been able to keep you sitting for long because suddenly you wanted to clean the entire nursery and bathroom again. He had only conceded when you promised not to use any chemicals. The waiting room chair was beyond uncomfortable although everything was uncomfortable this late into the pregnancy. 

It was like the first trimester had come back to haunt you. Nausea, hot flashes and being overly emotional at everything. You had nearly broken down into tears when one of those dog adoption commercials came on this morning. You were in the last stretch of your pregnancy or that's what you told yourself to keep going. Therapy at least has been helping untangle some of the emotions you’ve been tangled in since… since Johnny passed.

The thought was still sour in your mind, it still twists the knife in your heart whenever you think about it but it’s lessened just a little. A nurse pops out from the door and calls your name, Simon helps you get up from the chair. A new development, someone having to help you stand after you’ve sunk into a chair or the couch. You follow the nurse and pass posters on the wall filled with facts and warnings about babies and pregnancy. As well as ones about adoption.

You looked at the pamphlet the on base doctor had given you. A mother is holding a baby as it sleeps against her chest. In big letters the word ‘Adoption’ is pasted onto the cover. “Just for your consideration.” The doctor said when she handed it to you. You rested a hand on your stomach, not even big enough to be noticable and the baby wasn’t big enough to kick yet. But the thought that they were in there, Johnny’s last gift to you, was enough for you to seek it out constantly. You opened the pamphlet and flipped through the pages but the longer you looked through it, the worse that feeling in your gut got.

The ultrasound technician rolls in the machine and rubs the gel over your stomach, even now you aren’t used to the coldness of it. She’s able to find the baby easily and looks for things you don’t know to look for. The only thing you notice is that they’re still sideways and rather big. That explains the rib pain at least. The doctor walks in only a few moments later and looks at the ultrasound with the technician and nods when she points something out. “Well, your baby is still very healthy.” The doctor smiles and some worry lessens. “But they are very big.”

“I noticed.” You say as you look behind them at the big baby in your body. They’re moving slightly and you can feel the echoes of it in you. It seems like they’re dreaming.

“Is that concerning?” Simon asks which brings you back to focus on the doctor.

“Not necessarily but with their position,” Doctor takes a pause and waits for you to reach your own conclusion, when you don’t answer he continues, “I’m recommending you to seek out a c-section for delivery.” 

You bite the inside of your cheek. It's not like you had some kind of complex about natural or c-section births but you’ve heard the recovery process is hell. Cut open and expected to be walking the next day, not even soldiers are expected to walk the next day when they get shot in the leg. “I’ll consider it.”

You sit on the couch in the therapists office. It smells different today, usually he stuck to a soft laundry smell. Nothing abrasive or really notable, just fresh laundry. Today it was vanilla, almost too much. Like you had stuck a vanilla bean up your nose or the extract had gone up your nose. On the verge of too much. “How was the doctor appointment yesterday?” Dr. Miller asks.

You blink and furrow your brows at the question. “It was fine.”

“Anything new?” You purse your lips, thin them into a straight line. You know therapists are meant to do this, reword a question until they find the right combination of words that would get you to spill whatever happened. Still, that doesn't mean you like it.

“The doctor said the baby was big.” You say and rub some of the fabric of your shirt between your thumb and index finger. “He said that I should consider a c-section since the baby isn’t in the proper position and they’re so big.” You add on, knowing he would only press for the reason. Although gently.

“And are you considering it?” He asks, his eyes flicker to your fidgetting and you stop, now that you’ve been caught.

“I don’t really have a choice but to consider it.”

Dr. Miller hums, “And how does that make you feel?”

Out of control. Like your choices are being stripped away faster than you can handle. You can’t choose who you want to support you, you can’t choose your birth method, you can’t choose to go back to field duty after the baby is born, you can’t you can’t you can’t- “Upset.”

“Have you updated Mrs. MacTavish on this?” Dr. Miller asks and you shake your head. Of course you haven’t. You haven’t sent her text or anything to update the grandmother of your baby about anything. “I think you should consider it.”

You stand outside of the therapist office and stare at your phone with her contact pulled up. Your thumb overs it for a moment and you bite the inside of your cheek before forcing your thumb to press the call button. You press the phone to your ear as it rings and feel your heart try to claw up your throat when she answers.

“Mrs. MacTavish?” You whisper, anxiety doing barrel rolls in your stomach.

“Oh!” She says your name, so fondly it nearly breaks you right then. “I’m glad you’re calling.”

“Um, I have an update on the baby.” You tell her about the size of the baby to which she comments about Johnny being a wee big and being a difficult birth. You say that the baby still hasn’t moved into a proper position yet and that because of those two factors, “I’m probably gonna need a c-section.”

“Oh lassie.” She says, her voice filled with sympathy, “Winnie had tae have a c-section fer all three boys of hers. I’ll give ye her number, she can probably give ye advice fer when it happens.” There’s a pause before she asks, “Do ye wannae meet fer some tea?” 

You bite your lip before nodding and saying, “That’d be lovely Mrs. MacTavish.”

[givethemsmut]

Dom Mysterio x Reader

Chapter Twenty-Six | Where It All Started…

I watched Dom make out with Liv until I felt my stomach fall down to my knees.

Finding security near by he saw the bracelet on my wrist and immediately came over. Whispering to him I asked for a quick exit when he jumped the barricade and ushered me safely backstage.

Once I was backstage everything became a blur until the fresh air hit my face. I could hear the crowd going wild and I knew his segment probably came to a finish.

That’s when the blur was fueled by my racing heart. I felt the panic and ache swell in my chest enough to force me to walk quicker to the bus. I was embarrassed, tricked into being front row for it, and tired of using other people to avoid being together. If we couldn’t do it in our personal life then I didn’t want to do it professionally either.

But Dom didn’t understand separation of work and me.

On the bus I packed everything up of my own, leaving zero trace I was there at all when I struggled to carry my oversized duffle bag and rolling suitcase. The fans waiting for someone to walk by witness me struggling and I felt pressured to be transparent about what I saw when all I wanted to do was hide.

“Sweetheart, let me help you.” Randy’s tall form jogged over and took over my bags for me before automatically hauling them in a random trunk.

“That’s not Dom’s rental,” I retorted.

“It’s mine. I’ll drive you to the airport. I’m leaving too anyways.” He watched me look more lost than ever. Suddenly all the other ways I felt silenced and all I felt was pain.

“Um… I should probably tell Dom. Maybe his dad? I’m not really sure yet.” I stammered and stuttered around each word.

Guiding me to the car I let him, “Just get in the car. Now isn’t the time.”

“He saw me there and he didn’t even come for me. Was him cheating the first time?” I felt stupid asking his enemy and expecting a true answer.

Pulling the door open I slipped inside only for Randy to round the car and get behind the wheel. “It doesn’t matter right now… Dominik only sees it from his point of view - work. He doesn’t understand how fragile you are.”

“Fragile?”

His hand squeezed mine, “How long have you been popping pills?”

I could feel my chest seize up altogether. I wanted to deny it, hell, I wanted to outright lie if it meant not admitting it. Swallowing down the lump of pride in my throat first, “Since I lost the baby.”

“Jesus. I didn’t know. Last thing you need is this bullshit.” Randy’s hand slipped from my hand to my leg before he pulled out. I fixed my eyes on the venue exit but Dom never rushed out to find me. There was no fairytale ending.

It was me knowing all along that you don’t find forever at fourteen.

At the airport Randy traded his ticket for a one trip to California instead of his home. He was determined to make sure I got home okay and I was arguing, not when I wanted to check out.

“No strings or expectations. Just trying to be a good guy,” his hand guided me to our seats and I let him. I tried to keep my eyes open but my body gave up when I leaned into him and let myself fall asleep.

Randy woke me up when we landed, got our bags, and even hailed a car when I realized he didn’t know where I lived. Leaning forward I gave up my address before sitting back into my seat. Letting myself lean against Randy’s toned body I felt the tears ruin my face when I saw I had one missed call.

Dom called me exactly once.

Maybe we didn’t belong together and we simply kept letting fate fuck with us because the sex was good. My head filled with negative thoughts until the car dropped us off in the driveway.

Randy spawned next to me and all of me tensed, “What are you doing?”

“Making sure you’re okay… kind of traded my ticket for this one. Let me hang out til I get a new one.” His charm was dangerous the same way Dom was.

Walking towards the door I breezed inside, dropping my bags, and b-lining it straight to some whiskey. Yanking the top off I helped myself to drinking from the bottle when Randy rushed to stop me. “My house. My rules. I don’t plan on being sober so if you’re staying you’ll be good with that.”

With his hands up he responded, “Okay. Got it.”

I gripped the bottle and my phone making it my mission to rot away in bed. I wanted to disappear, fade out, be too drunk or high to care that Dom wasn’t who I thought.

At the top of the stairs I stopped, “How many girls have there been?”

Randy’s hands on his hips I watched him exhale and avoid answering when I repeated the question with no patience. “A few that I know of. Liv’s been sharing a hotel room with Dom for weeks now. I don’t think it ends on screen…”

Pivoting on my heel I went to my room and slammed the door behind me. Skimming down the other side of the door I let myself sob and reach for my phone.

Me: How could you? We used people to make each other jealous. It was never us picking other people or cheating.

Dom: I want to explain. You weren’t supposed to be ring side.

Me: Why? Because if I saw you kiss her I’d know that means something? I’ve watched you kiss Marie for half our teenage years, I know the difference when you mean it and don’t. You used your fucking tongue, Dom.

Dom: I didn’t cheat. I told her nothing could happen until I talked to you. I never meant for this to happen… shit.

Me: What did you want to happen, Dom? You wanted to fuck her instead of faking it for TV?

Dom didn’t respond to my question but instead told me he would be home to talk tomorrow. No amount of talking would help.

I dragged myself to bed, sobbing and drinking until my eyes felt too dry to cry another stream. Laying there with the TV doing a bad job of drowning me out I heard Randy knock on the door. “I’m gonna come in and check on you. I ordered food, peace offering.”

Slowly opening the door I sat up watching him proceed with caution with every step inside my bedroom. “Why did you get divorce?”

His eyebrows went up in shock, “I had a pill problem and a keeping it in my pants problem.”

“You cheated? Like Dom?”

“Worse, sweetheart. I fucked everything that moved and pretended my wife couldn’t tell.”

On my knees I emerged from the covers, softly touching my own boobs and watching Randy for a reaction. “What if I want you to fuck me?”

“You’re incredibly beautiful… but I know this is just the pain and boozes talking. You and Dom can get through this.” Randy stood there on the side of my bed, watching me, unmoving.

My hand dipped between my own legs and I let out a small whimper. “I don’t want to get through it, I want revenge. Don’t make me touch myself…”

“You’ve know each other since what age? Fourteen? Revenge doesn’t exist anymore, babe. Even if it did, neither of you are willing to give up on each other.” I hated him for being right. I hated him for figuring out our games the way we should have. “I can touch you. Hell, I’ll have you screaming my name, but there’s no point when you’ll always choose him.”

“Then what do I do? Forgive him? Forget? This is just the life I picked when I picked him?” The sobs shook me uncontrollably.

“Talk to him, figure out why it happened and try to fix that.” Randy reached out and held me while I cried to the point where he got into my bed with me just to hold me.

“Why did you cheat?” I almost whispered like he couldn’t possible have the answers to my problems.

“I was on the road most of the year… I was frustrated with that, I should have went home more, I shouldn’t have called. I let things go too far then threw my hands up and let it since I was in trouble anyways.”

Cuddling into his side I felt his arm push my into him more. “He came home a lot. We were having sex. I wasn’t a prude. We had sex before his match.”

Rubbing my back we both knew no one had the answers. Dom wanted me to be his but he didn’t want to just be mine.

My phone buzzed on the sheets and a photo of us filled the screen. Sliding my finger against the answer button I felt the alcohol settle inside of me as I silently waited for my heart to kickstart.

“I’m getting in the cab now. You’re home, right?”

I couldn’t speak let alone think straight. Slurring my words I shouted, “Don’t bother! You killed us. There’s no more us.”

[damiansgoodgirll]

Could you do more with platonic judgement day? Where reader has problems at a nightclub?

the judgment day x reader (platonic)

let’s pretend they won at wargames okay? :)))

‼️mention of harassment, non consensual touching and panic attack, read at your discretion

in the club

it was currently midnight when rhea decided you all needed to go out and celebrate the boys victory at wargames. she opted for a nice and calm bar, knowing how being in clubs made you uncomfortable but jd and dom were in the mood to celebrate so they took the lead and dragged you all in some kind of cheap club in downtown chicago.

the music was so loud that you could barely hear what damian was talking about. you were clearly uncomfortable and finn noticed that too but it has been an amazing night for you and the team and you didn’t want to ruin everything because of your paranoia.

so you offered the first round of drinks, to lighten up the mood a little.

dom and jd offered the second and the third round, and after three drinks you were a little tipsy that you started talking shit with damian and the girls sat next to your table.

rhea saw that in the end you were a little calmer so she joined dom and damian on the dance floor, dancing to music that neither rhea or dam would have listened if they were sober enough. you laughed watching them, seeing how goofy they were.

you decided to go on the rooftop of the club for a little fresh air, telling finn that you would be back in a couple of minutes.

he knew you weren’t a fan of nightclubs too so he insisted to go with you but you saw how flirty he was being with the girls sat beside you and you didn’t want to ruin his night for your little problem.

so you ended up on the rooftop all alone - well, not exactly alone, as it was full of people but you were enjoying the fresh air and the lights of downtown chicago. you were minding your own business when suddenly a man came behind you, touching your shoulders.

“nice, isn’t it?” he asked, referring to the view. he was probably in his fifty so you had no idea why he was flirting with a teenage girl.

“sure…” you whispered, moving his hand away from your shoulders.

“don’t be like that…” he moved you closer to his body “we just started having fun” he whispered into your ear. his breath smelled like a mix of cigarettes and cheap beer and it was making you nauseous.

you were a wrestler so why couldn’t you move?

you faced bigger people than he was but something was making you paralysed. it was the idea of not knowing what was coming next, the fact that you had no idea what this man wanted from you and the fact that your body was betraying you. your mind screamed “move, don’t touch me or i’ll make you regret it” but your body couldn’t move.

tears started forming in your eyes.

where was rhea when you needed her? where was damian or finn, or dominik too, hell, even jd, you needed someone you could trust but no one was near you to help you out of that situation.

“i should go and find my friends…” you said trying to move out of his arms. too many people were filling the rooftops and you knew they were too high or too drunk to help you out.

“i could show you a real nice place if you come with me” he whispered in your ear making you nauseous once again.

“no, just let me go…”

“don’t be a bitch and show me some respect” he squeezed your shoulders a little harder while his other hand went to cup your ass “the things i would do to you…” he said before squeezing your ass.

you didn’t care if you were crying now, you just wanted to disappear.

thankfully, damian decided to go check up on you when finn told him you were alone on the rooftop. he thought he would see you sitting on a bench or talking with some people, he didn’t expect to see you trying to get free from a stranger’s hands.

“let me go please…” you whispered to him, hoping that he would let you go but his hands moved from your ass to your breast.

“why don’t you come home with me? i could rip this dress off and do whatever i want and if you told it, nobody would believe you…” he threatened making you shake.

you were about to scream, not caring if you gave a scene to the crowd, when suddenly you felt the man being dragged away from you.

you heard a familiar voice in background but you were too focused on your breathing that you didn’t even know what was happening.

your head was spinning and your hands were shaking.

suddenly you felt a pair of hands circling your waist, you were about to scream when damian spoke softly into your ear.

“it’s me hermosa…it’s me, it’s all over, you’re okay” he whispered and when you heard his voice you immediately relaxed into his touch, hugging him back “let’s get you out of here…” he said and you nodded.

he took you downstairs, he helped you sitting back at the table and he gave you a glass of water to drink. rhea was talking to dominik when she saw your state.

“what the fuck happened?” she whispered asking to dominik, who had no clue of what was going on too.

they both approached your table and rhea’s heart broke when she saw you shaking, covered in damian’s leather jacket, your make up all ruined and your eyes still teary.

“gorgeous what happened?” she gently asked you.

“a fucking old man touched her” damian came behind rhea, sitting next to you and holding you in his arms.

rhea was fuming over priest words.

“are you okay?” dominik asked you and you slowly turned your head into a no. you weren’t okay, you were far from okay. you just been harassed by some crazy man and you didn’t even want to think about what could go wrong if damian wasn’t there.

“she’s a little shocked…” damian whispered when he saw finn and jd approaching you too. damian explained what happened to the rest of the team and finn was beyond pissed.

“you’re okay…” rhea whispered hugging you, letting you cry into her arms.

“i should have fought back…” you started blaming yourself but finn stopped you.

“it wasn’t your fault…it wasn’t your fault, listen to me, it was never your fault” finn told you.

“but…”

“no buts hermosa, finn is right” damian said sitting next to you and holding your hands “i’m so glad nothing worse happened…”

“thank you for being there damian…” you thanked him “can we please go back to the hotel?”

“absolutely…but you’re staying in my room tonight, i don’t want you to be alone gorgeous” rhea said and you nodded.

you were grateful to have found a team were you felt safe and protected.

[changbinsboiledegg]

can I request best friend! skz reactions to finding out the readers bf is cheating on her? c:

Hi hi thank you for being my first request! I changed the bf to gender neutral btw. :)

Warnings: Cheating mentions.

note: Just realized these progressively get longer as they go down. I promise I didn't intend that lmaoooooo

♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎

Chan

He would tell you right away because 1) you don’t deserve to be cheated on. and 2) … why wouldn’t he tell you immediately?

“I need to talk to you.” Chan would say, knowing the information he knew would hurt you.

“What is it? I’m going on a date soon.”

Chan started to feel guilty, seeing how excited you were. But he knew you needed to know before you fell any more deeper for this person.

He’s your best friend, you bet he would be your rock throughout the breakup and the moving on process.

Lee Know

He never liked your S/O. Minho knew from the start they were trash.

Found out you were being cheated on the same time you did and wasn’t surprised, but still very pissed that this person hurt his best friend.

“I knew you were doing charity work with this person.”

“Minho, please.”

“You know I’m right.”

Nonetheless, he would cheer you up and find other means of distracting you from the hurt you felt.

Changbin

Changbin found out accidentally. He was on Instagram and accidentally clicked on a story post of one of the accounts your S/O followed.

At first, he was about to click out but noticed your S/O kissing someone else in the background.

After a few clicks and borderline stalking, Changbin found out the truth.

You were the ‘side piece.’

Changbin immediately sent you the evidence AND messaged the other person your S/O was seeing.

Let’s just say your ex now has a bad reputation now <3

Hyunjin

He was surprised when he found out because you were so happy and your S/O seemed to have treated you so well. At least in front of Hyunjin.

You were the one that came to him, sobbing your eyes out. Hyunjin offered kind words, advice, reassurance— Anything he could that would help you mend your broken heart.

“Let’s focus on yourself. Let’s not talk about relationships right now. Not until you are ready.”

Of course, fresh out of a breakup with trust issues, you have a hard time being positive. Hyunjin knows this.

He was very patient with you for as long as it took for you to feel okay again and even worked with you on how to trust again.

Han

Hands rated E for everyone, predebut Jisung was summoned the moment he saw your now ex with their arm around the waist of another person.

Maybe he didn’t actually fight them, but he sure as hell made sure they knew he saw them and that the other person knew they were in a relationship.

He felt satisfied knowing your ex was now alone as the other person immediately dropped them… Even more surprised to hear the loud smack your S/O received for cheating and being deceitful.

But there was still you, who didn’t know yet. Jisung dreaded having to tell you only because he knew you were in for pain.

Then again, he was pissed off and you’re his best friend so he went to tell you in a rant.

By the time he was done ranting about his best friend— you, dating trash and what they did to you, he immediately apologized and switched to comfort mode as soon as he saw your shocked, heartbroken expression.

Felix

He was disappointed when your ex drunkenly confessed to cheating on you on your birthday, of all days.

Felix remembered how hurt you were that day when your ex canceled plans on you but he didn’t know that was why.

He wasn’t sure why he was disappointed. It wasn’t his relationship nor was it someone he wanted you to be with. But the thought of you finding out that someone did this to you? Disappointed him. You deserved better.

“They are cheating on you.” He said abruptly into a conversation you were having the morning after their cheating confession.

“… What?”

“They told me last night they were seeing someone else and they—”

“Oh God…”

Felix was prepared with tissues and your favorite comfort foods, knowing you would need it.

Seungmin

He found out on Instagram, like Changbin, only it wasn’t accidental. Seungmin had a gut feeling of you S/O’s infidelity.

And boy, was he right.

Now, he didn’t tell you at first. Mainly because he was working behind the scenes to sabotage anything good going on in their life.

Seungmin managed to turn their friends against them, family members, and even got them kicked out of their scholarship program.

Seungmin found you trying to comfort you S/O, unaware of why these things were happening to them Seungmin held his tongue until you left them in the same room together.

“Maybe you shouldn’t cheat on my best friend next time.” He said, smugly.

Of course, he told you everything after you came back and stayed with you for as long as you needed after you broke up with them.

I.N

He found out when he found you crying your eyes out and deleting every picture you had of and with your ex.

Naturally, Jeongin was concerned and confused. But when you managed to tell him in a fit of rage towards your ex, Jeongin left.

…

Then came back with all of your favorites. Favorite snacks, drinks, ice cream, he even bought a few of your favorite movies and took care of the cost of food for the next week so that 1) you wouldn’t have to go out, heartbroken for the world to see. and 2) he wanted to make sure you ate.

“Thank you, Jeongin…”

“No problem. You would do the same.” … “Right?”

“No one’s going to cheat on you.”

“But what if?”

“Then yes. I would do the same. But no one will dare do this to you too.”

Jeongin grinned, thinking you were trying to make him laugh. And you smiled too, because who wouldn’t get a serotonin boost if Jeongin smiled at them?

You were dead serious about what you said, though.

[folkloresthings]

Happy last day of the celebration!! This event has been so amazing and I’m so happy that I got to participate!!

On that note, I am here to ask for another NORTHANGER ABBEY (😅). Could I maybe request Carlos Sainz with the drunken confessions trope? Preferably with Carlos being the one confessing, but you do whatever you think is best!

Thanks in advance, and I hope you’re doing well, lovely!! 🤍🩵🩷

made reader lando’s sister bc why not

SOBER THOUGHTS. ❨ carlos sainz x norris!reader ❩

“you want the same again?”

lando has to shout across to you and luisa to get any kind of answer. the bass of the club’s music is pounding through your whole body, hammering in time with the beat of your heart. you nod, sending him a grateful smile in place of a thank you — the noise would only be lost to him.

luisa slips her hand in yours as her boyfriend heads for the bar, tugging you back over to the corner that the other driver’s inhabit. you just about make out daniel beckoning you over to the couch, all smiles and sunshine. your brother’s new teammate was a breath of fresh air, for both lando and mclaren. it was impossible not to like him.

still, you found yourself missing the days of carlos driving alongside your brother. it meant he was around more, you would see him more often. hell, he spent endless weekends at home with you and lando when he couldn’t make it back to spain. but before this evening, you hadn’t seen him in weeks.

he was sitting across from you and daniel, staring intently as you conversed with the australian man. granted, you weren’t paying much attention to what danny was saying, not when you could feel carlos’ gaze boring into you.

“one vodka coke,” lando sang, passing the glass to daniel to pass to you. you call thanks to your brother, sipping on the little straw that comes with your drink, letting it feed the buzz already rising in your chest.

“you good, mate?” daniel speaks next to you, and you look to him to check if he’s speaking to you. he’s not, looking instead at carlos. the latter blinks, head nodding slowly, glancing at you before he turns to where charles is sat.

when you first met carlos, this was how he was. quiet and reserved, all dark and mysterious. it wasn’t until he came home with lando for the first time that you actually had a conversation, letting him open up to you. when you’d developed this silly little crush on your brothers best friend, you don’t know. but it certainly hadn’t gone away.

“you look nice.” carlos steals daniel’s seat as soon as the aussie goes to the bar, mumbling his compliments near your ear. you turn to him with a smile, hands smoothing over the little black dress that luisa had loaned you for the evening.

“thank you,” you muse, looking down at his sleek black shirt. it hugs his arms in all the right places, the first few buttons undone and giving you a glimpse to the sweat beading on his chest underneath. “you look very handsome.”

carlos feels his mouth run dry. here you are, looking so unbelievably pretty, and staring at him. it was dizzying — you were his best friend’s little sister, for god’s sake. he needed to push these feelings down, six feet under.

“i’m going to get a drink,” he blurts out suddenly. “do you want one?”

you’re not finished the one lando got you yet, but you agree anyway. carlos clambers to his feet and hurried to the bar, away from your temptation quicker than he means to. you watch him go, searching in wonder for what the matter was. when, after thirty minutes, he doesn’t return, you go look for him.

he’s not at the bar, but luisa is and she hasn’t seen the spaniard. he’s not on the dancefloor or back at the tables. in a last resort, you stick your head outside. there’s a few stragglers around, none of which you know, and then there’s carlos. he’s leaning against the wall, eyes closed and breathing deeply.

“carlos?” your sweet voice rings out in his ears and he’s convinced he’s fallen asleep, the vision of you appearing in his dreams. but you touch his arm then, checking if he’s still alive. “you alright?”

“hm?” he murmurs, eyes flickering open to you. “oh. you found me.”

“yeah,” lips pulling into a smirk, you try your best not to seem too amused. he’s evidently drunker than when he left you at the couch, swaying on his feet and struggling to keep his big brown eyes open.

“i had a drink at the bar,” he confesses, words blurring together. “and then i had yours, too. sorry.”

“it’s okay,” you giggle, keeping a hand on his side as he almost veers quickly to the left. “maybe we should get you home, no?”

carlos looks at you, nodding after a minute of registering your words. he keeps looking at you, how nice your hair looks and the way your eyes shine up at him in worry. he could look at your for the rest of his days, if only you’d let him.

it’s on the tip of his tongue, his heart rising to pour out of his throat. but then you’re guiding him to a cab and reaching across him to buckle his seatbelt, and the words crumble up and fall back to his stomach.

you take him back to lando’s place since you have a key, and because you’re not sure what you would do being alone with carlos in his apartment. keeping a close eye on the drunk driver, you let both of you into your brother’s central monaco apartment, slipping off your heels to ease your guidance of carlos to the couch.

“i’ll get you some water.” filling a glass in the kitchen, you bring it back to him as quickly as you can. his hands aren’t fully functional, so you balance the rim of the glass at his lips, letting him take small sips of hydration.

“you’re so nice. so good to me,” carlos slurs, ends of words getting lost in the air between you. it warms your heart, his drunken stupor and compliments, cheeks warming with each one you can actually decipher.

“and so pretty,” he continues, resting back against the cushions with closed eyes. the alcohol clearing inhabiting his filter makes you slow, eventually freezing. “always wanted to tell you how much i like you. but lando, didn’t want to make things weird. but i like you, i really do.”

surely he meant as a friend. right? he always treated you as lando’s sister, never flirting or pushing any lines. was that respect purely because he feared making things awkward? had he liked you all along — all those days you were caught looking at him a little too long, or finding excuses to talk to him and walk by his side.

“might even love you.”

then you really freeze. your fingers grip the glass of water so tightly you’re sure it could break. you stare at him, waiting for his drunken facade to break and the cameras to appear, pointing you out as the joke all along.

“no — not might. i do. i do love you. so much,” carlos whispers, as if it’s the biggest secret in the world. he slips into sleep before you can question his confession or even think about replying. if you did, you doubt he would remember in the morning.

quietly smiling to yourself, you shift his frame to lay flat on the couch, draping a soft blanket over his sleeping body. you take a moment to admire his soft breathing, his plump lips, his long lashes.

suddenly, you can’t wait for morning. for sober confessions and the beginning of all you ever wanted. a drunk man’s words were a sober man’s thoughts, weren’t they?

[livingincolorsagain]

for @fiprobably’s prompt: Non-AU: Sam and Bucky going shopping for groceries. Except Sam is away and on video call with Bucky, who is the one actually doing the shopping. Them arguing back and forth because why can't Bucky just find that specific orange juice brand Sam likes and how can Sam want to get snacks that high in calories they're supposed to be snacks not protein bars and Bucky is so goddamn insistent on the canned peaches and Sam isn't having any of it there is literally fresh peaches over there—

Bucky doesn’t like grocery shopping. He hates it, actually. He would rather do the laundry, or the dishes. He loves doing work in the backyard, or cleaning up the garage. Anything but the groceries.

That’s why it was mostly Sam’s job. Sam doesn’t mind it, Bucky is certain he actually likes it. He writes down a list and plays his shopping playlist—because Sam has a playlist for everything—and he pauses his music to make small talk with everyone and gets a lot of free samples and freshly baked goods for it.

But Sam has been running a fever since he came back from his latest mission a few days ago, and despite the fact that he keeps saying he’s fine and he can do it, he actually can’t stay awake for more than a few hours at a time, and even going to the bathroom is an effort, so leaving the house is out of question.

Bucky can’t really hold off grocery shopping any longer. The fridge is starting to look kind of sad, and the pantry is running low on everything, and if Sam was to actually leave the bed and check the kitchen he would side-eye Bucky to hell, because Bucky, you’re a Wilson now and no Wilson household should look like that.

So, after he gives Sam his pills and checks his temperature one last time, Bucky puts his best pair of sweatpants, Sam’s old sweatshirt and his bravest face on, and makes the short drive to the grocery store.

It’s a random Wednesday morning, so the parking lot isn’t full. Bucky grabs a cart and pulls out the list. He’s barely inside the store when his phone starts vibrating. He pulls it out of his pocket, frowning with worry when he sees it’s Sam video-calling him.

“Everything’s okay?”

Sam’s face is half buried in the pillow, his one visible eye barely open, and when he says, “I’m making sure you’re getting the right stuff,” his voice is croaked and small.

Bucky snorts even as his heart twists fondly.

Sam makes a small noise of protest. “You always get the wrong orange juice.”

“It happened once.”

“And it was awful.”

“They were out of the brand you like, and it was years ago, can you let it go?”

“It’s burned into my brain.”

Bucky lowers the phone as he bites back a smile. “Jesus, fine.”

So, that’s how it goes. Sam supervises as Bucky goes from one aisle to another, arguing about every single item Bucky chooses, because no, Bucky, that’s the worst kind of beans and get the whole wheat spaghetti instead and wait, I can’t see, go back. No, that's too far. Go back a little. A bit down. Y’know what? Just take a picture and send it to me.

Bucky can’t stop smiling.

“Don’t forget the snacks,” Sam says, yawning. Alpine moews in the background. “Bring Alpine some snacks too.”

“She already has a lot of snacks.”

Sam lifts his head a little off the pillow and turns it away from the camera to what Bucky assumes is Alpine napping on Bucky’s side of the bed. “Daddy says no snacks for you, baby.”

Bucky sputters. “I didn’t say— fine!”

Sam smiles, burying his face back into the fluffy pillow. “That’s what I thought.”

Bucky shakes his head, but he can’t stop smiling, because Sam’s eyes are drooping and he’s fighting it. “Go take your nap, I’m almost done anyway.”

Sam stubbornly opens his eyes wider. “No.”

“I only have the snacks and cat litter left, there’s no way I’m gonna mess that up.”

“But—“

“Sam.”

“Fine,” Sam says. “Love you.”

Bucky’s smile grows. “Love you, too.”

“Salt and vinegar chips.”

“I know, Sam.”

“Just making sure.”

“I’m hanging up.”

He hears Sam laughing just as the call cuts off.

check out this post if you wanna send me a prompt!

[fangirl-writes]

Wolfie

Jasper Whitlock/Hale x Fem!Werewolf!Reader

Request:

hiiii! idk if you’re still writing about jasper, but i was wondering if maybe you could do like where jasper is dating a wolf, like from jacobs family, and they are fighting the newborns and jasper nervous for her, and like after the fight the volturi comes and the reader stays with jasper and like clings too him, but she’s still like in wolf form? i don’t know if that makes sense but i’ve been trying to find a story like that but i can’t sadly and i rlly like ur stories so i was hoping you’d write it:) if not it’s totally fine, i totally understand if you cant!

much love xxx<3

Warning(s): Canon-level violence and related mentions of blood, broken bones, etc.

Notes: My first twilight imagine! Yay! This is way too long but I hope you like it. I had to rewatch Eclipse to write this. Honestly, the movies are pretty good all things considered.

Summary: Wolves and Vampires are meant to be mortal enemies. But, occasionally, there are times they work well together. Fighting newborn vampires is one of those times. Of course, you and Jasper never liked the whole rivalry in the first place.

You met Jasper in the woods.

The only place you could go to be what you truly were. Do what you truly loved. And that was running.

Whether it was in wolf-form or not, you would run through the trees and feel the wind whipping at your face. It was freeing, you felt connected to your roots and to the wolf inside you.

You usually ran alone, since no one could ever keep up with you. Not even Jacob. Hell, Jacob’s motorcycle couldn’t keep up with you.

Your dad, Billy, said it was a special spiritual connection you had, being able to run so fast without shifting into wolf form. 

A running partner would be nice though, someone to talk to while running instead of just filtering between your thoughts and Sam’s, and Jared’s, and Paul’s until you got far enough away for radio silence.

You thought about asking Sam a couple of times, but he was such a stick in the mud you knew he’d kill your vibe if he even agreed to go. And Paul and Jared got on your nerves so you didn’t even let your mind go there.

It was kind of lonely sometimes.

But not today.

You weren’t sure if it was werewolf instincts or basic human intuition, but you could tell someone (or something) was following you.

If it was Jacob or any of the other boys, you could recognize their scent a mile away, but there was nothing. You couldn’t smell anything (wasn’t close enough) and there was nothing to see or hear, but it was definitely there. 

The scent of fresh blood nearby made it seem like it was a predator. Perhaps a mountain lion or a real wolf, which didn’t worry you as much as the alternative. If push came to shove, you could take one of those things.

Something flashed through the trees overhead and you gasped, feet digging into the dirt as you skidded to a stop.

Your heart was pounding as you glared at the forest around you. Something was there. You could smell it.

“Where are you?” You said, softly, more to yourself than to the creature stalking you.

You heard leaves rustle and followed the sound, turning in circles and getting increasingly more worried as the thing circled you. “Show yourself, coward!”

God, you wished you could get that telepathic link back and call for help. You supposed you could shift and howl if things got really desperate. But that sounded humiliating, especially if this thing was a vampire.

A large sense of calm suddenly washed over you, the weight of worry lifting from your shoulders and you sighed almost involuntarily.

A man walked out from behind a tree.

“Sorry,” he said. “I had to get close enough to calm you down. Didn’t mean to scare you.”

He was blond and lean and he smelled like rotten candy. His skin was riddled with scars, spaced thickly together on his neck and jaw. Others lined his arms in a faded white that told stories. He had been in more fights than you could imagine, and he'd never lost.

His eyes were strikingly gold, but there was a darkness behind them.

You had the feeling you’d do anything for him. If he asked you to kill yourself you would without hesitation.

And oh- oh no.

Panic began to build again and the handsome stranger strengthened his gaze on you, your emotions shifting back to calm. But there was something else, too.

That desperate, longing feeling…the strong desire had vanished too.

“Wh-what did you do to me?”

The man’s face softened. “I just calmed you down. That’s my ability; I can control emotions.”

“A-ability? What are you-“

You felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over you as the realization set in. It made sense: the speed, the smell, the golden eyes.

Your imprint was a vampire.

“I’m Jasper,” He said. “I know your scared. This is not a normal thing… at all, but Alice- uh, a girl in my family, she can see the future. And she saw us, together.”

It was all too much at once. You felt like you were drowning. You couldn’t get over the simple fact that a vampire was your imprint.

The creature that caused your transformation- your extremely painful and terrifying transformation- was your soulmate. The perfect match for you.

God, your ancestors must be rolling in their graves.

“I-I’m sorry…this is just so strange. I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around it…” you said.

“That’s alright.” He- Jasper replied. “Can I come closer?”

He was stood about ten feet away from you, a respectable distance, which you were thankful for.

You took a moment to consider before replying. He was a vampire, he could kill you without a second thought, but he was also your imprint. He’d come so close to Quilete land just to find you and he’d been nothing but kind since he revealed himself.

“Okay… yeah, yeah, you can come closer.”

He smiled, relieved, and closed the distance between you. 

As he neared, you realized how tall he was. But instead of threatening, it was charming.

And his scars, you realized with horror, were bite marks.

Jasper chuckled. “I didn’t think the wet dog smell would go away, but I was prepared to make sacrifices.”

You smiled, feeling more at ease (whether that was yourself or his powers, you didn’t know, but would come to learn the difference). “And you don’t smell like rotten candy anymore.”

That made him laugh. “I didn’t know we had such an aroma.”

That desire was starting to creep back in. You wanted to know everything about him, wanted to be near him all the time, wanted to smell the sweetness of him. It was a pleasant feeling and wasn’t unwelcome any longer. You guessed that’s why most shifters felt happiest by their imprintee.

He reached up a hand and caressed your cheek.

“Your hands are cold,” you said.

“I’m sorry.” He replied, retracting his hand.

“No, no,” you grabbed it gently and placed it back on your cheek. “I like it.”

If vampires could blush you were sure he would’ve.

You kept one hand over his and used the other to feel up his arm and over his chest, trying to commit every curve to memory.

“And you’re so warm,” he whispered, placing his other hand on your waist and pulling you ever so closer.

“I guess we’re a good match then,” you replied, just as softly. It felt strange to be so intimate with someone you’d just met. But nothing had ever felt so right.

“Can I kiss you?” He asked.

You hummed. “Yes, please,”

His lips were cold, like the rest of his skin, but they were soft and gentle, easing into the kiss. Your stomach fluttered and you shivered as he ran his hands up your arms before curling around your back.

Your fingers knotted in his hair, pulling him closer, wanting more.

That desire inside strengthened, but you supposed that was just the way it felt to kiss your soulmate. And, god, did it feel good. The same hands that could end your life in a single motion were holding you tenderly.

You finally pulled away to catch your breath (Jasper could’ve stayed right there kissing you forever) and pressed your forehead against his.

“By the way,” you said. “My name is Y/N.”

It was the scandal of the century when you left the pack to be with a vampire.

Your dad didn’t like it, but he supported your choice. And, unlike your brother, he still talked to you when you visited. 

Jacob practically disowned you. He hated vampires and it only got worse when Bella Swan fell in love with Edward.

Jacob felt like the Cullens were taking away everyone he loved and they were going to turn them into cold, heartless bloodsuckers.

Which was preposterous at best. All the Cullens were very aware of themselves and what it means to be a vampire. Most of them didn’t have a choice in the matter, being what they are. And despite them not beating, they still had hearts.

Hearts that welcomed you and loved you the moment you stepped through their door.

Well, Rosalie needed some convincing and Edward was less than thrilled, but the others were great!

Of course, it was an adjustment having an alive person in the house and not wanting to rip their throat out. You just made sure to avoid bleeding at any cost, as if that wasn’t something you already did.

Alice immediately accepted you as her sister and you thanked her for leading Jasper to you, which she insisted wasn’t necessary. 

And Bella, the girl you once babysat over summer, was surprised to see you when she visited with Edward the first time.

“Y/N?” She said when you came into the room with Jasper.

The two of you had just been out hunting/running and you smiled wide when you saw her. “Bella!”

You guys hugged.

“Wha- why are you here? Jacob said you weren’t around anymore.”

“Um. I’m not, sort of.” You replied. “Let’s talk in the other room shall we?”

“What’s going on, are you a vampire, too?” Bella asked.

“I can’t believe you know that already, but no, I’m not a vampire. I’m...something else. I can’t tell you what I am, you know too much already. I’m with Jasper though. He’s, uh...he’s like my soulmate.”

“Soulmate?” Bella said. “Vampires have those?”

“I guess?”

Of course, Bella was the start of SO many more problems. James, Victoria, and Laurent, Bella’s papercut, the Cullens leaving town (and leaving you and Bella behind), Bella finding out about the pack, and the Volturi finding out about Bella and you.

But those events had brought an understanding between you and the boys.

Which brings you to where you were now, celebrating Bella’s graduation.

“Quil, Embry, Jake!” You threw yourself into each of their arms, hugging them. “So glad you guys came!”

Jasper was standing nearby, not one to leave your side very long, and Jacob shot him a sour look.

“Hey, Y/N!” Embry replied, ever the optimist. “You need to come visit again soon. Sam sucks as a wrestling referee.”

You laughed. “Give me a call next time and I’ll be there.”

“Will do.”

“Seth misses you, too,” Quil said. “Won’t shut up about how you made life with Leah more bearable.”

“Oh, you guys should leave her alone.” You chastised. “She’s just as sour as Sam, anyway,”

The boys shrugged and grinned. Neither conforming nor denying your words.

You glanced over to the stairway to see Bella and Jasper talking to Alice. Alice looked frightened. And that was never good.

“They’ll be here in four days,” Alice said, once the present Cullens and the four shifters gathered in a side room.

“This could turn into a bloodbath,” Carlisle said.

You exchanged a look with Jasper.

“Who’s behind it?” Edward asked.

“I didn’t see anyone I recognized.” Alice said. “Maybe one.”

“I know his face,” Edward said, reading Alice’s thoughts. “He’s local. Riley Biers...he didn’t start this.”

“Whoever did is staying out of the action.”

“Must be playing with the blind spots in your vision,” Carlisle said.

“Either way,” Jasper spoke up. “The army’s coming and there aren’t enough of us to protect the town.”

“Hold on,” Jacob said. “What damn army?”

“Newborns.” Carlisle explained. “Our kind.”

“What?” Jacob turned on you. “Did you know about this?”

You shrugged and smiled sheepishly. Yeah, you did.

“What are they after?” Embry asked.

“They were passing around Bella’s scent,” Alice said. “A red blouse.”

“They’re after Bella?” Jacob said. “What the hell does this mean?”

“It means an ugly fight,” Carlisle said. “With lives lost.”

Jacob looked to Quil and Embry, a decision being made between them.

“Alright,” He said. “We’re in.”

“No,”

“Bella-”

“You’ll get yourselves killed, no way.”

You sighed, resisting the urge to roll your eyes.

“I wasn’t asking for permission,” Jacob said, lowly.

“Edward,” Bella pleaded, looking towards her boyfriend to back her up.

He gave her no such rewards, looking between the boys and Bella before saying, “It means more protection for you.”

“No, I won’t let you do this, Jake,”

“He can take care of himself, Bella,” You said, glaring at her.

“That’s not what I meant!”

“Then what was it?”

“Look, just because you decided to abandon them-”

“Oh, that’s rich coming from you!”

“Enough!” Carlisle interrupted. “Jacob. Do you think Sam would agree to...an understanding?”

Jacob’s jaw tightened and he got that brooding look in his eye. “As long as we get to kill some vampires.”

Asshole.

“Jasper?”

You looked to your boyfriend who had been sitting quietly next to you for the better part of the conversation.

“They’ll give us the numbers,” he said. “Newborns won’t even know they exist. It’ll give us an edge.”

“We’ll need to coordinate.”

“Carlisle, they’re gonna get hurt.” Bella protested.

You bit down on your tongue and Jasper sent a wave of calm over you.

“We’ll all need some training,” Carlisle replied. “Fighting newborns requires knowledge that Jasper has. You’re welcome to join us.”

Jacob nodded. “Alright. Name the time and place.”

“Jake. You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.”

“Bella, this is what we do.” Jacob replied, icily. “You should be happy. Look at us. Working together.”

He looked over at you. “And you are the one that wanted us to get along, right?”

“Asshole.” You said, a bit of a smile tugging at your lips

“Bitch.” He replied, smirking.

After that you returned to the Cullen house. Not much was said as you and Jasper lounged on the couch, reading. You could tell he was thinking about the approaching fight and his past battles because he never turned a page.

When Edward returned from dropping off Bella, you could tell by the way he stalked into the room that he was looking for an argument.

“Must you always provoke her?” He asked.

You looked up from your book. “What, did the princess complain about me the whole way home?”

The disgusted look on Edward’s face only grew at your reply. “What’s your problem with her? I thought you and her were friends.”

You snapped your book shut. “Look. She may have you and my brother wrapped around her little finger, but not me. Someone has to be the bearer of bad news that the world doesn’t revolve around Bella Swan.”

“She’s in danger, Y/N. The least you could do is try to be civil.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know that she was the only life that mattered here-”

“Stop.” Jasper said, sternly. The snapping of his book closed filling the room and shutting the two of you up. “Edward’s right. If you can’t keep this little rivalry you have-”

“Rivalry?” You were standing now, absolutely aghast at his accusation.

“Y/N-” He began, reaching out for you, eyes trained on you.

“Don’t.” You spat. “Don’t play with my emotions right now. Don’t you dare.”

He had the decency to look guilty about it.

You stormed out of the room, making sure to knock into Edward’s shoulder as you headed for the balcony.

The anger was bubbling up. If you didn’t leave now you’d shift in the house and destroy something or hurt someone. And it helped that you couldn’t stand being in the same room as those two right now.

You climbed onto the railing and dove off, shifting halfway down and landing on all fours. You took off running into the woods, making sure to howl to really twist the knife in Jasper’s gut.

Rivalry? You thought. Rivalry?! Who does he think he is? We don’t have a rivalry. It’s not like were competing for a spot on team Cullen. Bella’s just like that annoying younger sister who gets everything she wants, leaving you to the sidelines. To rot like second best-

You skidded to a stop.

Oh, shit. Am I jealous of her? No. No way. Not jealous, just...

The anger began to dissipate into confusion and hurt.

It made sense all of the sudden. You were jealous of Bella.

You’d tried for years to get the tribe and the Cullens to get along. They made you choose. To pick between family and love. But then Bella came along and was able to live in both worlds. She didn’t have to pick.

It helped that she was pretty ignorant to it all for a while. You knew too much, more than she did. You knew the tribe’s history, to the connection to vampires. You knew all of the Cullen’s darkest secrets and dreaded pasts. You were fully immersed in a way she never could be.

And it wasn’t that you wanted any evil vampires to try to kill you, but it would be nice to not have to face the consequences for the choices Bella makes. For her to undo all the progress you’d made just by existing.

It would be easier if you were a vampire instead of a shifter. You can’t say you hadn’t thought about asking Jasper to...well, he’d never agree to it anyway. And who knows what it would do to you.

You shifted back, realizing where you were. Stopped dead in the same spot you’d met him. In that little clearing between the trees. 

The leaves rustled in the wind and you shivered. Your clothes had ripped off with your transformation, leaving you cold and alone.

But you couldn’t go back. Not yet. You were still mad, even though the anger was gone. His words hurt. You weren’t ready to see him yet.

So, you shifted back into a wolf and curled up against a tree. A nice sleep in the woods might help you clear your head.

You sensed Jasper before you saw him. Your eyes opened as you caught that familiar sweet scent that only he carried. 

You sat up, having turned back into a human sometime through the night, and rubbed your eyes. “I know you’re there. You can come out.”

He slunk out from the trees. He was carrying a fresh pair of clothes for you and had a blanket slung over his shoulder. You could’ve kissed him.

He handed them to you gently, allowing you to reach out and take them from him.

He kept his distance as you dressed, about ten feet away.

Once dressed, you tossed the blanket over your shoulders and smiled tiredly at him. “Now doesn’t this look familiar?”

Jasper chuckled. “Can I come closer?”

You nodded, beckoning him forward. “Come on,”

He sat next to you, wrapping an arm around your shoulders and you rested your head on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry for what I said. That wasn’t what I meant and I should’ve thought about my words before I spoke.”

You shook your head. “No, you were right. I’m carrying this distain for Bella and I need to let it go. It’s not making anyone happy and if her and Edward are going to be together, I’m gonna have to get used to it.”

Jasper hummed, kissing your temple. “She could never replace you, you know?”

“Yeah...thank you.”

“We’re supposed to go meet with the wolves for training in a few hours. Do you want to go back to the house for breakfast beforehand?” He asked.

You furrowed your eyebrows. “But you guys don’t eat?”

“I...may have bought a bunch of your favorite breakfast foods. To make up for my mistake.” He said, a little sheepishly.

You laughed. “Never change, Jasper Whitlock.”

“Is that a yes?”

“That’s a yes.”

You both stood, holding hands.

“Do you think...” You bit your lip. “Can I invite Bella over? I can’t eat all of that breakfast by myself.”

Jasper smiled. “That’s my girl.”

Emmett flew through the air, hitting the ground with a crash that would’ve killed any human. But he got up with a ferocity in his eyes and said, “again.”

Edward pulled up in his silver jeep carrying you and Bella in it and parked half-hazardly in between two trees.

You got out from the backseat and immediately went to Jasper’s side.

“Wouldn’t even let us eat breakfast alone,” You whispered. “I think he thinks I’m gonna eat her or something.”

Jasper bit back a laugh and turned with the rest of the family as the Uley back emerged from the trees. All ferocious and upset looking.

“They don’t trust us enough to be in their human forms,” Edward explained.

“They came, that’s what matters,” Carlisle replied. “Will you translate?”

Edward nodded.

Carlisle and Jasper approached the pack, standing before Sam, Jared, and Paul. You hung back by Bella and Alice. Last thing that bridge needed was a loose board.

“Welcome,” He began. “Jasper has experience with newborns. He’ll teach us how to defeat them.”

“They wanna know how the newborns are different from us.”

“They’re a great deal stronger than us,” Carlisle explained. “Because their own human blood lingers in their tissues. Our kind is never more physically powerful than in our first several months in this life.”

With no further questions from Sam, Carlisle turns the speech over to Jasper, who swaggers to the center of the group’s gaze like he was made for it.

“Carlisle’s right,” He said. “That’s why they are created. A newborn army doesn’t need thousands like a human army. And no human army could stand against them.”

A growl from Sam.

“Now, the two most important things to remember are first, never let them get their arms around you - they will crush you instantly - and second...never go for the obvious kill.”

You smirked.

“They’ll be expecting that. And you. Will lose.”

Jasper turned to his side of the group. “Emmet.”

Now things were going to get interesting.

(Tbh just go watch the scene on YouTube for this, not much changes besides the Alice and Jasper stuff and there’s a bit extra at the end.)

“Don’t hold back.”

“Not in my nature,” Emmet replied, grinning.

You nudged Bella and she looked at you. You lifted your fingers and counted off three, two, one-

Emmett surged forward, plowing into Jasper's middle like a football player. Jasper, expecting this, planted his feet and dug them into the dirt as he was pushed backward.

Emmet threw him over his shoulder, sending Jasper spiraling into the air and landing messily on the forest floor, but never falling. He sprang up and sprinted right back into the fight.

Emmett swung, Jasper ducked and caught his arm, sending him onto the forest floor.

Jasper smirked. “Never lose focus.”

You hoped the pack couldn’t smell the desire radiating off of you.

Edward and Carlisle squared up to demonstrate next, Jasper looking on as a coach.

Carlisle gave a curt nod and the fight began. Carlisle slid, Edward jumped over. Boom, back up and running. They caught each other by the neck, forcing each of them to make steps backward. 

You glanced at Jasper, who was expressionless, silently observing. You heard Sam growl from nearby.

Edward went spiraling as Carlisle threw him over his shoulder. You felt Bella tense next to you.

Carlisle threw a punch, Edward ducked, Carlisle went for another and Edward caught him by the chest, sending him to the ground.

Edward straightened up cockily.

“And one more thing,” Jasper said.

Carlisle grabbed Edward by the leg, reversing their positions.

“Never turn your back on your enemy.”

Sam seemed slightly impressed, if his expression changing from a snarl to indifference was any sign.

Jasper beckoned Rosalie forward with two fingers. She sauntered up like she’d rather be doing anything else, which was probably true.

Punch. Punch. Jasper ducked each time, her jabs missing him. He caught her arm, she spiraled and landed gracefully in a bent position.

Poser, you thought with a grin.

Alice was next. And you never underestimate Alice.

Jasper was on the offense this time and Alice moved out of striking range every time like it was the easiest thing in the world, cartwheeling out of his reach.

Jasper advanced again, throwing punches that didn’t (and wouldn’t) connect. Then, Alice disappeared. Jasper, used to knowing people’s next moves, was confused.

You glanced up, just in time to see Alice drop from the tree behind Jasper and send him to the ground.

"Y/N. You’re up.” Jasper said as Alice walked back towards Bella.

You nodded, quickly taking off into the trees to shift. 

You came back in your wolf form. A brown wolf, similar to Jacob, but a little darker. Jasper almost lost himself admiring you, but it was hard to ignore when a giant wolf was running at you.

He caught your form, his hands almost making it around you before you rolled and pushed him with your back feet. Jasper grunted, falling onto his butt and watching as you summersaulted in the air and landed on all fours above him.

Jasper was slightly turned on, but only smirked at you sexily. You rolled your eyes and got off him, to which he responded by jumping on your back.

You felt his weight and immediately leapt up, sending him back to the ground.

He stood up as you rushed back into the trees to turn back.

“Sometimes you won’t be able to get the newborn off of you so easily,” Jasper said to the pack. “Like we said, they’re strong.”

“But that’s what you guys are there for right?” You said, clutching on to Jasper’s arm. You were dressed down now, in a simple tank top and leggings.

“Correct,” Jasper said softly, tilting his head and smiling.

He hardened as he turned back to the wolves. “We will do our best to keep each of you safe, just as you will do for us. And if in doubt. Go for the head.”

That about wrapped it up for the day, so the wolves left and the Cullens regrouped to go home.

Jasper and Bella were talking so you went to Edward, who was watching the interaction intensely.

“You know, she’s not gonna die if you take your eyes off of her for a second.” You said, nudging him.

He looked at you. “Thank you. For trying.”

You shrugged. “I needed to get my head out of my ass. Now it’s her turn.”

Edward frowned, but didn’t comment further.

You pricked up suddenly, feeling Jasper’s emotions changing from pride to guilt and sadness. You immediately knew what he was talking about, so you walked over, Alice not far away.

“I thought what Maria and I had was love,” He said. “But I was her puppet, she pulled the strings. I didn’t know there was another way...until I found Alice. Well, she seen me coming, of course.”

“Kept me waiting long enough,” Alice joked, walking up to him and leaning on his shoulder.

Jasper chuckled sadly, tears in his eyes. “My apologies, ma’am.”

You smiled softly.

“I don’t know what I’d’ve become without her. She brought me to Y/N. And she, well,” he looked over at you, his golden eyes meeting your (e/c) ones. “She taught me what real love was.”

Bella smiled.

Jasper walked over to you, taking your hand and kissing you as he’d wanted to all morning.

When you pulled away, he was serious. 

“You don’t think less of me for my past, do you? I know I’ve done some pretty awful things, but I don’t think I could-”

“Hey,” You interrupted, touching his face. Your warm hand calming him down. “I could never think less of you. I love you. And the past is in the past. You never have to be that person again. We’re good, okay?”

He smiled. “Yes, ma’am.”

You raised an eyebrow.

“Yes, darlin’“

“That’s better.”

You met Jacob in the clearing where the fight would be. Edward, Bella, Jasper, and you coming from one side and a shirtless Jacob from the other.

You resisted the urge to roll your eyes. “You own a shirt?”

“You’re not fighting?” Jacob asked, ignoring you and directing his words at Edward. “What, you pull a muscle or something?”

“He’s doing it for me, okay?” Bella defended.

“Whatever,” Jacob drawled back.

Now you rolled your eyes. Oh, the never-ending love triangle at it again.

“Just tell me the plan.”

“This field will give us an advantage in battle,” Jasper explained. “We need to lure them here with Bella’s scent. And it needs to end here.”

“Edward and I are going on a campsite,” Bella said. “Even if he carries me, they’ll still pick up on our scent.”

“Your stench, however, is revolting.” Edward snapped.

You frowned but didn’t comment.

“Dude, you really don’t want to start comparing stinks,” Jacob retorted.

“What he means is,” Bella interjected. “That your scent will mask mine if you carry me.”

Jacob gave a curt nod. “Done.”

“This is not a good idea,” Edward said.

“It’ll work,” Jasper replied. “They won’t want to get anywhere near his...odor.”

“Rude,” You said, jokingly.

“Your odor, however, is delightful.” He said to you.

“Aw, thanks.”

“Okay, stop,” Jacob said, pulling a face. “Let’s try it.”

Bella walked over and Jacob picked her up.

“Ode of wolf, coming up,” He said.

Edward grimaced. 

“Run.”

Doing as he was told (for once), Jacob took off into the woods.

After a few minutes, Jasper took off into the woods, too. Tracking for any signs of Bella’s scent.

“Soooo,” You started. Being left alone with Edward was not your version of fun, but your nose wouldn’t be of any service. Different species senses and all that.

“Don’t start,” Edward replied.

“Wasn’t gonna,” You said with a shrug. “But you really should calm down. Your worry is almost as potent as Jake’s odor.”

“Could you step back? Your odor is really starting to bother me, makes my eyes water.”

“Oh, is that how it’s gonna be?” You asked with a challenging grin.

Edward cracked a smile.

“Alright, mind-reader, you don’t wanna smell all the scents I can conjure up.”

“All I picked up was wolf stench,” Jasper said, coming back out of the woods. “No Bella.”

“Good work, Major Whitlock,” You teased, he bumped you with his hip.

Edward still seemed uneasy, despite your lighthearted conversation.

“This will work,” Jasper reassured.

“Great.” Edward replied, shortly.

Great indeed.

When the day finally came, you were nervous.

Not that you doubted the Cullen’s or the pack’s abilities to win the fight. It was just that things always seemed to go wrong even with the best laid plans. You had this terrible pit in your stomach.

You almost forgot about it, waking up in Jasper’s arms was business as usual and he did nothing to make it seem like he was nervous.

“Good morning,” Jasper whispered.

“Morning,” You replied, groggily.

Jasper didn’t sleep, of course, but he didn’t mind holding you while you did. He even closed his eyes, just to relax and focus and think. Sometimes you wondered if that was the closest thing to sleeping he got.

You stretched out of his grip and sat up, remembering what day it was. “When are they coming?”

“Soon.”

“Right. Soon.” You stood up and headed for the bathroom to prepare yourself for the fight. That was when the worry started to creep in.

Jasper noticed, of course he did.

“Hey,” he said when you walked back out of the bathroom. “This’ll work.”

You nodded, taking a deep breath. “I know, I know. I always worry about this stuff.”

“Would you like me to...?”

You shook your head. “No, not yet. I’ve gotta work through this or it might come back with a vengeance later when you’re preoccupied. And we don’t need that.”

He nodded in understanding.

You chuckled as he walked up to you, playing with your fingers. “You can tell we’re opposing monsters, the way we dress.”

Jasper, forever cold, was dressed in dark jeans, a dark t-shirt, and a button up underneath a heavier jacket. You, forever warm, were dressed in a pair of yoga shorts and a loose t-shirt.

He pressed his forehead against yours, eyes closing. You closed your eyes in return, taking the moment to breath him in and accept the moment of peace before the battle.

He kissed you softly.

“Have you got everything?” He asked.

You threw your bag over your shoulder. “Yeah, I think so. Just my spare clothes.”

“Good. It’s time to go.”

When you got to the clearing, you could smell Bella’s blood everywhere. On the trees, in the grass, on the rocks. Oh yeah, this would work.

“The storm really hit here,” You said.

“Well, hopefully we can use that to our advantage,” Jasper replied before turning to you. “Are you ready for this?”

“Well, I don’t take pleasure in killing innocents, but I’ll do it to protect my family.” You replied.

“We appreciate everything you’ve done for us, Y/N,” Carlisle said.

You smiled softly. “Thanks. I have to go.”

“Be safe,” Jasper replied, kissing your forehead. “I’ll see you on the battlefield.”

“Aye, aye, Captain.” You said, mock saluting before running off into the trees to find the pack.

“She’ll be fine, Jasper,” Alice said.

He nodded. “I know she will be.”

When you reached the pack you noticed a significant absence of your brother. “Where’s Jake?”

“On his way.” Sam replied, bluntly.

“Yeah, he wanted to help protect precious Bella overnight,” Embry joked.

You nodded. “Course he did.”

“It’s time,” Sam said.

All of you shifted in unison, hearing the sounds of the newborns ripping through the trees.

The entire newborn army blitzed out of the woods and into the field. There’s a frenzy in their eyes. Their thirst rabid at the scent of Bella’s blood. But it ends there and they are met with the Cullens, ready and willing to defend.

The two sides meet in a flurry of shouts.

Jasper claims the first kill, knocking one of the newborn’s heads clean off his shoulders with a single punch.

The newborns have the numbers, but are inexperienced and sloppy. They swing and miss and the Cullen’s gain the upper hand almost easily, but they can’t account for them all.

That is when the wolves come in.

Sam’s large, black wolf jumps over the threshold first, taking the first wolf kill for himself. He is followed closely by you and the rest of the pack.

It’s unexpected, and the newborns are brought down easily by the shifters.

You’ve blacked out at this point, allowing the wolf to take over your actions so you won’t be burdened with the guilt and memory of killing these people. These kids.

It’s too easy to rip into them. Their skin cracking like glass and ripping like paper.

Jacob rips through the trees and attacks immediately. You wish he could hear your thoughts so you could tell him he was an idiot and to be careful.

In your distracted state, one of the newborns managed to get you to the ground. You flailed and rolled, trying to get him off of you.

Jasper ran through three newborns to get to you, a fury in his eyes. He wouldn’t lose you. Not like this. Not ever.

He rips through the newborn’s head like it’s made of water.

You make eye contact with him, a silent thanks, and the battle continues.

It almost isn’t fair how easily your side takes them down. No training, no preparation. Almost like they were...a distraction.

You looked around, trying to spot Victoria’s red hair in the crowd or the trees. She was gone. She was going for Edward and Bella.

You howled, hoping they or Seth would hear you and be prepared.

Then, it was like a door opened up in your mind. Seth’s thoughts came streaming in like someone was adjusting the tuneage on a radio, distorted at first then became clearer and clearer.

Thanks, Y/N. It’s over.

You sighed, thankful.

“Y/N,”

You startled, looking over to see Jasper approaching you. You shifted back.

“It’s over,” You said. “Victoria’s dead.”

“It’s not over,” Jasper replied, looking over his shoulder at Alice, standing before the burning pile.

She had that dead look in her eyes that she got whenever she got a vision.

“Alice, what is it?” You asked, pulling Jasper’s coat over your body.

“The Volturi,” She said. “They’re coming.”

You and Jasper exchanged a look.

“How long?”

Bella and Edward appeared from the trees, finally approaching the group.

“Fifteen minutes. Maybe ten?”

“The pack needs to leave. The Volturi won’t honor our truce with the werewolves.” Carlisle said.

“I’m not going anywhere,” You growled.

“I didn’t ask you to,” Carlisle clarified. “But you need to tell the pack to leave.”

You nodded, turning towards where Leah stood, watching over. Jake came out of the trees to join her and see what was happening.

A stray newborn emerged as well. 

That pit in your stomach grew bigger, you opened your mouth to shout, only to be cut off by Leah growling and heading straight for the newborn.

“Leah don’t!” You and Edward shouted together.

The newborn got his arms around her and you panicked, ripping off Jasper’s coat and shifting as Jacob ran over to help her.

He caught him by the neck, ripping him off of Leah’s back.

The two wrestled and you checked on Leah, she was fine and you ran for Jacob.

But it was too late. You heard the cracking of his bones just as you managed to get there, snatching the newborn off Jacob’s back.

Sam and Paul joined you in ripping him apart.

This one you took pleasure in.

Jacob shifted back, his body responding to the pain.

“Jacob!” Bella cried, running over to him.

Edward and Carlisle beat her there, tending to him to find out what was wrong.

“The bones on the right half of his body are shattered,” Carlisle explained.

You and the pack came running out from the trees, all now at least partially dressed.

“Jacob, you idiot, I had it!”

“Leah,” Sam scolded, joining you and the others knelt at Jacob’s side.

“I need to set the bones before his accelerated healing sets in,” Carlisle said. “It’s already starting.”

“We need to get him out of here,” Edward said. “We’re not gonna win a fight with the Volturi.”

“We’ll take him back to Billy’s,” Sam said.

“I’ll be there as soon as I can,” Carlisle replied.

“Hang in there, Jake,” Bella said.

“You’ll be okay, Jacob,” You said, squeezing the half of his body that’s not shattered. 

You watched anxiously as the pack carried Jacob away, that pit in your stomach the biggest its ever been.

A wave of calm settled itself over you and you knew it was Jasper when he touched your shoulder. “He’ll be alright,”

You nodded, “I know.”

You didn’t.

“They’re coming!” Alice shouted.

Jasper’s wave of calm wasn’t helping. Your worry and sadness shifted into anger at Alice’s words. You shifted.

The Volturi appeared out of the forest in the haze of fog that had settled after the storm. Their eyes the same startling red you remembered from meeting them the first time.

Jasper stood in front of your wolf form, clinging to you, ready to fight if needed.

Edward did the same to Bella.

The Cullens were eerily quiet.

Their hoods came down and you resisted the urge to growl. The Volturi had sent their lackies, the youngest (or rather the youngest looking) of their cult to approach you.

“Impressive,” Jane said. “I’ve never seen a coven escape an assault of this magnitude intact.”

“We were lucky,” Carlisle replied, diplomatically.

“I doubt that,” Jane replied, red eyes flickering over to you.

You glared, resisting the urge to growl.

“It appears we missed an entertaining fight,” Alec said.

“Yes,” Jane’s voice is slippery and she speaks with a snake-like demeanor. “It’s not often we are rendered unnecessary.”

“If you would’ve arrived a half hour ago you would’ve fulfilled your purpose,” Edward said.

Jane’s eyes are locked on him. “Pity...you missed one.”

Bree, the young newborn that had been hiding behind the group, moves, startled and nervous.

This time, you do growl.

Jasper waves a hand to subdue you and walks over to her side.

“We offered her asylum in exchange for her surrender,” Carlisle explained.

“That wasn’t yours to offer,” Jane said, a sick smirk on her lips. “Why did you come?”

The question is directed at the girl, who’s standing terrified next to Jasper.

Then, she screams, body reacting to the overwhelming pain Jane’s stare inflicts. 

You flinch. You remember the pain.

“Who created you?”

She screamed again, rolling on the ground in agony.

“You don’t need to do that, she’ll tell you anything you want to know,” Esme said.

“I know.” Jane replied.

It makes you sick to your stomach, knowing that she takes pleasure in inflicting that much pain.

“I-I don’t know,” Bree chokes out. “Riley wouldn’t tell us...he said our thoughts weren’t safe.”

“Her name is Victoria,” Edward said. “Perhaps you knew her.”

Jane’s eyes change emotions. Perhaps they did know.

“Edward,” Carlisle interrupted. “If the Volturi had knowledge of Victoria, they would’ve stopped her.”

They all know his words carry no truth.

“Isn’t that right, Jane?”

Jasper’s gaze tightens on Jane. She’s looking back with nothing to reveal.

“Of course.” There’s a pause and then, “Felix.”

He moves forward-

“She didn’t know what she was doing,” Esme said.

Jane’s arm flies out to stop Felix.

“We’ll take responsibility for her.”

Esme’s heart was too kind. The heart of a mother knowing too much tragedy.

“Give her a chance.” And Carlisle was known for his second chances. His desperate need to protect the innocent.

“The Volturi don’t give second chances. Keep that in mind.” Jane said. “Caius will be interested to know that she’s still human. And that you still keep the...dog around.”

You growled again.

“The date is set,” Bella said. The wedding.

“Take care of that, Felix.” Jane said, removing her arm and allowing him forward. “I’d like to go home.”

There’s nothing any of you can do to stop him as Felix walks between Carlisle and Esme, both mourning the girl already.

The Cullens watch in horror, but you can only focus on Jane’s sadistic smile, as Felix takes care of the problem.

And then it’s over.

The Volturi leave with threats made and notes taken. The rest of you are left with new demons to hide away; an ever growing collection. And you and Bella are racing to Billy’s for Jacob.

You join her in her truck, too overwhelmed with emotions to run. You needed another person to be there with you.

He’s screaming when you arrive.

“Dad,” You said, running to Billy’s side. “Is he-”

His screams persisted and you tear up. Bella stands frozen.

“That’s been going on for a while,” Quil explained.

“Docs are breaking his bones,”

“Why did he have to but in I could’ve taken that-”

“Give it a rest, Leah,” Paul snapped.

The door opened and Carlisle and Sam stepped out, looking somber.

“The worst is over. He’ll be alright,” Carlisle said. “I gave him some morphine but his body temperature will burn it off soon. I’ll come back to set up a drip.”

You sighed thankfully, standing up to hug Carlisle, which he accepted.

“Thank you,” Billy said.

The two of them shake hands, an unsaid understanding crossing between them. Somehow, that makes you feel better.

Bella, it seems, didn’t feel the same.

“He’s asking for you,” Carlisle said, nodding to her.

She seemed hesitant at first, all the eyes watching her, but went in anyway.

“God, dad, I tried, but I couldn’t get there fast enough-”

“Hey,” Billy interrupts, patting your hand. “Don’t do that. He’s alright.”

You nodded, tears forming in your eyes again. “I knew he would be.”

You felt a cold hand on your back and turned to see Jasper.

“Is he alright?”

“Yeah, thanks Jas,” you said, standing up and hugging him tightly.

He returned the hug and rubbed your back comfortingly.

Him and Billy exchanged a look.

The two had never been particularly chummy, but they had an mutual respect, for you, if nothing else.

This time, though, Billy reached up and patted Jasper’s back. “Thanks for being here, son,”

Jasper nodded. “Of course.”

The rest of the pack shifted uncomfortably. A man who not long ago had been barking orders like a drill sergeant was now comforting one of their own.

You didn’t care. You just wanted to be in his arms.

When Bella came back out, she seemed conflicted.

“He’s sleeping,” she said to no one in particular.

You nodded to her.

Y/N.

You pricked up. You knew that voice. It was Jake’s.

Don’t beat yourself up over this. I know you will. It’s not your fault. And I know you can hear this so don’t be a stranger.

Asshole. You thought.

Bitch. He replied.

“Hey, you okay?” Jasper asked, noticing that your emotions had shifted.

You smiled, blinking back tears. “I’m wonderful.”

[spartanguard]

an important date

it's Friday and it's Colin's birthday....I had to do something!! Just a bit of a post-canon Captain Charming scene, inspired by this prompt: "We both meet at the bar at a birthday party but we don’t even know who’s birthday it is. I think it’s yours, you think it’s mine." 1.1k, rated T | AO3

The Rabbit Hole was…well, the Rabbit Hole—its usual divy self. It wasn’t where Killian would typically expect to find David, least of all on the prince’s birthday.

At least—he thought that’s what Emma had said? She’d all but shoved him out of the station that evening, with the direction to meet her father here for a “birthday drink”. Of the birth dates he’d memorized (and would never forget—Emma’s, Henry’s, Hope’s), he realized he was severely lacking when it came to his in-laws.

But perhaps David’s would be easier to remember, given its proximity to his own. Or, rather, when he thought his own was; the actual date was long since lost to time, realm travel, and changing calendars, and it had been centuries since he’d actually done anything to mark the date, but he remembered it being in spring. 

Really the only fond memory he had of the day was picking fresh wildflowers with his mother, the light scent filling their small house, and the sweet taste of the modest cake she’d baked. When the hyacinth began to bloom in Storybrooke, he was always taken back to that day, and generally used that milestone to mark the passing of his years—but he’d lived enough of them that he needed no extra celebration or recognition.

As it was, the first shoots of spring had only just begun to emerge, so by his math, that put David’s birthday—or whatever today was—a few weeks ahead of his own. Good to know.

He scanned the bar for his mate—squinting a bit harder than he’d like to admit in the dim light (further evidence of the passage of time, he presumed)—almost missing him at the far end of the counter, until David waved at him.

“Evening, mate,” he greeted as he slid onto the barstool next to his father-in-law. “Not your typical scene, eh?” he added, nodding towards the rest of the bar, where all manner of seedy goings-on (well, as much as ever happened in Storybrooke) were happening—things the deputy sheriff should probably be concerned with, but he was off the clock (and had no room to talk).

David shrugged. “I’ve been known to pass the occasional night here—cursed and not cursed. Having royalty around seems to keep things calm.”

“Aye, but you’ve never been here with a pirate,” he winked back, even if it had been ages since he’d anything resembling a rowdy night. The most exciting his had been lately were the times that they managed to get a teething Hope down early enough to squeeze in some intimacy, but he wasn’t going to admit that to Emma’s father.

“No,” David agreed. “But I figured I could manage for one night. To mark the occasion and all.”

“Aye; it does warrant that. My apologies for not knowing the date sooner—happy birthday, Dave.”

But instead of the customary thanks, David just tilted his head at him, brow furrowed in confusion. “Huh?”

Bloody hell—had he misheard Emma? “We’re here to celebrate your day of birth, are we not?”

“No; my birthday is in July—so now I kind of am offended,” David replied, though his tone was light. “Wait—did Emma not tell you?”

“She told me to meet you here for a birthday drink—I assumed that meant it was yours.”

“No, man—it’s yours.”

“Come again?” He’d never so much as commented to anyone, including Emma, the whereabouts of birth date; so how would either of them, least of all David, have known?

David explained, “Remember near the end of her pregnancy, when her magic was kind of overpowered and she was trying to release it?” How could Killian forget? He spent a whole week with blue hair, and trying to keep Pop-Tarts from flying around the house. “Apparently during that, she was trying out a bunch of easy, informational spells; there was one about revealing birthdates. Turned out mine was off by a couple of days. But yeah, she did yours, too; she never mentioned it?”

Killian was momentarily speechless. Not out of betrayal or anything—things were rather chaotic leading up to Hope’s birth, so he didn’t blame Emma for letting it slip her mind—but moreso that it had been able to be determined.

And, despite the last several years being filled with things such as True Love, marriages, and more family than he’d ever imagined having, he was still touched by the idea that anyone cared enough about him to know the date he’d entered this world (or whichever world it was)—and even more that they wanted to acknowledge it. 

“Uh, no,” he said, his voice suddenly thick with emotion. “I seem to recall her pregnancy brain was pretty bad then,” he quipped, hoping to lighten the moment. “So—really? Today?”

“Today,” David confirmed. Killian thought back to the wildflowers—then recalled that he grew up in a far warmer climate than Maine’s, perhaps the reason for his miscalculation.

(Also: he now understood why Emma had woken him with morning sex that day. That was never something he’d question, though—and also something he wouldn’t dare mention in present company.)

The barkeep then set two glasses of amber liquid in front of David. He slid one across the worn wood to Killian, then raised his own. “Happy birthday, Killian. To the best son-in-law—best friend—a man could ask for.”

Killian clinked his glass against David’s and quickly took a sip, hoping it might wash down the lump that had formed in his throat. Alas, it didn’t—but at least it was there with good reason. “Thank you, mate; and, uh, the feeling is mutual.” It wasn’t often words escaped him, so hopefully his father-in-law picked up on the weight of the emotion in his voice; he tried to find David’s eyes, but was overcome with an odd bashfulness he hadn’t felt since youth.

David just gave a gentle chuckle and a solid, brotherly thump on the shoulder, before attempting to down his own shot of rum—which brought on laughter of a different kind, but it broke the bit of tension. 

They shared another drink after (whiskey; far more palatable to the prince), before leaving to their respective princesses—and sharing perhaps a stronger embrace than Killian had originally intended, but it was certainly called for. 

As sweet as his memories from childhood were, it was nice to add this one to the collection of birthday remembrances—the first in so long. (And, as he eventually found, not the last—not by a long shot—in the many years to come.)

(However, he still refused, in all those celebrations, to tell David the way Emma preferred to mark the occasion.)

-----------------------------💙💙-------------------------------

[thanks for reading, and happy Captain Charming Friday! tags below cut]

@optomisticgirl @xpumpkindumplingx @cocohook388 @kmomof4 @kat2609 @shipsxahoy @mryddinwilt @annytecture @phiralovesloki @shireness-says @ohmightydevviepuu @wistfulcynic @pirateherokillian @colinoeyebrows @wingedlioness @word-bug @thisonesatellite @wellhellotragic @welllpthisishappening @killianmesmalls @thejollyroger-writer @ineffablecolors @ive-always-been-a-pirate @nfbagelperson @stubblesandwich​ @athenascarlet @ilovemesomekillianjones @whimsicallyenchantedrose @snowbellewells @idristardis @scientificapricot @searchingwardrobes @donteattheappleshook @jrob64 @the-darkdragonfly @stahlop @klynn-stormz @resident-of-storybrooke [let me know if you do/don't want tags!]

[41319kbex]

Hell Hath No Fury

I apologize in advance for any feelings you have while reading this. I just…had angsty Beckett in my mind tonight. I felt the need to feel the special kind of hurt that only an emotionally tortured Beckett…or more accurately, the special kind of hurt that only an emotionally charged performance by Stana Katic can make me feel. I need to feel that kind of hurt that comes from the uncanny way she can somehow make Kate Beckett a 4D character, making me feel what she’s feeling through the TV screen. So…that’s mostly how this story happened.

This changes the ending of the season 3 finale so that Castle takes the bullet for her. I’m really, really sorry if this story makes you feel things. I only hope my words can do half of what Stana would do with the material.

I don’t own the show or the characters. But angsty Beckett has been in my mind all day, living rent free.

xxxxx

Staring out the window at the hospital, she couldn’t help the tears that slipped down her cheek as she replayed the events that brought her here. She’d been giving the eulogy at Montgomery’s funeral…and before she’d known what had happened, she’d been tackled to the ground as a shot rang out. When she’d heard it, she’d expected to feel the bullet tearing through her flesh, but all she felt was the weight of the man who had tackled her. The man who was her partner.

A strangled sob escaped her lips as she thought of Castle. Castle, who was so innocent in all of this, who was now here because of her. Her mind went back to the cemetery.

“Castle!” she murmured, realizing a second later that he’d been shot. “No!” she moved from underneath him and immediately rolled him onto his back. She saw the blood soaking through his clothes. “No! No, no, no…” she murmured, doing everything she could to stop the bleeding.

“Castle…Castle, don’t do this. Stay with me, ok?” she pleaded with him. “Stay with me…” she murmured as the tears slipped down her cheeks. He hadn’t responded, hadn’t moved. She could at least tell he was breathing…barely.

Another sob escaped her lips. There had been so much blood. Blood that was still on her skin, her clothes. She replayed the ambulance ride…the way her own heart had stopped when he flatlined and they had to shock him back. He’d been in surgery for the past 2 hours. A nurse had come out to let them know the surgery would still be another couple of hours. But Beckett hadn’t been able to leave, hadn’t been able to bring herself to even get cleaned up.

Lanie, Ryan and Esposito were in the waiting room, but all three of them had given her space. They were worried about Castle, of course; but they had never seen Beckett like this.

“One of us needs to go talk to her...convince her to at least get the blood off her,” Ryan said

quietly.

Esposito studied her for a moment before looking at his partner. “You want to volunteer to get your head bit off? Because I'm pretty sure that's what's going to happen the moment any of us go over there. I’m not telling her she needs to go anywhere.”

Lanie took a deep breath. “I’ll go talk to her, since neither one of you want to man up,” she shot them both a look. She approached her friend carefully, knowing this was going to be a tough conversation. She also knew the conversation would get a lot harder if someone came out of the operating room and told her Castle hadn’t made it. She knew her friend could take a lot, but she honestly wasn’t sure if that wouldn’t be the final thing to break her. “Hey, Kate…how are you holding up?” she asked, keeping her voice soft.

Beckett drew a ragged breath, a few fresh tears sliding down her cheeks. “I’m fine,” she stated lowly, withdrawing deeper into herself.

“Honey, you are not fine,” Lanie stated simply, her tone still soft, being very gentle with her best friend.

Swallowing hard, Beckett finally turned her head away from the window to look at Lanie, the heartbreak evident all over her face.

“Oh honey,” she embraced her friend then, her heart breaking for the other woman.

Beckett couldn’t help it. The understanding embrace from her friend broke the dam and she couldn’t hold back the tears anymore. “I watched him die in that ambulance, Lanie,” she murmured. “I watched him die…and my heart stopped for a minute too when they almost didn’t get him back…” A sob escaped from her. “This was supposed to be me…he’s here because of me…”

Lanie gave her friend a few moments to get it all out so that she’d be able to listen. Only when Beckett had pulled back from the hug did Lanie release her. “Kate…” she started, trying to find the words to comfort her friend. She didn’t think now was exactly the best time to deal with the can of worms known as Beckett’s feelings for the writer that hadn’t just been opened but had pretty much exploded because of the events that had transpired, so she tried to find some kind of words to offer her some kind of comfort. Though she knew the only comfort that would make any kind of difference would be a doctor or nurse coming out to tell them that Castle was going to be fine. “Castle is going to make it through this,” she started.

“How do you know?”

“The fact that no one has come out with bad news is a good sign. No news is good news right

now.”

“God, Lanie…there was so much blood…” she breathed, a few more tears sliding down her cheeks.

The woman was quiet for a moment, trying to decide how to best go about the task of suggesting her friend leave long enough to get cleaned up. “Speaking of blood…how about we get you cleaned up, hmm?” she suggested. Seeing the look Beckett gave her at the suggestion did cause the medical examiner to pause before deciding to try another approach. “Kate…I’m not suggesting you leave. Just come with me…we’ll find a place to get you washed up…Ryan told me he has a clean set of sweats in his trunk. You can get the blood off you, change clothes…” she took a deep breath. “Castle’s mother and daughter are in the waiting room. I’m sure they’d love it if you joined them…but you need to not have his blood on you when you go over there,” she tried again.

Beckett swallowed hard at the mention of Martha and Alexis. “Oh God, Lanie…they must hate me right now…that bullet was meant for me…”

“They don’t hate you,” Lanie interrupted. “And stop going down that rabbit hole. It doesn’t matter who the bullet was meant for. Now come on.” She placed a gentle hand on Beckett’s elbow and when her friend didn’t push her away, she gave Ryan a nod to go get the extra clothes as she led her friend down the hallway to find a place to help her get cleaned up and changed.

xxxxx

The door to the bathroom had just closed and Beckett had moved to the sink to start washing her hands. That’s when the shock…realization…set in that it was Castle’s blood. She was covered in Castle’s blood. As a homicide detective, the sight of blood no longer phased her…she’d seen more than her fair share in the years on the job. But suddenly the knowledge the the blood covering her belonged to Castle was something she just could not process. “Oh God…God…Lanie, get it off…get it off…get it off…” she started to panic.

Lanie barely had time to get the door locked before her friend was freaking out. “Kate…hey…hey, get what off?” she tried to calm her down.

“The blood…his blood…” she breathed, completely falling apart then as her back slid down the wall and she sank to the floor. “His blood…I’m covered in his blood…Lanie…he can’t…he can’t…he has to be okay…” she was sobbing now, struggling to breathe through the pain in her own chest.

“Oh Kate…honey…just breathe…” she murmured, feeling completely helpless to help her friend. She started getting some paper towels and wetting them with cold water to start cleaning the dried blood off of her hands, hoping that washing the blood away would help at least some. She

had never seen her friend like this; even when she knew Beckett had issues with certain things, or when something bad had happened to her; she’d definitely had her share of needing to comfort her friend, like when Will had left her. But Lanie had never seen her break like this.

It took almost an hour for Lanie to get Beckett cleaned up; it had taken over 25 minutes for her to be able to get her friend breathing normally again after she’d completely fallen apart. And now, the woman who walked out of the bathroom in a set of NYPD sweats had managed to pull it together. It was still obvious she’d been crying…it wasn’t like she had makeup to be able to hide that, but she wasn’t going to break at the moment. At least as long as no one came out with any kind of bad news.

Slowly, cautiously, Beckett approached Martha. “Martha?” she kept her voice soft. Seeing the older woman stand, she wasn’t sure who embraced whom. “I am so, so sorry…” she apologized as she held the other woman tightly.

“It’s not your fault, Katherine…” Martha stated as she clung to the detective. Finally releasing the embrace, she knew all too well the look in the younger woman’s eyes. Fear. Love. Fear that the man she loved wasn’t going to come back to her. She’d seen those emotions mirrored in her son’s eyes as well regarding the woman in front of her. “No one blames you, dear.”

Beckett knew she needed to seek out Alexis. She knew better than anyone the pain Alexis was feeling right now. She’d been in her shoes when she’d been just a few years older than Alexis. Taking a deep breath and steeling herself, she was determined to be strong for the girl. Her need to be there for Alexis had currently pushed away the crushing weight of her mother’s case, how similar this was to what had happened to her mother. “Alexis…” she approached softly.

Alexis had adopted a stance at the hospital window, much the way Beckett had at the other end of the hallway before Lanie had come to talk to her. She didn’t say anything, didn’t even acknowledge Beckett’s presence; she simply stared out the window.

“Alexis…he’s going to be okay…” she started softly, echoing the words Lanie had told her not even a full hour earlier, and managing to make herself sound much more confident than she felt.

“How do you know that?” Alexis spun on the older woman then. “You can’t know that, because you’re not a doctor! You’re a cop…a cop who my dad has been following around…a cop who was supposed to keep my dad safe…” she started in on her.

Beckett said nothing, just let the girl vent. She knew more than anyone how she was feeling. The hurt, the fear. She’d prepared herself for this. “I know,” she stated simply once the girl was done. “I was supposed to protect him. He’s my partner…and I didn’t hold up my end. And I’m sorry,” she apologized. “But he’s going to be okay,” she insisted again. Why couldn’t she just believe those words yet, though?

“My dad was only there because of you.”

Those words cut through her like a dull knife. “I know.” She swallowed hard. “And that’s something I have to carry with me for the rest of my life.”

The detective’s words caused Alexis to soften slightly. She took in the older woman’s appearance; she’d been crying. She looked like she was trying to be strong, but Alexis was mature enough to see the worry in her eyes, the guilt that was there. She was mature enough to realize that blaming Detective Beckett for her father’s situation was not going to help anyone; if anything, it would make matters worse. This was hard for her too. It was then that she moved from the window and pulled Beckett into a bone-crushing hug, letting her tears of worry fall.

Beckett just held her tightly. Quite honestly, she wasn’t sure if the hug was more for her benefit or Alexis’s. But she knew the girl was feeling lost, scared, hurt…the emotions she’d felt the day a detective had informed her and her father of her mother’s death. Castle had once asked her to look out for Alexis if anything ever happened to him; that was a promise she was going to keep. After another few moments, Martha joined the two younger women, wrapping them both in her arms as well.

Lanie, Esposito and Ryan watched as Beckett insisted on remaining strong for Castle’s mother and daughter.

“She gonna be ok?” Esposito asked Lanie after a moment.

She was quiet for a moment before answering. “Not if he doesn’t make it,” she answered quietly.

It was at that moment a nurse came through the doors. “Who is here for Mr. Castle?” The entire group moved over to her in answer to the question. “The doctor will be on his way out momentarily to talk to you.”

Beckett felt her heart drop. That didn’t sound like good news. And a moment later when the doctor came through those doors, her heart dropped again for a different reason when she saw it was Josh. Her boyfriend. The boyfriend she hadn’t thought about, hadn’t even remembered was working today in this hospital. Of course he had to be the doctor. The only relief she felt was from the fact that she knew he was damn good at his job.

“Josh…is he okay?” she asked.

The doctor studied the group, including his girlfriend…the look on her face; he could tell by the way she looked, whatever was between her and her partner was more than she felt for him. “Mr. Castle is alive. He’s as stable as he can be at the moment. He’s not out of the woods yet, but

he’s being moved into the ICU and you’ll be able to see him soon.”

Kate’s eyes met those of her boyfriend and knew this had told him everything he’d needed to know, everything she’d been denying for months about Castle. He was more than her partner. “Thank you,” she breathed.

He nodded and after giving her a long look, headed back through the doors.

About half an hour later, a nurse came back out. “Mr. Castle is in a private room in the ICU. You can come back, but no more than three at a time.”

“You guys go ahead. We’ll wait right here,” Ryan told the three women who were most worried about him.

Beckett gave them a grateful look, and Ryan nodded his head with a small smile before the three woman who cared most about the man followed the nurse back to his room.

xxxxx

She sensed the relief in both Martha and Alexis as they saw Castle in his hospital bed, still sedated and hooked up to machines, but at least alive and with a steady heartbeat. It felt like a punch in the gut to see him there, knowing it was in her place. She watched as Alexis and Martha moved to his bedside, both moving chairs closer to him. It was only after an encouraging look from Martha that Beckett stepped closer to stand at the other side of his bed. She was silent as she studied him, her fingers absently running ever so lightly along the top of his hand. “See, Alexis…I told you that he was going to be fine,” she offered the girl a small smile…a smile that she had perfected in her line of work.

“Thank you, Detective Beckett,” Alexis told her softly.

“Kate. You can call me Kate.”

Alexis nodded and offered a smile that looked like it mirrored the one Beckett had given her. “Kate.”

After another couple of moments, Beckett took a deep breath. “I’m going to give you guys some privacy with him. Please text or call if you need anything…or if anything happens before I make it back,” she told them, giving each woman a gentle shoulder squeeze.

Alexis didn’t really notice, but Martha knew enough stories from her son to know what the detective was most likely going to do. She stood and pulled her into a hug. “Take care of yourself Katherine. He’s going to want to see you when he wakes up,” she said lowly, just loud enough for Beckett to hear.

“I will.” And with that, Kate headed out of the room, her jaw clenching as soon as she was through the doors of the ICU. The boys and Lanie saw the look in her eyes and the way she was walking; Beckett was back…and she was on a mission.

“Beckett! Hey!” Ryan called.

“Where are you going?” Esposito asked, though judging from the look on her face, he had an idea of what her general plan was.

When she met the eyes of her friends, they saw the look of determination. “I’m going to hunt down the son of a bitch who shot him. And then I’m putting him in the ground,” she said lowly, her voice carrying a dangerous edge that they had never really heard before. She didn’t even give them a chance to say anything as she strode out of the hospital with determined, angry strides. She wasn't going to just find the shooter and bring him to justice; she was going to kill him.

xxxxx

So I can leave it there…this can be a one shot. Or I can revisit this and add more. What do you guys think? Feedback is everything!

I also don't know how active Castle fans are anymore. I've been off this site for years...so...if anyone reads this at all, I'll be happy!

[gh0stsp1d3r]

Tangerines and deers- Part 1

Series masterlist

Tangerine x reader

Mentions of: getting laid but no actual getting laid (ik ik sad) murder (obviously)

You’re ladybugs partner, And you just happen to run into some cute British guy.

If you want to be added to the tag list, message me

Ladybug and you made your way through the train, he just happened to run into the same conductor. You had your ticket, but he didn’t have his.

He told him to leave, and then you quickly moved to the side of the train and Ladybug did the same as he saw the gun in the man’s hand.

“Joburg.”

“What?”

“I’ve seen him before.. fuck.” Ladybug whispered to you, as you two ran back. He ran into a person who was dressed up. They both fell to the ground, and the person dressed up grabbed the briefcase and would not let go of it.

“Give it!”

You sighed and kicked it in the back, making the person in the suit fall again and the briefcase went the other way.

“Thanks.” Ladybug said, grabbing it as they ran to the exit. But the door closed as soon as they got there.

“Ah shitballs! That wasn’t a minute.”

“Ehh.. I really think they should give people more than a minute.“ you said.

“Agreed.” He sighed.

————————————————————-

“Shit! Fuck! No.” He said, while on the phone with Marie.

“Shit fuck. what?”

“Oh deer.”

You were behind the man with the mustache, not even paying attention to who he was. You had split up with ladybug to see if anything was suspicious but really he was annoyed by you sometimes.

While you scrolled on your phone you accidentally ran into him.

“Oh uh- 申し訳ありませんでした。私は注意を払っていませんでした.”

“Uh- sorry. I don’t speak Japanese.”

“Oh, shit, I’m really sorry, sir. I wasn’t paying attention and-“

“No, no, you’re fine.” He said, with a small smile.

(Aaron Taylor Johnson is 5’11 btw…)

You would admit, he was very attractive. And very British.

You continued talking with him and told him you were trying to find your friend.

Then, you entered and got quickly pulled aside by someone. His phone buzzed and he looked behind to see if the woman was still behind him.

Nope. Weird, she just disappeared. He thought.

Ladybug covered your mouth, you quickly swatted his hands away from your face as he watched the man carefully.

“Hello?” He said.

“The white death wanted to know why you stepped off train.” The man on the other end had said.

“Wanted some fresh air.” He replied.

“Your orders were to stay on the train.”

“I didn’t realize I was gettin’ a babysitter to come cut my bollocks. I’m a professional. We’re making sure the case and his son are perfectly safe. Can I please go do my job now?”

“If something is go wrong…” the man said but he hung up.

“Oh, very kind of you. Thank you very much. See a pretty girl and then she disappears. Of course.” He said, looking around again. He put his phone in his pocket and looked in the mirror before he saw something.

Wait, pretty?

“Fuck me! Jesus Christ.” He jumped.

“It’s very rude, talking on the phone, on the train in Japan.” Ladybug said. And the man came up to him and noticed you from earlier.

“This your friend?” He said looking at you, in disbelief.

“Nope. Don’t know this guy at all.”

“Unbelievable.” The Brit scoffed and closed the curtain.

“Shove that fuckin’ hat up your fuckin’ asshole, you hear me?”

Ladybug struggled to restrain himself.

“Fuck this job.”

“What the hell was that for? You ruined my chances at getting laid. Again. For a fifth time.”

“Because, that’s one of the twins. And he was looking for the case.”

“Twins?“

“Yeah. Not really though. They look nothing alike.”

———

“I knew we should have got an upgrade. Fuck all.” Tangerine said as he walked past a girl.

“I beg your pardon, sorry. I- I wasn’t aware there was a young lady present. Apologize.” He stopped before asking another question “You didn’t happen to see someone come by with a silver briefcase, did ya? There’s a little train sticker by the handle.”

“Actually, yeah, a man with black framed glasses had it. He said something about a deer. He went that way.” She pointed to the way he came from.

The man sighed heavily.

“Thank you, love.” He went over there.

“That fucking bastard.” He talked to himself.

Lemon got a text.

“GUY IN BLACK GLASSES.”

“GIRL WITH H/C HAIR.”

“STOP THEM.”

A man suddenly sat across from him, and a girl stood beside the table.

“Hi. There’s a gun under this table—“

“Shhh. This is the quiet car. Gotta use your small inside voice in here, son.”

Ladybug spoke quietly now “There’s a gun underneath this table pointed right at you, so I would-“

“I can’t really hear what you’re saying.”

“There’s a gun-“ he spoke louder now.

A lady shushed him. And lemon laughed.

“You shhh.” You mocked her.

“I’m just fuckin’ with you, mate.”

“It’s been a long time since Johannesburg.”

“Yeah. Who the fuck are you two?”

“I’m deer, He’s-“ you started before getting cut off by ladybug.

“Really. You don’t remember me?”

“You look like every white homeless man I’ve ever seen.”

“I do not- do I?” He looked at you.

“You kinda do. But you also look like a less attractive version of Ethan Hawke.”

“Okay. Well, I have something I believe your- Really? You don’t remember me?” He took off his glasses.

“I remember Johannesburg but I don’t remember you.”

“You shot me.”

“I shoot a lot of people.”

“You shot me twice.”

“Well you also have a shootable face.”

You snickered silently and he just gave you a look.

“It’s funny, what? Looks like you’re not the only comedian on this train.”

“I know your black framed glasses and you’re h/c hair. The cheeky fuckers who took our briefcase.”

“Yes. Yes, we are.”

“Mm..”

“You know, I’ve done a lot of personal work since Joburg. I’ve forgiven, I’ve moved on. I’ve learned that with any potential conflict there’s an opportunity for growth, a path to a peaceful outcome. That’s what I’m trying to teach this little fucker.” He pointed to you, and you just rolled your eyes.

“We’re both contract killers. There’s nothing nice about murder.” you said.

“Yeah but you’re more of an asshole than me.”

And so ladybug went on and on about how he tried to change the way he worked and blah blah blah.

“Uh, real quick, Every day is a fucking headache with you, innit?”

“Yup.” You sighed, sitting down next to the sleeping man on the other side.

“Right. You and your partner-“

“I’m Lemon, hes tangerine.”

“Oh yeah, do you by any chance have his number?” You asked his partner.

“I do.. why?”

“No reason.” You smirked.

“Ignore her. Wait, lemon like.. the fruit?”

“Blessings.”

“Mm.”

“What’s your plan here?” Lemon asked.

“Here’s the plan, me and my partner give you back your cases, you don’t kill us. You give your case to your employer, he doesn’t kill you. You’re alive, we’re alive, everyone’s happy. Win- win don’t you think?”

“How do you know whoever hired you won’t kill you for failing your job? Lose- lose. No happy.”

“Man, I just wanna get off this train. Go see a Zen garden and some shit, you know?”

“After this can we can go see a zen garden? I quite like those.” You thought of last weekend when he took you to one.

“Sure.”

“I’d like to accept your offer.” Lemon said

“Great.”

“But then you went and killed someone. Didn’t you?”

“How did you know…?”

“Wasn’t exactly subtle.”

[raainy-daze]

the longest movie marathon

platonic!rottmnt x gn!reader

summary: after your snow day had gone to all hell thanks to ghostbear, a very alarming piece of information came to light: you had never seen a jupiter jim movie. not a single one. that just wouldn’t do. you know what that means - movie night! [set after s1e23b, snow day]

word count: 916

a/n: first real post! i’m not sure how i feel about the writing on this one, but i tried. i’m also still on mobile (i’m probably going to be on mobile for a while) so again, formatting might be messed up. hope someone enjoys this!

◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤◢◤

That morning, you had woken up to a fresh layer of snow over New York.

Needless to say, you were delighted. You were even more delighted when you received a text from Leo, asking to hang out with everyone at the park. You had a great time; you built a snowman, participated in a snowball fight, and the hot cocoa was great too!

Oh, and pro wrestling champion Ghostbear got mutated and attacked you, but that’s just a given.

However, throughout the day, the turtles and April kept arguing over movie rankings. Even Mayhem seemed to have an opinion (every time you saw him, that thing seemed more and more intelligent). It was pretty funny, actually. It all sounded so bizarre out of context. You thought they’d finally dropped it after freezing Ghostbear. You should’ve known better than that. Just as you were leaving, Leo made some comment, and it was back in full force.

“I’m sorry, but have you seen the special effects in JJ Sails the Seven Galaxies? It is absolutely HORRENDOUS-!”

“There is a REASON PV4 is the last Pluto Vacation!”

They’d been going on like this for nearly two blocks now. You were used to this sort of thing - hell, you were a part of this sort of thing when you understood the topic. The longer it went on, the more ridiculous the arguments got, and less comprehensible. You were starting to near your apartment, but they showed no signs of stopping.

“(Y/N)!”

“JEEZ-“ You stumbled, dropping the sled you’d been dragging behind you. You had not expected all of them to yell your name at once.

“You haven’t said anything-“

“All day!” Leo cut Donnie off. April jammed a hand over both of their mouths.

“You’re gonna settle this for us. Which is the better movie, Pluto Vacation 4-“

“- Or Sails the Seven Galaxies?” Raph finished.

There was a silence. They all stared, waiting for your reply.

“Dunno. I’ve never seen ‘em.”

“WHAT?!”

•°. *࿐

You’d gone years of your life without seeing even a single Jupiter Jim movie. According to the turtles, April, and (apparently) Mayhem, this was nothing less than a crime against sci-fi. Thus, movie night was scheduled.

One week later, you sat in the lair. Donnie was fiddling with the projector, which wasn’t turning on because Leo had unplugged it. You weren’t going to tell him that, of course. April was going over the ‘ground rules’ with you.

“Oh, and whatever you do, do NOT get attached to Planetary Percy, okay?”

“Why-“

“Don’t.”

The projection screen suddenly flickered to life. You turned around to see Donnie by the outlet, glaring at Leo.

“Gee. I wonder who could’ve done that.”

Watching the stare-off, you were just waiting for Donnie to throw something at him. Before that could occur, however, Mikey appeared from seemingly nowhere holding a pizza box.

“PIZZA! And plenty of other snacks waiting in the kitchen for whenever we’re ready!”

“Thanks, Mikey!” Everyone took a slice for themselves. Just as Leo was taking his, Donnie hit him in the back with a pillow.

“HEY-!”

Raph quickly snatched said pillow up from the ground and held it to his chest. You tuned the twins out and turned to Raph, who was sitting on the floor by the couch. “Where’s Splinter?”

“Oh, he doesn’t like Jupiter Jim. Lou Jitsu superiority, and all that.” Raph shrugged.

“Makes sense.”

“I still can’t believe you’ve never seen Jupiter Jim!” Mikey sat down next to you.

“Yeah, I mean, it seems like the kind of thing you’d be into.” April agreed. “Why’d you never watch it?”

You shrugged. “Spite.”

“Excuse me?”

“Spite. It’s like a game, seeing just how long you can go without it. It drives people insane, it’s funny.”

“You monster.”

“I know.” You grinned. “But I’ll watch it with you guys, if it’s really that important to you.”

“Aw, you do care about us!” You lightly kicked Raph’s arm.

“Are we going to start the movie or not?”

Within the next five minutes, Donnie finally got the very first Jupiter Jim movie set up. You were sandwiched in between April and Mikey, the latter of whom kept quoting lines as they were said. Every so often, Donnie would pipe up with some behind the scenes fun fact, or he’d explain some easter egg.

Jupiter Jim movies 1-3 was pretty decent as a trilogy.

Jupiter Jim: Pluto Vacation was mediocre.

Jupiter Jim Sails the Seven Seas was fantastic.

Jupiter Jim: Origins was fantastically bad.

You fell asleep during the holiday special - according to Leo, you didn’t really miss anything.

You spent all night watching every single movie in this ridiculously long franchise. You knew you’d regret it when you needed to do homework tomorrow, but in the moment, you had no regrets.

As the credits to Atomic Lass Returns rolled, you let out a long yawn. Everyone looked pretty tired - Mikey had fallen asleep on your shoulder three times already.

“And that’s the last one. Well, until May 23rd, when Atomic Lass Dies Again comes out,” Donnie announced.

You stretched, feeling a bone pop somewhere. “I’m pretty sure that was the longest movie marathon in my life.”

“Oh, probably.” April yawned. “But now that it’s over…”

Here we go again.

“Which is the best movie, (y/n)?”

What were you expecting, really? All eyes were on you, waiting for you to decide the fate of Jupiter Jim’s tier ranking.

“I like Invasion of the Squirrelanoids best, actually.”

“OH, COME O-“

[run-me-through-but-not-like-that]

Edward Teach x Reader where they break up and reunite on Stede’s ship. They’re still annoyed with each other (as exes often are) and Y/n mostly avoids him on the ship. Eventually, tension kind of eases up and Ed starts to take a romantic liking to Stede. Maybe Izzy had an unrequited crush on the reader for a while and now that they’re closer, Izzy and the reader start a thing. But after seeing them together Ed gets pissed. I just enjoy hot men w irrational jealous anger sometimes. Idk how it would play out but yeah. Anyway off topic but I got a 57 on my math test and I thought I got a 95???

Starting Fresh:

Izzy sighed to himself after dismissing Ivan and Fang. As if this whole exercise wasn’t troublesome enough, now they had unexpected guests. He ran a hand through his hair and steadied himself before entering the captain’s cabin.

“Captain, there is a rowboat approach,” Izzy reported.

“Who?” The change in Edward was instant, the way he sat up and his expression darkened.

“We don’t know, boss. What should we do?” Izzy asked.

“Oh!” Stede perked up, looking unbothered by the report of a threat. “They aren’t trouble, it will be some of the crew returning. I completely forgot to mention it,” he laughed at himself, waving his hand dismissively. Even Izzy had to admit that for somebody who had been stabbed recently, Bonnet was recovering well. 

“Your crew?” Edward asked, slowly relaxing back into his lounging position from before.

“Yes. Two of our crew were conducting some business nearby. One of them is my first mate actually, they’re incredibly capable, perfectly qualified to handle it without me. We were boarded while they were away, that’s why you haven’t met them yet,” Stede explained. 

“Fucking hell,” Izzy muttered to himself. That would have been good information to have earlier.

“Well, let's go see how their business went,” Edward shrugged, stretching his bad leg before standing from the settee.

The two captains headed up onto the deck, a disgruntled first mate trailing behind him. Just as they were emerging onto the deck, the returning crew members were climbing aboard the ship.

“Frenchie!” Wee John greeted the first crew member to climb over the railing, sweeping the smaller man off of his feet in a ‘welcome back’ embrace.

A hand grabbed the railing, and the second crew member pulled themself up over the railing with ease. Edward and Izzy completely froze when the second person hopped down onto the deck, straightening out their clothes.

“The Spanish?” you shouted in disbelief, looking at the crew for some sort of update or explanation. Not that you actually gave them time to respond. “We were boarded by the Spanish? Is everyone alright?” you asked, frustration morphing quickly into concern for your crew. “Fucking hell, I knew I shouldn’t have left the ship. Captain, I told you-Edward…” you spun around to face your captain, freezing at the sight of your ex-captain.

“The crew is perfectly fine, I promise,” Stede assured. “Edward here, and his crew of course, came along just in time,” he placed a hand on Edward’s arm, a warm comradery obvious between them, though you didn’t really have the chance to think too hard about that.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Edward questioned. 

Izzy sighed. Edward’s expression had darkened again, his voice lowering dangerously. The Caribbean was big but not that big and the two of you ran in similar circles, Izzy knew it was only a matter of time before your paths crossed again. He just didn’t think this would be the circumstance.

“Me?” you scoffed, “what the fuck are you doing here?”

“Saving the lives of your crew, apparently,” Edward retorted, earning a small snarl from you.

“You two…know each other?” Stede asked carefully, looking between you both. You had never mentioned knowing Blackbeard even when the crew shared stories about his legend.

“Fuck,” Izzy muttered, this was the last thing he needed. This ship was enough of a headache, and now this.

You and Edward just glared at each other, as if daring the other to answer. “Used to sail on the Queen Anne,” you answered.

“You sailed with Blackbeard?” Black Pete asked from somewhere to your right, the excitement clear in his voice. You didn’t take your eyes off of Edward but you heard a small grunt that suggested Lucius had elbowed his boyfriend to signal that now was not the time.

“Can’t get the fuck away, apparently,” you grumbled.

“Last I checked, I kicked you off of the ship,” Edward scoffed.

“Yeah, keep bragging, Eddie. That makes you sound like the good guy,” you smiled sarcastically, crossing your arms over your chest.

“Can we not do this here?” Izzy suggested. 

“Do what? What is happening?” Stede asked. 

You took a breath, squaring your shoulders and turning your full attention to Stede. Your captain. “Captain,” you cleared your throat, getting his focus on you. “I’ll give my report later. I’ll go check the rations,” you turned and walked away without being dismissed, just needing to create distance, to get some air.

Edward muttered something to himself, something Stede couldn’t make out, before storming back into the captain’s cabin. Stede frowned and hurried after him, already looking like he was about to fret over everything.

Izzy looked up at the sky, almost cursing the clear blueness of it, begging whatever higher power might exist to just stroke him down where he stood. 

Lucius, with wide eyes and his mouth agape, quickly kissed Pete’s cheek and ran after you. He caught up with you in the corridors of the ship. “You used to date Blackbeard?!” It was supposed to sound like a question but came out more like an accusation.

Halting, you spun on your heel to face him. “What the fuck, Lucius?”

Lucius scoffed, it wasn’t like you to play dumb. “You’re obviously exes, and things apparently didn’t end very well.” 

“I’m not telling you anything, so don’t even ask,” you jabbed your finger against his chest to get your point across before storming off down to the hold.

Lucius blinked. “Holy shit, what the fuck is going on around here?” he whispered to himself as you left him alone below deck. First Blackbeard boards their ship and their captain is obviously crushing on him, and now it turns out that you’re his ex? Finally something exciting was happening around here!

-

Izzy couldn’t believe Edward wasn’t taking the goddamn ship, that he wasn’t following the fucking plan. No, instead he was going to try ‘co-captaining’ with Bonnet or some dumb shit like that.

So, due to this new arrangement, Bonnet had sent Izzy to speak with his first mate, since the two of you would be co-first-mates now. Normally Izzy would snap and remind him that he isn't his captain, but he was just thankful to have an excuse to leave their quarters. 

Izzy is going to stab himself…

You were up on the helm, stance relaxed and one hand on the wheel. You gave him a smile, small but genuine, as he joined you. At least spending some time with you wouldn’t be so bad, you were the most bearable person to be around on this ship, and the two of you used to be decent friends. At least, he thought you had been.

“So, you’re a first mate, now?” Izzy asked. A weak attempt at conversation but he never claimed to be good at it, and you should know that by now.

“What can I say, you inspired me,” you teased.

Izzy felt the corners of his mouth quirking up but fought it. “You know this ship is full of idiots, right?” You must see what he saw, you had served on proper pirate ships and weren’t as whimsical as Edward. Surely, you knew how absurd this whole thing was.

“They’re learning, I’m teaching them. Captain Bonnet doesn’t have any experience but he cares about the crew. The crew…they’re good people, I like them.” You knew the crew wasn’t…skilled…but they were good people. You liked this crew, they were a welcome change to the ship life you knew. They had been good to you and in return you had been good to them.

“You used to sail for Blackbeard,” Izzy huffed, as if you needed reminding.

“Yeah, and this is a very refreshing change of pace,” you shrugged.

It was definitely a change, though Izzy wouldn’t call it refreshing. “Still not forgiven him?” he asked.

“I assume the captains wanted us to talk about the ship, not my past relationships,” you mumbled.

Izzy sighed, that was fair. “At least tell me you think this whole thing is ridiculous,” he needed to know that he wasn’t the crazy one.

“Oh, completely ridiculous,” you agreed, the two of you chuckling. You smiled to yourself, looking out at the crew on the deck, feeling a little lighter. “Will be nice to work with you again, Iz. I missed you,” you admitted.

Izzy paused, refusing to look at you as he felt his cheeks warming slightly.

“Yeah, missed you too,” Izzy begrudgingly admitted

The two of you really had been good friends aboard the Queen Anne’s Revenge, he would even call you his best friend. The closest friend he had. Though Izzy could now admit to himself that he had always felt more for you.

Izzy knew that it was all just his luck, it pine after somebody who wouldn’t look twice at him because Blackbeard was right fucking there. He could still remember watching as Edward made you swoon, the two of you laughing as you plotted your next fuckery together. He still remembers how pissed he felt when Edward had fucked it all up, hadn’t appreciated what he had, what Izzy wanted.

-

You were on night shift when Edward next approached you, a few days after you returned to the ship and discovered him already aboard. He had approached in silence and just stood beside you, at least he didn’t seem angry.

“I’m not in the mood to fight, Edward,” you sighed. It didn’t seem like he was here to argue but you could never be too careful, and you really didn’t want to fight with him.

“Not here to fight,” Edward promised, “just want to talk.”

“Talk?” you couldn’t help but be a little curious, looking at him properly now. The two of you hadn’t really talked all that much towards the end of whatever you had.

“They do that a lot here, apparently it’s effective. Been kinda…good, thought we could try it.”

You managed not to roll your eyes at Edward acting like he had been here longer than you. “Alright…talk.”

Edward sighed and looked at you properly. “I shouldn’t have kicked you off the ship.”

You weren’t sure if you would get an actual apology from the man, so you would take what you could get. At least he was trying. “...I shouldn’t have shouted at you in front of the crew,” you said in return, “though, I think that was more embarrassing for me than you.”

“You know how I get when Jack is around, we bring out the worst in each other,” he attempted at some sort of jovial tone, but it didn’t really land.

“Yeah, you do,” you scoffed a little. Everyone knew how Ed and Jack got when they were around each other, it was a headache if nothing else. “But it wasn’t Jack’s fault, Ed. You can’t blame him, you made those decisions,” you reminded him.

Edward nodded, looking something close to remorseful. “You’re right…I’m sorry.” You almost couldn’t believe he was actually apologising. 

“...yeah, me too. I’m over it, really. I moved on,” you shrugged softly. “I admit, I was angry at you for a long time, was angry when I saw you on this ship, but it’s just not worth it and I don’t feel that anger when I look at you anymore. It’s over, what’s done is done.”

“So…we’re cool?” Edward asked carefully. You couldn’t help but wonder if he had tracked you down just because he wanted to put things right or because Stede had convinced him to improve relationships among the crew.

“Yeah, whatever, Ed. We’re cool,” you agreed.

“Okay, great…yeah, okay,” Edward nodded, he looked like he was going to pat you on the shoulder for a moment before choosing not to and leaving instead.

“Ed,” you stopped him, cursing yourself for it when he turned back to you. “I don’t know what’s going on between you and Stede, and you don’t have to tell me, it’s none of my business. He’s odd but he loves a lot, and he really seems to like you. If you hurt him, if you pull the same shit on him that you did on me, I won’t be as forgiving this time,” you warned.

Edward should have been offended, and he would be when he wasn’t so caught off guard, but instead he settled on, “me and Stede aren’t-” and you didn’t let him finish.

“Yeah. You weren’t with a lot of people,” you rolled your eyes. It at least shut him up. “Just don’t fuck it up with him. Either do it right or leave now,” you advised.

The crew had become fond of their eccentric captain and you could honestly see a mutiny happening against the great Blackbeard if he broke Stede’s heart. Edward’s mouth opened to argue but instead just left without another word, letting you get back to your shift.

After that late night, and uncomfortable, conversation with Edward, you had to admit that the tension had eased up. You still wouldn’t call each other friends but you were civil, you could work together, even if you still made a point of reporting and answering more to Stede than him. He seemed to accept that, especially since Izzy behaved the exact same way towards Stede.

Your conversation must have also given Edward a push to consider his feelings for Stede because they had somehow become even closer, attached at the hip all the time. You were glad to see Stede happy and figuring himself out, but you almost felt protective over him. Edward better watch his step, you actually liked that blond dumbass.

-

You always ate your meals with the crew, ever since you signed on with Stede. You still did, technically, but instead of sitting at the bench with the rest of them, you had tucked yourself into a quiet corner off to the side with Izzy.

Izzy didn’t really like sitting with the crew, he didn’t feel comfortable around them yet, but you liked sitting with Izzy. You usually ate your lunches with Izzy back on the Queen Anne, and occasionally sat together for supper.

“C’mon, you have to admit that Roach’s cooking is way better than whatever our cook was doing,” you teased, waving a chunk of fresh bread between you both.

“It’s…yeah, alright, it’s good. Bonnet wastes a lot of fucking money on this but…yeah, it’s good,” Izzy reluctantly admitted. Like complimenting a chef was so humiliating.

“Hey, it’s not our money, let him spend it and keep us well fed,” you shrugged.

“Ah, so you are still a real pirate after all,” Izzy smiled a little to himself, glad that this crew hadn’t changed you. Maybe you were calmer now, less impulsive, but that often came naturally as time passed, but you were still you.

“Just more house trained,” you joked, earning a small chuckle from the grisly man that warmed your heart. “How was everything after I left?” you couldn’t help but feel a little nostalgic, when you had left you had missed the ship you called home and the crew you called family.

“Probably what you’d expect. Your argument threw Ed into one of his moods. It didn’t last too long, a couple of risky raids and things mostly went back to normal,” Izzy shrugged. It was pretty standard for the Queen Anne, though it felt a little tougher without you there.

“Fuck, Iz, it’s been way too long since we’ve properly talked.” Izzy had been on the Revenge for a while now and you felt like you had only really spoken about work. You wanted a proper chance to talk with him, to catch up, to hear about how things were after you left, to tell him how you met Stede and joined his crew, to properly reconnect. “We’re stopping at port in a few days, we’re going out,” you decided.

“Going out?” Izzy cocked an eyebrow, a little taken back by your determination.

“Yep. We’re going ashore, we’re going to whichever tavern you suggest, and we’re hanging out,” you told him, matter of fact.

Normally Izzy wouldn’t like somebody telling him what to do, just assuming he would comply, but instead he only found himself pleased that you were so eager to spend time with him. “...sounds good,” Izzy nodded, fighting off a small smile.

“Roach!” Edward called as he entered the galley, flashing the crew a smile when they looked at him. “Stede said you have more of those yummy cakes,” he turned back to the cook.

“One second, I’ll grab them for you, captain,” Roach nodded, sounding a little irritated, before going to fetch the sugary treats.

Edward lent against the longer table as he waited, only basking in the attention of the crew a little bit, looking around the room until he saw you sitting separately with Izzy. You hadn’t even looked up at his entrance, neither of you had, the two of you talking low enough that the others couldn’t hear you. Like you were in your own little world. 

He didn’t know why it bothered him so much, that you were both too caught up in each other to pay him any attention. He supposed he was just used to naturally demanding it, he had once had your attention and even after you left Izzy had hung on to his every word.

Thankfully, Roach returned with the cakes before Edward could dwell to long on the feeling.

-

Another month had passed and the two crews had completely found their place together, with more ease than anyone expected. Stede and Edward were still co-captaining and officially courting each other, other than Izzy, Ivan and Fang were the only crew members from the Queen Anne that had decided to stay aboard the Revenge for the long term, and you and Izzy stuck by each other’s side more than you ever had before.

Edward couldn’t believe how much had changed over the last couple of months, all he knew was that this was the most fun he has had for years, maybe ever, and he had Stede to thank for that. That fascinating, loving, man. Stede felt much the same about Edward, happy to indulge in the other man’s affections.

“It’s a clear night, will you please teach me how to navigate by the stars?” Stede asked, not even needing to bat his lashes to have Edward jumping to his feet.

“All you have to do is ask!” Ed grinned, planting a happy kiss to his partner’s lips before guiding him towards the door.

They left the cabin with their arms intertwined, leaning against each other as they emerged onto the deck. There was a lantern lit up on the quarterdeck, most likely whoever had a shift tonight.

“Who’s on watch?” Stede asked, not being the one in charge of creating a rota.

“Not sure. We’ll just tell them we’ll cover for them,” Edward shrugged, also not responsible for the schedule. That was the job of a first mate or quartermaster, not the captains.

The two men quietly walked up to see who’s night they would be making before pausing at the sight. Instead of a tired looking crewmember leaning against the railing, they saw you and Izzy sitting together comfortably, with mugs of something warm in your hands. 

You were leaning against each other, shoulder to shoulder, talking quietly between yourselves. Both captains felt as if they were intruding on something even though they hadn’t yet been caught. 

Occasionally one of you would point up at the sky and discuss something, voices low but light. Izzy spoke, close enough to you that his nose brushed against your temple and quiet enough that the captains couldn’t make out his words, but they did hear you laugh and see him smile in response.

Shaking your head fondly, you placed your mug down safely beside you and lent over to give Izzy a kiss. Just the faint brush of your lips against his that had Izzy leaning in, as if under some sort of spell. 

“Let’s leave them be, Ed,” Stede whispered, giving him a small shake when he didn’t respond. Edward still felt like he was in some sort of shock, unable to protest as Stede guided him away and back to their cabin. They could stargaze another night.

“You’re adorable,” you cooed, loving the way Izzy’s face heated up at any compliment you gave him. Of course, his easy to fluster nature only made complimenting and praising him all the more satisfying for you.

“Fuck off, no I’m not,” Izzy grumbled, even as he lent into your hand that stroked through his hair.

“Yeah, you kind of are, though,” you whispered, almost wistfully. “Can’t believe we didn’t do this sooner.”

Izzy sighed a little. “You were a little preoccupied,” he reminded you.

“Ugh, don’t remind me,” you groaned before tenderly pressing your forehead to his. “Can I tell you something?” you asked.

“Sure,” as if he could ever deny you.

“Before I was with Ed…I kinda had a crush on you. Didn’t think you were interested, you were, like…unattainable. Unreachable, y’know? Didn’t seem to take an interest in anybody, especially if they weren’t Edward. And then I started spending time with Ed…and y’know, things just happen,” you confessed, feeling like you had made some silly mistake somewhere along the line.

Izzy closed his eyes for a moment, before pulling away. “I don’t need you to say that to make me feel better.”

“I’m not,” you frowned, keeping your hand against his shoulder but not stopping him from moving away if he wanted to. “I mean it,” you promised.

Izzy looked at you, all glassy eyed and vulnerable in that way he got. You looked genuine, sounded sincere. Anyway, lying really wouldn’t get you anything, nothing he could think of anyway. You didn’t need to convince him of anything, he was already here with you. “You really didn’t know I was sweet on you?” he asked, blushing as if he was confessing feelings that you didn’t already know about.

“Looking back now…it was kind of obvious, I guess. But no, I honestly didn’t know. I was pretty stupid back then, have learnt a lot since. Matured and all that bullshit.” Back then you hadn’t noticed the more quiet affection that Izzy offered, the stolen glances and shy looks, the way he just did things to make your life easier without even acknowledging it. 

You saw those things now, cherished them they way they deserved to be, but back then you had been blind. Izzy hadn’t teased or flirted, hadn’t touched and lent in close at every opportunity, had nervously sat beside you instead of pulling you down onto his lap. He wasn’t the type to pursue and you had overlooked that.

“Would it have changed anything?” Izzy asked, though he wasn’t sure how he wanted you to answer. 

“I don’t know. I’d like to think so,” you confessed. “No point thinking about that now. We’re here now,” you gave him a sweet smile that had him relaxing again.

Right, just like you said. You were here, with him, and you were happy. He was happy. The past was in the past, you were here now. “Yeah, guess we are,” he gave a small smile in response as he leant back into your touch.

You were both still smiling when you kissed him again. Izzy kissed back, just as he always did when it came to you, and let his arms loop around your waist. You didn’t hesitate for a moment, slipping yourself onto his lap.

-

Ever since he walked in on your date night with Izzy, Edward had been flipping through possible explanations in his mind. He knew that the two of you were friends, all three of you had been, but that night certainly wasn’t purely platonic. Izzy was looking at you the way he always had, with adoration, and you were looking back at him much the same. The same way he would catch Stede looking at him, the way that always made him melt and feel fuzzy inside, made him feel loved and cherished.

It was only a couple nights after the discovery that Edward decided that he just had to speak with you about what you were doing with Izzy. Whether it was serious or not, just friends keeping each other company, just a one time fluke thing, or something else. He had to know…he was captain and it was his responsibility to keep an eye on the crew afterall.

Edward left Stede sleeping in their bed and searched for you, finding that you weren’t sleeping with the rest of the crew. He double and triple checked that you hadn’t just disappeared bundled under a blanket among them before he realised where you must be. You must have been in Izzy’s cabin, which only served to worsen his mood.

Izzy hated sharing a cabin, sharing his cabin. And his space on the Revenge was much smaller than what he had on the Queen Anne, and yet it seems that he let you in. Were you staying in there with him or just every now and again?

Before Edward knew it, he was down in the ship and throwing open the door of the first mate’s cabin. 

Instinctively, you and Izzy jolted awake, ready to defend yourselves from the intruder. The blanket falling to the floor, leaving you both in the underclothes you had gone to bed in.

“Should have fucking known you’d be here,” Edward scoffed, looking at the two of you like you had done something wrong.

“What the fuck, Ed? Is something going on?” Izzy asked, voice even hoarser with sleep but blood pumping through his veins, ready for an impromptu raid or storm.

“I don’t know, you tell me,” Edward retorted petulant.

“Ed?” you groaned, rubbing the sleep from your eyes now that you knew you weren’t under attack. “What the fuck, man? I’m too tired to try to figure out what you’re talking about,” you grumbled. The sooner he told you what was wrong, the sooner you could tend to it and get back to sleep.

“What’s going on here?” Edward questioned.

You just frowned at him, trying to understand the question. When you did realise what he was talking about, you sighed and rolled your eyes. “Are you serious, Edward?” 

“Told you he’d be pissed,” Izzy muttered, running a hand through his hair in an attempt to get it under control as he grabbed the blanket from the floor.

“And I told you, I don’t give a shit. He needs to get over it,” you huffed back, crossing your arms over your chest.

“Are you doing this to piss me off?” Edward asked, though it sounded more like an accusation than a question.

“Edward-” Izzy began but you cut him off.

“Fucking hell, Edward! Not everything is about you. This isn’t about you,” you couldn’t help but snap, feeling the anger surge up inside you.

“Sure, it isn’t,” Edward scoffed, “you’re fucking my first mate.”

Izzy froze by your side but you could only stare at Edward. “So?” you asked slowly.

“You’re fucking my first mate but it’s not to get back at me,” Edward stated like it was the most obvious thing on this fucking ship.

“It’s not about you!” you snapped again. “I like Izzy, we like each other. We’re giving it a try. Most importantly, it’s none of your business.” At least when this all took a turn for the worst, you could claim that you tried to be reasonable.

“Oh c’mon. Izzy was always following you around like a stray, drooling over you. You’re telling me you’re not just fucking him because you know he’s obsessed with you and it would make me look bad.”

Izzy looked away from you both, suddenly finding the thread count of his blanket incredibly interesting. Clearly he must have shared some of Edward’s thoughts and that only made you angrier.

“Fuck you, Ed,” you snarled, suddenly protective, “Izzy has always been my friend, you know that.”

Whenever Edward would disappear for an undisclosed amount of time, usually when Jack was around but not always, it was you and Izzy that would maintain the ship together. It was Izzy you would spend your time with, and after getting over your initial annoyance with Edward’s disappearing act, you would find yourself not even caring that much. You and Izzy had always been close, always been there for each other, and Edward knew that.

“It’s my fault that I didn’t realise what I felt for him before. I’m trying to make that right now,” you were seconds away from jumping up from the cot and shoving him out of Izzy’s cabin.

Edward’s glare turned dangerously neutral. “We’re you fucking him when we were together?” 

“Fuck you!” Without even realising, you were up on your feet, stepping up to Edward. Izzy shot to his feet behind you, standing still and careful. “You don’t get to make accusations like that,” you spat at the dread pirate captain. When Edward only snarled back, you swallowed down your rage and spoke stiffly. “No. I wasn’t fucking him, but maybe I should’ve been. Maybe I should have just been with him instead of you in the first fucking place.”

“...fuck you,” Edward growled. “Is it because I’m with Stede now?”

You took a deep breath to calm yourself as you stepped back from him, you were not going to have this argument. You had to be better than this. You could deny it all you liked and it would be the complete truth, but Edward would believe what he wanted until he calmed down.

“Get out, Edward,” you ordered lowly. You didn’t give him a chance to protest even when he tried, “get out now and I won’t tell Stede that you’re such a jealous fuck.”

Edward gave another snarl before storming off, you were just glad that it was that easy to get rid of him. The door slammed behind him, shaking on its hinges.

You let out a breath and turned around, watching as Izzy tugged his pants on. You didn’t know what to say, partly hoping Izzy might speak, partly hoping neither of you had to speak and could just let things settle down for a moment. 

Unfortunately, Izzy did speak. His words making you ache. 

“Maybe you should go…”

“Iz-”

“It’s not worth it,” Izzy wouldn’t even meet your gaze, wouldn't even look at you.“You know how Ed can get…” 

“What’s not worth it, exactly?” you asked, not taking your eyes off of him even if he refused to look at you.

“Me. I’m not worth it,” his gaze snapped up to meet your own, something heartbreaking about it.

“Iz, love-” 

“Are you just doing this to piss off Ed?” he asked. He was accusing you but it sounded like he believed it well enough, that there was just a part of him hoping that you would deny it.

“No!” you answered sternly, not wanting to leave any room for doubt. “Izzy, that’s not what-do you really think that?” your voice cracked. Had Izzy been worried about this the whole time?

“I’m not Blackbeard. Either you are doing this because he’d hate it or because I’ve always just been your second choice,” Izzy concluded sorrowfully.

“Izzy, no. Please listen to me,” you pleaded, ready to beg as much as he needed, as you walked up to him. “When I came back to the ship and saw you and Ed, I was more excited to see you, you were my best friend. Seeing you again made me realise some things. This honestly isn’t about Ed, it’s about us,” you promised.

“You know he can get jealous.” Even Izzy wasn’t completely sure what he meant by that, if he was accusing you of some plot or warning you of how Edward might react.

“I know, which is why I was hoping it would take longer for him to find out. How could I have been doing this to get a reaction out of Edward when I didn’t even want him finding out yet?” you asked and Izzy had to admit that you made a good point. 

“Izzy,” you gently took one of his hands in yours. “Look, neither me nor Ed were great in that relationship. We weren’t good for each other in the long run but we had fun and got into trouble, and maybe that was what I wanted then but it’s not what I want now. Now, I want somebody to care for and have care for me, somebody to rely on and love. I want something real, a real love that doesn’t just burn out. And I want that with you, Iz-love.”

“I want that with you too,” Izzy breathed out, like speaking any louder might break him. 

“I promise you. Whether Ed was here or not, I’d want you, I’d want to be with you. If Ed wasn’t with Stede, if he was single, even if he wanted me back, I don’t want him anymore. It’s you that I think about nearly every second of every day. I’m crazy about you, Iz,” you confessed, nothing you hadn’t already tried to tell him over the last month.

Overwhelmed with feelings, so much having happened in the last few minutes, Izzy knew he had to do something but he couldn’t find the words to fit. Instead, he surged forward to meet you in a clumsy but passionate kiss, needing to get those emotions out, needing you to feel them. And you did, giving just as good as you got, clinging right back to him.

This wouldn’t be the last time you had to defend your relationship to Edward in some way but it felt like a strong start. You hoped that now that Ed had got out his initial outburst he would calm enough to do a little introspection. You hoped that he would see that nobody took anything from anyone, that he now got to be happy and now so did you and Izzy. 

Either way, Edward would just have to accept it because you had taken Izzy for granted once, lost him once, and you wouldn’t make the same mistake twice.

[babygirl-diaz]

My Emotions Are Naked (Buddie Fanfic)

Summary:

Eddie doesn't know how long he has had feelings for Buck. But when he meets a guy named Alex and starts dating him, he figures that maybe he is over Buck, but it's never that easy, is it?

Chapter 1

It was the 16th of June, exactly 6 months and 21 days after they started dating that Marisol broke things off with Eddie. And 6 months and 21 days later, Eddie felt like he could finally breathe. Marisol was beautiful, kind, smart, and most importantly had the seal of approval from his Abuela, and that’s why Eddie stayed with her, even though he knew that they just weren’t meant to be. It was also around that time when he realized that he may have feelings for someone else. But he wasn’t ready to open that can of worms yet. Marisol wasn’t mad when she broke things off with Eddie. If anything, admitted that she always knew there was someone else. In the end, she gave him a hug and a gentle kiss on the cheek, followed by, “I hope you and Vanessa are happy together,” before heading out, leaving Eddie very confused. Vanessa. Right. Marisol thought Eddie was in love with Vanessa. 

“She what?” Vanessa laughed that loud, obnoxious laugh of hers when Eddie called her after dropping Chris off at school. Chris understood or at least he tried to understand why Marisol broke things off with Eddie. He was sympathetic. He gave him a look that said he wanted to say more, but instead, he shook his head, said his goodbye, and headed to class. 

 “She- she thinks you’re in love with me?”  Vanessa just couldn’t stop laughing and, frankly, it was pissing Eddie off a little. 

“Vanessa-” Eddie said as a warning. 

“Sorry, sorry, it’s just hilarious to me that Marisol thinks you’re in love with me,” Vanessa replied. “I mean, she was with you for 6 months and she couldn’t see that you’re so hopelessly in love with-” 

“Don’t” Eddie quickly cut her off. “Please don’t.” 

“Okay.” Vanessa finally got serious. “Eddie, you do know that there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with that-” 

“‘Ness I’d rather not talk about it,” Eddie told her. 

“Then why did you call me, Eddie? If you weren’t ready for some cold hard facts?” Vanessa asked. 

“I called because you’re my friend and I needed someone to talk to,” Eddie replied. 

“Well, if you needed someone to coddle you then you should have just gone to Buck,” Vanessa told him. “I’m not here to do that for you.” 

“Fine, I’m hanging up then,” Eddie huffed. 

“Don’t let me stop you, Eddie.” 

Eddie could almost feel Vanessa rolling her eyes on the other end. He paused for the longest time before saying, “I’m not in love with him. I can’t be.” 

“Why?” Vanessa asked with pity in her voice that made Eddie cringe. “Because your family thinks it’s wrong?” 

“I don’t wanna talk about this, ‘Nessa.” Eddie sighed as he parked in his spot at the firehouse parking lot. “I have to go. I’ll talk to you soon. Say hi to Joaquin for me.” 

“Oh yeah, Joaquin and I broke up,” Vanessa said unsympathetically. 

‘Seriously?” 

“Don’t judge,” Vanessa warned him. “I didn’t judge you or the fact that you’re in love with your best friend.” 

“Vanessa!” Eddie groaned 

“Okay, byeee…” With that, she hung up. 

Eddie sighed and got out of the truck. He waited a few seconds, just taking in some fresh air before he headed inside. The last person he wanted to see was the first one to spot him. 

Buck came over to him, and he did not look too pleased. 

Eddie immediately put up a front and smiled at Buck. “Hey, Buck. How’s it going?” 

“How’s it going? I’ve been calling you since last night!” Buck said moving his hands around. “I got a concerning message from Marisol, telling me to make sure you didn’t do anything reckless. What the hell is going on?” 

Eddie groaned and pinched the bridge of his nose. “She had no right,” he said annoyed. He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up. 

“Eddie, what’s wrong? Talk to me.” Buck gave him his pleading puppy dog eyes. 

“Marisol broke up with me,” Eddie blurted out. 

Buck looked taken aback by Eddie’s admittance. “Oh,” he said before his features softened and a sympathetic look crossed his face. “Eddie, I’m so sorry.” 

“Don’t be,” Eddie told him. “It was a long time coming.” 

“Really?” Buck looked taken aback again. “I thought you two were going strong.” 

Eddie wanted to laugh humorlessly at that. Who could possibly think that Eddie and Marisol were going strong? “Well, we weren’t.” 

“Can I ask what happened?” 

Eddie sighed, crossed his arms, and shrugged. “We just weren’t working out anymore.” 

Buck assessed Eddie’s face, making Eddie squirm under his gaze. “Eddie, is there someone else?” 

Eddie’s heart skipped a beat and suddenly an irrational fear took over him as he wondered if Buck could read his face. “No! There isn’t someone else, Buck. Do you really take me for someone who would cheat on their girlfriend?” He was a little hurt that Buck would even ask him that. 

“Eddie, that’s not what I meant. I don’t think you cheated on your girlfriend,” Buck assured him and put a hand on his shoulder. “I’m sorry if it came across that way.” He searched Eddie’s eyes when Eddie averted his. “Are you okay?” 

“Yeah, I am,” Eddie replied honestly. 

There was a long pause before Buck said, “Okay. Do you wanna hang out tonight? You, me, Chris?” 

Eddie huffed out a laugh. “Even I barely get to see Chris these days. He’s so busy with his friends.”

“Okay, what about you and me then?” Buck asked in a hopeful voice. 

Eddie’s heart ached. He wanted nothing more than to say yes but, truth be told, Buck was the last person he wanted to spend time with right now. “Not tonight, Buck.” Eddie immediately felt guilty when he saw the sad look that fell over Buck’s face. “How about over the weekend?” 

Buck perked up at that. “Yes! Weekend sounds great!” He said. “I’ll make you some killer cocktails that will make forget all about your breakup.” 

Eddie couldn’t help but smile at that. “I’ll take you up on that.” 

Read the rest on AO3

((Thank you @sarastars for RPing this plot with me! Really helped build my confidence to write it!))

[acute-scary]

Between the Ropes… a Jey Uso x Rhea Ripley fic.

Chapter 6: Consequences

Rhea’s body trembled as she lay on her side, clutching her stomach. The room spun as she grabbed a swig of water from her Stanley cup, the sour taste of bile still fresh in her mouth, but the nausea wasn’t what scared her. She’d been here before, sick from the stress of too many matches, too many sleepless nights, too many… mistakes.

But this time, it was different. Could I be pregnant?

The thought struck her like a slap, and no matter how hard she tried to focus on something else, it came back, louder, more pressing. Whose would it be?

Her breath hitched as she thought of Matt—her husband. He was the steady one, her anchor when everything felt like it was slipping out of control. She could picture his smile, the way he would pull her close when she felt overwhelmed. If it’s his… maybe everything will be okay, she thought, even as doubt gnawed at the edges of her mind.

But then there was Jey. Her heart pounded harder just thinking about him. Jey, with his easy charm, his reckless smile that always seemed to promise trouble. The man she had fallen into when she needed to feel something, anything, other than the weight of her reality. But if the child was his… how could she live with that? How could she keep up the lie with Matt, knowing the truth?

She rolled onto her back, staring blankly at the ceiling. Her mind was a storm, swirling with regret, fear, guilt. She had gotten herself into this, hadn’t she? This tangled mess of feelings and deceit. What if it’s Jey’s? What will I tell Matt? Her eyes burned as she blinked back tears, her chest tightening with each heavy breath.

What if it’s Matt’s? Will I feel relieved? That thought felt foreign, distant. She didn’t know how to escape the suffocating weight of her decisions no matter who the father was.

The door creaked open, Rhea turned her weak body to look at the mini table and chair set in the room. Damian stepped into the room. “Hey,” his voice was soft, cautious. “Kayden messaged me. She wants to make a TikTok and grab drinks. You mind if I head out for a bit?”

Rhea managed a weak and brittle response. “Go ahead. I’m just gonna take a sleeping pill and crash. I… don’t really want to scroll on my phone or anything.”

Damian’s brow furrowed, his eyes lingering on her. He knew something was wrong—he always knew. She could feel his concern, his hesitation. But she couldn’t let him in, not now. If he pressed, she would break.

“I’m fine,” she added, her voice barely above a whisper once she realized Damian hadn’t move, “Really.”

He didn’t look convinced, but he nodded. “Okay. Just… call me if you need anything.”

She turned to watch him leave, her chest tightening again as the door closed behind him. The moment he was gone, her composure crumbled. She buried her face in her hands, choking back a sob. She didn’t want Damian to see her like this—didn’t want anyone to. She was supposed to be strong, supposed to be in control. But right now, she felt so small, so fragile, and so utterly alone.

What would Damian think if he knew? Would he judge her? No… Damian was too loyal. Too kind. But that only made it worse. He’d seen too much already, and she couldn’t afford to break down in front of him. Not when everything felt like it was hanging by a thread.

Damian moved through the hallway, each step echoing softly in the quiet of the house. His mind was on Rhea, but he pushed it aside as his feet carried him to Jey’s door. He knocked once, not bothering to wait before entering.

Jey was sitting on the bed, scrolling through his phone, but looked up when Damian walked in.

“I’m heading out with Kayden,” Damian said bluntly. “I’ll be gone for the night.”

Jey nodded, but there was something in his eyes—something that made Damian pause. He wanted to say more, to tell Jey to stop, to ask him what the hell he was thinking, playing with Rhea’s heart like this. But what would be the point? Jey was set in his ways, and Rhea… she was too deep now to pull herself out.

“Take care of her,” Damian said, his voice low but firm. It wasn’t a request. It was a warning.

Jey’s expression didn’t change, but Damian could see the faint flicker of something—guilt, maybe? It didn’t matter.

Damian walked out without waiting for a response, leaving Jey alone with the weight of his own choices.

—

An hour had passed since Damian left, and Rhea still hadn’t found peace. The nausea had subsided, but the lingering taste of vomit left her feeling disgusting. With a shaky breath, she pushed herself up, forcing her legs to carry her to the bathroom. She leaned over the sink, gripping the sides to steady herself, and squeezed a glob of toothpaste onto her brush. Each stroke felt mechanical, her mind blank as she focused on the simple task of cleaning herself up.

She rinsed her mouth, the fresh taste of mint washing away the bitter remnants of sickness, but it did nothing to ease the weight pressing on her chest. She reached for the mouthwash, swishing it around before spitting it out. Better, she thought, if only slightly. At least now she didn’t feel as if the remnants of her mistakes were clinging to her, even if they still haunted her mind.

Back in the bedroom, she glanced at the clock—9:57 PM. The night still stretched out before her, long and lonely. Her body ached for rest, but her mind refused to stop spinning, each thought more troubling than the last. She lay down again, pulling the blanket up to her chin, trying to force herself to relax.

For a brief moment, the quiet won. Her thoughts slowed, her breathing evened, and she slipped into a shallow sleep.

But then, she felt it—arms around her, strong and familiar. At first, she didn’t react, too tired to move. But the touch, the scent, it pulled her out of sleep. Her eyes fluttered open, and there he was.

Jey.

He didn’t say anything as he scooped her up into his arms. She barely had the strength to protest, her body still weak and her mind foggy. She watched as the room blurred around her, and in the next moment, she found herself in his room. The door clicked shut behind him, the lock sliding into place with a quiet finality.

Jey set her gently on the edge of the bed, his eyes never leaving hers. There was something in his gaze, something unreadable—desire, yes, but something more. She couldn’t tell if it was concern or if it was the same emptiness she had seen before.

Without a word, he pulled his shirt over his head, tossing it aside. Rhea’s breath caught in her throat as he moved toward her, his steps deliberate, his intentions clear. She knew what was coming—this was the rhythm they had fallen into for months now. But tonight, it felt different. He felt different.

As he stood before her, bare-chested, she tried to push down the knot of emotions that rose in her throat. She didn’t know what to say. What could she say? Every time they crossed this line, the distance between them seemed to grow wider, but neither of them ever talked about it.

Jey leaned down, his face inches from hers, his eyes dark and intense. He was ready, prepared for whatever this night would bring. And for a moment, Rhea wondered if she had the strength to keep doing this.

Rhea’s breath was shaky as she stared at Jey. His presence always overwhelmed her, but tonight, something was different. The words she’d been holding back sat heavy on her tongue, but she didn’t know if she had the courage to speak them. Her heart pounded, her hands trembling slightly as she looked into his eyes.

“Jey…” she began, her voice barely a whisper, but it was enough to make him pause, his expression softening as he waited for her to continue.

Her heart thudded louder in her chest, fear gripping her throat as she realized there was no turning back now. She swallowed hard, her voice trembling with uncertainty. “I want you to make love to me this time…”

Jey blinked, the words hanging in the air between them. For a moment, he didn’t move, couldn’t move, as if the weight of her request had knocked the air out of his lungs. Make love? That was never how things had been between them. They had always fallen into bed with the same hunger, the same urgency, but love? That wasn’t part of the equation.

His mind raced. This wasn’t what he expected, not from her. She had always been the one to keep things in check, to make sure their connection stayed physical, detached from emotion. But now, she was asking for something more. Something deeper. What does this mean?

Jey’s pulse quickened as he looked down at her, uncertainty flashing across his face. Was she falling for him? He had seen the signs, had noticed the way her eyes lingered on him a little longer, the way her touch softened sometimes, but he had pushed it aside. He didn’t let himself think about it.

And now, she was asking him to cross a line he wasn’t sure he could.

Rhea bit her lip, her chest tightening as the silence stretched between them. She had never felt this scared, this exposed. What if he says no? What if he laughs it off?She couldn’t read him, couldn’t tell what he was thinking, and the fear gnawed at her. But she had to say it. She couldn’t keep pretending like what they had was just physical. Not anymore.

Her voice was soft, barely more than a whisper. “I… I don’t know how to explain it, Jey. I’m scared. Scared that if I don’t ask you this, I’ll regret it. Scared that… maybe you don’t feel the same.” She looked down, avoiding his gaze as her hands twisted the sheets beneath her.

Jey’s expression shifted the moment Rhea’s words left her mouth.

“What the hell are you saying, Rhea?” he snapped, his voice sharp enough to make her flinch. He stepped back from her, the closeness they had shared moments ago now replaced by a cold distance.

“I want you to make love to me,” she repeated softly, but the vulnerability in her voice only fueled his anger.

“Make love?” he scoffed, shaking his head as he paced in front of her, fists clenched tight. “You really think this is love? After everything?”

Rhea’s breath hitched, her heart racing as she watched his expression darken. She hadn’t expected this reaction—not like this. She knew it was a risk, but she thought he might at least try to understand. Instead, he was turning into someone she didn’t recognize.

“You want me to leave my wife?” he spat, venom lacing every word. “You want me to throw away my family for this—” he gestured angrily between them, “—for whatever the hell this is?”

“I never said that!” Rhea’s voice cracked, her pulse quickening as she tried to defend herself, but the fire in Jey’s eyes told her he wasn’t listening.

“No, but that’s what you mean, isn’t it? You want more from me than I can give! What do you think this is? Some fairytale where I just walk away from everything and we live happily ever after?”

Rhea shook her head, tears stinging her eyes as she struggled to hold her ground. “Jey, it’s not like that, I—”

“Bullshit!” he cut her off, his voice booming in the room. “You think I didn’t notice? You think I didn’t hear you last night?”

Rhea froze, her heart sinking as his words hit her. She knew exactly what he was talking about, and the guilt twisted inside her like a knife.

“Yeah,” he continued, his tone dripping with bitterness. “I heard you, Rhea. You said it. You said you loved me while we were fucking. What the hell was that about?”

Rhea’s mouth went dry, her hands trembling as she struggled to find her voice. “Jey, I—”

“What were you thinking?” Jey’s voice grew louder, his anger spiraling. “Were you trying to trap me? Trying to make me feel guilty so I’d what—leave my family? Abandon everything for you?”

“No!” Rhea cried out, the tears finally spilling over. “I wasn’t trying to trap you! I just… I couldn’t help it. I didn’t mean to say it.”

“Didn’t mean to?” Jey laughed bitterly, shaking his head. “You don’t just accidentally say something like that, Rhea. Don’t try to play dumb.”

She wiped at her tears, her chest heaving as the argument spiraled out of control. “I don’t know why I said it! I wasn’t thinking, I was caught up in the moment—”

“That’s the problem!” Jey exploded, his voice booming in the room. “You weren’t thinking! You never think! You just act like this—like we can keep doing this without consequences. But there are consequences, Rhea! I’ve got a wife! I’ve got a family! And you think you can just say ‘I love you’ and everything’s going to be fine?”

Rhea’s heart shattered at his words. She had never felt more exposed, more hurt. “I didn’t mean to mess things up,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I just… I didn’t know how else to feel. I thought maybe you—”

“Maybe I what? Maybe I love you back?” Jey shot back, his tone icy. “Is that what you’re hoping for? That I’ll just say it too, and then what? What do you want from me, Rhea? Because I can’t be that guy for you.”

His words were like a punch to the gut, each one driving deeper into the wound. Rhea’s tears flowed freely now, her chest tight with the weight of everything she’d been holding in.

“I’m not asking you to leave your wife,” she said, her voice trembling. “I’m not asking for anything, I just… I don’t know what to do anymore.”

Jey shook his head, his anger still simmering. “You should’ve thought about that before you said what you said. Before you made this messy. Because now, it’s too late.”

He turned away from her, his shoulders tense, his breathing ragged. Rhea sat there, devastated, knowing that whatever they had just unraveled in the worst possible way.

The room felt like it was closing in on Rhea. The heat of the argument, the biting words, and Jey’s explosive anger were suffocating. She could barely catch her breath, but the sting of his accusations forced her to find her voice.

“Jey, you don’t get to just push me away like this!” she shouted, her anger rising through the haze of hurt. “You don’t get to treat me like I’m nothing because you’re scared of facing the truth!”

Jey’s face twisted in shock and fury. “Scared? I’m not scared, Rhea! I’m angry because you keep crossing lines that shouldn’t be crossed! I told you from the beginning what this was!”

“Yeah, and I listened,” Rhea fired back, her eyes flashing with defiance. “I listened to all of it. But you know what? I’m not some toy you can just play with and then throw away when it gets too complicated. I have feelings too!”

Jey’s fists clenched at his sides, his face flushed with rage. “Feelings? What about my feelings? You think you’re the only one who’s struggling here? I’ve got a family, a life outside of this mess, and you’re making it impossible!”

“I never asked you to change your life!” Rhea retorted, her voice rising with frustration. “I just wanted you to be honest with me. To stop pretending that what we had didn’t mean anything. I’ve been trying to make sense of everything, and all you do is push me away!”

Jey’s eyes widened with a mixture of anger and disbelief. “Push you away? I’m not the one who’s been pushing, Rhea. You’ve been the one who’s been pushing for more—more than I can give, more than I ever promised.”

The argument reached a boiling point, and the air between them was charged with hostility. Rhea stood up, her body trembling as she faced Jey. “I’m done with this,” she said, her voice steady despite the tears streaming down her face. “I’m done with you treating me like I don’t matter. If you can’t handle this, then maybe it’s time you faced the real consequences of what you’ve done.”

Jey’s anger exploded. In a sudden, uncontrolled motion, he shoved Rhea. She stumbled back, her legs giving way as she fell to the floor, her eyes wide with shock and pain.

“Don’t you dare stand there and act like you’re the victim!” Jey roared, his face flushed with rage. “You brought this on yourself! You wanted more, you got it, and now you’re going to deal with it!”

Rhea gasped for breath, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggled to push herself up. The impact of the shove had left her disoriented, and the sight of Jey’s furious expression only made the situation worse. She felt a wave of disbelief and betrayal wash over her, her anger turning into something more primal—a raw, aching pain.

“Get out,” she managed to choke out, her voice barely more than a whisper. “Just… get out.”

Jey stood there, his chest heaving as he stared at her, the anger slowly giving way to something else—regret, perhaps, but it was too late. The damage was done, and the gulf between them had never seemed so wide.

He then moved quickly, grabbing his suitcase and phone charger from the corner of the room. His movements were frantic, a blur of motion as he packed his essentials without a second glance. His hair products, neatly arranged on the bathroom counter, were left untouched, a symbol of the chaotic state he was in.

He turned and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him with a deafening crash. The sound echoed in Rhea’s ears as she sat on the floor, her body shaking uncontrollably, the reality of what had just happened settling heavily on her shoulders.

She remained on the floor, her body shaking as she struggled to comprehend the events of the last few moments. The anger and pain swirled inside her, mingling with the empty space Jey had left behind. She had fought so hard to be heard, to be understood, and now she was left with the emptiness of his absence.

The room was silent, save for the ragged breaths she took as she tried to process everything. She was alone now, left with the shattered remnants of a relationship that had gone from passionate to poisonous in a matter of moments.

—

Jey adjusted his hoodie as he stood at the airport ticket counter, his face set in grim determination. The clerk’s voice was a dull hum as she processed his request, the sound of the busy airport barely registering in his mind.

“That will be $2,844.75 for the first-class seat, Mr. Fatu. This includes a round trip back to Portland on September 16th.”

Jey handed over his credit card without hesitation. The amount barely registered as he swiped his card, the weight of his actions pressing down on him. His thoughts were tangled in the chaos of the last few hours, each moment replaying in his mind with painful clarity.

After receiving his boarding pass, he made his way to the terminal. He pulled out his phone and texted his wife, the message brief but loaded with meaning: “Heading home. Should be there in about two and a half hours. Love you.”

Surprisingly, she responded almost immediately, her reply a small beacon of comfort in his turbulent state: “I’m up doing some late-night laundry. I’ll wait for you.”

The warmth of her response was a fleeting solace as he settled into his first-class seat. He ordered whiskey straight, the rich, sharp taste a temporary distraction from the storm inside his head.

As the plane began to taxi toward the runway, Jey stared out the window, the city lights below blurring together. The events of the evening replayed in his mind, each moment of anger and hurt, the confrontation with Rhea, and the final, painful push.

The whiskey burned in his throat, a harsh reminder of the choices he had made. The conflict between his professional life and personal relationships, the chaos of his emotions—it all swirled together, a potent mix of regret and unresolved tension.

Jey closed his eyes, trying to escape the mental cacophony. He tried to imagine what awaited him at home—his wife and kids, their faces full of warmth and familiarity. The thought was a sharp contrast to the storm he had left behind, and it made his chest tighten with a mix of guilt and sorrow.

The flight attendants walked down the aisle, their calm and professional demeanor a stark contrast to Jey’s inner turmoil. He watched them with a detached gaze, their routines seeming so distant from his current reality. When the plane finally took off, the sensation of lifting off the ground felt like a physical manifestation of escaping his problems, if only for a little while.

The cabin lights dimmed as the plane climbed higher, the city lights below fading into the darkness. Jey continued to sip his whiskey, the alcohol beginning to dull the sharp edges of his thoughts. He leaned back in his seat, trying to find some semblance of peace amidst the turbulence of his mind.

He thought about Rhea—her pain, her tears, the way she had looked at him with a mix of anger and hurt. The memory of her saying “I love you” the night before was particularly haunting. He knew that no matter what happened next, the damage was done. The guilt of hurting someone who had trusted him weighed heavily on him.

As the flight continued, Jey found himself staring blankly at the ceiling of the cabin, lost in his own thoughts. The steady hum of the engines and the rhythmic vibration of the plane became a kind of hypnotic backdrop to his brooding.

He pulled out his phone to connect to the WiFi and he scrolled through his messages, the mundane texts from his wife a stark reminder of the normalcy he was returning to. Each message was a thread connecting him to the life he had momentarily abandoned.

He sent her another message, his fingers moving slowly over the screen: “I can’t wait to see you and the kids. I’m sorry for the late-night flight.”

Her response came quickly: *“Don’t worry about it. We’re just glad you’re coming home.”*

Jey read her words and felt a pang of sadness mixed with gratitude. The simplicity of her response was a balm to his troubled soul, even if it couldn’t erase the mistakes he had made.

The plane continued its journey, and as Jey closed his eyes again, he hoped for a chance to make things right, to mend what had been broken. The future was uncertain, but for now, he had to focus on getting through this flight and facing whatever awaited him when he touched down in San Francisco.

That whatever being his family..