#Lesson 64 | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

thatbloodymuggle · 4 months

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READY TO RUN (vi)

SIX - PIANISSIMO

SUMMARY: in a world where everyone has a predetermined match, JJ Maybank and Y/N Montgomery want nothing to do with theirs. it has to be a cruel joke; the universe forcing two people to love each other when they don’t know how.

PAIRING: jj maybank x reader / soulmate au

WORD COUNT: 7.8k

SERIES MASTERLIST

WARNINGS: implied abuse

✰✰✰

"Bravo, Y/N! Much, much improved!" Madame Mercier applauded enthusiastically as you removed your hands from the keys and returned them to your lap.

You exhaled in relief and a proud grin tugged at your lips.

"Did you do something different during your practices this week? At this rate we may be able to sneak in another piece for your exposition," the old woman praised you.

I got dicked down by JJ Maybank, you thought.

"I did a lot of chunked repetitions," you said.

Madame placed her wrinkled hands on your shoulders, "Well keep doing that, chérie. My only criticism is measures--"

"64-68. I know," you finished your teacher's sentence. The woman nodded once sharply before placing your notebook down, silently dismissing you from your lesson.

Just as you rose from the bench, the front doorbell rang followed by a sharp knock. Madame Mercier's brows cinched and she mumbled under her breath, "Qui est là?"

You continued your work packing up your things as Madame went to answer the door. You nearly dropped your books when you heard your father's distinct voice sound through the house.

"It's nice to see you, Madame. I'm not interrupting, am I?"

You scrambled to finish packing your bag and rushed out of the room, nearly tripping over your clumsy feet. You slid into the front room with a frazzled look as you stared wide-eyed at Clyde Montgomery. He stood with his hands on his hips as he spoke with your teacher with a polite smile that didn't quite reach his stern eyes. His gaze shifted to you and he cocked his head, beckoning you over.

"I apologize for showing up unannounced," he addressed Madame, "I simply wanted to check in on Y/N’s progress. I trust she communicated with you our deal?"

Madame pushed her wire-framed glasses onto her head as she squinted up at the tall man in confusion. Clyde shot you a hard look as it was evident the older woman had no idea what he was talking about.

"Y/N, go wait outside in the car. I'll be there shortly," he sighed, running a hand over his face.

Your lips dipped and you shrank in on herself at his tone. You felt like a child. Nevertheless, you nodded obediently and scurried out of the house, avoiding Madame's watchful eye. You clambered into the front seat of the Rolls-Royce and slammed the door shut behind you with a groan. You shouldn't have been surprised by your father's lack of trust. He had actually been giving you more freedom than expected. But it still frustrated you, nonetheless. You leaned your head against the window and shut your eyes with a sigh. While you waited, you drummed measures 64-68 on your thigh, hoping to imprint the problem area in your muscle memory.

You were jolted from your ghost playing by the opening of the driver's side door as Clyde climbed into the expensive car beside you. You tensed at your father's presence, subconsciously sitting up a little bit straighter.

"Well, I'm disappointed that you didn't inform your teacher of our arrangement," your father spoke gruffly as he turned the keys in the ignition. You shrunk in on yourself. "But she had nothing but praises to sing of you," he continued while pulling the car from the curb.

Your shoulders slumped with relief.

"We briefly spoke about the Juilliard scout's visit. I'll arrange to have the clubhouse reserved for the event, as well as catering," he added as he drove down the street.

You nodded, "Thank you, Dad. I really appreciate it."

While you truly did appreciate the support, it was a double-edged sword; now Clyde had put a stake in your success at the showcase. If God forbid, something went wrong, you would never be allowed to forget all that your father did to make it possible only for you to screw it up.

You stared out of the window and diverted your focus toward the passing white houses to prevent your thoughts from spiraling. You jolted as your phone buzzed in your lap.

4:17 PM Kate: what time for movie night?

You gnawed on your bottom lip as you were reminded of the friends you had been avoiding for over a week now. You couldn't possibly push this off any longer.

"Hey, Dad?" you looked at your father. His eyes remained trained on the road ahead, but he grunted, signaling you to continue, "Is it okay if I sleep over at Kate's tonight?"

Clyde mulled over your question for a moment before replying, "Considering you've been on top of your responsibilities I suppose that would be alright. But I expect you to be back in time for Georgia's tennis tournament. We'll be leaving the house at 10 A.M."

You nodded, "Yes, Sir,” and quickly typed a response to Kate.

to Kate:

how about 8? delivered 4:19 PM

You sighed and rested your head back against the window. Now you just had to figure out what the hell you were going to say to Kate; surely easier said than done. You wondered if JJ could feel the anxiety bubbling in the pit of your stomach. He surely felt the aching of your hands from your grueling practice session. Your lips quirked as you thought of Madame's remark about your drastic improvement. If JJ ever found out that fucking your senseless had such an effect on your piano performance, you would never live it down.

Before you could stop yourself, your mind drifted to him. You pictured yourself on the back of his dirt bike again, the wind tickling your skin. It almost felt sinful, indulging in the memory of it. And as you wondered when you would see him next, you savored the impurity of it all.

✰✰✰

"You're such a freak," Dixie's grating voice jostled you from your ghost practicing.

You huffed at the disturbance and narrowed your eyes at your older sister. Convincing Dixie to drive you to Kate's house, although only 10 minutes away, was like pulling teeth. You weren't in the mood to argue with her in the car, but it seemed nearly impossible as you felt the annoyance seeping from Dixie at your incessant finger drumming.

You rolled your eyes, "At least I have career aspirations beyond whacking a ball around with a stick."

"Career aspirations, my ass," your older sister scoffed at your insult as she sped down the state road, "You forget that I already have a job lined up at Fox after graduation," she added smugly.

You snorted at this, "Yeah, 'cause the world needs another Banana Republican to tell them all about everything wrong with the snowflake liberals."

Dixie gripped the steering wheel and seethed, "Watch your mouth, Y/N. If you're not careful, I might just accidentally slip up in front of Mom and share all about your little display at Topper's birthday."

Your face paled and you snapped your head toward your older sister, "How the hell did you find out about that?"

"You weren't exactly subtle, little sis," Dixie quipped with an eye roll.

You huffed but relented and slumped back into the passenger seat. You knew nearly every Kook on the island was at Topper's party, but you foolishly never considered the possibility that Dixie and her friends were there. You remained silent for the rest of the drive and nearly leaped out of the car when Dixie finally stopped in front of Kate's house. You didn't so much as wave Dixie goodbye as your older sister zipped away.

You shuddered as you shook off your annoyance and turned to face the walkway to the front door. With each step closer, your heart beat a little bit faster. You rang the doorbell before you could talk yourself out of it, and your breathing hitched as your head pounded in anticipation. You took a deep breath in an attempt to calm herself. Just as you exhaled, the door swung open and you were enveloped in a hug. You stumbled backward as you were suffocated by the smell of Kate's vanilla shampoo. You wrapped your arms around your friend once you had recovered from the initial shock, and a small weight was lifted from your shoulders at the sign of affection.

"I missed you so much," Kate cried, tightening her hold.

"Me too," you gasped, "But I can't breathe."

Kate quickly unraveled herself and opted to place her hands on your shoulders instead, as you struggled to catch your breath. Kate stared at you with wide eyes, "Are you okay?"

You nodded with a soft smile. You leaned forward and wrapped her in a hug once more, and Kate made sure to be more gentle with her grip this time.

"You done suffocating her?"

Kate released you once again at the sound of Topper's voice.

You grinned up at your best guy friend, "You jealous?" youquipped.

Topper grunted and placed his hand on top of your head, rustling your around. You squealed, pulling away from him with a glare.

"Missed you, Montgomery," he smiled, satisfied at the mess he'd made of your hair, "Life was getting kind of boring without someone to bully."

"I'm so glad you see me as more than a punching bag," you retorted, sarcasm dripping from your lips.

Kate rolled her eyes at the interaction and grabbed your hand, dragging you to the living room. You smiled softly as you saw that the couple had laid out a huge bowl of popcorn alongside a variety of candy. The sight tugged at your heartstrings, as you realized how much you had missed your friends.

"As much as I've missed you, you do have some explaining to do," Kate spoke tenderly as she settled onto the couch and draped a throw blanket over her legs. Topper sat beside his girlfriend and stretched his legs out onto an ottoman. He remained silent but quirked his eyebrows in question.

You sighed but nodded. The anxiety you had felt before entering the house had returned with a vengeance. "I assume Anna hasn't said anything?"

Kate and Topper shook their heads.

"She hasn't even mentioned your name, but we've barely seen her. She’s been hanging around Charlie and Will's crowd," Kate replied.

You frowned, and you felt a sharp pang in your heart. Anna was one of your oldest friends. Surely she couldn’t just be moving on like nothing happened.

"Well," you started, but paused, unsure of how to continue. You wet your lips and took a deep breath before continuing. "I met my soulmate a couple of weeks ago," you ripped off the bandaid.

Kate's eyes bulged and she choked on her popcorn.

"You what?" she shrieked, and you winced at her volume. "How come you didn't tell us sooner? Who is it? When did you meet? What was it like-" Kate rambled out question after question but stopped herself as Topper squeezed her thigh, kindly telling her to shut up.

You laughed dryly, "It's complicated," Kate's lips dipped into a frown, but allowed you to continue, "And to be honest, I'm not ready to share who it is yet."

Kate couldn't stop herself from protesting, "Seriously, Y/N? So Anna can know but not me? She’s literally not speaking to you, and you still won't tell me?"

Guilt flooded you as you heard the hurt in her tone.

"I didn't tell Anna," you tried to defend herself, "Anna figured it out herself. And I promise I'll tell you as soon as I'm ready, but I'm still processing it myself."

You looked at Topper, who was yet to contribute to the conversation. His brows were cinched together in thought, and an indiscernible look clouded his eyes. Kate sighed, and reluctantly nodded in acceptance of your answer, "Okay. But please don't be scared to confide in me. I promise I won't just ditch you like Anna, no matter who it is."

Your lips quirked into a hesitant smile at Kate's promise. You could only hope that she would stay true to her word.

"But just don't go all MIA on us again, okay?" Kate added.

You didn't hesitate to nod in agreement, "I promise I won't."

Kate seemed satisfied enough with your response as she tackled you with one more hug, "We forgive you, you. Right, Top?"

Your eyes met Topper's. He was still clearly deep in thought, but even so, he gave you a sincere nod. You could’ve cried in relief at how well your talk had gone. You knew that this was all temporary and you would have to share the identity of your soulmate eventually; still, you relished the feeling.

Kate retreated to her position underneath the blanket and grabbed the TV remote, "So what are we watching?"

The trio ended up settling on Clueless, despite Topper's groans of protest. You relaxed on the couch and made your way through a bag of M&M's as you watched the story of Cher Horowitz and drooled over young Paul Rudd.

Your attention was diverted from the movie as your phone buzzed in your lap. You furrowed your brows as you set your candy aside to check it.

9:26 PM Unknown: wyd

Your nose scrunched in confusion. Who the hell was texting you at 9 PM on a Thursday? Shivers danced up your arms and your jaw fell slack as realization dawned on you. You had hastily given JJ your number for the purposes of your arrangement when he dropped you off at your house the other night. It had to have been him. Your face paled and your thumbs hovered over the keyboard, your mind drawing a blank as you tried to respond. You weren’t sure why you were so surprised by his text; you had willingly given him your number.

A minute or so passed before the shock settled, and you frowned as you read over his short message again. 'wyd'? Seriously? You scoffed at the douchiest text you’d ever received from a man.

You started typing out a response, before deleting it. You typed again, deleted, and typed again before giving up completely and shutting off your phone for the time being. You were not about to let JJ ruin movie night, you decided.

You felt blunt nails dig harshly into the side of your thigh, and you winced. You rolled your eyes as if JJ could see you. He must have seen that you had begun to type a response but never sent it. You tried to ignore him, but he was relentless. No more than a minute would pass before you would feel the sinking of his nails into your thigh. You ground your teeth and jumped out of your seat, sick of his antics. Topper and Kate both glanced at you curiously.

"Gonna get some water," you mumbled, quickly making your exit.

You gave yourself a harsh slap in the same spot on your thigh as you entered the kitchen, hopefully keeping JJ at bay at least for a little bit while you collected yourself. You pulled your phone out and opened his message once again, biting the inside of your cheek as your fingers once again hovered blankly over the keyboard. Finally, you formulated a lame response.

to Unknown:

can't tonight delivered 9:43 PM

You could literally feel his irritation at your response. Before you could finish pouring yourself a glass of water, your phone buzzed yet again. Just as you finished filling the glass and reached for your phone from the counter, a voice startled you.

"It's a Pogue, isn't it?"

You squeaked and clutched your chest, nearly dropping the water glass. You whipped around and looked at Topper, wide-eyed.

"Jesus, Topper, don't sneak up on me like that!"

He merely cocked a brow in response, waiting patiently for a response. You frowned at the look on his face and set your glass down with a sigh.

"How'd you figure?"

He shrugged, "Wasn't all that hard. You've been acting weird ever since the kegger. And that would explain what I heard from your argument with Anna. I'm surprised Kate didn't put two and two together, but you know how she can be gullible."

You looked down at your feet and slumped against the counter. There was no use denying it. Topper leaned on the counter beside you before continuing, "You don't have to tell me who it is yet. But can you just promise me you won't ditch us?"

You diverted your gaze up to meet his. His eyes were wide with sincerity, and your lips twitched downwards in confusion, "Of course, I would never ditch you guys, why on Earth would you think that?"

Topper shrugged, crossing his arms, "Well I never thought Sarah would completely cut me out of her life."

Your face fell at his response. He had been deeply hurt by her disappearance, and even though he had Kate, he surely missed her as a friend. You immediately felt bad that you hadn't thought of this, and you looped your arm through his, resting your head on his shoulder with a sigh.

"I'm sorry, Top. I know it may be hard for you to trust me when I say this, but I promise I will never leave you guys behind like that," you paused before continuing, "You're stuck with me, whether you like it or not."

He chuckled at that, and wrapped an arm around your side, squeezing you softly before releasing you. "I think you're, like, in love with me or something," he teased.

You snorted, "I'd rather kiss a frog."

"You better get back in there, Kate may be gullible but she's not dumb," Topper cocked his head towards the living room while he grabbed his own drink.

You nodded and swiped your phone and water glass from the kitchen counter before striding back into the living room. Kate was completely immersed in the movie, oblivious to your disappearance. You smiled to yourself at the sight and returned to your position on the couch.

You couldn't even put into words the comfort the short chat with Topper bestowed upon you. You knew he wouldn't be thrilled when he found out the identity of your Pogue soulmate. But at least you knew you wouldn't lose him as a friend.

As the thought of the blond Pogue crossed your mind, you pulled out your phone once more and opened your messages.

9:44 PM Unknown: don't be a tease

You quickly typed out a simple, yet effective response and sent it before you could think twice about it. You turned your phone off and settled back into your seat, intent on paying attention to the rest of the movie. You tried your best to ignore the giddy feeling creeping up on you in anticipation of his response.

to Unknown:

tomorrow delivered 9:58 PM

✰✰✰

Your heart pounded as you placed your room. You double-checked that you had locked your door for the 6th time. You smoothed out the nonexistent wrinkles on your throw blanket. You fluffed your pillows, checked your makeup, and picked at your hair, all the while unable to take your eyes off of the ticking clock.

11:44 P.M.

He was supposed to be here by now.

You groaned as you desperately tried to find something to busy yourself with and calm your nerves, but to no avail. Why wasn't he here yet?

You checked your phone again. His lack of communication was not surprising, but that didn't stop your heart from dropping yet again at the sight of your empty lock screen. You read through the texts you’d exchanged for the dozenth time with a frown. With each minute that passed, you could feel yourself drifting closer to the conclusion you desperately hoped to avoid: JJ had stood you up.

You trudged towards the windows of the French doors leading to your balcony. You pulled back the curtains and just as you peered outside to the dark yard below, you felt a searing, blinding pain across your cheek.

It happened so fast, you could barely process it.

You stumbled backward as a violent force shoved you. You crumpled onto the ground in a heap. The first kick to your gut took you by surprise, and you cried out in pain. You grabbed a knocked-over pillow just in time to muffle your scream as the second kick came. You wheezed through muffled sobs but were given no reprieve. Kick after kick, you felt like someone was trying to rearrange your insides. You lay in a fetal position, clenching your fists so hard you were sure you were drawing blood. You waited for the familiar feeling of bone crunching underneath your knuckles, but it never came.

Finally, and suddenly it stopped.

You cautiously removed the tear-stained pillow from your mouth. Your gut throbbed so violently that you felt nauseous, and the stinging, invisible cut on your face sent waves of shooting pain to your head each time you blinked. But just when you thought it was over, an unrelenting force squeezed you by the throat.

Your tearful eyes shot wide open. You clawed desperately at your neck, but there was nothing there.

It's not real, it's not real, it's not real, you repeated to yourself in your head like a mantra.

But it was real. It just wasn't yours.

Just when you were beginning to see stars, the pressure constricting your throat disappeared. You spluttered and coughed violently as you gasped for breath, unable to contain the vicious sobs from escaping you.

But worse than the blinding pain plaguing your body was the visceral image of JJ lying crumpled on the ground somewhere, unable to fight back.

You used every ounce of will you had to shut your eyes tight and force yourself to breathe.

In, and out. Do it for him. He needs you.

You unfurled yourself from your position on the ground, fighting against your protesting body.

In, and out.

Your trembling hands reached for the water bottle on your bedside table. You forced the liquid down your aching throat, soothing the burning.

Do it for him.

You forced herself to your feet, continuing with your deep breathing. You slowly stumbled, one foot in front of the next, towards your door. You used the wall to support your weight as you wobbled down the stairs at an agonizingly slow pace.

He needs you.

You felt light headed by the time you had reached the kitchen. You swung open the freezer and blindly grabbed a handful of ice packs. Halfway there, you told yourself. You willed your mind to another place and focused on your breathing as you once again stumbled up the stairs and back to your room. Your hand fumbled with the lock behind you, and you used the last bit of adrenaline coursing through your to collapse onto your bed. Carefully, you laid on your left side, draped one ice pack over your right, and held another against your burning abdomen.

Your eyes fluttered shut and your lips parted at the relief of the cooling sensation. You could only hope it was enough for him to find the strength to get to safety. Your head spun as the adrenaline fueling you had run out. You couldn't find the strength to keep your eyes open, let alone reach for your phone. Your world went black as you gave into the exhaustion, despite your protesting mind.

✰✰✰

TAP TAP

You were shaken awake by a sudden noise.

Your groggy eyes blinked open, and you were instantly reminded of the now dull, throbbing pain in your gut.

TAP TAP

Despite your protesting body, you pushed yourself up. You nearly jumped out of your skin as you looked out the window and found a pair of familiar ocean blues staring back at you. You scrambled to your feet, flinging the now melted ice packs from your body. You moved as quickly as your body allowed to the French doors, swiftly unlocking and swinging them wide open.

your breath caught in your throat as you took in the sight before you.

JJ was leaning against the balcony railing, masking the pain you knew was searing his side. Dried blood was smeared across the right side of his face, covering the cut you knew was underneath. The skin surrounding his neck was red, in the early stages of bruising.

But what pained you most was the clash between the boyish, lopsided grin painted on his lips and the agony swimming in his puffy eyes.

"Sorry I'm late, princess," he rasped.

Your bottom lip wobbled, and you launched herself towards him.

JJ stumbled as you buried your tear-stained face in his shoulder and wrapped your shaky arms around his neck. The two teenagers ignored the dull pain in their bodies, as the feeling of being wrapped up in each other provided a cure that rivaled even the strongest of painkillers. He snaked his arms around your waist and held onto your for dear life as you stumbled into your room.

"I'm gonna get blood all over your pretty little silk robe," his gasping breath tickled your ear.

"Shut up," you mumbled into the crook of his neck.

You threaded your trembling fingers through his blond locks, and JJ melted into your healing touch. You stood tangled together for what felt like hours, but were, in reality, mere minutes, each afraid to be the one to pull away.

You shifted in his hold, and pressed your lips against the side of his neck as you barely spoke above a whisper, "Please, let me help you."

He shivered at the feeling of your shaky breath on his bruised skin. JJ swallowed, Adam's apple bobbing, before nodding once. You reluctantly untangled yourself from him and threaded your fingers between his, gently tugging him towards your ensuite bathroom. He avoided his reflection in the mirror as you guided him, pushing his shoulders so he sat on the closed toilet.

JJ watched as you crouched down and grabbed a first-aid kit from underneath the sink, alongside a container of cotton balls. You pulled out a small stepping stool and maneuvered it so it sat right in front of him. With all of your tools in place, you sat down on the small stool and assessed the damage. Your hands were gentle as you brushed his hair back. You felt a sharp pang in your heart as you looked closely at the injury on his face.

You bit back the question on the tip of your tongue: Who the hell did this to you?

"Do I still look pretty?" JJ half-heartedly quipped with a grin that didn't reach his tormented eyes.

You gave him a soft, sullen smile as you gently dabbed a wet washcloth around the cut on his face, "You'll be the belle of the ball when I'm done with you."

JJ couldn't help but stare at the way your brows cinched and the tip of your tongue poked out of your mouth as you cleaned the area, careful not to press too hard against his open wound.

"You're really beautiful, you know?" he whispered.

You flushed and you shook your head, "Even at your worst you're still pulling all the stops," you tried to joke off his compliment.

"No stops, just stating the truth."

You tried your best to ignore his beating stare and willed away the blush creeping up your neck. You sighed in relief as you saw that the cut on his cheek, while long, was not deep. You grabbed a cotton ball from your side and doused it with isopropyl.

"This might hurt," you mumbled before dabbing the soaked cotton ball along the site of the wound.

JJ hissed at the burning sensation and jerked away from your touch. You gritted your teeth and squinted as you shared the feeling. You gently intertwined your free hand with his and pulled him back wordlessly. He sucked in a breath as you went back to cleaning the area, forcing himself to remain steady.

You tossed the used cotton ball into the bin beside you. Your eyes trailed down from his cheek to his bruising neck. You pursed your lips at the developing bruises, and he squirmed under your scrutiny. JJ flinched as you delicately brushed the back of your hand over the affected area with a featherlike touch.

"I don't think I can do anything about these, but I can show you how to cover them up," you tried your best to speak in a steady, even tone, but the quiver of your voice at the horrific sight was undeniable. JJ gulped and nodded.

You stood from your seat and rummaged through your makeup drawer. You returned with a tube of concealer in hand. You held it out for him, and JJ cautiously grabbed it from you, examining its contents.

"Start with a little, and blend it out with your fingers until it looks like part of your skin. You can then keep adding more until it's completely covered," you explained softly. He pocketed the makeup, which he would likely be using the next day.

JJ watched as your hands trailed down to the hem of his shirt. He nearly melted when your eyes flicked up to meet his.

"Can I take this off?" you whispered.

His mouth was parched, unable to reply. He nodded again.

You swallowed down a gasp as you inched the material up, revealing a mess of purple and blue painted across his torso. Your heart shattered at the sight and you gulped, willing yourself to maintain composure. He raised his arms with a wince and pulled his shirt over his head, giving you a full view of the damage. You pressed softly against his abdomen and felt the sharp pain in your own.

JJ cleared his throat, "I don't think there's much you can do about that," he referred to the bruises.

You gnawed your lip in thought, and your heart skipped a beat as JJ pressed his thumb against your bottom lip, pulling it out from between your teeth, "That's a really awful habit you have, you know."

You sucked in a breath as he ran his thumb along your lip, speechless.

"Compression can help with the swelling," you whispered, "If you'll let me wrap you up."

He nodded once.

You rummaged through your supply kit once more, pulling out a roll of elastic bandage. You worked slowly to not impose any unwanted pressure and ensure the bandage was wrapped with the proper amount of tension. JJ glanced down at the mess of bruises, instantly regretting his decision. He diverted his gaze to the white wall behind you.

"You can ask me," he broke the silence.

You paused your work, before slowly continuing, "Ask you what?"

He quickly replied, "What you've been dying to ask me since I showed up at your window."

You slowed as we neared the end of the area you needed to cover. You gently attached the velcro, careful not to press too hard against his side. Finally, your eyes flicked up to meet his, which were still trained on the wall behind.

"Who did this to you?" you rasped, your voice strained.

Unshed tears glossed over the ocean blues you were quickly growing to love. His lips curled into an eerie grin, "My old man's always been a mean drunk."

Your heart dropped to the pit of your stomach and the roll of bandage fell from your hand.

For years, you’d felt the consequences of JJ's lifestyle. You were no stranger to the feeling of broken noses, bruised ribs, and black eyes. But you’d always chopped it up to your soulmate's reckless lifestyle. They were constantly getting themselves into trouble, and you were the poor bystander. You'd built up this image of them, an image of a soldier fresh out of war, battered but victorious. Never had you considered that they may be victim to a wickedness like no other.

A flood of emotions engulfed you. Shame, for assuming the worst of your other half. Anger, that a father could inflict such pain on his son. But most of all, heartache.

Your jaw fell slack and you watched as a single tear escaped the corner of JJ's right eye, trailing down the crevices of his face before finding refuge in the wrinkle of his sinister smile.

With a trembling hand, you caressed his jaw and delicately wiped the tear from his face. He shook his head violently as he buried his face in his hands.

You clambered onto his lap and snaked your arms around him. You tried with all your might to maintain composure as he buried his face into the crook of your neck. His body trembled as you wrapped your legs around him. You used one hand to rub soothing circles into his back, while the other gently threaded through his hair.

"Please, don't pity me," he choked out, his breath tickling the nape of your neck.

You shook your head as you felt tears pricking at your eyes, "I don't pity you, JJ," you whispered into his ear, "You're so strong. Stronger than I ever really knew." His grip around your waist tightened.

You propped your chin on top of his head as he fell limp against you, relinquishing control and giving in to your embrace. You sat entangled on the porcelain toilet, unmoving. The two of you remained wrapped around each other until you lost feeling in your legs. You reluctantly unraveled your legs from around him so they dangled off his lap. You loosened your grip enough so you could rest your forehead against his.

You sat there, nose to nose, bloodshot eyes trained on one another, lips parted with bated breaths. You ran your fingers through his hair as you spoke softly, "Will you stay here tonight?"

JJ's puffy eyes shot down and he lurched forward in one swift motion. You gasped as he molded his lips against yours. The kiss was languid, but intoxicating all the same. The salty taste of his tears made it all the more electrifying as your lips moved together in sync. Your elegant fingers were gentle against the roughness of his jaw as you held him impossibly closer. And as your lips moved against JJ's, you realized that his pain had vanished, even if just for a moment. The fractured teenagers remained like this, glued together until their lips were swollen and they could no longer breathe.

"As much as I'd love to stay like this all night," JJ gasped, blue eyes swimming with desire, "I think I lost feeling in my legs 10 minutes ago."

His lips quirked into a smile as he watched you scramble from your seat on his lap, muttering apologies along the way. He couldn't help but indulge in the sight of you like this: wide-eyed, tousled hair, and robe askew, revealing a lacy bralette underneath. JJ pulled himself to his feet with a wince, now towering over you.

He ran the back of his fingers down the curve of your breast against the exposed lace, "You put on this pretty little number for me?"

You flushed and hastily readjusted your robe. You rolled your eyes in a pitiful attempt to conceal the effect he had on you.

"You know women don't always dress for men," you spoke with little conviction. But you certainly had.

As you cleaned up your discarded supplies, JJ finally looked at his reflection in the mirror. His breath hitched as he took in your handiwork; aside from the thin cut along his cheek and his puffy eyes, his face looked normal. His neck, on the other hand, was another case entirely. He gulped at the sight of the developing bruises and diverted his gaze elsewhere. While you continued with your tidying, he wandered towards the bedroom.

His jaw clicked as he took in his surroundings for the first time. Your bedroom was obscenely large. A fluffy, white carpet covered the polished wooden floors, and a king-sized bed stood proudly in the middle of the area. The dozens of pillows against the elaborate headboard elicited a scoff from JJ. Two pillows were a luxury for him, let alone 12. He kicked off his mud-caked boots and walked towards the bed, running his hand along the silk sheets peeking out from underneath the duvet. It looked like something straight out of The Princess and the Pea. He snorted at the thought; with all your pillows and silk sheets, you probably did sleep like the princess from the old fairy tale.

JJ found himself drawn to the upright piano. He ran his fingers across the pristine, white keys of the instrument, and pressed one finger down slowly onto an F. He felt the tension of the hammer hitting the string inside the instrument and listened in awe to the crisp tone that filled the room. His eyes wandered to the book propped open on the stand, battered and bent so that the pages wouldn't flip. His brows furrowed at the mess of tiny little notes and narrow measures, filled with pencil scribbles here and there.

JJ felt your presence creep up behind him. He glanced at you briefly, before returning to the piece of sheet music, "How the hell do you make sense of this shit? I think I'd have better luck reading in Chinese."

Your lips quirked and you hummed in amusement, "I never really thought of it that way, but I guess it kind of is like a different language."

He pressed down on another key.

"That's middle C," you commented.

"Middle who?" JJ questioned.

You couldn't help but giggle softly, "Each key has a name. They go from A to F, and middle C is the 4th C from the left," you explained.

JJ sat down on the bench as he pressed the same note again, "So how do you find the other C's?"

You sat beside him, "You can think of the whole piano in chunks, and each chunk is this thing called an octave," youplayed C5, "This is the next C key, so from middle C to here is an octave," youplayed C6, "And from where I just was to here is another octave."

He nodded, still perplexed by the instrument. "What about all the keys in between?"

You gracefully placed your hand on middle C, and made your way up the keyboard, naming each note as you played it, "C, D, E, F, G, A, B, and then back to C."

"What about the black keys?" JJ questioned, now playing an E.

"Don't worry about those, for now," you laughed airily.

You gently grabbed his right hand and guided it onto the keyboard. You positioned his thumb on middle C, his middle finger on E, and his pinky on G. You then placed your hand over his, and gently pushed down on these three fingers, indicating to him which ones to play. JJ watched in awe as the aurally pleasing combination of keys rang through the air.

"That's a C major chord," you explained, and he played it again. You guided his hand down an octave, and positioned his fingers in the same manner, instructing him to push down again, "And you can play it on any octave."

JJ was mesmerized by the instrument as you continued to show up the basics. You taught him how to play an arpeggio, albeit slowly, and after his unrelenting questioning about the mysterious black keys, you explained sharps and flats. He was so entranced by your knowledge of the instrument that the pain in his gut merely felt like a distant ache.

"Can you play something for me?" he asked, watching as the left corner of your pink lips twitched upwards.

You hummed in thought and shifted closer towards him so you sat on the center of the bench. JJ watched intently as you took a deep breath, shut your eyes, and let your hands fall onto the keys as you exhaled. Your eyes flicked open, and your fingers moved on their own accord as you played the opening sequence of Chopin's Nocturne in E flat major, a piece you had memorized for years now. JJ's ears perked at the familiar melody he must have heard in a movie before.

The sound your nimble fingers produced was captivating, and he found himself drunk off of the gentle, soothing melody. What captivated him most was not the nocturne itself, but rather, the ease with which you played. He watched, awestruck, as your hands glided across the keys with a fluidity he didn't know the human body possessed. your elbows never dipped and your back remained straight, but you still moved with the melody in a way that both unsettled and mesmerized him. your eyes fluttered shut as you played the last note. you waited until the tone had completely dissipated before opening them and removing your hands from the instrument.

You turned to JJ to find his eyes already trained on you. His lips parted and he rasped, "Do it again."

You released an airy laugh and shook your head, "Maybe another time," your eyes flit up to the clock hanging on the wall above, "It's almost 2 AM."

JJ shrugged, "The night's still young."

"And you're still injured," you retorted.

He huffed but relented as he knew he was on the losing end of this battle. You stood from the bench and pad towards your walk-in closet. Your cheeks flushed as you untied the front of your robe, and looked down at your lingerie. You hadn't known what a turn the night would take, but you still couldn't help but feel silly in your outfit. You didn't dare glance at JJ as you kept your back turned and dropped the robe, leaving you in a matching bralette and panties. you reached behind your to undo the clasp but jumped as JJ's hands covered yours and his breath tickled your neck. You opened your mouth to protest, but he cut you off.

"Let me do it."

You relented and dropped your arms. You shivered at the feeling of his fingers on your back. He swiftly unclasped the bra and guided it down your arms. He groaned at the sight of your bare breasts, and you shivered at the sound. His rough hands snaked around your waist and roamed up your body as he pressed his lips against your collarbone. You gasped as he flicked your nipples with his thumbs, and they pebbled under his touch. You whined as he thrust his hips against your ass. You could feel his arousal both in the pit of your own stomach and poking behind you.

"You're so sexy when you play," he rasped against your neck, "I'd do anything to have you play one more song for me like this."

It took everything in you not to melt under his electrifying touch. Despite your protesting body, you pulled herself forward from his gasp and turned to face him, forcing his gaze upwards to meet your eyes.

"You're hurt and you need sleep," you spoke sternly.

You reached behind him to grab an oversized t-shirt, but he swiftly took it from your hands. "I'm all better now. Please," he pleaded, dipping his head back down towards you.

You stepped back and snatched the shirt back from his hands, pulling it over your head before he could protest. "No, you're not. Don't try to bullshit me; you forget that I can literally feel that you're lying."

JJ groaned, but yet again relented, as he knew you were right; as much as it irritated him.

He followed you to the bed and watched as you tossed aside the majority of the pillow mountain and pulled back the covers. He followed your lead and removed his shorts, leaving him in his boxers. JJ crawled underneath the covers as you turned off the lights, leaving only your bedside lamp. He nearly moaned at the soothing feeling of your plush mattress. He felt like he was being enveloped by a cloud, completely weightless. JJ slowly turned himself onto his good side and waited patiently for his other half.

You fought back a smile at the sight of JJ wrapped up in the fluffy confines of your bed. You crawled in beside him and turned to face him, your noses just inches apart. You lay there studying each other, neither of you wanting to be the first to break the comfortable silence.

Finally, JJ cleared his throat, "Thank you."

A sad smile graced your lips, "Don't thank me."

JJ's mind screamed at him to run. He barely knew you, and frankly, didn't like you. He had let you in on the darkest, most vulnerable piece of himself, and the thought alone terrified him. But his body relished in the comfort of you--the comfort of your healing touch and soothing words. There was something so captivating about you that made him want to open himself up completely, and let you read every page of his book.

You also had a million thoughts racing through your mind. You wanted so badly to plead with him to stay--stay in the safety of your arms, and never return to his broken home. But you couldn't find the words to say this, and you were terrified of overstepping and pushing him away.

You let out a shaky sigh, and spoke slowly, "If this ever happens again," you both knew the 'if' was a 'when', but you didn't want to admit that, "Or if you just need an escape, please come back here."

JJ knew that wasn't what you really wanted to say, but he feigned ignorance. Instead, he nodded and wrapped an arm around your waist, tugging your closer. JJ pressed his lips against yours softly in a fleeting kiss.

"You're too good to me, Montgomery," he mumbled against you, sending a shiver up your spine.

You pressed your lips firmly against his once more before turning your body and shutting off the light, leaving you in darkness. You leaned back against him and pressed your back against his front as he wrapped an arm around your waist and rested his chin in the crook of your shoulder. You fluttered your eyes as you relished in the undeniable comfort of his arms. The rhythmic sound of his breathing and the beat of his heart lulled you into a calmness like none you had ever experienced before.

And while you knew that this was the calm before the storm, you gave yourself to naivety, and slipped from consciousness completely.

#jj maybank x reader #jj maybank #jj maybank smut #outer banks #jj mayback imagine #jj x reader #jj maybank fanfiction #outer banks fanfiction #soulmate au

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word-wytch · 1 year

Text

Don't Stand So Close To Me — Chapter 4

Eddie x Teacher!Reader

Chapter 4/? 3.1k. Series Masterlist

✏︎ There are some things Eddie isn’t used to hearing, and mean even more when coming from you.

✏︎ Series Summary: Forced to move back home to Hawkins after your fiancé cheats on you, you begin to fall in love again with an audacious 20 year old metalhead, only there’s one problem — he’s still in high school and you’re his English teacher.

While you struggle starting over in a place you never thought you would return, Eddie struggles feeling stuck in a place he can’t manage to leave — until you offer to help him. Of all the lessons learned, the most important are the ones you teach each other.

✏︎ Series CW: forbidden romance, slow burn, smut (18+ mdni), true love, internal conflict, student-teacher relationship, 10 year age gap, mutual pining, sexual tension, emotions, drama, angst, character development, happy ending :)

Chapter warnings: mild angst I guess? that's it :)

“Well I for one think the first lady’s new ‘Just Say No’ campaign is a great idea, it’s long overdue if you ask me,” said Mrs. Hutchins, to which your mother nodded in agreement.

You stared down at your plate and poked at your green beans with your fork.

“It’s about time there was a war on drugs, it’s gotten out of control in this country,” Mrs. Hutchins continued, reaching for the gravy.

You shoveled the green beans into your mouth to keep it occupied. You figured getting into an argument with Mrs. Hutchins over Reagan’s policies was not exactly what your mother had intended for the evening. Besides, it wasn’t worth your energy anyway.

Your dad gave you a silly look from across the table and you smiled at him.

You looked back down at your plate and thought about Eddie Munson again. This time it was about how he’d looked at you when you told him you’d be here.

You wondered what Eddie would say to Mrs. Hutchins. He had an opinion on just about everything and you were certain he would not withhold it. Not for your mother’s sake, not for anybody. You suspected that it got him into trouble more often than not but there was something you admired about that.

You tucked into your risotto and tuned out the conversation.

He was sitting so close to you today. So close that a ringlet of his soft hair grazed your hand when he leaned over. So close that you could smell him. The same scent that enveloped you in the hallway the other day, although this time less bright notes of shampoo, more deep notes of leather and musk. There was that faint cigarette smell and something else too that you couldn’t quite place, like the warmth of his skin that was distinct and yet indistinguishable.

Normally you were not keen on the smell of cigarettes. It lingered on just about everything. In restaurants and car seats, especially in homes. It clung to the clothing of heavy smokers with a stale musk that you hated, but on Eddie it didn’t seem to bother you. In fact, you were hesitant to admit that you almost liked it.

“Andrew, why don’t you tell us about your new job,” suggested your mother.

You glanced over at the man sitting next to you, hardly able to believe that this was once the boy who used to collect G.I. Joe figures rather than play with them as intended.

Andrew cleared his throat. “My job is to diagnose and correct issues with computer hardware, figure out what isn’t working and order and replace the corresponding parts. Occasionally it’s a software issue, in which case I can troubleshoot and reinstall certain programs.” he said, adjusting his glasses. He looked just about as thrilled to be here as you were.

“Do you guys sell computers there?” asked your dad.

“Yes, though my work is primarily in computer repairs, not sales.”

“You know I was telling my daughter here that I really think computers are going to be the future,” said your mom.

“Oh yes, absolutely. Personal computer sales have quadrupled in the last few years, all thanks to the Commodore 64 being so affordable,” said Andrew. “In fact I really think they ought to have computer classes in every school. I think I read recently in the paper that only 48% of schools have them.”

Your mom’s eyes lit up and she turned to you, “Do they have computer class at your school, dear?”

“Uh, no, I don’t think so. Not yet.”

“Well maybe that might be something worth suggesting to the principal.”

“I doubt I would have much say in something like that.”

“I’m just saying, it’s worth a try, dear.”

You smiled curtly and glanced down at your plate again, scooting your green beens around in the excess gravy.

“Speaking of school, why don’t you tell us a little bit about how your job’s been going? I do hope the students are behaving,” your mother continued.

“Oh, they have their moments but overall it’s been alright,” you said, “We’re studying The Catcher in the Rye in my senior class.”

Andrew raised his eyebrows, “Oh that book,” he said with a little laugh, “It’s a bit strange isn’t it? All I can really remember is how he kept calling everyone a phony all the time. I never understood it.”

Of course you didn’t. “Yeah, the stream of consciousness seems to throw some readers off. A lot of people end up missing the point.”

“What is the point anyway?” asked Andrew, but before you could respond Mrs. Hutchins interjected.

“Don’t you think that book is a bit inappropriate for children? I remember when Andrew brought it home all those years ago. At that time some of the ladies in my church group were trying to get it banned in schools. Clearly their efforts were unsuccessful.”

“My students are teenagers, not children, in fact some of them are already adults,” you said, and thought about recommending Fahrenheit 451 to her but figured the joke would be lost.

“Still, I think teenagers are too young to be reading about,” she lowered her voice, “hookers.”

You bit your lip and looked down at your plate again. It took every ounce of self control not to laugh. You glanced over at Andrew. He looked like he wanted to evaporate.

“I’ll tell you what,” continued Mrs. Hutchins, “Kids are getting into more and more worrisome and bizarre things nowadays. Did you see that special on the local news? There’s this game called Dungeons and Dragons and some people suspect that it’s a gateway, luring children into devil worshiping cults.”

This time you did laugh. “I really don’t think there’s any truth to that. The student I tutor plays that game. He talks about it all the time. It really is just a fantasy game that you create your own adventures in.”

“Well that’s what it might look like on the surface, but on this special they were talking about all the signs to look for if you suspect your child might have been lured. Now there’s the obvious symbolism like goats and pentagrams. Then there’s listening to heavy metal music — that’s a big one. Apparently there’s all sorts of hidden messaging in those songs, especially if you play the tapes backwards.”

Andrew’s face was in his hands.

“Boy, that sounds terrifying,” said your mother with furrowed brows before taking a bite of her pork roast.

You thought about Eddie Munson again. He certainly fit the description, though you were doubtful he actually worshiped Satan. You supposed there was no way for you to really know. He had quite a habit of talking about, well, just about anything besides school, but you doubted he’d openly admit to something like that.

It was strange for you to think that you had really only known him for less than two months. It felt like you’d known him forever.

If he did actually worship Satan, you supposed it wouldn’t really bother you. What you could tell was that he had a good heart. What you also could tell is that there was nothing you could say to Mrs. Hutchins that would change her mind.

______

Much to the disappointment of your mother, sparks did not fly over dinner. That was obvious enough for her not to arrange another, much to your relief.

The weekend came quickly, and it was a long one, which meant more time with quizzes to grade, and boxes that you had procrastinated unpacking. More time alone with your thoughts.

Historically you never minded being alone, typically you relished in it. Lately you had been doing everything you could to combat the oppressive silence in your apartment and the noisy chatter in your mind.

On Saturday you practically wore out your records, exhausting your entire collection as you did some much needed cleaning.

On Sunday it was difficult to get out of bed, so you just left the radio on when your alarm clock went off.

On Monday you sat on your living room floor in front of your TV and thumbed through the quizzes that you gave out on Friday, marking each one with your green grading pen.

You paused when you got to Eddie’s.

There was a little drawing of a dragon at the bottom of his quiz along with a note that said “Slay me!”

You smiled for the first time that day, fingers tracing the lines where his pen met the paper, feeling the subtle indents left behind by it.

You ran down the ten questions, he got nine of them right. You gave him a 90% and circled the A- at the top of the paper. At the bottom you wrote “You sure slayed this quiz!” with a little smiley face.

______

Eddie Munson had a way of creeping into your thoughts when you least expected it. It was like he had taken up permanent residence there, like a song stuck in your head.

It was far a better song than the sad and angry one that had been playing on repeat for months now, and at this point you would take any break you could get from it.

On Tuesday you couldn’t stop thinking about the way he smiled at you on Friday when he turned in his quiz. It was playful and warm.

On Wednesday he sat across from you after school. He was wearing a flannel shirt under his usual denim vest today. It was refreshing to see him in color for a change. The vibrant red suited him. He’d rolled his sleeves up, revealing a tattoo that looked like a cluster of flying bats.

“So, how did you do on your history test? Did you get your grades back?” you asked, bringing your attention away from his forearms.

“Yeah, uh,” Eddie shifted in his chair, glancing off to the side, “I got a C,” he said quietly.

You nodded, your expression neutral, though there was a softness in your eyes. “How do you feel about that?”

Eddie looked surprised, “I…” he paused for a moment, blinking, “You know, honestly, when I first got my test back I was actually pretty happy about it,” he said. “I mean it’s better than I usually do, way better than an F.”

You looked at him curiously, “You said, ‘at first’ did something change?”

“Well, I mean a C is good for me, but — “ he glanced at you sheepishly.

“Then a C is good!”

He looked relieved. “Oh, well in that case, then yeah. I guess I am pretty happy about it.”

“Eddie,” you said gently. He leaned forward at the sound of his name. “You don’t have to worry about impressing me, that isn’t what this is about. I just want to help you graduate, not be valedictorian,” you said, “I’m proud of you.”

Eddie beamed at you with those big brown eyes of his. Suddenly he glanced away, blinking quickly as he lifted a hand to scratch the side of his head to shield them from view.

You leaned closer, sensing the shift in his body language. When he turned to face you again you could have sworn his nose was a little flushed, his eyes wetter than usual.

“Sorry, I don’t hear that a lot.”

Your chest tightened. You wanted to leap across the desk, scoop him up in your arms and tell him that a thousand times, but instead you just smiled softly and said, “Well, get used to it.”

He smiled at you again, big and broad. He fidgeted with the rings on his fingers and for just a moment you swore you could see past the hair, the patches and chains, straight through to the boy he once was, getting F after F. You could see the disappointed looks from everyone around him reflected in those eyes of his. He must have gotten used to them, steeled himself to them, resigned himself to the letter.

You felt the tears start to burn behind your eyes and you searched for anything to change the subject. “How did your campaign go on Friday?”

His lips curved into a mischievous smirk. “Found three new recruits actually, just last week.”

You raised your eyebrows and blinked, clearing your eyes of any evidence. “Oh yeah?”

“Oh yeah. I knew it the moment I saw ‘em, two freshmen sitting all by themselves at the end of a lunch table. They’d been there for weeks, just the two of them. You can always kinda tell with the freshmen, they just look like little lost sheep, ‘specially these two. One of the kids was wearing a Weird Al t-shirt,” he said with a laugh, “And that’s when I was like, ok, these kids should sit with us for a change. Well it turns out they’ve been playing DnD for ages, and they’ve got a friend in another lunch period who plays too, so now we’ve got three new members, which is great because, uh, we were kind of hurting for them.” He chuckled softly.

Eddie had an energy about him that was bold and magnetic. It sucked you right in. The timbre of his voice was bright and warm. It was oddly soothing. You enjoyed listening to him talk, watching his hands as they gestured wildly, which you figured was a good thing since he did a lot of talking.

“Some kids just need someone to show them that school doesn’t have to be all bad, you know? I know that’s what I needed.”

You imagined freshman Eddie sitting in the cafeteria by himself, lonely and lost, with his curly mop of hair much shorter than it was now.

“Us freaks have to stick together, you know?”

You nodded sympathetically. “Yeah, I know. I wasn’t exactly popular myself,” you admitted. “Actually I used to help run an after school mentoring program in Indianapolis. A lot of troubled kids came through there, but it was so rewarding to watch them come into their own, find a place they felt like they belonged, you know?” you said, “I miss that part of my old job.”

Eddie rested his hand against his cheek and hummed in agreement. He looked like he was miles away and yet absolutely present all at once.

“I’ll admit that teaching wasn’t my first career choice, but it’s rewarding in a way that you just… can’t achieve by sitting alone and writing stories by yourself.”

Eddie smirked and gave a thoughtful nod, “That has its own rewards though.”

Your eyes twinkled. “Oh yeah, it definitely does.”

You shifted the focus toward his schoolwork. Today you helped him work through some equations in Trigonometry. Truthfully it took some refreshing on your part, it had been ages since you’d done it and you were more than a little rusty. Math was never really your strong suit anyway. The nice thing about formulas is that once you understood them you could just simply apply them and solve. Math seemed to be something that Eddie was naturally pretty good at though. You wondered if it had anything to do with having to deal with numbers frequently in his campaigns.

“Alright, I think that about wraps it up for today. Not sure about you but I’m getting hungry,” you said.

“Ok, I’m parked right over there,” he said pointing out the window to the van in the near empty parking lot. “We can walk out together. You never know what sort of monsters might be lurking in the shadows at this hour,” he said with a look of exaggerated suspicion.

You chuckled and your heart fluttered in your chest, “Sure, actually I’m the red sedan a few spots down.”

“Great, I know a shortcut,” said Eddie.

You both packed up your things and headed down the main hall towards the gym.

It was when you rounded the corner that you saw them — Jason and Patrick filling their water bottles at the drinking fountain.

You gave them both a little wave, which they returned half-heartedly. There was a curious expression playing on their faces which you had hardly a second to study before you passed. Eddie didn’t even look at them.

You could feel the tension in the air, and their eyes on you as you both left out the back door.

Eddie reached into the pocket of his vest and procured a pack of cigarettes. “Sorry, do you mind? I’m totally jonesing right now.”

“Oh no, it’s fine.”

Eddie gave a gracious nod and popped a cigarette between his lips. He flicked the lighter and his mouth was washed in a warm glow, illuminating the smile lines already prominent on his young face. They suited him.

He blew the smoke away from you with a relieved sigh and you walked toward your cars together in comfortable silence.

The sun was low in the clear blue sky, casting a golden light over the parking lot. The leaves were just starting to change in fiery orange and yellow patches. You could smell autumn in the crispness of the air, in the leaves that had already fallen as they skittered across the asphalt.

Eddie ducked his head under your car in a swift motion and looked around suspiciously. “Coast is clear, no monsters.”

You gave a big belly laugh. “Good thing I have you to keep me safe.”

The wind caught his hair as he rose to his feet and turned to you. “For you? Anything.”

Eddie Munson was beautiful like a neon sign at night. Beautiful like graffiti, like an empty street that beckoned you to wander down it.

You could feel your heart pounding as you smiled at him, turning to putty at his words. “See you tomorrow, Eddie.”

“See ya.” He gave a little bow with his head and waved as he turned toward his van.

You got into your car and set your bag on the passenger seat, letting out the breath you didn’t even realize you’d been holding in. You could hear the roar of the stereo as Eddie’s van came to life two spots over.

You couldn’t help but steal another glance at him. His hair swished and swayed as he bobbed his head to the beat. He was wild like the summer wind as it ripped across a field.

His eyes caught yours again and he flashed you a smile, bright and blinding.

If there was once thing you were certain of in that moment, it was that Eddie Munson was going to be the death of you.

At least you couldn’t get in trouble for your thoughts.

______

A/N: Oooo we've got a revelation on reader's part and next chapter I've got some really delicious moments in store so sit tight because this burn is gonna be slow but oh boy is it gonna be worth it!

I have one request — If you read and enjoy this, especially if you ask/asked to be put on the tag list, I ask in return that you reblog AND tell me what you like about this fic, even just something short and sweet! Please engage with me, it’s all I get in return for writing a story that you love for free 💜

Tag list: @mermaidsandcats29 @toxicjayhoo @ooo-protean-ooo @jadequeen88 @wroteclassicaly @kissmyacdc @newlips

@msgexymunson @bebe0701 @latenighttalkingwithgrapejuice @bibieeddiesgf @idkidknemore @miahellagreat @alizztor @godcreatoreli @shotgunhallelujah @ethereal27cereal @munsonsgirl71 @strangerthings1983fan @eddiemunsonsbitcch @tlclick73 @emxxblog @siriusmuggle @sidthedollface2 @dollalicia @lma1986 @hayleylatour @catherinnn @maximizedrhythms @eddiemunson4life420 @readsalot73 @delightfulpeanutpiebiscuit @ruby-dragon @3rriberri @princess-eddie @nightless @bbyhargrove @eddiemunson011 @secretdryrose @eddieswifu @thew0rldsastage @quinnsfineline @chaoticgood-munson @edsforehead @hanahkatexo @lori7311 @eddiemunsonsbedroom @chainsawmunson @beep-beep-sherlock @mantorokk-writes @emily-roberts @averagemisfit03 @vintagehellfire @haylaansmi

Thank you all so much for reading and commenting along each week, it means the world to me!

#eddie munson #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson smut #eddie munson older reader #eddie munson fanfiction #eddie munson x teacher!reader #don't stand so close to me #my writing

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idontwannatalkboutitok · 5 months

Text

Damian as a little brother. A trained assassin, yes, but also the family's youngest.

Here's how I think that plays (Part 1?)

Damian & Tim

----

Worth mentioning that I headcanon Tim as a gamer. Now, to me, Tim is a 90s kid. He played pokemon on his Game Boy when it first came out. He had a nintendo 64, a gamecube, and basically every console you can think of.

Because the timeline is not time lining, and he's not allowed to grow up (side eyeing DC), he now is a switch kinda kid.

Cue short story

----

Every time Tim is at the manor or the cave, Damian can't help but notice he's always using a strange console. He's never paid much attention to it. After all, what Tim does in his free time is of no relevance to him.

But one night, after patrol, he sees Drake throw the console away angrily and leave the room, cursing. (Not real curses, mind you, not with Alfred around).

Now this. This is ... intriguing. Anything that could make the older boy angry, Damian could find interest in. So, out of curiosity, he approaches the device and examines it. Black, two bright controlers on each side. Nintendo is written on the back, and Damian think he does remember a few classmates carrying similar consoles in their bag. They used them to play games that would get them yelling and laughing when on break from lessons.

A gaming console then. Is this what had Tim so riled up? He thought Drake to be above such imbecilic distraction. The older boy has such a practical mind. Damian cannot picture him spending all of his free time playing a child game. And enjoying it. He has to be doing something else with this.. Switch? Something worthwhile.

He must figure it out. So he opens the console, and confusion flows through him at what he sees. These graphics are horrendous. A pixelised and ridiculous robot is giving a speech on the screen. What in the world is Tim playing. The robot turns into a dancing man. What.

Graphics start to flow on the screen. Damian does his best to avoid what he understands to be attacks and to fight back, but his character is ridiculously weak. He is defeated quickly and extremely annoyed. When the screen tells him to "stay determined," he scoffs. This game is taunting him. Ridiculous.

So when the game starts again, instead of fighting the ridiculous robot man, Damian tries to find an ennemy he can slay. And he does! He makes his way back and win a few fights. Now that he understands the concept better, this game- well it's not so bad. He just defeated another ennemy when Drake comes back. And as soon as he sees him with the console, he's yelling.

Damian thinks it's a bit too much. After all, he only played a little and gained experience points. Which Tim was lacking. He says so, but then the older boy goes quiet. Deadly quiet.

Drake takes a step forward, and weirdly worried, Damian takes one back. The yelling picks up, and now Tim is chasing him, throwing cussions and curses at him. He finally catches Damian and rips the console away from him. After pressing a few buttons, he whines and pinches his nose, looking so mad. Disappointed. And that does it.

Damian yells back and demands an explanation. Why is Tim so angry. He does not understand. What did he do that was so wrong?

The questions seem to settle Tim, who deflates, and now simply looks defeated. His head falls back and he starts to talk, as if to explain, but then he stops. And smirk. That can't be good.

Next thing he knows, Damian is sitting in the den. The console is connected to the television, and he's playing the game from the beginning. Tim is sitting next to him, offering no advice. Drake said he would understand what he did wrong once he reaches the end of the game, but really, Damian thinks he's doing great at winning so far.

#Yes the game is Undertale #And Damian ruined Tim's pacifist run #Tim is getting sweet sweet revenge #dc universe #batfam headcanons #damian wayne #tim drake #batbros #batfam #undertale #damian al ghul #short story

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cursedcola · 2 years

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Hello, congratulation for your 1000 followers ! ^^ May I request 32 (Jade) or 64 (Floyd) with GN reader ? Since I can't decide between my two favorite tweels, please choose the one that inspire you the most ;) I'm looking forward reading more of your writing, but please take it easy ^^

Prompt #64: I'll hurt whoever did this to you."

Character: Floyd Leech

It’s not too often that a student walks around NRC in a cast. In a world with magic, injuries heal like clockwork and pain never lasts. Perhaps that’s why students were so reckless?

That is, until a magic-resistant prefect joined their ranks. In your partner’s defense, they didn’t realize you were so fragile! How can someone fracture their leg from a simple kinetics experiment? Honestly prefect, it is your fault for not landing properly.

How unfortunate that healing magic and potions do not work on your body. Now you have no choice but to go around on crutches.

“Ne~Ne~ Look Jade, it’s Shrimpy!” Floyd said, nudging his brother as you turn a corner in the distance. He notices that you’re moving much slower than usual, and when the hall clears he sees your leg in a caste.

Floyd’s eyes dim and the arm he had raised to call for you drops limp at his side. Not missing a beat, “Looks like someone needs a good squeeze,” he said to his brother and quickly jogs to your side.

Mid-step, your books get snatched from your arms and Floyd is working on taking your bag as well. Surprised, you unintentionally gasp in pain when he prods at your leg, “don’t do that Floyd! It’s still sensitive,”

You should not have let that slip. Not with the way he glares up from underneath his lashes, still kneeled and now gently holding your leg. His signature smirk signals playfulness, but you know what’s behind those eyes.

“Ah - you know MC, I’ll hurt whoever did this to you. Better tell me now or I’ll just have to go squeeze everyone you talked with since yesterday, okay?”

Do not lie to Floyd. Not unless you want him to become jealous, and give that poor student a special lesson over at the monstro lounge.

#twst #twisted wonderland #twst x reader #twst imagines #twst scenarios #twisted wonderland x reader #twisted wonderland imagines #twisted wonderland scenarios #floyd leech #floyd leech x reader #twst floyd leech #twisted wonderland floyd leech #1000 follower special

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madameminor · 1 year

Text

In More Ways Than One, Part 7 - Bad Batch x F!Reader - Crime...

Summary: Your Sergeant has given you an order. Kind of. And you're following it. Kind of. Its hard out here for a brat.

64.media.tumblr.com

Tags: No smut this chapter, just a brat bein' a brat.

Warnings: Rough handling towards end of chapter.

Notes: You lucky minxes, this one chapter became so long I had to make it into two chapters. Here's the first one. The second one will be posted within the next week. Enjoy ;) Thanks @corona-one for sharing your vaccine knowledge, and @dumfanting once more for your beta-ing!

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 3.5 Part 4 Part 4.5 Part 5 Part 5.5 Part 6 Part 6.5 Part 7 Part 8 Part 8.5 Part 9 Part 9.5 Part 10

“…and last thing. What’s going on with your medic?”

“What do you mean?”

“There are some interesting rumors going around, starting to make their way higher in the ranks.”

“Oh really? What about?”

“Let’s just say it's about your medic’s… relationship with all of you.”

“Hmph. Yeah, we’ve heard about the ‘whore of 99’.”

“Oof, that’s the one. Normally I wouldn’t worry about it, but it's getting loud enough that the Generals might hear, and they’ll want to check in on the whole situation, for her safety. Now I know you boys, but you aren’t known around command for your gentile personalities. Wherever it’s coming from, reign it in a little bit. Your squad doesn’t need that kind of speculation - her least of all. Don’t need the whole GAR knowing her intimate details. Got it, trooper?”

_____________________________________________________________

You walk in and lean against the door frame as Cody disappears from the holoprojector. You couldn’t hear what he was saying, but Cody never calls ‘just to chat’. Another mission? An emergency? You watch Hunter with his chin in his hand and your heart goes to him.

“That bad, hm?”

He turns towards you.

“No, nothing to really worry about.” He holds out his hand. You take it, using it to straddle him, to get in close and comfort him. You lean your arms on his shoulders, carding your fingers gently through his hair.

“Then what’s the matter, Sergeant Hunter?” you smirk down at him, watching him take you in.

His hand settles on your waist, rubbing between the joints of your armor. “Hm, just sounds like that rumor run is working too well. Cody was calling to ask about it, give us a heads up.”

You tilt your head forward, giving your lovingly incredulous look more emphasis. “Is that really a problem? That WAS the goal.”

He smirks, his crook-ed finger slightly lifting your chin. “If Cody is warning us about it, It’s…something to keep an eye on. Might be best to appear as a “regular squad’ today out among the regs.”

Your heart sinks a little bit, along with a twinge of irritation at his tone. You huff. “So we’re play-acting after all.”

He smirks up at you.

“You’ll find a way to get through.”

Oh you will, will you? “This sounds like an order, Sergeant”

“Hah. I guess it is.” He nuzzles into your neck, taking in your scent.

OOOOoooo… so Hunter has quite a bit to learn about relationships. You could be an adult and talk about it. Buuuuut… where’s the fun in that?

A lesson then. So be it.

____________________________________________________________

Knowing what’s to come, you make sure to spend your landing time hungrily making out with Crosshair on his bunk, your fingers in his hair, his fingers desperately squeezing your hip-

-all just in time for the hatch to open.

You softly groan into his lips. “Crooooss… we have to go.”

His lips move to your neck, fingers pulling you closer to him. “Let them hear. Worked out last time.”

You sigh in regret. “We can’t, Hunter’s orders.”

He nips at your neck in frustration.

“Fine. Later, you’re mine.”

He stands, pulling you up and grabbing his helmet. You take a second to kiss him again, nuzzling him to look at you.

“Whatever happens, Cross, just remember. I’m ending up with you tonight.”

He looks you up and down with slight suspicion, but nods, turning to join the others in their descent.

Standing at attention and awaiting your party is a trooper in armor decorated in dark purple, the designs minimal, but well drawn. He removes his helmet to reveal a standard clone face, minus a scar through one eyebrow and a small soul patch. There’s a merry glint to his serious eyes. You like him already.

“Clone Force 99, welcome aboard the Captivator. I’m Captain Case. Commander Core has been held up in strategy, but I’ll be taking you to your own briefing room to wait for him-” He pauses as his eyes light on you, his head cocking slightly to the side. You smile at him, using your bashful smile.

Hunter glances to you and back. “Problem?”

The Captain blinks, looking back to Hunter. “Apologies, just didn’t know your squad held a nat- a, uh, non-clone.”

You step past Tech, daintily offering your hand. “Good to meet you, trooper. I have a name, but everyone calls me ‘your majesty’.”

He grins. “Who am I to break tradition?” He takes your hand, pressing his lips to the plastoid covering your fingers. “Does that mean you require an escort?”

“From a dashing trooper such as yourself? Yes, I believe it does.”

He offers his arm out to you with a slight bow, grin widening. “Then if you will, ma’am.”

You take it with a flirty smirk, doing your best impression of royalty, completely ignoring the feeling of eyes on your back.

He glances back at the squad, oblivious to any harm. “If you’ll follow me.”

You chat with the Captain as he leads you on, the usual about the usual: ship’s company and capabilities. When you make it to the briefing room, Case excuses himself to retrieve the Commander, bowing to you with a grin and a flourish. You chuckle; not all troopers go along with the gag, but it's fun when they do.

Once he’s gone, you ignore all of the chairs - opting instead to sit on the briefing table, legs crossed, leaning back on your arms.

“Enjoy yourself?” Crosshair seethes. You can almost feel the jealousy radiating off of him, especially after getting him so excited before.

You wave your hand, dismissing his concerns. “SOMEone has to make up for your grumpy face.”

He relaxes a bit from your joke - but only a bit.

Echo sits himself in the chair next to you, his eyes glancing up your legs as his hand settles on the exposed point above your knee.

“Just remember we’re here for business, cyar’ika,” he murmurs to you as the others take their seats.

“Says the one checking me out,” you smile, biting your lip as you glance down at his codpiece. “Do you like what you see, trooper? Because I do.”

His eyes involuntarily trace down your body, thoughts clearly headed into erotic territory-

“Knock it off, both of you,” Hunter barks from the chair to the other side of you, clearly displeased. “We've got incoming.”

Echo removes his hand guiltily, but you stay right. Where. You. are.

The doors part and in walks Commander Core and his Captain. The Commander has a short but full mustache from one side of his lip to the other.He seems barrel chested for a clone, if that’s possible, and he has the same jovial spark as his captain - with the same seriousness just behind it. You like it.

“Well, Clone Force 99, glad to see you comfortable. Sorry for the wait, you know strategy meetings.” Hunter stands, helmet under his arm. “Ah! Sergeant Hunter, I believe, good to put the flesh to the face.” They clasp arms in greeting, each acknowledging the other.

“Likewise, Commander. This is my squad, Tech: Crosshair: Wrecker: Echo: and-”

Core grins as you’re indicated. “Ah yes, the Queen herself. It's an honor to have you aboard our humble vessel, your majesty.” He takes your hand and kisses it with a small bow. He murmurs under his breath, “Usually I’m the only Queen around, so I appreciate the company.”

You chuckle as he releases your hand and turns to the others.

“Heard good things about all of you, and you’re going to need everything you’ve got for this one. Take your seats and let's get to it." He and the Captain take their places at the other end of the table, activating the table. "You’re headed to Saila III…”

The briefing is well thought out and concise - you’re impressed. The mission was on a planet largely toxic to organic life- which is why the droid army found it a perfect place to set up a secret droid research and development factory. There were inoculations that could be taken, but wouldn’t do for a whole army in a full on assault. No, they needed a small team, in and out, destroy everything, steal what data was possible - if the team could make it out alive.

The Commander was right, this one would be a doozy. For anyone else.

Core turns off the table and stands up from his chair. “That’s all the info I have for you - check in with the Med bay about your inoculations; there’s a time table to worry about, so the sooner you can get those started, the sooner you can head out.”

Hunter nodded. “Then that’s our next stop.”

You smile at the Captain standing off to the side. “Will you be escorting us this time, Captain?”

He grins at you. “Sadly, no, there’s other business requiring my attention - but this mouse droid will take you where you need to go.” A droid moves forward from a corner and chirps, rolling towards the door.

“Your majesty,” the Commander pulls your attention back. “Selfish of me to ask, I know, but while you’re aboard would you do me the honor of joining me for a meal? I love my brothers, but sometimes I need more… feminine company.” He furtively glances at your squad and winks at you. HAH. So he could see what was going on.

You try to keep your grin from being too knowing. “I would be delighted, sir.”

“Good, I look forward to it.” He turns to the now strangely tense squad. “Thanks again, boys. Dismissed.”

You all salute before heading out the doors, following behind the tiny droid humming along.

Crosshair strides up next to you angrily. “What was that?”

Wrecker comes up to your left. “Yeah, did he just ask you to dinner? Like a DATE?”

You smirk internally. “No, you two, he’s not interested in women. He just wants a break from being surrounded by men. I know the feeling.”

“Oh.” Wrecker says, taking this in. “Wait, so is the Captain, uh, like that too?

“No... He was just so nice before, I wouldn’t mind his company.” You try to keep your answer innocent enough.

You might have fluttered your lashes a little too much. He grins and scoops you up with one arm, making you squeal. “What are you up to, babe?”

You smile down at him, nuzzling his face. “Just following orders.”

Hunter’s voice breaks the moment. “Wrecker, put her down. Now.”

"AWWWWOOOOoooooOOO!" You scowl over at him as Wrecker groans, setting you back on the floor. “Fine.”

—----------------------------------------------------------------------

Arriving at the medbay is simple enough - getting the attention of one of the clones is harder. It’s a bit chaotic, for a medbay, and you’re barely even acknowledged as the moments drag by.

You sidle up to Hunter, handing him your helmet. “I’ve got this, Sarge,” you say in a deeper, serious voice, like you’re wading into the trenches. He eyes you suspiciously as you walk towards a trooper with his face in a microscope, putting a little sway in your hips. Yes, Hunter can watch you 'handle it'.

The table is up to your waist- so you lean over it. You prop yourself up by your elbows, your chin resting on the back of one hand. You can't help but grin, thinking of your boys staring at your ass while you flirt with someone else.

“Excuse me, trooper.”

The man before you looks up quickly, pulled from his work. “Oh, uh, ma'am, uh, hello, I’m sorry I was in my only little world there.”

You smile good-naturedly. “I know the feeling. What are you inspecting?”

“Oh, uh, the reactions of the antibodies we have between a bunch of our vaccines. Since there are several we need for upcoming missions, we want to administer as many as possible without overloading the immune system. Well, a clone immune system. Non-clones are a different story, of course. Though, with the information we gain from clone genetics, perhaps there is a way to include something else in the inoculation to bolster the non-clone immune system while it processes multiple vaccines at once, which would- Oh, uh, I’m sor-”

“Which would save the average non-clone quite a bit of money, if not just another trip to a physician,” you smile, your heart warming towards him. “That’s such a wonderful way to use your access to knowledge. On behalf of nat-borns everywhere, I thank you.”

He beams with gratitude and chuckles. “Just doin’ my duty, ma’am.” You watch as he takes you all in, a bashfulness falling over him at your positioning. He clears his throat. “So, uh, what can I help you with?”

“My squad and I are looking to get our inoculations, and you looked like the man to see, so…”

“Oh, yes! The Saila III mission.” He pauses, glancing at you with confusion. “You’re with the 99?”

You sigh dramatically. “Yes. Someone has to keep those boys in line.” You let your eyes roam over his waiting slides. “Sometimes I wish I could just stay in a lab, find a good partner and focus on helping others. I’m a little envious of you,”

You see him swallow out of the corner of your eye. Flirtation: success. “I know the feeling.”

You look back at him with a coy smile, letting the moment drag on just a bit until: “So, trooper, those inoculations?”

“Oh! Right.” He quickly turns to his computer. “We can start with the first set now, their side effects are relatively mild.” He reaches below the tabletop, pulling out three hand-length boxes and pushing them towards you. “In one standard rotation, depending on your bodies’ reactions, we should be able to do the next batch. Though with a nat-born… this may take a bit longer than anticipated…” he frowns in thought, calculating timelines and reviewing requirements on his screen. “Twice the time. We’ll need you all to stay aboard and under supervision for at least four days.”

“Four?” You blink in surprise, remembering the briefing. “Does the Commander know this?”

“I’m not sure. I’ll have my S.O. send him a report.” He looks at you, in his element. “We’ll see what we can do to get you out promptly - I know what you’re doing is important. We don’t want to hold you back, we just want to make sure you aren’t handicapped out on the field.”

You genuinely smile at the slight mirror of yourself. “I know the feeling. What’s your name?”

He blinks in surprise, the bashful returning. “Theo.”

“Theo.” You take him in, standing up and tapping lightly on the table. “Thank you, Theo. We’ll settle in and wait for further orders. I’m sure I’ll see you again.” You take the three boxes in hand and, with a winsome smile in his direction, turn and head back to your squad-

-who are all staring at you in varying states of “wtf”. Confusion, interest, jealousy, irritation, and amusement.

You internally preen. Perfect.

“Our timeline has been extended.”

Hunter hands you back your helmet. “What do you mean?”

You set it, your pack, and the boxes down on a free examination table and start setting up one dose of the first vaccine. “Apparently to properly inoculate all of us, we, well, mostly I, need to be under observation for four days to keep an eye on our symptoms.” You click the first syringe into your injector gun. “Who’s first?”

Crosshair steps forward angrily, taking the chance to get close to you. “Is that ALL he said?” he hisses, clearly having trouble reigning in his contempt. You ignore him, moving his undershirt aside to administer the dose.

“He said one standard rotation per dose, at least for clone bodies, and that’s for the 3 types of vaccines the Commander said we’d need.” You load in the next vaccine for Crosshair, applying it to the other side of his neck.

“That timeline suggests you will need them every other rotation.” Tech takes a moment to note the time and enter something into his data pad. “Excellent. Then we will need the barracks they’ve assigned to us for longer than intended.”

“And something to EAT!” Wrecker says as you lock in the next vaccine. “C’mon little droid, take us to some FOOD.”

“Not yet, Wrecker,” you smile, injecting Crosshair’s third shot and waving the gun at him. “First thing’s first. And you’re next.”

His face drops. “AAWWWoooooooOOOOH! I HATE shots!”

________________________________________________

The little mouse droid beeps an encouragement as you exit the med bay and head down the hall, all of you following in slight formation.

Hunter hangs back, cornering you the best way he can (you know, while walking out in the open).

“What do you think you’re doing?”

You blink at him sweetly. “Following orders.”

Oh, he’s not pleased with that answer. “I said to act like a regular squad, not flirt with every trooper you see.”

You drop the act, letting yourself speak plainly. “No, you said ‘find a way to get through it'. So I am. I WANT to be flirting with all of you, but I’ll make do with a few regs for now.” You look forward again. “Just trying to be good for you, Sergeant.”

“Hooo…” he shakes his head, almost chuckling in his frustration. “If you keep this up…”

You look at him again. “You’ll what? Punish me for following orders? You know what I say about ‘natural consequences', Hunter.” You make sure to meet his eyes. “Next time, Sergeant, be more specific. Or even better, lets talk about it and come up with something together. You know, like partners.”

He slows to a stop, letting you continue on. A quick glance behind shows he’s pensive - he’s heard you. You nod to yourself, satisfied as you move to catch up with your boys in time to enter the mess.

The hall was busy, but not packed. Clones littered the tables in crews of 2 or 3, with a whole squad taking up a table here and there. You catch some of them glancing curiously at your crew before ducking in to whispers, but the air was far from hostile.

Hm. That was a nice change.

“Alright, I’m starving!” Wrecker led the charge on the food line, the rest of you following.

The fare is good (for ship life), and you take your favorites, finishing just before Tech. Echo, Wrecker and Crosshair have already claimed a table in the back, but you’re headed somewhere else today. You start to head towards a table just to the right of them.

“Where are you going?” Tech’s tone is curious more than anything.

You turn to him, your head indicating your destination. “To sit with some new faces.”

“That is out of the ordinary. As is much of your behavior today,” he observes thoughtfully, eyes searching your face. “What is your objective? Are you feeling alright?”

“Why, Tech,” you smile, batting your eyelashes. “I’m just following orders.”

You wink and spin on your heel, heading towards trouble, Crosshair’s glare burning into your shoulder blades.

You sidle up to the table. “Do you mind if I join you, boys?”

The table falls quiet.

The clone closest to you, sporting a GAR tattoo on his neck, blinks, glancing at his squad mates and then back to you “Uh…us? Really?”

The one across from him, shaved bald with an intricate pattern tattooed across his scalp, glances over at your squad and back to you. “What about the, uh… what about your squad?” You can hear a bit of a smirk in there. “Get into a fight?”

You glance behind you, feigning confusion. “What? Oh no, I see them all the time, sometimes I just need a change of company, you know? Hear some new stories, get 'the gos' circling around.”

“Really? Well, we’ve got some ‘good gos’ about- OW!” GAR tattoo glares across the table at bald tattoo, rubbing his calf underneath the table.

Bald tattoo keeps his eyes on you. “Sure… that makes sense. Guess not all natborns are used to keeping the same company.” He winces a bit. “Oh, uh, excuse me, ma’am-”

You sit down with a chuckle, leaning on one hand. “Trooper, I’m not some shiny. I know what a natborn is.”

He chuckles, and the entire table seems to relax. “Fair enough.” He reaches out his hand. “The names Dorn.”

You take it. “A pleasure, Dorn.”

And you’re in.

_________________________________________________________

Hunter sits down amidst a squad in chaos.

Crosshair’s hiss is barely understandable through his clenched teeth. “What does she mean she’s following orders?”

Tech digs his fork into his food, thoughtful rather than perturbed. “I am not entirely sure. She did not elaborate before heading in that direction.”

Wrecker is so confused he hasn’t touched his food. “So we don’t even know what orders she’s following?”

Echo looks over at Hunter’s face, knowing eyes putting it together. “You know what she’s talking about.”

Hunter sighs as he picks up his carb, breaking it in half before looking over to where you’re laughing with the Commander’s boys. It all made sense now. Alright, he can acknowledge he had some growing to do. He got your point. Didn’t mean he liked the way you taught it to him.

“I got a com from Cody, said to be careful the way we act around the regs. Command was getting wind of our arrangement, was afraid they’d come asking questions.” He doesn’t take his eyes off of you as he takes a bite of his bread. “I told her to take it easy today, act like a normal squad. She wasn’t happy, I told her to find a way through it, she asked if that was an order."

Echo smirks. “And you said yes.”

“Fell right into her trap,” Hunter acknowledged, shaking his head. “Just told me her way of getting through is flirting with the regs instead of us. She’s trying to teach me a lesson, but she’s probably using the chance to tease all of you at the same time.”

“Ah, yes,” Tech returns to eating, “and in a way that we are unable to react without causing suspicion. I am impressed.”

“I’m not.” Wrecker grumbles. “Just want to carry her off and mark her up. See if those regs flirt with her when they see she’s taken.”

Hunter’s intellect perks up; That’s right - HE couldn’t punish you for following orders, but Crosshair and the others could for causing trouble. He smirks to himself. Well, he could find loopholes, too.

“Crosshair.”

The Sniper side eyes him.

“You warned her what happens when she’s a tease?”

Crosshair nods slightly.

“And would you boys all agree that she’s being a tease?”

Wrecker frowns. “OH yeah.”

Tech adjusts his goggles. “I believe I would agree with that, yes.”

“Then it looks like we’re in for an interesting night. Crosshair, you’re the lead on this. Got any ideas?”

Crosshair’s eyes slink back to you, a satisfied smirk slowly settling in. “Oh, do I.”

_______________________________________________

The Core boys are a good bunch. They have you genuinely laughing- and maaaaybe you amp it up a little bit, throw in some general, harmless flirting every now and then? You get a few blushes, but neither side is forward enough to risk any misunderstandings. All in all, just fun.

You glance over to the squad to see the havoc you’ve wrought: oh, bliss. Crosshair is glaring absolute DAGGERS at you, Hunter is shaking his head, and Echo is slowly starting to get it. The next time… they’re heads are together in a huddle, with Hunter’s listening-to-strategy face peering at you.

Uh oh.

“...by the C-quad always catches it, so he couldn’t-”

You turn back to Tor, the republic tattoo. “The C-quad?”

Dorn laughs. “That's what we call Commander Core and Captain Case. Four Cs, C quad. Much easier.”

You grin. “I get it, clever.”

You’re pulled back into the conversation with your tablemates for several more minutes until a slight shadow falls over you- Echo has made his way over. You glance at where he was sat to see that the rest of the batch has left already.

“Excuse me, brothers, I’ve come to claim our medic.” He looks at you with an amused ‘alright, play time’s over’ look on his face. “Joining us, your majesty?”

You give a dramatic sigh. “If I must. Pardon me boys, my subjects need me.” You stand and gather your dishes with a smile. “It’s been a pleasure.”

They all say goodbye kindly enough- but you don’t miss the curious looks they shoot between you and Echo.

You deposit your plates and head out of the mess hall.

“Good meal?” you smile at him.

He chuckles, shifting his helmet under his arm. “Any meal that isn’t ration bars is a win to me.”

You love his laugh. Then you remember your ‘uh oh’ moment. “What were you all talking about?”

“Our upcoming mission.” He looks over at you, amused. “How about you? Had some fun?”

You feel the blush, refusing to feel guilty. “Of course. Always nice to make new friends.” You glance at him curiously. “You were…ok with that?”

“Hm.” He glances at you with another amused smirk before looking forward again. “We’ll talk about it when we get to the barracks.”

Hm… interesting…?

You arrive at an unimpressive door and Echo enters in the keycode. The door whisks open to your quarters for the evening, revealing a fairly large room, all things considered - about half the size of the squad’s room on Kamino. There are 6 beds, two on each of the three walls, one on top, the other below, with standard gray GAR bedding. A large table takes up the center of the room, Hunter sitting at the head, arms crossed, and Wrecker sitting on his right, grinning from ear to ear. You look over them both, not sure what to expect.

As you look around for the others, Echo gestures at your back.

“Pack?”

Well, he can’t be THAT angry with you, then. “Thanks Echo.” You take off your pack and hand it over to him. Glancing back, Wrecker’s grin has only widened.

Hmph. Your hands perch on your hips.

“Alright, Wrecker, what are you boys up to?”

You feel, rather than hear, the whisper by your ear.

“We should be asking you the same question, princess.”

Crosshair’s arm encircles the both of yours, pulling them behind your back, his free hand sliding up to your throat. “You have some serious groveling to do.”

You feel your arousal overtaken with surprise. “Cross- what are you-”

He lightly squeezes your neck, just enough to get your attention. “You were told what being a brat gets you. Teased and tormented, remember?”

The fire lit inside you is too good to regret. “I-I was just following orders,” you look to Hunter, “right Sergeant?”

Hunter chuckles under his breath. “Hmph. Sure, you were following mine. But they don’t see it that way, do they?”

Oh that bastard. Well played. You gulp against the hand over your throat.

“See princess, Hunter might not be able to punish you,” Crosshair hisses in your ear. “But the rest of us can. And I’ll be showing them how to punish you properly.”

Wait, is this… ALL of them are going to do this? Together? At ONCE?? You can’t help it - you whimper.

“Getting the picture?” Crosshair smirks. “And in case you feel like continuing to be a tease, Hunter is going to sit right there and make sure you take your punishment - or you’re sleeping on the Marauder. Alone.”

Hunter leans forward, making sure you’re keeping eye contact with him.

“You understand, trooper?”

Your voice is a squeak against Crosshair's grip. “Y-yes, sir.”

He finally allows a smug smirk, leaning back to watch. “Remember, your word is meiloorun.”

Kriffing sith hells, here it goes.

____________________________________________________________

What up, tag list?

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#in more ways than one #tbb in more ways than one #tbb smut #the bad batch smut #the bad batch x reader #the bad batch x you #the bad batch x f reader #madame writes #sergeant hunter x reader #tbb tech x reader #tbb echo x reader #tbb wrecker x reader #tbb crosshair x reader #the bad batch #tbb hunter x reader

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