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chaos-is-beautifvl · 2 years

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𝐢 𝐬𝐩𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐞𝐲𝐞...

𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: eddie munson x fem!reader

𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: you think your “tiny” crush on one d&d-playing, ring-wearing, poodle-rivaling brunet goes unnoticed until you’re confronted in a pizzeria of all places

𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠: fluff, cursing (possible overuse of ‘shit’), excessive and shameless but respectful staring lol, dustin being a good wingman (wingboy? idk), mike being a little shit, & mentions of weed

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 3370

𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: didn’t think i’d be joining the eddie munson band wagon but he and joseph quinn have stolen my heart & won’t give it back || i just finished vol. 2 … i am not okay 😀 i hope you enjoy & feedback is golden so let me know what you think! feel free to send me a request, guidelines here

buy me a coffee ☕️!

Eddie is different. And not because of his long hair with fluffy curls that could rival a poodle. Not because of his affinity for using his hands to make devil horns in that same poodle-rivaling hair. Not because he likes D&D, smokes weed, or does any of the other bullshit people find a reason to dislike.

Eddie is just different. But in the best way possible.

Like Steve, you had been roped in as mother hen number two, caring for the little troublemakers. It was comical how often they came looking to you for help when the other mother pawned them off on you, dubbing it “your weekend”.

It didn’t bother you. Like at all. In fact, you were more than comfortable with playing house. You would like to say that it’s because you have nothing else to do, but that is only partially true. There are a million and one other things you could be doing than waiting to catch a glimpse of Eddie “the freak” Munson.

And, yeah, maybe you are paying too much attention to someone who has hardly shown you interest; but life is short. Why not spend your time ogling?

You ogle discreetly - you never stare for longer than three seconds. Also, you always try your hardest to stay engaged in the ongoing conversation to not draw unwanted attention. While it may be a bit much, the plan is yours, and well, it works.

At least, it usually did. You blame the kids. The day had been chock-full of taking the little gremlins two towns over to get their sticky paws on the latest version of a video game, which resulted in your car breaking down. Then you had to get it towed and blah, blah, blah. Needless to say, your day had not exactly gone to plan.

Your day was a bit stressful, and who wants to feel stressed? Certainly not you. So, to feel better, you do what you have to. And it does its job. You decide to allow yourself more than three seconds to stare respectfully. What? You still have manners.

Staring at Eddie is like going to an art museum. You stare at the art because it captivates you, right? In your defense, Eddie Munson had captivated your attention on more than one occasion.

The thunking of the dice rolling on the table was followed by a collective groan. The frustration gave you the perfect opportunity to look back at Eddie. His head was tilted back in a hearty laugh as what he previously predicted came to bite the group in their asses. You wanted to feel bad for the kids, but he did warn them, so whatever happened was their fault.

You were too busy window shopping to hear the repeated calls of your name. You pulled yourself out of your daydreaming, noticing Eddie staring at you. Wait... Not just staring at you. Eddie was staring at you, staring at him.

You quickly turned your gaze away from his brown eyes, praying to whatever higher power was out there he hadn’t seen you ogling him the entire time. Clearing your throat, you turned to Dustin, “Yeah, what’s up?”

“Uhh, nothing.” The words came out way too fast, and you furrowed your eyebrows. Obviously, nothing meant there was something.

“Okay...” You felt your eyes drifting over to the brunet, poodle-rivaling D&D player. Before you could embarrass yourself any further, you stood up, the scraping of your chair against the floor directing all attention to you. Yeah, not really the effect you were going for.

“You guys hungry?” Simple. Effective. Mom hen-ish.

The group sang choruses of yes and omg, I’m starving. So, naturally, you were spared humiliation when you took a vote and landed on pizza. They were nearing the end of their campaign, and you knew they would be both hungry and tired afterward.

Just before you made it out the door, Mike called you back. You sighed, hoping he wasn’t trying to change the pizza order. What he said instead took you by surprise. “How are you gonna get there? I mean, your car is toast - like burnt toast. Like really burnt."

You narrowed your eyes, resisting the urge to roll them. Why did he feel the impending need to remind you of the hot shit you were already wading through? Michael Wheeler, everybody! The kid who gives no fucks!

“I can just get it,” Eddie suggested, leaning forward with elbows resting on the table. His hair was released from its ponytail - if it could even be considered one with its looseness. You found yourself staring a bit too long, directing your attention back to his face, where you discovered a cocked brow and tiny smirk tugging at his lips.

“Or!” Dustin shrugged, tilting his head back and forth. “You could just go together.” He sent a slightly sympathetic look to his older friend, “No offense, Eds, but you’re pretty shit at remembering things. Besides, who is gonna help you with all those boxes?” Dustin did an enthusiastic drum roll on the table, smiling, “Y/N! She’s pretty strong.”

You were trying to be strong; you really were. The ride into town was awkward, putting it mildly. You realized that it may have seemed rude to have your entire body facing the door and not to say a word, but being in a tight space, so close, you were trying your hardest not to stare.

Once the pizza place came into view, you quickly hopped out of the van as soon as he unlocked the doors. Your feet dragged you over to the entrance before you could stop them, and you felt bad when he reached over and held the door open for you.

You muttered a small thanks. Any more words, you would probably have exposed your silly little crush.

It was mostly empty, and you took your time staring at the posters and writings on the walls, attempting to not stare at the one thing (or one person, to be exact) you should not be looking at.

But eventually, like they usually did, your eyes wandered over, and you found yourself staring at Eddie again. It was beginning to become a problem at this point. And that was further proven when he started talking.

“Hey, Paul, how ya doing? So we’ll get two...” Eddie squinted his eyes, tapping the counter with his fingers as if that would speed up the recollection process.

You snapped out of your stupor and stepped forward. “Hi, could you get us four pepperoni pizzas and one supreme?”

“Right.” Eddie clasped his hands together, nodding like he was the one who remembered, not you. “Four pepperonis and one supreme. Right, right, right.”

Paul jotted it down on his tiny notepad. Not looking up, he mumbled the price, and Eddie stopped you when you went to pull out your wallet.

Leaning on the counter with his elbows and hair sweeping over his shoulders, he flashed a grin at the boy. “Paul, my man, you remember that time you got some-”

The brunet glanced at you, “substances... a.k.a. weed from me." Eddie coughed, whispering the words out. “And, you didn’t pay because your mom took away your allowance since you wouldn’t clean your room? Remember how I let it slide?”

Paul looked around the pizzeria nervously, hoping no one was listening. Once the coast was clear, he nodded, swallowing.

“Yeah, well, now is the time to pay. Soooo,” Eddie tapped his fingers on the counter as he straightened. “We’re gonna get these pizzas on the house, and you don’t have to worry ‘bout paying me back. Cool with you? Great! Go get ‘em, bud.” He patted Paul on the shoulder, sending him scurrying away to the back.

You watched the entire exchange with wide eyes. There was something so wildly attractive about Eddie taking charge, even if he couldn’t remember a simple pizza order. You thanked him quietly, again sure that if you said another word, it would be your inevitable downfall.

A silence settled over the two of you. Continuing to stare at the art on the walls and the work of art standing right next to you, you tried to recollect yourself. Though Eddie was probably a gift from whatever higher power was out there, your obsession was getting out of hand.

Sure, he might be nice to look at, but you weren’t some middle schooler who just figured out what crushes were and how exciting they could be. You were older and more rational and-

Before your affirmations could take off, a voice pulled you back to the present. You turned to see Eddie facing you. He chuckled softly, noticing that you weren’t paying attention to a word. You were stuck up in your head somewhere.

“Sorry, what?” You felt sheepish. Not only had you repeatedly stared at him like he was on display with you watching through the window to see if you wanted to try him on, but he had caught you doing so. Your zoning out and ignoring him was the cherry on the insurmountable pile of shit you were digging your way out of. If there was even a tiny chance in hell that Eddie was interested in you, it was now flushed down the drain for how rude you have been.

“I said, do you wanna sit down? Probably be a while till Paulie boy is done, and I’m sure you wouldn’t want to stand the entire time.” He shrugged, “Or, maybe you do. Who knows?”

“No, sitting sounds good.”

It wasn’t. The first couple of minutes were treacherously slow. Maybe your communication skills were terrible or maybe your eyes couldn’t stop staring at the tiles on the floor. Either way, the silent thing was not working, and you honestly felt so bad that Eddie had to put up with you.

Apparently, Eddie was as discontent with the awkward silence as you were. After humming and tapping his fingers on the table to a song oddly resembling Cherry Bomb by The Runaways, he leaned forward.

“Let’s play a game.”

A what? “Huh...” was your dumb reply. In your defense, you were still stuck on him knowing that song. Doesn’t he only listen to metal? At least, that’s what you heard during your stalking hours, which are anytime you two were in the same vicinity.

His laugh caught you off guard, but in a pleasant way. “God, you really are in your head a lot, aren’t you?” Warmth rushed to your face, and you suddenly felt like he had placed a spotlight directly on you.

“I- uh- I’m not-” You are so embarrassing. That thought was followed with a mental facepalm because what the hell were you saying.

“I’m sorry. That must be pretty annoying. What game did you have in mind?” Good, there you go. Normal speaking like a normal human.

Eddie watched you with interest, rolling his lips so the amusement begging to show would remain hidden. Ignoring the laughter bubbling in his throat, he made a circle with his hand and put it to his eye.

“Let’s play I Spy...”

You stared blankly for a few seconds, letting it marinate. Eddie was humming a song suspiciously similar to something you would have never guessed the brunet to be into. He also wanted to play a game. With a tilt of your head, you expressed your bamboozlement.

“What?”

“Oh, okay. You don’t know- Basically, the way the game works is someone finds something and-“

You held up a hand, halting his speaking as you chuckled. “I know what I Spy... is, Eddie. I just- You actually wanna play that? Or are you, I don’t know, just trying to fill the silence?”

He stared at you quizzically, and you figured you had said too much until he shook his head.

“Nope, I wanna play. So, you in, daydreamer?”

“Sure.” Why not? What could possibly go wrong?

And the game began. First, it was small things like something black and white. The floor tiles. Or something red. That one took Eddie a second because the two of you were in a pizza place where almost everything was red. But it was the jukebox collecting dust in the corner.

Then, things took a turn for the worst. Well, correction, they weren’t that bad (only slightly), but boy, did they take you by surprise.

Eddie was next, and you were a bit nervous as he had given you surprisingly difficult, specific things to find. His brown eyes looked around the pizzeria before they landed on you, accompanied by a mischievous glint and a conspiratorial grin.

“I spy...” Eddie paused for dramatic effect, putting you on the edge of your seat, “with my little eye...”The brunet winked at you, and you mentally cursed whatever higher power created him. One simple gesture had you wishing you could stop window shopping, go into that metaphorical store, and take him home.

“A person.”

...

Is he serious?

“Wearing black.”

Is he talking about himself or...?

“Who is always stuck in their head.”

That’s oddly specific.

“And...” His grin morphed into a smirk as he squinted his eyes at you. You doubt he realized he was enunciating the purpose of the game. “Andddd is a little stalker.”

Can you guess who he’s talking about? Ding, ding, ding. You! We have a winner! Or maybe, this isn’t as much of a win, considering your crush (ahem, obsession) was just exposed.

“I can totally explain-” Could I, though? “I am so sorry.” That was partially true. You felt bad but who wouldn’t want to stare at Eddie Munson. “God, you must think I’m such a creep.”

Your worried rambling was cut short by the most angelic sound - Eddie’s laughing. You wished the ground would open up and swallow you whole. He was laughing at you. Laughing. You swear you have never felt as embarrassed in all your years.

“I think I’m just gonna go...”

Wait, how am I going to get home? Walk? Nah, too far. Hitchhike? Too dangerous. I’ve seen enough TV and newspapers warning against that to try it myself. I may be obsessive, but I’m not stupid. Wait, maybe I could-

Eddie covered his mouth, attempting to hide his laughter behind his hand. He shook his head, his face tinting red as he composed himself. “No, no. You’re- God-” He started laughing again. “You’re just, uh- it’s kinda cute, you know?”

Cute...?

He interrupted before you could ask what exactly that meant. “You probably think you’re pretty discreet, right?” Well, you did at first. But now, it was obvious that you had not been. “It’s just- it’s kinda obvious. Like the whole looking, then looking away, and the whole daydreaming thing.”

Oh. Were you really that obvious?

“C’mon, don’t be so embarrassed.” Eddie peeled your palms off your face. You looked up to see a wondrous sight. His face was reddened from all the laughing, and a wide grin had broken through the surface.

“Don’t be-” You pulled your hands away, pouting as you slumped in your seat. “Of course, I’m embarrassed, Eddie. You weren’t supposed to find out.”

This was torture.

“So, if I hadn’t called you out on it, you would keep doing it?” He caught you there.

“Well- um...” There was no way for redemption, so you shut your mouth. It was bad enough that he’d caught you, and you definitely didn’t want to make the situation even worse because your mouth wouldn’t stop moving.

Eddie watched your internal battle with an overly amused interest. Had the situation been different, you probably would have given him a piece of your mind. Instead, you sat in your seat, brows furrowed and lip jutting out as you tried to alleviate the sticky mess you found yourself in.

“Look, Eddie, I’m sorry, really.” You took in a breath, “I completely understand why you might be creeped out and-”

“Hold on, wait.”

You stopped talking, finally turning to look at him. And, no, not like that. You were too embarrassed to enjoy the view.

“You don’t think I’m actually mad, do you?" Your silence elicited an incredulous look from the brunet. “Do you?” A halfhearted shrug was your reply.

Sensing your embarrassment, Eddie stifled his laughing for real this time, ducking his head to look at you. All your previous thoughts about not being a crush-obsessed middle schooler were flushed down the clogged drain of your problems. It was silly, but you wanted to cry at how embarrassed and, quite frankly, mortified you felt.

“Hey... you know I’m just messing around, right?” He scoffed, “Hell, I’m an attention whore so all your staring is going straight to my big ego. Do you realize that?”

A soft chuckle and a shake of your head made Eddie smile. “No, really. I’ve just been soaking it up. I’m a real glutton for praise, but hey, maybe next time, you should ask me out before undressing me with your eyes.”

You gawked at him, finally meeting his gaze. While you weren’t expecting him to be okay with it, it was an even bigger shock for him to say that.

It seemed that the gods or whoever was out there decided to end your misery. Or, they were sick and tired of you embarrassing yourself. Either way, Paul set the pizzas on the counter, calling the two of you over.

“Oh, would you look at that? Our pizzas are done. I’m gonna go get them...” You mumbled out the last couple of words as you hurried to the counter like a dog with its tail between its legs.

Eddie watched in astonishment and amusement as you somehow bundled up all five pizza boxes in your arms, kicking the door open with your foot.

Dustin wasn’t kidding about you being pretty strong. Not that five pizza boxes are a whole lot. But still, Eddie was impressed.

He turned to Paul, who was wearing a similar look. “She’s pretty cool, huh?”

Paul could only nod, rubbing the back of his neck. Before the boy went to answer the ringing phone, he muttered and shook his head, “They make an odd couple.”

The two of you made it back, Eddie carrying most of the boxes (which he said was part of him making up for the immense teasing). You weren’t as discreet with your staring now. Why would you be? The cat was out of the bag, and you had a pending date with the person who opened it.

Dustin, who sported a shit-eating grin, remarked how Eddie could drive you around until your car was fixed. You realized that the little shit had orchestrated the whole thing. Not the car breaking down, but you and Eddie going together. You weren’t complaining, though.

A week or so later and the date came. When Eddie picked you up, you asked if you could play some music. In the glovebox where he kept all his cassettes and CDs was a mixtape with a song you knew all too well.

If you couldn’t guess, it was Cherry Bomb by the Runaways. Yeah, you aren’t letting that one go anytime soon.

#this is my year for new characters #chaos-is-beautifvl #chaos.writes 🖋#eddie munson x reader #eddie munson fanfic #eddie munson x you #eddie munson x female reader

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duckletranslations · 2 years

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Ariadne Ch 6 - Labyrinth of Questions 5

Season: Fall

Niki: Did you really just say ten million!? I thought my eyes were gonna pop out of my head!

Rinne: I mean, obviously? In this capitalist society, there ain’t much you can’t buy with money. In other words, if only ya got money, ya can buy anything!

Niki, even anything you’d want to eat, all of that. ♪

Kohaku: Ahh, ya got me there. Well now I see why Rinne-han’s been so hale an’ hearty since a while back. ‘Cause of this.

But even so. The way ya said in an interview “I want 10 million L$,” almost seems as if Rinne-han was aware this opportunity’d come up?

Rinne: No way that’s possible. I’m not some kinda god. It was “by chance.”

Some sorta “Idol Royale” and Crazy:B fightin’ in it was mentioned around here and there.

I thought I should be a lil’ silly in my answer and get to know what I'm up against.

Are these reporters any good, or just gossip journalists who distort interviews to write articles that stir up attention—

L$ can only be used as benefits around ES’s parts, so no matter what gets written you can end it in a joke.

The result is a 10 million L$ challenge! This timing means my luck’s turnin’ up!

I’d be real sorry to the god of bets if I came all the way here and didn’t take up the challenge!

Niki: Wait, what kind of logic is that? I have to say, I don’t want to be penalized for nothing! Personally, to be honest, since the odds are so low, I’d feel more comfortable if we passed on this—

Rinne: No, not logic, the soul, dontcha know the saying, the goddess of opportunity leaves no regrets?

And if we do get the 10 million L$, I’m tellin’ ya I’ll buy ya all the beef tongue or anythin’ ya want? Howzit, ya suddenly wanna take on the challenge, right?

Niki: Ow-ow-ow-ow! Please don’t pull on my ponytail! You’re thinking about broadcasting out violent bedroom scenes, aren’t you! I’m against violence!

….I understand what you’re saying, I’m gonna eat beef tongue until I’m stuffed, so prepare yourself!

Rinne: It’ll be alright. I always keep my promises, so just cheer me on as hard as you can! ♪

Kohaku: …These two really have a strange negotiation process. I seriously can’t follow.

Well, ‘cause this is work first an’ foremost, I’ll concur. HiMERU-han, are ya okay with it? Don’t ya tend to dislike this kind of unit solidarity?

HiMERU: HiMERU will confer those parts. Maybe it is due to the times of hardship Crazy:B has endured in the past…. now everyone is used to this kind of adversity.

If we consider Eden’s enthusiasm in the variety program shown in “Bogie Time,”

It is unreasonable for Crazy:B, with no track record or recognition, to reject the game.

Amagi, please throw the dice.

Rinne: Yer sayin’ ya can’t break everyone’s expectations? You guys are all so hopelessly idols. ♪

The odds may be near zero, but let’s pray to god almighty that “1” appears. ♪

HiMERU: HiMERU will not pray to god, but wishes you luck.

Rinne: Alright, here goes…

…But. There’s something that I missed!

Niki: What’s going on, Rinne-kun. We still have a long road ahead of us, so why don’t we hurry with making the decision?

Rinne: Oh don’t be in such a rush. More importantly, Snakeyboy, I’d like t’check one thing.

For this challenge, if I roll three dice only once, and all of them turn up “1”s, I’ll get ten million L$?

Not only are the rules vague, but it might even be my mistake to think that the contents of the Golden Treasure Chest is ten million L$.

If I throw a fit later and the stuff in the treasure chest is wrong, it’ll all be a waste even if three 1’s do come up.

I’ll leave it to luck and bet on it. So it makes perfect sense to check with the owners of the betting board that there’s no scammin going on, yeah?

Ibara: Fufu. Certainly, the current situation meets the conditions for arbitrary rule-changing to take place. Shall we confirm, so you can be at peace?

If all three dice roll a “1”, that powerful luck will be paid tribute to with a ten million L$ deposit.

Also, this video is being recorded with a number of witnesses, so you won’t be able to change the results after.

With this, are you satisfied?

Rinne: Yeah, no problem. ‘Course I’ll accept those conditions ♪

HiMERU: —Amagi. So you talk as if you can win this unfavorable gamble, do you have some kind of strategy?

Even if you check the rules, you know it’s meaningless if you fail to get it right.

Rinne: No, it's just, unless you truly believe in your own victory, you’ll be outta luck.

It was never about the cash in the first place. And it’s better to leave all my strength to luck than play cheap tricks. ♪

HiMERU: Haah. HiMERU cannot understand the psychology of gamblers. Why would you make such an unreasonable choice? Is it a bug in cognition?

Rinne: Gyahahaha, enough with the bitchin’! ♪ I’m just livin’ it up on the stage that’s been handed to me!

Let’s go, the big once-in-a-lifetime match…. How’s this!

Niki: Ohh, two 1s have been rolled!

Kohaku: The last one’s still spinnin’, If this is a 1, ain’t we gonna make an instant killing?

Rinne: It, it’s spinning like there’s some interference going on. Odd or even, you’d better be catching this on camera properly!

HiMERU: The result—

Rinne:Show up! Show up!

Rinne: Nn—

Ibara: …It’s a shame, but the last number appears to be a 3 ♪

So then! All of you that have failed the mission, if you would please take the penalty!

Get ready everyone! Cold gas, spray!

Niki: Gyahhhhhhhhhhhh!

Rinne: Cough, hack…. this is unforgivable, I thought my face was gonna get messed up by that huge force.

Are you guys okay? Those pretty faces of yers didn’t get hurt or anything?

HiMERU: Cough, cough… Well, that’s about a common punishment.

Kohaku: At first I was rattled by the sudden force, but it was surprisingly okay.

Niki: Ooooo, I’ve got frost on my face! It was so cold I think it’s frozen over~?

Wow, my hair is unpleasantly damp! Is this a cooling spray, that was my first experience with it~…

Rinne:Hey hey, isn’t that face takin’ it too far, Niki?

But, it looks perfectly variety-worthy ♪

Hey ya guys! Moving on!

Niki:Ughh, I can’t lose too. If it’s for the sake of beef tongue, a sacrifice like this is nothing–

Let’s go, everyone! We can’t just keep being bullied by the Vice President!

Kohaku:Kokoko ♪ With these Golden Treasure Chests appearin’, everyone’s wills are on fire ♪

Don’t ya think so too, HiMERU-han?

HiMERU:….

Kohaku:…HiMERU-han?

HiMERU:Ah. HiMERU was simply thinking for a moment.

HiMERU could not fully believe the Vice President is trying to run a variety show…so HiMERU looked back to his past words and actions.

It is a bad habit of HiMERU’s to unconsciously read into people’s words.

Kohaku:Now that ya say it, that’s right. You mean Vice President-han, right?

Right, I’d like to challenge my Golden Treasure Chest right away. Shall we, too, go?

HiMERU:Yes, let’s do that.

The Golden Treasure Chest prepared for HiMERU—he is already looking forward to it.

Including what it is that’s inside.

Kohaku:….?

HiMERU-han, what in the world did ya wish for?

HiMERU:Fufu. Well that’s top secret ♪

Indeed, the prize in the Golden Treasure Chest that the Vice President prepared for HiMERU; what in the world could it be?

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dcbbw · 3 years

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Streets of New York

I’m back, and once again I have no idea what this is. It’s a combination of my love of history, the movie Gangs of New York (which I have never seen), a long-ago talk with @ao719 about Liam and the gang in the era of jazz clubs and fedoras, and this question posed by @kingliam2019.

Somehow, my COVID-addled brain combined all of the above into what is below the cut. It may or may not become yet another WIP series.

This is a period piece (currently 1909-1939), and it is FILLED with crackships. I realize this AU (mobster, mafia, gangs doing illegal shit) is not original, but hopefully my story and its execution are.

THANK YOU to all who read this and encouraged me to go with it.

THANK YOU to all who will read this story; your likes, comments, and/or reblogs are appreciated more than you know.

HUGE Thank You to @ao719 for helping me get this posted! Tumblr is being unhelpful by telling me my posts are too long, and refusing to post, save as draft, or queue them.

Please excuse any typos, missing/extraneous words, and/or grammatical errors. My brain is foggy. Today’s testing results say I’m negative; my body says: Girl, they stupid.

All characters belong to Pixelberry

Song inspiration: Legends are Made, Sam Tinnesz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKVZrbitbd8

Word Count: 2,740

Warnings/Triggers: sexual assault, mentions of blood, child abandonment

Hell’s Kitchen, September 1908

Dusk was just falling over the city as the woman carefully stepped amongst the railway tracks. The subway yard was a faster, albeit dangerous, shortcut to the tenement she now called home. It wasn’t much: A small room with a cracked window, a chamber pot, small stove, and a flimsy cot covered with thin sheets she called a bed.

The room was hot in the summer and cold in the winter, the building overrun with vermin of both the two-legged and four-legged variety; but it was familiar, and the young woman was eager to get there. She, like so many other immigrants who had fled Europe for a new start in a fledgling America, worked in a factory; she was a seamstress in a warehouse a good 20 blocks away, and today was payday.

The woman had stopped at the market before heading home to pick up crusts of bread, eggs, and produce: apples, carrots, potatoes. Her last stop before beginning the trek back to Hell’s Kitchen was the butcher shop. In exchange for darning and mending the dresses of the proprietor’s daughters, the woman received unwanted cuts of meat at a discounted price; today she had received strips of tripe and a few pig ears. The meat and vegetables would make a hearty soup that would last at least a week.

She breathed a sigh of relief when the toe of her tattered shoe fell upon dirt and grass; so intent on her task, the woman never noticed the man who had been following her since she passed the water tower several feet back.

He was young, perhaps the woman’s age; like her, he was an immigrant. Unlike her, he was unemployed. The lad had spent the day looking for easy marks to steal from to replace the few coins he had lost in an earlier game of dice.

He couldn’t go home empty-handed.

The woman was the answer to his prayers: Focused on her task and not her surroundings, and she had a bag of groceries. Her attractiveness was an unexpected surprise.

When he saw her safely cross the tracks, he made his move. He nimbly and quietly leapt over the live rails and tackled the woman from behind just as she reached the hole in the fence erected to keep trespassers away from the railyard.

The push knocked the woman to the ground, face first. The bag of groceries flew from her hands; as she attempted to catch her breath, her blue eyes watched the apples roll away, their bright red skins now covered in dust.

The pair tussled, but the man prevailed. He roughly turned her over onto her back, slapping her cheek and spitting in her face as he ripped the gray smock from her body; an evil smirk lifted a corner of his mouth when he heard one of the pockets clank with coins. The woman’s screams filled his ears; his fist hitting her temple silenced them.

The woman’s blonde hair lay splayed against dusty brown earth as the man heaved and grunted atop her. When he was spent and had filled her with his seed, the man lay against the limp body, panting heavily; he could smell his hot, foul breath. Hearing chatter and footsteps from the crowd of workers headed to home, taverns, and houses of ill-repute, the man scrambled to stand.

His eyes took in the naked woman beneath him, blood and semen spilling from between her legs, and he kicked her in her side before grabbing her dress to steal her wages and returning her meager groceries to its paper bag.

Wiping his forearm across his sweat-dampened brow, the man gave one last look to his victim. “Thanks, darlin’,” he drawled before he and his bounty stepped through the opening and onto the streets; he turned left, whistling jauntily as he made his way home.

January 1939, Auvernal

Newly crowned King Bradshaw Achilles stood on the cobblestoned terrace off the Auvernese Palace’s grand ballroom. His features were briefly illuminated by the match held to the end of a clipped Cuban cigar: Skin tanned by the Mediterranean sun, with the merest shadow of scruff and stubble lining his jaw and chin; brown eyes squinted in concentration; a slightly off-kilter nose, due to a rugby accident in his younger years.

The air had a slight coolness to it, for which he was grateful. He didn’t particularly care for balls. It was all muted lighting with women reduced to coiffed hair, shiny jewels, and slinky dresses; the men were merely cravats, cigars, and shiny wingtips.

Thank God Isabella wasn’t in attendance. She was in the Riviera with their children, soaking up sun and spending his money.

“Congratulations, Bradshaw. She’s a beauty!”

Bradshaw extinguished the match, taking a few puffs before acknowledging the good wishes. With a boyish grin, he replied while shaking the greeter’s hand. “I sincerely hope you are referring to my lovely wife, and not the racehorse I recently acquired.”

Barthelemy Beaumont gave a hearty laugh. “The bride, of course! She’s extremely … fetching.”

Bradshaw raised an eyebrow; The Cordonian King’s appetite for beautiful women was known all over Europe. “Thank goodness I have her here in Auvernal, then.”

The edge in his tone was unmistakable. King Barthelemy caught it immediately. He cleared his throat as he adjusted the lapels of his tuxedo. “I’m quite happy with Regina and our family; I would never think to test the boundaries of our friendship.”

“Glad to hear it,” Bradshaw exhaled a plume of smoke towards the night sky.

Quiet between the two men before Barthelemy spoke. “I would like to arrange a discussion between Cordonia, Auvernal, Montissero, and Greece before the end of the week. That Hitler person in Germany is becoming a … problem.”

Bradshaw waved his hand dismissively. “He’s a rabblerouser. All talk, no action.”

“He’s rousing all the rabble! AND building a large military from the brightest and strongest of his citizenry. If the rumors are to be believed, he needs to be stopped before he declares war on allof Europe. Whatever opinion the world has of the Mediterranean, we are still part of Europe and as such, need to be prepared for all possible outcomes.”

“Bradshaw?” The voice was soft, feminine, tentative.

The Auvernese King turned, a wide smile on his face. “Eleanor, my love! Come join us,” he invited with an outstretched arm.

The Queen allowed herself a small smile before gracefully crossing the terrace, her heels never slipping on the slick stones. Her thick, blonde hair was done in a Grecian braid, her dress a one-shouldered column of cream-colored silk.

Barthelemy quickly bowed, muttering “Your Majesty” before straightening; he gave Bradshaw a last look before heading back into the ballroom. “Consider what I’ve said.”

Eleanor’s cornflower blue eyes looked between Barthelemy’s retreating form and her husband’s face with a questioning expression. Bradshaw shook his head slightly. “Nothing to worry about; he wants a meeting to discuss the news from Germany.”

Eleanor pursed her lips as her brows furrowed in concentration. The new Queen had a reputation for being intelligent, quick-witted, and a knack for reading people.

She was Bradshaw’s second wife and had worked closely with him on political reform for women’s rights and protections for nearly two decades before the relationship turned personal.

Laying a delicate hand on her husband’s arm, she advised him to keep the meeting. “It’s my understanding that the Führer has been in discussion with Russia and Japan. Secret discussions.”

Bradshaw looked at his wife through narrowed eyes, his brows furrowed in thought. “Are your sources reliable?”

Eleanor nodded in affirmation. “Extremely.”

Bradshaw dropped his cigar into an outdoor ashtray before pulling his bride closer to him. He placed a kiss in her hair. “Well then, how can I refuse my Queen?”

July 1909, Hell’s Kitchen

The midwife had an unrolled cigarette pressed between her lips, dangling dangerously from a corner of her mouth; her hands were deep inside the young woman’s birth canal as she tried to pull the infant within from its confines. Her ears felt as if they were bleeding from the mother’s keening wails and pain-filled screams.

“PUSH!” she ordered in a raspy voice, the toll of a life-long tobacco habit.

Her brown eyes raised, taking in the young woman’s face over the mound of stomach between them: pale, sweaty, tear streaked. Her startling blue eyes were bleary and red-rimmed; blonde hair lay in limp strands against her cheeks and head. The woman took a deep breath before raising her upper body; she felt muscles strain painfully against the obstacle still inside her.

The midwife gave a grunt of satisfaction when she saw blood-speckled flesh come into view; the cigarette lost its precarious hold and fell to the floor when she realized she was looking at the baby’s ass.

“Cheeky fucker, ain’t ya?” she muttered, pulling gently at the newborn’s body.

The mother panted heavily, her head laying against a grungy pillowcase. “Is it … here yet?”

The midwife, Lucretia Nervakis, wiped her forearm against her forehead to prevent sweat from stinging her eyes. Even with the window open, the small apartment was sweltering. Pots of boiling water didn’t help matters.

She knew the child was unplanned. A quick look around the sparsely furnished room told her the baby was unwanted as well; there wasn’t even a baby bib in sight.

“No,” she replied with a longing look at the now-snuffed cigarette on the wooden floor. “Bastard’s ass first, so I need this next push to be long and hard. Ya hear me?”

“I don’t feel good,” the woman confessed in a weak voice.

“You’re gonna feel dead if you don’t get this fucker out. Now, PUSH!”

January 1939, Upper East Side

Liam Rys had his hands folded behind his head as he lay on his full-sized bed; he was fully clothed except for shoes and his Savile Row suit jacket. His handsome face was marred with a slight frow of impatience as his deep blue eyes lazily raked over his lover’s body, which was clad only in undergarments.

“Hana, hurry the fuck up, please. It isn’t every night I get to show off my lady at the hottest club in town.”

Hana Lee glanced at him through the mirror, her lips in an “o” shape as she carefully applied lipstick. Her honey brown hair was swept up in an elegant French roll. “You OWN the club Liam, and your cousin Olivia manages it!” she reminded him.

Liam half-shrugged. “I still don’t take you there every night.”

After rubbing her lips together, Hana spritzed expensive French perfume from an atomizer bottle. The liquid was cool against her skin. “Will your wife be there?”

There was no accusation in her tone; Liam and Riley were officially separated, and had been for over a year.

When he left her to be with Hana.

Despite his wife’s very public relationship with Rashad “The Dom” Domvallier, she refused to grant Liam a divorce. Riley was fond of telling anyone who would listen that when she was put in the ground, she was going as Mrs. Liam Rys.

“Probably,” Liam exhaled a deep breath.

There was a time he had loved Riley madly, almost foolishly and who could blame him? Riley was sunshine: warm, bright, dazzling. But one thing people tended to forget about the sun: it burned.

“Mama Lu will be there to make sure Riley toes the line, and the business meeting shouldn’t take long,” he assured Hana. He glanced up at the wall clock. “You have exactly three minutes to be fully dressed and ready to go, or there will be consequences,” he playfully threatened as his palm rubbed along his crotch.

A mischievous expression crossed Hana’s delicate Asian features, a knowing smirk curving her crimson-painted lips. She extended her leg, her face falling forward as she scrutinized her hosiery.

“Oh, my … is that a … run in my stocking?”

July 1909, Hell’s Kitchen

The Mother

The woman moved slowly around the hot room; she was light-headed, and her sex throbbed from both pain and the blood flowing from her center. She blindly grabbed her few possessions, mostly clothing and a few toiletries, haphazardly tossing them into her battered suitcase.

She ignored the wailing of the baby lying on the soiled sheets of the cot.

The product of her rape.

The source of her hurt, shame, fear.

Doubled over and nearly delirious from the aching, she made her way to the kitchen; in the cupboard was the metal box that held her savings and papers which affirmed her as an American citizen. Words swam before her eyes, and she shoved everything in the pocket of her flowered house dress.

Once everything was packed, she grabbed the suitcase with one hand and the baby with the other.

She nearly dropped the infant as she clutched her stomach, uttering a groan of pain as a rush of red warmth flowed down her legs. The woman took a deep breath as she straightened up. She just had to make it to the dockyard, less than three blocks away.

She was returning home on the next available steamer.

To Auvernal.

Lucretia

Later that evening, a now bathed and fed Lucretia Nevrakis veered off the still-crowded streets into a darkened alley; she had been to the corner shop to purchase papers to roll her cigarettes. The night air was heavy with humidity and rife with pungent smells. She was a few steps into the passageway when a baby’s wail cut the still air.

She paused, looking around her.

No one.

Her eyes darted about both the alley and along the open windows of the brick tenements before determining the cries were coming from a covered trashcan. Eyes narrowed in suspicion, she lifted the metal lid; her only reaction to the naked newborn atop chamber pot dumpings, old newspapers, and rotting produce was to lift her eyebrow, belying her inner struggle.

One minded one’s business in Hell’s Kitchen; that, and keeping their head down is what allowed folks to live to see another day. Which would explain why the baby was still in the trash. No one wanted to get involved: it meant cops, paperwork, possibly another mouth to feed and clothe.

Lucretia raised the lid to replace it over the garbage can; she delivered babies, she didn’t take care of them. And yet, she hesitated. Out of the children she had birthed who were populating the neighborhood, not one of them had been unwanted. Unplanned, unexpected … but their parents had kept them.

Her hand wavered as the infant continued to cry. Finally, she set the covering on the ground.

The baby had mooned her.

It was meant to be.

With a last look to ensure she was alone with the child, she lifted the baby she had delivered hours earlier into her arms. She stared down into a face nearly red from hours of wailing; the child’s face was scrunched, its tiny hands curled into fists that moved frantically.

Lucretia swayed gently, making soothing noises as she did so. Ever so gently, she ran long, slender fingers through soft blonde curls as she stared into blue eyes. She exhaled a shaky breath as she began walking towards the apartment she shared with her brother and sister-in-law.

“Looks like it’s you and me, fucker,” Lucretia muttered.

The child quieted, but the midwife knew it was hungry. And needed bathing. She shifted direction; she wouldn’t be going home tonight. The infant needed a wet nurse, she needed to stock up on evaporated milk and nappies.

She looked back down into the child’s face. “You need a name,” she said.

Lucretia walked quickly, determinedly to the home of Miss Betsy, the neighborhood wet nurse. The large, black woman had a look of shock and surprise on her face upon opening her door to Lucretia Nevrakis. Her wide brown eyes fell to the naked infant in the midwife’s arms.

“Who’s baby you got, Lu?”

Lucretia didn’t speak, instead bustling past the wet nurse, entering the apartment.

“Mine. And I need your help. He needs a good, long feeding and a warm bath.”

Betsy looked askance at the midwife; Lucretia hadn’t been pregnant the entire time the two women had known each other.

“Yours, huh? What’s his name?”

Lucretia gazed at the child’s face, the ghost of a smile on her lips.

“Liam.”

Tagging: @sirbeepsalot @jared2612 @ao719 @burnsoslow @bbrandy2002 @ofpixelsandscribbles @debramcg1106 @marietrinmimi @merridithsmiscellany-blog @queenjilian @texaskitten30 @glaimtruelovealways @indiacater @kingliam2019 @bebepac @zaffrenotes @liamxs-world @choiceslife @ac27dj @the-soot-sprite @gnatbrain @hopelessromanticmonie @amandablink @mom2000aggie @cmestrella @iaminlovewithtrr @liamrhysstalker2020 @queenrileyrose @ladyangel70 @gkittylove99 @neotericthemis @twinkleallnight @umccall71 @superharriet @charlotteg234 @busywoman @gabesmommie1130 @jessiembruno @tessa-liam @phoenixrising308 @beezm @gardeningourmet @lovingchoices14 @sincerelyella @foreverethereal123 @janezillow @mainstreetreader @angelasscribbles @lady-calypso @emkay512 @jovialyouthmusic @21-wishes @princessleac1

#dcbbw writes #something new #streets of new york

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not-me-simping-for-blasty · 4 years

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Wrong Number, Asshole - A Bakugou Katsuki Soulmate AU

All Parts

Part 25:

You blinked blearily, rubbing the sleep away from your eyes.

For a minute you were disoriented, head spinning in confusion until you pieced together where you were. Who’s apartment you were in. Who was currently still fast asleep in your lap.

You flushed, still just as affected by his proximity as you were earlier. Except- it was slightly different now. Those little kitten snores? The ones you’d previously only heard over the phone? Well, now they were falling from his mouth in real time- in real life. In front of you. He was so close and warm and soft and uncharacteristically quiet and all you wanted to do was kiss him.

The past few days, you’d been so focused on how he’d lied and his injuries that you’d almost forgotten just how much you liked him. You couldn’t forget now. Not with the way he had a hand under his cheek, fingers just barely curling your sweatshirt in his sleepy grip.

Your fingers itched with the need to touch him- to somehow expel all that rolling fondness and affection that was boiling over in you. You couldn’t help yourself, your fingers beginning to once again move lightly through his hair, scratching idly at his scalp as you went.

You knew he’d be mad at your actions if he was awake- or flustered and embarrassed at the very least. But you just wanted to be nice to him. To show him how much you cared about him, and you were determined to do that- even if he seemed absolutely allergic to it.

So you sat and stared shamelessly and soaked up the proximity and warmth radiating off his body. And it was perfect and serene and so sugary sweet for a while- until you realized how much your legs hurt.

They hurt and ached and were sore because Katsuki was heavy.

Absurdly heavy.

And the thing about him was, you were only supporting his head and his shoulders! On your legs too- not even your arms! Even so though, the honest to god weight of him was just ridiculous. He was a solid mass of nothing but strength and power and, quite frankly, ludicrous musculature. And if he wasn’t murdering your legs right now, and not in the fun way, you’re absolutely sure you’d be much more thrilled about these facts.

As it stands now though, nothing but an escape plan was on your mind. Even if the rest of you was only screaming to pull him closer.

“Katsuki.” You tried once more, prodding at his cheek lightly. “Katsuki, c’mon-time to get up.”

He had no reaction. Not even an eye twitch when you ghosted your hands over his face. In all honesty it seemed like he was dead. His breathing was so deep and slow it was almost non-existant and when you called him name, no matter how many times you said it, there wasn’t even a mumble- now whether that was effect of the pain meds or just him ignoring you, you had no idea.

Sighing with finality, and a genuine apology, you lifted his head. It was a struggle, and his unresponsiveness surely didn’t help, but eventually you escaped. You slipped a pillow under his head, patted his cheek fondly, and left towards his kitchen.

Now, was the easy part. Or was supposed to be the easy part- but considering this was Katsuki you should’ve known better.

His fridge was packed to the brim, overflowing with ingredients, but they were all ridiculous health foods. You wanted familiarity and comfort and grease- not green. Not the terrible, bitter, dark green vegetables that seemed to be the only thing he had.

What kind of guy doesn’t have junk food? You thought, shaking your head in utter disbelief. And he tells me I’m the weird one?

With a sigh, you begin rifling through the drawers for something at least a bit fattening, and you can’t kid yourself, it does soothe that itch from earlier. That weird, tingling, constant itch to pick apart every little detail and mix and match them together until you knew every possible thing about Bakugou there was to know. Until you knew things about him that no one else did- until you knew him better than he even knew himself.

And maybe that was selfish, but you couldn’t bring yourself to care all that much. If talking to him, knowing him was intoxicating before, just over the phone, than it was an addiction now. Here in this apartment, surrounded entirely by pieces of him, Katsuki felt real. He felt tangible and honest and complete, and you’d never be satisfied with just texts and phone calls again.

Grinning widely, you grabbed the blocks of cheese, and a few different freshly-cut herbs. Inspiration had struck, and within the weirdly hearty contents of his refridgerator lied your saving grace.

Grilled cheese- because at the end of the day, you were a child through and through.

Gathering the rest of the ingredients, and searching for a pan, you couldn’t contain the warmth in your chest. Not only were you going to be eating good food, but you were sharing it. With your soulmate. It was a weird little bit of domesticity, preparing a meal for him, but you couldn’t say you hated it.

Apparently, you’d made too much noise with the pan, because suddenly you hear shuffling. Glancing behind you, Katsuki is grumbling under his breath as he clambers into the kitchen. He’s all loose limbs and sleepy grunts, grumpily throwing himself down into a seat at the counter, just a few feet away from you.

“Jesus fuckin’ christ, sunshine, could you be any goddamn louder?”

You’re not sure if it’s the combination of the nickname and his crackling sleep-laden voice, or maybe it’s the way his cheeks are stil warmed from sleep, but you melt. Practically dissolve into the floor beneath you. That feeling- that aching one from earlier where all you wanted to do was kiss him silly? Yeah, it’s back now. Back in full-force and unleashing a hellish barrage of butterflies in your stomach.

“Nothin’ to say? Yeah. Thought so. Idiot.” He barks.

“Not a morning person?” You recover, quickly turning back to the stove. Hopefully it’ll cover up the absolute hearts you currently had for eyes.

“It’s 8 PM.”

“It was a joke, angry man.” You laugh. Turning back, you sneak a glance at him, completely unable to help yourself. “Don’t be so grumpy.”

“I’m not fuckin’ grumpy.”

Bakugou mumbles it so quietly and petulantly that you almost can’t hold back your squeal. There he is, just feet away, currently holding the title for World’s Most Adorable Pout and you couldn’t do anything!

Well, maybe you could- if you were bolder and stronger. But you weren’t. Right now you felt weak.

“You could just go back to sleep, you know.” You finally say.

“And let ya fuck up my kitchen unsupervised?” He yawns widely, rubbing at his eyes. “No fuckin’ thanks.”

“It’s only grilled cheese, I think I’ll manage.”

“Grilled cheese? Am I five or some shit?”

“No- but I am. And it’s what I’m making.” You supplied, an easy smile gracing your lips. “So it’s either you have one too, or you starve to death. Your choice, Katsuki dear.”

He blushes when you look at him, hiding it behind his hand. “Yeah. Whatever. Just make sure it’s fucking edible.”

“That’s a tall order, angry man. I might not be able to do it.” You say teasingly, terribly high on a mixture of him and your own fuzzy feelings. “We’ll see, huh?”

Katsuki just nods, dropping his head into his hands. He still looks tired, his eyes half-lidded and eyebrows drawn low, but he’s fighting sleep. Every time you turn to glance at him, he’s blinking himself awake, and every time you turn away you can feel his eyes on your back. It was sweet- until it wasn’t. Until he ruined it.

“Your knife skills are fuckin’ terrible, idiot.”

“Wow- thanks.” You snort, but your motions don’t cease. You’re steady and sure with your chops, even in the face of his ridiculous criticism. “And to think I went to all this trouble for you.”

“You’re just chopping stupid onions.”

“And caramelizing them!” You defend, adding the diced onions into your pan full of oil. You turn back to him, brandishing your knife playfully. “Which you’d know if you let me get that far!”

“A knife! In my own fuckin’ kitchen? That supposed to be a shitty ass threat or somethin’?”

“No, if I was gonna threaten you, I wouldn’t use a knife. That’s just a bad battle tactic, really”

“Yeah?” He takes the bait, perks up a little bit as an easy smile rolls across his face. “What’d you fuckin’ use then, idiot?”

“Fire extinguisher.”

Katsuki’s amused- you know he is, can see it in the way his eyes shine, but he’s fighting it. He’s pulling his mouth into a half-hearted grimace and scowling at you when he replies.

“You’re not fuckin’ funny. That wasn’t funny.”

“I am and it was, but that’s okay.” You shrug, going back to carmelizing the onions. They’re nearly done now, and you add a few spices and a dash more oil in with them. “Can’t win ‘em all, I guess.”

“You’re talking like you can win any.”

“Hey! I’d be careful there, angry man. I know where you live, you know.”

That does elicit a snort from him, and you can hear the smile in his voice when he speaks. “You plannin’ to kill me in my sleep?”

“Now if I told you that wouldn’t very much of a plan, would it?”

“No. Guess even a dumbass like you can understand that much.”

“Katsuki,” You sigh dreamily, turning your head to bat your eyelashes at him dramatically. “You have such a way with words! Makes a girl feel so special.”

He seems stunned for a moment, before he blushes and averts his eyes. Recovery for him takes a second- but only just a second.

“Yeah, yeah. You’re so fuckin’ funny.” He grumbles, mouth drawn into a thin line. “What’s got you so goddamn cheery anyway?”

“Took a nap. Feelin’ energized.”

“When?”

“When you took one?” You say, idly stirring the ingredients in the pan. “What- you thought I was awake the whole time? That I did nothing but just pet your hair and watch you sleep? For hours?”

He doesn’t say anything, and that seals it for you.

Katsuki had to be the cutest thing on Earth. Just the most adorable little rabid thing who you wanted to keep forever and hug super close and maybe kiss all over. He was precious, and when you looked over to see that he was indeed blushing- well, those feelings only multiplied 1000x over.

“N-no! I didn’t! Fuck no! Don’t be fucking stupid!” He defends, all sleep now gone from his features. “I didn’t! I didn’t and I don’t so shut the fuck up about it!”

You’re not sure if it was the nap or his flustered state that gives you strength, but you’re crossing the room before you can help it. Standing just on the other side of the counter, you lean across it on your elbows, catching his gaze. There’s feelings fluttering wildy in your chest- warm, blistering, uncontainable feelings threatening to burst through your skin and you find you just can’t help yourself.

“Would you like me to pet your hair and watch you sleep for hours? Huh? Katsuki?”

He damn near jolts in his seat- back ridgid and jaw set and eyes so very, very, alive. Flushing, red gathers around his cheeks and his neck and the tips of his ears. Your ears ring prematurely in anticipation, in pure sympathy for the way your ear drums are seconds away from being burst entirely.

“Why the fuck- I didn’t! Why the fuck would you even say that?” He screams, voice tearing from his throat with a feral growl. “You think your funny or some shit? Asking weird shit and being fucking weird in my goddamn kitchen? Tryna start a fuckin’ fight with me? I’ll start a fuckin’ fight!”

Bakugou square his shoulders, mouth set into a determined line through his harsh words. He’s pushing away from the counter, just barely swinging his legs over the chair when you reach him.

“Sit back down, angry man.” You laugh, the sound uncontrollable as it tumbles from your mouth. You push at his rising shoulders until he relents. Watching as he sinks back into his seat, you smile widely. “No fight! I was joking!”

“Well I don’t think your jokes are very fuckin’ funny!”

“Mhm, I know.” You say indulgently, unable to keep the fondness from your tone. “But don’t worry, grumpy, I think that’s all I have. No more jokes for tonight.”

“Now you’re just fuckin’ lying to me.” He barks, but even through the bite you can hear his smile. “You really are askin’ for a fight, aren’t ya?”

“No, I’m not. Seriously.” You soothe.

He doesn’t say anything, just goes back to watching you cook. You’re dropping bread into the pan, watching it brown and adding cheese. Some of the shredded cheese hits the pan, burns quickly- makes a popping sound.

The smile captures your face before you can stop it. Again, you find that you really just can’t help yourself around him.

“And even if I was starting a fight,” You start again, laughing lightly with your back turned to him. “I wouldn’t get very far now, would I? You’d blow me up in a second, huh, angry man?”

You hear him shift in the chair, hear his sharp exhale and his arms hitting the counter. You expect an angry retort, hell, maybe even a cocky one- but that’s not what you get when you turn to face him.

“I would never blow you up.”

His eyes widen, shoulders tensing immediately. You weren’t fairing any better- just as surprised by his quick statement as he was.

In all your life, in all your soulmate fantasies, you had never imagined the words “I would never blow you up” to be the tipping point for you. You never imagined that those words would be what sent you over- what broke the weird dam of feelings that had been welling in you since the day you texted him. But it was.

You were crossing the kitchen before you knew it, careful, sure, strides carrying you to his side. You hands fell around his cheeks, tilting his head up to meet your eyes, and suddenly, all at once, it hit you.

“I like you.” You admit breathlessly, your fond laugh erupting from your chest and raw and unfettered and real. “I- I like you so much, you asshole. You know that? Right?”

He looks winded, his eyes widening as you draw slow circles with your thumbs on his cheeks. You can just barely see it, he only just hardly lets you, but you watch the way he leans into your touch. Just the barest bit of extra weight in your hands, only for a moment, before he pulls back just a bit, smirking up at you.

“Fuckin’ said that already, dumbass.”

“Katsuki!”You whine in protest, rolling your eyes as you let go of his cheeks. “I was being nice!”

You had planned to retreat after that, but the way he suddenly smiles keeps you rooted where you stand. It’s confident little smirk, sitting just at the edge of his mouth- it’s so coy and immature and playful and so very much him that it pulls you in. You’re stepping closer, just a little, and that only makes him, as if he understands, smirk a little more.

He’s like a magnet, you realize, blushing wildly. A dangerous magnet- and I’m an idiot for letting myself get this close.

“I was bein’ nice.” He finally says, grin absolutely shit-eating at this point. “What the hell are you complain’ about, woman- that was nice. You don’t like me bein’ nice to you?”

“That was not nice!”

“I think it was.” He shrugs, so very self-assured and taking the piss. “Think maybe you’re just too fuckin’ sensitive? Hah?”

It’s the way he says it- so cooly and calmly and almost smugly. Like he’s got you backed into a corner and just waiting under his finger. And, truthfully, he does, but you’re much too competitive to just accept that. Much too familiar with the way he’ll blush and scream and fluster at even a hint of pushback. So even with shaky breaths, and a heart fluttering out of control, you challenge him.

“Out of the two of us,” You start, a shaky hand ghosting feather-light under his chin, just barely tilting his face up. “I’m not the sensitive one.”

He takes the bait, just as you knew he would, and rises to it. Even blushing as he was, Katsuki only inches closer in challenge, catching your gaze in full. “Big fuckin’ words, sunshine. Be careful.”

The nickname was playing dirty, and he knew it. You could see it in the careful set of his jaw, the way that incredibly irritating smirk was still sitting unbidden across his stupid beautiful face. You couldn’t let him win. You just couldn’t.

“Yeah, you’re so angry, aren’t you? So scary, pop rocks.” You tease, desperately trying to move past your breathlessness. Your hand moves on it’s own, threading carefully through his hair. “But not around me.”

“Fuck’s that supposed to mean?”

“Means you’ve gone soft, Katsuki.”

His hackles raise at that, and he clenches his jaw, eyes raging like wildfires. Bakugou doesn’t move away though, only gets closer, his hot breath hitting your face. “I’m. Not. Fuckin’. Soft!”

“Really?”

He nods, so very determined and offended and focused that you laugh. Your giggle makes him angry, you can see it in his eyes, but that only draws you closer. Only a few inches separate the two of you, but it’s like you can’t get close enough. It’s his magnetism, the way he’s still provoking you -despite being so red- that has your hands dropping from his head, crossing together behind his shoulders. You giggle again, warm, happy, heat flooding you at the proximity.

“Prove it then, Katsuki.”

Your defiance only seems to make him angrier. To make him boil because then he’s snarling, eyebrows creasing sharply, and he’s surging upwards, pressing his lips to yours. There’s no grace to it, no soft romance, just brutal pressure and his sharp teeth and his rough hands on your face. All things considered, it was the most aggressive kiss you’d ever recieved, but maybe you should’ve expected that. Still, it takes your breath away, nearly knocks your feet out from under you.

“Still think I’m fuckin’ soft?” Bakugou pulls away, so red he’s about to explode, but he’s still sitting there smirking like he’s won. “Hah?”

You can’t help it- you’d never heard his voice, felt it against your skin this close before. You shiver. That only seems to amuse him more, but then he’s looking past you.

“Bread’s gonna fuckin’ burn.”

“Y-yeah!” You’re shocked out of whatever hold he had you in, shoulders straightening as you backed away. “Yeah. I know. I got it.”

You felt winded, nearly weightless and fuzzy and flying as you turned back to the food. Your lips still tingled, fire sitting unrelenting in your cheeks as you finished. Part of you wondered where the hell that Katsuki came from, but then again, you figured that was part of him all along. He wouldn’t lose to anybody- and definitely not to you.

You plate up the food, and when you turn around he’s still smirking. You want to kiss the smugness right off his idiotic gorgeous lips and you promise yourself you will. Later.

“It’s hot, so be careful.” You say, sliding his plate across the counter to him.

“Obviously, dumbass. You think I’m that fuckin’ stupid?”

“No, but I’d hate for you to burn your taste buds off before you could really eat.” You smile, rounding the counter with your own food and taking a seat next him. “You’d really be missing out!”

“What- you make it special or some shit?”

“Mhm. Just for you, angry man!” You laugh. “Figured you deserved something good after all your hard work and heroics.”

Bakugou’s eyes widen, so comically large and bright as he blushes and bites his knuckle. He turns away so quick, nearly cracking his neck with how fast he averts his eyes. “D-don’t just say that shit to me. Fucking weirdo.”

You took a deep breath, physically willing yourself not to turn away and squeal as loud as you could. He just had no right to be that adorable. Katsuki had fully kissed you, hands on your face and biting pressure, but he drew the line at being served food? At being served kind words?

Oh- oh. You realized. It was words for him- affirmation. That was his real weakness. You filed it away, incredibly excited for the next time you got to test that little theory out on him.

Dinner was an interesting affair- it was quiet and relatively calm, at least for everyone but the poor grilled cheese you’d served to him. He’d torn into it the second it was cool enough, nearly demolishing it in his sharp teeth. You figured you should’ve guessed that, that he’d eat the way he did everything else- aggressively.

“You want anything else?” You ask, gathering the plates and cleaning up the counter.

“No. I’m good.” He grunts. “Thank you for the food, but if I want anything else I’ll get it my fuckin’ self.”

“A simpler thank you would’ve worked just as well.”

“It’s- I’m not,” He grumbles, stubborn as ever. “The food was good. Thank you. I’m just saying you didn’t have to go to all the fuckin’ trouble. If I need somethin’ I’ll get it. I’m not a fuckin’ invalid who can’t do anything.”

“Oh my god.” You mumble under your breath, spinning around to face him. “Will you please just let me help you?”

“I don’t fuckin’ need it.”

“Katsuki- c’mon, just let me take care of you. Help you. Please.”

He looks stunned, maybe even vulnerable, as you near. You take one of his hands in yours.

“Don’t be so stubborn, angry man. I just want to take care of you.” You plead, not letting him look away. “Somebody’s gotta right? Especially since you’re still sore.”

“‘M-’m not that sore. I’ll be fuckin’ fine. Done it before.”

“Yeah, maybe, you have, and I’m sure you still could. I know you’re strong.” You supply. “So strong- but you don’t always have to be strong all by yourself anymore. We can be strong together. I’m here for you, you know?”

Something in his eyes seems so tiny and small and unsure at your words, and it breaks your heart. There aren’t enough words in the world for all you want to say in that moment, so you just take his head in your hands, kiss him with every bit of care and concern you hold for him.

Well you pull back, he won’t look at you, his cheeks gone nearly as red as his vulnerable eyes. His shoulders shake, and he takes a deep breath, turning his head to place a tiny little kiss into the palm of your hand. He doesn’t say anything, but the tiny action communicates almost everything you need to know.

“I saw that fall, alright?” You soothe, thumbs rubbing over his cheeks. “It was pretty nasty, and you’ve gotta be feeling shitty right now. I get it, and I don’t think less of you for it, and I’m not taking ‘pity’ on you or whatever you’re thinking so much about- I really just want to help you feel better. Because I care about you, and I’m so proud of you of saving that kid, and you deserve so many nice things. You gotta let someone help you, okay?”

He nods slowly, but you can see the resistance in the grimace of his mouth. It wasn’t easy for him- accepting help and admitting to any sort of fragility. You’d knew he’d fight you every step of the way- but that was okay. You’d never backed down from one of his challenges before.

“Now, I’m gonna ask you again, and I want you to just listen. Just listen and answer.” You tap a finger against his cheek. “What can I do to help you right now?”

“I-I fuckin’- I can’t.” He breathes, stuttered and anxious, frustrated eyes flitting between every object in the room. “Embarrassing- you’re fuckin’ tryin’ to- I don’t need stupid special treatment! I’m not weak!”

“I know. I know. I’m not saying you are.” You close the distance, pressing a light kiss into his hairline. “Being hurt isn’t the same thing as being weak. Being injured doesn’t mean you’re weak- and accepting help due to those injuries doesn’t make you weak either. You survived that fall because you’re strong, but you don’t have to be right now. Not unless that’s what you really want- not unless being alone right now is really what would help you best.”

He doesn’t say anything, just stares up at you with eyes so guarded that it makes you want to cry.

“Is it? Is that what you want?” You ask tenatively. “If you’re really not feeling up to it, just want to shut down and sleep instead, I don’t have to be here. I want to, because I care about you, but I won’t force you. I can leave if-“

Bakugou suddenly grasps at your wrist, fingers twitching on your skin. His eyes are closed and his eyebrows are pinched, but he presses your hand into his burning cheeks.

“Yeah. Okay.” You whisper, the fondness and affection dripping from your words, thick and heavy as they leave your mouth. “I get it. I understand- you don’t have to say it.”

He just nods tightly, eyes still closed.

You stay there for a moment, just breathing in the rare vulnerability that was rolling off of him. Then you find it’s not enough- that you need more contact. You’re surging forward, tucking his head into your neck as you wind feather-light arms around him, careful to avoid his injuries.

Bakugou fights it, going rigid and stiff and resitant at first. He hardly looks at you, just barely, but you catch his gaze and nod. It’s all it takes before he’s allowing himself to sink into you, his arms pulling you closer.

It’s hesitancy, than acceptance and than desperation, and suddenly he’s holding you so tightly, clutching at you like you’re gonna fade. Like you’ll slip through his calloused fingers. It makes you ache. Sends volts of throbbing pain through your chest that have you squeezing him tighter.

It makes you want to sob- the way he seemed so resistant to softness despite being so obviously starved for it. You wondered if anyone else had stuck around this long; if anyone else had noticed just how desperate he was for someone to finally hear him.

It was alright now, you figured. He had you now and you’d listen for as long as he allowed you to.

“You don’t have to say anything,” You start, voice quiet, turning your head to whisper against his hair. “But I want you to know that I think you’re good. That I think that you’re so strong, the absolute bravest, and that you did a really good thing saving that kid. I believe you- when you said that you were working on it. You’re not so angry anymore and I get it. I know I haven’t know you that long, but still, I’m so proud of you for it.”

He just melts into you further, a shuddering breath against your neck. You think you can feel a smile- just the tiniest little twitch of his lips. A hesitant, honest, thing that has unbridled fondess tearing through your chest.

You stay like that for a few minutes, so close and warm and connected, before he’s pushing you away. Just barely pressing away from you until he can look you in the eyes.

“I- uh, I fuckin’ like you too.” He stutters out, so very red and exposed and genuine. He seems to struggle with the eye contact, but he holds it anyway. “And think you’re okay. Or whatever.”

Truthfully, you wanted to tease him. Wanted to giggle and laugh and pick apart the words because he just added a “Or whatever” to the end of his declaration. It was quite possibly the lamest possible phrase to tack onto the end of an emotional statement and you wanted to say something- but now wasn’t the time for that. You didn’t even want to imagine the walls he’d put up if you laughed at him right now.

So you didn’t, you just pulled him close again. Hugged him tight and hid your pleased smile where he couldn’t see it. Bakugou stills then, resting his head against you and shutting his eyes. His anxiety fades from his shoulders and his breathing slows; if you you didn’t know any better you’d swear he was falling asleep.

“You want more pain meds?” You ask after a while. “Think it’s probably about time.”

He just nods. You begin to move away, and he follows you for a second. Just a second though- and then he’s catching himself and fisting his hands tightly shut in his lap, cheeks flushing.

“The nightime ones look pretty intense.” You comment, reading the label on the bottle. You give it a playful shake. “You wanna get high, angry man?”

He’s scoffing and rolling his eyes but he’s smiling too. Katsuki holds a hand out and you toss him the bottle.

“Not a fuckin’ baby.” He grunts, twisting open the bottle. He dry-swallows the pills; you he does it just to prove a point. “I’ll be fine.”

“I don’t know, those pills kinda look like horse tranquilizers. Worringly so.” You refill his glass of water, shoving it towards him before he can protest. “Now drink up. Then you’re spending the rest of the night on the couch, where you should’ve been. The whole time. Resting.”

“Jeez, pushy woman. I get it. Chill out already.”

“How am I supposed to chill out when you keep not listening to me, huh?” You take the empty glass from his hands. “Now, c’mon, go- back to the living room. I know you’re not gonna let me help you, but I swear to god, if I don’t see you hobbling away in a few seconds, I’m gonna be really angry at you.”

Bakugou rolls his eyes, all petulant dramatics and huffy sighs, but gets up anyway- actually listens to you even if it seems like it physically pains him. Actually, knowing him, it probably does.

He collapses into the couch as you bring another water over- just in case. You meant it when you said you didn’t want him getting up again.

“So, I’m thinkin’ you’ve got, max, maybe 30 minutes? Possibly 45?” You say settling in on the other side of the couch. “So pick a movie.”

He looks at you a little weirdly. “Why?”

“Because those meds are gonna knock you the fuck out.” You laugh, unable to hold it in. “And because watching movies is a relaxing activity. And that’s what you’re supposed to be doing right now. Relaxing.”

“So you’ve fuckin’ said. I get it, woman. Put whatever you want on, I don’t care.”

“Really? No preference at all?”

“No.” He puffs out his cheeks, averts his eyes. “Normally don’t have time for that shit.”

You can’t help it- the way you find yourself sidling right up next to him. You’re careful, sure to avoid all his sore limbs, but you take a chance and poke at his chest lightly.

“No time, huh?” You say, catching his eyes. “I’ll find a way to change that.”

His eyes widen and his cheeks redden, and as usual, he doesn’t say anything. Katsuki just hides his face over your head, tucking you into his chest as he huffs.

“Course you fuckin’ would. You’re the most irritating woman I’ve ever met.”

“I’m gonna choose to take that as a complement.”

“You fuckin’ shouldn’t. It’s not.”

“Well, I think I will anyway.” You giggle, sinking into his hold. “Besides, I’m pretty sure you like me- you did kiss me first, you know.”

Bakugou goes ridgid at that, face heating as he forcibly shucks you from him. He looks appalled, absolute disbelief covering his features.

“T-that’s not! I fuckin’- I did that shit to win! Because you said I was soft! I’m not fucking soft, you shitty woman!”

“Mhm. I know.” You laugh, nearing him again and stopping just inches from his red face. You’re blushing too, horribly so, but you can’t help teasing him. Nothing could stop you from riling him up further- it was your favorite past-time after all. “You wanna try winning again? I’ll promise I’ll let you. Katsuki.”

Pop.

He shrinks back in his seat, jolts like he’s the one who just got shocked. He isn’t. You are- and you’re laughing and smiling and breaking the tension all at once.

“That’s- Don’t fuckin’ do that to me! Goddamn witch! What the hell is that? Fuckin’ breaking my quirk? What the fuck?” He roars as he tucks his hands under his legs. “You know how long I been workin’ on controlling that shit? Just to have you walk in and fuck it up? Stop it! I fuckin- you make me so mad! Stop laughing!”

“I-I’m not. I’m not! It’s just,” You begin, breathless and gasping. “I was wondering, you know, why that hadn’t happened in a while, but now I know why. And it’s adorable.”

“Shut up! It’s not and I’m not- I’m fucking cool as shit so don’t go running your fuckin’ mouth about it! You don’t know what you’re talking about, damn dumbass, you don’t know shit!”

You sober a little bit, admiration shining clearly in your eyes when you look at him. When you look at his red face- the way he flustered. Because that’s the secret, you discovered; he only popped when you embarrassed him.

“Stop yelling already.” You giggle, pressing closer to him. “It’s not a bad thing, angry man. You make me nervous too, you know?”

He spares a look at you, blinking dumbfounded at your statement. Like he couldn’t believe it. It was such a ridiculous, oblivious look on his face that you couldn’t stop yourself- you just had to kiss it away.

As much noise as he was making, it all dies away the second you meet his lips. All the resistance fades and he melts into it, hands grasping under your chin to keep you close to him.

The first kiss was about winning, and the second one about validation, and those were good, amazing, but this one was nothing but fondess. A torrent of burning, boiling, affection as your lips moved against his. It was a tender kiss, much softer and slower than the first one, and a lot more delicate but you liked it just the same. Liked being able to finally act on all the feelings you’d been storing up for weeks.

The completion you’d felt from this kiss far surpassed the charged kisses from earlier. This was kissing him just because you could, because you wanted to, and you were sure this was heaven- at least, as close to heaven as any one human should ever be allowed to get.

It felt like flying, like hurtling above the earth and surging through the clouds. Like you were Icarus and you breached the atmosphere to soar against the surface of the sun. His hands fell to the base of your spine, pressing you firmly against him, and suddenly you knew. Knew it for sure, in your bones like it’d always been carved in there-you might’ve been Icarus, but he’d never let you fall. You would get to blister and scorch and burn for as long as you’d wanted but your wax would never melt. There was no fear when falling with him. Falling for him.

You pull away, but you don’t go too far. Don’t think you could separate even if you tried. Katsuki was an addiction, a powerful, potent thing and the only salve for that itch in your skin was being close to him. As close as you could possibly manage.

He didn’t say anything, just ragged breathes as he pulled you close. That was alright, you figured, you already knew he wasn’t a man of many words. At least not of many nice ones. The thought made you giggle.

“What the fuck are you laughin’ about, idiot?” He huffs, cheeks still bright red. “What’s so fuckin’ funny, hah?”

“Nothing. I just like you. A lot.”

The statement was easy, falling from your mouth like it was seared into your tongue. You’d knew the affect it would have- that he’d jump in his skin and go shy under your touch. That was half the reason you said it after all.

“Oh my god,” You whisper, dropping a quick kiss to his heated cheek just because you could. He only seems further embarrassed by your action, hands unconciously scrunching the material of your sweatshirt. “You’re killing me.”

“Good.” He mumbles juvenilely, looking anywhere to avoid your eyes. “Die then. Fuckin’ burn, you witch.”

The laugh that tears from your chest is full and heavy and so very filled with joy that it sucks the air out of you. Has you grasping for breath as you clutch your stomach, a hand braced on the cushion behind you as you absolutely lose yourself. When the tears finally clear from your eyes, you see him smiling, apparently very pleased with his joke. Which, to be completely honest, you were too. It was a very funny joke, after all.

“You can’t- you shouldn’t call your soulmate a witch, Katsuki!”

He just shrugs, smile still stretched across his face as he watches you.

“Jesus christ, what am I gonna do with you?” You ask, heaving a breath as your last giggles fade. “You’re a real handful, you know?”

He nods, looking once again all too pleased with himself. You see his pupils though- the way they’ve slowly dialated from the meds. You had to hand it to him, being that present while fighting heavy narcotics? He really was the best at everything.

“Alright, alright, enough jokes from you, Mr. Funny Man.” You say, standing quickly to grab the blanket across the room. You sit back down, setting it to the side as you pat your lap. “Lay down.”

“I’m not-“

“Just lay down, you stubborn idiot.” You sigh. “I can see your eyes. You’re tired, aren’t you?”

“Not that fuckin’ tire-“

“I said, you’re tired, aren’t you?” You interrupt sternly.

He just looks at you, rolls his eyes for the umpteenth time that night, and collaspes into your lap. You spread the blanket over him, nearly cooing when he pulls it up to his chin and closes his eyes. He then abruptly shifts, movements jerky and aggressive as he turns onto his side and wraps his arms around you stomach.

“Aww, Katsuki-“

“Shut the fuck up, woman.” He bites out, not even bothering to open his eyes. “Say a goddamn thing and I’ll fucking bite you.”

“Ooo kinky.”

True to his word, he does bite. Not a cute bite either- it’s all pressure and sharp teeth and locked jaw against your stomach, all ridiculous force through your sweatshirt, and you swear to god if he wasn’t so cute you’d slap him.

“Katsuki!” You shrill, hands pushing his head away. “Ow! Stop! That hurts, you bitch!”

“Told you. Fuckin’ warned ya.” He grunts, relenting with a smug smile as he nuzzles back into your stomach- this time without teeth. “Now turn on the TV. Need background noise to drown you the fuck out.”

“You’re so mean!” You whine, but you’re still petting his hair fondly, shifting as minutely as you could to grab the remote.

He doesn’t say anything as the TV clicks to life, filling the room with soft instructions as the cooking channel drones on. You watch it for a while, perfectly content and sated as you scratch at his scalp. You wouldn’t pick the cooking channel on a normal day- but let’s face, you weren’t really paying that much attention to it.

Katsuki shifts suddenly, sleepily prods the base of your spine with a single finger until you jump.

“God.” You huff. “What?”

“You should stay.”

“S-stay?”

“Tonight.” He slurs, eyes just barely sliding open to display his glazed pupils. “Here.”

He’s trying to blink himself away now, hardly able to keep his eyes open. You see his blown pupils and feel his sluggish limbs- that medicine really was doing a number on him. Turns out, even the great Bakugou Katsuki wasn’t stronger than literal drugs.

Your stomach sank as you continued to look him. You wanted to stay- truly you did. But you couldn’t. It was a sunday, you had class in the morning, and your university was over in the next city.

You should stay.” He insists again.

“I’m can’t stay.”

“Fuckin- why?” He pokes your cheek with a sluggish limb, just barely missing your eyes. His own are coated in mild irritation. “Hate me that much or somethin’?”

“No.” You laugh fondly, batting his hands away and gathering them in your own. “I have class tomorrow morning, angry man.”

He’s quiet for a moment, but you watch his lips pull into a pout. He pokes your cheek again. “Drop out of school.”

“I’m not gonna drop out of school.”

“Why not?”

“Because I’m almost finished.” You supply indulgently, cradling his sleepy face in your hands. “I can always visit tomorrow.”

“No. Now.”

“Katsuki,” You giggled, unable to contain it. “I really can’t. I can’t just do everything you say, you know.”

“Never fuckin’- never do anythin’ I say.”

“I know.”

He’s quiet again, head lolling to bury itself back into your stomach. You look at the time, and laugh- you guess 9:47 was past his bed time even when he wasn’t sky high off of pain meds.

“Stay.” He orders again, arms winding tighter against your stomach.

“You’re so loopy, my dear angry man.” You coo, catching his face in your palms, tilting his head until you meet his glazed eyes. “God, I can’t wait to tell you about this tomorrow morning.”

“When you’re still here.”

“I’m not- Katsuki!” You giggle. “What has that medicine done to you, oh my god.”

He just shrugs, closing his eyes as he drops his head back further into your palms. At this point, so flustered and outright giddy at his adorable actions, you were sure that your hands had to be shaky- but if they were he certainly didn’t seem to mind.

“Are you serious, right now? It’s- that’s all your weight! What’re you gonna do; just break your neck if I move my hands?”

“Yeah. Fuckin’ probably.”

“That’s not a good answer.”

“Mhm. Don’t move ‘em then.” He slurs. “World’s- world’s gonna be real fuckin’ mad if you kill me.”

You want to retort, want to argue with him and his ridiculousness, but he wouldn’t be awake to find out. He’s fallen asleep almost as soon as he finishes the thought, head falling completely into your palms, even more dead weight than before. Surpressing a squeal, you set his head back down on your thighs, heart pounding wildly when he nuzzles into your stomach.

His kitten snores start again, those same adorable little ones from earlier, and it’s like you had no choice. Mid-terms were coming up soon, and it was a terrible choice to skip class tomorrow morning, and your back would kill you when you woke up, but your grave was dug the second he’d cuddled into you.

Bakugou Katsuki always got his way after all- always won, even when it came to you. So you didn’t fight the sleep gathering in your eyes, letting your head fall heavy against the cushion behind you.

You stayed. You would stay, and you knew it was just because he asked you to, because he had you wrapped so tightly and completely around his explosive fingers- no matter how much you wanted to deny it.

//-//

enjoy the fluff kissy kissy :))

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justthehiddleswrites · 4 years

Text

My Life is a Lie | Tom Hiddleston x Reader

Pairing: Tom Hiddleston x Reader (more of a gen fic)

Summary: Tom takes his ten year-old son, James out to Benedict’s for a boy’s night out. James discovers the truth of how his parents met.

Warnings: Fluff, Humor, boys night, Underage Drinking, just a sip of beer

“James!” you yelled up the stairs as Tom gathered his keys and phone. “Your father is ready to go.”

“Coming, Mum!” a small voice echoed down to the hallway.

“Are you sure you are okay here alone?”

Tom’s deep baritone rumbled against your back as his arms wrapped around your waist. He nuzzled against your neck, his three-day-old whiskers tickling the skin. You giggled and twisted in his grip.

“That tickles.” Tom nuzzled a bit more until you leaned away. “I’m fine. You and the boys have fun tonight. I will just be here, alone. I get to watch whatever I want on TV, rather than Heat for the hundredth time.”

“You said you liked it.”

“One time. I liked to watch it one time. Not twenty times.”

“So what are you going to watch instead?” Tom spied up the stairs to see no sign of James. He spun you to face him.

“Well, I haven’t watched Crimson Peak or The Night Manager in years.” You swirled your finger across his chest.

“If you want to see my ass, you can do it in person.” Tom teased as he leaned down to kiss you.

“But it looks so much bigger on screen.” You wrapped your arms around his waist, your fingers splayed across his backside. The two of you continued to kiss, Tom’s hands tangling in your hair as he held you close.

“Aw, gah!” a disgusted voice broke your passion. “Are you guys ever not kissing?”

You turned to see James standing on the bottom step. His face twisted into the ultimate “what the fuck” face that only a ten-year-old can accomplish. You tucked your head against Tom, shoulders shaking from laughter.

“No, James.” Tom responded. “We are constantly kissing.” He pecked your lips over and over. “Because we realize how much you love it.”

Tom pulled you tight against his chest and kissed you deep and passionate, making it extra loud and sloppy. James gagged in the background.

“Try not to torture the boy too much tonight.” you giggled, smoothing down Tom’s sweater.

“Of course not. That is what Benedict and Luke are for.”

“Poor boy.” You turned to James, who was now standing by the door. “James… Hugs!”

You stretched open your arms and waved him towards you. He rolled his eyes before slumping his way into your arms. You make a big show of pulling him tight to you. “Keep an eye on your father.” you whispered in his ear before sending them on their way.

Tom chuckled as James placed his token into the jail square.

“You do the crime, you do the time.” he taunted and picked up the dice.

“Seriously, Dad? You say that every time!” he groaned.

“Yeah, Tom.” Benedict piped in. “Get some new bits.”

“I agree.” Luke joined.

Tom leaned back in his chair, covering his heart. “You’re supposed to be my friends. And my own son! Betrayed!!!” Tom slumped in the chair.

“Drama queen.” James muttered as he passed his bail money to Ben, who was acting as banker.

“Do you expect anything less, Ben?” Benedict quipped back.

“Why do you always call me Ben?” James asked, scrunching up his nose. “My name is James.”

Benedict choked on his beer as he slammed the bottle onto the table. Luke’s eyebrows raised as his eyes darted the two other men.

“Tom! You haven’t told him?!” Ben bellowed.

Luke calmly placed his beer on the table and pushed his chair about six feet away. “Not touching this with a ten-foot pole. Good luck, mate.” he gazed with pity at Tom.

“What’s he talking about dad?” James questioned.

Tom pressed his lips to his beer, taking big swigs. He didn’t want to answer the question. Benedict stared at him for a fair amount before pressing the issue.

“Yeah, Tom, what am I talking about? Have you never told the boy his name?” Benedict’s lips pulled to a thin line.

“Seriously, Tom? How has this never come up before?” Luke narrowed towards Tom. “He’s ten years old. What were you waiting for? His wedding?”

“Not helping, Luke.” Tom gritted out as he took another long draw from his bottle, emptying the bottle.

“My name’s James Patrick Hiddleston.” his tone irritated. He hated when adults talked about him like he wasn’t in the room.

“Not entirely.” Ben quipped. He slid a fresh bottle towards Tom.

“What on earth are you talking about?” James’s brows furrowed, a perfect mixture of his father and mother.

“Your full name is James Benedict Patrick Hiddleston.” Tom stated.

James’s mouth dropped open and his head bounced between glaring between his father and the man he considered an uncle, his godfather. His eyes caught Luke.

“Don’t look at me. I thought you knew. Blame your father. Or better yet…” Luke smirked as he glanced at Tom. “… ask your mother about it.”

James reached for his pocket to pull out his phone when Tom leaped into action. He ripped the phone from his son’s hand and placed it back on the table.

“That won’t be necessary. We don’t want to disturb her evening. Here,” Tom pushed his beer towards James. “Take a sip.”

James took a sniff before sipping. His face screwed up in disgust and he pushed the beer back to Tom. “That is disgusting. So what’s the story? Why am I named after Ben?” He jerked his thumb to the other end of the table.

“What makes you think there’s a story?” Tom asked.

“Because…” Benedict interjected. “… there is always a story when it comes to you.”

“Not to mention you are a huge drama queen.” Luke scooted closer to the table.

Tom narrowed his eyes at the shorter man. “Why haven’t I fired you yet?”

“Because I know where all the bodies are buried.”

“So tell the story.” James urged.

“There’s not much to tell. I asked for a favor and your name was the price. I gladly paid it.” Tom scoffed.

Benedict let loose a hearty laugh from the other end of the table. “That is the biggest load of bullshit I have ever heard in my life! You lie to your son?” He leaned in close to James. “Remember last year, when your dad had to have that cap replaced?”

“Yeah.” James rolled his eyes. “He got so loopy. Mum couldn’t stop giggling as he wandered around the house screaming that he was ‘burdened with glorious purpose’.”

Tom’s head snapped as Luke joined in on the giggling. Luke stifled his laugh.

“Outstanding job, Tom.” Benedict started again. “you’ve moved on from Shakespeare.”

“Like when he met Mum.”

Tom paled.

“Exactly, my dear godson. Exactly.” Benedict wrapped his arm around James as he never took his eyes off Tom whose face was as white as the shirt he wore. “Did he tell you I was there?”

James’s eyes widened. “No. Dad never told me the entire story. He always said I wasn’t old enough.”

“Must have slipped my mind.” Tom groused. “There’s no need to bore the boy with mushy romantic stories.” He tried in desperation to end this conversation. “Let’s get back to the game.” He reached for the dice, but James snatched them up first.

“I recognize that look. Mum says that is your ‘oh shit’ look. I need to hear this now.”

“Traitor.”

“Good boy. You’ve had your first sip of beer, you are old enough to know the truth.” Benedict complimented. “So your dad was a ghastly car accident on set ages ago. Before he turned into an old man. And me, being concerned about my investment as executive producer…” Ben winked at Tom who rolled his eyes before slumping into the chair. “… I followed him to the hospital.”

“You are on the list. Luke put him on the list.” Tom snapped his fingers towards the man.

“Of course, sir.” He gave a salute. “You’re the boss. Benedict is on the list.”

“There’s no list.”

Tom leaned forward. “Oh there’s a list. And you now at the top of it!”

Luke shook his head no behind Tom’s back.

“Anyway… So your Mum was working that night in the ER and your father was smitten from the moment he saw her.” Tom quirked an eyebrow. “Or it could have been the drugs talking. Either way, your father knew he would marry your Mum.”

James groaned. “Is that why they are always kissing?”

All three men laughed.

“I suspect that is part of the reason.” Ben winked at Tom. “So back to the story. Your dad asked me for a favor before he went into surgery.”

“What was the favor?”

“He wanted me to get your Mum’s number for him.” Ben leaned back.

“And is that where my name came in?”

Benedict slapped James’s knee. “Right on, boy-o. Tom, you have a smart boy here. He must take after his mother or his godfather.” Benedict smiled.

Tom gave up on even arguing at this point. They outnumbered him. James spun to face him.

“How did Mum take all this?”

Tom cleared his throat. “Well, I didn’t tell her for a while.”

“How long is a while, Tom?” Luke quipped.

“She was six months pregnant with James.” Tom mumbled.

“And you lived to tell the tale?! She must really love you.”

“It was touch and go for a while. She yelled something about not naming our child after breakfast food.”

“So we compromised, didn’t we, Tom?” Benedict added.

“We did. Benedict would be your middle name and in exchange, that man…” Tom flung his hands in Ben’s direction. “… gets to taunt me about it in perpetuity. You robbed me.”

“I don’t know. I thought it was a fair trade.”

“And where were you during all of this?” Tom turned his ire towards Luke.

“Me?” Luke glanced around in mock confusion. “I was there. Negotiating on the behalf of Benedict.” Tom shot daggers. “Can you blame me, mate? That story is brilliant.”

“Fair point.”

James sat silently while Luke, Tom, and Ben stared at him. He drank his soda before placing the bottle on the table. “My life is a lie.” he sniffled.

His eyes grew wet, and Tom’s heart twinged with guilt. He reached towards him, but James jerked away.

“What else have you lied about? Am I adopted?! Are you even my real dad?” Tears threatened to spill onto James’s flushed cheeks.

“James, no! Your mother and I were going to tell you. I never dreamed you would get this upset. If I thought even for a moment you would get mad, I would have told you sooner. Believe me.” He reached again, but James stood up, his fists balled up.

“I just can’t believe…” James turned his head and his shoulders shook. “… you actually fell for that!” He spun with an enormous grin on his face.

Tom leaped to his feet, knocking over the chair. “Why, you little…”

“You’re not only the one who can cry on command!” James yelped as Tom lunged for him but the young boy was too quick.

“You taught him too well, Tom!” Benedict yelled as the two Hiddleston boys streaked off around the house, Tom gaining on his son.

#tom hiddleston #tom hiddleston fanfiction #tom hiddleston fanfic #tom hiddleston x reader #tom hiddleston imagine #tom hiddleston fluff

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hoebaring · 2 years

Text

Open Books (23) | Kim Namjoon

An unpredicted switch of journals brings two strangers close. Strangers with similarly perturbing experiences, and beautifully healing souls. Abused, bullied, and traumatized, they help each other, and those around them break away from similar experiences, heal and grow gracefully. With thoughtful emotions, and ever growing minds, Y/n and Namjoon are delicate heroes.

They understand the best in each other, and the worst, like open books.

Tags/Warnings :- Child abuse, domestic violence, traumatized characters, bullying, self harm, mentions of toxic relationships, angst. I know it's dark but trust me it gets better! namjoonXreader, Namjoon and Y/n, A slow burn romance, fluff, strangers to friends, strangers to lovers, self love, healing, etc.

Cross posted on Wattpad

Written by Author G

Word count :- 1.06K Words

Additional Warnings :- TRIGGER WARNING. SELF HARM. AND MENTIONS OF BLOOD. PLEASE PROCEED WITH CAUTION. AND TAKE CARE.

Masterlist Previously Next

~The Devil Itself~

"Namjoon. You can't cut it that way, pabo."

Dahee wakes up to her mother's sweet voice lightly scolding her brother, seemingly over something silly.

"I can't do this eomma. You do it. I'll boil the water ins-" Namjoon offers, a laugh very prominently evident in his voice as he picks up the pot only to drop it on the floor, resulting in a loud rattle.

"Namjoon!" She exclaims yet again.

"Sorry" He winces, though it soon turns into a hearty laugh.

Dahee walks into the kitchen and witnesses what looks like a mini World War III.

Three cooking vessels turned over on the water stained floor, onions sliced in the shape of mozzarella sticks and her mother looking at her brother with an intense stare that looked like one you would see in a cartoon.

Although the house was quite chaotic right now, Dahee had never felt peace like this. This chaos wasn't one of panic, but one of lighthearted goofiness. And it was something she had never experienced.

"I'm clumsy, you know" Namjoon says to his mother.

"Quiet stupid too" Dahee retorts with a slight snort.

Namjoon whips his head around and sees his sister leaning on the brick tiled wall of the kitchen, a teasing glint evident in her eyes.

"Dahee-ah. You're awake? Come help eomma with this. I might end up setting fire to the house otherwise." He jokes to which Dahee rolls her eyes.

"Why would you cut onions like that?" She teases while picking up the knife from the counter and slicing the 'sticks' into a fine dice.

"Don't even ask." His mother answers for him to which his face falls, looking like a frustrated puppy.

****

🚨TRIGGER WARNING. PROCEED WITH CAUTION. PLEASE🚨

This is weird. Do I really deserve this? Something bad is going to happen. That's why it's so peaceful right now isn't it? I just know it.

It felt unusual to feel at peace when all she is used to feeling is negativity.

Against the cold walls of the white tiled bathroom stood Dahee, her eyes teary, red and swollen, a strong and cryptic rushed urge to cry, her heart pounding loudly in her ears as she desperately tried to tune out her cries by keeping the water on, letting it fill the bathtub noisily.

She felt this kind of an emotional urge many times before, but it was always overpowered by the physical pain she felt when her father bruised her. This was the first time she actually felt it with all her senses, and it made her go crazy. She didn't know how to deal with this. She wanted, no, needed something to stop the feeling.

Almost as if the devil had heard her thoughts, it stopped. She feels a sharp prick making her gasp, and the emotional agony she felt was quickly shoved aside by the physical pricking on her finger.

The bathtub starts overflowing, but Dahee makes no move to stop it from doing so.

It's quiet. The dull throbbing in her finger seems to slow down dramatically as she realizes what just happened. She slowly lifts her hand up and sees a small cut on her forefinger, a blade sticking out of the cut painfully. Sliding down the wall, she sits on the floor. She rips the blade out and places it beside her, whimpering in pain as blood slowly starts oozing out of the cut.

The next few minutes feel like years to her. Once again, she is filled with the urge to cry as her throat feels like it's closing up, and almost immediately, her gaze falls on the shiny metal which seemed to glisten evilly in the glow of the dull light.

Without a second's thought, she picks it up.

****

XX-XX-XXXX

This kind of a feeling; A feeling of peace which I haven't felt in a very long time, is quite overwhelming. I don't have any person to talk to about it right now, so I turned to you.

I think this is the first time that I'm writing in this book about something happy.

Maybe not happy, but, untroubling.

Sitting on the sofa, the night lamp being the only source of light, Namjoon penned his way through his journal, about the entire emotional situation at home today. It was new to him to feel this way; To see his sister genuinely smile and joke around, without the fear of being ridiculed, his mother free of the worries that came along as a package for being the wife of a cruel and unforgiving man, who hurt her and her children. It was new, and refreshing.

For the first time in years, my day with my family had gone fairly well. There was no drama at home, at ALL. The only presence that had to change was his, who sadly, couldn't change himself. But, he decided to leave, so, there definitely was a change in presence, from the very person who needed to change. Although I still feel guilty about how things turned out for eomma regarding the entire situation, it feels very unburdening for me right now since I know that Dahee won't be getting hurt because of him from now on.

It was tragic that he felt that way really, when unbeknownst to him, the very person he was happy for, sat just a few feet away from him, in a closed space, with the devil itself.

*****

A/N :-

Hi. A few words.

Self Harm. It's the devil.

No matter what the cause is, it's tragic for a person to feel like hurting themselves. And for someone to do it is downright devastating.

Harming yourself is going to leave scars on you so deep and cruel, emotionally, physically and mentally, that you may or may not be able to erase them later.

Things might be very hard at times, and I am not going to ask you to 'look at the positive side of life' because I know it can be very hard to do so.

All I plead for you to do is to confide in a person you trust and feel comfortable with.

There's no shame in seeking for help. None at all. In fact, it's a very very brave thing to do.

Please, try and seek help. Today. Tomorrow. But soon. Because every single time you hurt yourself, you're hurting you. And you're a person aren't you? So, it's safe to say that you're hurting a person, that you know very well.

Think about it. Act on it. Soon. Please.

Author G

💖

#openbooks #angst #fluff #namjoonfluff #namjoonangst #namjoon x reader #namjoon x y/n #namjoonff #selfharm #selflove #bts #slowburn #itgetsbetter #healing #open books

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yugiohcardsdaily · 2 years

Note

Joey Wheeler, please.

I was about to go to bed, but since you said please... :P

Send me the name of a Yu-Gi-Oh! character and I'll word-dump a bunch of things they make me think of or I associate with them.

green, lady luck loves me, radiant, underdog, roll the dice, started from the bottom now we're here, supportive, strong of will and heart, dumb of ass, best friend anyone could ever have, fighter, reformed bully, warmth, high risk high reward, broken homes, dragons and swordsmen, honorable, understanding, making weird faces in the mirror, hearty laughter, warrior of justice, pal, life's a gamble might as well have fun, subtlety is lost on me, hidden depths, she can fight her own battles but I'm here if she needs me, you got a friend in me, inappropriate accents, doesn't know the definition of surrender, darkness can't keep me down, I always come back, comeback king, guiding light, goats, sheep, take a chance on me--

I'm sleepy but I hope this was good.

#not duel monsters #asks #character word-dump

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magicrowiswritingstuff · 4 years

Text

“Not so good News” - Gabriel x pregnant!reader (3/3)

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 (you’re here)

Summary: Part 3 of “Not so good News”! Read the first part HERE. After you had received the news of your pregnancy you feel rather conflicted. On one hand you want this child to live but on the other hand this also means you will die giving birth. Your only option is to enjoy the time you have left with the people you love, forcing your dark thoughts to the back of your head. (F/N) means friend’s name.

Warning: dark thoughts/themes, suggestive themes, heavy angst, swear words, death, child birth (not a warning but maybe someone is squeamish)

Category: angst and fluff, even more angst

Words: about 9.000

Note 1: So, the mini-series is finished. I hope you will enjoy/enjoyed the last part. This series was a pain in the ass to write... so much research and asking relatives if it’s accurate. Though, it probably isn’t because it is fanfiction after all. Note 2: I have another Gabriel story linked in my masterlist, that one is more fluffy (And another short series in the works but pst). And I will definitely write more about/with him because I love him, all right?! I love hand hate him at the same time.

_________________________________

"Not so good News" - Gabriel x pregnant!reader

Pregnancy week 20: The pregnancy was now at its halfway point which also meant that you probably had only twenty more weeks to live. What it also meant was twenty more weeks of pregnancy symptoms and to be honest you were sick of it. Sometimes even literally. You had been so dizzy lately you even blacked out during research. Sam and Dean weren't happy, thinking that you had over worked yourself and Gabriel immediately teleported you to your room after you had woken up again. So now you were on bed rest, or rather jail time. You laid on your back with your arms crossed before you and a pouty look on your face. "This sucks." You wanted to do more than laying around all day however there wasn't really much to do in the bunker especially on your own. You stood up from your bed and walked towards a shelve on the right side. Somewhere underneath all the stuff you had there had to be the thing you were looking for. "Aha!" you grabbed it and left the room, searching for the boys. You found them still sitting in the library, looking for their next hunt but the moment you stepped in all eyes were on you. "(Y/N), what are you doing up?" Gabriel asked with one eyebrow raised in question. You let the box you were holding fall onto the table. "No longer wasting my time" you declared and sat down, opening the box and arranging its content. "I want to spend time with you all and by that I'm not thinking about researching with you." You looked up at the four guys who slowly turned to you and the game you were setting up.

"So, we are playing monopoly now!"

"Only if I get to be the car" Dean said and immediately snatched it for himself. Sam rolled his eyes at him and took the dog. "How do you play?" Castiel asked confused, grabbing the shoe because it was closest to him. You threw him a small smile. "I'll show you." You then turned to Gabriel, offering him to choose his playing piece but he shook his head. "I always play with my own token" he said and snapped his fingers. In front of him appeared a small figurine of himself. You glanced at him with your lips pressed into a thin line to hold back a giggle. "Really?" you questioned as a short breath of laughter escaped your mouth. The archangel shrugged his shoulders. "Want one, too?" he asked, his fingers ready. You shook your head. "No, it's alright. I'll just take the cat." After you had set everything up and explained the rules to Castiel the game began. However, unsurprisingly Cas was still the first person to go bankrupt. Sam soon followed, selling his last green street to Dean. He mumbled something under his breath before throwing the dog back into the box. So now it was only you, Dean and Gabe. "You owe me 600, Dean" you said, pointing on the last light blue street where Dean had his car parked in front of the hotel you had recently built there. "What? How?! You only have shit streets" he complained and gave you the money reluctantly. You chuckled. "Yes, but I got a lot of shit streets." Dean only huffed which made you laugh. You had to throw dice next and landed on the police man. With a theatrical sigh you put your cat in jail, throwing the dice to Gabe. He grinned at you before rolling them. He landed on the middle orange street. Now you were the one grinning at him: "That makes 550." "You have one good street, only one hotel and maybe two to three houses on a street. How are you making so much money?" Gabriel asked after giving you the game money. You shrugged your shoulders. "I have three complete streets: brown and light blue at the beginning on which always someone ends up on. And in the beginning it doesn't feel like much money but it stacks up. And the orange one is often overlooked because the red one has higher prices but people always end up somewhere in that corner, too. Dean rolled his eyes, taking the dice. "Also, you two only have one complete street which lowers the change of getting much money because I bought one dark blue and one yellow one to stop you" you added and leaned back against your chair. "How about a little trade then" Gabriel suggested. "I want the dark blue street you stole from me and I can give you 350 and a get out of jail free-card." "Why would I want that?" you questioned with one raised eyebrow. "I still get money in jail but I don't lose anything for three turns. It's a win-win for me, I'm staying here." The archangel huffed. "Alright, 400 bucks and a train station. Last offer." You shook your head, staying stoic. Turning towards Dean you nodded at him, signaling that you were finished and that he could roll the dice. He got a nine, landing on the same orange street like Gabe did before him. You grinned evilly at him. "550, Dean." "I don't have enough money in cash I need to sell houses first" he explained, giving you six of his green houses from his pink street (you were playing as the bank too). You exchanged them for 300 which you kept and waited for the remaining 250. "Dean, I noticed you are short with money" you said after you had rolled the dice, still stuck in jail. "How about a little trait?" Gabriel shock his head at Dean, whispering "She's too powerful already, don't" which only made you grin. "I want the yellow street you have" you pointed at the card before offering your hand to Dean. "And in exchange I will give you your 550 bucks back." Gabriel continued to shake his head but Dean grabbed your hand, agreeing to the deal. You then turned to the archangel. "Gabe, you want your blue street, right? And I want the last yellow one you have" you said, your eyes sparkling mischievously. "I will give you the blue one if I get the yellow one and 350 bucks." He reluctantly agreed. And so the game went on. Cas and Sam stayed, watching it all go down quietly as Dean lost his last street to you after having to sell his pink one to Gabe completely as well as his train stations. It was a pretty equal distribution of streets, however after about a half hour later you ended up winning. Grinning you put the cards back into their box. "Your strategy really just is to buy all the shit streets at the very beginning and slowly watching as we lose all our money to them?" Dean questioned. You nodded. "Yep, and a few other moves helped me win, too but I won't tell you more than that." All things considered you had a lot of fun and the others did too. "Now you will finally get rid of me again" you said while standing up, smiling at them playfully. "I'll go back to bed. I'm exhausted and my legs are killing me." With that you turned around and walked back to your room in silence. Or at least you had planned to do that, however you heard footsteps following you. Looking over your shoulder you saw Gabriel running after you. You stopped with a grin, waiting for him. When he caught up he didn't say anything so you continued your way back with him by your side. "Thanks for letting me win" you said and shoved his side. "I did not do such a thing" he declared swollen, grinning down at you which made you laugh. "I know but you could have tricked us all anyway for you to win but you didn't do it." "I retired from my trickster days, sugar" the archangel reminded you. "Yes, but we both know that you would never stop messing with us" you said. Throwing him a side glance you smiled at him. "I'm amazed that you didn't play a prank at Dean for a while now." Gabriel chuckled and wrapped one arm around you. "Don't let yourself be fooled, (Y/N)." You grinned and then wrapped your arm around him too, pressing your head against his shoulder. "Thank you" you whispered so faintly you worried he wouldn't catch it. "For what?" he asked with a chuckle. You only shrugged. "I don’t know. I guess for everything." ____________________ Pregnancy week 22: In the last two weeks nothing much changed or happened. Your belly continued to grow and pregnancy symptoms were still haunting you. Your legs cramped so much now you didn't really want to move out of bed. So, you didn't. You stayed in bed all day. "At first you desperately wanted to do something you even overworked yourself into blacking out and now you are lying in bed all day" Gabriel chuckled beside you, nuzzling his nose against your neck. You huffed and turned your head so you could look at him. "Firstly, you're not pregnant so shut up" you sassed back at him but stayed silent after that, turning on your side again so your back faced the archangel. You felt Gabriel squirm behind you. "Secondly?" "Nothing, that is all there was" you said which earned you a hearty laugh from him. "You're adorable" he said and wrapped his arms around you. Now you were the one to squirm, trying to get out of his grip. "Am not!" you proclaimed. "I'm an angry pregnant lady, fear me." You succeeded in freeing yourself and were now sitting on your knees before Gabriel. "I'm trembling underneath your gaze, spear me" he managed to get out between his laughter. With a pouty look you threw a pillow in his face. "You're making fun of me!" you pointed out accusingly. "I would never" he declared with one hand pressed against his chest in shock as he sat up as well. "I don't believe you" you said and crossed your arms before your chest while desperately trying to suppressed your grin. "Oh, furious pregnant lady, how can I prove myself?" Gabriel asked and slowly crawled closer to you. You had to let yourself fall back against the cushions with the archangel now leaning over you. "Hmm" you hummed and pretended to think about it while Gabriel's face slowly got closer to your neck. You shuddered, feeling his breath dance over the sensitive skin. "Helping me with my crampy legs would be a start" you whispered. Without hesitation the archangel set up and shifted his focus to your cramped legs and feet. He slowly massaged from your feet upwards. By now your eyes were already closed and soft hums left your lips now and then. You just enjoyed the feeling of the pain slowly washing away. Or at least you did until Gabe's hands wandered up to the inner side of your thighs. One of your eyes snapped open, glaring at the archangel. "What are you doing?" you questioned with a low voice. "Shh" he breathed and crawled back over you. Instinctively you wrapped your arms around his neck but continued to eye him suspiciously. "Let me spoil you." "You don't need to" you said while Gabriel had already started to pepper your face with kisses. "Oh, but I want to" he kissed the top of your nose which made you giggle. He continued to place kisses on your face before slowly wandering down towards your neck. Occasionally a hum or sigh left your lips as you let yourself relax under his caresses. "What do you want to do?" he suddenly asked. You opened your eyes that had been closed until now and saw him hovering over you again. "What?" you questioned. "What's on your bucket list?" Now you understood. You let your arms fall from his shoulders as you thought about it, letting your eyes wander around the ceiling. "I-" you looked at the archangel. "I don't know." "Really? There is nothing you can think of" Gabriel asked with one raised eyebrow. You shook your head. "I just never thought about it before... And I guess you had finished yours long before you even met me" you said, suddenly feeling very embarrassed. But to your surprise the archangel shook his head. "I achieved my last one only a few years ago." "And what would that have been?" you asked. Gabe's gaze flickered from your eyes to your lips before moving back up. A small smile adorned his face as he spoke up again: "Falling in love." Immediately you felt your face heat up. "You're just saying that to make me feel better" you said, trying to cover your face with your hands but Gabriel pushed them down and shrugged his shoulders. "What about when you were a kid?" he continued to ask. "What did you wish for then?" "Expect a real pink unicorn and ice-cream for every meal?" you laughed before losing yourself in your thoughts again. "I guess ... getting married someday." You felt Gabriel stiffen up above you, making you tense up, too. Shaking your hands in front of your chest as far as possible you backtracked immediately. "Not that we have to. It's just a silly kids thing, you know. Back then we had plenty of games about our future or talked about family and marriage. It was just normal, expected. Ahh! Not that I expect it from you. I don't want you to propose or anything. I-" you noticed that you were rambling so you forced yourself to stop and took a deep breath." I shouldn't have said that." Now you really did cover your face with your hands, wishing to disappear. Though you never talked with Gabe about marriage or anything like that you always knew it would be a tricky subject. With him being practically immortal and marriage always or often associated with religion. You just guessed he didn't want to since he had always tried to distance himself from God and heaven and all that. And since he was an angel, an archangel ... you could promise him to spend your remaining life with him. He couldn't. And now was definitely not the time to marry since you would die in less than twenty weeks anyway. "I'm sorry" you said without really knowing why. Maybe you just wanted to break the silence that seemed to lay heavily in the air. "Don't be" the archangel said, caressing your check with one hand. "But I knew it would be a tricky subject to you." "How so?" "Well" you dragged on and slowly uncovered your face. "I just guessed and by your reaction..." You didn't continue speaking as Gabriel sat up on his knees. Lifting yourself up on your elbows you eyed him confused. Was the subject so repulsing to him? "You mean because I stiffened up?" You nodded. Gabriel let out one breathy laugh. "I was just surprised and shocked because I-" he snapped his fingers and opened his hand revealing a ring. "-actually wanted to give you this." You straightened up completely shocked. Your eyes darting from his face to his outstretched palm. "Wha-" "They aren't wedding rings. More like a promise ring, really" he explained as you slowly reached out to take the ring from him. He was right, it didn't look like the typical engagement or wedding ring. It was a silver ring, shaped into a feather that would curl around your finger. "For what?" you asked and looked up, the ring still uselessly lying in your palm. Gabriel raised his right hand, revealing a silver ring on his finger that hadn’t been there before. This one had the typical form of a ring, however the feather was engraved into it. "To promise that I will always love you." You felt tears in your eyes as you jumped forward, tackling the archangel in a hug. "You always make me cry" you complained but honestly it probably was because of the hormones. You stifled your sobs in his shirt as you pressed yourself flat against him, so you even felt his laughter vibrate through his chest as he wrapped his arms around you, too. "Can I?" he asked after a while and pushed you from him. He took the ring back from you and offered his other hand for yours to put inside. You didn't hesitate to do so but felt your face heat up again as he looked at you with love filled eyes. He slipped the ring onto your finger, gave you one last, long look before letting go of your hand. You looked at the delicate feather wrapped around your ring finger. "Thank you" you said with tears still clinging to your face but a big smile on your lips. You wrapped your arms around him again, burying your face into his chest ____________________ Pregnancy week 23: You had thought hard about what to put on your bucket list ever since Gabriel brought it up. However, it was pretty hard to find things you were able to do because of your condition (pregnant) and your situation (kind of trapped in the bunker). One thing you couldn't get out of your mind though was to see the northern lights far away from any other light source, no cities or other people. You couldn't shake it off even if it meant leaving the bunker. Your second idea was maybe rather cliché and not so impossible: having a family dinner without anything to worry about and no arguments to destroy the mood. "Hey, Gabe?" you asked while entering the library. The archangel immediately looked up from whatever he was doing, beaming at you. "What's the matter?" You sat down on the chair opposite to him. "I was thinking about what you said" you started. "What exactly? I talk a lot" he questioned, resting his head on one palm. You snorted in agreement. "About what I wanted to do, about my bucket list" you reminded him. "And I came up with two things." "Only two? If I knew you were so easy to please I-" you cut him off by throwing a crumpled up piece of paper at his face. "I wanted to ask if you had any ideas or further inspirations for things to achieve in the bunker" you paused. "Okay, I have only one thing for my list because for the first one I would have to leave." "What would that be?" Gabriel asked, putting his head in his other palm while closing the book he was looking at. "I always wanted to see the northern lights far away from civilization" you confessed and looked to the side, pushing one stray strand of hair back. "And my second point was having a family dinner." "With your parents?" Gabriel asked which made you flinch. Maybe you should have expected that since you had never talked with him about your life before becoming a hunter. Still, hearing the word stung a lot. "I never told you why I became a hunter, right?" Gabriel nodded confused and you took a deep breath. "My parents died when I was maybe 14" you explained, not meeting his eyes. "They were killed by a werewolf and I only survived because a hunter rushed in. He shot the werewolf and took me in. He taught me everything he knew but I was still traumatized, refused to leave the house after sunset. Still ... he was like a father to me. And then when I just turned 19 he was possessed by a demon after his tattoo was burned from his skin. The demon inside him stabbed him in the heart before I was able to exorcize him" you finished and wiped away the tears that had found their way over your cheeks. Suddenly you felt a hand on your shoulder, making you flinch again. Looking up you saw Gabriel standing beside you. You hadn't noticed that he had stood up. "I'm fine" you said, not believing even yourself. The archangel didn't say anything, just let his hand rest on your shoulder, sending you comfort through his touch. "Anyway, why did I tell you that again?" you shook your head, trying to rid yourself from the sad memories. "Ah, right. So, when I say family who I mean by that are Dean, Sam, Cas and you, Gabe." You looked up at him with the tiniest smiles on your lips as the archangel wiped away the last tear from your check. "The only problem with a family dinner is that I think it will escalate like always. Especially since I know that Dean is still looking for another way, a way to safe me in secret. Even though I forbid it" you only mumbled the last part. Gabriel grinned and bopped your nose. "Don't you worry your pretty little head, sugar" Gabriel said. "It's late, you should go to bed." You stood up, nodding and wrapping your arms around the archangel still craving his touch. He returned the hug. "I will be with you shortly I need to finish this first." You nodded once more, hugged him for a few moments more before letting go. "Good night" you said and stretched yourself on your tiptoes to give him a quick kiss on the lips before vanishing into your room. You had fallen asleep immediately. "(Y/N)!" you squirmed under your blanket, not ready to wake up just yet. You felt something, or someone next to you and a hand on your shoulder slowly shaking you awake but still you didn't really budge. "Let me sleep" you complained and covered your head with the warm blanket. "Next time, sugar. Now you need to wake up." You opened your eyes, pulling the blanket down and let them wander from Gabe's in shadow casted form to your clock standing on your bedside table. "It's not even three in the morning, what the hell" you grumbled. "A pregnant lady needs her sleep." Suddenly you were pulled out of the comfort of your bed and instead stood on wobbly legs in your room. "What are you doing?" you questioned, holding onto Gabriel's hands. "You wanted to see something, sugar." Confused you freed one of your hands and rubbed your eyes. "My brain's too tired to function, Gabe. Can't it wait till, I don't know, when the sun is shining?" you begged and suppressed a yawn. You could vaguely see the archangel shake his head in the darkness of your room. "Believe me, it will be worth it" he promised. You closed your eyes and rubbed the bridge of your nose. "I really hope you're right." And suddenly when you opened your eyes again you weren't in your room anymore. Confused you looked around. You were standing in the middle of a snowy landscape. Immediately you thought you would be cold but when you looked down at you, you saw that you were wearing a big coat, dark ski pants and a fluffy hat instead of your pajama. "What the hell" you whispered and turned around to look at Gabriel who -even though he didn't really needed it- matched his outfit to yours. He stood behind you with a huge grin. "Look up, sugar" he said and so you did. You hold your breath as you looked at the clear night sky with thousands of twinkling stars. But they weren't catching your attention, no. What had captured your imagination were the northern lights shining above your head. Magnificent colors danced above you, fading from green to blue to purplish pink. And even though your neck already started to hurt from constantly looking up you didn't care, too fascinated by the alluring dance. It looked like you had dipped your head into another world, another universe full of beautiful, vivid colors that were swaying and changing, illuminating the world around you. "It's amazing" you breathed when you felt the archangel take a step closer to you and turned around to meet Gabe's gaze again. "Thank you." Out of instinct you twirled the ring he had gave you before you looked up at the sky again, losing yourself in the endless colors swirling through the carpet of stars on this cold September night in who knows which country you were right now. "Dean and Sam will kill you if they figure out you let me leave the bunker" you stated with your eyes still glued to the aurora lights. "Not if you don't tell them" Gabriel noted. You turned around, wanted to say something but when you opened your mouth to speak only a shallow breath escaped out of it as you wrapped your arms around your stomach. Twisting your face into a frown you leaned forward. "(Y/N)?!" Gabriel asked panicked and walked in front of you. He put his hands on your shoulders to straighten you up again. "Are you alright? Are you in pain? What's going on?" For a few more seconds you didn't answer, stared at the ground with your arms still tightly wrapped around yourself. You felt it again and it was then you realized what this was. You let out a pained laugh. "Yes, everything's fine" you reassured the worried archangel with a small smile. Grabbing one of his hands which were still resting on your shoulder you directed it to your still growing bump. You had to wait a few moments with your hand on top of his before you felt it again. Gabriel flinched and you still saw worry in his eyes but when he looked up from your stomach and searched for your gaze, he slowly relaxed when he saw the softness in your eyes. "Are these...?" "Her first kicks? Yes." In the next couple of seconds you saw every emotion washing over his face. Happiness, relief, love, peace, joy but also worry, fear and panic. But it wasn't the type of panic that shook to your core, making your tense up and freeze. No, it was that type of panic a soon to be Dad had when realizing he would have to care for a small helpless baby soon. It was the first time you saw this fatherly panic on his face ever since the beginning, ever since the big news of you being pregnant. "She's quite strong. Knocked the air right out of me" you huffed while intervening your free hand with his other hand. "Archangel genes" Gabriel laughed. "Yes" you breathed, leaning into his touch with a smile. You two stayed like that for many moments more, enjoying each other's presence underneath the fantastical sky. You twirled the ring on your finger again. You felt the happiest ever since all this had started. This was probably the happiest day you had in a long time. ____________________ Pregnancy week 30: You felt like you had eaten a bowling ball or something like that. Your belly was extremely round and weighted a total of proud 25 pounds more of which the baby accounted for about 3 pounds. It was late October so you had about 2 and a half more months to life. You calculated with the help of your friend (F/N) that the baby would be due around the second week of January. Having these thoughts were scary. Normally the dated day of birth was something the parents craved, finally being able to hold their baby in their hands. But you, you were resenting it, you feared it. You thought you had left these thoughts behind but they haunted you even more now that the day got closer and closer. The last few months were hard, being pregnant in summer were hard but luckily the bunker could be regulated so you never really felt to hot. But now you were freezing even though the heater operates at full stretch so you just wrapped yourself into blankets all the time just like now. You were sitting on the sofa in the library again, the cup of tea you had been drinking was already empty. You sighed, feeling lonely. The guys had left a few days ago for a hunt which had required all of them so you were left behind for possible research again. You wanted nothing more than to cuddle with your favorite archangel right now and it seemed like he had heard your silent wish. You heard the unmistakably flutter of wings behind you and turned your head to look at him. "Gabe? What are you doing here? Is the hunt already finished?" you asked, looking around in search for the others but nobody was there. "No, it's just me" he declared. "And what are you doing here then?" "I just wanted to spend some time with my two beautiful girls" Gabriel said and sat down beside you. You snorted because of his cheesy comment but put your head on his shoulder anyway, nuzzling into his side still wrapped in your blanket as he laid one hand on your stomach waiting for a kick. Your little, heavy light bulb grew very active ever since you saw the northern lights but she seemed to like to kick around at night and sleep during the day. "I don't want to ruin the mood" you said after a long time of silence in which your thoughts continued to suffocated you. "...but I'm afraid, Gabe." You didn't move or look up just pressed yourself flat against him. "I just... wish I could hold her before I.." you didn't finish but you knew Gabriel understood what you meant. "I'm sorry, sugar" he said nuzzling his face in your hair and kissing the very top of your head. "You don't have to be, Gabriel, it's not your fault. And I wanted to have the baby so I just have to come to terms with the consequences of that decision" you explained. "Give me some of the credit, too, sweetcheeks" he cupped your face with one hand, directing your gaze at him as his face hovered inches above yours. "I worked very hard on that baby." You tried to bite back the laugh bubbling in your throat as you pushed his face away from you. "Gabe!" you screeched embarrassed even though he was the only one in the bunker. Giggling you shook your head. "Nice to see you didn't change since the pregnancy started." "I'll never change, you know that, sugar." You shook your head in disapproval. "That's not true, you did change" you noted. "You stopped your playboy days and stayed by my side." "Ah, well. You're just so interesting. How could I not stay a little longer to figure all the ways out to make you come undone" he said and wiggled his eyebrows as you slapped his shoulder with a gloomy look in your eyes. "I take that back, still one hundred percent the same archangel that I met years ago." Crossing your arms before your chest you held your head high as you ignored his laughter. "Oh, come on, honeybun" Gabriel laughed. "Don't ignore me." You huffed, giving him the cold shoulder while desperately trying to suppress your own laughter. "Stop ignoring me, (Y/N) or I will have to take drastic measures" he playfully growled and if you had turned around to look at him you probably would have seen the desire bubbling in his eyes. "You now I can't resist when you play hard to get." Finally, you turned around to meet his fiery gaze. "Oh, really?" you asked innocently. "I never noticed." Your faces were now only inches away from each other, his breath hot on your lips as he tried to hold back. It was nice seeing you still had this effect on him. You loved to watch him try to suppress it, to not give in and still losing to it every time: his desire for you. "You know, we are alone right now" you said with a grin as your eyes darted between Gabe's and his lips. "Oh, I know" Gabriel growled as his gaze fixated on your mouth. "And I intend to relish every second of it." ____________________ Pregnancy week 34: Only about six more weeks to live. It felt like a countdown. You tried to enjoy and appreciate every day and every second you had left, spent a lot of time with Gabriel, Dean, Sam or Cas. However, you couldn't prevent or deny that you were getting more distant. You didn't do it intentionally, or at least you thought so. Okay, maybe you tried to make everything easier for you and the guys. You would leave them, there was no going around that even though you knew Dean hadn't abandoned the plan of finding another solution, a way of saving you. It was just written in his genes apparently. But he hadn't brought anything up and you knew it was hopeless. The only thing you could think of was making a deal with a demon. Your life for someone else's but you wouldn't allow anyone to sacrifice themselves for you. And you weren't even sure if a demon could grant this wish, if they had more power than a half angel child. The last few weeks you had mayor back pains because your stomach had grown so much. Every sleeping position was uncomfortable, sitting was unbearable. Your bump was so big now you couldn't even put on shoes on your own. You felt more useless and moody, too but you weren't sure if it was because of the hormones or because you knew it would happen soon, it would end soon. You put one hand on your stomach, feeling the little light bulb (it became an agreed nickname for the baby between you and Gabe) move around. You noticed that she liked to lie on the right side more than on the left, leaving a little elevation there. Smiling you caressed your unborn baby. You just wished you had more time. ____________________ Pregnancy week 38: It was the fore last week but on a brighter spirit it was also Christmas. You haven't really celebrated Christmas ever since you were a child, ever since your parents were still alive. Of course, when you teamed up with Sam and Dean you exchanged gifts you had bought the day before but it was never a huge deal. You never really cared about the presents anyway. So, you expected that wouldn't change even if it was your last ever Christmas. You had stayed in bed all day, trying to find some rest after your baby girl had kept you awake almost all night. Was that why every mom awaited the birth so desperately? To finally sleep again and be free from all those pregnancy symptoms? A heavy sigh left your lips as you opened your eyes to look at the clock. It was about four pm and if you didn't stand up soon you wouldn't find sleep this night, too. With a groan you rolled out of bed and rubbed your eyes. Maybe hanging out with the guys would lift your spirit. Thinking about them ... you haven't seen them all day. Furrowing your eyebrows, you wondered what they were possibly doing. Had they found another hunt? Were they researching something? Stretching your back you slowly began your way to the library in search for anyone. "Guys?" you asked as you turned around the corner, still rubbing your sleepy eyes. "What were you doing all da-" you froze as you laid eyes on the library. The room was fully decorated with Christmas lights and even a small Christmas tree was standing in one corner, decked out with balls and lights. "What the hell" you mumbled and stepped into the room, your eyes glued to Sam and Dean who were putting the last decorations on the tables. "Oh, fuck" Dean said after noticing you. "Ehm, surprise?" You chuckled. "Well, yeah. I am surprised. Why are you decorating the library." "We thought we should celebrate Christmas this time" Sam explained, leaving out the obvious reason why. You nodded. "I appreciate it but I hope you didn't get me any presents because I was unable to buy anything for you." The two brothers shook their heads. "Nope, no gifts. Only decorations and something festive to eat" Dean declared. "It's gonna be burgers, right?" you questioned and crossed your arms before your chest. The slight blush on Dean's cheeks told you enough. "Good, because I'm starving and would kill for a burger right now." "Did I hear someone say burger?" You looked at the big entrance, seeing Gabe with bags in his hands. "Because I just so happen to have some." Laughing you sat down on one of the chairs, awaiting the festive meal. The three guys sat down too and Cas joined you soon after even though he didn't eat anything. At first you just looked around the room, eyes filled with childish wonder. You had missed the warm lights, the smell of Christmas that came just because of the atmosphere around you. You quickly lost yourself in conversation. Chatting about anything and everything. After a long time, you didn't worry, didn't fear the next day, the next week. You lived and just enjoyed the moment. The warmth that surrounded you, the smiles on their faces and the sound of laughter. This is what you always wanted. And you realized that your bucket list was finished, your last wish: having a peaceful family dinner. ____________________ Pregnancy week 39: Only about one week left. However, you weren't thinking about that just yet because today was New Year's Eve. Sam and Dean had bought some fireworks they wanted to set of which was why you were sitting outside of the bunker, wrapped in a blanket in Gabriel's arms. The Winchesters had oh so nicely agreed to let you come outside too. "How much time do we have left?" Dean asked, already hurrying with setting up all the fireworks in bottles on the street. You freed one arm from Gabriel's hug and looked at your phone. "Two minutes." "Shit, gotta hurry" Dean cursed. You laughed at him as he tried to work faster, ordering Cas to help him. "One thirty... One fifteen... One minute" you continued to count down. "Shut up." Giggling you put your phone away again after seeing Sam grabbing his to start the thirty second countdown in a few. Nuzzling back into Gabriel's side you glanced up at him only to see that his gaze had already been on you. "Hey" you mumbled with a smile. "Hey to you, too" he quietly laughed as he pushed back a strand of hair from your face. Immediately you lost yourself in his warm eyes, the cold night air long forgotten. His face was already so close to yours that you felt his breath on your lips. "Thirty" you heard Sam said. You had to wait thirty seconds until you could finally kiss him? You huffed a breath in annoyance as your hands found their place on Gabe's chest. "Impatient?" Gabriel grinned. You glared at him. "As if you weren't." "Twenty." "Oh, I can live without a kiss" the archangel stated with a smirk. You raised one eyebrow at him before grinning evilly. "Oh, is that so?" You put your hands away from his chest and turned your head forward again, looking at Dean who was armed with one windproof lighter in each hand. You couldn't suppress your laughter when you saw his silly stance. He seemed ready to tackle the fireworks to the ground. You hadn't seen him act this childish in a long time. You felt Gabriel squirm beside you which only made you grin even more. "Ten." "(Y/N)" the archangel growled lowly. "Nine." You glanced at him from the corner of your eyes. "Eight." "I thought you said-" you turned around to meet his eyes completely. "Seven." "-you could live without a kiss from me?" you challenged him. "Six." He huffed. "Five." Stretching up you were the one to tease him with your hot breath on his mouth. "Four." "Well" Gabriel started and placed his arms to either of your sides, caging you in. "Three." You felt his body heat springing over to you as his eyes darted to your lips still stretched into a smile. "Two." "Not now" he finally said. "One!" He grabbed your face in his hands and closed the gap between you two just as Sam shouted "Zero!". Melting into the kiss you pressed your hands against his chest again and closed your eyes. However, the grin on your lips stayed as you responded the kiss. Silently moaning as Gabriel's hand wandered down your sides, leaving a tingling sensation behind, you stretched upward, pressing into him. This kiss was the sweetest you had ever shared with the archangel. Soft, gentle, slow. There was no intention behind it, no raw desire but love. So, you let yourself relax in his arms as the fireworks took of behind you, buzzing through the night sky. "Who was impatient now?" you asked after breaking the kiss, your lips still only barely apart. "Not my fault, I just can't resist you." "You're so cheesy when you want" you laughed and closed the gap between you again in another soft kiss that quickly grew more passionate and daring. You wrapped your arms around his neck, stroking through his hair and slightly tugging at their ends. He groaned against your lips and let his hands wander too. They quickly found their place only barely above your bum as he pressed you against him as far as possible with your baby bump. You felt warm and safe, like being encased in fluffy clouds and soft blankets, like if he had wrapped his wings around that you were unable to see. You parted with a gasp, sucking in breaths of air with a laugh as you looked up the archangel. "I love when you laugh and your eyes crinkle up" Gabriel whispered which only made laugh again and then smiling like a fool. "Are you growing soft on me" you teased. "I am always soft for you" he said without missing a beat. You felt your face heat up but forced yourself to not break the eye contact. "I love you" you mumbled with half lidded eyes. Gabriel chuckled, hugging you close. "I love you, too, sugar." You stayed outside for a while longer, talking with each other while looking up at the stars. But at about 1 am it was too cold to stay outside any longer so everyone slowly packed their drinks and the empty bottles for the fireworks and began their way back into the bunker. You let out a sigh as you heaved yourself up with Gabriel's help, smiling appreciatingly up at him and tried to find your balance. Just as you were standing safely on your legs and took one step forward you felt it. Bending forward you pressed one hand against your stomach and blindly searched for Gabriel to steady yourself with the other one. "(Y/N), is everything alright?" he asked, grabbing your outstretched arm. You growled in response, biting your lip, almost drawing blood. "Ju-just a contraction. Probably just Braxton Hicks contractions" you muttered under your breath and straightened up again after you were sure it was done. "Are you sure?" You nodded, letting go of Gabriel and taking one step forward only for your knees to give in. You yelped in shock but luckily Gabriel caught you before you could hit the ground. Another groan of pain left your lips as you let yourself be kept upright by the archangel just as another wave of pain hit you. Your lips parted, sharply sucking in the cold winter air, as you tried to get the words out. "Or ma-maybe they're real contractions" you stammered. You slumped back down, only kept up by Gabriel's arms while your vision got fuzzy and pain shot through you up from your stomach. You heard him yell for Sam, Dean and Cas who had already gone inside but you didn't really register it. It was absurd. Everything seemed so unreal to you and in the same time frighteningly real, too. Was this ... it? "Gabe" you said not even really knowing why as a nauseous feeling washed over you. Clinging onto him you blinked a few times, trying to make out his face. "I-I need your help." He heaved you into his arms without another word, hurrying inside as fast as possible. "What's the matter?" Sam asked, looking up from his seat in the library. You only cried out in pain, curling into Gabe's chest. "She's having contractions" Gabriel said and walked past the three men in the direction of your room. They hastily stood up and ran after him, frantically shouting all the time. "Real ones? The real deal?" Dean asked worried. "Yes!" you yelled with tears in your eyes as a wave of heat crashed over your body. Gabriel kicked your door open and then laid you down on your bed. Panicking you looked up at the ceiling. This wasn't how it was supposed to go, it was too early and your friend wasn't even in town yet. They had promised to come by to help with the birth giving process. You had no clue what to do and the guys had non either. They were panicking too, asking and shouting about what was supposed to happen. "Gabe... Gabriel" you forced over your lips, looking to your side, searching for his eyes. He immediately had his attention on you with his eyebrows furrowed and teary eyes. "Call (F/N)." He nodded, not hesitating and grabbed your phone. "(Y/N)? What's up?" their voice rang through the speaker only seconds later but you were unable to answer as another painful contraction hit you. This was happening way to fast. Was this the angel side of your baby? Wasn’t there supposed to be a pause between the contractions? How were you supposed to breath through all this pain? "Here's Gabriel" the archangel managed to get out. "(Y/N) just got into labor." "What?! (Y/N)!" your friend yelled as a wave of shock also washed over them. "Hey" Gabriel said to get their attention. "We... she needs your help now. You have to tell us what to do." If you hadn't been in labor you would have been amazed by Gabe's calm voice. But one look at his face told you that it was only a facade, that he was more panicked than any of the other guys inside the room. "Okay, okay. At first ... tell me how far apart the contractions are" your friend requested after a few deep breaths to calm themselves down. Gabriel looked back at you and when your eyes met you felt the next one hit you. "There is no time between them or at least … there’s always pain. They are coming very fast. I-" you were able to groan when the pain washed away for a few seconds. "I think it's because of the angel genes. They're very strong and painful." "Alright, no time to lose then" your friend mumbled probably more to themselves. "You have to lay on your back, put a pillow behind your neck so it's more comfortable for you and you have to get rid of the pants." You looked at Gabe again, signaling him that you needed help with that. He nodded, putting the phone on your bedside table and helped you out of your pants. It was weird being exposed like that but to be fair you didn't really have much time to think about that as another wave of pain crushed over you, pressing your lungs down. "Someone has to check on the status of the baby" (F/N) said and maybe not very surprisingly Cas volunteered to do so. He seemed to have calmed down a bit while Sam and Dean were still pacing around. "Hoist your legs up so you can build up more strength and when the next contraction hits you have to press. And don’t forget to breathe!" You followed their instructions without question. "(Y/N)?" they asked after a few seconds. You answered with a half yelp that somewhat resembled a "Yes?". "I wish I was here to help you, I'm sorry." "No, don't be. I wanted you to enjoy New Year's Eve, too. Life is just unpredictable" you managed to say but after that everything became fuzzy again. This wasn't normal right? No, it wasn't. You were dying. This was the end. The realization hit you suddenly and almost knocked the air out of your lungs. You would die today. You whimpered, unable to form any words as you once again blindly reached out for Gabriel. A hand found yours and you immediately felt that it was his palm squeezing yours reassuringly. Your vision cleared only slightly and when you made out the archangel's face you saw the tears he had forced back all those weeks, the tears he had never let himself cry. "Can you see something already?" Was that Dean speaking? You couldn’t really tell but you knew that the one to answer should be Cas. "Yes, I can see some of the head." "Is she still breathing." "Yes! Now stop worrying her even more!" That had to be Gabe as his hand began to squeeze you harder. "You're doing great" the words echoed in your mind again and again and again. Was that Gabriel? You felt the tears wet your cheeks. You loved him so much. You didn't want this. You wanted more time. Why weren't you given more time? Why did this happen to you? Were you doomed from the very beginning? You couldn’t breath, the pain was too much, your whole body just stiffened up. "(Y/N)." Was this some sort of punishment? The contractions seemed to get even more frequent and even though you were supposed to press you felt your strength leave your body quickly. But this baby had to live, you wanted your baby girl to live. Squeezing the hand in yours tightly you focused every last drip of strength into pushing your baby out. "Out." "She's out." Your baby was out. You were still breathing. Was that screaming? "Gabe" you gasped as the room began to spin. You were so exhausted. All your energy seemed to have been sucked out of you. And that was when you noticed your vision getting out of focus once more but this time it seemed different ... final. A wave of panic crashed over you. No, no, no, no! You didn't want to go. You wanted to reach out to Gabe, opened your mouth. Say something! Another wave of pain tore through you, left you breathless. What was happening? Tears were streaming out of your eyes but you were able to detect one face looking down at you. Worried, honey colored eyes. Gabe! No, you- just say something! Say you love him! Your thoughts screamed at you to say anything... but you were unable to. You had no energy left. Everything turned to darkness.

____________________

"(Y/N)!" you squirmed under your blanket, not ready to wake up just yet. You felt something, or someone next to you and a hand on your shoulder slowly shaking you away but still you didn't really budge.

"Let me sleep" you complained and covered your head with the warm blanket. "Next time, sugar. Now you need to wake up."

You opened your eyes, pulling the blanket down and let them wander to Gabe's in shadow casted Form. Frowning you slowly sat up. This felt strangely familiar, like you were just experiencing a déjà-vu.

You sighed and followed Gabriel's instructions as he hoisted you up.

"Believe me, it will be worth it" he promised. You closed your eyes and rubbed the bridge of your nose. "I really hope you're right."

The next time you opened your eyes you stood in a snow covered landscape. "What-"

"Look up, sugar" he said and so you did. The sight left you breathless. Vivid colors were moving above you in a strange, hypnotic dance. Greens and blues and bright pinks. You were speechless. These were the northern lights.

"It's amazing" you whispered and pushed done strand of hair back. "Thank you."

This was all so familiar. Did you live through this before? You frowned, about to ask Gabriel when you felt a dull pain rush through your stomach. Gasping you leaned forward, wrapping your arms around yourself. This was strange.

"(Y/N)?!" Gabriel asked panicked and walked in front of you. He put his hands on your shoulders to straighten you up again. "Are you alright? Are you in pain? What's going on?" Yes, indeed. What was going on? What was this pain? The thoughts of a possible déjà-vu vanished in an instance as your mind just accepted everything.

For a few more seconds you didn't answer him and instead stared at the ground with your arms still tightly wrapped around yourself. You felt it again and it was then you realized what this was. You let out a pained laugh.

"Yes, everything's fine" you reassured the worried archangel with a small smile. Grabbing one of his hands which were still resting on your shoulder you directed it to your still growing bump. You had to wait a few moments with your hand on top of his before you felt it again. Gabriel flinched and you still saw worry in his eyes but when he looked up from your stomach and searched for your gaze, he slowly relaxed when he saw the softness in your eyes.

"Are these...?"

"Her first kicks? Yes."

In the next couple of seconds you saw every emotion washing over his face. Happiness, relief, love, peace, joy but also worry, fear and panic. But it wasn't the type of panic that shook to your core, making your tense up and freeze. No, it was that type of panic a soon to be Dad had when realizing he would have to care for a small helpless baby soon. It was the first time you saw this fatherly panic on his face every since the beginning, ever since the big news of you being pregnant.

"She's quite strong. Knocked the air right out of me" you huffed while intervening your free hand with his other hand.

"Archangel genes" Gabriel laughed.

"Yes" you breathed, leaning into his touch with a smile. You two stayed like that for many moments more, enjoying each other's presence underneath the fantastical sky.

It indeed was your happiest day.

The End. ____________________

#supernatural #supernatural gabriel #supernatural gabriel x reader #gabriel x reader #x reader #supernatural x reader #supernatural dean #supernatural sam #supernatural castiel #dean winchester #Sam Winchester #castiel #reader is female #female reader #pregnant reader

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estellaelysian · 3 years

Text

Out on the Ranch

7:00

The sparkle of lights seemed to fade in the background as the wind blew, rustling the leaves and blowing like musical notes through the deep grove of trees. The lake glistened under the pure white moon, the water shifting, rippling against the silver sparkle of light. They crossed the pasture toward the fence line in a comfortable silence. Alishka studied the gentle rolling landscape, the undulations of the fence line as it rode the contours of the land and Ethan marveled at how different this place was from where he’d grown up. It occurred to him that he’d just come to appreciate the quiet, almost austere beauty of this landscape. In the distance, the pines and oaks scrabbled together, forming an impenetrable scrim of blackness. Behind them, the chatter of crickets emerged slowly into the night. Despite the darkness, she knew Ethan was stealing glances at her, and he was not being subtle about it.

She smiled. This side of him had been coming out more often, and it seemed to make him an entirely different person in itself. She wondered if he noticed it.

‘So how long has your cousin been married to John?’

‘Six. Seven this year.’

He nodded.

At first when Alaya had invited them over for the weekend, Alishka was sure how it’d go. She wasn’t even sure how Alaya had gotten Ethan to come along, because this was clearly planned in her absence, she had no hint of it until that morning, when they were leaving for the ranch.

‘Do you come here a lot?’ he asked her, pulling her out of her reverie.

‘No, not a lot these days,’ she answered. ‘Everything’s been too busy lately, and she is also settling in…’she trailed off, unsure what to say next.

As the trees densely crowded on his side, he moved closer, and she felt her stomach flutter. He, although, seemed visibly unfazed.

There’s a shortcut from the next fence,’ she said, barely even noticing the words falling from her lips. ‘Then we can get to the river and round from there to the main house.’

He nodded again, not knowing what else to say or do.

The faint murmur of the river was becoming more perceptible as they transversed the pasture in silence. He observed the dark trees huddled together in the distance, looking quite like a very still crowd observing them.

Soon, they had reached the next fence she had mentioned earlier.

‘Okay, so…’

‘We gotta jump over it,’ she said.

If he was surprised by that, he didn’t show. Instead he just nodded, and putting both hands on the top railing, gracefully hoped over.

‘Show off,’ she teased.

Then considered her options.

The slats were too narrowly placed for her to squeeze through, so she climbed up, perching at the top before swinging her legs over. She took his hands as she jumped down, liking their calloused warmth.

They came to a halt on the high bank. The river wasn’t wide, but he had the sense that the slow moving water was deeper than it appeared. Dragonflies flitted over the surface, breaking the stillness, causing tiny ripples that radiated to the edge. Beyond the river, in the dark shade of a gnarled oak tree, he noticed the remains of an old camp and an abandoned fire pit.

After they left the clearing by the river, they started back to the house, dried leaves crunching beneath their feet. The walk itself was leisurely, and none of them needing to talk.

As they neared the house, he noticed Cooper, Alaya and John’s Scottish terrier darting ahead toward the water bowl on the porch; he lapped at it between pants, then collapsed onto his belly.

‘He’s tired,’ he said, a smile escaping him unknowingly.

‘He’ll be fine. He follows John when he rides out every morning.’ She tucked loose strands of hair behind her ear. ‘Would you like something to drink? I don’t know about you, but I could really use a beer. Unless you’d have some scotch with John- I don’t kn–’

‘Sounds great,’ he said, chuckling heartily at her confusion

‘Okay, I’ll be back in a minute.’

As she walked away, he studied her receding form. Who could’ve thought he’d be doing any of this? Who could make sense of it? He was still wondering about it when she emerged outside a minute later, a pair of ice cold bottles in her hands.

She handed him a bottle and they took a seat on the porch chairs. He leaned back and let out a long sigh before turning to face her.

‘What?’ she asked. ‘What is it?’

‘I don’t know… you make all this seem interesting. A lot more interesting than it actually is.’

She tried her best to resist the smile that was forming but failed. ‘What are you talking about?’

He just kept looking at her intently before smiling. ‘Nothing.’

8:00

‘Come on, Ethan, I am starting up the grill. Wanna join me outside and let the ladies hang out?’

Ethan laughed. ‘Ofcourse.’

‘Honey, can you hand me the steaks? They are marinating in the fridge.’

‘Yeah,’ Alaya said. ‘Ethan, would you like some sun tea? I made it this afternoon.’

He smiled. It was hard to keep track of things in this confusion. Alaya and John were chaotic. Very friendly, welcoming and nice, but chaotic.

‘Yes to the sun tea, and I’ll wait outside for you, John,’ Ethan said finally. That way, it’d be easier for him too.

‘Okay, go on, I’ll join you in a minute,’ John said, moving around him toward the fridge.

Alishka flashed him a good luck sign before he stepped outside the door. Alaya poured in the tea in four cups as John pulled out the steaks. She moved back to the stove nd opened a jar of peas which Alishka guessed had come from the garden.

‘Can’t believe you have been hiding such a fine man, Alishka,’ she said, not even bothering to hide the smirk on her face.

‘Alaya!’ she hissed, but she either missed it, or ignored it completely.

‘He is so in love with you! Have you seen it?’

Alishka pretended to focus on her cup of tea.

‘Oh come on! Drop the act Alishka.’

‘Alaya, stop, will you?’

‘No, I won’t. I haven’t spoken for enough time as it is,’ she said with a wink.

Alishka shook her head. She had no idea how she was going to keep up with her cousin’s excited hosting.

8:30

Whatever the two women inside were talking about, Ethan was grateful he had excused himself from it, for it contained too many giggles, unexpected bursts of laughter, and a certain few hushed whispers as well. He took a sip of the sun tea as John prepared the grill.

‘Late dinners are usually Alaya’s thing,’ John said. ‘She loves them.’

Ethan chuckled. ‘It’s the same with Alishka.’

They fell into easy conversation. Ethan responded to most of the questions and filled in the whos, whats, whens and wheres in his life, though only in broad strokes. John did the same, and at the same time, shared some details about his life on the ranch. From what John had said, it was pretty clear that he and Alaya were interchangeable when it came to the tasks, though she mostly preferred to handle the indoors and book keeping while he did the outdoor works.

By that time, their mugs were almost empty. Ethan strode inside to get them refilled and found Alishka and Alaya talking at the table. It seemed they had finished cooking.

As they talked, John held up the grill top. Although it was charred black in places, it looked ready to go. he reached for a bag of charcoal and dumped some into a grill that looked way too old, using his hands to spread them out evenly. Then he added some lighter fluid, soaking each briquette for just a moment.

‘This grill looks … rather old,’ Ethan said uncertainly.

‘Yeah, it is here from my grandfathers time.’ Then, as if he had noticed Ethan’s skeptical expression, he went on: ‘I know there are better grills now, but I like to do it the way we did growing up. Besides, it tastes better this way. Cooking on those modern day grills is like cooking inside.’

Ethan nodded, although he couldn’t relate. ‘And you have promised us the best steaks we’ve ever had.’

‘That I have,’ he said with a hearty laugh.

They let the coals soak for a couple of minutes before he pulled out a box of matches from his pocket and lit the charcoals, stepping back when the flames shot up. The light breeze made the fire dance in circles.

John reached for the thick steak fillets which had been soaking in the brandy. He had already seasoned them with some salt, pepper and garlic powder.

‘Okay, this will be ready soon,’ he announced as the coals slowly turned white under the flames.

9:00

Alishka retrieved the plates and utensils and finished setting the table. Alaya diced tomatoes, cucumber and shredded the lettuce before tossing everything together in a brightly colored bowl just as Ethan and John returned with the steaks.

‘We need to let these sit for a couple of minutes,’ John said, taking off his hat, putting the platter of steaks on the table.

‘Perfect timing,’ Alaya said. ‘Let me just get the peas and potatoes in a bowl and dinner will be ready.’

‘So what were both of you talking about?’ John asked taking a seat. ‘It seemed pretty funny, for starters, amongst other things.’

‘It was nothing,’ Alishka said with a dismissive wave. ‘It was just Alaya being nosy about my life.’

‘Or, it was me being the cousin you always loved and told everything to.’

‘Oh you are not that fascinating,’ Alishka countered.

‘There’s always hope,’ John quipped, making everyone laugh.

Dinner passed easily, punctuated by laughter and stories. Outside, the moon rose even higher in the sky, making it blush with a lovely mix of light clouds and stars.

10:00

Once they were done with the dishes, Alaya nudged Alishka in the ribs by her elbow.

‘What?’ she asked, setting aside the cloth she had been using to wipe the dishes dry.

‘Both of you should go riding tomorrow.’

For a moment, she just stared at her cousin, stunned. ‘You are kidding,’ she finally said.

‘I am not. Come on, you don’t come down here a lot these days, do you? So maybe you could just go riding tomorrow, have some fun and everything. We’ve got three horses, so it won’t even be a problem.’

‘What about John? What about all the chores – I-’

‘You don’t worry about that. He’ll finish work by one, then you both can go riding. It’ll be fun, trust me.’

‘Uh…’

Before she could stop her, she marched past her into the living room where John and Ethan sat talking.

‘Dr. Ramsey,’ Alaya said brightly.

Behind her, Alishka tensed visibly.

‘I was just telling Alishka about how beautiful the weather is these days, and how amazing it would be to ride in such fine weather.’

No.

‘I think you both should do it tomorrow.’

*********

This is me ignoring canon and creating worlds of my own while I am gone. Part two coming soon.

Thank you all for your lovely support and for reading, love you.

Taglist: Let me know if you want to be added or removed

#ethan ramsey x mc #ethan ramsey #open heart #ethan x mc #ethanramsey #openheart #choices #fanfiction

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