#also she added anxiety on her own. so you KNEW it was an issue and you didn't fucking do anything about it? at all??

[skrunksthatwunk]

im finally going to replay y0...

[hellish-sunsets]

Curses and Blessings - Chapter 8

Chapter 1 ~ Chapter 2 ~ Chapter 3 ~ Chapter 4 ~ Chapter 5 ~ Chapter 6 ~ Chapter 7 ~ Chapter 9

Summary:

He also just really wanted to know more about her in general. Just to see if these… ‘feelings’ he had bubbling up were put into something good or if it was going to come back and fuck him up.

She shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant like Angel Dust had been, but he could see the flicker of her eyes and the tension in her body as she sat up a bit straighter. 

“I killed a guy once, that’s probably the big one.”

Warnings: talk of past abuse, sexual assault and murder

Read on AO3

Word Count: 2,447

Taglist:

@cherry-4200 @adaizel @kyo-kyo1 @elleofdragons @snoozewritezz @avadakadabra93

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

He promised he would visit, so he did. 

He wasn’t entirely sure this was going to go well. Sure, he and Charlie had managed to end on good terms last time he was there, but he wasn’t entirely sure that meant he could just waltz in whenever he wanted. He made sure to take several calming breaths before walking through his portal into the hotel lobby.

“Dad!” 

Charlie’s voice was the first thing he heard and her arms enveloping him was the first thing he felt. A smile spread over his face, all anxiety gone like a puff of smoke as he hugged her back.

“Hey, Char-char! How’s my girl doing?”

She pulled away first and as much as he wanted to keep her close he let her go, smiling up at her.

“I’m hanging in there… just nervous about the extermination.” There was a frown on her face, eyes downturned, but it was only for a moment before she was giving that bright smile of hers. “That’s not important right now, I’m just so glad you came to visit! Come on, we were just about to start one of our sessions!”

He lets her lead him to where a few couches were, the few residents of the hotel lounging about. The pink one, Angel Gust or something like that, looked wholly uninterested, scrolling through his phone. The snake watched him approached with wide, nervous eyes that shifted between him and any other random thing so as not to stare. And then there was Y/N, giving him a small smile and wave. He responded with a lopsided grin of his own, giving a small wave back as he sat next to Charlie on her couch. He took a deep breath to steady his rapidly beating heart. 

“Look who’s here, everyone! You don’t mind if Dad sits in on this session, do you? We may get a bit more… personal this time around.”

Gabel Dust shrugged and the snake quickly voiced how he didn’t mind, but Y/N didn’t respond. He may have been wrong, but seemed like the slight shift of her eyes meant she was nervous or unhappy.

“Great! Now, today, we’re going to work on being open with each other and identifying our, uh, problems. Let’s start by going around and saying why we you think you ended up in hell. Who wants to go first?”

Angel Dust, he was sure that was the correct name, raised a brow at Charlie. 

“Getting right to the heart of the issue or whatever, aintcha doll?” He gave a half shrug. “I guess I'll go first. You can probably already guess. I was just as much of a whore and and an addict in life.”

Charlie turned her eyes to the serpent fellow, who in turn became more anxious at the added attention.

“Ah, yes, my turn, umm… I did hurt a lot of people testing my inventions… I didn't really care at the time if they got hurt or not…”

Charlie gave him a reassuring nod and he seemed to relax some. Then she turned her attention to Y/N and Lucifer perked up. He was admittedly curious why she was even down here. He knew he had certain… prejudices against sinners, prejudices he had only recently started facing, but she wasn’t like that. She wasn’t the most outwardly friendly, perhaps a bit shy, but she was kind and polite, she didn’t have any addictions or unsavory behavior from what he could tell. 

He also just really wanted to know more about her in general. Just to see if these… ‘feelings’ he had bubbling up were put into something good or if it was going to come back and fuck him up.

She shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant like Angel Dust had been, but he could see the flicker of her eyes and the tension in her body as she sat up a bit straighter. 

“I killed a guy once, that’s probably the big one.”

He furrowed his brows. He wasn’t sure what she was going to say, but that was certainly not it. Angel gave a shout of surprise and the serpent stared at her with wide eyes. 

“Wait, seriously? Ya gotta tell us the story!” Angel said, actually putting his phone down. She got more tense, but before he could speak up and let her know she didn’t have to, she was already speaking. 

“It’s not much of a story, Angel. After my mom and dad got divorced, she tended to date huge fucking creeps. One day when I was, like, twelve, my mom was out so her latest boyfriend was babysitting me, Jared. He tried to sexually assault me, had a knife and stuff, so I fought back, cause obviously. I ended up stabbing him and was able to run away and call the cops. I stayed outside, hoping he wouldn’t chase me out where there were people. By the time the police got there he was already dead. Ended up in jail for a while after that. Well, I was twelve, so juvie really. That bitch who called herself my mother took that dickhead’s side, so I disowned her pretty hard when I got out at, what was it, 22 I think? Best five years of my life, after I got out.”

She sunk in a bit when she noticed how everyone stared. Lucifer offered an encouraging smile, a bit lopsided and perhaps uncertain. She did seem to ease a bit. 

“I’m so sorry, Y/N…” Charlie started but she waved her off with a scowl twisting her lips.

“I don’t need pity, thank you. Let’s just move on.” She curled up on the couch with a frown, tugging at her sleeve. Angel chuckled.

“Ain't no pity over here, doll. Now I know you've been a badass bitch since ya were a kid. You have my respect.”

“Oh, ah, thanks Angel.” She blushed at his compliment, fighting to keep her smile down. She looked so pretty blushing like that, even if he wasn't the one to make her blush. He would have to make up for it later… somehow…

The questions and sharing continued. Angel did his best to keep things light, making sure it wasn't too serious. The serpent remained anxious, and based on how his eyes constantly shifted to himself it was a safe guess the anxiety was caused by his presence.

Y/N answered simply, straight to the point. He hung off of every word.  He wanted to know everything about her. 

He learned of her troubled childhood. Other than… the incident, she did suffer from neglect and emotional abuse. She stared at her hands as she described how her father would often berate and belittle her, picking at the already barely present nails. 

“He always told me not to be a burden.” She all but mumbled. “I tried not to. I did everything. I cleaned, I cooked, I worked, but it never was enough for him. And I think that's definitely something that’s stuck with me. I need to be sure I’m, like, being useful, that I’m not a burden.”

Angel Dust nodded in understanding as she spoke.

“Yeah, I had a shit Dad too.” He started, leaning back in the couch. Lucifer almost immediately lost interest as the spider thing went on about a mob family and being disowned and whatnot. But she was a better person, her attention fully on him. Her hair was up today, stray curls framing her face, giving her face a soft curve to it. Even when she wasn’t trying she was beautiful.

Shit, he was probably being creepy. He should stop staring before someone noticed. He somehow managed to tear his eyes away from her and to the Angel Dust fellow, gabbing away about abandonment issues to the nodding of the others.

“I just… it feels like I've been a disappointment to everyone I'm close to. I think my best hope is that my match will love me regardless, but…” Angel cringed at himself and shrugged.

There was a heavy pause.

“I… I don't think my soulmate will like me.” The serpent decided to speak up, wringing his hands. “I know who she is, but I haven't told her yet… I'm worried she'll reject me, even if we are matches.” There was a murmur of understanding from the gathered group.

Lucifer felt like his heart was beating a mile a minute as everyone turned to Y/N again. Her brow was furrowed slightly, head tilted to the side and fingers picking at her nails. 

“I… I'm not sure I'd want to meet my soulmate.” She admitted in a small voice, wavering only enough for him to notice. “It's like… I'm too broken right now, I'd just… be a burden. It always does come back to that…” She paused, chewing on her bottom lip as she frowned. “Like, your match is supposed to be this perfect person for you, but I'm worried I would just bring them down.”

Lucifer frowned despite trying not to react. Luckily Angel took everyone's attention when he responded. The only one who noticed was Charlie, based on how she grabbed his hand and squeezed reassuringly. It helped his mind from wandering, having that anchor to focus on. 

“And I get that.” Angel said, leaning forward a bit. “But isn't it, like, your match is supposed to work so well with you that you two make eachother better just by being together or something?”

“That is why these matches started.” Lucifer confirmed. “As this… form of betterment. The marks are supposed to show which two people will naturally improve each other the most.”

“See, the big man himself confirms!” Angel said, crossing one pair of arms and leaning back in his chair. “Honestly, it's just my opinion, take it for what it's worth, but I think once you meet them, you should just…” He shrugged. “I don't know, accept them? Hang out? Be open to a relationship, with all the bumps and curves that come with it.”

“That's some pretty solid advice!” Charlie said with a smile, almost bouncing with giddiness. “Relationships can be complicated, and trusting a stranger, match or not, can be hard, but it's always worth at least trying.”

At least she had stopped picking at her nails as she thought their words over. She glanced his way and it felt like his heart stopped. He offered her a reassuring smile and nodded, earning him the smallest smile in return. 

“Maybe. I'll think about it. Hopefully it'll be easier to make that decision when I do meet them.”

There was a collection of nods and noises of agreement, but the serpent was giving Lucifer a look, eyes narrowing almost comically as he thought, tail coming up to his chest like one would do with their knees. He frowned at him, giving him his best ‘what's up’ look he could manage. Y/N glanced between the two with a confused look of her own, or perhaps bafflement.

“What the fuck are you two doing?” She asks, and yeah, that was definitely bafflement. And now Angel and Charlie were paying attention, looking just as confused. Lucifer couldn't stop the chuckle that slipped past his lips.

“He was giving me a look.” He said, motioning to that serpent fellow. He stared back with wide eyes, alarmed. Everyone's eyes shifted to him. He glanced around nervously, a bead of sweat rolling down his forehead. “Did you have a question?” He asked with a wide, only slightly unnerving smile, crossing his legs. 

“Uh, yes, well, you see, I was, uh, just wondering… well, I know everyone else has a mark, but… do you have one?”

Everyone's eyes shifted to Lucifer now. He managed to keep that smile plastered on his face. It felt like Y/N's eyes were boring into the side of his face.

His first reaction was to say no. He wore the gloves for a reason after all, the last thing he wanted was to talk about it. Besides, this session was for the sinners to talk things through and open up, not himself.

But… Well, it seemed a bit unfair. He knew more about Y/N than she knew about him. Perhaps it would do both of them good if he did share something, and this was a pretty good opportunity for that.

“Yes.” He finally says, and there was a burst of noise. The serpent shouted about how he knew it, Angel wouldn't stop shouting wait, and she just let out a bark of laughter. Charlie was smiling, like she was proud he had said anything. He just shrugged at her, leaning back on the couch until everyone else calmed down. Angel won out as far as who would ask the first question.

“Wait, wait, was it Lillith?”

Y/N’ eyebrows shot up, looking back at him. Her eyes glanced between his hand where his ring still sat, glinting in the dim light, and his face. He covered it almost instinctively and nodded as answer to her unspoken  question.

“... no, it wasn't Lillith.”

“Then who?!” Angel almost shouted. Charlie stiffened next to him, but he managed to stay calm and collected pretty well, offering a warm smile to hide the anxiety. 

“Even if I did know, I would rather not say. I'm not against starting a relationship with, uh, them, but I'm still… adjusting.” Charlie squeezed his hand again. He had almost forgotten she was holding it. His smile softened even more at the show of affection from his daughter. “I'll be ready soon, I think. It's just… it's a big step for me.”

There were several nods of understanding as he relaxed. He could feel the tension slipping away from his shoulders. It was like admitting to even that small thought lifted one weight of many off his shoulders. 

Maybe he should talk about these… thoughts more. 

The session ended after that, everyone heading their separate ways. He was heading out with Charlie who wanted to go over their preparations for the attack, but he stopped when he felt a hand on his arm. He turned, eyes meeting Y/N's. His breath caught in his throat and he could feel the apples of his cheeks feeling hot.

“Hey, um…” She paused, looking a bit awkward and uncomfortable but determined, like she needed to say this for both their sakes. “Maybe… I promise to open up to my match when I find them if you do the same? We can, like… hold each other accountable.”

He swallowed hard and nodded before he could think over the weight of her words properly. Even when he did, a crooked smile broke out over his face.

“Yeah, deal.”

[grimoireofhayley]

Of Friends and Horror

Stu Macher x Fem!Reader x Billy Loomis

WARNINGS: Graphic content, Smut (MINORS DNI), Language, Talks of SA, Cheating, Obsessiveness, Gore, 18+ Content, Stalking, Possessiveness, Dirty talk, Religion talk, Suppressed Mental Health problems (I.e., reader has some issues that she isn't aware of)

Word Count: 0.4k

Tag List: @ev3ningrain @nerdytif @fanfic-enjoyer123 @darkenwolfie @juda-the-simp @junnniiieee07 @elevenpurple @ok-boke @ren-ni @katie-tibo @bruce-yamada

A/n: I am SO SORRY for not updating for awhile, my mental health just wasn’t doing so great and everything just kept getting shittier and shittier by the day, it’s still not great now, but it’s at the point where I’ll manage. On the bright side, here’s a chapter and I met both Matthew Lillard and Skeet Ulrich yesterday, so that’s tubular! Also, I’ve reached almost 300 followers! If I can get to 1k by the end of the year, I’ll announce what I’ve been working on for so long behind the scenes 💜💜💜 THANK YOU

All chapter links! 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻

OF&H Masterlist

Chapter 10

The pulse of your heart ripped at your chest, pounding furiously against your rib cage, screaming to be let out.

He was a taken man, you couldn’t do this again, but oh how it was tempting.

You turned on your heel, ready to grab the door knob to leave, but Billy was quicker…

“What.. what is it?” Billy whispered, standing in front of you, “Was it too much?” He asked, almost innocently, but you knew better than that.

“Billy…” You mumbled, a cloudiness engulfing your orbs. As much as you wanted this to be a reality, it couldn’t. He was still dating Sidney, regardless of the situation she put him in. He was her heart, while she was his.

You looked away, your hair falling in front of your face, shielding you from any embarrassment as quiet sobs escaped your lips, not daring to finish your sentence.

The guilt of almost sleeping with Billy midst a police station while Sidney was just behind the glass, was bubbling to the surface, almost suffocating you, making it harder to breathe, but on the other hand, it was hot, especially knowing you could be caught at any second whether it was by Sidney or the cops; it was dangerous, but would be worth it.

Billy frowned, stepping closer.

“(Y/n)…” Your name fell from his tongue like velvet, “Look at me.” He added, grabbing your arms, but you refused to, not letting him have even a glance.

“Whatever I had with Sidney…” He took a deep breath, “is most likely over.” He finished, “Look where I ended up because she doesn’t trust me, what does that say about us as a couple?” He chuckles darkly, his eyes glinting with amusement. “It’s destined to end.”

He sucked in his bottom lip, revealing some teeth, as his doe-like brown eyes scanned your hair-covered face, trying to find your own (e/c) ones.

“Baby~” He purred, taunting you now, his grip tightening, you hated how this made you feel, you wanted him to keep calling you that and so much more. You were a slut for him, and he knows it.

You gulped, scared to meet his face.

“Would you look at me?” He snapped, quickly taking his fingers under your chin, forcing you to look at him.

You whimpered, but listened, you knew Billy was bi-polar, but didn’t realize how much he was, until now.

“There you are.” He grinned, stroking your hair behind your ear, “I didn’t mean to upset you.” He spoke softly, pulling you into an embrace, comforting you.

You shakily wrapped your arms around him as he held your head into his torso, your anxiety still at bay.

“As much as I want you, (Y/n), I can’t have you just yet…” His words were muffled because of your hair, but you still heard everything…

It made goosebumps rise to your skin, what could he possibly mean by that?

<— Previous Next —>

[ashcal99]

Collarbones : Jasper Whitlock Hale II

Chapter Two

"I can see your collarbones and baby I'm scared, Never thought I'd be so unprepared"

Summary: Camila Johnson was only 16 when she was diagnosed with leukemia. By the time she had turned 17, the doctors had tried everything to save her. Her family is close to giving up hope when they hear of a doctor who may be able to help her. The only problem is, he lives on the opposite side of the country. The small family soon decides to move to the small town in Washington, in efforts to prolong her life. In doing so, her life changes forever.

Warnings: Eventual smut (18+ only), mentions of death, depression, descriptions of disease and weight loss, general angst, slow burn, blink and you'll miss it mention of eating disorder

Words: 5.1k

A/N: Please lmk if you'd like to be added to the tag list. Sorry for the delay in posting, I just got back from vacation, so I'm hoping to get back to normal posting soon. THX x

Soundtrack

Previous Chapter

Series Masterlist

——————

January 25th, 2005

Jasper had stood there for a moment, mind cluttered with thoughts as he tried to make sense of what he had just seen. He had been there completely by chance. Everything had happened so quickly yet almost in slow motion. He had heard the van speeding down the road. Had seen Alice’s face as the vision had played throughout her mind. Had heard Edward yell out in anguish as he saw what Alice had seen as she was seeing it. Next thing he knew, they were in the hospital, trying to warn Carlisle of what had happened. 

In truth, he was a bit angry with Edward. Not as much as Rosalie, but still angry non the less. He understood that it would’ve been bad for everyone in that situation if the van would’ve crushed her. The blood itself would’ve been a huge issue for himself. But Edward saved her and in turn had exposed them all to the girl. In the end, he hoped Edward wouldn’t come to regret his actions. He hoped that they wouldn’t have to give up this life that they had built for themselves in Forks prematurely.

The whole group had been caught up in hushed conversation with Carlisle that he hadn’t even noticed her until the door had shut behind her. Then, all of a sudden, she was there, standing just outside of Carlisle’s office, looking like a deer caught in the headlights. Anxiety radiated from her as she quickly turned, averting her gaze and walked down the hall away from the group. Clearly he had seen something that she hadn’t wanted him to, but what, he wasn’t sure. 

He had a clue of what it could be, but he needed to make sure before he jumped to any conclusions. He needed to talk to Edward, but he knew he would have to wait. He also would have to leave the hospital soon. His concentration was beginning to waver, and as much as he tried to stay as far away from the patient rooms, he could still smell the fresh blood. Alice could see this in his face, so she grabbed his hand and drug his stiff body back out into the parking lot, deciding that the rest of the family would have to find their own way home.

Alice sat in the driver’s seat weaving and winding down the long road that lead to their home. “Are you going to stay silent the whole ride?” She asked, trying the break the tension. 

Jasper let out a huff of air. “Do you know?” He asked, referring to the situation with Camila. It was eating him alive, not knowing. He hadn’t been so stressed in years, and the possibilities running through his mind were burning their way through his brain.

She nodded hesitantly. “I’ve seen it. After she came out of Carlisle’s office I had a vision of it.” She said. 

He looked out of his window to the trees rushing past. He knew from the look on Alice’s face that he was right in his suspicions, and his heart ached with this realization. “She’s sick.” He said simply. Not a question, but a statement. It made sense. This was why she was in Carlisle’s office. That alone meant that it was bad. Most likely terminal.

Alice let out a heavy sigh, knowing that it would be of little use to hide the rest from him now “Leukemia.” She stated simply. It hurt her to see her brother in pain, but this pain was inevitable. She had seen everything play out, and there was no going back now.

The word had stabbed him right in the heart. Suddenly, every little detail made sense. The scent of her blood, the bruises on her arms, her confusing emotions. His head fell into his hands. “Fuck.” He said, mind reeling. Sure, he barely knew the girl, but knowing she was dying hurt, and he was vaguely aware that it shouldn’t hurt as much as it did.

Yes, he knew that she was only human, and even if she wanted to be friends, in the end she would leave and he would be left alone. But knowing she was dying was like he had been shot in the chest. He knew that there was no physical aliment that was causing it, but the pain in his heart felt so real in that moment.

He knew it would do little to help knowing, but he had to ask. “How long?” He murmured.

“Less than a year.” She answered stiffly, trying her best not to be too specific, not wanting to upset him further. “But that could change.” She said quickly. He looked up at her, hurt crossing his features. He knew that she didn’t mean it in a hurtful way, but he couldn’t bring himself to think of that future. He couldn’t hope for that. “I’ve seen that too. You loving her. Her loving you. It could work out, you know.” She reasoned.

Jasper scoffed frustratedly. The vampire next to him was his best friend. He would’ve thought that she would’ve known him better than that. “Alice. I’m not going to single handedly doom her to eternal damnation.” He said. It hurt immensely to think about that. To think about a future with her. He selfishly wanted that future, but he also knew that it wasn’t the easy way out for Camila. 

It would complicate everything for her, and he didn’t know if she would willingly make that gamble. She would lose her friends. Her family. Not only this, but she would have to live through knowing that they would mourn her death. Because that would be the only way. To let everyone think that she had died. So he shut that thought down, pushing that small glimpse of hope out of him mind.

——————

January 26th, 2005

Camila was thankful that Jasper had left by the time she had finished in the bathroom, relieved to avoid him for just a bit, to be able to figure out what she was going to tell him. In truth, she hadn’t come up with any excuses, and deep down she knew that she would end up begging him to keep her secret to himself by the end of it. 

Nerves settled in her chest as her mother’s mini van pulled up to the front of the school. Deep breaths. It would all be okay. She stepped out of the vehicle, sucking in a breath of cold air. As she made her way to the building, carefully avoiding the sheets of ice on the ground, all of a sudden, she felt a cold hand on the small of her back. Her feet slipped out from underneath her as the hand caught her mid fall.

She looked up, seeing the face of the one person she had been actively trying to avoid. Of course, just her luck. “Jesus. You scared me.” She said breathlessly.

Jasper looked at her, a playful smirk adorning his face. “Actually, my name is Jasper, darlin’.” He joked. There was that damn name again. That deep southern drawl that sent heat straight to her cheeks. 

Despite his joking, he was in a very serious mood. He was determined to have this conversation, not wanting to delay it any further. He had thought about it all night, and didn’t want to wait any longer. “Do you want to skip with me today?” He asked.

Camila looked over to him, anxious, but knowing that it was best to get this conversation over with and out of the way. She nodded lightly, allowing him to lead her back to his own car. 

They drove in silence, Camila looking out of the passenger window at the greenery blurring past. He had promised to go and buy her breakfast, wanting to ease her anxiety as much as he could. So they weaved their way through the small town to the only diner open at that time.

The tension was thick in the air between them as the car pulled in front of the small cafe. The anxiety radiating from her was beginning to put Jasper on edge as well, so as soon as the car was in park, he jumped out, rushing to her side to open the door for her. Silently, they made their way into the restaurant, sitting in at a small table in a far corner in attempts to find some sense of privacy.

They sat there for a moment, quiet, Camila fidgeting with her rings to distract herself. Jasper’s mind whirled with thoughts. He had so much time to think about what he would say to her, but now that she was sat there in front of him, he was lost for words. He didn’t know where to begin, so he decided to jump straight to the point. “So…” He trailed off awkwardly, Camila’s eyes refusing to meet his own. “You’re sick.” 

Camila finally looked up at him, her face void of any emotions. He had said it as a statement, not a question. She didn’t know if it was better of worse, him knowing already, but either way, he had figured it out and this was what she would be left to deal with. “It’s pretty pathetic. I couldn’t even keep that a secret for a week.” She said scoffing, looking down at her hands once again

Jasper’s eyebrows threaded together in confusion. “Why exactly did you want to keep that a secret?” He asked, trying to not be rude, but curiosity winning the fight.

Sadness began to spread from where she was seated, however, the blank expression remained. “People change when they know you’re dying.” She said simply, tears beginning to well in her eyes. “I’m sick of the sympathy, because that’s all they’ll give me.” She said, her eyes dropping back to the pealing lamination of the cafe’s menu. 

“I just want a normal life. Nothing spectacular, just normal, but that clearly isn’t in the cards for me anymore. Given the lack of longevity of my life, why would I want to spend the small remainder of it smothered by the pity of others? That’s far from normal, it’s fucking suffocating.” She rambled sniffling slightly as she shook the thoughts from her head. 

She refused to cry in front of him. She didn’t want to cry anymore. “Sorry.” She muttered, knowing it wasn’t fair to pour all of that out to him. But he had asked, so it was okay, right?

He sat there for a moment, debating whether or not he should manipulate her emotions. He hated the sight of her upset. He hated feeling the pain that she was feeling. Knowing how things that other people had put her through had left her hurting so bad. “Well, your secret is safe with me… and my family I guess.”  He said.

She looked over to him, not convinced of his words. “I promise, okay?…Look, we have our own secrets and we know first hand how important is to keep them.” He reassured. He knew it probably wasn’t the wisest thing to elude to their supernatural tendencies, but he really didn’t care anymore. If she found out, she found out. It made it that much easier to give her the option to live later on. If you could even call it living. 

Camila didn’t care to focus on what their secret could possibly be in that moment. She only cared about his promise and the sincerity in his voice. “Thanks.” She muttered softly, looking deep into his amber eyes. 

Jasper smiled gently. “It was never my secret to tell, Darlin’.” He said.

She let out a groan, burring her face in her hands as heat began to creep up her neck. “You and that damn word.” She chided.

He laughed lightly. “What? You don’t like it?” He asked teasingly, knowing from looking at her bright red cheeks that she did in fact like it. He had been so distracted from her reaction to his words that he hadn’t even noticed the waitress that was walking over to their table until she was only a few steps away.  He looked up, giving a small smile to the woman before turning his attention back to the blushing girl in front of him. 

The woman cleared her throat. “What can I get for you two?” She asked politely, as the burn in his throat intensified from her close proximity.

Vaguely, he was aware of Camila speaking, giving her order to the woman. His focus was weaning as he tried to concentrate on controlling his thirst. Only when Camila called his name did he shake away his thoughts. “Sorry, what?” He asked.

“What can I get you, sweetie?” The woman asked lightly. 

Jasper gulped, thinking things through quickly. Did he want to even try to put up a front of portraying a human? Alice’s words rang through his head. ‘Less than a year.’ She had said.And he decided, fuck it. He would be his most authentic self, and she would find out in her own time. “Nothing for me, thanks.” He answered politely.

His eyes landed back on Camila as the waitress let them know that she would put in her order, her footsteps slowly fading away. “You’re not getting anything?” Camila asked expectantly, feeling a bit awkward that she would be the only one eating. 

He smiled at her, biting back the urge to tell her his normal lies. “I don’t really eat.” He said, his eyes meeting hers.

She nodded slowly, she of course understood. After being diagnosed she had lost the majority of her appetite, not looking forward to the nausea that would follow after a large meal. However, the look of mischief in his eyes said more. Like she was missing the point of his words. Like there was some kind of inside joke and she found herself sinking deeper and deeper into his eyes. Then it hit her. “Your eyes.” She said suddenly. “They’re really dark. They were almost gold before.” 

He clenched his jaw slightly, pushing himself to not look away from her. The waitress’ blood had no doubt caused his eyes to darken in hunger, and he hoped it wouldn’t scare her away. But still, he pushed on, knowing that the more truth that he offered her the faster she would piece the puzzle together. The more time they would have together. No hiding. “They do that.” He stated. 

Camila sent him a small smile. Yet again there was that little voice in the back of her head, telling her that there was something more to his words. But she wouldn’t question it. Not today. Not when she was too busy being relieved that he had promised to keep her secret. “Thanks for the food.” She said, smile still lingering on her lips.

Jasper couldn’t help but beam back at her, only hoping that the sight of his teeth wouldn’t scare her away like he knew that they should. “Of course, Darlin'. Need to make sure you’re fed.” He said, smirking slightly as he heard the sputtering of her heart at that ‘damn word’ again. Yeah she definitely liked it. “And I thought it may help with the mental distress of this whole conversation.” He admitted.

She bit her lip bashfully at his words. Here she was thinking that was so skilled at hiding her emotions when apparently she had been wearing them on her sleeve the entire time. “So it was that obvious, huh?”

He snickered lightly. “The crippling anxiety? Yeah. I guess I’m just good at reading people, you could say.” He smirked, looking down from her eyes momentarily as he shifted slightly in his seat. It was going to take some getting used to, being so open about himself around a human when he was used to being closed off completely.

“Like an empath.”

His eyes shot back up to her as his mind reeled at her words. He wasn’t sure if she was serious or joking, but either way, he knew it was okay. The end goal was for her to know, so there was no use in panicking at what she had said. He swallowed thickly, pushing a smile back on his face. “Yeah… exactly like that.” 

——————

Unfortunately, as much as she wished that she could spend the whole day alone with Jasper, Camila knew that they would have to return to the school as they would be taking a biology field trip during the second half of the day. After a few hours of hogging the small table all to themselves, laughing, smiling, and just overall enjoying each other’s company, they knew it was time to leave, so they reluctantly returned to the car. 

She hadn’t exactly realized how long they had been gone until they pulled into the school parking lot, seeing the two school busses already parked in front. Students swarmed the busses as they murmured excitedly. Not for the field trip itself, but for the opportunity to miss the rest of their classes for the day. Parking, Camila quickly stepped out of the vehicle, trying to ignore the stares of others around them as they realized the two had been together off campus just minutes before.

Jasper fell in stride by her side as they joined the rest of the group. “Make sure I get your permission slips.” Mr Molina yelled over the crowd of students, ushering them onto the buses. Glancing over and seeing Alice watching expectantly, Jasper lead Camila over to her, knowing that she had expected him to introduce her officially to the human.

“Camila, this is my sister. She wanted to meet you officially.” He said, slightly agitated that his time alone with her had come to an end. 

Alice smiled brightly at the girl. “Hi, I’m Alice.” She said cheerfully as she pulled the girl in for a hug. Camila tried to hold back her shock as she slowly lifted her arms to reciprocate her hug. She wasn’t uncomfortable, in fact the hug was actually quite nice, but still a bit unexpected. To Camila’s surprise, the girls skin held no warmth, the coolness contracting nicely with her feverish body.

Jasper rolled his eyes at his adopted sister. “Alice.” He chided, slightly annoyed the display in front of him. He knew he had nothing to worry about when it came to Alice, but it still made him oddly jealous. “You’re going to smother her.” He mumbled irritatedly. He of course knew what Alice was doing. She had no doubt seen what he had been not so subtly trying to hint at and this hug was her way of helping him. Showing off the lack of warmth in her touch would be just another clue to the puzzle.

The immortal girl pulled away from the embrace finally, blinding smile still present. “Don’t worry Jazz, I can already see we’re going to be great friends.” She said cheerfully. “Now I’m going to go grab a seat by Edward, I’ll see you two there.” She said sending the two a wink before rushing off onto the bus.

Jasper sighed, turning to face the frail girl next to him. “Sorry about her she gets a bit… excited.” He said.

“It’s okay, she’s cute.” Camila said, snickering lightly. She really didn’t mind, even if the whole situation still weirded her out a bit. Alice was clearly a very sweet and genuine person, and if she was willing to be her friend, even knowing that Camila would die sooner rather than later, she would gladly grasp at that opportunity. 

She had plenty of friends in the past leave her because of her illness. The happiness had been sucked out of their friendships, the only thing the were able to focus on being her cancer. They treated her as if she couldn’t enjoy what little bit of her life she had left just because she knew it was ending. She didn’t want the constant sympathy anymore, the constant sadness and if Alice was willing to put herself in that situation knowingly, she could tell that they would become great friends. 

Jasper smiled, feeling her happiness and comfort. He was glad to see that she hadn’t become overwhelmed, although he should’ve known better than to doubt Alice. He should’ve known that she would say the exact right words. She always did. The smile didn’t waver from his face as he lead Camila onto the bus.  

——————

January 28th, 2005

The end of Camila’s first week had finally arrived. Exhaustion began to set in, luck being in store as lunch had finally arrived. Camila sat there at her usual table, trying to muster the strength and appetite to eat her food that was beginning to grow cold. Twirling the thin strands of pasta around her fork, she brought the bite to mouth and began to chew the unsavory food. Grimacing slightly, she resisted the urge to spit the mushed up pasta out. She needed the nutrients, she knew this, but that didn’t make it any easier to actually eat the food. 

Looking up from her tray, her eyes connected with Jasper’s. He gave her a small wave, the corners of his lips lifting slightly. The two hadn’t talked much since the impromptu cafe trip a few days previous, having been busy with their classes. She had seen him in calculus, as usual, but of course as always, by the end of the school day she was worn out and just ready for sleep. 

“Camila?” A voice said, abruptly breaking her gaze away from those Amber eyes. She looked to the owner expectantly, waiting for them to continue. “La Push, baby. You in?” Eric asked.

Her eyebrows quirked in question, not at all understanding what he was getting at. She looked over to Bella wondering if she understood. She looked just as confused. “Should I know what that means?” Bella asked Camila.

She laughed lightly, glad to see that she wasn’t the only one confused. “Your guess is as good as mine.” She answered, looking back to the boy for an explanation. 

“La Push beach, down on the Quileute rez. We’re all going tomorrow afternoon. Big swell coming in.” Mike explained. 

Eric beamed a bright smile. “And I don’t just surf the internet.” He joked lamely. Camila snickered, shaking her head in shame at the joke. 

Jessica scoffed. “Eric, you stood up once. On a foam board.” She clarified, rolling her eyes. 

“There’s whale watching, too. Come with.” Angela said, trying to convince the two girls to accompany the group on their trip. 

Eric nudged Camila on the shoulder, smile unwavering. “La Push, baby.” He said again.

Bella let out a groan. “I’ll go if you stop saying that.” She bargained, laughing lightly.

Eric smiled in success, turning back to Camila. “What about you Cam?” He asked.

Camila lulled it over in her mind. She knew that it probably wasn’t the best idea to go, considering that it was the middle of the winter in Washington, and most likely, her parents wouldn’t let her go even if she wanted to. She shook her head, an apologetic look on her face. “Sorry, I should probably stay home. I’ve got a bunch of homework to finish.” She lied, trying her best to sound believable.

Eric’s smile dropped at her words, a frown replacing it. “Awww, can’t you just do your homework later?” He pushed. She shook her head in response, giving an apologetic smile, slightly annoyed that he wouldn’t just take no for an answer.

Lunch dragged on as she slowly ate away at her food. The daily trip to the cafeteria was like a blessing and curse, she had thought. While it was great to get a brief break from the physical and mental exertion of the day, it also made it that much harder to seem normal to everyone else around her. Any other time, she would push off eating, usually having the best luck with taking supplement pills and drinking protein shakes, those making her the least nauseas. However, she knew that would look odd to her new friends. If she stuck to only those options, it would be only a matter of time before they noticed something was up. With her luck, they would think she had an eating disorder or something.

Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of lunch. She pulled herself to a stand, as she grabbed her picked over food tray. She pushed her aching muscles forwards the cafeteria doors, dumping her tray into one of the awaiting trash cans when a tall dark silhouette rushed to her side. 

“Camila.” Tyler greeted, slinging an arm around her shoulders. The action caused pain to shoot down her spine and she had to bite her tongue in an attempt to stop herself from wincing. Tyler had made a point that week to be as friendly as possible, and even though more than just the pain of his action was making her uncomfortable, she didn’t want to come off rude. 

“Tyler.” She greeted back, trying her best to keep the grimace off of her face.  He was just being nice and friendly, that was all. 

“I was wondering.” He started, pausing for what she could only imagine was dramatic effect. “Prom?” He asked somewhat randomly, a wide grin spreading across his face. 

Camila’s mind reeled. Was that really how he was going to ask? She wouldn’t have said yes anyway, not being interested in going to prom at all, much less with Tyler Crowley, but that really was a terrible way of asking. She got along with him well, sure, but she didn’t want to date him. 

“Can’t.” She said, voice filled with fake regret. She tried to quickly come up with an excuse for her denial. She definitely couldn’t use homework again. “I… already have plans with someone. Not prom related.” She said awkwardly. 

The smile dropped from his face, disappointment replacing it, clear as day. “With who? You can’t reschedule? I mean it’s prom.” He tried to reason. 

Fuck. She hadn’t thought that far ahead. Clearly, she wasn’t very good at coming up with excuses and clearly, these boys weren’t good at just taking no for an answer. A normal person would’ve just taken the rejection and left, but of course Tyler and Eric had to be persistent. She thought quickly of someone who she could explain the whole situation to the easiest. “Jasper. Do you know him?” She asked casually. Surely Jasper would understand why she had added him in on her scheme, especially since he had seemed so respectful in keeping her secret in tact previously. 

Tyler’s eyes widened slightly. “Jasper Hale? Yeah I know of him.” He said incredulously. What was she doing with that weirdo? He had seen the two together before the biology field trip, but had thought it was some weird fluke, but now she was scheduling dates with him? 

——————

“I didn’t know we had plans for prom night.” Jasper said casually once she had sat herself down at their shared table in calculus later that day.

She groaned at his words. How had he possibly heard? Did Tyler talk to him? Surely not. She knew the majority of the school would never willingly put themselves in a conversation with anyone from the family, since they usually seemed very intimidating. So that only left him hearing the conversation, and there was no way that had happened. She had seen him across the room, much too far away, when Tyler had came up to her. Maybe he had some kind of super hearing?

She pushed the rushing thoughts aside, trying not to get too caught up in the mystery. “Sorry.” She murmured. “I just needed an excuse out.” She reasoned. Jasper of course knew the reason that she had came up with the ‘date’ in the first place, but he did find himself slightly disappointed that she did not, in fact, want to go on a date with the ‘Cullen weirdo’. 

“It’s okay.” He reassured her, because it was okay. He knew that she didn’t mean it maliciously, just knowing that he knew the truth of why she couldn’t go. “Out of curiosity though, is it just because of you know what that you said no? Or would you have said yes otherwise?” He asked. 

He couldn’t help himself from asking. The question had been racing through his mind since lunch and he knew it was because of jealousy. That much was obvious, hell, he was jealous when Alice hugged her. However, he also knew that he had no right to be jealous. She in no way belonged to him, even if Alice had seen them together as mates. In reality, she didn’t owe him anything, and as much as it pained him to watch, if that’s how she wanted to spend the remainder of her life, he knew he would support her through it every step of the way.

Camila blushed lightly in embarrassment, causing the burn in his throat to intensify slightly. “Well, more than that, I guess.” She said. “Three reasons really. One, you know what. Two, he asked me in a terrible way and I’m not at all interested anyway. Three, no dating for me. It’s one of few rules I have for myself.” She murmured lowly, trying to keep her voice down so others wouldn’t hear her. 

His heart, if it had still been beating, would’ve leapt at the news that she didn’t not like Tyler in that way. However, almost immediately after, his chest ached for her. He could feel her sadness with the confession and it pained him to realize that she was afraid of growing too close to someone. He wanted to press the topic, to sooth her discomfort, but he knew that now was not the right time. 

Jasper sat up a bit straighter in his chair, an idea coming to mind. “Would you maybe want to hang out tomorrow? We could go somewhere or stay in, whatever you want.” He suggested, nerves filling his chest once more. 

As Camila sat there, mulling the invite over in her mind, she took note that the anxiety she had felt when invited to the beach, was nowhere to be seen. Jasper made her comfortable, and she wasn’t sure if that was because of him knowing her secret, or something else entirely. 

What she did know, is that she definitely wanted to get to know him more. To figure out what made him so different from the rest. To piece together all of the confusing details that he had shared with her.

She sucked in a breath and spoke. “I’d love to.”

Next Chapter

Tag List:

@itsmytimetoodream @jasper-the-beloved @parkchaeyoung1997 @bobaopal @izzyisstuff @soyeonrai @just-browsing101 @demirunner @dkbj14 @iloveramensm @imyelenasexual @bella7866 @ropickle

[charlottecutepie]

☥ Bunny meat (William Afton x fem!reader x Michael Afton)

Summary: He was a likeable middle-aged man who had wonderful children, his dream job and a beautiful wife. He never blamed himself for his own actions, or to be more exact, he never thought about their consequences.

tags: darkfic, unhealthy relationship, angst, smut with plot, p in v, dubcon, oral sex, rough and gentle sex, daddy kink, blood play, knife play, fear play, hurt/comfort, violence, gore/murders, child abuse, follows fnaf lore, moral and physical abuse, virginity kink, anxiety disorder, age gap, daddy issues, unreliable narrator, hallucinations, hidden pairing, William is sick, psychopathy, unhealthy narcissism

Chapter 5. Desire

Surprisingly, Wiliam behaved restrained, but inside him everything was on fire, he wanted to take you here and now, harshly and rudely, do things with you what he had long dreamed of all this time, but he knew perfectly well that if he snapped now, you'd be even more scared, cut with him all connections and will avoid him, and maybe even do something to yourself, because you're nothing but a little frightened lamb. A little creature who grew up alone, not needed by anyone, who didn't receive the proper amount of love and attention from her father. And that's why Afton thought he was the perfect source of all these feelings for you.

Perhaps, to some extent, he felt sorry you. However, his mind ignored such thoughts.

“William,” you spoke to him. “Is there no one at home?”

“Yes, Clara with kids left, I don't know where. She said she wouldn't be back until the morning.”

…

The Afton house is still same as it was before. Only coffee machine bought by the father of the family has changed. Although he earned a lot of money, little of it went to home improvement, Afton always invested only in the pizzeria, trying to make it as visible and attractive as possible.

It was also impossible to ignore the couch that was in the living room of the house. For you as a child, it was the most favourite object in Afton's house, you sat on it with Michael in the evenings and watched cartoons. When you had sleepovers with other kids, you hid under the covers because of Michael's scary stories. You often fell asleep on it late at night, without waiting for your mom, although she promised that she'd pick you up from the guests, but sometimes she never showed up because of scandals with her husband.

This couch evoked hundreds of emotions and nice memories.

But now, one more thing will be added to all these early memories: the way you lie on this couch under man who you saw as father, no matter how strange it sounds.

“You're so… beautiful,” he hovered over your body, his eyes running over it. “such delicate skin, like an angel's.” he took your hand, interlacing your fingers, kissing them. All thoughts in your head gathered into one big ball, you tried to analyze the situation somehow, but useless, because of his actions, you felt lost. William breathed out your name and greedily pressed his lips to your neck, showering it with light kisses.

You closed your eyes and turned your head to the side to give him more space, trying to relax, it seems you were succeeding. But unexpectedly for you, you felt him bite your neck.

“Oh!” bursted out of you, your free hand burrowed into his hair, trying to pull him away. “William, it hurts…” he looked up at you.

“I’m so sorry, bunny,” he smiled warmly at you. “I’ll be gentle.” he moved closer, gently kissing you on the corner of your lips. You leaned forward, hoping that this innocent kiss would turn into something more, however, Afton had other plans, he grinned and straightened up. “So impatient.”

He unbuttoned first three buttons of his purple shirt, which was enough for you to see the strange scars covering his body. You couldn't help, interest took over and your hands tentatively touched the bare area of his body.

“Where are they from?” you asked softly, causing him to chuckle again.

“It doesn't matter now, sweetheart.” he loosened the belt of his pants, after which he kissed your neck again, this time he kept his promise: you felt his tongue licking little wound he made. William took you by the hips, moving your body closer to him. “Y/n, you want this, don't you?”

“I… uh, I don't know.”

There is silence in response. William could tease you and your body for hours, nibbling and kissing it, making you sigh languidly, but this night he wanted to satisfy you first. He wanted to make you dependent on him, so that you couldn't live a day without his touch, so that you took the initiative yourself, so that you were head over heels in love. Corrupt you. However, he didn't know you were already so dependent on him, you want him to love you like in fairy tales about princesses, you want him to give you all the love that you were deprived of as a child. You just wanted someone to save you from loneliness.

You felt something hard pressing against the inside of your thigh, but you didn't want to look at what it was because of your wild embarrassment. Afton took something out of his pants pockets.

“Here, I see you need it,” you saw him holding out his hand to you with some kind of strange round pill. Confused, you looked at him, waiting for some explanation. William only laughed and ran his finger over your lips, opening them. “Yeah, and here it is, good girl.” he said, pushing the pill deeper until, due to the urge to vomit, you grabbed his wrist. “I'm sorry, baby, I just don't have anything to wash down the pill with.”

“What is it?” you winced at the unpleasant taste.

“Tranquilizers so you don't get nervous. Actually, they're mine, but I can tell by the look on your face they'll be useful for you too.” his hands carefully, as if afraid to scare you even more, undid the clasp of the dress, lowering it from your shoulders down. Unable to contain your shyness, you tried to hold the fabric on your body until William looked at you, as if mentally saying “don't.” Then your grip loosened, there was nothing you could do but obey. “that's it, good girl.”

When he wanted to take off the dress completely, you still grabbed on it, not letting it slide off your hips.

“Princess, if you keep doing this, then we won't succeed.” William looked into your eyes, putting your hands behind your head. “I won't hurt you.”

You nodded, trying to lose yourself in your feelings again. It seemed to be easier with the help of a sedative. You didn't even notice how you were only in your underwear in front of him.

“Damn, you're incredible.” he threw the dress somewhere on the floor, kissing you on the cheek while his hands caressed your hips and waist. You bit your lip to stifle a groan. Fuck, no one has ever touched you like that, especially in places like this, and when William ran his hand along the inside of your thigh, inadvertently touching your crotch, you arched your back. “it felt good, didn't it?”

William repeated the movement, but now paying more attention to your clothed pussy. The excitement took over, forcing you to move your hips towards his movements. A shudder of desire went through your whole body, Afton saw it perfectly, he kissed your collarbone, going lower to your breasts.

“Fuck, you have no idea how long I've been dreaming about this.” those words echoed in your head, but you didn't pay attention to it. “Honey, you're just so beautiful.” William ran his hands over your breasts, pinching your nipples hard with excitement.

“William…” you got the courage. He looked at you questioningly, damn, you hoped you said it so quietly that it would go unnoticed. “kiss me, please.”

He laughed. In a moment, his lips are on yours, like a predator. At that moment, you forgot absolutely everything, giving yourself completely to him. You moaned into his mouth, feeling his long fingers touching your pussy through your soaked panties. With one imperious movement, he pulls off the last piece of clothing, leaving you completely naked in front of him.

“And now? Not so scary anymore?”

“I don't know what i feel…” you were in turmoil, all fears and thoughts disappeared, a wild desire came to replace, no, not of intimacy, not of sex. But his affectionate words and compliments, the way he touches you, his gentle kisses and hugs, the way he treats you.

His fingers gently touch your labia, slowly and smoothly they move in circular movements along clit, getting another moan from you. With his other hand, he holds your legs, preventing you from moving away and closing them.

“And now, honey?”

“It's weird, but…” you avoided his gaze. ”feels good…” you answered unsure. Smiling contentedly, he removed his fingers. You noticed that as soon as his hands left your body, his movements in relation to himself instantly changed: he roughly, jerkily took off his belt and unbuttoned the fly of his pants, pulling them down. It’s like he was controlling himself when touching you.

“Lick them.” Afton said in a commanding tone, running his fingers over your lips. It was terribly embarrassing for you, but you did as he said anyway. You watched his actions with a note of sweet and naive excitement, the way his fingers penetrated deeper and deeper, pressing on your tongue, again caused unpleasant sensations to vomit. “Sorry, but there's no other way, I don't have any lube.”

When he pulled his fingers out of your mouth, quite considering how wet they were, you felt uncomfortable, but probably if you tell him about it, he's unlikely to listen and stop. The only thing left to do was to lie under him like a doll and enjoy.

“You're an obedient girl, aren't you?” his fingers went back to your glistening pussy, caressing your needy clit. Your breathing stopped instantly.

“Yes…” you whimpered when you felt his fingers, wet with your own saliva and grease, smoothly, insanely slowly entering you. William is building up the pace, not too fast, but enough to make soft sweet moans come out of your mouth. “Daddy…” you drawled languidly, feeling your soft walls tighten around his long fingers.

“Yes, princess?” Afton kisses your neck while his free hand wraps around his cock that was already out of his trousers, hard and dripping with precum. “Tell daddy what you want.”

“Please, want more…” you whispered in his ear, this time trying to be as seductive and sexy as possible. William found it funny.

“You'll get more, baby,” his breath tickled your skin. “Daddy will make you feel good.” Afton pulled out his fingers, causing you to moan in disappointment, oh, how he enjoyed it, it felt like he was ready to cum just from your angelic voice.

William tilted his head, being between your legs. The whole picture made you dizzy, you glance at him in surprise, trying to predict what will happen next. William grins, seeing how your curiosity plays tricks on you when he gives your clit a tender kiss.

“Ohhh, daddy,” this word is so vulgar, it sounds completely indecent on your tongue, but right now you don't care, all that matters is William Afton and the wild need to be needed by someone, loved, appreciated. “Yeah…”

The release builds up with an unfamiliar, wildly pleasant feeling in the lower stomach, making you want to close your legs, but his hands continued to hold them apart. His tongue feels too good, slowly moving in circular movements over your cunt, paying more attention to your clit while two fingers slowly and smoothly fucks you, forcing you to switch from moans to sobs and soft screams.

William accelerates, his movements getting faster and rougher, but no less passionate, making you arch from pleasure. With one hand buried in his dark brown hair, you try to set the pace, but he can do fine without you, so it's useless, he's much more experienced. He explored you with his tongue until the trembling left your supple body. William could feel your walls clenching around his fingers. His free hand continued to jerk himself off with increasing movements, while he was eating you out.

You sighed desperately when Afton stopped stimulating you with his tongue, lifting his head and looking at your reaction, his fingers still inside.

“Do you want to cum for daddy?” he asks, you just nod quickly, wishing of putting an end to these sweet torments that drive you crazy. “No, I need you to say it, honey.”

“Yes, yes, yesss,” you say brokenly. “I…” an uncertain pause. “I want to cum, daddy, please!” oh, it was so humiliating, but what was more terrible that you liked it.

“Good girl.” William increased the intensity of his movements, hitting all right sweet spots of yours. You moaned loudly, feeling everything tense in your lower abdomen, which means an imminent orgasm. “do it, cum while I fuck your little pussy with my fingers.” William growled, his hand that was touching his own cock stopped, now squeezing your neck, pressing on the carotid artery, but hearing your wheezing, he his grip loosens.

Your moans, which are more like crying, turn into loud, piercing “oohs”, your head's spinning, your brain's melting, everything is like in a fog, you can't even see Afton's face. The long-awaited release is catching up with you. You cum, you cum so hard that you feel ecstasy running through your whole body, you feel that your breathing becomes ragged, and your pussy clenching on his fingers.

“Such a good girl,” because of orgasm, you don't even hear what he says, and you don't want to, you need time to regain your strength. “it's my turn now, baby.”

He takes his fingers out, brings them to his mouth and licks them, studying your reaction. William touches his member again, his heartbeat quickens, his eyes now closed, apparently he's thinking about something. Yes, he's definitely imagining something in his head.

“Tell me, do you love daddy?“ he asked, his voice hoarse from excitement. He isn't even looking at you.

“Yes,” you responses quietly. Taking advantage of the moment, you look at him in detail while he doesn't notice. Damn, how handsome he was, his long, such aristocratic fingers that played with the tip of his cock, rubbing cum along entire length, his slightly disheveled but insanely beautiful brown hair like milk chocolate, his sharp cheekbones, it was stupid to deny that he was unattractive. “I love daddy, I love you, William.” you didn't even fully understand what you were talking about. You was just saying what he wanted to hear.

He pumps his cock faster, you see how he shuddered, like saying your name or something else, you can't understand. But you catch yourself thinking that it's damn beautiful. If your mom found out what you were doing, she probably wouldn't be happy.

He cums on your stomach, with a loud groan, and then, breathing heavily, falls on the couch next to you, staring blankly at the ceiling. What is he thinking about? Is he even thinking now? You're lying obediently by his side, trying to figure out what just happened, but your brain doesn't want to think, your head is aching, your temples are throbbing. William turns to you, then looks at the crumpled dress on the floor, then back at you.

“Let's go to the shower, bunny, I'll help you wash up.”

…

The next morning came for you only closer to 12, when you were suddenly woken up by the sound of the door opening. It was Clara with Michael and Elizabeth. Confused, not even realizing that you were in their house, you jumped up from the couch.

“Michael, give Elizabeth that hoodie, you're not wearing it anyway.” woman's voice was heard somewhere in the hallway area, which means that she was nearby.

“Mom, these are my things, and just because I don't wear them doesn't mean that—”

Michael entered living room, but when he saw you, he froze in place.

“Y/n? What are you doing here?” he asked, a slight smile appearing on his face.

“Who are you talking to?” Clara’s voice sounded, but as soon as she appeared in the room, her emotions immediately changed. “Oh, hello, honey.” woman affectionately called your name, coming up to you and sitting down on the sofa. “Elizabeth, go say hello to Y/n!”

Girl immediately rushed over, you noticed a plush toy in her hands, it seems it was the same robot girl drawing of which Elizabeth recently showed you. She greeted you cheerfully, all you could do was say an awkward “hello” in response, still trying to remember how you even ended up here. Clara stroked your head, her gaze fixed on your face, on your tousled hair and lost expression. You knew that you had to say something in your own defense, why you were here.

“Sorry for such an oversight, I had some problems with my mom, and Mr. Afton told me to spend the night here.” you lied, and then mentally slapped yourself. Damn, this is so dumb. The Afton family knew that you had the best relationship with your mom and that you had never argued. You doubted how truth your words sounded, but judging by Clara's reaction, everyone believed you.

“Honey, I'm glad that you have somewhere to go, you know that we'll always welcome you with hugs,” she said tenderly, with maternal love. “You must be hungry. I'll go to the store and cook breakfast, what do you think?”

There was no point in lying further, you really needed something to eat, so you silently agreed.

Mrs. Afton went to the nearest grocery store, taking Elizabeth with her. You and Michael were left alone, you gradually began to remember what happened, and with the realization that you and Afton had something, you were overtaken by a sickening anxiety, causing your toes and hands to go numb and shake, and your heart to beat faster. You two were sitting on this damn couch watching TV, however, neither of you was interested in what the old screen was showing. You were sitting hugging your knees, wondering whose clothes you were wearing: they were of a child surely, with some kind of cartoon print, a t-shirt and, as it seems, Michael's pants. He didn't hesitate to look at you from head to toe, which slightly annoyed you.

“Michael, stop staring.” You hissed, tucking your face into your lap.

“I'm just trying to figure out,” he paused, thinking about something. “why are you wearing my dead brother's t-shirt?”

“What?”

“Well… I'm not accusing you of anything… it's just…” he scratched his head, clearly not knowing what to say to you. ”Okay, forget it. It's just my shit in my head.”

“Michael, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…” you looked at him. Why did William choose his dead son's clothes out of all? “There must be some kind of misunderstanding.”

“It's nothing, y/n, you shouldn't worry so much about it.”

You looked at the TV, trying to come up with some kind of ridiculous excuse, but in vain. And how long can you lie?

“Speaking of my brother… today, Elizabeth, mom and I went to his grave.” Michael muttered, you knew perfectly well that this topic of conversation wasn't the best, because the he blamed himself enough for what happened. You decided that the best thing you can do now is just listen to him. “You know… it's already overgrown with grass. We had to work hard to get the grave back to normal. Oh, and there's also a lot of webs.”

You knew that only people who cared for Evan's gravestone were Clara and Michael. William, after his son's death, never visited grave, and even more so, didn't attend the funeral, citing the fact that he had a lot of work. And when Evan was in a coma, with minimal chance of survival, Michael came to him almost every day, crying and begging for forgiveness.

You knew that Michael was just a traumatized guy and it was useless to blame him for all this, he had already heard a lot about himself from his father, so you just moved closer to him when you noticed him dropping tears on the couch and hugged him.

Half an hour later, Mrs. Afton returned from the store. Michael wasn't in such good mood as before, but as soon as his mother crossed the threshold of their house, he seemed to put on a mask of happiness, meeting her and helping to carry bags into the kitchen.

For breakfast, which smoothly turned into lunch, Clara served macaroni and cheese and caesar salad. Your stomach, which hasn't received normal hot food for a long time, rejoiced and you ate all two portions in a few minutes. Elizabeth talked most of all at the table, telling you something about robots and toys again. Yes, once upon a time Michael, and Clara herself, told you that she took after her father. She's also interested in mechanics and loves animatronics.

Looking at this whole family, you felt guilty about yesterday. Probably, to some extent, you even hated yourself. Mrs. Afton, the nicest woman you've ever known, after your mom, of course. Michael is a devoted and faithful friend, as well as a caring brother, Elizabeth is just the sunshine of this family, cheerful, everyone's favorite. And William is a charming and likeable man who was ready to do anything for his family and work. At least that's how the family seemed to you in your head.

You're lost in your own thoughts, stopped listening to Elizabeth's babble. The damn guilt was eating you, making you sick of yourself. How could you do that? How dare you drag a married man, the head of the family, into bed, and then sit at the same table with his family, smiling innocently at everyone. What the fuck is wrong with you? Mrs. Afton will definitely find out, Michael will find out and Elizabeth will find out, and then you will become a disgrace to the whole town. You will become known as a little slut who seduced a married man. Not just a man, but William Afton himself.

“By the way, honey, did William tell you where he is?” Clara asked, and you squinted, trying to remember what Afton had told you before you dozed off.

“He said he was going to the pizzeria to work.” you said, it was true. Clara's face changed.

“What?” a rhetorical question. “he never worked on that day, he always had a day off exactly… today.”

Meanwhile, William was already at the pizzeria.

[captain039]

The proposition

Misha Collins x reader

Warnings: Sugar Daddy AU, age gap, daddy kink, smut, sexual things, first times, dirty talk, daddy dom, slightly little reader, anxiety and depression, mental health issues, swearing, feels

Have you seen the gifs of Misha as Harvey? HAVE YOU SEEN THE TITTIES ON THIS MAN, I mean….. man you could bite into that shit, the broadness mmhmm, the absolute unit on this man’s upper body is magnificent 👌🏻

Idk how the fuxk sugar daddy's work🤣

Also re-wrote it.

Honestly, you’re not sure what propelled you to do this, in fact, it was seriously stupid considering you had no idea what you were doing. Your best friend was on your bed by you, on her phone as you were.

“We should get sugar daddies,” she said and you laughed.

“Why so we can go shopping every day? We have anxiety” you stated and she huffed.

“Yes well, more money less anxiety” She grinned and you rolled your eyes.

“Go ahead I’m happy where I am,” you said scrolling through TikTok.

“Mhm, for real though,” she said suddenly serious as she sat up. You frowned closing your phone and looking at her.

“I’ve done research,” she said and you raised an eyebrow.

“Research? On sugar daddies?” You said and she nodded.

“You’re serious?” You added and she nodded.

“I’ve already contacted one, we’re meeting this Friday,” she said and you stared baffled.

“You what?!” You said and she groaned.

“I knew this is how you’d react” you sighed flopping back on the bed.

“It’s a random rich guy!” You said and she ignored you.

“You��re so gonna get kidnapped, or killed! What if he’s a hitman?” You panicked and she gave you a raised eyebrow.

“I’m coming” you stated and she huffed.

“No you’re not” she sighed.

“Yes, I am! I’ll be suspiciously in the corner” you said.

“Hoodie and sunglasses” you added and she sighed.

“Fine you can come just in a different car and no suspicious clothes, wear something nice it’s an expensive restaurant” she said.

“I don’t have money for that!” You groaned.

“See!” She rolled her eyes.

“Fine give me some of your money,” you said turning on your phone again.

“I’m the sugar baby, not you, get your own” she huffed and you groaned.

“Ugh fine, look I’ll transfer some money to you, just order a drink or something at least” she sighed tapping on her phone dramatically.

“We’re gonna die” you groaned.

“We’re not gonna die, Jesus Christ” she shook her head.

“Go to sleep” she said turning her phone off and turning her back to you. You mumbled a ‘you go to sleep’ before turning off your phone and getting comfortable. Maybe a sugar daddy wouldn’t be so bad.

Friday came too quickly and you panicked as your best friend dressed up. She had heels, makeup a nice fancy dress and you contemplated jeans and a plain top.

“No,” she said suddenly throwing your clothes back in the tomboy and going to your wardrobe.

“I’m not the one meeting him!” You said.

“No, but you’re not a hobo,” she said.

“Could be” you grumbled as she picked out a nice dress you hadn’t worn in ages.

“Fine” you huffed taking it. You put some smaller heels on and struggled with them before putting on some makeup also.

“Do you have a purse?” She asked going through your wardrobe.

“I have a backpack?” You said and she shook her head before making a triumphant noise. She found an old small leather handbag in one of your boxes and chucked it at you.

“Shit,” you said failing at catching it.

“Come on we’re gonna be late” she said already heading out your door.

“Ok bye” you rolled your eyes taking one last look in the mirror.

You arrived in a separate Uber, and looking at the seriously fancy restaurant you felt seriously out of place. You groaned quietly, your friend had made a booking for you. You headed to the receptionist and said the name it was under before the woman led you to a small table nearby. You spotted your friend and an attractive older man with her. They’d already greeted and were in conversation. You tried not to be obvious with your hawk stare, every time the man looked over slightly you quickly snapped your head away and sipped your drink.

“You’re not very discreet” You jumped a mile at the voice and spilt drink on your dress. You cursed going to grab the small napkin only to be beaten. You looked up seeing a man there, he looked guilty as hell as he handed you the napkin and apologised.

“I’m so sorry,” he said as you soaked up the liquid.

“It’s ok” you muttered, it wasn’t really ok. Your best friend had glanced, but ignored. You liked this dress and now it was stained. No way your stain remover would get that out. You tried to keep it covered with the napkin but sighed. You frowned and froze though when a jacket went around your shoulders and covered the damage. You stared at the man who smiled apologetically.

“Misha,” he said and you frowned.

“My name” he chuckled and you made an ‘o’ face like an idiot.

“Sorry, Y/n,” you said and he held his hand out. You expected a handshake but instead, he kissed the back of your hand making you flush.

“Allow me to pay for a proper cleaning and a new drink,” he said and you just nodded too in a daze at the kiss.

“May I?” He asked pointing to your seat and you nodded.

“Don’t worry about cleaning or a drink it’s ok” you quickly said gaining your wits back.

“Please I insist, perhaps a lunch too?” He asked smiling.

“I can’t afford lunch, listen I’m just here as backup” you whispered and he raised an eyebrow intrigued.

“That’s why you keep watching the couple over there intently?” He chuckled softly.

“Not a couple, yet, I don’t know, she’s my best friend I said id watch her back” you spoke softly and he nodded.

“Though apparently me spilling my drink over my favourite dress is not important to her” you huffed leaning your arms on the table.

“Bitch” you mumbled and he laughed before you realised what you said.

“Sorry I’m so sorry, god” you groaned quietly wishing the ground would swallow you up.

“It’s ok” he smiled.

“I’m sorry about your dress again, and scaring you, I should’ve realised it was a serious job,” he said and you smiled shaking your head.

“I’m overprotective and the overthinker in this relationship” you chuckled.

“It’s good to be protective, overthink, not so much” he said and you nodded.

“Would you like to order?” The waiter came over again.

“No thank you” you smiled as he turned to the man across from you.

“My treat, can’t have you hungry on a mission” he smiled and you debated.

“I-“ you sighed nodding your head and giving in as Misha smiled happily. The waiter handed you menus and you ordered a simple meal, well the cheapest one you could find, geez Food was expensive here. You also ordered a Coke this time, not wanting to spill another fancy drink.

“Thank you,” you said quietly.

“My pleasure” he smiled his eyes softening. You wondered why he approached you? He clearly had money and was well standing. You were a street rat compared to him.

“You’re not comfortable here,” he said and you nodded.

“Have I made you uncomfortable?” He said frowning.

“No, no, I’ve never been here, never would be here if it weren’t for my friend uh- it’s not really a situation I can speak about” you said embarrassed. Sure just blurt out your friends meeting a potential sugar daddy, great conversation.

“Oh why is she giving that face” you muttered seeing your best friend's face change. She quickly hid it though and smiled making you sigh.

“Don’t go and save her just yet” Misha commented and you hummed.

“No she’s uncomfortable” you finalised seeing her fiddle with her bracelet, licking her lips too much and the slight frown she had, along with the slight leg twitch she got.

“I can’t ruin this for her” you groaned softly as the waiter came and laid down your plates.

“She’s alright,” Misha said giving a glance.

“What if she’s not?” You sighed, her movements changed and she was smiling again and not uncomfortable.

“Huh,” you said confused.

“That guy must be good” you mumbled more to yourself as you ate. Misha laughed and you honestly forgot this man was there and bought you lunch, you are a stranger.

“I’m so sorry, you bought me lunch and I’m just-“ you babbled and slowed your eating.

“Just sharing my best friend's date and my overprotective issues” you cursed yourself silently.

“I’m eating like a dog too” you mumbled feeling embarrassed. You grabbed a napkin and wiped your mouth sighing.

“Sorry I’m not very lady-like,” you said placing your fork down and feeling uncomfortable eating.

“This is why I’m alone” you mumbled more to yourself and he frowned.

“Sorry,” you apologised.

Misha smiled softly at you. You were a funny woman, highly loyal and protective of your friend it seemed, maybe a little too much.

The moment you walked in you caught his eye, not fit in for this type of establishment, the way you moved awkwardly avoiding touching anything when you sat down and your eyes went wide reading the menu before ordering the cheapest alcoholic drink you could find. You sat nervously, glancing too often at another couple, it got him curious as to why you kept looking their way. A friend of his or hers, hers you kept looking at her worried and him with defensive eyes. He knew the other man, a business partner, a wealthy man. He knew this kind of meeting, having been there before a couple of times with a younger woman in need of some extra money. You thought he figured you’d meet someone too sort of a best friend thing, but no after ten minutes of your constant glancing he decided to approach. He scared the life out of you, your drink flew on your dress and your eyes went wide with fear then sadness. He felt horrible, the way your eyes looked at your dress, a favourite of yours by the looks you gave as you tried to clean the stains. Your hands were shaking as you tried to ground yourself quickly. He sought to comfort you but knew that it would be inappropriate. You declined his offers before spilling the truth as to why you were there and the lack of funds yourself. You weren’t focused on him, more babbling in a cute way to voice your worry. When you finally gave in to his offer for food and drink he felt good inside about helping you. When you said that’s why you were alone it broke his heart, a young beautiful thing like you shouldn’t be alone and he knew how to fix that.

[sugolara]

𝙃𝙞𝙗𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙪𝙨

ft. yandere! Izuku Midoriya x fem! reader

previous || series m.list || next

Delicate Beauty

In fact, Izuku never returned to class. He instead went home which didn't go unnoticed by Shota and his friends as well as one other. Everyone else didn't really care as they didn't know him that well.

Still, F/n was concerned for him. His outburst caused her to rethink everything. Why was he upset? She had noticed that he had tears and his cheeks were pink. But why?

Was it because of her and Shoto? She should have been mindful and figured that maybe Izuku doesn't do well being around a lot of people. He has mentioned that before.

She felt bad as she now realized the issue she caused.

When the school bell rang, indicating it was time to go home, she quickly grabbed her bag as well as Izuku's. Her friends however stopped her.

Shoto still felt flustered from their kiss. He knew it was an accident but he hoped this wouldn't make their friendship awkward. He also happened to notice her carrying Izuku's bag, "You're heading to his home?"

Thankfully, there was no awkward tension. She nodded in concern, "I feel bad. He's mentioned he doesn't do good around many people. He must've had an anxiety attack."

"Oh, no." Ochaco worryingly said and then perked up, "I can go with you! If he's not feeling well we can bring him something."

"That is very nice, Ochaco." Tenya then looked at F/n, "Do you happen to know his address?"

She stared at Ochaco for a while before giving her attention to her navy-haired friend, "I was thinking about calling or texting him."

"I'm sure Mr. Aizawa has his address." Tenya then added, fixing his school bag strap.

"Do you want us to accompany you?" Shoto asked.

"Uh..we'll." F/n looked at each of her friends. She didn't think Izuku would be fine with having a few people in his place. Besides, she had a nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach that bringing them would cause unspeakable things, "It's okay. I'll go alone."

All excitement left as Ochaco gave her friend a look, "Okay, bye."

"Make sure to let us know if he's doing better." Tenya said as he shortly followed after her.

Shoto lingered for a while before saying his goodbyes, "My moms visiting tomorrow. She wants to know if you can come by for dinner."

She smiled at him, "Yep! I'll be there."

With that she was alone and she began to grab Izuku's notebook. Shota has already left so asking him for her friend's address is a no go.

When she opened his bag, she was surprised at how many notebooks there were. There was even a f/c notebook that caught her eye. She was a little curious to see what he had written down, but she knew it was disrespectful to go through other people's belongings.

She peacefully walked towards Izuku's home. She had texted him and he instantly replied his home address. It was fairly close to her own home, but the walk would be a little longer.

She found it strange how the streets were completely empty. No sign of humans or animals. It deeply disturbed her but she continued onward and just hoped that everyone was in their homes. She would refuse for her mind to go crazy.

And it didn't make it feel any better that the night of the carnival she felt like someone was watching her. They're were plenty of people walking by but it seemed that the person only had eyes for her. It even followed her to her home. She had to stay awake all night as the feeling scared her.

Before she headed to Izuku's home. She had stopped by the convenience store to buy him a snack. A way of apologizing to him for how inconsiderate she was. She hoped he liked the flower shaped candy.

She arrived and stared at his apartment door. From the outside, it was quiet. She wondered if his mother was home when she knocked.

It was quiet for a few seconds before the door opened. The same gut feeling returned as the door opened wide.

It was Inko. She smiled at the girl, "Oh, hello! You must be F/n, correct? Izuku talks a lot about you. Please, come in."

He does? She returned the gesture and stepped inside, "Yes, is Izuku here? I have his bag."

She nodded and then knocked on his bedroom door, "Izuku, F/n's here."

The door quickly opened and Izuku pulled F/n inside, startling both women. He then closed the door behind him, "I'm so glad you're here!"

F/n awkwardly looked around, his room was empty except for the desk and bed. It was also a little chilly which didn't go unnoticed by the male. She then gestured to his bag and placed it on his desk, "I came to drop this off. You never returned to class."

Izuku only stared at her. She then pulled out the candy and handed it to him, "I wanted to say I'm sorry. I was being really inconsiderate about you and so I felt bad. I hope you can forgive me."

His eyes widened and shined as he gently grabbed the flower shaped candy. She acknowledged her mistake and apologized. She knew kissing Shoto was bad and she apologized? Oh, how his heart was beating with life.

"Of course I forgive you!" He widely smiled in happiness. He then hugged her, digging his face in her hair, "I'm so glad you apologized."

Okay, this wasn't exactly how she imagined this would go. She didn't move the male and instead only stood there. She felt really uncomfortable. Her heart was racing, her palms were sweaty and she felt a little lightheaded.

Also...was Izuku sniffing her hair?

She let out an uncomfortable smile and tried to move him, "I-Izuku...Umm."

He perked up, his hands never leaving her arms as he stared at her e/c eyes, "That's right I forgot! You're cold."

She let out a sound as he yanked her to his bed and threw the covers on her. He then sat next to her. 

She was deeply, deeply disturbed. She tried hard not to maintain eye contact as she had a feeling that Izuku was already looking at her, waiting for her to give her his attention.

"Ḟ̴̵̸̷̷̶̴̡̛͕̗̰̞̭̗͍̬̠̖̱͈̬̹̮̙͙̬͕̗̮̤̦͈͔͈̖͉̞̩͓̮̠͖̦͈́͛́́̂͂̽͌̔̾̋͌͊͆̽̉͌̓̌̎̀̔̇͂̊̓̄͑͗͂̊̚̕͝͠ͅͅͅ/̶̷̴̴̷̷̴̶̵̸̷̶̶̶̡̧̨̨̨̨̡̛̦͎͇͔̼̣̳͔̟̺͓̗͍͉̲͇̮̭̻̙̗͚̩̭̙̥̲̠̲̲̬̰̲̹̭̫̪̗͚̠̩̙̙̟̹͍̫͎̝̟̠͕̠͉̻̗̈̋̂̒̿̂͆̄́̔̋̏̔͐͊͛͌̿̄̌͒̂̋̈́͌́̌̑̌̈́̀̉̿̐̎̔̋̃̍̅̍͛͒̀̌̒͑̃̏̉̉̎͑̈́͛̀̀̽̐͑̒͒̀́̀̈́͊̇̉͋͒̎́͐̋̋͑̚̚͘̚̚͘̕͜͝͝͝͝͝͠͝͝͝ͅͅň̶̵̶̶̴̵̷̶̵̵̸̷̵̶̴̴̶̵̵̨̢̧̢̡̧̢̨̛̖͙͉̜̯̼̮͎̬͕͔̦̮̰̣̞̜̰̭̺̬̼̳͎̲͉̫̞͔̠̺̹̹͙̲̩̝̞͖̼̟̣̝̪̲̖͓̬̺̞̻͖̲̻͇̤͉̟̜͖̼̠͈̞̥̦͙̟͎̯̳̙̦̺̝͇̖͚͙̥̝͕̩̗̺͙̗̞̗̪̻̊̌̌̔͆̂͑̇̈̔͑̾͂̈̇́͆͛̾̈̀̔̾̋̆͒̃̋̌͒̆̇̎̏̑̒͂͂̈́̉̏̌͆̈͊͛̌̎̃̊͂̐͒̊͂͌̊̋̊̂́̈́̆̏͆̅͆͑̈́͛̋́̀̅͒͆͒̈́̽͊̽̽̏̒͛̑̃͒͑̅̐̋̒̐͊̍͒̅̉̎̈́̀́͛̆̽̕̚̚͘̕̕̕̚͘͜͜͝͝͝͝͠͠͝ͅͅͅͅͅ..."

Hearing her name caused her to flinch. She slowly eyed him. Her brows furrowed at his glowing green eyes, "...Yes, Izuku?"

He continued to stare at her before grinning, "Do you want to have...a sleepover?"

She was sure they could both hear her heart pounded against her chest. She tried to speak but she felt scared. She was beginning to tremble and before she could speak, her phone rang.

She felt relief as she grabbed her phone and noticed it was her mom calling. She stood up and then grabbed her bag, "I have to go."

"Wait!" Izuku grabbed her hand. He shakily smiled at her, "I'll see you later."

She returned the smile, though hers was fake, "Goodbye."

She quickly left, passing by a worried Inko. She didn't bother looking back as she walked down the stairs and exited the neighborhood. She let out a sigh of relief when she entered her home.

Is something wrong with him? Maybe he's still a little shaken up and confides in her. Yea, that must be it. Her nervousness eased as she settled in bed.

That same feeling of being watched returned.

[cerise-on-top]

Could I possibly request Fem!Reader x Laswel where Reader takes Laswel home for the holidays, leaving Laswel a bit of an anxious mess at meeting readers family, but also being endeared by the domesticity of the small holiday party, ending with the pair sitting outside on the porch as the first snow begins to fall?

It's a little cliché but I think it'd be a cute idea ♡

It's very cliché, but not to worry, I made the idea even more cliché and sweet and fluffy by adding some headcanons of my own! It makes me happy to hear there are some Laswell enjoyers out there! I hope you like this, it's also more of a fic than anything else, but it's kind of rushed because I have work again tomorrow ^^; Sorry about that! But thank you for the lovely idea, I was very happy to write that! :D

Laswell Spending the Holidays with Reader and Her Family

It wasn’t an issue, she told herself. Kate had been on missions that relied on her expertise, else the world was going to shatter like glass. There was no anxiety there, she had nothing to fear. If the world was going to end, she knew the right people to call to save it after all. Nothing was bigger than her, nothing could best her, she has been through hell and back several times. And yet, standing in front of the door to your parent’s house, she went through every sort of anxiety there was. Would your parents like her? Was she dressed too casually for the occasion or was she overdressed? Would they accept a lesbian into their home? It was the last question that would prove to be the biggest problem. Normally something like this wouldn’t matter to her, but you were close with your family, Kate had to make sure this would work.

“You ready, Kate?” You looked so adorable in your ear muffs, puffy white smoking forming whenever you exhaled. The scarf you wore suited you well, adorning your lovely jacket. The snow hadn’t fallen just yet, but it was cold regardless. Kate couldn’t help but stare for a second, your big, bright eyes looking back at her with such glee, reassuring her that everything was going to be alright. A small squeeze to her hand was all it took before Kate gave you a warm smile herself. Maybe meeting your family wasn’t such a bad thing after all, you were there too.

“Of course I am. Ready when you are.” And thus you rang the doorbell. A normal sound one would hear just about anywhere. It was then that Kate, for the first time that evening, noticed the quiet Christmas carols playing in the background. The door, too, was covered in decoration. Green and red, a Christmas wreath with an angel on it. A lovely sight. Kate may not have been religious, but it was a nice thought, knowing someone was looking down at you, making sure you were alright. A task she, too, was used to. But it didn’t matter too much, soon enough, the door was opened, revealing a man. He seemed friendly enough, joyful upon seeing you, immediately taking you into his arms.

You didn’t seem too displeased upon seeing him either. Given your difference in age, it must have been your father. A tight hug, sentimental greetings and a kiss to the forehead, everything seemed jolly in that moment.

“Who is it?”

A feminine voice called out. Her question was left unanswered for the most part, her husband giving her no response. He was preoccupied, busy with looking at his daughter he hadn’t seen in a long time. Yet, soon enough, Kate’s anxiety returned as he looked at her. It was dark already, the only reliable source of light coming from the inside. Despite it being somewhat hard to make out his expression, he didn’t seem displeased upon seeing her. “You must be Kate, then? Our girl has told us so much about you. Please, come in! It’s so nice to make your acquaintance!” He let the two of you in. Maybe meeting your family wasn’t such a bad experience after all. They seemed nice. “Honey, it’s y/n and Kate!”

The music inside was something one would, most likely, only hear within a proper and cliched Christmas movie. Even the decoration was a bit much. Tiny trees, underneath them small gifts, an advent wreath with all four candles lit and, of course, a fully decorated Christmas tree, full sized. It had some white decoration on it as well, likely resembling snow to give it even more holiday spirit. From small chocolate umbrellas to windrings, it was all there. Another small angel on the tree, a pretty little golden star on its top. It was the way anyone would expect a Christmas tree to look like. And yet, it felt cozy. Nothing wrong with having the spirit, Kate just wasn’t used to it in the slightest. It had been a while since she was able to celebrate any holiday like that.

Among the pretty lights was another figure that came into view. This one was shorter than your father, likely having been your mother. She stopped for a moment before going in for you as well, giving you a tight hug. Loving words came from her, too. How much she missed you, hoping you were doing well. how you should come visit them more often. How nice, your parents really loved you, no matter what. It warmed her heart even more so than the nicely heated room. Looking around as you and your mother exchanged your greetings, she spotted a big pretzel on the table, filled with all sorts of goodies. Cheese, ham, sausage mayonnaise, tuna, it all seemed to be there.

“Looking forward to the pretzel already, are we?” Your mother joked as she looked at her. The food did look delectable, even if that wasn’t exactly what Kate was looking forward to the most.

Even if she wanted to, Kate couldn’t fight the smile on her face. It was just so domestic, it was a home with a loving family, a lovely daughter and it seemed as though, despite two women being in love, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. You and Kate being together, as long as you were bound by love and joy throughout it all, wasn’t the issue. Perhaps the only issue would have been how much Kate could eat of the pretzel before being too full for another bite. “It looks very delicious ma’am. Did you make it yourself? Or did you order it from the bakery nearby?”

“No need for such formalities. As long as you make y/n happy and take care of her, you’re part of our family. You really don’t have to be that formal with either of us.” Such a thing had been a long time from then and there as well, with most informalities having been left behind in the past. You were just about one of the only more recent exceptions, even if you had known each other for several years. Always, Kate had to be formal, if just to delay another conflict for a few days to make sure help would arrive at the right time. She was family to your mother already, even if she had never met either of your parents. “I’m just glad my daughter has finally found someone she was willing to settle with. She had had a partner before, but that did not go as planned.”

“Mom, for the love of everything that is good and holy, please don’t bring up the past. That was an eternity ago and it’s so shameful!” You sounded indignant upon hearing your mother make such a comment. Sweet and kind you, hiding things from the past, getting embarrassed upon hearing your lovely mother bring them up. “Kate, don’t listen to her, she’s lying to you! Straight up! Through her teeth! Nothing ever happened, everything was always good and always will be!” You crossed your arms, glaring at your mother as you protested. As long as everything was good and alright in the present, that’s all that mattered. Kate was going to make sure it would stay that way too.

Your mother simply chuckled, giving Kate a short but sweet hug, exchanging the pleasantries of giving each other their first names. “Kate, if y/n is ever any trouble tell me and I’ll make sure she’ll learn her lesson.”

“Mom! Stop it!”

“It’s lovely to have you with us, thank you so much for coming. Thank you for taking care of y/n, you know how it is with parents, but you seem like such a nice lady. Please continue to take good care of her, we just want what’s best for her.”

Even as you covered your face with one hand, even as you silently muttered curses under your breath, even as you still smiled as though you had received an expensive gift you had been wanting for years, Kate couldn’t help but laugh a bit. You were flustered beyond compare, no matter how much she wanted to say something about it, maybe tease you about your adorable mannerisms, your quirks, your traits, she decided against it, simply giving you a bright smile instead.

“Mom, if I’m going to be bullied here then Kate and I are going to take our leave and celebrate Christmas elsewhere!” An empty threat, everyone involved knew that much. Even in the heat of your embarrassment, your family did not stop teasing you, your father quipping in here and there as well. Kate hadn’t experienced something like this in a long time, getting to sit back and watch some playful banter. With your father distracting you this time, with your mother coming up to Kate, asking her if she wanted to hear some stories of gone-by times with you being so young, small and ready to take on the world, Kate forgot she was ever even anxious to meet your parents to begin with.

It was your father who would finally begin the tradition, aside from the pretzel, calling your mother and Kate over to the Christmas tree. A few of the presents had already been placed there. Even so, before forgetting, Kate excused herself, rushing to the car in order to get the last one. It was that evening or never.

She had always been a calm person, never letting anything get to her head. When her childhood crush told her how disgusting she was, when her parents belittled her and told her she could change still, when her ex wife left her for reasons she didn’t want to believe, it hurt. But not for long. Every time someone let her down, every time someone hurt her, she knew she was one of the only people she could rely on. God helps those who help themselves. There was no God to her, she had achieved everything on her own. But this time she will have to rely on someone else entirely. Whatever you did, it would shape her future. And thus, she grabbed the box meant for you and headed back inside.

You seemed so cheerful, looking at the jacket your parents bought for you. And, in turn, you parents also looked happy with their presents. Naturally, getting along with them as well as you did, you knew what to get them, even in their later years. It was, all round, just a happy evening, for everyone involved it seemed. Steadying her breath for a second, just as your father turned off the lights, leaving nothing but the Christmas lights on, she stood still, gripping the box tightly. Kate hoped you would like the present she got for you. Yes, you had been with each other for years, but this time was different.

After having taken off the jacket, putting it over one of the chairs nearby, you turned to Kate, eyeing the box she was holding. “Hey, what’s that? Can I see?”

“I’ll let you see it in just a second, dear, alright? Could you please come closer to the tree?”

Your spirit guided you to the location Kate wanted you to be in: Standing next to the tree, illuminated by the red and green lights. Everything else was dark. From a purely aesthetic standpoint, this was perfect. And thus, having taken another deep breath, despite her age, Kate got down on one knee, opening the box so your curious soul could see its contents. “Y/N, will you marry me?”

With you clasping your hands over your mouth, your mother and father gasping as they held onto each other, with Kate watching you closely as the tears started brimming in your eyes. The lights were reflected so beautifully in your eyes, dancing across, giving them the most vibrant colors in the universe. But you were stunned into silence, removing your hands only to mouth some words that could never reach Kate in the state you were in. The Christmas charm seemed to have worked, you were out of your mind with joy, but unable to say anything about it.

A sob escaped you as you slung your arms around Kate, tightly holding onto her. You weren’t going to lose her, not that easily anymore, you were both here to stay. “Yes! Fuck, Kate! Of course I’m going to marry you! I love you! I love you so much, you have no idea!!” Your tears stained the blouse she chose for the evening, but it didn’t matter. All Kate wanted was to hold you, love you, cherish you, through thick and thin, through the good and the bad. All she wanted was to spend the rest of her days with you and no one else. Kate got her present, the biggest one she could have ever wished for: Your “yes”.

Your parents were also quiet for a moment, allowing you to cry into Kate’s shoulder. But from what she could see, they were shocked, but happy for their girl. She was going to get married after so many years. And that to the woman of her dreams she never really could shut up about whenever they were talking. It was a lovely sight. Soon enough, you were both officially going to be a part of each other’s family, bearing each other’s names so no one would ever mistake you as anything else but each other’s wife.

You bit back a sob, your voice still cracking as you asked Kate a small favor: “Can we please go outside for a bit? I think I need a moment here.”

“Of course, anything for you.” Kate handed you your new jacket before she grabbed her own. Naturally, as she wanted it to be, you led the way to the backyard, holding Kate’s hand. Despite it being dark, despite the only light coming from other Christmas decorations and you not having been here in a while, you found a bench in the middle of the small piece of land immediately. The two of you sat down, Kate having slung an arm over you as you kept sobbing for another moment. Nothing could have prepared her for you being so over the moon to hear the big question, but she wasn’t complaining.

It took you another minute or two to finally compose yourself, but you got there eventually. “You know, I always thought I was never going to find someone, preferring girls over guys and all. Age wise, you and I aren’t that far apart either, so you know how long I’ve been carrying that thought, that belief, with me now. But then I found you and…” You went quiet again for another second. Kate rubbed your back, hoping it would soothe you a bit. “...and now this. Kate, you don’t know how happy I am right now. To think that someone would think me, of all people, to be worth loving. To be worth marrying. You’re something else.” You grabbed her hands so tenderly, giving them a gentle squeeze as you looked into her eyes. “Thank you so much, for everything. I am so happy, so glad I get to spend the rest of my life with you.”

“Y/N, as you know, I’ve been through a lot. I’ve seen the best and worst of humanity, but nothing could ever best you. I would go through this entire hell again and again, if just to spend another moment with you. Getting to spend the rest of eternity with you is more than I could have ever asked for. Thank you for allowing me to be by your side.”

Just as you leaned in, sealing this beautiful evening with a kiss, something small landed on Kate’s nose. You giggled a bit, looking to the sky for a moment, then back at your soon-to-be wife. “Even the sky is weeping with joy right now. Isn’t that sweet?”

“Of course it is. Anyone would be happy for us right now, dear.”

Interrupted by the small snowflake, you gave it no mind, placing a small, tender kiss on Kate’s lips as you were. The snow looked beautiful in her hair. Winter didn’t seem so dreadful and cold anymore, it was a hopeful time you could remember for more than just seeing a part of your family. Another part was right there with you, forever and always, after all.

[zukkaart]

Prompt where zuko had to go abroad for a year for diplomatic reasons. Sokka gets insecure about the fact Zuko might find someone there that's better looking but Zuko proves to him he loves him the same(maybe even more. Distance makes the heart fonder or whatever the saying is

If you're looking for angst then bb you have come to the right place I despise the miscommunication trope so you're lucky I love you.

~~~~~~~~~~

One thing about Sokka is he has abandonment issues.

After his mother died and father left before he was even ten, there was little anyone could do to quell his anxiety. Especially when Aang almost died, he felt like that eight year old boy all over again as he cried into his father's chest.

He knew it wasn't their own faults, not really, and he didn't hold any resentment. It still didn't change the way he reacted whenever one of the people he cared about had to leave. He always felt like something would happen and they'd never return.

Over the last five years with everyone having to return to their respective nations as well as travelling around the world as diplomats Sokka had no choice but learn to adapt.

He wasn't expecting his anxiety to jump back through the roof when Zuko finally asked him to be his boyfriend on a visit to the South Pole. It was one of the happiest days of his life, until it wasn't.

Sokka didn't anticipate the way panic would grip his chest when the fire lord had to return to his people. They wrote letters back and forth almost every day, and they visited each other whenever possible. It had been three years since they began their long distance relationship and he still had no idea how Katara and Aang did it.

It had been okay between them for a while, Zuko was very good at reassurance and Sokka was content to drive himself in to his work and travels to distract himself. However, with everything so peaceful he hadn't had a reason to travel to the other nations, which meant he hadn't seen Zuko in almost 8 months now.

"Sokka? Are you alright?" Katara placed a hand on his shoulder, starling him awake from where he had fallen asleep across his diplomacy plans and maps.

"Yeah, I'm fine." He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, "I was just trying to figure out the best trade routes between us and the NP before going through the Earth Kingdom,"

The truth was, he wasn't okay. He had barely been eating or sleeping. Zuko had been in the North pole for the last three months, so on top of still not being able to see him he was now an entire world away, and they were corresponding much less frequently due to the distance and Zuko's endless work to improve relations.

Sokka couldn't help but feel like the longer he went without seeing his boyfriend, the less likely he was to come back at all. The added factor of being in a relationship made him feel like not only was something terrible likely to happen, but he also constantly worried that Zuko would find someone better... especially in the North Pole.

The North Pole had a large army full of brave warriors, and Sokka felt that any one of them was worth two of him- even after everything that he'd done. Zuko deserve someone better, but he still wanted the person he chose to be him. He had never spent more than two months in another nation at a time. Sokka couldn't help but feel like maybe he found someone.

"Come on, some messenger hawks just came in," Katara sighed, not failing to note the dark circles under his eyes that seemed to get deeper by the day. Sokka mumbled his agreement and pulled on his parka to follow her.

They finally reached the hawk perches and Sokka's mood was unimproved when he found no letters for him except updates from Toph and Aang on the construction of Republic City. Katara placed a hand on his shoulder, and he knew she was about to suggest she use some healing on him to help him sleep, but she never got the chance,

"Ship in port! All hands!" The dockmaster called, but it was the middle of the night. So Sokka and Katara took off running to help, practically falling through the snow as they went.

It was in fact a ship, a fire nation ship. Sokka felt his heart leap in his chest. That would explain the lack of correspondence. Zuko never write while he was sailing, he always insisted on focusing on helping his crew.

Sokka and Katara took the ropes that the crew tossed down and began working with the few dockhands working the night shift to drag it in to port. It took them a while. The moment the anchor was dropped Sokka sprinted up the gang plank and on to the ship, practically knocked the captain flat on his ass.

He righted him with a quick apology. "Where is Zuko?" He asked slightly frantically.

"The Fire Lord? Why would he be here?" The captain asked,

"Well because he- I...." Sokka dropped his head, not letting go of the captains shoulders, "He's really not here?"

The captain offered him a sympathetic look, "No, but that's actually why I'm here, to bring you back to the Fire Nation," Sokka's disappointment was instantly replaced by icy fear running up his spine. "What? What's wrong? Is he okay?"

That time the captain laughed lightly and gently removed Sokka's hands from his armor. "Nothing is wrong, your presence as an emissary is simply requested on behalf of the fire lord." He handed over an official correspondence with a royal seal.

He spoke the truth, so Sokka said his goodbyes to Katara and made sure she was alright. She assured him she was since Aang would be arriving in a few hours and their father would be sailing back from the EK in a week. So he packed a bag, hugged her goodbye, and set on his way. It would take them a month to reach Caldera City.

~Z~

"Your highness, embassador Sokka has arrived," The court announcer found him in his room, where he was frantically trying to figure out how to string leather. He had barely just returned from the North Pole where he had spent the last three months trying to learn every Water Tribe tradition possible surrounding marriage and betrothal. Most of them were simple, but carving a necklace? Proved to be nearly impossible.

He spent an entire extra month than anticipated there, just working with their best carvers and creating a design all his own. He broke a frankly absurd amount of bone circles in the process, but eventually made one that was perfect. Only one thing left to do.

~S~

He couldn't help his hands from shaking as he walked up the steps of the palace, he was about to open the large main doors when a servant ran up to him, practically out of breath.

"Embassador, the Fire Lord requests that you meet him by the turtle duck pond, shall I escort you?" He gasped for air

"No," Sokka couldn't help but crack a smile and place a comforting hand on the frazzled young man's shoulder. "I know where it is,"

He made his way around the palace and through the outdoor pathways that he could have walked in his sleep. Zuko always met him there if he was feeling stressed or had something important to talk about. His enthusiasm slipped back in to anxiety the closer he got. What if he did find someone else? What if he only brought him all the way here to break up with him in person?

I should just get back on that ship and go home

But it was too late. His feet had taken control all the way in to the garden, where Zuko was just sitting peacefully in the late afternoon light watching the turtle ducks swim around.

If this moment was to end, Sokka convinced himself to stand in it a moment longer. If he could just keep sitting there... so beautiful.

Zuko must have felt his eyes because he turned his head then, and beckoned him over. Sokka obeyed and sat down next to him. He reached a hand out but Zuko pulled away.

Tui and La spare me if this is how it ends

"What?" Zuko asked, and Sokka realized he must have that that out loud. He couldn't bring himself to say anything else, only to meet his eyes, tears welling in them.

Zuko immediately dropped whatever he was holding on to the grass in favor of taking Sokka's face with both hands.

"My love what's wrong?" Sokka couldn't stop the tears then from freely rolling down his face as he began to sob,

"I"m so sorry, I should have visited you more. If you found someone else it's okay but I don't want to know and I don't want to meet them," He gasped in between sobs, "Please, please spare me that,"

"Sokka? Lover, what are you talking about?" "You spent so long in the North, longer than usual right?"

A indecipherable look crossed Zukos face

"Yes," He confirmed, and his eyes flickered down, "A month longer, but it-" "I knew it," Another sob wracked his body as he yanked his face from Zuko's grasp and immediately began storming off. He heard shuffling behind him and silently prayed that Zuko would let him go with his dignity. He said as much,

"Sokka please! It's not like that, just wait!" "Leave me alone! I don't want to hear it!" He snapped back

"Sokka you absolutely wonderful idiot," Zuko grabbed his arm and yanked him around so they were face to face,

"Don't call me a-"

"Sokka I'm trying to propose!"

"You...what?"

(This one is literally so long my badddd but I hope you like it)

[sunfyresrider]

Queen of Reeds

Synopsis: Gaella was not happy to come back for the reason she did and was even less happy when the first person to greet her was an uncle with one eye. It didn't stop there, he seemed to show up at every corner. An enemy to despise, that's what Gaella was taught to see him. However, it is said that hatred is the closest thing to love.

pairing: Aemond Targaryen x Velaryon (strong) OC warnings: enemies to lovers if you squint, descriptions of violence, name calling and insults, OC is childish, NSFW (smut), Aemond pretending he isn't a simp. word count: 8,000+ note: repost for the lovely @morasakura2023 I added some bits in and also if this does well, I'll make a part two.

It was the first time Gaella had been back to King’s landing since she was a child. It was by request of the king, her grandsire, to celebrate her upcoming name day. It was a huge deal because now she was old enough to wed. Or to be more precise, sold off. This was unbeknownst to her at the time of arrival, of course.  

Gaella had an issue with returning home. Her issue being a rather tall blonde with only one eye. In childhood she lurked and watched his every move and now, ten years later, she’s carefully maneuvering her way through the crowds watching him duel with Ser Criston. 

She followed him when she was young because she simply was curious about the youngest Hightower boy. Gaella overheard rumors of a betrothal so it made sense to try and find out more about him.

Now the reasons were far different. Aemond was, whether they liked it or not, the black's current biggest threat. Not only did he ride Vhagar but from what she was observing he was a rather skilled swordsman. No better than her, she trained herself to be the best. He was agile, precise and swung his sword with a purpose.

Her eyes roamed over his form. It was hard to admit, and she almost gagged at the thought, but he looked good, starkly different from the boy she knew. It seemed she wasn’t the only one to notice this. The few women of the court standing outside were practically swooning. It was gross in her humble opinion, to fawn over men, especially Aemond ‘one-eye’ Targaryen. 

Aemond thoroughly enjoyed when the crowd watched him and the mixed emotions that would form in the pit of their stomachs. The combination of admiration and fear drove him to excel in his daily lessons with Criston. Obviously, his constant need to prove himself did not falter over time though he tried to deny it. 

What he did not enjoy was the prying eyes of a bastard who thought her presence was going unnoticed. She stalked about the onlookers the same way she did at the funeral and the same way she did all the years she lived at the keep. Her fascination with him was creepy but expected considering how he had grown. The brat was probably envious of him and frightened at what he’s become.  

Good, that’s exactly what he wanted from them. He hoped his existence plagued her and her brothers minds every single day of their lives just like theirs plagued his own. It drove him to show off, to prove he was better than them all. 

He swiftly dodged Criston’s swing and aimed the tip of his blade at his opponent’s neck. The small crowd erupted into applause fueling his already enlarged ego. A subtle smirk carved its way onto his face. He peered over in the direction he assumed she was standing. His mouth opened, prepared to taunt her.

She had vanished. He let out an annoyed huff of air and took his position again. Aemond would have to wait to quarrel with her until later. 

-

Lucerys and Gaella were dragging their feet to the family supper. “Do you ever notice how uncle stares like he wishes to devour us whole?” Gaella spoke under her breath. “No. I avoid looking.” She let out a deep breath laced with apprehension. “I have this strange foreboding that this will not end well.” 

They stopped at the large double doors and stared at the cedar trim. Luke’s anxiety slowly seeped into her own skin. Their feet began to unconsciously move backwards. Until two large hands grabbed them both by the shoulders, nearly making them both fall forward. “Come on guys! We’re about to see our dear family again.” 

Jacaerys, the oversized puppy dog appeared from behind with a smile as vast as the sea. It annoyed her how well trained he was to keep face. It was good at pretending to like people and be nice. “Gael… Smile.” She turned to look at him and faked a grin.

The easy part of taking the first steps inside was over. Finding a seat that wasn’t directly across from her uncle was harder. It seemed they had forsaken her to be the one trapped in his view for the entire night. Aemond looked unbothered, too caught up in his own delusions of grandeur to notice her.

The king was well enough to attend supper though he had to be carried in by guards. He wasn’t as rotted as she thought, Viserys was lacking an arm, but his face remained intact. This did well to inspire everyone not to grab a knife and attempt to become a kinslayer. It didn’t change the fact the feast was riddled with tension. The Hightowers never liked Gaella or her brothers, nor did they like them. 

A short speech was given before they were permitted to eat. Nothing of substance, simply Viserys wishing them all good will and pleading with them to get along. The moment it ended; a nerve-wracking silence took over the room. Gaella’s eyes traveled between her mother and the queen, who were currently trying their best not to gaze at each other. Though, Alicent was failing desperately at this game. 

The only real sounds were coming from Aegon slurping his wine like a pig. The echoes of silverware clattering on plates and Helaena mumbling to herself. It was unbearably awkward but not as bad as the eye contact, she was holding with Aemond. He didn’t falter, not even to eat the food on his plate. When he drank his wine, his eye looked over the glass into her own. 

It was as if he was trying to intimidate her in the middle of a dinner party. “Uncle.” Gaella uttered with a slight nod of her head. It was her best attempt at breaking his unbearable gape. “Niece.” Aemond didn't nod, only kept staring unamused by the view. 

“Are you excited, sweet girl?” Viserys smiled softly at her. Gaella furrowed her eyes in confusion but still tried to smile back. “I’m afraid I don’t know what for.” Rhaenyra patted her father’s hands. She hadn’t told her yet, but it was clear she would not enjoy it by the breath her mother exhaled. “We are having a celebration to give you the chance to look at suitors. Much like what I did for your mother.” 

Her face dropped into a frown, “suitors?” Gaella choked out a laugh, “why would I look for that?” Rhaenyra glanced around the table and took in account who was there. She didn’t want to cause a scene in front of the extended family, It was none of their business in the first place. Solidarity was important to show in the face of potential enemies. 

“Yes, the king did do something similar for me which is how I met your father, Laenor.” Aegon rolled his eyes and sank into his cups. Aemond withheld a chuckle aching to escape his throat at the mere mention of Laenor. Gaella knew what they were thinking before he said it. ‘Strong bastards’ 

 “I have no interest in a husband but thank you grandsire. That’s very kind of you,” she spoke flatly. “It is past time you explore your options, love. You are blessed to be able to have a choice.” Gaella’s gaze momentarily traveled to poor Helaena and her wastrel of a husband. Rhaenyra tried to smile through her words and speak with her eyes: not here, we can do this later. Her glances fell on blind, childish eyes. 

Her sympathy quickly dissipated, she didn’t want to be Helaena or Alicent or Aemma or her own mother. “You wish to sell me like some broodmare!” Gaella’s voice echoed across the table. Anger issues, a trait she inherited from her biological father. A trait Jacaerys also shared but hid behind a masterfully crafted facade. The room stilled, as they all stared at her in awe. Except Aemond, who was biting the inside of his cheeks trying not to grin. 

“You can’t spend the rest of your years alone. I only wish for you to be happy-” It mattered not, she preferred solitude anyway. Gaella scoffed, “And you think sending me to some Lord will make me happy?” Rhaenyra firmly placed her hands down atop the table, “It is your duty.” Gaella pushed her chair out, nearly spilling wine all over poor Lucerys who flinched at the sudden movements. “Why is that? Why can’t I be a knight and die in battle.” 

“That is enough, Gaella.” Rhaenyra spoke in a stern voice. “I am not a whore to breed some man heirs!” Her mother slammed her firsts on the table, and Aegon choked on his drink. Lucerys sank low in his chair and Jacaerys avoided eye contact. “Go to your room… now!” Gaella stumbled back; her eyes threatened to well with tears. She quickly turned on her heels and stormed off.

____________________________________

Aemond watched from a corner of the yard as Gaella furiously swung her sword at the straw dummy and cursed below her breath. It was past time for a normal lady to be in bed. Then again, as she showcased tonight at supper Gaella was no lady. She was more like a feral cat used to catch mice.

It irked him to no end how easily she casted aside duty and so blatantly disrespected her elders with no punishment. He was glad to see one of the bastards finally lose something, but the show was beginning to become pathetic. Her movements were sloppy, and the dummy was all but beaten to rubbish. 

“You would be a shit knight.” She flinched at the voice, and her eyes widened at the sight of him. For just one moment she looked to be an innocent girl, a doe caught in a hunter's trap. Aemond’s shoulders released the tension for a moment, she was still a brat but maybe there was still hope for her. 

“That would still be a better one than you could ever be.” Gaella’s eyebrows furrowed and the grip on her blade tightened. He was reminded, once again, no bastard was innocent. His blood began to boil beneath his skin like a dragon’s. The tension in his body swiftly returned. 

 Aemond strode towards her, but she did not falter. She raised her chin to meet his gaze as they stood mere inches apart. “Hmm what would your father say about your skills, Lady Strong? I heard he was quite the knight in his time.” Gaella stepped closer, unfazed by the vicious insults. “He would be proud I still had both eyes.” 

Gaella was tossing and turning in bed trying to drown out the sounds of a dragon outside when Jacaerys rushed in. “Wake up! Wake up! Someone stole Vhagar.” She pushed her brother’s face away and sat up slowly. “It’s too late, wait until tomorrow.” He anxiously moved in place, “Come on! What if they’re not here by tomorrow.” She let out a tired sigh, “if they stole Vhagar surely they’ll be here to gloat when the sun rises.” 

Jace groaned, “fine! I’ll handle it myself.” She smiled to herself, “good luck with that!” Gaella sank back down into her pillow and listened to the quiet noises of Driftmark. If only she knew what would happen, she might have gotten out of bed. 

 “I could change that, Strong.” Aemond leaned over her, and his breath heated her skin. Her thoughts drifted from the threat of violence and to his form. The light from the moon perfectly outlined his figure, he could be considered handsome… Until you realized he was a snake. She stood higher on her toes, so their faces nearly connected. A pathetic display of dominance from the both of them. “I’d like to see you try.” 

Gaella and Aemond's eyes were riddled with hate as they glared at each other. Neither noticed that they both had gripped their weapons tighter preparing for the other to strike. Their breaths beat heavy against each other’s skin, and the air grew cold around them. “Spoiled brat.” His words seeped out his lips like venom. “Insolent cunt.” Her words spewed out of her mouth like dragon fire. 

The world around them faded away. It was a waiting game to see who broke first, who would elicit the other to unsheathe their weapons. Gaella and Aemond were frozen in place as their chests nearly pressed against each other as their breaths quickened with anticipation. They could feel the tension in the air, the hate between them still strong like an unshakeable force while an unfamiliar sensation seemed to ripple through their bodies. There was a feeling of immediacy and yet neither would make a move. Though the hate between them remained, a small trace of something else was growing inside them, something that was unknown to them before. 

“Gaella! It’s time to go to bed.” Jacaerys yelled from atop the stairwell. She pulled back and her fury melted away, the trance she was in dissolved immediately. “Coming!” Gaella didn't even turn back to the prince; she simply took off towards her brother. Now it was Aemond who stormed off, cursing underneath his breath like a child who couldn’t get their way. The bastards always found a way to get under his skin and ruin his peace, she proved to be no different.

____________________________________

The day before the tournament Gaella decided to spend her energy reading. It was a peaceful past time she had come to love in recent years. She wouldn’t admit it out loud, but it felt nice to be smarter than everyone because of what she read. The contents she was reading now were especially important for tomorrow.

Aemond was in a rather shit mood. Alicent had turned into a worried mess he had to take care of, Aegon disappeared into Fleabottom and he had to go and drag him back and Criston wouldn’t get off his back because he wanted him to train for a tournament, he refused to participate in. All Aemond wanted was to find a little peace.

The library was his favorite place of solitude. It was a time where he could dive into his studies with no interruptions from bastards or wastrels or disheveled adults. As he walked inside his face dropped into one of displeasure upon seeing her sitting in the library. Aemond’s jaw clenched, and he prayed to the seven for a little more patience. Could he not have a moment to himself? 

Gaella glanced up at the source of the interruption. Her annoyance quickly grew at the sight of the displeased expression on the face of the one-eyed prince. Gaella decided she wasn’t going to give him the time of day and shoved the book closer into her face. 

Aemond scoffed and stepped closer, quarreling with her was the closest thing he had to peace today. He was mildly curious about what book she was reading. He always believed she was too dull or lazy to read. In his mind the most she could manage was a fantasy book for children. As he moved closer It became painfully clear she wasn’t reading and was instead waiting for him to do something. 

He elected to ignore her and search for his own book. The silence in the room was overwhelming as he glanced through the books. Gods, she annoyed him to no end. You would think she would leave once I was here, he thought to himself. Aemond wasn’t really looking, merely pretending until she got the hint to leave. 

Gaella peered out from behind her book and saw him standing staring at the shelf. Was he even looking for anything or talking to himself? She slammed her book shut and moved next to him to be rid of her own book. Occasionally she glanced up at him wondering what he was staring at. 

Aemond tightened his jaw once he felt her move next to him. He could feel her eyes burning into his skin from below him. It was too much; her presence was bothering him too much. 

“I didn’t expect you to know how to read.” Gaella rolled her eyes, “Are you stalking me or is it a coincidence you keep stumbling upon my private time?” Aemond moved so he was standing behind her. He plucked a book off a shelf too high for her to reach and brought it down to his chest. “Is it a coincidence you are always in the places I frequent?” 

His breath tantalizingly caressed her neck, making her body flush as if thousands of butterflies flitted around inside her chest. His presence felt like a cocoon of warmth against her back, comforting yet strangely intimidating, it filled her with a longing for something more she couldn't quite understand. “Maybe we have more in common than we’d care to admit.” 

She turned so her back was against the bookshelf and her gaze rose to his own. He stared at her expressionless, “hmm I doubt that.” She chuckled, “Would it truly be that terrible to share common interests with a princess?” Aemond let his lip curve into a smirk. He leaned down so his face hovered above hers, “Only if it is you, Strong.” 

Gaela stood on her tip toes, so their noses were almost touching. “I don’t believe you, one-eye.” Aemond moved forward with force, so her body was firmly pressed against the shelf, and he blocked her in. Their chests pressed against each other as their breathing hastened. Aemond slid his hand up, so it was lightly pressed against her throat. He felt the small gulp move down her throat and a heat rose within him. “You should be careful who you insult.”  

There was not an ounce of fear in her body. Instead, it was replaced by a new, all-encompassing fire that she could not name. She slipped her hands from out behind her and onto his chest. “I didn't mean to affront you, My Prince.” She put a sarcastic emphasis on the word prince. He glared into her eyes and noticed her pupils invading her irises and the light flush beneath her skin. The way her lips parted ever so slightly and the rhythm of which she breathed.

His lower region began to ache, and he let go of her. He stepped back and let his hands fall to his sides. “You don’t hold such power over me, Princess.” Gaella fell back flat on her feet and her face once again grew annoyed. “I need to go.” Gaella went to step away, but Aemond shoved her back a bit.

 He had almost forgotten why he was standing over her in the first place. “If you can truly read, you’ll enjoy this one.” She firmly grabbed the book from his hands and glanced over the cover. A small smirk grew on her face. 

‘A book of swords; the art of combat and strategy.’ 

Aemond watched her smirk lightly and immediately regretted his kindness. She leapt up and placed a quick kiss to his cheek and took off into the other direction. Immediately he felt his face flush with heat and his feet glue themselves to the ground. The sensation in his core burnt brighter. 

Aemond's stomach churned as he was left wondering why, despite the fact that they had never seen eye to eye. He felt flustered, bewildered, and discombobulated all at once. He thought he had been clear that he didn’t like her, but here she had gone and did that. His mouth hung open as he stumbled for the right words to say. 

“Thank you, Aemond.” She yelled as she rushed out. He hadn’t heard her call him his name before either. What game was she playing?

____________________________________

There was a grand tournament being held in her honor. Her family sat atop the booth and watched the competitions being set up below. There were three events of tournaments like these ones. The first would be a test of archery, whomever hit the center the greatest number of times won the bout. Next it was mock battle otherwise known as foot jousting. Knights in teams of two would battle against each other until the remaining team stood as victors. Lastly it was the jousting tournament itself. Knights on horseback would ride against each other and try to knock the other off their horse. Whoever won would be given high praise and the opportunity to crown a princess as the queen of love and beauty. 

“What in the seven hells are you doing?” Gaella, startled by the voice, tripped over the stack of armor below her and into the dirt. “Are you stalking me now?” Aemond scoffed, “This where the men’s tents are. If anything, you were stalking me.” She sat up and reached her arm out. “Aren’t you going to help me up?” 

He impatiently gripped her hand and ripped her off the ground. Aemond glanced around and immediately saw the stack of armor, the sword and the bow lying beneath her. His eyebrows screwed together in confusion, “what exactly are you doing?” She smiled up at him, her brown eyes twinkling in excitement. “I’m the squire for a mystery knight.” 

A green feeling began boiling in his chest. “A mystery knight? Or a secret lover like your mother?” Her mouth formed a crooked smirk, “Is that concern for my virtue? Or is that jealousy I hear?” His face dropped into its normal unamused facade, “curiosity.” Gaella hummed in response and began picking up the armor she laid on the floor. “It’s just odd a girl would squire and for a mystery knight.” 

Aemond paused in his steps and his eyes moved between her and the armor. It was small, too big for her but too small for a man. The weapons? Just the right width for her hands to grasp. The books, the training dummy, the attitude… He chuckled, “Are you competing then?” 

She turned around and put a finger to his mouth, shushing him. He swatted her hand away with an annoyed expression. “Please. Please, you have to swear you won’t tell anyone.” Her hands were placed gently on his chest and her eyes were as wide as a does again. He would admit it was nice to hear her beg. “Aemond… Are you listening?” 

His name rolled off her tongue like honey and seeped into his head. This was stupid, she was stupid. “If you don’t want to die, aim for the feet… the bigger they are, the harder they fall.” Gaella's smile was so bright it rivaled the sun. “You’re my ally now?” 

 “I’d just rather not see a girl die such a violent death.” He stepped back, secretly mourning the loss of her hands. “Whatever helps you sleep at night.” She waved him off and turned back to start getting ready. “You’re the most irritating person I’ve ever met.” She smiled to herself, “as you are to me.” 

He huffed out a breath and turned on his heels. “It’s not normal for women to fight.” She scoffed, “It’s not normal to be as tall as you are stupid.” He turned back around, “must you always argue?” Gaella stood up and placed her helm on her head. “You are like a child!” 

“And you have a chest like one!” There was complete silence before she dramatically wrapped her arms around herself. “My modesty! How often do you look?” Gaella wriggled her eyebrows in his direction. He couldn’t handle being in her presence anymore.

The sound of her childish giggles would haunt him in his sleep. Aemond began to stride off into the direction of the royal boxes, but something forced him to stop. The seven were cruel to him for making him this way. He shouldn’t be nice to a bastard but before he could stop, the words escaped him.  

“Gaella…” The sound of her name from his lips echoed in her ears. He’d never called her anything besides insults before. There was a pause, should he even bother finishing?  “Be safe.” And he continued his silent March back to his family. 

____________________________________

“Where is your sister?” Rhaenyra leaned into Jacaerys ear and whispered. “She wished to watch from underneath the booth. You know how entranced she is by knighthood.” His mother leaned back into her chair and let out a sigh. It was pointless to try and command her to come up here, she was lucky her winter child showed up in the first place. 

Jacaerys nervously played with his fingers as the knights were taking their places in front of the targets. It was all the knights from the main houses and a select few mystery knights. One in particular caught his eye, they wore a helm even though it was not needed for archery. 

It was no surprise the Lannister came in last place. The final mystery knight stepped up to the plate and drew back the string. 

Woosh

It was the first time a knight struck a bullseye  on their first pull the entire day. 

Woosh

They successfully struck another bullseye which knocked off the Stark’s arrow. 

Woosh

It was impossible what he was witnessing. The knight hadn’t missed a single target. He leaned out of his chair slightly to get a better glimpse. 

Woosh 

The arrow cut through the middle of another arrow landing the final bullseye. The crowd erupted into cheers and the mystery knight simply scurried away. The way they ran looked all too familiar. His armor also looked to be forged like ones on Dragonstone… interesting. 

____________________________________

The mystery knight was paired with a Blackwood knight. Both of them were shorter and their armor fit loosely against their bodies. It was a tragedy how easily they would be cast down by the bigger men. Jacaerys sat back in his chair and observed. 

The first bout was against the Hightower and Lannister knight against the victory of the archery match and his partner. The command was yelled, and they began circling their opponents with wooden sticks. Jacaerys turned around to smile at Baela and by the time he turned back they had won once again. Ser Hightower laid flat on his arse with the mystery knight standing above him.

“This is almost therapeutic.” Jacaerys said to his mother with a wide grin. Rhaenyra hushed him and pointed back at the field. She thought it was rather humorous but had to keep a straight face. 

The crowds cheered and jeered the grappling teams going blow for blow in the center of the joust yard. Cregan Stark was the first to draw his sword and charged the mystery knight with a mighty roar, trying to take advantage of the surprise element. The mystery knight nimbly evaded the charge, using their agility and speed to get from one side of the joust yard to the other. The Stark knight struck out again, timing his strikes well but missing each time as the mystery knight danced around their reach. The second bout saw the Tully and Blackwood knights knocking each other back, both of them swinging with ferocity but neither able to find an advantage against the other. 

The third bout saw Cregan Stark gaining the upper hand against the mystery knight. The Stark knight's impressive strength coupled with his tall size and long arms allowed him to land blows that the mystery knight just couldn't seem to counter in time. It looked like Cregan was about to defeat them, but the mystery knight rolled onto the ground and kicked his feet out from under him. The stark went down, and the mystery knight pointed their wooden stick at his throat. 

The commotion caught Tully’s attention long enough for Ser Blackwood to kick him in his chest and send him toppling into the dirt. 

Jacaerys recognized the way the knight moved as if he had seen it a hundred times. His nails dug into the edges of his seat and his breath caught in his throat. “You’re impressed, aren't you? I can’t for the life of me figure out who that is.” Rhaenyra spoke completely unknowing of what she was seeing. “Yes… I can’t figure it out either.” She noticed her son's eyes were glued to the field. It was nice he was showing so much interest in something as foolish as a tournament.

The mystery knight helped the Stark knight off the ground. He firmly grasped and patted his back as a show of respect and solidarity, before whispering something in his ear. Cregan formally bowed his head in recognition, with a proud smile on his face. 

The stands were silent in surprise, but one small voice could be heard from Jacaerys. His proud eyes were drawn to the mystery knight and confirmed what he already suspected - the mystery knight was his sister; Gaella was competing for her own favor. All eyes turned to him, and he sunk down into his chair. Hopefully, no one had heard him. 

Aemond leaned up in his chair and his face looked to be washed over in mild concern. 

Helaena realized he noticed what she already knew. Gaella was competing in the men’s games against everyone’s wishes. She had a dream about this day the other night, but no one understood her during supper. Then again, they never understood her anyway. At least this dream came true, and a bit of confidence returned to her body. 

____________________________________

The horses were lined up awaiting the command to charge. The Lannister knight grasped his lance, and the Tully knight lowered his helm. The horses let out loud grunts and stomped their hooves into the ground sending dust into the air. 

“Charge!”

The two knights took off aiming their laces at each other. The Tully knight landed a blow directly into his chest and threw him from his horse. The sound of his body crashing into the ground echoed throughout the arena. Jacaerys grimaced at the sound waiting for the mystery knight's turn. 

The tourney had taken a violent turn once the Blackwood knight knocked the Tully off his horse. Tully pushed himself off the ground and a battle of real steel began. The hate the families had for each other ran deep even in festivities. Blackwood dropped his sword and lunged at the man and began beating him senseless. They both rolled around the ground trying to mount the other and claim victory. 

Whilst they were throwing curses at each other and being dragged away by their squires the mystery knight was gearing up their horse and preparing to take on Gwayne Hightower. Daemon rolled his eyes at the announcement of the two competitors. “What a stupid fucking helm.” He muttered under his breath and Rhaenyra held back a smirk. 

Ser Gwayne Hightower was in full regalia, wearing a suit of armor and a green cape. Gwayne’s helm did look stupid, it was in the shape of a lantern. His horse wasn’t stupid, it was a fierce and powerful white charger, and his lance was held firmly in his grip. 

At the opposite end of the arena was the mysterious knight, also dressed in armor and a cape, but with no visible heraldry. Their horse was bigger and heavier than Gwayne's, and they held their lance in a menacing grip. 

On the signal from the marshal, both horses galloped forward, faster and faster until the two knights clashed in the center of the arena. Both lances splintered on impact, but the power of their attack was too much for Gwayne. The force knocked him off his horse and onto the cold hard ground. 

Daemon noticed Otto grasp his chair a little harder and chuckled under his breath. The final round was beginning and he decided to place a bet. “Jacaerys… ten gold dragons on the Baratheon.” Jace turned his head to stare at Daemon and for a moment wished to correct who he should be cheering for. He decided to keep it a secret a little longer, “The mystery knight will win… they have to.” Daemon raised an eyebrow at his step son and turned his gaze back to the arena. 

The match began with both men jumping onto the jousting line. The combatants charged their horses towards each other, wind blowing in their faces. As they drew closer, the knight's lances glimmering with the sunlight, their horses' hooves launching clumps of dirt into the air. When they met, both knights delivered a powerful and determined swing of their respective weapons. 

The Baratheon Knight was the first to take a clear shot, striking the mystery knight on the chest and sending them nearly toppling from their horse. But, the mystery knight, being smaller and nimbler than their larger opponents, managed to quickly react and swing their lance from an unpredictable angle, catching the stark knight off-guard and nearly sending them tumbling from the saddle. 

Aemond tapped his fingers against the wood and a slight stress filled his head. She was far too small to be out here. They were going to harm her and bring shame to their house. Yes, he was only embarrassed for her, not at all worried about her well-being, he told himself. 

Helaena smiled softly, “She’ll be fine.” That pulled Aemond’s attention away and he turned to her. “Why would I care if a nameless knight is fine?” She nearly rolled her eyes at his words. “Whatever you say, brother.” 

The remaining two continued their battle, the difference in size and speed becoming increasingly clear. The Baratheon repped his lance under his arm and commanded his horse to charge. The pace the two riders set was faster than before. Their lances struck each other in the chest sending them both to the ground. 

“Sword!”

The Baratheon shouted from the opposite side of the field. The mystery knight rushed over to their corner to grab one as well. Once the mystery knight turned around the Baratheon was already on them. He violently swung his sword in their direction and gave them no room to breathe. 

The Baratheon had the knight completely in his control. In one swift and powerful movement, he forced the knight onto the ground and kicked him hard in the chest plate. The sound of metal clanking sent reverberations throughout the arena. The crowd collectively gasped at the force, but then erupted in cheers for the knight. 

Aemond’s thoughts began to race for reasons unknown. He shouldn’t care, she was getting what she deserved for what had happened to him. Except, she wasn’t even there that night or any night before then.

Meanwhile, the Baratheon knight relentlessly punched the knight in the face. His blows landed with a sickening thud, and he soon had the knight in a state of submission. The knight had no chance to fight back and could only endure the punishment. 

Aemond’s breath hitched in his throat. It wasn’t right for a man to lay hands on a woman like that, he should have them removed. However, the fool below is pretending to not be a man. His jaw clenched together as nervous bits of sweat began to form on his forehead. 

He could tell that the fight was escalating to something more dire, and he leapt from his seat and ran down onto the sands of the arena. He couldn’t say what possessed him to go and try to rescue her, it was against his nature. His body moved far faster than his mind could think it through. 

Jacaerys watched in horror, his jaw hanging agape. Daemon pulled his eyes away from the brutality and watched one-eye rush downstairs. Jace’s adrenaline began to take as he got up from his seat. He was her big brother, and he would rescue her. 

Just as it seemed that the Baratheon had the advantage and victory was nearly in sight, the Mystery Knight pulled off a cunning move, headbutting the knight back and then using their legs to kick him to the ground. The mystery knight rose to their feet and held their sword to the Baratheon’ throat. The crowd erupted into cheers once more. The knight stumbled back on their feet and raised their hands in the air signaling victory. 

 That's when the knight’s helm slipped off to reveal the face of Gaella. A collective gasp rose up from the crowd. The royal family on the balcony couldn’t see her face, only the long hair that cascaded down her back. Gaella took off in the direction of her horse, completely fleeing the scene. 

Daemon knew who it was. Apparently so did a cunt with one eye. 

____________________________________

She made her way to escape from the keep and to her own private area she discovered as a child. Gaella grimaced as she slid off her horse. She apprehensively peeled off her blood-stained armor, the metal clanking against the wooden tree. She stumbled her way to the water’s edge which was heavily surrounded by reeds. 

Gaella dipped her hands into the calm lake and sighed, relieved to be away from the confinements of King’s Landing. The sun shone warmly above her, and the willow trees swayed gracefully in the breeze, providing shelter from the long city. Looking around, the area was filled with bursting greenery, trees, forests, and shrubbery. It was a beautiful, hidden lake, far from the worries of the kingdom. 

The gentle lapping of the water and the faint chirping of birds lulled her into a blissful tranquility. The pain in her body gradually subsided as she waded into the refreshing lake. She muttered her gratitude as the warmth of the water soothed her every aching muscle. 

To Gaella it felt ironic, how this haven of peace was surrounded by such a shit city. “You’ll freeze to death in there,” Aemond’s voice echoed in her ears and embarrassment coursed through her veins. She dipped herself deeper into the water and turned back. “Get the fuck away!” 

Aemond was unfazed by her aggressiveness. “What are you, the queen of reeds? Get out before you die of hypothermia.” Gaella sunk deeper into the water and covered her bare chest with her arms. “I’m indecent! Have you no respect for a lady’s honor?” Aemond glanced around and noticed the bloody clothes spread out underneath the tree. A part of him wished to turn around but the other part yearned for a glimpse. “I just watched you beat a man twice your size, you are far from a lady.” 

Her peace had been destroyed so quickly. She cursed beneath her breath. “I’ll come out if you hand me my undergarments.” Aemond thought about it for a second. It would be exciting to see what laid beneath the metal armor, but he was not like Aegon. He picked up her disgusting underclothes and tossed them at her. “Go on, I have enough decency to look away.” 

Gaella begrudgingly moved out of the water and dragged her clothes towards her. She quickly slipped on her cotton shirt and peered up at Aemond. It was taking everything inside of him not to turn around. He inhaled a deep breath every time he heard her move. “Are you going to claim this is a mere coincidence again?” Her voice was right beside his ear, and he quickly whipped around. He was too deep inside his own head to notice her approach. “Don't flatter yourself, I was following a nameless knight.” 

She chuckled to herself, “Did the nameless knight impress you that much?” Aemond scanned her face for the bruises that decorated her eye and cheek. Gaella’s lips were swollen and a slight cut glowed red. “It impressed some, but I believe tourneys are no true show of skill.” Her face fell and she moved over to collect her things. He always knew how to irk her entire being.

“You won’t be able to hide the bruises. How do you intend to get yourself out of this?” He stalked closely behind her. “I proved I was no damsel or would easily submit to a man, whatever comes after is worth it.” Gaella turned and stood closer to him daring him to say something more. “You won’t have to worry about a husband after that display.” Gaella laughed quietly. “Is that what you like? A damsel?” He went to speak but she fell back into his chest dramatically and raised a hand to her head. “Oh Aemond, please save me. There’s a terrible spider. Please, I think I might faint.” 

Aemond instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist. He stared down at her unamused theatrics. His lips curved into a small smirk without him meaning them to. “Will you quit it?” Gaella let her legs go limp and crashed into him, sending them to the ground. “Oh Aemond why, why have you forsaken such a delicate damsel such as me.” Aemond couldn't contain the amusement growing on his face. Gods, she was the most obnoxious woman he had met. “You are more of a child than Aegon.” 

Gaella gasped in fake shock, and she pushed herself up with one arm. Her face laid directly in front of his and he had yet to remove his hands from her hips. “Are you always so dry or is it reserved for me?” He glanced away from her and turned back with a cheeky grin. “Only for delicate damsels such as yourself.” 

“My disappointment is truly immeasurable.” She pouted in fake disappointment. His lips curled even further, "I knew I could count on you to be the most bothersome woman I ever met." Gaella raised an eyebrow in disbelief. “Ah yes, that must be why you have followed and allowed me on your lap.” 

"Is there a point to this?" Aemond asked. He shook his head. "There is not," Gaella said, “unless… you want there to be.” Aemond rolled his eyes but smiled. "You are the worst kind of person." She looked up at him with her eyebrows raised. "What does that mean?" He laughed. "It means you're a horrible tease."

"I am a wonderful tease,” she spoke softly. Gaella leaned closer to him, so their noses were almost touching. The unknown desire in her chest began to consume her again. This time she let it happen. She reached up and placed her hands on his shoulders. The skin of his neck was warm. She leaned closer and he felt her warm breath on his lips. Aemond's heart stopped, and his head swirled. "Gaella," he whispered. "Yes?" she murmured against his lips. "We can't do this." His tone sounded hoarse and unsure. "Why not?" she asked, though she already knew the answer. "Because you don't like me, and I do not like you..."

"I think that is a lie. You want me just as much as I want you.” Her words pierced his chest. The burning sensation in his core began. His hunger for her was only becoming all the more unbearable.  Aemond's blood boiled, he pulled her close to him and crashed his lips into her. Their lips danced around each other, never parting for air. "Aemond," she moaned against his mouth. Her hands reached up and grabbed his hair. He tore his lips from hers and pressed his forehead against hers. The need to taste her body was getting out of control. “You’re cruel, uncle.” 

“Your words are like poison, but your kiss tastes of honey. Now get off before I rip your clothes off.” He pushed her back, but Gaella gripped the collar of his shirt and tried to pull him back in. "Please," she begged. Aemond was lost to the pleasure coursing through his veins. His grip on her tightened with a bruising force. His breath grew heavy. Her lips were so soft and pliant, and he could feel her breathing become erratic. "Shh." He trailed his fingers along the side of her neck and forced her to look at him. "What?" She was beyond confused by his sudden change. "Close your eyes." He kissed her gently on the lips.

She complied instantly and he unbuttoned her shirt to expose the soft flesh of her neck. He trailed kisses down her neck causing her to grip onto his shirt harder. He reached the hollow of her throat and her whole body trembled.  Aemond traced his tongue along the path her fingers had taken. Her legs gripped around his waist tighter and the aching feeling between her legs became more uncomfortable. "Aemond," she breathed. "Open your eyes." When she did, he kissed along her jawline until he reached her earlobe. Her entire body tensed, and she dug her nails into his back. Gaella couldn’t handle the ache between her legs and tried to relieve the tension. She grinded against his buldge trying to ease her tension. He took advantage of her desperate need. He kissed her ear and then moved his hand to cup her breast. 

His cock was throbbing at this point. Aemond move his lips to hers to muffle the moans coming from her throat. It was impossible to not control himself any longer. The yearning for her had become completely unbearable. He slid his hand down to her stomach and pinched the bottom of her pants. He roughly unbuttoned them. He immediately dove his hand into trousers. His hands traced her soaking wet folds and she whimpered into his mouth. “I need you,” she whispered in between kisses. "I know," he growled. "Take them off." Gaella didn't hesitate. She released her hold on him and ripped her pants down.  Aemond stuttered whilst trying to unbuckle his pants. He managed to get the damned belt off and was finally able to let his cock out.

Gaella’s eyes widened at his size. She didn’t have much time to react before he pulled her back down. His cock grinded against her slick dripping slit. She clenched her thighs tightly together to prevent him from slipping inside. Aemond groaned as he grasped her hips and made her grind against him. Her throat released small whimpers as she wrapped her arms around him.  He whispered, "Are you sure? You won’t be able to get another husband.” His fingers dug into the flesh of her ass cheeks, and he pressed her into the ground. "Have I not proven I don’t want another husband," Gaella cried out. Aemond lifted himself back up and pinned her wrists above her head. His cock was inches away from entering her. Her legs locked around his waist again. He lowered himself slowly, “it hurts the first time.”

"Aemond!  Fuck me already," she moaned.

“Spoiled brat.” He growled and plunged into her. Her head fell back, and her eyes rolled back. The pain of being stretched caused her to moan out loudly. She dug her nails into his back. "Fuck!" Aemond groaned. She was so tight. He moved faster in order to escape the discomfort. Gaella dug her nails deeper into his back. She felt him swell and his thrusts became harder. Her pussy clenched around him, and her clit ached to be touched. 

Aemond nuzzled his face into her neck and moved his finger to circle around her clit. He rubbed slow circles around her sensitive bud as he fucked her.  “Fuck, Aemond!” Tears welled in her eyes as her body filled with a new sensation. The feeling of pleasure was all encompassing and caused her to scream out. He sped up and moved faster. His hips slammed into her thighs as his cock hit her cervix. He began leaving marks down her neck where his lips kissed, and his teeth nibbled at her skin. Gaella’s back arched at all of the simulation. She was becoming a dumb mess underneath him. 

"I- I think I’m going to," she moaned as her body clenched around him. Gaella didn’t know what it was, but it was quickly overwhelming her. Aemond watched her face contort in pleasure. His hands moved from her wrists to her waist. He began pumping into her harder and faster. Her squeals and moans grew louder and more frantic. “Fuck- fuck - fuck,” she whimpered as her pussy fully clenched around his cock. Her entire body was filled with an intense ecstasy. Her muscles convulsed around his shaft and her cry echoed throughout the forest.

“Good girl,” he whispered into her ear. Gaella screamed out as her orgasm crashed over her. She collapsed beneath him. Her legs twitched around him and she squirmed underneath him. Aemond was quickly approaching his finish and he tried to pull out of her, "I'm close.” Her eyes held a wild gleam and her lips upturned. Her legs clamped around his waist, and she began grinding her hips into him again. She was begging him to cum in her. "Please, Aemond, cum in me."

He lost all of his self-control hours ago. The desire was too much to bear.  "Fuck!" he yelled as he pumped his cock into her. Her inner walls squeezed and massaged his pulsing shaft. Gaella's nails dug into his back as her hips bucked into him. His balls tightened and he felt his release rushing towards his cock.

"Shit!" Aemond's voice was ragged and strained. He groaned as he came undone, filling her womb with thick hot seed. Her pussy milked him as he emptied the last of his seed into her. 

Aemond dropped on top of her as her chest heaved. Gaella understood now why men always sought women to fuck after battle. It was as if she had won twice in a single day.  

They both lay under the trees, panting. Aemond was still buried deep inside of her. They stared into each other's eyes, neither one of them wanting to break the moment.

He rolled off of her and she rested her head on his shoulder. “We should head back soon before someone sends a search party.”

"I don’t want to leave." She pushed herself up and stood on shaky legs. She patted down the front of her dress and ran her fingers through her hair. Aemond sat up and grabbed her wrist. “You can’t return like this; your mother will have your head.” Gaella groaned in annoyance as she remembered her mother. “I don’t have any other choice.” 

“Not necessarily, just follow me.” He smirked up at her and she begrudgingly nodded her head in agreement. “Must you always be so defiant?” Gaella intertwined her fingers with his and hummed to herself with a cocky smile plastered on her face. 

Unbeknownst to them a pair of eyes were watching from a distance.

[gilmoregirl]

hi,

i want to state the last week has been incredibly hard for so many, not only because of the gossip, accusations, and losing a place of comfort that caused a lot of confusion, angst, and anger, but also because some of us have been juggling it alongside difficult moments in real life as well - a time in which we could have used community the most. writing this out is mostly for those who are not comfortable reaching out to ask what happened, to be informative, and as a way for us to put the past firmly behind us and find a healing and joyful place to land in our future.

for those who weren't there from the beginning, let's make a few things clear. madi created brittle heart all on her own - from the site itself, the codes she'd made previously, to the discord. it was her solo build, which was never questioned. a few of us (myself and bertie) joined the site as members from the very first day. it grew quickly, and madi had included in the rules to reach out if you were interested in staffing at all. i was the first added to staff four days after it opened, and shortly after we added on athena and mads - a choice i'd made alongside madi as she asked for my input. prior to brittle heart, i'd had no idea who madi was, had been, or the sites she'd made in the past. i knew she'd returned from a year-long hiatus, but was incredibly excited for the future of bh. she urged all of us from day one - even when it was just the two of us - to make our own stamp on bh, add what we wanted, to help improve on what she'd already started. most of the things added in were majority member suggestions, and a few skin edits and discord updates that we thought would help the member base. a few weeks later, bertie and robin were added in at madi's suggestion - while we were a well oiled machine as a team of four, two more admins would allow for some of us to take absences without the growing member base needing to suffer. staffing was smooth, outside of a few intense member related issues that we made sure everyone had a voice in to respond as a team. it was so easy until it wasn’t. 

things began to take a turn during the week that the march madness event had been posted, on march 1st. from the moment i woke up on saturday, until the moment i went to bed late sunday night, my anxiety was at an all time high. there had been a misunderstanding from madi that myself and another admin had been arguing in the staff chat, when in fact we were just two passionate people who talk best by explaining every detail of our thought process, discussing what version of tallying points made the most amount of sense for the event via google sheet. madi had woken up to it, and while i was still asleep, was telling people that they had a "tone" because she'd misunderstood the conversation, a word that she'd been using on a more frequent basis. reading back it was confusing, and felt pointed at one person in particular, but we tried our best to shake it off and push forward. a bit later, a new channel appeared in the staff section labeled "staff issues", with a detailed message about how frustrated madi felt. it directly spoke about how bh had moved so far from the original vision, her original vision, and she was upset with that, and the size of the staff team she'd added on. it was long, and i could tell it was something she needed to get off her chest. i was the first to respond with a long message of my own, showing a lot of love for every single member of the staff team, including madi, and what she'd created. i did offer that i was a little confused, because we often polled in the staff team about decisions, and she'd responded to most of them (if not all), so i was unsure which particular moment had felt like too much. another member of staff responded with a lengthy response of their own, pulling away a bit from the staff issues during a large chunk, and going after two other admins by name for a personal issue regarding a face claim that no one was aware was a problem - because they hadn't expressed it was. one of the people named responded directly to the issue, a little confused, and apologetic, but it quickly spiraled away as madi accused them of making it all about them, and within minutes it escalated to terms "gaslighting" "abusive" from madi, before she quickly stated she would just close down bh instead.

what had turned from a difference of opinion about things like rewards points, badges, how to set up the future social media of our fictional roleplay site had suddenly turned into opening triggering wounds for everyone involved, and how this was madi’s site, her vision, and we were all just players within it - something she had the power to end at any minute all on her own. it stung, and made us all feel used for the talents we'd shared - skinning, discord building, our intense activity and worldbuilding, as well as general upkeep and moderation of the site. things settled for a bit as madi left to collect herself, and we all sat in the mystery of how she'd feel when she returned. would we suddenly be kicked from the server? would the site show up offline? we didn't know. the pit in my stomach grew, because while i'd spent the better part of my day trying to be ultra positive - if someone said this, if they apologized like that, it would all get better - i suddenly started to realize how uncomfortable i was with the idea of staying after how quickly things had spiraled and the harsh language used. when she returned, madi apologized, but once again made it clear - anyone could leave, as this was her vision, and hers alone. she wanted to find a way to return the site back to that, and while she appreciated our help, she could handle it if we no longer wanted to continue.

imagine spending every day for over a month, building connections, large and expansive group plots, starting a new skin day one of becoming staff as directed, helping direct others to requests that weren't even your own, staying up half a night alone to build an event you were so excited for but never got to participate in, just to be told suddenly that it meant absolutely nothing to someone you thought you were building a real friendship with. after a full day - of which i spent the entirety of it online - i went to sleep knowing we'd likely be leaving bh. be it out of pure anxiety, fate, or whatever else, the four of us woke up at odd hours, and decided it would be better to remove our things and leave a message rather than do it during the messiness of the middle of the day. so we did. we left a goodbye message in the staff chat, outlining how much we loved bh and our time on it, but if we were truly not all equal partners (as it had been said by madi multiple times we were - and was now being rescinded on) we didn't feel comfortable continuing on. it felt like the choice was stay on bh, be silent, do as we were told, or go, she wouldn't care either way. we left a note to members because we'd truly cherished that community, but felt belittled and didn't know how to continue on after what had been said. according to madi the night prior, anyone could leave, and it wouldn't change a thing for bh. we didn't know that she'd immediately take our goodbye down, post a message about closing the site, only to post a poll about maybe keeping it open before disappearing and leaving it all to rest on mad’s shoulders.

after leaving, the four of us decided we wanted to build something new, something ours - that we could all share and make it a point to expand upon with new voices when the time came. as we were brainstorming, we were sent screenshots, dm's, and a lot of inquiring messages. at the time, we didn't know how to respond, we wanted to keep it light, and give bh a chance to succeed without tainting it with what we'd been through. while we couldn't stay, we didn't want to ruin everyone else's good time. mads messaged us all privately, asking if we wanted any plots removed, and we gave the details of which we were comfortable leaving to bh, and which we weren't - some of the characters and families on bh were created years prior, and belonged to their original owners who weren't comfortable with others continuing those plots. around noon on monday, madi sent me a message stating she was sorry and leaving the rpc - and offered us bh. she mentioned she was leaving quickly - within the hour - and it gave us a sense of urgency to act and respond. the four of us were uncomfortable to going back to bh as if nothing had happened, as all we could see was how it was now madi's vision, and hers alone, and even when we'd forgiven her for the harsh words used, there would always be a shadow of her in its wake - she'd built it, and that would never change. in her goodbye message to me, it felt clear she would not be posting a goodbye message or actively closing the site, and had even told us if we didn't feel comfortable returning to use it as a way to reconnect or offer new projects. we decided to go back to close it properly, and give the members we'd written alongside the closure after a rough and frankly exhausting weekend. we wanted to be clear that we adored you all to not waste another moment of your time. we went back knowing we were there to close it up - and never attempted to lead anyone on - but waited as this whole situation caught the one remaining staffer at the end of their workday, and wanted to ensure they were fully up to date on what was going on and approved the sentiment before we posted a goodbye.

i'm sure you're wondering why this is now being recounted, of which there are two main reasons. one is the amount of whispers and gossip that has gotten back to us, insinuating we were somehow the problem, how we gave people hope in the two hours we were back in the discord waiting for mads to return home so we could post the goodbye. telling others the reason it closed was over things like face claims, or other menial issues, or because we just wanted to start a new project. the other is because now a total of six people have come to us or realized their own past with madi. one was someone i've known for over a decade, and while we don't rp much together these days, we chat every now and again. they asked me about bh - and about madi- and if she was still pulling the same shit. they used specific phrases and words that madi had used against us, and let me know this happened to them too, on another site. in just a matter of days, so many people had shared an incredibly eerily similar experience - madi created something, was unhappy with the direction it was going after some time (usually within a one or two month mark), caused a commotion by using intense and directed language, and left others to pick up the pieces after she walked away. she's gone by multiple aliases - madi, myah, blair, and this behavior has spanned the better part of a decade, if not longer. pulling people in to be her closest of friends, making everyone feel as if they're on equal footing, before pushing them away and hoping for the best. if it hadn't been for the fact that many - and i mean many - people have come to us in the last week, i'd never speak publicly about this. 

i want the best for madi, i truly hope her tumblr goodbye message is right, and that she spends more time surrounding herself with loving family and friends, finding new joys and good fun. i hope she heals from the events of what happened. but i do not want it to be made out like i, or my close friends, were in the wrong here when we were merely the newest in a line of many that have been sucked in and then spit out at the expense of someone else's vision. no one owes anyone enough to stay in an environment where they are berated, put down, treated as lesser, or told that while their work is great they are not allowed to hold an opinion. this is a hobby, it's meant for light and fun, and joy, and that is frankly all that any of us want for ourselves and our futures. i’m sorry if the closing of bh was difficult for you, as it was incredibly hard for us to leave, but we did so because of the difficulties experienced.

i do not plan to discuss this again. if you would like to reach out, my discord dm's are open. for now, thank you to anyone who has read this, i'm going to enjoy less time being so chronically online, touch some grass, eat some snacks, focus on the writing that brings me joy with people that support and value one another, and show those closest to me some love. i sincerely suggest you all do the same. 

[bratshaws]

through the hourglass 101. brb x oc

a/n: do yall think Brad went to therapy to talk about his feelings. (also pls forgive me but I really go crazy when it comes to Rooster's backstory)

pairing: plus size!oc x rooster

warnings: personal issues that Rooster chooses to ignore, Bea being a good wife, <3

goodness gracious (pls read this one to know more what this fic is about!!)

chapter

1/

50/51/52/53/54/55/56/57/58/59/60/61/62/63/64/65/66/67/68/69/70/71/72/73/74/75/76/77/78/79/80/81/82/83/84/85/86/87/88

/89/90/91/92/93/94/95/96/97/98/99/100

(pls let me know if you want to be added to the taglist! )

taglist: @mirandastuckinthe80s @roosterschanelslut @wiipes @lcahwriter @shrimping-for-all @gretagerwigsmuse @frenchtoastix

@lizzie-rdj @fanboyluvr @atarmychick007 @comebacktoearthpls

@peachiicherries @mak-32 @lizziespidiepridie @roosterswifey @ollyoxenfrees @piceous21 @sqrlgrl22 @hofficoffi @lexhalstead3 @lorilane33 @legendarydreamersharkparty @luckyladycreator2

@emilybradshaw @j-6o @louisahale @leobabbyyy @kulicny @winter-run @ktjmac @graciereads @bigpoppajes @taytaylala12

@caitsymichelle13 @becks-things @caatheeriinee07 @dhwanishah09 @jesfreedark @katiemcrae @lilmonstrjedi @hobiismyhopeu @teacupsandtopgun @insominac23 @gh0stsgoodgirl @mygyn @chavivaelisheva

-

He sighs heavily the second he’s past the threshold, inhaling soon after, dropping his things on the floor and running his hands up and down his face. The dogs rush over to greet him, which made him lean down a bit to pet each of them before he dragged his feet to the couch.

He didn’t know why he was so tired, maybe it was because of the weight of his own anxiety.

The second he sits down he hears her bare feet tapping on the floor, his smile widening as he turns his head to the kitchen, “I didn’t hear you come inside.” she says, setting the glass of water aside and shuffling over to him, his eyes slowly dragging down her body, admiring the way his old shirts looked on her. He wasted no time in bringing her to his lap once she was close enough, their lips meeting in a lazy kiss, “Hi, handsome.” she coos, rubbing his cheek, “Oh Roos, you look exhausted.”

“Hi gorgeous…I feel exhausted.”

“What happened?”

“My emotional baggage is being a bit too heavy to handle.” his wife’s green eyes softened as she held his face, still rubbing his cheekbones with her lips pouting just enough to make him want to kiss her again, “I’m okay.I didn’t think that talking to Mav would…take so much out of me.”

Beatrice adjusts herself on his lap so she’d be taller than him, kissing his forehead then letting Rooster fall into her chest with a sigh, his arms wrapping around her waist, “You did good,Brad.” she coos, gently petting the back of his head, feeling his shoulders relax as he keeps himself there, “You are okay, do you need anything?”

“No, I just want to hug you.”

“Okay.”

He squeezes her waist a bit, “I just need you here,gorgeous.” he murmurs, shaking his head against her chest, getting comfortable “Nothing more.”

Beatrice kisses his scalp and keeps her lips there for a few seconds, only pulling back to tilt his head towards her, “How about you take a nice bath? I can order dinner tonight, what are you feeling?”

“...can we have Mexican food?”

“Of course,Roos. Anything in mind?”

He flicks his eyes to the left in thought, meeting her gaze after, “...I want birria tacos. And chicharron, if it’s available.” another pause, “And flan. Can we get flan?”

She loved how her husband, her 6’3” husband, stronger than everyone she knew, sounded like a little boy from time to time. His voice, usually so deep, goes quiet because he’s murmuring it, “Yes, of course Roos.”

“...thank you,gorgeous.”

Beatrice remains on his lap however, still caressing his head, “Is there anything else you want to talk to me about?” she asks against his skin, kissing his temple softly which made her husband heave out a heavy sigh that only made him deflate.

“...there is one thing.”

“I’m listening.”

He props his chin on the valley of her breasts, turning those whisky colored eyes to his wife who just smiled sweetly at him, “Mav wants me to join him…in one of his instruction classes. Just one, just to add some input.” 

“Didn’t you used to do that though?” he nods, “I remember you telling me you didn’t hate it but you didn’t like it either.”

“It can be very stressful.” he mutters, “But Mav said I can just stay there and add when I need to. There’s nothing more to it.” but Beatrice just kept looking at him, furrowing her brows, “...I never did anything like this with Mav.”

“And why does that worry you?”

“Because…I don’t know why.” he mutters, “I want to get back to what things were,Bea…but I was a boy when I–when he.” Rooster sighs again, dropping his forehead on the curve of her breasts to inhale the lavender scent embedded in his shirt - God, he’d never want to wash them anymore - “You know what I mean.”

Her eyebrows curved downwards as he explained the best he could why he was feeling that way. Beatrice cups his face with her hands, tilting upwards to kiss the tip of his nose then his forehead, “I know what you mean.” she whispers, “I know it’s hard,Brad.” 

“I don’t want to hate him.”

“You don’t hate him.” she reassures him, rubbing his cheeks, “Brad, you…were hurt- are hurt. For a long, long time…I love Mav and I love that you two are talking again but…years of hurt and disappointment don’t disappear in what? Three years?” he sighs again, leaning into her touch, “Roos, remember you two made a lot of progress but there were things that need to be talked about…especially…because of your mom.”

Talking about Carole, while welcome, always felt like dangerous territory. In her mind at least, she still felt like she should walk carefully around the subject. Rooster didn’t look angry when he looked at her, maybe a bit confused, furrowing his brows as she said that, “...Roos,remember when you told me about how she…talked to Mav about you?” he nods, “Remember how you said you found out about it?” another nod and Beatrice drapes her arms around his shoulders, “And we talked about it and tried to figure out why?”

“Yeah…?”

Beatrice frowns, “...you had nightmares a few days ago, you know.” she muttered, “You rarely do and when you do you don’t tell me.” he quickly avoided her eyes, but she tilted her head to meet his gaze, “Because I know you think that’s the one thing that you can hold to yourself.”

It was naive to think that Beatrice wouldn’t notice when he had his nightmares. They were very few, like she said, often happening when he’s under a lot of stress or when he gets a bit under the weather…he had nothing to complain, he had a great life with a great woman, he sometimes felt bad for stressing so much…but whenever he tells Bea that she does remind him that his job isn’t really the easiest and he shouldn’t blame himself so much.

Sometimes he dreams about his mom. About her last months, about the things he could’ve done. About how he didn’t really speak to anyone after her burial, about how he was alone in his dorm with the door closed…for weeks and his friends couldn’t pry him out of there.

He dreams about his dad, about how he died, sometimes - and those were the worst ones - he was the one in it instead of Mav. He was the one holding his dad, he was the one in the middle of the ocean, bobbing along the waves waiting for someone.

He also dreams about the day he was denied entry to the Navy. He didn’t understand, he was the son of an officer, that should be easy to handle, he should’ve gotten in. Why didn’t he? He dreams about Mav, about the anger and the hurt, about how he worked so hard to get where he was only to slip through his fingers.

He had no nightmares with Beatrice and he was thankful for that. She had no place in those, neither had Nikki. 

“I…” he didn’t know how to continue because he was about to toss it under the rug again. “How do you…know?”

“That you have them?” she questions, “...you rarely move in your sleep,Roos. When you do, you are changing positions…you also don’t hold me when you have nightmares. You are stiff as a board and you are…clenched, all over. Your teeth, your shoulders, your hands, you don’t move. And you sleep talk, sometimes. I try to wake you, but when I try you just relax immediately and your whole body appears loose.”

That makes a lot of sense.

“But this last one…you were very vocal, you kept calling for your mom and asking why.” she frowns, “That was all you said, why. Nothing else. And when I touched you, you barely awoke and turned towards me…then you got quiet again.” her touch is so gentle on his cheek, like she’s holding something so precious, “I don’t like prodding about those things, you know that…but that last one really worried me.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry.” she shakes her head, “You don’t have to…I know how this,” she taps his forehead, “Can be.” he huffs out a soft laugh, one that appeared to be heavier than he wanted it to, “It’s a long healing process,Brad.” she mutters, ‘But you won’t be alone…okay? You have me.”

“I know.” he replies quickly, brushing his knuckles on the side of her face, inhaling quietly, “I know,I have you.” and he did feel better letting that out, even if he hated doing so. Beatrice smiles, cupping his face and kissing him quickly several times before pulling back.

“Go on have a nice shower.’ she mumbles against his lips, “I’ll call for our food…okay?”

Bradley smiles back, sliding his hands under the shirt to reach the elastic of her underwear, pecking her one last time, “Okay.” he drags his hands over the length of her legs, dropping them on his sides as she climbs off of him. When she stands there and doesn’t move, he only smiles more, “I’m fine.” she offers her hand to him, wiggling her fingers, “Baby…” the couch was so comfortable…but she was right, a shower would do him good.

She takes him up the stairs, Rooster peeking over to Nicole’s nursery only to see his daughter fast asleep with her mobile moving above her head, her adorable face disappearing as they walked into their bedroom, “Okay,” Beatrice drops his hand, entering the bathroom and he hears her messing around in the shower, “I’m going to set to steam too, it’ll help you relax.”

Rooster chuckles as he kicks off his shoes, then removes his watch, “Thank you,gorgeous.”

“You can use my peppermint body wash too! It’s really refreshing.”

He laughs again, pulling his belt off the loops, “I’d appreciate that.” he didn’t deserve her, because she kept on rambling about how he could also use one of the loofahs she had saved in the cabinets.

“Oh!I know!” her quick footsteps walk up to the door, where she peeks her head out, “I know exactly what you need.”

His eyes drop to the expanse of her thigh that peeked on the edge of the threshold, “A nice warm shower with my wife?”

“Rooster.”

“It’d relax me a lot.”

Beatrice rolled her eyes, “No.” she grins, “A spa night. I’ve seen your skin care routine and while it is nice, you need something more…I have masks and everything saved up! Maybe some mani pedi too.” he just stared at her, “I-If you want.”

Truly his skin care routine was very nice, he had a few basic items for his skin and some lotions he liked to use…but maybe a full on spa night wouldn’t be bad. “Well…it is monday.”

“Hmhm!’

“And it’d relax me.”

“Yes!”

He laughs, folding his shirt between his hands, “Okay. Yeah,I like it.” 

Beatrice smiles before disappearing from his view, her husband undressing himself and setting his clothes on the bed because ‘I’m going to put your clothes away! Relax!’ as he walks to the bathroom wearing only his dark briefs. He stops by the door seeing Beatrice kneeled by the bathtub with a plethora of products, picking one up then putting it back down, “What are you doing?”

She looked over her shoulder back at him, - her eyes stilling on his underwear before vagarously moving up - “I’m choosing some stuff for you, something that’s not too…girly.” he chuffs a laugh, running his hands through his hair, “Do you still want a shower or a bath?”

“A shower is fine,gorgeous.”

“Okay!” she puts every other product - with the exception of the ones of her choosing - inside the cabinets again, pushing herself to her full height to turn towards him, “Very well, you can enjoy your shower…I’m going to get everything ready.” she stays in place, her gaze softening as she cups his cheeks, rubbing her thumbs on the bags under his eyes, “Oh,Roos.” 

“I’m okay…I’ll be okay. I just need a mental break.”

She nods after a few seconds, kissing his lips quickly and walking around him to leave the bathroom. Rooster watched her until she was gone, then let his shoulders drop, rubbing his hands on his face with the frustrated sigh leaving his lips. He hated feeling like this, he didn’t like to worry her so much and yet he did.

As he entered the shower he let the water hit his scalp and dribble down his face, funneling by his chin and creating a mini waterfall that landed on the tiled floor. He wanted to relax, so he stayed under the water for a few minutes, immobile, allowing the sounds to calm his brain and ease his memories.

When he opened his eyes he had to admit he felt a bit better, straightening his posture to grab the soap Beatrice gave him.

-

He walks downstairs feeling fresh, the white tee shirt was tugged down his body as he finished undressing by the final steps, rubbing his face with one hand as he turned towards the living room.

A lovely squealed giggle only made his heart soar.

“Dada!” Nicole was looking at him from her little mat, Eleanor and Jack on either side of her as she pushed herself with as much strength her little arms could handle, crawling over to him. Rooster, who didn’t want his daughter to crawl on the cold floor, just approached her little form and picked her up, immediately kissing and hugging her.

Nicole giggles again, hugging her father however she could and loving the attention given by him, “Oh, you smell so good.” he mutters, playfully sniffing her neck, “I love how baby soap smells.” Nicole babbles a bit, pressing her cheek to his shoulder as he carries her to the kitchen.

There are four large aluminum foil boxes on the kitchen table, two of them open and exposing the delicious interior, “Oh, holy shit those look so good.” he comments, making his wife peek out from behind the fridge’s door with a grin, “Fuck, the chicharron looks so good.” and it was cut in bite sized pieces, he couldn’t help but plop one in his mouth and immediately groan at the taste, “Oh fuck.”

“You better be careful,” she says, disappearing behind the fridge’s door again, “Because if you keep this up Nikki’s next word will be the F one.”

Bradley licks his fingers clean, looking down at Nicole who was mesmerized by the way his cheek moved, “Nikki,” he taps her nose with his knuckles, “Don’t say the bad word, only daddy is allowed to.” and he takes another bite of the pork belly, flicking his gaze at his little daughter who just watched with stars in her eyes. She followed when he brings it to his mouth, trying to mimic his eating only to make him laugh, “Not yet birdie, when you are old enough you’ll discover the wonders of Mexican food.”

Beatrice closes the door with her hip, holding two soda cans with a grin, “We got some special treatment tonight.” she comments as she plucks them open, the satisfying hiss followed, “I managed to get the extra combo tonight, so we not only got the usual but we got caramel flan and pineapple empanadas.”

“No way.”

“Yes way.” she smiles, “I felt like my husband needed that extra sweetness.”

Rooster licks his lips, eyes softening because he felt so…loved and warm all over. “...thank you,babe.”

“You are welcome,Roos.” she says, going back to the fridge to plop some ice cubes in their glasses, “Are you feeling any better?”

He inhales softly, arching his brows and giving her a small smile, “A little.” he gently picks Nicole’s hand and brings it to his lips, kissing the tiny dents of her knuckles and then her forehead, “Shower helped. And…” he laughs quietly, “I don’t know,maybe you were right about…me needing extra sweetness tonight.”

Beatrice knew what he meant, but it was good to hear nonetheless. She set the glasses aside, approaching him to quickly wrap her arms around his middle, propping her chin on his pecks just like he does to her, “You do.” she whispers, “You’ll be okay,Roos.”

“I know.” he says softly, kissing her head, “I will.”

She just leans into his kiss, meeting his lips with her own briefly and only leaving him after she kisses Nikki’s button nose, “Well,we better eat. It’ll get cold.”

“And we wouldn’t want that.” 

The best thing about dinner, besides how delicious it was, was seeing Nicole trying to snatch a bite with her toothless mouth, following her parents movements with her eyes, trying to reach any piece that she could and it was adorable how focused she was. Beatrice did feed her as the night went by, but it was obvious their daughter had her eyes in another prize.

After dinner, after he was happily full, Beatrice gently guided him to the living room, “Sit,sit!” she says sweetly as Rooster approaches the couch. He notices the several types of skin care masks and creams on the coffee table, “I’ll get the ice globes!” she rushes out of the living room so quickly he barely sees her.

Beatrice comes back gently tapping the frosty purple glass globes together, “Okay, now,” she begins, “You are going to lie your head on my lap and Nikki can stay on your chest, there’s no problem.” she was giddy “I’ve decided to not give you a mani pedi yet because I know you can be a bit ticklish.”

“Wha?” he furrows his brows, “Me? Ticklish? Where?”

“On your feet,” she smiles, “Plus your feet are pretty good, no need for it right now.”

Rooster purses his lips but shrugs, following Beatrice with his eyes until she sat directly next to his head. He drops to her thighs with a happy sigh, Nicole watching this with curiosity and vocalizing as her mother starts gently massaging Rooster’s face, “Oh, that’s nice…I like this.” she smiles while moving her fingers on his cheeks, “Feels soothing.”

“It should be.” she giggles, kissing his scalp, “I want you to relax,Roos.”

He knew that. And he physically did so, exhaling heavily as his wife gently massaged his face. He…was going to be okay, he didn’t want to have these thoughts so often. He wanted to move on but he also knew that in need to move on he’d have to talk about certain things he refused to.

He loved his mother.

He truly loved his mother…even if he imagined she apologized to him in the shape of a bird…it wasn’t the same. He’d love to talk to her, he wanted to understand why, he wanted to know why he wasn’t given the choice when he was old enough to.

He was severely depressed when he started college, he couldn’t join the Navy because of his uncle and his mother. He didn’t hate her, but he couldn’t say he wasn’t hurt about it…certain things, even if back then were ‘easier’ to figure out it didn’t mean it was resolved.

Rooster pushed it deep into his mind and forgot about it. 

Or at least he tried to.

Beatrice’s emotions were on her sleeve even when she tried to hide them, she couldn’t lie, whenever she was too anxious she’d either wring her hands or have a blank look on her face for minutes. Him was a different story.

Hold it in. Prevent. Hide. You achieved so much shoving those memories and how they hurt in your brain, why bother with them now? That’s how it was, maybe even since his father passed. He had to grow up so fast, he had to become the ‘man of the house’ and help his mother how he could.

Carole didn’t show her emotions in front of him either, probably because she didn’t want him to worry more but that only added to the overall stress and doubts. It wasn’t her fault, she was trying to get back on her feet after the love of her life passed tragically and she had a little boy to raise.

Maybe that’s why he was so hesitant talking about his mother, he didn’t want to blame her like that. Because that’s -” Ah! Holy shit!” He jumps when he feels the cold globes touching his cheeks, widening his eyes to look back at Bea who immediately pulls them back with an apologetic look on her face.

‘Sorry! Are you okay?”

“Y-Yeah, just,got surprised.” he sighs, rubbing his forehead with his free hand as Nicole giggles on his chest “Shit that’s cold.”

“It helps soothe the skin.” she says as helpful as she could “You were deep in thought.”

He looks back at Beatrice with his brows furrowed, “You don’t have to tell me.” she says gently, “You really don’t, just enjoy the rest of the night, okay Roos?”

Bradley inhales softly, trying to calm his brain down, letting a gentle chuckle that only makes Bea smile more, “Okay,gorgeous.”

[strickland527]

Jonathan and Joyce

I think one relationship that has been utterly ignored by the show since season one is the one between Jonathan and his mother. I’m struggling to think of a single scene with any kind of heft behind it that they’ve shared since that first season. And that’s a damned shame because there was SO much drama to be mined from what that first season sets up. Instead in the three seasons since, they hardly interact and get defined by their love lives. 

I should add before I start that this isn’t a criticism of Joyce. As someone who was raised at times by a single mother, it’s an impossible situation to be in. It’s not her fault. But that doesn’t negate (sadly) the real damage done to her kids, Jonathan in particular. 

Season one sets up that Joyce is a hard working single mother that also has had a tough time of it emotionally. In many ways Jonathan is the rock that the Byers family prior to season one is built upon. Joyce, we are told. has “anxiety issues” and Jonathan is seen both trying to help her through those issues “you need to eat” and also to push her through “this is not a good time for you to shut down”. Which is notable since it shows he’s had to deal with this in the past. He’s 15/16 in season one. So on top of all his responsibilities to Will and the house as a whole, he’s seemingly got some emotional caretaker responsibilities to his overwhelmed mother.

In one of those early episodes, Karen Wheeler asks Joyce how Jonathan is doing. And she responds, “he’s ALWAYS been good at taking care of himself”. Which is about as sad a line as any Stranger Things character has uttered. Joyce is all but admitting in this scene that Jonathan has been on his own for a long time, emotionally, and that he’s learned to cope with it. Again, he’s 15/16 in season one It’s also something that, while she believes it, is also wildly untrue. Jonathan is pretty fucking far from okay. 

And that’s before we get into the Lonnie of it all. Adding abuse to Jonathan’s parentification is something that makes the situation darker and even more complex. I don’t think it’s a bridge too far to say that Lonnie emotionally abused Joyce, Jonathan and Will. I think that’s pretty much canon. As is his physical abuse of Jonathan. Did he physically abuse Will or Joyce? I’m less certain of that. I can see either way. 

But Jonathan was physically abused by Lonnie. Joyce either knew and did nothing about it (which doesn’t really jibe with what we know of Joyce) or she never knew about it. And given she was working all the time and the scene where Lonnie tells Jonathan to keep quiet for Joyce’s sake, this seems like the logical answer. But either way, Jonathan was physically abused by his father and Joyce wasn’t there to protect him from it. Add into it that the show intentionally parallels the Demogorgon/Mind Flayer and Lonnie multiple times and we see over seasons 1 and 2 just how far Joyce is willing to go for Will but seemingly didn’t go for Jonathan when he was a kid. Is that fair to Joyce? Absolutely not. But it’s there. 

In season two Joyce is in a relationship with Bob, one of the nicest guys in the show. Jonathan is, as Bob says to Joyce, “a tough nut to crack.” Lonnie has given him major trust issues. Does Joyce talk to Jonathan about it? Nope. And Bob is killed before they can get into it. 

At this point, all I can pretty much hope for is one scene where Joyce (and maybe Will) acknowledges what Jonathan sacrificed for his family. And then tells him to live for himself, to follow his dreams. Be that Emerson with Nancy or NYU by himself or even community college in California. 

Do I think the show gives us even that? I hope so, but remain skeptical. My guess is that lots of season 5 for Jonathan Byers involves a love triangle that no one really wants. 

[margotnetwork]

TUPPERBOX GUIDE PT.2 - FORMATTING

Since you liked the first one so much I thought I would give you a few other tips and tricks. Please do not use my samples or bio’s for your own.  If I think of anything else I will make a part 3

In order to get this below 

You need to do this; I use this site in order to get my fancy text

tul!nick “YOUR CHARACTER NAME HERE” 𝐇 𝐀 𝐑 𝐋 𝐄 𝐘  𝐐 𝐔 𝐈 𝐍 𝐍

In order to get this; 

You need to do this; 

>  There was a part of her where she knew her heart would soften and she was trying so hard to refrain from that happening “I know it’s hard but you need to open yourself up to me and I can help you do that but if you don’t feel comfortable because of our history I can always ask perhaps someone else? I can only understand how uncomfortable it must be for you” not that it was reverse psychology or that she didn’t want him here but Victoria could only do so much with a impenetrable box that had a lock on it and no key “Somethings on your mind. I can see it. What is it Vincent? Is it me? Is it because we dated? Is it your mom? You can talk to me. Or we can just sit here in pure silence which will only increase your anxiety”

If you want there to be a break so it shows up like this

You need to do this; make sure there is a space added to the middle one 

> The only thought in her head was ‘at least they were making progress’ even if it meant projecting his anger onto her it was some what okay because she could take it; “if I know someone is hurting in a relationship it’s also my duty of care to let that person go” voice remaining the same, clipboard balancing on her knee though it laid forgotten and dormant now “You seem to think that the decision was easy for me.  It wasn’t” eyes watching him pace, emotions decreasing rapidly. This is what had been held in and possibly what had him in the state where he was now “and I didn’t run into the arms of another man. You should know that I did not love and could not love another for years after you” feeling like she was in her own therapy session right now “everyone I tried to be with either looked like you or just reminded me of you and I couldn’t”  >  > Voice tender as the emotions being shared “and I did love my husband or at least I thought I did but Vin people are layered and sometimes you don’t get to see the other layers until it’s too late” not that she really wanted to go into this right now “besides I’m here to help you This isn’t about me whether you like that or not. You’ll always have a special place in my heart it’s just that some people no matter the time or situation aren’t right for each other and some people are stuck in situations that aren’t exactly easy to get out of” speaking mainly about herself but throwing in a sentence last minute to make it seem otherwise “which I’m sure you’re aware of”

If you want something like this; 

You need to use this site; 

Log in with your discord log in and put this information in the description - see screenshot below 

Once again make sure that the ones in between have a space or it won’t seperate

𝐒 𝐓 𝐀 𝐓 𝐈 𝐒 𝐓 𝐈 𝐂 𝐒 > Name: Sven Bjorgman > Nickname: Sev > Age: 47 > Sexual Orientation: Straight 𝐁 𝐈 𝐎 𝐆 𝐑 𝐀 𝐏 𝐇 𝐘 > Works at a hardware store in town > > Never been married but has one daughter from a previous relationship. > > She pretty much left her on his door step and he has been a single dad ever since. > > Has a dog named Dodger which his daughter found sniffing around the backyard and pretty much begged him to keep - he did. > > Has moved around quite a bit due to financial issues and has regular meetings with the court to check in on his 'fitness' to be a father - they don't think he is but he is making ends meet ( barely ) so they are monitoring the situation

[jamiedc-they-them]

R&R Part II (Platonic)

Summary: A few months have passed since Carol has come home; and while she relishes in being home and on earth, she soon learns that you are anything but happy with your home planet.

AN// Hi all! You can read Part I here. This carries on with Y/N's character from Part I, mainly with their anti-capitalist stance, and how it can go into a sort of dig at heroes and their lack of proper helping those in need small scale. It's not a dig at the characters, just the system they are a part of (motives be damned). So, this is more of a rant piece filtered through the lens of a story. That sounded dumb; anyway, enjoy!

// Talks on anxieties, climate change, war, death, emotional overwhelm.

Carol put her feet up on the coffee table. It was nice, cosy. She was home. She could relax. The pain of losing Monica was still there, but time was making it easier to bear with. It felt wrong, saying that, but she knew her niece wouldn't mind it.

It was always nice having you around again. She missed her sibling. The snap had made your age gap even longer. You were brought into the world while she was gone, so there was a lot to both catch up on, and a long age gap between you both. It didn't matter though, you both clicked. You both just got each other. Faults and all.

It was nice not being lonely anymore. Kamala visited as well, sort of taking her into her family - but also understood boundaries and tried not to cross them with the two of you; though the two of you did get along quite well, her hyper nature helping you open up a bit.

You also told her more about your thoughts on the system you all lived under. And Kamala listened, even taking notes, and adding her own.

Carol had her issues with it - the gendered roles of society and the discrimination of people like her and other minorities - but yours seemed to go almost deeper. Sometimes, she'd see the glint in your eye when she returned from a flight around with her powers, or when you looked at her suit.

You were still doing your end of hunting for work - finding some unpaid work to help you build up that portfolio. Progress. She was happy you were making it, she even saw that you were as well.

But then, she'd see a glint in your eye whenever you looked at your bank account, seeing the monthly pay check come in. Guilt. It always confused her as to why.

She let herself think on it. You two were having a peaceful few months, having talks like the one she wanted to have with you sometimes, but mostly just being siblings.

One day, however, the question in the back of her mind just couldn't be contained, and it slipped out of her mouth before she could stop herself:

"Did I do something wrong?"

You paused the movie you were watching - Dune: Part One - and looked at her, perplexed; eyes going from the film you'd seen a million times and back to Carol.

"...No?" it was more of a question even from your lips.

She sighed, and then gathered herself - she was glad she wasn't supressing her emotions anymore, but they could be messy; she supposed that was just the point of being human, though.

"It's just..." she said, "I see the way you look at my uniform sometimes, some of the things you say to Kamala. And she, like, agrees with you?"

You paused mid sip of your beer, and put it down on the table, before leaning back and looking at your sister; really looking at her. She genuinley didn't understand it - not even how the people on her world were treated - even if by an ai, the irony of you watching Dune and what came both before and after in that universe not being lost on you - and so, you figured, if she was ripping off the band aid, you could too.

"It's not you. It's --" even you struggled with emotions and words. You put your head in your hands and ran them down your face, resting them on your chin as you continued with a question, "did Hala really fall?"

Carol was a bit shaken by the question, but nodded, wanting to see where you were going with this.

"I don't think it was you that killed it," you comforted, "not completely. War in systems like that'll happen anyway. It's what gives them meaning, keeps people in line. 'Might makes right' and all that bullshit."

"You don't think people should fight back?"

"The oppressed? Hell yeah. Always."

Carol was genuinley not fully expecting that, not with the world you lived in, not with people like --

"But, the flagsmashers --"

"Oh, don't," you made her pause, "the people trying to help people with this new adjustment. People now deemed bad because people came back and it screwed them over? Don't get me wrong, I don't agree with all the actions, but the idea? Oh yeah. Governments came back in and just told them to fuck off. I weren't around in the in-between, but I could get how that new normal suddenly being interrupted fucked them up. Even more so with...you know, the power government have, Carol. SHIELD, too. They don't care about what goes up in the air, and what it'll do down here. They just care about the next alien, while they suck our own resources that they say the new outsider can't have. People are still on the streets, Carol, still fighting for every breathe. Nothing changed for them pre or post blip. Shit didn't change."

"The blip was chaos --"

"I'm not saying it wasn't, C," you said, "but the way the people in charge acted then, to the way they acted now, I don't really see a difference. Same exploitation. Same, just, fucking, system. Same screwing people over, and pushing anyone down who dares bark back."

"So, what? Ends justify the means?"

"For you guys, it does, sure," she tried not to take it personal, "I mean, you should've seen New York, C, after the Avengers first saved it. People's lives destroyed. Cars gone. Loved ones dead. Money could help with some things, but not everything. Knew a guy, had a small restaurant that Hulk smashed into. In jail now for stealing some bread to just find a bed."

"They're trying --"

"They won't ever do enough," you shot back with, "they never will. They just want the status quo, no change. Aliens come, Avengers break things, some things get fixed; rinse and repeat until the sea or sun swallows us all."

She was glad you were being open with you, but she didn't like what you were keeping in. The worry, and pain, and grief for something bigger.

"The world's dying, Carol. Just like Hala," you chuckled, "shit, they even wanna do the whole AI thing."

"It won't be like that --"

"Won't it?" you challenged, "people in Silicon Valley, you think they give two shits who that replaces, or how many resources that shit takes? They couldn't. It's why they made their bunkers and all that, just in case it all goes wrong. They know, that the second it does, we'd have them by their throats."

"I'd protect you," it was an instinctual thing for her to say. And, normally, you'd be glad to hear it - to know that, no matter what, she had your back. Here, though, it did the opposite.

"I don't think you can. Not from this."

"Why?"

"Because it's nature, C. Human kind, the ones with the power, trying to impose itself upon nature, be the top dog. Nature always wins. I don't think you can stop that."

"I'd make sure you got out ok."

"And go where?"

"I have a ship. And I'm basically immortal. I saved some of the Skrull with Kamala when their new home get destroyed. I will save who I can here."

"You couldn't save everyone."

"I know," she hated to admit it, "but I'd save who I could."

You gave her a sad smile, "I know you would. But not everyone in your league is like you."

She tilted her head, "they don't have ships or are immortal. Together, you could tear the whole damn thing down, and help us all start again, better. Fairer."

"Stark used his money to help people."

"He shouldn't of had that much money in the first place. No one needs nor deserves that much money when someone else is out on the street."

"So you're saying he should've of?"

You sighed, stood up, and paced a bit, "I'm saying that no one, especially people with an ego the size of a clown's arse pocket," she had a small twitch at the lips at your way with words, "should have access to that amount of money. Nothing should be worth that much. No one should be above someone else."

You looked at her, clicking your fingers a few times before sitting down and putting a hand over her's, "what you mean to people, like the people who want you to sign stuff or something - or the people you help - that's good. Symbols are important. But...the way SHIELD can use you, that's not so great. They're at the top with their cushy jobs, doing whatever the President says is the right thing to do at the time. Only time I respected Cap, was when he broke off from them with the accords and before the whole HYDRA thing. That's a person, I can get behind. Might not like the mantel, but Steve Rogers, even with where we'd disagree, hell yeah."

You clicked your tongue, "Stark only changed because he saw what his weapons did. He was taken to 'the other place', to where they were made, and saw first hand the damage they did. That's the story I heard anyway. So, he did things different post then. Fine, glad he did. But, if he never did, do you think he would've?"

She shook her head.

"I loved Maria," your voice shook at your deceased sister, and you squeezed Carol's hand as you knew she missed her too, "and I always loved her, but not what she did. Not what she was a part of. Bombing people. I mean, christ, you were testing out a new jet just to get to things faster. Burn up more fuel and --"

Carol hated seeing you like this, getting worked up. But, she tightened her hand on yours, trying to ground you.

"All the war and destruction -- I mean, shit, the amount of pollution and everything...Hala had a dying sun and lack of water. We'll have water we can't drink and places too hot to live or underwater. I'm just --"

You looked to her, eyes full of fright, "I'm just scared, Carol," your voice cracked, "you fight the big fights up there, and fine - we defend ourselves. But...you never fight the big bad down here. The people who make these groups. You ignore that one. Some companies? Sure. But never anything but that. Lip service, half the time. You speak out about, but do you do anything about it?"

She was silent. You nudged your head to your phone, "I get a bit more than most people would, and they ain't even being kept going by SHIELD. Some people's jobs might not even fully cover what I get. And, I get it because I'm related to you? How's that fair?"

Carol took a sip of her own beer. It had been a lot to hear, but she was glad she did. She seemed to know that you were thankful of it, too. No going back, but she was glad you did.

"I'm sorry," she said, "I'm sorry -"

"Hey, no, no" you said, squeezing her hand, "no, it's not just you, ok? It's not an individual thing. Alright, fuck that. It's why we need community, Carol. That's what keeps us going. I know I've got you when I need you, and vise versa, minus the no powers thing," she snorted, "but, you can't fully make change on your own. It takes community."

"All shouting in one voice..."

"Exactly. It can be use for good or bad, but yeah."

There was a pause, as you both recollected yourself.

"I love you," you said, "always, you know that. And I love what you all can mean to people; the hope, the idea of a better tomorrow, safety and all. But...it just feels sometimes, that you aren't fully doing that, you know? Sure, you help people out --"

"But we don't with what causes those things in the first place," it was a lot for her to take in, and she wasn't sure she agreed with all of it, but she could see that sense now. What you were trying to go for.

"There you go," you said, a slight teasing edge to your voice as you could tell she didn't fully agree.

Something then popped into her head, "hey, uh, there's a shelter that's near town. They have some volunteer stuff there. Did you wanna maybe go down together?"

You nodded with a smile, "I'd like that."

Carol nodded, she would.

"Oh, and I can also -"

You put your hand up, "you can't fix everything on your own."

"...But I have super powers. Isn't that like the whole point? I can do things no one else can, so I use them for good?"

You tilted your head to the side, bottom lip sticking out; she did have a point.

"Sure," you conceded, "but, as much as I'd like to hear on the news of you taking out all the guys who caused it," she chuckled - as she would do it, if it would instantly fix everything - "that'll come later. Right now, we just do what we can, Carol and Y/N Danvers. Then build it up from there."

Carol nodded, "build it up from there."

You were still scared about the things, the big issues in society and the web of connections they all shared. Hell, even Carol did. She saw them when she was young, but now with older eyes, she saw them even more so.

She'd still fight the galactic fights, that was where she was needed; but she was also needed here, fighting the smaller - but still impactful - fights. There was still time to help, to attempt to do what she could.

She'd use it better now. Maybe not exactly an even split, but a split none the less.

AN// I don't know if I'm thrilled with how this turned out. I like it, and I think it got across all my anxieties about things, and how I like hero culture (IE. Comics and Movies/Shows) addressing these things and sometimes even having really good commentary on them, but how not all of it does this, you know? It does lip service without offering any alternates, if that makes sense?

Anyways, hope you enjoyed! <3

[starlit-hopes-and-dreams]

Chapter 17 ~ Called out

Hidden Depths

Previous ~ Masterlist ~ Next

Also on ao3

Genre: Fantasy whump

CW: ANGST - do i gotta keep adding this LOL. withdrawal (as in withdrawing into oneself), knowingly using a person's disability against them (but not maliciously-part of the withdrawal)

WC: 3435

In which some of these issues that've been piling up get dealt with, much to Carr's dismay.

AN: This is one of those chapters that is just massively revealing in regards to the character's personality, and I love it. I love the angst and fear and anxiety that rise up in these situations, only to be laid to rest when those fears aren't realized.

Like yeah, Carr is a badass, but that isn't all she is. And it pleases me greatly to be able to showcase that in this chapter.

Also, Resh finally snapped. Do you realize how hard it was to push that guy to a breaking point? 😂😅

Carr

Gods, she hated traveling in this carriage. 

The cabin was so small; even though she had a whole bench to herself, it didn’t feel like it. Even though she tr–wait, trusted? Fuck, not a word she’d ever expected to use. Carr shifted in her seat, peering out the window for the hundredth time–still no one. 

Even though she trusted Resh and Orla, their presence had its own weight, one that pressed against her same as the walls, same as the closed door. The door was accessible, sure, but leaving wasn’t exactly an option unless she wanted to chance breaking something. 

Trapped. 

It made her skin crawl. 

She knew Resh sensed something was off, but what could she tell him? Wasn’t like there was anything to be done for it. And now there was this other… issue. Carr picked at a dried fleck of blood she’d missed under her nail, avoiding looking at him. If she couldn’t see him trying to talk, she could pretend nothing was wrong. Right? 

Yeah, sure. Could she also pretend she hadn’t triggered Resh last night, bursting into his room and drawing her blades like that? Covered in blood, no less. Disgusted with herself, she threw her head back against the wall, a sharp crack sounding as bone hit wood. Orla’s head popped up from her book, her eyes questioning. Carr shrugged, and the girl sighed, returning to her reading. Carr didn’t look at Resh. 

Nothing is wrong nothing is wrong nothing is wrong

She wrapped her arms around her legs, resting her head on her knees. 

One could cut the tension in the carriage with a knife. Carr knew the pretending couldn’t last, but still, she wanted nothing to be wrong. Wanted it so badly–

A rush of air followed by a loud banging on the wall to her right brought her head back up, and she flinched back into the corner, more out of surprise than from fear, to find Resh on the bench beside her, slamming open the partition to the front of the carriage. 

He shoved his notepad through the opening, which their driver took, sounding the words out slowly as he read. 

A flash of jealousy sparked in Carr’s chest, that this carriage driver could communicate better with Resh than she could. 

“What…” she started to ask when Resh returned to his seat, but the carriage pulling off the path answered the question for her. She uncurled her limbs, wondering if she needed to put her boots back on. They were stopping for something. Maybe Resh just needed to take a piss? 

It didn’t really fit with the force of his motions as he caught the carriage driver’s attention or the hardness in his brown eyes, something Carr could say she’d never seen there before. Oh fuck, she’d pushed him too far. She hadn’t even been able to make it one fucking day. 

Her heart dropped into her stomach even as her mouth twisted. Should’ve known she couldn’t do this. Try to be part of something like the family Resh and Orla had. They obviously loved each other; what was she even doing here, interfering with that? Swallowing against the lump in her throat, she started replacing the few items she’d removed from her bag and tugged her boots back on.  

“Resh says he just wants to talk,” Orla’s clear voice piped up, and Carr slowly raised her head. “I’m assuming without me, as usual.” She sighed. 

Carr looked at Resh for longer than two seconds this time. He still appeared angry with his jaw clenched like that, but his brow was creased. The numbness that was trying to creep back in to protect her halted as he held her gaze, not even looking away as he scribbled something in his notebook and handed it to his sister. 

Orla rolled her eyes. “You know… Oh. Haha. He says he’d like to talk in private, but if he has to use me to talk for him, he will. That it’s up to you, Carr, if you can bring yourself to look at him long enough…” She trailed off, frowning as she read on.    

“Resh, that isn’t being nice to yourself, and I won’t say it,” she finished, twisting to face her brother. 

He scrunched his nose at her. 

Carr stared, her cheeks heating as she realized how thoroughly she’d been shutting him out. Gods, she felt like shit. He should ask her to leave. 

The carriage lurched to a halt. Resh was up and out before Carr fully registered the surcease of motion, and she was left staring at his back through the open door as he strode across a field of clover toward a stand of trees in the distance.  

“Well, are you going to listen, or am I coming too?” Orla asked, using her finger to mark her place in her book. 

Shame made Carr stumble over her words as she said, “I-I’ll listen. Shit, does he really, really think…” 

Orla glanced at his abandoned notepad, her eyes sad. “I think that’s the most blunt thing he’s said to me since he returned, and I don’t much like it. My brother is one of the strongest people I know, but maybe…” She shook her head, jostling her cap of small curls. “He cares about you, Carr. More than I’ve seen him care about anyone before. And I think you care too, or you wouldn’t be here. So go talk.”

She opened her book again, which Carr took as a sign of dismissal. It would’ve been amusing, getting lectured by a frail twelve-year-old girl, if she hadn’t hit so many nerves. 

The pink and white flowers dotting the clover field might’ve been pretty if Carr hadn’t felt like she was walking to her own execution. She started to chew on her thumbnail, only to pull it back out when copper bloomed on her tongue. She’d done a shit job of washing up, it seemed. Her hands went to the hilts of her daggers instead, but she jerked them away when she noticed, crossing her arms over her chest. 

She would walk up to him and listen, she told herself. No interrupting. No fidgeting. Stand still and watch his mouth. Let him speak his mind. It was too easy to interrupt him or to lose focus and miss words. Too easy to turn away if he was saying something she didn’t want to hear. 

He couldn’t speak because of her. The least she could do was listen. She didn’t have to like or agree with the words, but he deserved to say them in whatever way he still could. 

Her nails dug crescents into her upper arms as she approached. The small copse of trees he’d found provided shade from the blazing summer sun, which was now at its zenith. Carr figured they had traveled far enough, and this stop would be safe. There was no body to chase them for, after all. 

A small, gurgling stream caught her attention, and she glanced at it before looking back at Resh. He was leaning against one of the trees, watching as she closed the remaining distance. A breeze stirred the waves of hair covering his forehead, giving her a glimpse of the still-reddened flesh hiding beneath the strands.

Guilt flared, and she tried to chew on her thumbnail again before pulling it away with a sound of disgust. Instead, she sat by the stream; less chance of her forgetting herself and beginning to pace that way. 

His boots whispered over the grass as he moved to join her. 

“Do you want me t’ leave?” she blurted, forcing herself to turn and face him. Yeah… so about that listening part. 

The hard mask of his features cracked, showing… uncertainty? His mouth opened and closed, like she’d taken him by surprise, before he finally started forming words. 

Do you want to be here? he asked. 

She waited a moment, then scowled when he said nothing else. “Why would’ya think otherwise?” 

He crossed his arms. I don’t know, Carr. Why wouldn’t I think that? You seem uncomfortable, you won’t talk to me, you won’t even look at me. 

A pause, which lengthened until she realized he must want her to indicate she understood. She made a little ‘go on’ motion with her hand, and he continued.  

You relax when you talk to Orla, so it must be me that makes you uncomfortable. Am I that disturbing to look at,–he tugged at his sleeves–or is it because I’m male? Did you come because you felt sorry for me? Responsible? 

Carr’s mouth fell open. How could he possibly…? When she didn’t say anything, he seemed to get even more agitated. 

Did you understand what I said? It’s hard to tell–

“Yeah, I understand. You think you’re the problem, which is ridiculous, by the way–” Movement in her peripheral caught her attention, and she turned her head to find a leaf floating by, caught in the little stream’s current. She watched it move past, using the distraction to force the rest of what he’d said out. 

“And asked if how you look is the issue, or if it’s cuz you’re male, or if I felt sorry for you, responsible.” 

Repeating words he’d said back at him wasn’t the same as coming up with her own. Carr had plenty of thoughts, but none would stick with her long enough for her to string them together in a way that wouldn’t sound crazy. How could he think those things? She blinked, feeling helpless as she returned her gaze to him. This wasn’t something she could fix with hardness or violence, and it had been a very long time since she’d been in a situation where that wasn’t the case.   

Okay. Resh waited for a minute, in which Carr realized he wanted her to answer, but evidently, she didn’t say anything fast enough. The corners of his mouth turned down as he started speaking again, taking away her chance.  

I don’t need a minder. Just because I can’t speak doesn’t mean I can’t work out other ways of communicating. His gloved fingers dug into his knees. I realize I didn’t handle that situation at the inn very well, but I promise that I’m capable of taking care of myself and my sister. So if that’s why you’re here, maybe you should leave. I thought… I thought–

“Resh, no!” She couldn’t stand the pain in his eyes. “No. That’s not–I…” Her hands clenched into fists, and she automatically looked away. Why were words so fucking hard? 

Then she realized what she’d done, and snapped her head back to him, hoping she hadn’t missed anything, but he was just staring at her. Waiting. 

She ripped up a piece of clover and started pulling the petals. “I… do feel responsible, for what happened,” she said to the plant. 

Pluck, roll the petal, drop. 

“But that’s not… why? You,”–she glanced up at him, making sure she wasn’t talking over him–“you seem t’ get me, in a way no one else has. But I’ve… already fucked it up.” The last words were nothing more than a whisper. 

Pluck, drop. Pluck, drop. The petals rained down in front of her crossed legs. 

A sharp whistle cut through the air, and she flinched violently, the sound stabbing into her ears. But it served its intended purpose, and she looked back up at Resh. 

He frowned. Are you scared of me? 

She shook her head, rubbing one of her ears where the vibration still seemed to linger, like it had left behind little prickling needles to stab into her brain. 

The sound? He cocked his head when she dropped her hand and shrugged. 

“It worked, it’s fine.” She hated high-pitched sounds, but it was a good method. 

Resh whistled again, lower this time, and she furrowed her brows. Better? 

“Y-yeah.” Carr flushed, looking away, then quickly looked back up. Gods, this was hard. She’d never realized how difficult it was to stare at someone’s face. 

Okay, good. If you need to look away, that’s fine. I’ll whistle if I want to say something. Does that work for you? 

Gods. It was that kind of thing right there that made him… Her clover ran out of petals, so she chucked the empty stem and pulled up a blade of grass to shred. Then realized she hadn’t answered. Fuck. 

“Yeah, that works.” 

When she didn’t say anything else, he huffed. 

So what is it that’s bothering you in the carriage, specifically? I’m not a mind-reader, and I only have the clues you give me to work off of. You seemed happy when I asked you to come with us, but then we hugged… and… He looked increasingly uncomfortable, tugging on his sleeves over and over. Did you feel… I know I’m… I tried to cover them all, but maybe… 

Tears pricked her eyes. Did he honestly think she gave a rat’s ass about the scars? Was he covering them for her? She scooted closer to him until their knees were almost touching and reached for his hand, which he allowed her to take with a bewildered look. 

The glove resisted when she tried to pull it off, probably stuck to his sweltering skin. So she worked it off, one finger at a time. She didn’t look up, and he didn’t whistle, but he didn’t pull away either, even though she could feel his hand trembling. 

When she was done, she brought his hand to the stream at their side, rinsing off the sweat. Then, turning his palm up, she traced the white slivers of scar tissue covering his skin. 

“What did this?” she asked softly. 

He closed his eyes, his fingers twitching under her touch. Broken glass. He must’ve sensed her confusion because he went on after a long moment. M-made me crawl over it. 

Oh gods. Her fault, her fault, her fault. 

She let him have his hand back, which he clenched into a fist, folding his arm over his stomach. “Cuz you wouldn’t tell him where I went?” Her voice quavered, a pit opening up in her gut. 

He snorted, bringing his gloved hand up to rearrange his bangs. Because I pulled away when he kept touching my face, tucking my hair in, being fucking possessive of his property. He shook his head when her face fell. It wasn’t your fault, Carr. He only asked me once where you went. He didn’t really care, though. It was just a convenient excuse to justify torturing me. 

Gods, she wanted to kill that scumsucking ratfucker. But she couldn’t, so she pulled Resh’s other hand off his face and took that glove as well. Then she pushed up his sleeve, revealing a multitude of what looked like knife slices, some straight and thin, others jagged, the scar tissue thicker. She found a small divot on his forearm where the skin had been removed, remembered how many more of those areas covered his chest, his flanks, his back. 

Breath coming short now, she reached up slowly to brush aside his bangs, giving him every opportunity to move away. But he didn’t. The brand still looked angry, irritated from the sweat beading on his forehead, perhaps. Carr let his hair fall back into place and curved her hand around his cheek, which she found wet with tears when he leaned into her touch.

“I don’t give a shit about the scars,” she said, sorrow lacing her tone. “You aren’t disgusting, and you don’t need t’ hide them. I’m not…” she paused, unable to lie to him in this moment. “I’m not… entirely… uncomfortable cuz of you. Mostly it’s not you,” she clarified. 

He pulled back at that. I won’t hurt you. 

“I know that. I just… I don’t…” She covered her face with her hands. “I-don’t-know-what-this-is-or-how-to-act.” The words came out in a barely intelligible rush. 

A whistle, long and low, had her peeling her hands away a few moments later. 

Neither do I, he said with a small smile. What is it then? 

“It’s not important,” she hedged, pulling up another clover. 

His fingers twitched where they rested on his knee, but he didn’t reach out. She looked back up. 

It’s important to me. 

Orla had said he cared about her. Shit, so had Nykim. She hadn’t really believed them. She knew people found her… difficult to deal with. That she was rough, offensive, rude. A lot of that was on purpose, to cover up the things she couldn’t control that still managed to annoy people. 

Her own mother hadn’t been able to stand her; why should some random guy she met in prison be any different? Carr jumped up, unable to sit still for another second, and paced up and down the stream, twisting her hands in front of her to keep from pulling a dagger. 

What was she doing? So what if he had been kind to her? So what if she had missed him so badly while he was living in the palace that she’d stalked the grounds just to catch a glimpse of him through a window when he crossed the halls? This was insanity; he’d grow tired of dealing with her, same as everyone else ever had and–

Resh appeared out of nowhere, right in front of her, and she gasped, skidding to a halt before she ran bodily into him. He caught her hands before she could go for her blades. Her gaze snapped back up. 

Please don’t stab me. 

She gave a shaky laugh. 

You’re freaking out. Why? Because I said you’re important? His thumb ran over her knuckles, but he withdrew his hands when her gaze flicked down. Sorry. 

“Yeah,” she said, rubbing her hand. It was an automatic reaction, one designed to rid herself of the feeling of another person’s hands on her. Her touch replaced theirs–but she found it wasn’t really necessary, not with him. In fact, she almost regretted doing it, and that scared her. She didn’t want to think about him being important, or her being important…

“I–don’t wanna talk about it.” The look she shot him was part threat, part plea. 

Okay. 

Really? She tilted her head, even as the sharp curl of anxiety began to subside. 

Resh tucked a wayward strand of hair behind his ear, then tugged on his scarf. 

Fucking scarf. Carr stepped into his space, knocked his hand away, and began loosening the knot. “I feel trapped. In the carriage.” 

The scarf’s smooth fabric caught on her calluses as she pulled it free and stepped back, not missing how Resh’s hand immediately went to his throat. The small white dots the thorns had left behind weren’t even visible from a distance, just as she’d suspected; she’d only seen them while she’d been up close. 

“I know it’s dumb, and there’s nothin can be done. Now, doesn’t that feel better?” Carr surveyed him. Yeah, some of the scars on his arms stood out. But it wasn’t so bad he shouldn’t feel able to roll up his sleeves. The ones on his hands and throat weren’t really visible unless you were close to him. 

Resh waved to catch her attention. Can you ride? 

She shook her head. 

You could sit up front with the driver, when being inside is too much. 

Fuck no. She grimaced and shook her head again. 

His brow furrowed, and she sighed. 

“It’s okay, Resh. I just–that’s why, is all.” 

We can take breaks. The schedule isn’t so full that we can’t stop and take a walk every few hours. I don’t have anywhere to be. I literally have no idea where I’m going, I’m just… going, until we’re far enough away. Until we find someplace that feels right. 

That… that would help so much. The second worse part of the carriage was the enforced idleness. Being able to stretch her legs every so often… Carr stared. “You would do that?” 

Of course. So… you don’t want to leave? 

Blinking back tears, she shook her head. “No, I don’t.” 

He heaved his own sigh. I’m glad. Don’t shut me out again. Please? If you don’t want to talk about something, that’s fine, but I can’t–I can’t talk. I have no way to communicate with you if you won’t even look at me.        

Her throat had closed up, so she nodded. 

Okay. Let’s wash the blood off your hands before we go back. And perhaps you can tell me why it’s there to begin with, and why we had to leave that town in such a hurry.

Oh shit.

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