#and the second doc took one look at me and like left the room to go set up a steroid shot

[tj-crochets]

Hey y'all! It's weird question time again! So that doctor I mentioned before that I wanted to make a dog plushie for because he has improved my quality of life so much* (and also inexplicably reminds me of like a greyhound or a borzoi) is my endocrinologist And, as my endocrinologist, he recommended back in December that I go see a rheumatologist, because he thinks I might have rheumatoid arthritis**. The staff at his office have been trying to get a rheumatologist for four months now. I know that, because yesterday I got a call from the rheumatologist's office and the nurse I spoke to said "Your doctor's office has been very...persistent about getting you this appointment" So now I kinda want to get something for the whole office? But idk what I could get them or make them. Like, in non-medical contexts I'd make cookies or brownies for a group, but I can't bring cookies to a doctor's office. I mean, I guess I could, but if I were them I would definitely not eat them, and I run the risk of allergy-ing a fellow patient. Is there like a gift basket or gift card or thank you card or something you can recommend?

*I mean he maybe should have found a diagnosis before offering me steroids about it but the low dose steroids have made such a HUGE difference in my quality of life I am thrilled with Tennessee's weird (to me, with my experience in California) medical practices **I don't think I have enough joint pain for it to be rheumatoid arthritis, but he's like the fourth doctor to tell me it's weird that when I got hives they usually started on joints, so maybe I'm wrong? I have the weird version of enough medical things that at this point I would not be surprised if I had Weird Rheumatoid Arthritis.

[ewanmitchellconnoisseur]

"Bubble of Bliss"

Summary: After his steamy daydream Ettore has to make it a reality. He knows you want him and he wants you. So why fight it?

Tw: Dubcon, smut, Oral Sex (f receiving), unprotected sex, praise, fingering, creampie

<< Previous Part

A/N: I could not find the actual version I wrote in Google Docs 😭 but here is somewhat of a second part to that version. Hopefully, you still enjoy it!

Ettore was smart, he knew he was. All it took was some instigating and it wouldn't be long before prisoners would start fighting. Which would most likely develop into a riot leaving the prison a mess. He timed it, perfectly timed it. The second the alarms went off he was sitting in your office waiting for you to come in to start the session. The officers watching him ran out into the hall pushing past you as you stepped into the room, the door closing behind you.

They said nothing to you, panicked by the riot alarm and left you alone with him. He watched the confused look on your face as you looked through the small window of the door and saw them running up and down the halls yelling for everyone to stay in their rooms.

"It's a riot." You turn around and look at him your eyes immediately widening. He was standing up...and his chains were already off. The officers agreed to remove them starting 2 sessions ago as long as one of them stayed in the room. So it became a part of the routine for you to come in and for them to remove his restraints so he could freely participate in the activities you had laid out.

"Y-you should stay seated until they come back." You tried to keep your voice strong and steady, not wanting to show any fear but it didn't come out that way. It was shaky and uncertain and Ettore could hear it.

"They won't be back for a while... during the last riot, guards didn't check on anyone for 4 hours. I was locked in med-bay." He took a step towards you. You felt like a gazelle being hunted by a lion, and just like any gazelle, you knew when to run. Dropping your stuff you grabbed the door handle, but it didn't open, the handle didn't even turn almost as if it was locked. "Magnet locks. When lockdown mode goes on they lock all doors to prevent inmates from doing anything...stupid."

His voice was closer and soon you could feel the heat radiating from his body. His hands grabbed your waist and he lowered his head into the crook of your neck, brushing his lips against your ear.

"Ettore liste-" He presses himself against you effectively shoving your body into the door. You could feel his growing erection against your ass. "Don't do this." He smirked against your neck as he adorned it with soft and gentle kisses.

"I've noticed how you look at me. How you press your thighs together when I look at you the same way. You want me. Just as I want you." Ettore leaned back slightly making space to turn you around to face him. He leans down and kisses you. It's a hungry kiss as he wraps a hand around your neck holding you in place. While his other hand rests on your waist. You can't help but kiss him back, he wasn't wrong, you did want him but naturally did nothing about your wants since he was a prisoner.

"Tell me to stop and despite how much it will pain me. I will do it. For some reason, I-I don't want to hurt you. So tell me." He searches your face for some semblance of fear or terror but he sees nothing but lust.

"Don't stop. I want this." His heart feels as though it's beating out of his ribcage at your words. He wastes no time picking you up resuming his deep kiss while walking you two over to the couch. You both shuffle out of your clothes and although he wants to waste no time and wants to bury himself deep inside of you, he wants you to enjoy this.

He kisses his way down from your neck until he is between your thighs. Ettore smiles as he nips at the soft flesh and keeps his eyes trained on you as his tongue runs between your folds.

"Lift your hips for me sweetheart." You do as he says and he brings you closer to him by your hips. He holds your thighs as he slowly drags his tongue over your folds again.

"Please...." He looks up and smiles. "Ettore" hushes you before planting a kiss on your clit. You buck your hips up to his face wanting him to just get on with it.

"Needy are we?" Ettore gives in to what you want and it feels better than any vibrator ever would. Ettore's guess was right, you're a squirmer, he has to hold you in place from trying to get away. Your hands grip his hair as you buck your hips more into his face. Ettore looks up at you and sees how marvellous you look, chains of fucks coming out your lips like a chant.

He uses his nose to nuzzle against your clit and it only adds to the pleasure of bringing you closer to that familiar edge. He adds two fingers and curls them right into the perfect spot repeatedly. And just as that coil tightens and the pressure builds....he pulls away.

Ettore watches as you angrily open your eyes and look down at him.

"As hot as it would be for you to cum on my tongue. I'd rather you do it on my dick." You watch as he licks his fingers clean with a content smile on his face. "Had a feeling you would taste good." He brings himself back up to you and kisses you gently this time with no rush.

It's soft and passionate and as it deepens you feel the pressure at your entrance as he slowly pushes himself in. You didn't get to see his dick but from what you can feel... it's big and thick.

Ettore did his best to make sure you were wet and stretched enough so he would slide in easier but even after that, there is still some resistance.

"Fuck....your so tight." Ettore kisses the small tear that falls down your cheek. The stretch wasn't horribly painful but you still felt some discomfort. "I know, I'm sorry. Im almost in." He reaches in between your bodies and using his finger to circle your clit. "Try to relax for me, baby."

You do your best to relax and soon he's fully sheathed inside of you with a smirk and mumbles of good girl and other praises. Despite everything inside of him wanting to fuck into you roughly without warning he gives you a moment to adjust to him. While he waist Ettore enjoys the soft whimpers you give him as he sucks your nipple while he rolls the others between his fingers.

You give him a nod letting him know you're ready. It feels as though your breath catches in your throat once he starts moving. He leans back and watches himself slide in and out of you.

"Fucking perfect sight." He mumbles to himself. Ettore picks up the pace his hands holding on to your waist as he pounds into you. He changes angles and smiles as your moans pick up. "There it is." He hits the same spot repeatedly and smiles while staring at your fucked out face.

"You look so gorgeous like this." You mewl incoherent words back. "Yeah? Is it that good?" He reaches down and rubs your clit in tight circles. Your moans get louder as you beg for who knows what.

Ettore notices the alarm has stopped. "Shh, you need to be quiet." He muffles your moans with a kiss as he picks up his pace. "Fuck you're squeezing the shit out of me. You gonna cum?"

"Y-yes please..." Your words are choked as you nod quickly. Wanting him deeper you tilt your hips up which finally gives you the pleasure of hearing a moan of his own from how much deeper he was going.

"Then do it for me, baby. Be a good girl and cum on my cock." His lips find their way back to your nipples only adding to the ample amount of pleasure you were feeling.

Finally, that coil snaps and that warm buzzing feeling spreads over your body ."Good girl. Good fucking girl." Ettore makes a final slam into you and fills you to the brim with his cum.

You both stay like that for a moment catching your breath. His head lying on your chest, as his hands play with yours.

"Im going to miss you..." His voice was solemn. Reality was inescapable, Ettore was going on that ship. And you'd never see him again.

"...let's not think about that right now." You run your fingers through his hair gently. "Ill... I'll find a way...I promise."

He nods slowly. Knowing the chances of you actually finding a solution to this is low. Despite how badly he wishes you could come with him he knows it won't happen, and you wouldn't let him stay behind just so he could die on death row in a few weeks.

So you both stay there. Ignoring the reality of the situation. Protected in a bubble of bliss.

a/n: Google Docs decided to play with my feelings and I had to rewrite this whole thing. I hope y'all still enjoyed it. This took me longer than I thought it would. Let me know If you spot any mistakes or if I missed any warnings.

Also when writing this even I felt like it was really soft for an Ettore fic. But then my mind went to the fact that this might fit into canon. It could explain why Ettore is so damn touch-starved on the ship simply because he misses you.

Taglist: @thought--bubble

[m1ssunderstanding]

Understanding Lennon McCartney Rewatch Part 1.5

Coke Paul is just so pretty

What is the switching glasses supposed to mean in the penny lane video? Any thoughts?

In this interview, Paul seconds John's “go on forever” comment from a few months ago. They really did so well when they were living together, didn't they?

Okay, let's look at the difference in Paul's trips. His first ever trip with Tara Browne and he's just concerned that his sleeves are dirty and just mildly looking through a book of pictures. VS with John? The “I know.” “I know.” The “emperor of the universe” thing? Raving about it to everyone who would listen? Having to leave multiple times because it was scary how tightly they were bonding?

Their songwriting partnership is beyond insane. It's superhuman, it really is. Their abilities, their connection. And Cyn and Terry just reading. Just completely nonplussed. This was very every-day, monotonous stuff for them. Unfathomable. 

That song will always get me, though. “what do I do when my love is away?” “Obviously move my best friend in to take her place and then write a timeless classic with him about how it.”

Astrid: At first I did wonder if the really cared about people's feelings and people's friendship. Maybe this doc's whole thesis is “John and Paul's love for each other was so big they didn't have room for any kind feeling toward anyone else.”

The Pepper photoshoot is insane to me. Like more insane than the David Bailey one. Change my mind. You can't.

John tells an interviewer, "Only now am I beginning to realize many of the things I should have known years ago. I'm getting to understand my own feelings." Were follow-up questions just not invented yet??!! What things have you just learned, John? What feelings?

Never forget Linda took these. She must've been somewhat aware of how annoying this man was going to be about John from the start. And she still went after him. That's how good his . . . Nevermind.

"a decisive moment in the history of Western civilization" Well done, babies. 

I love smug Paul in general, and I especially love when he's smug about John. That “me and the badass bitch I pulled by being autistic” look. But literally. 

Gosh the Greece trip looks so beautiful. Idyllic. Paradisiacal. All of the beautiful people are just so blissful and in love. Sigh. (Every time I tried to take a screenshot of it it was too awful. Peter Jackson should clean it up.)

What are everyone's thoughts about the cause of Brian's death? I really liked what Vivek Tiwary said on AKOM. He knew he was taking a dangerous amount of drugs and he was depressed. But he wouldn't have just left so suddenly without leaving a will or setting things in order for the Beatles business. Anyway, no matter the cause, his death is the beginning of the end for the Beatles.  

All those quotes and pictures about the “intensity” between Paul and Brian are fascinating. “Obviously adored” “overcompensate” “little worries” What does it all mean? Was Brian in love with Paul in the end like he had been in love with John in the beginning? Or did he just feel bad because he knew it was unfair to Paul how in love he was with John? 

Wait, Brian was hospitalized for s*icide attempts in 66? Really? Confirmed? I knew he was in the hospital, but didn't know it was due to s*icide. 

Paul's hand at the small of John's back here, helping him onto the bus. It's so tender, so customary. They took such good care of each other.

Interviewer talking about MMT: If I can't see it in color, I'm going to send it back. ... :/

They're directing something and as Paul starts to walk away, so does John. But not because he wants to. He's looking around almost frantically. He has no choice in the matter. Only one person gets to control their legs at a time, and right now it's Paul's turn. 

Look how fucking ecstatic he is. I guarantee John isn't saying anything that monumental but look at those eyes. He's done for. Gone.

Interviewer: just get a tape recorder and you and Paul and the others just start gabbing. John: well, we've got a lot of that lying around the house, actually. Me: First of all “the house?” “the house?” Just casual. Like “our house” Like it's just common knowledge that they've been married and living together since they were fifteen. Second of all, give us the tapes already!! Who has them? Paul? 

All of these quotes from the Hunter Davies biography are just so normal. They're all so normal. It's fine. I'm fine. And here's my tin hat coming on again (and yeah I believe John loved George and Ringo immensely) but I think sometimes in these quotes, when John and Cyn are saying "the Beatles" they kind of mean "Paul . . . And George and Ringo". John himself actually says as much in the seventies, that when he says "the Beatles" he might just mean Paul, or just him and Paul. And there are countless times when Paul or John will start out saying "the others" and end up using just one name in a sentence. Idk this doc makes me such a truther I swear I'm not always this crazy.

And John's self soothing, reassuring refrain playing over all of it, “nothing's gonna change my world.” Right after Paul and Jane get engaged? Someone stab me in the heart, it would hurt less. And this is just the anticipation of the next part. Can I even handle part two?

Have some happy screenshots to bolster us.

[froggy-demon]

Oh, Deer | Part Three

A/N: I'M SORRY FOR THE DELAY I was in a fever writing the first two chapters on my days off, then my doc flipped out and rearranged itself mid edit which was superrrrrr awesome. I believe I fixed it though! I appreciate the support I've been getting so I hope you enjoy this part as well <3 I have to say I'm very excited for what I'm planning for part 4 as well so that one won't take as long I think!

Part Summary: Lilly finds herself curious of what the Radio Demon actually does, but acting on that will come at a cost. Back at work she gets some personal time with the self appointed head of the Vs only to be treated to a home visit from the King of Hell that night.

Part One Part Two | Part Four

______________________________________________________________

Velvette seemed to have cooled off today, allowing me to return to my regularly scheduled assignments, which sure were back breaking, but at least they weren’t soul crushing. On my walk to the hotel from work I found myself thinking about Alastor again, which I’m sure his ego would love to hear. I wanted to figure out what he was really thinking, and he was always off doing his own tasks day and night at such odd times. Sure he’s an overlord, but he doesn’t actually have any territory at the moment besides the hotel I guess. Does entertainment count as a territory? I guess so, but I wouldn’t say he is controlling that yet either. 

So I hatched a little plan of my own. Whenever Alastor left the hotel this evening I would follow him on whatever misadventure he went on, discreetly of course. I’d need to be careful, but I’m struggling to bury my curiosity. At this point I needed answers and Alastor wasn’t exactly offering any up. 

I wanted up the grand steps of the hotel and opened the door, looking across the entry way for any sign of him. He wasn’t around, but Angel, Charlie, and Vaggie were lounging in that parlor so I joined them. Charlie’s eye lit up when she saw me and she rushed over to me, grabbing my shoulders. 

“Oh my gosh there you are! Okay so today and yesterday we focused on learning about boundaries, it was a lesson I had needed as well.” She admitted, giving Angel an apologetic look. “Soooo to catch you up, please, share a boundary with us that is important we that we all respect and we will! Then we can share one of ours and tell each other how that all makes us feel, how does that sound?” She didn’t wait for an answer. “Amazing, I know!” She squealed and sat back down on the couch next to Vaggie and I took an empty chair. 

“Okay, uh, a boundary of mine is…I don’t like having my stuff touched, or moved around and besides Niffty’s cleaning which I do appreciate, I really don’t want anyone in my room uninvited, no matter what.” I say and Charlie gives a little round of applause and a proud smile. 

“That is very good to know Lilly! Thank you for sharing! As for me, my boundary is that if you want to talk you just have to tell me!” She says proudly. 

“Babe, that’s not really a boundary, like mine is no one but you can touch my hair. It’s a line that I do not want crossed.”With that Vaggie eyed me and Angel, as if we had been plotting to touch her hair and we both held up our hands to say we are innocent! They wen’t back and forth on exactly what qualifies as a boundary, but out of the Connor of my eye I saw Alastor still through the lobby. I pretended to be preoccupied on my phone, but really I was just watching him. He want over to Husk and told him something and then headed out the front door, cheery as ever. I didn’t want to loose him, but I couldn’t walk out immediately either I counted to five and figured that should be enough time for him to get down the stairs outside. 

“I have to go!” I exclaimed and stood up. I hadn’t really thought of a good excuse to tell them. “I uh, have a headache, I need to step outside for a second” That seemed like enough for Charlie and Vaggie, but Angel gave me a look that said he knows that’s bullshit. I smiled back at the demon, who wouldn’t pry right now, but I know when I get back he will start the interrogation. 

I make my way out of the room and out a side door of the hotel to hopefully be less noticeable. I spot Alastor down the drive leading up to the hotel and start to quietly move closer. It will be easier when we get into the city, if that’s where he’s headed, but here the space is more open. I leapfrog from behind bushes and trees and very convenient garbage cans until we make it to the city blocks. I don’t have to worry as much now, I can blend in with the masses of demons moving around me and all the noise they make. Alastor is still walking up ahead by a good few yards, grin plastered on. I can’t tell where exactly we must be going this time of day. I’ve never actually seen him with a drink in his hand despite employing Husk so it probably isn’t a bar let alone a club, no respectable tailor is open this late, maybe he was meeting someone, but who? We were nearing the Vs’ district, somewhere I didn’t think Alastor had much interest in visiting. Maybe though, he needed to repair something in his radio tower? The best tech is in this district. I saw him begin to turn his head my way and slipped around the corner of a side street, I tried to listen for his footsteps restarting, but it was difficult to pick up such a tiny sound here. I waited a few extra moments and poked my head out ever so slightly. He was further up the street now, excellent, he didn’t notice me. 

I slipped back out of my hiding place and kept my head down catching back up with him a little. Damn were his legs long. I tried to pay attention to what store fronts were up ahead to try and guess if he was going to any of them, but nothing seemed right. Finally he stopped, so I did too, in front of a building and after the tiniest pause a man stepped out, joining Alastor. He was tall and imposing, even over Alastor, but the radio demon didn’t seem worried in the slightest. A massive black cloak enveloped the tall demon and even from here I could see the green glow of his eyes, Zestial. What business did he have with Zestial? They are both overlords, sure, but not even in the same ring of hell and I doubt he is just grabbing an evening tea with someone as powerful as Zestial. I should abandon this plan now. It was going to be one thing if Alastor caught me, but a being like Zestial could snap my neck without even looking in my direction and he wouldn’t be waiting around for me to explain myself. I couldn’t though, this just scratched at that curiosity of mine more. How does Zestial fit into his plans? Is he going to help the hotel? I highly doubt it. Maybe Alastor was just making the rounds though, saying hello to old friends and foes now that he has returned. I couldn’t back down now I just knew that I was getting closer to something. 

They began walking and demons quite literally jumped out of Zestial's way, that was fear that Alastor couldn’t quite inspire himself right now. Maybe that’s why he is meeting with the ancient overlord, he needs to be associated with power like that if he is going to start taking back over territory. The two of them stopped and I pretended to read a flyer that was near me to look inconspicuous, trying to listen to their voices. They spoke hushed, but from where I was standing it sounded friendly all the same. I heard Alastor wish him a merry goodbye and turned on my heels. I didn’t have the chance to see where Alastor had walked Zestial to, but if this was his mission it was now complete and he would start heading my way. I kept my head down as I started walking away, back the way we came trying to walk quickly, but not enough to draw attention to myself. Now I could pick up the sound of Alastor’s steps with his cane behind me, 1-2-click 1-2-click, he was humming to himself, but those fucking long legs were gaining on me. Then I felt someone grab my arm from the side, yanking me hard around the very corner I had hid from Alastor just a few minutes ago. 

I looked up to face my assailant, but I didn’t need to know who it would be, Alastor. He shook his head at me, another  shadow arm wrapped around me and pinned me to the wall. My arms were pinned to my sides with a painful grip and I was raised just high enough for my feet to be off the ground. I thought I knew what I would say to him if he caught me, but now looking at his face I couldn’t think of anything that would make him forgive me. 

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Very rude to be spying my dear, very rude indeed. Did you really think I didn’t notice? That I couldn’t hear your little steps behind me, feel your wide eyes boring into my back?” He asked getting close to my face. I could feel the heat and anger rolling off of him as he spoke. All I could do was look into his eyes, I wanted to say something, anything, make it my turn to apologize, but I just kept staring like a deer in headlights. I couldn’t move if I wanted to, I just hoped if he had changed his mind, if Angel was wrong about Charlie’s stamp of ‘Do-Not-Kill’ Alastor would be merciful enough to make it quick, but all of hell knew that wasn’t his style. “Nothing to say for yourself now, hm? Not so cool when you’re the one in the hot seat.” He growled, his voice growing heavier with static, like every word was strained to get out. 

“I-“ I struggled to get enough stale air in my lungs to form a sentence. “I’m sorry.” It came out strangled and launched me into a coughing fit. I wanted to say more, to explain, but even the concept sounded stupid and naive. Maybe my dream was a prophecy, maybe in the afterlife I can see the future, and that future is the radio demon tearing me into shreds. I couldn’t tell if it was just my vision getting dark from lack of oxygen or if shadows were really about to swallow me whole, but as useless as the words were with every strangled breath I could manage I just kept repeating the same line. “Alastor, I’m sorry.”

I could still feel that weight on me, the unbridled energy still hung in the air, but I could breathe again, and the disgusting hell air never tasted so good. The shadow arms had dropped me, but Alastor still stood over me burning his eyes into mine. That fear that ran down my spine when I first met him returned, but this time he had earned it. “You ought to be more than sorry, I’ve killed less petulant demons for far less heinous actions.” He cracked, he leaned down to my level, his antlers caging me in place. He dragged one of his sharp talon-like nails down my cheek, just enough for it to sting. I recoiled at the touch. 

“I just,” I knew my answer was stupid, because I’m stupid. “My whole job every single day for all of eternity is to figure out what the hell people want, and to find a way to give it to them. As far as I can tell, all you want is power, I thought maybe there was more to you than that, but I guess I’m wrong. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have intruded.” I heard my voice crack, I hated looking weak even when I absolutely was. “I’m sorry Alastor.” I paused and tried to focus on my breathing. I didn’t want to look back into his eyes, I have no other defense. “I was selfish.” He didn’t respond, but he stood back up. Maybe he just wanted a better view as he killed me, or one last good look at the dumbest soul in hell. 

“You want to know what want, you wish to know what I think? Right now I’m thinking that you seem to cause me a lot of problems and headaches my dear! I think you need to stay. Out. Of. My. Way.” He warned all I could think to do was nod that I understood as he shrank back to his normal state. The energy that had been pounding against me subsided and the ringing in my ears finally dulled. “Good.” He added with a sinister smile. He grabbed my arm and his shadows enveloped us and before I could ask what was happening we were back in the hotel, in the hall before my room, stepping out of the shadows. Or in my case something closer to falling out of the shadows. “I think it best, my dear, if you have any further thoughts to keep them to yourself, that is what I want.” And gives me a nudge towards my bedroom door. I hang my head and simply walk away into my room. 

.

I watched her walk into her room without a glance back my way. Satisfied with that I make my way to my suite, planning how I might hunt my dinner to relieve the stress from tonight. I needed her to not get so involved, if Zestial had noticed her trailing us tonight he would have killed her and then that would be such a mess to explain to Charlie. Back in the street though, her eyes were so impossibly wide looking into mine, she looked utterly and deliciously terrified. It was the only appropriate response to the situation, the way her eyes darted between mine until she couldn’t bear their weight anymore, how I could feel the heat and fear rolling off of her when I backed her against the wall, it was a decadent mixture that I was happy to lap up. It’s not like she hasn’t seen what I’m capable of before, but it was the first time it was directed at her to this extent. I could smell it on her still, even as she had closed her bedroom door, the fear wafting off of her. Good, as it should. When I had her back there she was just another prey for me to hunt, but something in that concoction made me hesitate. Truth is I wanted to like her, I could appreciate feeling chained to a deal you regret, wanting out, freedom, control, your own power and looking for it in anyway possible, but she was making it very difficult despite the small amount of time she actually spent here. Still a part of me enjoyed the way her eyes watched, I do love putting on a performance for such a captive audience. What a pity, she was becoming a distraction, I suppose, every time I heard her giggling with that spider demon, or saw her sitting with Husk of all souls, sometimes just the scent of her after she had just passed by was enough to steal my attention for a moment, I couldn’t stop myself from watching and listening. At other times I could feel her eyes, which held so many questions, on me any time our paths crossed and it made me keenly interested in what she was thinking. I knew she had things she wanted to know and she was smart enough to know that I’m not one to go around spilling secrets, even if she had asked plainly like the night before. As fun as it was keeping her on her toes I did not have as much control over the situation today as I would have liked to because of her. I need to stay on task, disturbances like this were more risk than they were worth so whatever she was thinking she would have to keep to herself. 

.

“Dollface I just heard the end of that conversation and I need details, like fucking yesterday!” Angel said as I let him in, I hushed him until the door was closed and eyed every shadow in my room suspiciously. I hopped onto my bed and motioned for him to join me, trying to decide where to start and if there was a version where I don’t look quite so miserable. 

“I mayyyyy have followed Alastor into the city out of curiosity, since he’s always off to do something, like seriously who is that busy? Anyway, when I did I saw he walking with ZESTIAL and I really should have backed off there, but I didn’t and I should have, but then Zestial left and I tried to get out of there without Alastor knowing, but he totally knew and he kinda attacked me and it was kinda absolutely the stuff of nightmares and I literally think I will be having nightmares for the next month, but basically he said I should never bother him again.” I shpeiled and gave Angel a nervous smile. He looked at me was a mix of ‘what the fuck’ and ‘are you fucking dumb’ and ran a hand through his hair. 

“Listen I figured you were off to get up to some shit earlier, but I didn’t think it was going to be quite that fucking bad!” He gave a little laugh. I hugged my knees to my chest, maybe Alastor would cool off in a while, maybe in a few weeks. He isn’t exactly anyone’s best friend, but I still didn’t want him as an enemy. Angel tapped his chin like he was thinking of what to say next, “Maybe you should focus on rest tonight, I don’t think there’s much to do about it now.” Angel decided and I agreed. He fluffed my pillows and had a big goofy smile on as he motioned dramatically for me to lay down. We shared ‘goodnight’s and he left for his own bed, turning off the lights on his way out. In the dark it felt like the weight I felt when in Alastor’s grip returned, the heaviness on my chest, ringing in my ears. I know it’s just anxiety, but it still messed with my head. I got up in the darkness and slowly found my desk,  turning the lamp on to provide a little escape from the darkness. 

Luckily, no nightmares bothered me tonight it just felt like I fell asleep, and then all the sudden I was opening my eyes and trying to find where my phone was to turn off the damn alarm. I looked for it in the covers and shut off the annoying blaring. Slowly I rubbed the sleep from my eyes as I remembered all of the events of yesterday. Awesome. I couldn’t stay in bed long though. I found something suitable enough to wear to work and made my way downstairs. I had just enough time to enjoy a cup of coffee before heading out, which is exactly what I did. I sat myself in the first floor parlor with my steaming hot mug of caffeine, in the comfiest chair in the room. It is not often that the Hotel is quite so still and quiet, but sometimes as I am getting up for work when no one else has stirred yet it was admittedly very nice. 

1-2-click. 1-2-click. 1-2-click.

Maybe this is the nightmare. I pulled my knees up to my chest with my mug on top of them, stealing a glance out of the corner of my eye as he walked past. He didn’t have his trademark smile on, but he didn’t look displeased. It was hard to say though, when he wasn’t being actively provoked. I listened as his steps faded away, off to somewhere else. I sighed and swirled my drink, I shouldn’t let his cold shoulder bother me the way it does, but I can’t help it, I still can’t get him off my mind and alas this is my reality.

All day while I delegate as directed by Velvette, I find my mind slipping away, my body going into autopilot thinking about last night. Terrifying of course, but I also couldn’t get the look in his eyes to go away, like he needed something from me, but there wasn’t that bloodlust in his eyes from the night before. If he could just talk to me plainly this wouldn’t even be a scenario. Or maybe I had just thought about it too much and was distorting my memory. Even when Velvette was talking to me I was only half lucid, just enough to not fuck up. This is why my mind gets me into trouble though, this tunnel vision got me where I am with Alastor I need to snap out of it. 

“Are you even listening to be bitch?” Velvette sneered, one hand on her hip. An aid next to her held a large stack of papers, all annotated with sticky notes and purple pen. Not really. 

“Yes Ma’am.”

“Good, now that the marketing team is done with all this disgusting shit bring this to the fucking cunt in his suite, because I know he isn’t doing his job right now and he’s been dodging me all fucking day!” She ordered and the aid handed the large stack of papers to me. I looked down at the top one to see exactly what it was, scripts? On closer inspection they were definitely for Valentino, Vox would never let most of this on normal television. 

“Yes Ma’am.” I repeated and she sauntered away from me. I headed to the elevator since I knew it would be the easiest way to get this increasingly heavy stack all the way upstairs. I pressed the button that would take me up to Valentino’s suit with a single non-loadbearing pinky finger and took a deep breath. I put on a small pleasant smile and braced myself. Always a joy, right? When the elevator dinged I thought the suite might be empty since I couldn’t see or hear anyone right away, but then I realized I could hear two faint voices talking a room over. Thank god they were only talking. I walked a little further into the space trying to decide if I should try to give them to Valentino directly or if I could just leave them in a table for him to discover later. If I did the latter he would never look at them though, and even if I do hand them directly to him the chances are still slim.  As the sound of my heels echoed on the stone floor while I thought I failed to notice that the voices had stopped. 

“Who the fuck is it? I’m not expecting any whores right now.” Valentino’s voice rang out, followed shortly by the man himself. He looked annoyed, but that wasn’t unusual, with a cigarette in hand, taking a long drag after the question. 

“Mr. Valentino, uh, Sir. Velvette asked me to bring up these scripts to you. Where would you like them?” I asked, looking around the pile in my arms. The tall demon rolled his eyes, clearly he was hoping for a better surprise. He walked over to picked up the top script and flipped through the pages, bored by the task and then fixed his eyes on me, blowing a ring of red smoke into my face and smiling. 

“The real question is where do I want you?” I felt light headed for a moment, I even thought I might drop the stack, but I kept my balance. He circled, taking his time, watching me like a hawk does its prey, but I kept my eyes forward. “Velvette sure does like using you as her little errand girl,” he took another drag of the cigarette, looking down at me. “Maybe she wouldn’t mind if I used you in another way.” Another puff of smoke was blown my way. My senses felt dull, it felt like there was no more background noise, I only knew I was even still holding the scripts because I could see them, and it felt like a fight to keep my eyes and thoughts in focus. There was something to this smoke, clearly, at this point I just need to set these down. Then my job is done and I can be on my way. 

“Val, baby, what whore are you fucking that’s taking so long?”  The second voice I had heard when I first walked in asked smoothly, joining us in the main room of the suite. It felt like I was on a processing delay as I shifted my eyes over to identify the voice, Vox. “Ah, Vel’s pet, how nice of you to drop by! And with the scripts I’ve been telling her we needed back for two days,” he let a twinge of irritation creep into his voice and his eye slightly twitched, “Splendid! Thank you so much for bringing those up!” 

That sounded like my cue, but Valentino stopped and placed his hands on my shoulders behind me, locking me in place. “You know my Angel Dust was just saying how well aquatinted you two had become over at the princessa’s hotel.” Valentino phrased it like he was talking to me, but really I could tell it was for Vox who quite literally lit up at the mention of the hotel.  

“Why don’t you take a seat? Set down these lousy papers here,” Vox motioned to the coffee table and I did just that and then sat down on an ornate couch next to it, my body seemed to be one step ahead of my brain. “Tell me,” Vox looked down at me and when I didn’t immediately meet his gaze, he lifted my head to do so. His eyes were wide and entrancing in the moment, I felt far away again, it was hypnotizing to look at. “What do you know about my old friend Al?” His voice was laced with feedback, I was faintly aware of Valentino’s hands running over my silhouette while he sat next to me with a grin. For some reason I felt compelled to answer the media giant in front of me, like I couldn’t not tell him whatever he asked of me. 

“He.. he’s haunting. His temper has been short. I honestly don’t know much else about him, but I saw him with Zestial yesterday in the city. I don’t know what they were talking about, but they both looked content at the end.” I couldn’t stop the words from spilling out. Vox stepped back, breaking my trance when he looked away and I felt everything come back into focus. My whole body tensed once I processed my situation making Valentino let out a low laugh. I knew Velvette knew this was too long to be gone and right now I would take her screaming at me over this a million times over. “Mr. Vox, sir, is there anything else you need from me? I’m positive I’m expected back soon by Ms. Velvette.” I managed to sound far more calm than I felt, clenching my hands in my lap. 

“Oh I need-“

“Yes, that is okay, go scurry back to work,”  Vox cut Valentino’s coming harassment off. “Thank you so much for your time sweetheart and hey,” He looked me in the eyes again and that wave of numb washed back over me. “Let’s keep our little chat between just us alright?” And I could feel my head bob up and down in a nod. Before I knew it I was standing back inside the elevator heading back to work when everything came back into focus. My only solace was that I really didn’t know anything too important to reveal anyway, I mean with the amount of surveillance of the territory I would be surprised if that was actually new information at all. Still, I hated myself for it. Even if Alastor and I aren’t in good terms I’m not one to betray confidentiality and if I had known anything more I would have regretted that moment for the rest of my miserable afterlife. 

The rest of my workday passed without fuss or fanfare so it didn’t feel like quite so long until I was set back towards the hotel, I was dragging my feet the entire way. I wanted to go upstairs and curl up and just let the time tick past me, but that would disappoint Charlie so much and while redemption was on the back burner for me it wasn’t out of the picture and I really  wanted to live up to Charlie’s expectations. 

Walking into the lobby Charlie flags me down to join a group activity, apparently acting out some scenarios she has written out so we can pick the virtuous option. Sir. Pentious and Angel go first and while Angel is dragging his feet Sir. Pentious gets really into it. Even with some of the most corny writing I’ve ever heard he puts on a beautiful performance. 

1-2-click. 1-2-click. 1-2-click.

I can’t stop myself from tracking Alastor with my eyes as he comes into to talk to Charlie and dances around her. Their conversation is light and joking but watching his eyes now he is not happy. I force myself to busy my mind with something else, it’s none of my business how he may be feeling, I slip out my phone and shoot Cherri a text letting her know I miss her but I am in good hands. While Charlie is distracted Vaggie pipes up.

“Alrighty, Husk and Lilly it’s your turn to act some out. Angel and Sir. Pentious, excellent work please take a seat.” 

“I’ll be the bad guy.” Husk volunteered, though he did not sound excited by it. Angel handed his script to Husk and stole his seat. 

“I’m sure you have some useful experience as a bad, bad boy, Husk.” Angel teased, fluttering his fingers at the winged demon who only huffed back as he stood in the center of the room. Sir. Pentious passed his script to me with a bright smile and I gave a gentle smile back as I took it, thanking him. 

We acted out a short cheesy scene where ‘Husk’ encouraged ‘me’ to skip class to go shoplifting at the mall. ‘I’ refused, exclaiming the importance of academics and that shoplifting was actually bad. ‘I’ then professed my intent to serve my community as best I can and to never do drugs. The room erupted in more applause and I smiled at my scene partner. 

“Amazing performance Husk you really stole the show from me!” I laughed, earning a smile for the normally grumpy demon. 

“I had one line.” He pointed out flatly as we sat on the floor in front of the couch that Angel and Sir. Pentious we’re on. While looking at Husk from here it took all of my willpower to not shift my eyes up to the demon who was still chittering away with Charlie a foot behind him. 

“And yet!” I leaned into the theatrics and fainted, falling across Husk dramatically putting the back of my hand to my forehead like I once saw in a moving picture. “You captured my heart with it!” I played it up as I looked up at Husk and we burst out laughing. 

“Yeah kid I can really tell.” He quips at me. I steal a glance at Alastor as I sit back up and while he still sounds to be engrossed in his conversation his eyes are trained on me. For just half a second we hold each other's gaze, blink and you miss it, but then his eyes returned to Charlie and he bid her goodbye for the time being. I let out a breath I didn’t know I had been holding in as Alastor’s footsteps disappeared.

“Okay guys I’m going to get some stuff ready for my Dad coming over tonight, Lily you haven’t gotten to meet him, obviously, but he will love you I’m certain!” Vaggie gave Charlie a soft smile and Charlie squealed with excitement. Lucifer is coming here? I mean I know Charlie is his daughter and everything, but still, meeting the King of Hell was a big deal! 

“Hopefully Mr. Hothead can keep his fucking cool today..” Angel said motioning to the direction Alastor had walked away to. Husk let out a deep laugh from his chest and Charlie let out a nervous giggle, neither of them seemed to think that would happen.

“Yeah, good luck with that!” Husk added between laughs. Interesting, what is Alastor’s beef with Lucifer? If I were him I would want to butter up the most powerful being in all of hell not actively antagonize him. As much as he doesn’t want people to know it, clearly his emotions steer him sometimes. I was suddenly growing self conscious at the reality of meeting Lucifer himself. No one else seemed terribly worried about it, maybe the anxiety wears off after the first time. I won’t know until I meet him a second time. I sat up a little straighter, is my outfit okay for the occasion? No one else was rushing off to change so I guess I don’t need to worry about dress code. Thoughts raced through my mind until Angel pinched my arm. 

“Aye, babe, don’t worry. He’s a big goofball.” Angel reassured me, earning a couple of small snickers at ‘big goofball’ from the rest of the group. Still, when I heard a knock at the front door a few minutes later I jumped to my feet. Luckily Charlie had managed to convince Alastor to pretty up the place a bit more than normal before Lucifer’s arrival. Vaggie ushered all all into the lobby, save Alastor, to greet the King as Charlie opened the door. 

“There’s my little girl!” The Angel burst through the door and bear hugged his daughter, who looked to have at least a foot on him height wise. She laughed and hugged him back. 

“Hey dad!” She sang as they broke apart. Both of them were smiling ear to ear. That’s cool, totally not jealous, totally cool. “Dad you remember everyone! Angel, Husk, Sir. Pentious, Niffty, and new we have a new guest!” She motioned my way and Lucifer turned to look at me, I held my breath, hands clasped in front of me. 

“Well Hello! Charlie didn’t mention having a new guest, I would have worn my better tie!” He chuckled and I smiled back, but was caught off guard when he picked up my hand and left a gentle kiss on my knuckles, looking up at me from his half lidded eyes. “Your name was?” He asked not letting go of my hand. I almost forgot to respond as I tried not to blush, he was an absolute gentleman, I told him maybe a little bit more softly than was appropriate. “Pleased to meet you Lilly.” He said flirtatiously and then gave a slightly nervous chuckle, gently releasing my hand. “I’m Lucifer, I guess you already know that because I’m Charlie’s dad!” So that’s where her nervous tick comes from. 

“My, my is that how you greet a lady?” Alastor appeared next to us making Lucifer flinch. His eye twitched as he looked at the demon, nearly twice his height, grinning down at him. 

“Right, because you would know!” Lucifer retorted sarcasm lacing his words. He looked like he was struggling to keep his cool whereas Alastor was straight up having fun. 

Alastor looked at me with a devilish look in his eyes, taking my other hand in his. “I’m honored by your company this evening my dear.” He gave a gentle bow as he brought my knuckles to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on them. He ran his thumb over my hand, oddly gentle for him. His other hand found my waist and he placed another slow kiss on my hand. “You look lovely.” 

The feeling of his hand on my torso was electric, practically burning through my clothes. I know he is just showing off for Lucifer, wanting to look like the better version of, but still I felt completely exposed in this position. Even my ears felt hot at this point as I heard Alastor give a low chuckle and release me. 

“A little forward for my taste, you wouldn’t want to overwhelm the beautiful lady like that.” Lucifer said sounding annoyed at the display. He leaned oh his cane out in front of him and gave Alastor a dry smile. 

“I’ve never had any problems with the approach.” Alastor also sounded tense, but his smile was as wide as ever while he mimicked the angel’s stance. 

“I doubt you’ve tried it enough to really find out.” Lucifer shot back.

“I assure you I’ve never had someone walk out after.” Alastor said with a sarcastic laugh, jabbing at the disappearance of Lilith. Lucifer bared his teeth at the demon, daring him to go on. 

“Maybe we should take a minute to have some tea!” I tried to nervously interject, but I might have well been offering tea to a brick wall.

“Oh, my Dear! You play coy, but we were awfully close just the other night,” he teased. I could feel my face again grow hot at his insinuation and I swear on my death that I saw husk and Angel sharing a popcorn bag as they slowly inched away from the corner of my eye. “Oh I only play!” He added, but this whole time he still hadn’t looked at me. 

“Alastor.” I hissed sharply. A warning. I did not appreciate him butting in and using me as an excuse to pick a fight or score cheap points against Lucifer. 

“I think you ought to apologize to the lady, you certainly seem to be rude company from where I’m standing.” Lucifer shot back and Alastor’s smile curled particularly unnatural as his eye has a dim glow to them, a look that said he won, he knew exactly how to win this argument from and was relishing in it, in getting the upper hand on THE king of hell, fallen Angel, divine creation, Lucifer. Even if it was a petty quarrel. He leaned down ever so slightly, still over the shorter man’s head. 

“Her eyes disagree, I rather think she enjoys my company based on who she has been watching.” He hissed out through his teeth. Lucifer looked at me and I had to pull my eyes off Alastor to return the glance. I felt humiliated. He was right, I was of course focused on him right now just like every time I saw him, even with fucking Lucifer standing next to him. 

“Alastor.” It came out soft and small, more than a whisper but it lacked the confidence of real speech. 

“I think some tea might be a good idea.” Vaggie said pointedly to the two. Alastor and Lucifer were still staring each other down though. 

“Daaaaaaaaaaadddddd” Charlie groaned, finally snapping him back into reality, he sent me a kind smile and then walked back to his daughter. 

“Sorry sweetheart, what can I say, old habits die hard am I right? Now you said you had some kind of flow chart drawn up to show me? Or was it a cork board?” He asked and she lit back up. Charlie, Vaggie, and Lucifer left for Charlie’s office where she did much of her planning for the hotel. 

We were alone together again, this time it was my turn to walk away. 

•

I had heard the filthy Angel’s teasing of Lilly from across the hotel and when I saw him bring her hand to his lips something in my gut turned. Stepping out into the scene, seeing the bright crimson spread across her face by just looking at him disgusted me. I could smell the attraction on her, but I also watched her focus shift off of the divine creature and onto me as we went back and worth. Knowing that even here with most powerful creature she may ever meet those eyes still latched into me, that was gratifying. The feeling of power it lent me was intoxicating, something I have been lacking. This time I won, I had the advantage, I have something over the king of hell. Even if that is just the attention of a doe eyed sinner, I basked in the victory. But as I did I noticed the expression on her face, a light blush still dusted her cheeks which contrasted the lost look in her eyes as her mouth pulled into a decided frown. Now those eyes were cast to the ground. 

“What is wrong with you?” She asked quietly, if we hadn’t been the only two left in the room I would have wondered if it had even been directed my way. Her hands began fiddling with the material at the hem of her shirt, smoothing out minor creases with her thumbs absentmindedly. 

“Come now, just a bit of light teasing! The elder Morningstar is never serious with his courting anyway, no real loss.” I told her, keeping my voice light. I was right, he’s known to flirt on the rare occasions he has been out of his house in the last seven years, but the abandonment from his ex wife seems to have crippled his ability to do anything more. Yet I could still smell a hint of attraction, and some combination of shame and anger, on her. 

“Goodnight Alastor.” Was all she said, walking away from me. What a pity, she’s so fun to play with, even when she doesn’t want to respond her eyes and her scent betray her. Some part of me deep within me wanted her to stay, or the feeling her gaze gave me to stay, but I had a late night broadcast to perform and I wouldn’t want to leave my audience waiting. 

Part Four

______________________________________________________________

tags: @aperfectidiot @aleeeeeeees-stuff

[slippinmickeys]

Fic prompt - Scully goes on a date with the Perfect guy. Mulder is angry, decides to go to a bar to find a one night stand. He just gets drunk and TLG bring him home where... He finds Scully sleeping on his bed

I started this forever ago, but could never really get it to flow and didn’t know how to end it. Reading through it now… it’s a little uneven, has not so much as whispered in a beta’s ear, but I kind of like where I left off and… I have so many unfinished works sitting in docs I’m letting this one fly free. Thanks for the prompt so long ago, Anon.

Dale. The guy’s fucking name was Dale. Who named their kid Dale, anyway? Perfect smile, perfect teeth, perfectly coiffed hair, polite, a doctor, and so damned charming that even Mulder had trouble not liking him.

He had a sailboat. He was taking Scully out on it. He was somehow more Vineyard than Mulder himself – a guy from fucking Chilmark. And Scully was eating it up. She was excited about the date, had been talking about it all day, ad nauseum. Well, he was pretty sure she had. He’d had to tune her out for his own mental well-being.

You’d drink, too, he’d said, maybe out loud, and it took him a moment to register the warm hand that clapped his back, the presence next to his barstool.

“I know, buddy,” Frohike said, eyebrows like caterpillars crawling across his brow, his hand squeezing Mulder’s shoulder.

“Frohike?” Mulder asked, surprised as all hell to see his friend standing there.

“Thanks, Nadine,” Frohike said to the barmaid, who handed over Mulder’s cell phone and credit card, both of which Frohike slipped into Mulder’s sport coat pocket. “Let’s get you home.”

Mulder stood woozily, and the older man had to occasionally correct his trajectory as he stumbled past the billiard tables that Casey had pulled three booths to squeeze into the back room of the bar.

The Vanagon was idling out front, Byers behind the wheel. Langly was riding shotgun, rubbernecking out the window and snapping a tight knot of green gum. The valet looked pissed and said something to Frohike that Mulder couldn’t make out as the little hacker tried to maneuver the much taller man through the open door.

“Keep your pants on, key jockey!” Frohike clapped back as he slid the big door closed. Mulder slumped against the window, miserable, sliding down the vinyl seat as Byers pulled away from the curb.

“What happened?” Langly asked, turning around and peering at Mulder through smudged glasses.

“Scully’s on a date,” Frohike said carefully. Byers’ eyes flicked to Mulder’s in the rearview, but he said nothing.

Langly nodded knowingly. “She been dickmatized? Is this dude some kind of punk?”

“No,” Mulder burped, righting himself in the seat as the contents of his stomach sloshed. “He’s actually a really nice guy.” He directed his comment to Langly’s second question, adamantly refusing to acknowledge his first.

“Let’s just get Mulder back to headquarters,” Frohike said, glaring at Langly. “Let him sleep it off.”

Mulder grabbed onto the side of the van as his head began to spin, and the thought of sleeping on the guys’ lumpy couch surrounded by the close-quarters smell of hot circuitry and day-old nachos triggered a violent urge to propel the contents of his stomach out the window beside him. He took a deep breath and steeled himself.

“No!” he burped again. “Take me home please.”

When Byers’ took the exit for Old Town, Mulder unclenched, and that’s when the urge to puke turned into a biological inevitability.

The look on his face must have conveyed some real urgency, because the next thing he knew, the van had swung over to a curb and Frohike already had the door open. He fell to his knees on the floor of the Volkswagen and hurled an arc of vomit onto the sidewalk outside the van.

“Whoa,” he heard Langly’s nasally voice pipe up when his coughing and gagging had died down considerably. “That’s some serious upchucking. I think he shot it past the fire hydrant.”

He spit once and then looked down in his hand to see a wad of Burger King napkins that Frohike had pressed into it. He mopped his face as the other man slid the sliding door closed and Byers merged back into traffic.

Mulder settled himself gingerly back onto the big bench seat.

“I feel a lot better,” he said pathetically, the sweat on his forehead cooling.

“Well you smell a lot worse,” Frohike replied, scrunching his nose in distaste.

“Bet Dale can’t hit the fire hydrant,” Mulder said.

“Dale can probably hold his liquor,” Frohike grumbled, and the puke-induced euphoria he felt withered, replaced by a humble misery. He wondered where Scully was now, if Dale had let her take the helm. He wondered how big the boat was, if it had a sleeping berth. If Dale and Scully had ever used it.

“You’d drink too, if-” Mulder started, but his words died on his tongue as it came to him what he was about to say. Out loud. To the guys.

The cab of the vehicle took on an embarrassed silence and after a long moment he looked up to find Langly reaching a hand back to him, a foil-wrapped stick of gum on offer along with a look of knowing sympathy.

Mulder took the gum with a nod of thanks and stuck the sheet of spearmint in his mouth, chasing out the taste of bile and sick and rampant jealousy.

When Byers pulled the van in front of Hegal Place, Mulder had trouble meeting anyone’s eye. Frohike was on the sidewalk waiting for him when he tipped himself out of the back of the van, sobriety duking it out with whatever liquor still swam through his bloodstream.

Frohike looked up at him with a kind and steady hand on his arm. “You want me to walk you up?” he asked.

Mulder felt around his pockets for his keys, locating them after a quick search. “No,” he said. “I got it from here.”

Frohike nodded and patted him one more time. “Put a trash can next to your bed, huh? Drink some water.”

Mulder thanked him and turned on his heel, missing the look the three guys gave each other before watching him ascend the stairs and fumble his way through the front door of his building. Eschewing the elevator and up the stairs because moving was better than standing still, down the hallway – where he’d thought he’d told her he loved her in as many words as he could, and still she went out with Dale – and through his front door. He had it bad, he realized, as he stepped through his door and into his apartment. He had it so bad that he thought he could smell a trace of her perfume – the expensive stuff she kept in her sock drawer – when he walked through the door of his own apartment. Christ.

He toed off his shoes and made immediately for the shower, catching the alleyway stench of whatever vomit hadn’t made it all the way to the sidewalk. Standing under the hot spray, he rethought some of his more recent choices.

If he were honest with himself, he’d gone to the bar tonight to pick up a woman and take her home. It had felt like a wild, righteous idea at the time, made on an indignant huff just as Scully was waving goodbye and Dale put his hand on her back to lead her through the double doors of the Hoover building. A decision made with jealousy boiling through his veins, but abandoned when he sat down at the bar and pictured another woman with her head thrown back on his sheets. Anonymous sex didn’t hold the appeal it once had for whatever reason, and he’d ordered a drink instead. And then a second, and a third and on down the line.

What would he say to Scully if she were here now, he wondered, toweling himself off. What do you see in him? That was obvious. He bent over and drank water directly from the faucet, slurping until the headache he felt coming on was assuaged. He looked at himself in the mirror. Why him and not me? He thought, and sighed, padding naked into his bedroom – not bothering to turn on the light – and sliding on a pair of pajama pants he pulled from a drawer.

He lowered himself into the bed, dejected, tired, still a little woozy, when a sound – a quick inhale of breath – sent him shooting back up to standing, heart pounding, instantly sober.

“Mulder?” came a groggy voice from the other side of his bed, and it took him a moment to reconcile his partner’s voice and its place in his dark bedroom.

“Scully?” he said, his voice sounding two octaves too high. “Jesus.”

He reached over and switched on a bedside lamp.

“I’m sorry,” she said breathily, blinking rapidly. She scooted up on the mattress and back into the pillows. Her hair was mussed and she wore a shell-shocked look. “What time is it?”

Mulder was still so surprised to see her that he couldn't put together a coherent answer. “I-what are you doing here?”

Scully looked over at him, took in his pajamas and his bare chest, his still-damp hair, and a look of profound embarrassment washed over her face.

“I’m sorry,” she said again. “I was waiting for you and then-”

Maybe Mulder wasn’t entirely sober yet, because his brain still felt absolutely befuddled. “Where’s Dale?” he asked, sounding rather like a simpleton, like he expected Dr. Dale to come sauntering into his bedroom at any moment, wearing one of Mulder’s robes, handing over a cold martini to Scully and saying ‘great bedroom for a shag, thanks for letting us use it.’

“Out on his boat, I imagine,” she said, not meeting his eye.

“But why are you not… on his boat?” Mulder lowered himself back onto the mattress, perching on the edge. “Wait, did he try something? Are you okay?” He leapt back up to standing.

“It's fine, Mulder, he didn’t do anything. I…got seasick,” she said, finally turning to look at him, a dubious, slightly jokey look on her face.

“But you don’t get seasick.” He was still standing.

She gave him a look like he was being deliberately obtuse. It started to occur to him that she was here on purpose, not because something calamitous had happened.

“But you were excited about it,” he said, lowering himself once again back to the bed. “You kept talking about it.”

“Mulder…”

“Scully?”

She thunked her head back against the headboard.

“Maybe I was hoping you’d talk me out of it.”

“You we’re hoping I’d-“ his heart soared momentarily, a bird taking flight. And then it fell out of the sky.

“Where have you been?” Scully asked, head tilted to look at him, her brow creasing, eyes narrowed.

“I was… at a bar.”

“Oh.” Her cheeks turned scarlet in the warm yellow light of the lamp and a look came over her face like a dawning realization. “Were you… there for someone?”

His life flashed before his eyes. Scully could tell when he lied to her, and he had gone to the bar with the intention of picking up a woman.

When he didn’t answer, Scully’s eyes widened and she stood suddenly. “I have made,” she said, looking around as if for a purse or a set of keys, “an appalling miscalculation.”

Mulder wasn’t sure if she was talking to him or herself, but suddenly she was on the move, darting through his bedroom door in a rapid exodus.

“Scully wait!” he called out, following her, just hoping to catch her before she got to the door. He felt like if she went through it, there was a real chance he might never see her again. Dana Scully didn’t do embarrassment well.

But he almost stumbled into her when he reached the hallway. She had pulled up short next to his billiard ball coat rack, her nose scrunched up in a look of minor revulsion. He had left his discarded clothes and shoes in a rumpled trail from the door to his bathroom, and the fumes coming off of them were sour and unpleasant.

“Mulder, it smells like vomit.”

He doubted she could see his chagrined expression, backlit as he was by the light spilling from his bedroom, but he shrugged.

“I… may have tied one on,” he admitted.

“You went out drinking?” Her face looked like she was working on a very hard math problem. “Alone?”

“Well, the Gunmen came and got me.” While he was sure she was glad he hadn’t driven drunk, he knew that’s not what she was getting at. “I was upset,” he finally admitted.

“Upset?”

He took a hesitant step toward her, watched her eyes slowly climb up to his face the closer he got to her.

“Jealous.”

Her gaze was moving rapidly back and forth between his two eyes. “Jealous?” Her voice barely above a whisper. His stomach did a loop, like a swallow over a corn field.

“You wanted me to talk you out of your date?” She smiled and sighed, looked down and away from him. “What’s wrong with Dale?”

Her gaze climbed back up, lingering a little, he thought, on his bare chest.

“Nothing’s wrong with Dale. That’s the problem.”

Mulder reached out a hand, wanted run it through her hair, but grazed her shoulder instead.

“You looking for a fixer upper? I know at least five different-“

“Mulder,” she said, exasperated. “Shut the fuck up.”

He did so immediately.

[opluffys]

Mentor + Mentee-

-first part-

pls let me know if there are any errors or if this copied weird. you don’t have to read the first part to understand this, but it helps set the scene a bit :). pls enjoy <3

tags- cunnilingus, blow jobs, rough sex, toxic relationship, praising, size difference, fem reader.

6k words.

-Ghost x Reader x Price-

-nsfw/smut-

As you trailed behind Ghost, your thoughts ran like the wildest child. Why couldn't you ever stand your ground? Just tell him no, for once? He pulled you in with his brashness, commanding you in a way that was impossible for you to say anything but an affirmation.

"You really couldn't wait until the morning? I'm fucking tired." You huffed, exhaustion and sass lacing your tone.

He didn't acknowledge your fulminations, instead, he made longer and quicker strides, forcing you to walk faster in order to catch up with him. Little things like these, his own cruel tests to see just how far you'd go just to listen to him, it adds up. It takes a toll on you, more so your mental state rather than physical. Though, the times where you couldn't make it out of bed due to his roughness had been displeasing, too.

The two of you continued to walk the narrow corridors in an odd and off putting silence. Your office had been passed, and so had his bunk. He didn't tell you where he wanted to take you, and now, nervousness wracked your senses.

Maybe he didn't want you anymore..?

No, fuck, you couldn't handle that. You'd rather him use you as a warm body than to just dump you to the side, looking for another suitable individual. You took that spot, and you wore it with pride.

He suddenly stopped, and you had been right behind him, not having the guts to look at even his clothed back. You opted to face the ground, chewing the soft flesh of the inside of your cheek. Whatever happens, you had a feeling it wasn't good.

Ghost raised a gloved hand, knocking at the wooden door. You heard a gruff 'one minute' come from the other side. You couldn't quite recognise the voice on the other side due to the barrier of the door, but it sounded vaguely familiar.

After a few seconds, the door swung open, and out came both Soap and Gaz, lightly conversing with one another. They sounded exhausted.

"Hey doc!" Soap beamed at you, sounding ecstatic to see you. He was going to talk more before getting elbowed by Gaz and a harsh 'shut up, idiot!' getting thrown his way. You looked up at the two, and couldn't hold back your laugh once you'd seen three lollipops in each of their mouths. You wondered how these two were so serious in the field, yet reckless when at base.

"Didn't think we'd see you here, uh," Gaz stilled, thinking of an excuse before Soap cut in. "Sorry, we just really like the kind you get." He was an honest man, and he actually looked apologetic.

You waved them off, "You two are the only ones who eat them, anyway." You giggled, something only reserved for their boyish antics. They thanked you profusely, greeting their lieutenant before running off. You heard Gaz rebuke Soap as they made their way back to their bunks.

Wordlessly, Ghost walked in and left you right outside by yourself. You could run off, back to the inviting slab that you called a bed. You could just go and never look at him again, tell your medic to treat him so you wouldn't need to make contact with him, either. You were so tired of these complex feelings, unrequited and feeling like poison in your mind.

Yet, you shadowed right after him, like the idiotic and strangely acquiescent thing you were.

When you'd entered the room, you couldn't help the alleviated breath that had left you. You'd seen Price sat at his desk, fountain pen looking tiny in his big hands. Your mind was wandering, this man was your boss, you shouldn't be thinking about him in such a lecherous fashion.

But, oh, he was so kind to you. He'd call you the sweetest names, praise you endlessly while you'd patch him up. You wanted him to do so similarly while you sat atop him, taking him inside of you while he'd be so nice to you. He'd probably take his time with you, break you open inch by-

"Good, you brought 'er."

His thickened accent and gruff voice broke you away from you dirtied thoughts. And instead, you began to question why he'd wanted to see you in his own office. You'd never been here before, usually, he'd be the one to come to you.

Ghost said nothing, standing deathly still as his wide and impressive physique mimicked a marbleised statue, carved with care and love. The pure antithesis of what he had been internalised.

Price gestured for you to stand next to him, and told Ghost to take a seat right in front of the two of you. He hesitated, and it had finally struck you that he too had absolutely no clue on why the two of you had been summoned to Price's office.

"I told you to sit down, lieutenant." He sounded aggravated, yet eerily calm. His voice rumbled like the most devastating storm, and the two of you had been caught right in the midst of it.

Ghost didn't need Price to pull rank on him, he took a seat, spreading his large legs to get comfortable. You turned away, not wanting to look at him for too long, for fear of what would begin to brew in your mind.

Price then stood, pushing his swivel chair into the space between the mahogany desk. You crossed your arms over your chest, yearning to cover yourself in any way possible. You wanted to pull an invisible curtain over yourself, disappearing from their view.

And although you were used to being in a rather close vicinity to your superior, this felt off. It wasn't in a clinical setting, you weren't fixing him up, it was something that had been deemed unprofessional in your eyes.

But when did you care about keeping up appearances?

His office space was quiet, save for the cool rumbles of a tiny fan in the corner, puffing out air as fast and as strong as it could. The three of you seemed frozen, unmoving as time continued to tick, one cursed second at a time.

"Sorry t'call ya in like this, sweetheart." Price spoke, not missing the way you jolted at hearing him so suddenly. He instinctively wrapped a heavy arm around you, pulling you closer against him. At first, you stiffened against him, he was so warm, like a personal furnace warming your freezing skin. But, when you'd seen Ghost's stare stick to your own, seeing that glint in his eye, that look that had him fucking you until you were essentially brain dead, you quickly noted that he was jealous.

So, you melted against Price, pushing closer to him.

Ghost was now glaring at you, staring with contempt. Those damned expressive eyes of his, telling you everything he was thinking. That internal sense of resentfulness picking at his very spirit. He swore he could hear the very moon cackle and snicker at him, the stars and constellations joining in and laughing with a sardonic glee.

"I'll make this quick for you," His hands now steered you to stand in front of him. Then, you'd realised how much bigger he was, his hands were so large, he was so tall, so muscular. Like Ghost, he could probably break you right in half without even knowing it.

He dipped your pyjama top lower, just below your clavicle and shy of your sternum. You gasped at feeling him touch you, the back of his hand brushing against your breast.

"I'm tired of seeing my doctor like this."

You couldn't help but squeeze your thighs together to quell that unbearable heat in between your legs. Hearing him essentially call you his hadn't helped at all.

You dared to glance lower at your exposed skin, wincing at seeing the specks of purple slowly eat and consume at whatever had been exposed. Fuck, he must've noticed when he was cleaning your uniform. At times, you were really quite unaware of how observant the entirety of the Task Force had been.

Ghost shifted in his seat, leaning backwards to somehow close a distance he thought was strangling. You looked straight at him, something you normally weren't capable of. You then glanced over at his wide shoulders, and immediately to your hands. You never realised just how badly you'd wanted to lay a finger on him, and when you did, you did everything in your power to keep that feeling at ease. To ensure it would never come out whilst he slowly fucked into you, hoisting you up against a freezing wall and ravishing your soft body. It worked, until it didn't. Until that feeling built up into something that couldn't be tamed, something that'd come out with a vengeance.

"Then, ya got me thinkin'," He hummed, a surprising humorous lilt detected in his tone, "you've got no clue how to treat her properly."

Ghost was still as unmoving and unbothered as ever, his stare still on you, but moving to Price for just a moment when those words had left him. His words had him slightly bitter, unbeknownst to you.

"But don't worry." He chuckled, a deep and low rumble that you felt right against your back, "Captains got you."

You hadn't even had time to process what Price had said, still trying to even fathom that he had been so close to you. But, your mind quickly caught up with the given situation when you'd felt his hands back on your unsuspecting figure once again.

He slowly lifted your top, but you shivered, taking hold of his hands in your quivering ones. "Ghost, he's," He doesn't care about you-

Ghost's hardened stare on you actually softened for a split second. He really didn't think you would say that, didn't think that you'd care whether he was present or not whilst Price had done what he'd pleased with you.

You shyly bit your lip, playing with Price's thick digits while you'd been lost in thought. You knew Ghost didn't care for you, and you knew your role in his life. To stitch his deepest wounds and sate his deepest hunger.

"You've got such a loyal one 'n you treat 'er like this?" Price scoffed, allowing you to innocently toy with his hands. You truly don't know why you'd been so steadfast and devoted towards Ghost. A part of you thought that this had been the way he'd expressed himself, showing what he'd been feeling through raw and primal actions. That part of you was extremely delusional, but also faultless, unknowing to you.

Sure, you'd avoided him physically, but he'd avoided you emotionally.

"Sweetheart, he doesn't mind," Price had said, right in your ear as he pressed a kiss against your exposed neck, having you shudder lightly in his arms. You really weren't used to such light and loving touches being directed your way. "do you, lieutenant?"

You couldn't look at either man right now, fearful of Ghost's answer.

He'd responded almost instantly, "No."

No?

Fuck, that hurt.

He doesn't mind seeing you ravaged by another man? By his leader and your boss? You were supposed to be pinned under him always, supposed to be the only one that took him, supposed to be solely for him- just his.

You blinked rapidly to rid any tears from your tired eyes. All of your reservations lay within Ghost, right in his glove-clad hands, right underneath that balaclava, embedded in those honeyed eyes of his.

He didn't mind, so neither did you.

You peeled off your top and turned towards Price, pulling him into a searing kiss. He seemed surprised, unmoving against your mouth for a moment before pushing your body closer against his own. He lifted you and you wrapped your legs around him, whimpering into the kiss and getting all of your little sounds swallowed up.

Your back hit the wall, arms snaking around Price as the both of you were still enraptured by one another. His lips were so soft, and his beard lightly scratching at your skin was oddly welcomed.

You separated from him, panting while your heart beat on swiftly. He opened his mouth to say something, but you gravitated right back at him, kissing him roughly. You heard him groan into you as your hips rolled against him, feeling his hard-on push against you. You pushed away and bit his bottom lip, opening your eyes and soon meeting his stare.

You hugged him closer, so accustomed to that hurried pace with Ghost. Used to just shedding your bottoms and having him plunge into you, not ever taking a moment with you, to see what you liked and what you'd hated.

Price removed you from the wall and instead sat you onto his desk. Facing only him, Ghost had been at your back, you'd unable to look at him, to see and scale his facial expressions to gauge what he was feeling.

It had been on purpose.

You'd tried to turn around and look at him, but Price stopped you, grabbing your shoulders and stilling you. He left his hands there for a moment, looking right into your eyes with his piercing blues.

"Eyes on me, love."

You immediately broke eye contact, so unaccustomed to such mannerisms being directed your way. He chuckled lowly at your bashfulness, taking your chin in hand to direct your stare back to his own. Any minute now, while your eyes were on one another you thought he'd just fuck you and get it over with. You opened your mouth to speak, but a meek and tiny gasp left you when Price had began to lower himself.

"What are you-"

You interrupted yourself when he'd removed your pyjama bottoms, only leaving your damp panties clinging to you. His hands moved to your sides again, slowly sliding your undergarments down your legs. Your head was swimming, surroundings becoming a sickening spin.

He suddenly had two of his deft fingers push against your slick, teasing the entrance before plunging in. You gasped, hands at the edge of the desk as leverage. His mouth quickly replaced his fingers, licking a long stripe and catching your clit in his mouth. You couldn't hide the moan that left you, hands scrambling to tug at his short brown tendrils. His mouth on you was such an unexpected occurrence, the coarse hair of his beard scratching against you in a way that had your eyes rolling back.

You yanked his head backward, stumbling over your words, "Wait, y-you don't have to do," a low curse left you when he'd returned his fingers now, both his mouth and digits pleading you immensely. "don't have t'do this." You mumbled, thighs closing around him as a reflex.

"I want to." A brief break, staring straight at you through shorter lashes before delving right back into your wanting heat. One of his hands moved your thigh, since it was beginning to slowly suffocate him under the plush flesh.

He removed his fingers, wrapping his arms around your legs to push you closer against his face. You squeaked in surprise, fingers digging into his scalp in expectation for what he'd do next.

"C'mere lieutenant."

You stilled, honestly forgetting that Ghost had even been present, living up to his callsign. You didn't want him to be there, to see you getting pleasured by another man, by someone who wasn't him.

Yet, he'd practically materialised by your side in an instant.

His eyes, dark and cruel as always, hadn't been on you. Always on your body, never you. Straight past you and that ghostly thing inside, that's all you've ever been to him, right? Something to keep his cold self warm. You've always done such a stellar job at it, too.

"Look at her."

Your eyes shifted lower, down to your superior in a newfound shock. The ambient lighting framing his face in such a way where he looked so sharp, so pretty, something that wasn't yours. His mouth lightly glistened with your arousal, teasing your sensitive inner thigh with a gentle bite.

"She's a delicate thing." Ghost quietly responded, sounding impassive to the entire situation. Yet, his gloved hand was in a tightened fist at being so close to you, watching and hearing you moan and cry out for someone else.

A thing, that's all you'd be for him, though. An object that he could summon at his side to straddle and sit atop him, to please him and not mention a single word about it the very next day. You wanted to be something more, and you knew that humans are a creature of habit but hell, you wanted to break this cursed cycle and start anew.

Price chuckled from beneath you, his fingers never stopping their scissoring motion inside of you, "She is, already got her cryin'."

Your hands flew to your face, touching just under your tired eyes and utterly surprised at feeling those big tears cascade over your lashes. You hadn't even noticed, how fucking embarrassing. Showing yourself like this in front of your damn boss.

The two continued to speak, but you weren't listening, focused on how Price's long and thick fingers never stopped moving inside of you. How occasionally he'd start to lick and lap at your warmth, groaning deeply and muttering something. His hands would spread your thighs apart as he continued to eat at you like he'd been withheld from any sort of nourishment for decades, finding you as the most delectable thing.

You couldn't take it, whimpering his name before tugging at his hair once more, throwing your head back and letting nothing short of a scream leave you. Your body jolted, thighs closing in on Price as his tongue was unrelenting, continuing to lick at your slick folds and occasionally wrap his lips around your clit, sucking lightly. You had to try to pull him back and beg him to stop, little sniffles leaving you as you pleaded with him.

He obliged, though he chose to tease you a bit by leaving a few stray licks at you before rising to his feet. He peeled his shirt off and wiped his face from your arousal, eyes catching yours as he met you with a warm stare. He always did have the kindest eyes.

"Well, let me ask you, then." His eyes lingered on you for a moment, before turning to Ghost, "Those tears, were they from pleasure or pain?" Something, joy or sorrow, had been left unspoken.

You hurriedly spoke, not wanting him to answer, for fear of what he would say. For fear if it would be the truth, because even you hadn't known, "Well, I think I just cry easy, sir." You nervously mumbled, stare flickering intermittently at the two men. Price chuckled lowly, coaxing you off of the desk to stand next to him. The difference of size now that you'd been sandwiched right in between the two was, noticeable.

"C'mon love. That's not true," His tone was far from reprimanding, but instead a silent inquiry of wanting the truth. He'd already known the answer from the hesitance within Ghost.

"You don't know," He stilled, hanging his shirt over his shoulder, "or maybe you just don't like the answer?"

You'd wanted to interrupt again, to say something, fucking anything. An inquiry of your own had been created, why did it matter? Why does it matter?

"Don't think the answer matters." Fucking mind reader.

Price scoffed, "Course it fuckin' does."

Price's hand was back on your face, and you couldn't help but soften right into his touch again. He wiped your mostly dried tears, caressing your cheek and watching your face express a feeling of pure content.

"Treat 'er like she's not just anything, but something. Something to you."

You wanted to ask just how he'd grown so knowing at your complex relationship with his subordinate. You know that Ghost wouldn't run around boasting about you, since the two of you weren't an item. Yet, whenever you'd gotten close with another potential partner, you'd feel it in the way that his hands were on your hips, how his thrusts snapped against you and how he drove himself so deep. He was envious, and that was his way of showing you, of telling you through something that was worth more than words.

It couldn't be that difficult to pick up on.

You knew this matter wouldn't be solved in a single night, or potentially ever. So, you'd do what you were good at. Fucking your feelings away, because facing them head on was something that you'd cower away from, a tremble striking down to your very skeletal system.

You needed to shut Price up and stop him from coercing more answers from Ghost. So, you pulled him into you again, kissing him and threading your fingers through those short locks. He hummed appreciatively, clearly enjoying that you were beginning to take charge and quit being so timid. You jumped into his arms, feeling him attach his hands at your thighs to ensure you had been stable.

His hips rolled against your heat, feeling his length press into you. Your moans had been swallowed up by him, his tongue pushing into your mouth while you both kissed one another sloppily. You hugged him closer, it wasn't feasible, he was already chest to chest with you. You wanted to feel him, feel him in a way that you'd never feel Ghost. You'd always wanted to be held gently as he fucked into you, to take his stare and mould it into an endearing one as he littered your face with kisses. You knew it was just a foolish fantasy.

But for now, you could live it out with Price.

He lightly set you down on your feet, pressing another kiss against your eager lips. He softly bit your bottom lip as he moved behind you, softly pushing you down to your knees in front of one of his spare leather chairs in his office.

"On all fours sweetheart," His hands trailed over your body, once again coaxing you to lower yourself further. "Ghost, s'down." You heard Price settle himself down onto his knees right behind you, spreading your legs a bit before wading in one of his thick fingers into your heat. Your pose faltered, wanting to ask him why the two, three of you couldn't go somewhere more comfortable. Preferably where you didn't have to be on the ground.

As Price's fingers continued to slide into you and bring more sounds out of you, Ghost had seated himself right in front of you. You were sure he enjoyed the sight of you, beneath him and ready, wanting, to serve, like always.

You weren't often on your knees for Ghost, since he had been more inclined to just fucking you and calling it a day. Though, he would at times ask, rather, command, that you'd drop everything and please him. Who were you to say no? Especially when you'd enjoyed it almost as much as he had. You absolutely adored whenever you'd been the reason that you could take some stress off of him. That you'd been the reason as to why when Soap had told Ghost some corny joke, you swore you heard the faintest of a laugh instead of silence.

That had been enough.

Even if your feelings had been unrequited, at least you'd served a purpose for him. Further than the ability to treat him medically, crossing into an unforgiving yet beneficial territory.

You heard the sound of a belt and zipper from behind you, having you instinctively cant your hips back. Price chuckled quietly at seeing just how desperate and needy you'd been, halting your movements with a heavy palm at your hip.

You felt his tip press at your cunt, using your own slick as lubricant. From what you felt, he'd been big, thick and girthy. And when he'd began to push himself into you with a low grunt, you didn't bother hiding the moan that slipped past your lips. He filled your insides, stretching you perfectly, he'd been big, a bit painful to take initially, but doable. Not like the borderline impossible feat of taking Ghost for the very first time.

You held your breath, awaiting for Price to bottom out inside of you, feeding his cock into your greedy pussy inch by inch. The sensation of pleasure increasing tenfold as he continued to stuff you full of him, every vein dragging against your velvety walls having you cry out to him. You laid your head against Ghost's thigh, not realising what an idiotic action it'd been, or maybe you just didn't care. Either way, he'd allowed it, for some reason.

The endless praise of Price was better than you could've ever imagined, his usual deep and confident voice sounding strained, attempting to keep his own gruff sounds to himself. His hands were at your hips now, holding you in place and anchoring himself to you, beginning to set a welcomed pace.

He fucked you slow, slower than you'd typically experienced. He'd done so in such a way that you'd been able to savour the action. Able to get accustomed to the sting of his thick cock inside of you, accustomed to how he spoke to you, whispering sweet nothings in your ear, kissing your tears away and telling you what an amazing job you'd been doing, taking him like this.

You'd been sobbing nearly right away, the feeling of his cock ravaging your insides too much. Your little ramblings of "Too much, s'too much," only fuelling his need to please you, his slow pace quickening ever so slightly. Your tears wet Ghost's sweatpants, glittering and salty drops temporarily staining the gray material.

You felt you release become imminent, the familiar rhythm becoming unbearably pleasurable. But when you felt Ghost wipe away one of your stray tears, looking down at you with some form of newfound adoration and reverence, you truly couldn't take it. Your heart felt like it was going to erupt within your chest cavity, why now did he pick to look at you in such a way? You cried out, an odd mixture of both of their names from your tongue as you shook, back arching and hips pulling back into Price as you felt your orgasm wash over you, striking you with an unforgiving hand.

You heard him groan deeply, his speed only hastening, assisting you in riding out your orgasm. Your head had still laid on Ghost's leg, eyes etched shut as you swayed back and forth, small cries leaving you occasionally.

You were moved away from Ghost by his gloved hand, his palm holding your chin as he slipped his waistband down, just enough so his cock could spring out and hit his abdomen. His thumb split your lips, and you were eager to please, accepting the large digit and enclosing your mouth over it, sucking lightly. The leather taste had you wanting more, something better.

You backed your head up, removing his finger from your mouth, "Just give it to me already," You huffed, not usually so bratty and commanding with Ghost, or anyone for that matter. He seemed to like the fact that your true wants and needs took higher priority over your image.

"Ask nicely."

"Please," Breathy and whiny, not holding any weight to it.

He scoffed, taking ahold of his heavy cock in his freehand, "Don't sound too convincin'. Usually you're not shy about beggin'."

Of course, this had been the truth, but Price hadn't needed to be aware of this. He laughed behind you, stilling his movements momentarily, buried deep inside of you, "Didn't take you for one to beg, love." He kissed the back of your neck, trailing lower and lower.

"I'm not," you shyly muttered, suddenly crying out in discomfort when Price's cock hit right against your cervix. He quickly apologised, but whilst your mouth had been open, Ghost had practically shoved his cock into your mouth, slightly choking you with his sheer size.

He grunted, his hands gripping the armrests as your throat constricted around his dick. It was difficult to think with two cocks inside of you, but you couldn't help but watch Ghost. Watch his hands, grasping at the armrests with purchase as you continued to suck him. Not having to do too much movement, since your boss had been fucking you from the back, moving you up and down over Ghost.

You noticed how hard it was for him to touch you, too.

It was unclear how this was supposed to make you feel, part of you was filled with glee and the other had been solemn and saddened. Though, now wasn't a time for feelings, was it?

You slowly took more of his cock, your lips stretched over him and feeling your throat bulge out was dizzying. His everything was intoxicating, the skin and salt taste of him had you fighting off the urge to choke and get him out of you.

He slid far past your uvula, your hand squeezing your thumb being the reason for your gag reflex not triggering. You wanted to show him that you'd go great lengths for him, even if he wouldn't dare do the same. It didn't matter, because you'd really do absolutely anything for him, anything to ensure that he'd been pleased not only with you, but because of you.

It seemed that watching Price with you earlier on had made Ghost on edge, throwing his head back and groaning. "Takin' me so fuckin' good." He uttered, voice gravelly and accent heavier while his big cock continued to ease into your throat, feeling the way you so fervently sucked him off. The sole sounds of skin slapping against skin, the slurping of your mouth around Ghost's cock, and the mixture of moans of the three of you filled the room. You'd be lucky if nobody heard you all.

Your jaw was beginning to become sore, practically enforcing it to unhinge just to take him to so deep. If anything, you'd been astonished at both of their stamina, not yet even orgasming a single time, while you were about to unravel for a third.

Though, it seemed that your point was going to be disproven, as you felt Price's pace begin to falter. Not only this, but what he'd been saying had been totally radical and not like him at all.

"Fuck, you're squeezin' me, so," He cursed, his words stringing along pathetically as his thrusts were brutal and unforgiving. "so fuckin' tight, oh, fuck..." You wished that you'd been able to see his facial expressions, twisting into the purest of pleasure, getting lost inside of your soft pussy.

They were alike in that regard, being rather talkative during sex. But otherwise, they each had their own stark differences. They were both stern, used to leading others and ensuring the safety of their team. But Price was so gentle and warm to you, while Ghost was harsh and cold. But you'd chase after him in the heaviest of coats regardless, because although your feelings had been conflicting, you couldn't fathom not being at his side.

Your eyes finally made contact with Ghost's, who had been looking down at you the entirety of the time whilst he'd been lodged down your throat. His hand twitched, pointer finger reaching outwards, such a small movement, yet you'd seen it. He yearned for you, just as you'd yearned for him.

So why was it so painful for the both of you, then?

Price doubled over you, thrusts becoming sloppy as his fat cock continued to ram into your womb again and again. He chanted the same thing over and over again, low and gruff, lost on both you and Ghost, unfortunately.

"Ah, fuck, so close, 'm so fuckin' close, sweetheart." His forehead connected to the back of your midsection, the drag of him against your wet heat snug and deep inside you almost had you finishing once again, too.

He suddenly moaned, loud, louder than any you've coaxed from him tonight. It had even caught the attention of Ghost, his eyes piercing his leader, his stare challenging.

"Not inside."

You whimpered, muffled whilst your mouth had been occupied by his twitching length. He looked down at you for a brief second, brows furrowed and looking angered. So irate with the thought of not only another individual fucking you, but finishing inside of you, claiming you in the most primal and raw way.

The reason, it had been unknown. Why he had continued to parade around and act like you weren't his. Then, behind closed doors own and operate you like a marionette. But, he had been the most experienced puppeteer you'd ever seen, manoeuvring you in the most expert ways.

Much to your dismay, Price had listened, hammering shallowly into your pussy once, twice, thrice- before hurriedly pulling out of you, stroking himself with ferocity before groaning deeply, releasing his seed onto your naked back in thick and pretty white ropes. He hadn't moved, hands still attached to your hips as he tried to catch his breath, bare chest heaving while he had been covered in a thin sheet of sweat.

"Did so good, fuckin' wonderful." He kissed the back of your neck, reaching under to circle your clit in tight and smooth motions. You let out a muted cry, arching your back and pushing your hips towards him in an unconscious effort.

Price had continued to infinitely praise you, kissing all over your body and leaving light marks. Not like the kind Ghost would make, the kind that were deep and horrendous to view, no. The ones that would be light, would have you lightly touching the area and reminiscing about such a night.

"Yeah, she- fuck, did. Did a good job."

You'd been wholeheartedly shocked that Ghost would ever say anything remotely like this, directed towards you, of all people. It didn't matter though, you'd take any little victories at this point.

Price continued to slip his fingers into your pussy and rub your clit, just as you'd continued to lick and suck at Ghost's cock. Lips pursing around his tip, sucking between a fine line of harshly and softly, watching and hearing him respond to your ministrations.

It was when you'd taken him as deep as you could, when he'd loudly cursed, hands itching to touch you, yet confined and shackled to their place at the armrest. His cock twitched inside of your mouth and again, another string of words, unintelligible to you, left his covered lips. You took him deep, feeling his cum in your throat.

"Swallow, fuckin' swallow it for me."

You would listen, as always.

You took him out of your mouth, still semi-hard, dick shiny with your saliva. You swallowed his seed, not allowing a single drop of it to be wasted. You opened your mouth to show him, revelling in the deep hum he let out, pleased.

When Price had curled his fingers inside of you, brushing up against that abused spot inside of you, you silently finished over his fingers. Crying out quietly to him, head hanging low in between Ghost's thick legs.

You stayed like that for a moment, hearing as Price had cleaned himself, picking up his loosely discarded clothing scattered around the ground. After dressing himself, he then moved to tidy his office, and even you up. The soft rag against you had felt nice, and the caring effort from Price was enough to make your head spin.

You and Ghost hadn't moved, his hands not on you, and yours not on him. No matter how much they each had wanted to find their way to both you and him. They would never, only doing so in moments of passion.

What neither of you had been aware of, was that even though many of your behaviours had deviated from one another, your convoluted feelings remained the same for each other. Something that was painfully obvious to other individuals.

Never to you.

Never to him.

[justagalwhowrites]

Lavender - Ch. 28

You get ready to leave the QZ - probably forever. A continuation of Lavender Ch. 1-27 found on Tumblr here.

Pairing: Joel Miller x Reader

Warnings: Canon typical violence. No use of Y/N. Minors DNI 18+ only

Length: 4K

A/N: If you're seeing this and feeling behind, it's probably because I put up two chapters in a day! Go back for chapter 27 first :)

You kept Ellie close, flanked by Joel and Tess as you made your way back across the QZ. They slowed down a bit once there was some distance between you and the Firefly hideout, reassured that FEDRA wouldn’t be showing up at any second to start arresting people. 

You weren’t sure there was a safe way out of this situation. Not that you actually thought Joel would kill a child - you doubted Tess would but didn’t know her well enough to know for sure - but if you managed to slip away, the Fireflies would be after you immediately. 

In a time where you could freely move between cities, you might have taken Ellie to a bus stop or train station and gotten the hell out of there. But the QZ was an immensely finite space. There weren’t many rocks under which to hide. 

“OK,” Tess said, looking between you, Joel and Ellie. “I’m going to check on our path out. Doc, you go do whatever you need to do, be back here in three hours. The kid stays with Joel.” 

“No,” you shook your head. “Ellie stays with me.” 

“Then you stay here,” Tess shrugged. “We’re not about to let our key to a way across country out of our sight.” 

You sighed and turned to Ellie, a hard look on her face, and tugged her into the kitchen. 

“You’re not seriously considering leaving me with these psychos?” She asked, voice low. 

“They’re not bad,” you said. “Joel… he’s a good person, he’s not going to do anything to hurt you. He just might be an asshole.” 

“How much of an asshole,” she narrowed her eyes at you. 

“Enough to be annoying about it, not enough to do any damage,” you smiled. “Promise. But I have to go shower and change and grab some things, if I try to cross the country smelling like this they’re going to throw me out of the car before we even make it to Pennsylvania.” 

“Fine,” she muttered. 

“Try not to poke the bear though,” you said, looking back toward Joel and Tess talking quietly in the living room. “Not worth the hassle.” 

She sighed dramatically in the way that only teenaged girls seemed to be able to do and stomped back to the living room. 

“Back in three hours,” you said. 

“Should probably tell Andrew you’re leaving this time,” Joel muttered, flopping on the couch. 

“Yes, the next time the Fireflies grab me off the street and hold me captive for two weeks, I’ll try to leave a note first,” you snapped. He sat up a bit, looking at you, frowning. “What, did you think I was there on purpose?” 

He settled back into the couch. 

“Figured you and Tommy’d decided to do something stupid,” he replied, looking you up and down. “You OK?” 

You were taken aback by the question. 

“Fine,” you replied. “Just really need a shower. Back soon.” 

The shower might have been cold but it might have been the best one you’d ever had. You took your time, scrubbing every inch of yourself, washing your hair twice. You were shivering when you were done but you knew it was probably the last time you’d be clean for a while, you wanted to take advantage of it. 

You tried to pack as quickly as you could but you took a few minutes to make your bed and clean the glass that Ellie had used two weeks earlier, putting it away. You knew you’d likely never see Boston again, let alone this apartment so you wanted to leave it in a good way. You’d lived here for nearly half your life. It was small, parts were worn, but it had been yours. It was hard to reckon with leaving everything behind. 

You packed some clothes, trauma gear, all the research notes you had about the effective treatment you’d found, water bottles, the book of poetry Beth left you. For the second time in your life, you took the picture of you, Joel and Sarah out of its frame and tucked it into your bag, knowing you likely would never return. You did the same with the pictures of your grandmother and Becca. You got the photo of Joel and Tess out of the notebook in the drawer and tucked it away, too. You grabbed a handful of ribbons that you’d collected through the years, like bringing them meant you weren’t leaving part of yourself behind. You took all the food you could from your kitchen - jerky, dried fruit. Every birth control pill pack and broad spectrum antibiotic you had. Finally, you put the old sweatshirt you’d worn during the outbreak in your bag. You still wore it when you felt lonely, put it on and remembered how you’d felt when Joel had given it to you the day you graduated. You’d been tipsy on champagne and he looked so goddamn proud it made your heart ache. 

You sat at your kitchen table and wrote a short note, the only one you felt you needed to write. “Derek,” you wrote. “I’m sorry for everything that happened. Know that I loved you the best I could and know that you deserve more than that. Thank you for everything.” You put it with the framed photo you had taken of him reading in your apartment. 

Before you took a last look around, you went into the stash below the floorboard and brought up all your extra ration cards and ammunition. Not that you had your gun any more thanks to Marlene but hopefully Joel or Tess could use it. You pocketed some ration cards and put the rest in the bag you usually brought to school, along with the photo, the note and as much of your other research as it could hold before setting off to Andrew’s. 

Elizabeth was shrieking with laughter when you got to their door. You waited a second before knocking, savoring the sound while you could. The thought of never hearing it again put a knot in your throat. You took a deep breath before you knocked. 

There was some chaos on the other side of the door, you could hear Andrew trying to herd his children out of the way, followed by the frantic turning of the deadbolt and him ripping the door open, the knob slamming into the wall as he all but jumped into the hall to hug you. 

“Holy shit I thought you were dead,” he held you tight, backpack and all, crushing you to his chest. You hugged him back, trying to remember what it was like the first time you’d held him. You’d both been so different then - he’d just been a teenager, he’d gotten slightly taller since then. It was hard to think of leaving him behind. 

“I’m sorry,” you said, your voice thick. “I’m really sorry…” 

He stepped back, pulling you inside, looking you up and down. 

“Are you coming back or are you leaving?” He asked. 

“Leaving,” you said quietly. 

“Auntie Doc!” Elizabeth ran over to you, her little bare feet slapping against the linoleum floor. “Did you know that giraffes’ tongues can be 20 inches long? That’s almost two feet!” 

“No way, really?” You smiled, trying not to cry. “That’s so long! What do they do with it all?” 

Jess ran out from the bedroom and hurled herself at you, her red hair flying. You barely caught her. 

“Thank God!” She said tearfully. She clung to you for a second before falling back. “Where the hell were you? We’ve been worried sick!” 

“I know and I’m sorry,” you said. Elizabeth was looking up at the adults, confused. “Can we stash the kids for a minute? I need to talk to you guys.” 

Jess nodded before taking Elizabeth’s hand and scooping up Jonah, setting them up in their room with some toys before closing the door. 

“We’ve got about five minutes before one of them winds up dead,” She said. 

“I’ll try to be quick,” you said, handing the canvas bag to Andrew who took it with a frown. You slid your pack off your back and to the floor before sitting on the couch. He sat beside you.“That’s for you. My apartment keys are in there, too. When you can or want, go take whatever you might like.” 

Andrew looked at you and frowned. 

“You’re talking like you’re not coming back…” 

“I don’t think I am,” you said quietly. 

“No,” he shook his head, looking away from you for a moment before turning back, tears in his eyes. “No, see, we don’t do this. You and me, together, that’s how we do this…” 

“It’s not going to happen this time,” you said. “I have a student, the one I’ve told you about… The Fireflies are taking her across country. Something happened with her and… They think she might be immune.” 

“Immune?” Jess frowned, sinking onto the couch beside her husband. “Like can’t turn?” 

You nodded. 

“That doesn’t make sense,” Andrew said. “That… we’d have seen that by now if it were possible.” 

“That’s where I’ve been the last two weeks,” you said. “She showed up at my house with a half healed bite, I was trying to take her to the clinic to see if I could get the cordyceps out and the Fireflies found us. They’ve been monitoring her for the last two weeks. She hasn’t changed, the cordyceps haven’t advanced. I never got a chance to remove them, they just… aren’t attacking her. They’re bringing her to their lab out west and I’m going with them.” 

“No,” Andrew said again. “Fuck the Fireflies, who the hell knows what they’ll do with anything they get from her…” 

“That’s why I have to go,” you said. “I have to make sure whatever they’re doing they’re doing it right. But more importantly, I have to protect that girl. No one is on her side, Andrew, no one. She has no one. She’s going to vanish and no one is going to notice, they’re all going to assume she fell through the cracks. Someone has to be on her side, she can’t go through it all alone.” 

You didn’t want to give them time to argue. 

“In the bag is all the research I didn’t want to try to haul in the backpack that I might want,” you said. “I’m hoping I’ll have access to a radio so if there’s something I desperately need, I’ll get word to you and you can relay it over. There’s more at my place but it’s even older. I’d appreciate if you could get it and hold onto it for me, though. 

“There’s also something in there for Derek, if you wouldn’t mind dropping it off. Doesn’t need to be soon, whenever you want but I’d appreciate if you waited until I’d been gone for a week or two first. I don’t want him thinking I took off because of him or something. I also put my stash of ration cards in there. I kept some to hopefully bribe someone with if I need to on the way out but the rest are yours.” 

“What am I supposed to do without you?” He asked. 

“I don’t know,” you sniffed, starting to cry. “Let me know if you figure it out because I’m going to be lost without you.” 

He pulled you into a tight hug and you pressed your face into his shoulder. 

“I owe you everything, you know,” you said, voice muffled by his shirt. 

“I wouldn’t be here without you,” he replied, holding you close for another moment before pulling back. “The end of the world fucking sucked but I’ve always felt like it at least got me my wife and my best friend out of the deal. And now you’re leaving.” 

“You’re my family,” you smiled tightly, putting a hand on his knee. “But you’ve got your own family now and you’re doing a hell of a job with them. Keep it up, OK?” 

“Yeah,” he nodded. 

“Never thought I’d get another sister,” Jess sniffed. “But damn, I lucked out.” 

“I never had one to begin with,” you smiled at her. “But if I had, I think she’d have paled in comparison to you.” 

There was a clatter from the bedroom. Jess dried her eyes. 

“Let me get the kids before they hurt themselves,” she said. “You have to say goodbye to them, too…” 

It took everything you had to not cry as Elizabeth babbled to you about giraffes - the animal from today’s science book - and Jonah tugged at your shirt. You hugged them both tightly, told them how much you loved them, tried to cover the feeling of your heart cracking open with longing to hold them just a while longer. 

Andrew walked you to the door, his arm around your shoulders. 

“Even if we never had to save each other, I’d still be so glad we met,” he said. 

“Me too,” you smiled through the tears. 

“I’m just deciding this isn’t goodbye,” he said. “It’s see you later, OK? We’ll see you again. It’s you and me, that’s how we do this.” 

“Yeah, OK,” you laughed a little and he pressed his lips to your forehead. 

“Radio when you make it, OK?” He said. You nodded. “Love you.” 

“Love you, too.” 

The walk to Joel’s felt both too long and too short. You wanted to get your tears under control before you got there but walking through the QZ while crying was a little too vulnerable for your taste. There were still tears in your eyes when Joel opened the door. 

“You OK?” He frowned down at you as you stepped inside. 

You shrugged with a sniff.

“Said goodbye to Jess and Andrew and the kids,” you said softly. “I never thought I’d know when I wouldn’t see them again, you know? At least not for a few decades if we got that lucky.” 

You wiped your eyes on your sleeves. 

“You’re not coming back,” he said it more than asked it. 

“No,” you shook your head. “I don’t think I am.” 

“Doc!” Ellie came out from the bathroom, a proud grin on her face. “I figured out their smuggling code. 80s means trouble.” 

You glanced up at Joel. 

“Bill and Frank?” 

He added once. 

“Shit,” you muttered. 

Tess wasn’t too far behind you, letting herself in just as you’d managed to stop crying. 

“Let’s move.” 

*** 

This girl was going to drive Joel insane. 

She was nosey, a smart ass and too clever for her own good. And she damn well knew it, too. Which only made it worse. 

Thankfully, she seemed to have a modicum of respect for you and actually listened when you told her to be quiet and do whatever Joel and Tess told her to do. 

“They’re pros,” you’d told her as they got ready to leave the apartment. “You’ve got to trust them. Stick close, obey, you’ll be fine.” 

She’d sighed dramatically but seemed to listen, Joel in the lead, the girl behind him, you behind the girl and Tess bringing up the rear. 

He wasn’t huge on any part of this plan. You were a liability outside the QZ. He’d given you a gun and a knife so you weren’t totally unarmed but you were far from a great shot and he wasn’t sure you’d even be willing to shoot or stab anything but an infected. 

And then there was the kid. 

Joel hadn’t been around kids such since… Regardless, he didn’t remember them seeming quite so small or disturbingly fragile. It wasn’t that she was particularly delicate by any means, it seemed like she approached everything that crossed her path the way a freight train would: loudly and head on. It was more that she was inherently breakable, something that was in desperate need of protection. 

Protection that you’d, apparently, decided fell to you from the way you kept close to her. It set Joel’s teeth on edge. You might have been capable of protecting her in the QZ - you had connections, after all, and you could certainly patch her up when she got hurt. He was sure you’d have no problem shouting down some FEDRA asshole on the girl’s behalf. But raiders and infected? Those were another story. 

But he only had to get the two of you across Boston. Then he’d have a car and could go find Tommy. And leave you to the Fireflies. 

He ground his teeth. 

He’d cross that bridge when he came to it. 

He made it to the fence line, ducking under first while Tess held it up for you and the girl to scramble through before following behind. 

“Holy shit,” the kid breathed, looking up as though the sky should be fucking different a few feet outside the wall. 

“Ellie!” You hissed, grabbing her and tugging her down beside you. 

“Sorry,” she winced. “I’ve just never been outside!” 

Joel watched the searchlight and you tugged the girl lower against you as it passed overhead. 

“Go,” Tess ordered once it had cleared. 

He led you along the wall, staying pressed close against it, until they were close to the next gap… and ran almost head first into a guard. 

“Hey!” He yelled, raising his gun. 

“Fuck,” Joel muttered, putting his hands up, trying to maneuver himself in front of you. You grabbed the girl and tucked her behind your body before raising your hands, too. 

“Are you fucking kidding me?” The guard snapped. Joel tried to not groan. 

“Look,” he began but he cut him off. 

“Thought I warned you that we were cracking down and now you’re just, what, leading a fuckin’ field trip?” He demanded. 

“This is all just a big misunderstanding,” you smiled a little. “I’m sure we can work it out…” 

“Did I tell you that you could fuckin’ talk?” The man pointed his gun at you. Joel’s jaw twitched. 

“If you just want to give me a second,” your voice was calm. “There are some cards in my back pocket. I’m going to get them out, you can have them, they’re yours, OK?” 

The man paused, gun still pointed at you. 

“Let’s seem ‘em,” he said. 

Joel glanced back at you as you moved slowly, just one hand, and pulled out a wad of cards, approaching the guard slowly and handing them over. You stepped back, glancing behind you as you did, lining yourself up with the girl, staying in front of her. 

“Thanks,” he pocketed them. “For that, I won’t kill you.” 

“What more do you fuckin’ want man?” Tess asked. “Let us do this run and we’ll give you half.” 

“Need a lot more than fuckin’ half if you want me risking my neck for you assholes,” he snapped. “Turn around, down on your knees, hands on your head, let’s go.” 

You looked at Joel, your eyes wide. Your head moved, ever so slightly, once. A shake. For some reason, this was a bridge too far.

“You can have it all,” he said quickly. “All the cards from this run, they’re yours.” 

“I said down on your fuckin’ knees!” The gun was up. 

“Alright, Jesus,” Tess muttered, turning around and looking to you and Ellie. “Just get down…” 

You and the girl shared a look as you got to your knees and Joel followed, watching you out of the corner of his eye. 

“I know a lot of high up people in FEDRA here,” you said as the man went to Tess. “Want a nice, cushy gig? I can make that happen…” 

“Yeah I bet you fuckin’ can,” he scoffed. “Crawling out of the QZ like a fuckin’ rat screams power…” He pressed his scanner to Tess’ neck. 

“Seriously?” She snapped. “We were coming from inside…” 

“Unauthorized exit,” he showed her the screen. “That’s a hanging offense.” 

“Pills,” Joel said quickly. “Half off.” 

“All off,” the man countered. 

“I’m a doctor,” you said quickly. “You won’t even need to wait for them to do a run, I’ll get you as many as you want, I’ve got access…” 

The scanner pressed to Joel’s neck. 

“Two for two,” he shook his head. “Not lookin’ too hot for the field trip…” 

He scanned you next. 

“Looky here,” he turned the scanner around. “Unauthorized. Exit. Hope your powerful friends are free to bail you out…” 

“Name it,” you said quickly, pleading. “I’ll give you whatever you want…” 

He pressed the scanner to the girl’s neck and she screamed, leaving him yelping in pain, clutching his leg. 

You moved quickly, twisting and grabbing the girl, all but throwing her behind you as you scrambled to your feet and the guard yanked a knife from his leg. 

“Fucking bitch!” He raised the gun. 

Joel jumped between you and the guard. 

“She’s freaked out, I’m sorry,” you said quickly. “It’s a misunderstanding, it’s all a misunderstanding. I can still get you whatever you want, I can get you more cards, I can get you pills…” 

“No, fuck you,” he snarled, pressing forward. 

“We can work this out,” Joel kept his hands up, glancing behind him. Your eyes were wide, the girl peering over your shoulder. Your arms were behind you, trying to hold her back as you shielded her. He looked back at the guard. “Just put the gun down.” 

“I don’t fuckin’ think so.” 

The man’s finger twitched toward the trigger and, for half a moment, it was 20 years ago. He was holding Sarah. He was scared. He needed to protect her. Life without her wasn’t worth it, he needed to keep her safe. 

He lunged for the guard before he was fully aware of what he was doing, knocking the gun aside and bringing his fist down on the man’s face again and again and again. 

There was something deeply satisfying about it, raining blows down on the man who would have killed Sarah, just tried to kill you, just tried to kill the fragile girl whose body you were protecting with your own. This time, he wasn’t failing. This time, he was doing what was needed. 

“Joel!” Your voice snapped him back to reality, the man’s face a bloody mass below his hand. 

The girl was leaning behind you, watching him intently. He looked back at the man, his hand covered in his blood. You darted forward, putting one hand gently on his back, the other taking his bicep, tugging him slowly to his feet. You pulled his hand into yours, looking at his bloody knuckles.

“Come on,” you said quietly. “I’ll take a better look when we’re clear…” 

He nodded to you once. You got to your knees and checked the guard’s pulse, wincing after a few seconds. Joel took the gun from the ground. 

“Joel!” Tess yelled, panic in her voice. She was holding up a red scanner. 

“No,” the girl shook her head and you ran past Joel so fast you were barely a blur, throwing yourself between Tess and the girl. 

“Are you fucking kidding me, Doc?” Tess snapped. “You’ve got me hauling an infected girl out of the goddamn QZ! You have us risking our asses for this?” 

“I’m not infected!” The girl said, slipping below your arm and holding out her own. “Look, I got bit weeks ago, OK? Weeks, no one lasts that long…” 

“It’s true,” you said quickly. “It’s true, she came to me two weeks ago and it was already a week old then, Marlene got us and held us another two weeks, I saw all of it, I swear she’s not infected I don’t know what it is…” 

“I should fucking kill you both!” Tess snapped. 

“Then let’s do it away from here before more guards show up!” You said quickly, putting the girl behind you again. “Tess, you know me. I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t have a reason, do you think I’d leave everything here if I didn’t have a reason?” 

She panted for breath, staring you down. 

“Let’s move before we have more fucking problems,” she snapped, stalking for the fence, Tess ducking below first. You nudged the girl behind her and you stopped, looking back at Joel, waiting for him. He came and stood beside you, his mouth a grim line. 

“I promise there’s a reason,” you said softly. “I promise.” 

He gave you a single nod. You ducked below the fence and he followed you and the girl into the dark.

A/N: And we say goodbye to Boston and the Boston OC crew! I hope you enjoyed Andrew and Jess at least half as much as I have. Andrew quickly went from a small side character to probably the second favorite character I've ever written. It's the only reason he survived the run with Tess and Joel - I couldn't handle killing him!

I'm really looking forward to exploring some of the dynamics of these characters in the next chapter and, of course, some fun with infected - with some added drama on the books because why not.

I have a taglist! If you'd like to be added, comment below.

Thank you again for reading! I know I say this all the time but this has been such a joy in large part because the readers are such a joy. Thank you thank you thank you for this experience. Love you all!

Taglist: @paleidiot@ayamenimthiriel@ginger-swag-rapunzel@drewharrisonwriter@flugazi @pedropascalsbbg@taoyuji@starstruckmusiciansartghost@splendsay@bigboiseason123@jpbplvr @ashleyandring @mrsyixingunicorn10@sloanexx@ninaminaromina @lady-bellyn @hufflepuffriver @sarap-77 @storyarcscribe @mellymbee @jasminedragoon @lemonmeli @reds-ramblings@arizonadaydreamer@mumma-moonchild@blackroseguzzi@candypeaches16@kittenlittle24@wrappedinfiction@oatmeaiboy

[cameronspecial]

Thorn In My Side, Rose In My Hand (Part 6)

Pairing: Rafe Cameron x Reader

Warnings:  Under Age Drinking, Under Age Marijuana Use, Violence and Displays of Toxic Relationship Acts. If I missed one, please let me know.

Pronouns: She/Her

Word Count: 3.1K

Summary: Rafe throws a party in an attempt to see Y/N. Y/N finds out a heart breaking truth. 

Masterlist

Rafe knows Y/N is ignoring him. No matter what he tries, she never so much as utters a word in his direction. So he is giving her some space. He could say that he isn’t throwing a party for the sole purpose of hopefully seeing Y/N for a split second if she chooses to come, but he’d be lying. Normally, he goes from room to room to check on people. Today, he is in the kitchen, guarding the stuff he bought specifically for Y/N in case she shows up. He sees someone reaching for the hard kombucha in the fridge, “Touch that can and I will throw you out of my house faster than you can say kombucha.” The person quickly closed the fridge and exited the kitchen. “You better not be opening that Oreo package,” he threatens to Mason, who Rafe knows has been eyeing the package. 

“Dude, come on. I told you that she isn’t coming. She went to something that Wilson is holding. It sounded fancy. So let me just have one, please,” Mason begs while he inches toward the package again.

“Still you never know. Maybe she’ll get bored and stop by?”

“I love you, dude. And I want to see you guys together, but I think it’s time to call it. I don’t want you to get your hopes up.” 

“I know my chances. I still have hope though. We are meant to be, I just know it.”

———

Y/N sits at the dinner table with all of Wilson’s friends. He is having a dinner soirée. Honestly, Y/N is bored out of her mind, but Wilson is her boyfriend and this is typically a girlfriend's duty. La Bleue Fleur is catering and the topic of conversation is that uninteresting Civil War documentary that Wilson made her watch.  Y/N is pushing around the leftover garnish on her plate as she is the first person to finish eating. “Y/N, what did you think of Timothy Satonis’ masterpiece?” Allen asks, looking toward the girl. She is caught off guard by the question because she has mostly been left out of the conversation. “Uhh, not gonna lie, I zoned out during the movie. Docs really aren’t my thing,” she replies to the group, which causes them to look at her with horror in their eyes. The group is awkwardly silent for a second before Wilson directs the conversation to something Y/N can be involved in, “Did you guys know Y/N is Cassie Y/L/N’s daughter?” 

This sparks a conversation between the dinner guests. “Have you met her?” Hailey questions excitedly. Wilson smiles with pride, “Yes, I have. We met when I took Y/N to Midsummer. Later on,  I gave her a manuscript of my book when I visited Y/N’s house the other day. Hopefully, she can pass it on to her publisher and it gets published.” Y/N finds it strange that Wilson would say it like he was the one to ask her to Midsummer when in reality she is the one to ask him out. “That is an amazing idea. Y/N, what is your favourite book of hers?” Josh inquiries. “Um, probably Murder in The Deep. The series is inspired by my love of murder mysteries and the main character, Arabella, is modelled after me. So it feels pretty personal and sentimental to me. She even mentions me in the dedication and named a murder victim after me.” “I see. Wilson did not tell us you were one of those types of readers,” Josh remarks with judgement in his tone. She turns towards Wilson to see if he will stand up for her. He doesn’t, so Y/N once again zones out as everyone else continues talking about her mom like she is not there. She feels a little uncomfortable, but she doesn’t say anything to avoid making anyone else feel the same way. 

After dinner and dessert are finished, the evening continues in the family room with a game of trivia. Y/N is usually good at trivia as she is on track to being valedictorian and she loves to know random, obscure facts. However, this game of trivia is all related to the same topics, which bore her to death. “If you’re a fan of Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, and Miles Davis, which museum in Kansas City will be music to your ears?” Allen reads from the card. Hailey rings her bell quickly, “Amerian Jazz Museum!” The group claps at her answer. Y/N didn’t even know there was a museum only for Jazz music, let alone that it was in Kansas City. Hailey takes the next card, “Bela Bartok and Romantic composer Franz Liszt are typically considered the greatest composers to emerge from what European nation?” Y/N wants to be included in the game, so she tries to take a guess at the answer and rings her bell, “Is it Germany?” Wilson shakes his head in disappointment and she can see the embarrassment in his eyes. “Of course, it is not Germany, Y/N. Everyone knows they are from Hungary. If you do not know the answer, then do not bother answering the question,” he chastises and Y/N feels as though she is a child. 

“Excuse me, I’m going to go to the bathroom,” Y/N excuses as she gets up to find the bathroom, hoping to escape the situation. Y/N knew she should stand up for herself, but she didn’t wanna make a scene because that would also be embarrassing. She is walking back to the family room when she hears her name being spoken. She stops just outside of the family room archway, hiding behind the wall. “I do not understand why you are dating her. She has no substance at all. She is vapid and I do not know how you can spend so much time with her,” she hears Hailey complain. This absolutely guts Y/N because this is another one of her insecurities. When compared to the intelligent life of the part, Elizabeth Huntington, she felt uninteresting with her more reserved personality. However, nothing prepares her for the feeling of what Wilson says next. “It is about looking at the advantages. Y/N may be vapid, but I got to meet Cassie and hopefully, I can be mentored by her. It is the only reason why I asked her out. I heard a rumour that the Y/L/N’s like to spend time on the beach where we met. I figured I was bound to meet one of them eventually.”

Y/N could continue to just stand there and be sorry for herself, but her blood is now boiling and she decides to stand up for herself, no matter how much she wants to cry right now. She steps out from behind the wall, “I may be vapid, but at least, I’m not a lonely boy, who is so obsessed with an author that I stalked her and her family. It is so sad that you used another human being just to get your boring ass manuscript read. My mom showed me the manuscript and we both agree that you sound like a giant stick in the mud even when you write. You don’t have to worry about putting up with me any longer because we are over!” This isn’t her finest moment, but she storms out in a hurry. She can only make it so far before she realizes that she could not walk home all the way. Her vision is blurry, meaning she could not see three feet in front of her. 

She decides it is safer to call someone to come pick her up. She takes out her phone and dials her brother’s number, “Dude, why are you calling? Are you a boomer? Anyways leave a message at the beep.” Voicemail. She calls her parents and gets voicemail again. Right, they are staying on the mainland for the night because her mom has a back-to-back book signing there. She goes to call Lacey, but notices she has a voicemail from her friend. “Y/NNNNN, I love youuuuu. Before you ask, I amz totes not drink. Drink. Drunk, lol. Okay, maybe I am. But, I wants you to know I loves you. Alsoooo, I total- total- totally made out with Derren. He is so h-” The voicemail cuts off before Lacey could finish her drunken rant. This causes Y/N to stop crying for a second and giggle at Lacey’s drunken antics. But the realization that she only has one other person to call whom she felt comfortable with makes her feel anxious because she is not even sure he is going to answer her call after the way she has been ignoring him. 

———

Rafe sits on his couch with Elizabeth on his lap and her tongue down his throat. He was able to convince her that saying Y/N’s name during Midsummer was a mistake, which leads to them having been making out for the last ten minutes. Even with the raging music of the party, Rafe could hear the beginning notes of “The Book of You and I” by Alec Benjamin. It is the ringtone he assigned for Y/N. He must admit it is a strange song to have chosen because it talks about a breakup and he and Y/N haven’t even started their story. The song reminds him of her and he knows Y/N loves the song just because of the mention of a book. She loves the idea of a love story being a book of the two people in the relationship. He immediately pulls away from Elizabeth, leaving the girl frustrated again to go answer the phone somewhere quieter. The song couldn’t even make it to the second note because Rafe answers it. 

“Y/L/N, are you hurt?” he immediately interrogates with worry seeping into his voice. With Y/N ignoring him for the past couple of weeks, he knows it must be serious if she is calling him right now at night. “Ca- Can y- yo- you pi-pick m-e u-u-up, please?” he hears her struggle to say through her tears. Rafe’s eyebrows knit together in concern, “Absolutely, send me your pin and I’ll be there immediately.” Y/N whispers a meek okay and goodbye before hanging up the phone, not giving him a chance to ask further questions.

———

Once again another party ended early for Y/N’s safety, but seeing as Rafe threw the party just to get her attention, he had no problem with ushering everyone out of his house as fast as he can. He doesn’t even wait for everyone to be gone before hopping into his jeep and driving off to the location Y/N sent him. He held very little regard for his own safety as he drove past stop signs and red lights. All that matters is making sure she is safe. He finally gets to his destination, the end of Wilson’s driveway. Y/N sits on the decorative rock in a full-on sobbing fit. Rafe jumps out after double-checking he put the car in park. He wraps his arms around her shoulders and pulls her into his neck without saying a word. After a few minutes, she calms down enough to tell him what happened. “He was only dating me to get to my mom. He said I was vapid and I know it’s true, but it just hurts to hear someone else confirm it.” Rafe blood boils at how Wilson made Y/N feel, “You are not vapid. You’re a rose. When you meet a new person, you are the bud. You are more reserved around them. But when you start to bloom, your passion, love, and joy start to show. Just like how when a rose starts to open up you start to see the beautiful red colour that hides within. Wilson was just too selfish and boring for you to do anything interesting with him.” She smiles up at him and nods her head in understanding. “Wait, here for a second. I’m going to go do something real quick before we leave,” he explains before getting up and walking toward the front door.

Rafe knocks on the auspicious door and waits for Wilson to open it. “What are y-” Wilson tries to say, but he is interrupted by Rafe’s fist punching him in the face. “Come near Y/N again and I’ll do a whole lot worse,” he warns, running off toward Y/N. She stands there shocked at what just happened. She giggles at the image of Rafe coming towards her. He grabs her hand as he passes by and drags her toward his car. Once he helps her up, he goes around and drives off, watching in the back mirror as Wilson and his friends finally catch up to the street. Rafe pulls out his phone to play “Getaway Car” by Taylor Swift, which causes Y/N to fall into hysterics.  

Rafe drives Y/N to Tannyhill because he knows her parents aren’t home and that Mason is probably still in a guest room with Amanda, even after the party is ended. “Where is everyone?” Y/N ponders out loud as she sees the empty house. Mason told her about the party Rafe was throwing. “Sent them home when you called,” he informs her without skipping a beat. He says it in a matter-of-fact way that she knows he doesn’t want her to feel guilty. The car stops and they see Mason come out to join them outside. “Dude, where did you go?” Mason pauses when he sees the tear-streaked face belonging to his twin. “Y/N/N, what’s wrong?” “Wilson was only dating me because of mom,” Y/N mumbles, attaching herself to Rafe. His being there during her time of vulnerability has caused her to feel comfort in his grasp. Mason’s face contorts into anger, “HE DID WHAT! I’M GOING TO KILL HIM!” Y/N quickly goes to her brother’s side and puts her arm out so he can’t get past her. “Don’t worry. Rafe already punched him for me,” she assures her brother, who pulls her into a hug. “Mace, you didn’t pick up your phone.” He grimaces and places a kiss on her forehead, “I know, I’m sorry.” “It’s okay, Rafe was there,” she whispers in the nook. “Should we go home?” Mason asks. “No, can we go to the balcony?” She replies, looking between Mason and Rafe. Both boys nod and follow her to her desired destination. 

Rafe and Y/N make a quick stop to get her more comfortable clothes, so Mason goes to get some snacks. Rafe goes past his room, heading towards Sarah’s room. He looks back to check in with Y/N and notices she isn’t following him. She is paused at his door, waiting for him to follow her. “What’s wrong? Sarah’s room is this way,” he points in the direction of the room. Y/N looks at her feet while shifting her weight between the two, “Actually, can I borrow some of your clothes, please? They are comfy.” Rafe smiles at her suggestion, “Of course, you can, Y/L/N.” he takes her inside. He gives her a plain gray T-shirt and black sweatpants. It may be a mundane outfit, but Rafe loved how she looked in his clothes. She is practically swimming in his shirt because he is so much taller than her and she had to tie her sweatpants very tight so they wouldn’t slip down so much. They both giggle at her constant need to pull up the pants as they head to the balcony. 

———

Mason sits opposite from Y/N and Rafe with a joint in hand while Y/N cuddles herself into Rafe’s arms. They’ve been talking about anything and everything just to cheer Y/N up. “Why the dude never used contractions was so fucking weird. He sounded like such an old person,” Mason jokes while taking a drag of his blunt. Rafe laughs, “Those stupid button-up shirts he’d wear all the damn time. With his name monogrammed onto them. He looked like such a douchebag in them.” This continuous mockery of Wilson has cheered Y/N up. “I caught him ironing the collar of it. Only an asshole is that uptight,” she joins in while taking a swing of her hard kombucha. The boys nod in agreement. Mason snubs out the joint and gets up from his seat, “I’m gonna head to bed. Y/N, you cool if we sleep here?” She nods; originally, she was supposed to sleep over at Wilson’s house. With that, Mason leaves the two alone. 

They sit in comfortable silence, drinking their drinks and looking up at the stars. She has now shifted so her head is on his chest and his arm is around her neck. Y/N opens up the pack of Oreos placed on the coffee table in front of them. She untwists the top of the one she picks up and gives the bottom with the cream on it to Rafe. Understanding what she wants him to do, he grabs the bottom and eats the cream for her before handing it back to her. Y/N and Wilson never had this unspoken language while they were dating. “Why doesn’t anyone love me for me?” She wonders as she gives him another Oreo. “Someone does. He’s just waiting for you to be ready,” Rafe whispers without realizing that she heard him. She looks up at him from her position and he looks down at her. She closes her eyes and starts to lean in to kiss him. No matter how much he wishes he could lean down to meet her lips, he knows this isn’t the right moment, so he pulls away. “As much as I want to kiss you right now, I would rather our first kiss be when you are feeling less vulnerable and are 100% sober,” he tells her. Disappointment is written all over her face, but she knows that he made the right decision. She would prefer their first kiss to feel more right and not just because he is there being sweet to her after a breakup. She nuzzles back into his chest and they go back to just enjoy each other’s company. Her light snores tell him she has fallen asleep and instead of waking her up from her slumber, he picks her up and takes her to the other guest bedroom. He tucks her into the bed and admires the serene look on her face as she sleeps. He lightly kisses her forehead and goes back to his room to welcome the sleep. 

Taglist: @itsalexwin @sublimepenguinpeach-blog  @gillybear17  @terraeluce​  @f4ll-for-you​ 

[she-wolf09231982]

Chapter 5- Just You

Summary:  An unexpected resistance to a German attack causes Liebgott an injury. The experience brings emotions to head between you and Liebgott.

A/N: Mature audience, Joe LiebgottxFem!Medic, post D-Day, She/Her Pronouns, Y/F/N, Y/L/N, Cursing/Swearing, Derogatory Slurs, Womanizing Comments, Confrontation, Military Terminology, 1940’s slang, Inappropriate Nicknames, Band of Brothers References, Mentions of Weaponry, Descriptive Wounds/Injuries, Blood/Gore, Smoking, Angst, Banter, Pining, Consensual Physical Contact/PDA, FOREVER FLUFF 💚

Chapter takes place 1x5 Crossroads 

*I have loved you for several hours now, and every second more. I thought an hour ago that I loved you more than any woman has ever loved a man, but a half hour after that I knew that what I felt before was nothing compared to what I felt then. There is no room in my body for anything but you. * -The Princess Bride, William Goldman

*These stories may not fall entirely in accordance with the TV series timeline. I do not know the real soldiers the actors portray in this series, so please understand I show no disrespect. Some or most of historical events and character interactions in my fanfics are fabricated purely for the sake of the enjoyment of fiction*

~~~~~~~ 

October 1944 

Easy Company set up in an abandoned barn as a headquarters and aid station in Schoonderlogt, Holland. Most of Easy Company had been inside awaiting the return of the reconnaissance patrol that left at sunset to see if any Germans were near the village. Liebgott leading the mission had been gone for several hours. 

Eugene insisted you get some sleep, but you only sat in the bunk, your mind too busy to even close your eyes. Talbert with his newfound companion, Trigger (a German Shepard ironically), was a nice distraction while Joe was gone. As you were petting the dog, the barn door burst open alarming everyone and bringing everyone to their feet. 

“Penetration!” one of the soldiers called out carrying another soldier injured. 

“It’s Alley!” Talbert yelled. 

“Alley’s hurt!” Liebgott shouted. 

“Boyle, get Doc.” Winters instructed then looked at Liebgott, “Where?” 

“Crossroads.” Liebgott replied. You notice he took a dressing and pressed it against his neck. 

“Liebgott-” you called to him, but another soldier interrupted you. 

“Well, if it wasn’t for your loud mouth-” he started to accuse Joe. 

You tried again but louder, “Lieb-” 

“-Hey, you know what? Back off!” Liebgott shot back as Roe pushed through the gaggle. 

“Get the boots off, elevate...Lieb use the sulfur...” Doc directed. 

“JOE!” You barked over the commotion.  

“Goddam it, WHAT?” He snarled back at you with a heavy look of annoyance. 

“Get over here and let me look at your neck.” you directed sternly. 

“It’s just a scratch.” He dismissed. 

You huff audibly, losing your patience and giving him a side glance. 

“Joe, let her take a look. We got this over here.” Doc insisted. 

Liebgott sighed reluctantly rolling his eyes and made his way to you. 

He stood tall in front you, refusing to look you in the eyes as you gently directed his head by the chin to his left to expose the injured site where he still held the dressing. You know he was trying to hide how bad it really was, so you decided to kill him with kindness to get him to do what you needed to do to help him. 

Your voice sweet and subtle, “Joe...” 

He hummed in response. 

“Move your hand. Please?”  

He quickly looked down at you, no smile or any real sign of emotion, just searching your eyes for something unknown to you. You feel your eyes widen as this unexpected attention from Joe unnerved you. It’s not a look that you experienced from him before. He almost looked like a ravenous animal. 

You stood your ground, staring back at him expectantly waiting for him to remove his hand from his neck. 

His hand slowly dropped without breaking eye contact. 

You make your hands busy with the messy dressing on his neck and see an angry laceration, but not deep enough to make it life threating. You were less worried, but it still needed attention. 

“You’re lucky.” You stated. 

“Am I?” he replied curtly. 

You ignored his cold response. 

“It wasn’t deep enough to affect the artery, so you won’t bleed out, but I’m still going to dress it right so you don’t get an infection.” you explained. 

“Great.” his tone unenthusiastic and sarcastic. Again, you chose to remain silent. You weren’t going to give him the satisfaction by taking his bait to argue. 

“Ok, Joe, you’re good.” you tell him, running your thumb affectionately along his jawline. 

He felt goosebumps rise on his skin from your soft touch and shot you a look of confusion. His eyebrows furrowed and his mouth slightly open, you thought he was going to say something. He thought he was going to say something too, but he stood there gaping at you, breathing heavy again searching your face for something unknown to either of you. You meet his perplexed look with one of your own and squint your eyes at him wondering what it was you did wrong to earn such a response from him.  

His jaw tightened as he closed his mouth and softened his eyes. No smile, no sign of affection, he nods to you then turned on his heel to collect his gear when Winters announced they were heading to the crossroads to re-engage with the Germans there to gain control of that position. 

You were utterly dumbfounded by how Joe treated you. You know he can get moody and explosive when his adrenaline races like that. He had a deep-rooted hatred for the Germans and was probably pissed he got nicked by one of them in the field, and now he was out for revenge. His anger clouded his judgement, and you suffered the blunt end of his attitude even though you had nothing to do with it. 

And it had nothing to do with you. He felt terrible for not at least saying ‘thank you’ before he left. He turned his back on you after you cared for his wound so gently and attentively, and he hated himself for it after walking out of that barn. He had hurtling thoughts of doubt, regret...sentiment. He couldn’t turn back now, though. He was on his way to deal with the Krauts that had the audacity to attack him and his team that day.  

~~~~~~~ 

Easy Company took victory at the crossroads the following morning. The Germans fled leaving dozens of their comrades killed or seriously wounded. Eleven of them are captured. The Americans on their side count one dead and 22 wounded. 

Winters approaches an angry Liebgott taking potshots at the still-living Germans crawling over the bodies of their dead comrades, trying to escape the field.  

“Joe?” 

Liebgott continued to pick off Germans like a turkey shoot.    “-Joe, knock it off!” Winters ordered 

“Goddam it, what?” Liebgott barked back. 

Winters noticed his neck bandages were saturated with his own blood. 

“You’re bleeding.” Winters identified. 

“Ah, it's nothin', Cap.” Liebgott replied bluntly. 

“Take these prisoners to CP and get cleaned up.” Winters instructed. 

Liebgott looked a little too eager, “Yes, sir. Come on, Kraut boys.” 

Believing that a furious Liebgott can't be trusted, Winters orders him to drop all his ammo and removes all but one round from Joe's rifle telling him that killing one prisoner will prompt the others to attack and possibly kill him and escape.  

“I want all prisoners alive.” Winters reminded. 

Joe paused before replying, “Yes sir,” resentfully. 

~~~~~~~ 

Liebgott burst through the barn door, obviously still fuming he had to babysit German prisoners and not get any extra hits in. It was more than they deserved even if they did surrender. 

You were finishing up some wound care on another soldier when Joe had come in. Even in his intimidating state, you were exhilarated to see him alive. You rush over to him and notice his neck bandages saturated in red. Your joy quickly turned to panic as you went to touch his arm. 

He turned around viscously shrugging your hand off him and met your stare with horror after he realized he had almost hurt you. His chest heaving, and eyes wild, it took him a few seconds to regain his bearings. 

You were actually frightened at first but didn’t back away too much from him since he still needed medical attention. 

“Joe?” you ask cautiously. 

He swallowed hard then softened his stance, “I was told to get this fixed up.” He replied as he gestured to his neck. 

You nod, “Ok, Lieb, over here.”  

You lead him over to a more secluded space in another part of the barn that you used to triage patients. After his little ‘floor show’ you decided he needed a safe space to decompress. He slumped down on the cot in the room with a huff and stared at his boots. 

You went to the shelves with the supplies you needed, grabbing clean dressings, gauze, and peroxide. You sat yourself next to Joe and prepared everything to tend to his neck. He winced when you pulled the partially blood encrusted wrapping. 

“I’m sorry.” You whispered. He only side eyed you as a response. 

You soaked the gauze with the antiseptic, then pressed it to his wound. He hissed from the sting. 

“Sorry, Joe. I have to make sure it’s clean.” you explained. 

“Mmhm.” He hummed, “Just do it.” he added in a low voice. 

You continued working on him quietly. The air was heavy in the room. You hoped he would open up to you. It was clear he had been bottling something up. He won’t even offer a glance to acknowledge you. 

You unravel the new dressing placing the padded part to his wound, then lean in closer to loop the ends around his neck like a scarf to secure it in place. As you repeat this action, you were required to keep nearing his face with yours. Still refusing to look at you, he remained looking at his boots and you admired how long his lashes were as he looked down. You finish the wrap tucking the end in, and you couldn’t stop yourself, 

“Joe, look at me.” you requested. 

He sighs irritably, rolling his eyes and meets your concerned gaze. 

You study his face, bringing your hand to his forehead to gently sweep away his hair. He looked you up and down skeptically, unsure what was happening. A new concoction of emotions simmered inside him when he felt your fingers combing his hair back out of his face.  

Angst...elation...hunger...want...need...He had no idea what was happening with him. And it seemed to intensify while he was sitting there with you. Even in the midst of combat he doesn’t feel this level of fight or flight response. His breath hastened as his heart rate accelerated. He straightened up and faced you, bringing his hand to yours, softly grabs your wrist pulling it away from his hair not taking his eyes away from your face. 

Your breath hitched in your chest as your heart pounded so hard you were sure he could hear it as well. Your eyes widened seeing his eyes dark and blown out from something deep beneath the surface unknown. The small space between you is intense and unnerving.  

Joe’s POV 

*“Look at her... Even after how I’ve treated her, she’s still being so good to me. I don’t deserve this...I don’t deserve her. Every time she touches me it's like electrical currents shocking my entire body. How does she do it? What I wouldn’t do for her to just grab my face and just lay one on me and never pull away. Jesus Christ get it together, Liebgott, she probably hates you now. But if I leave now, anything could happen and neither of us would know...anything. I won’t leave her until I know.”* 

“Joe?” you wave your free hand he wasn’t holding in front of his face. He shook his head snapping out of his thoughts. 

“You’re all cleaned up now. You can go back to the guys or take a few minutes and stay to regroup.” you suggest. 

You stand to leave but Joe doesn’t release your hand. You furrow your brows confused. 

“You need something else?” you ask. 

Joe stood gripping your shoulders to face you square with him. His mouth curled into a slight grin. With intent behind his eyes and urgency in his touch, he finally speaks directly to you. 

“Just you.” he purrs. 

Your jaw slacked from shock. You look up at him through your lashes, your iris's doe-like and glistening. Words as well as breath failed to leave your mouth. You felt dizzy and faint, your entire sternum burning like you had just taken a swig of Vat 69. You feel Joe steady you as you slightly sway backward. He kneaded your arms affectionately making you a melting mess in his strong slender hands. 

“-me?” you choked as you placed your hand over where your heart was ready to explode from. 

He nodded deliberately and slowly, “-only you.”  

Your skin and insides tingled causing you to tremble. You take a deep breath trying to regain your composure. 

“Where is this coming from, Joe?” you finally ask. 

He shrugged, “It’s always been there. Buried deep down and just grew bigger every day. I just can’t keep it down anymore, you know?” he explained. 

You beam at him, partially lost in your own thoughts calculating the situation you found yourself in with him at that moment. You avert your eyes downward releasing a soft chuckle. You shake your head, 

“Joe, I-” 

“-Don’t tell me you don’t feel the same, Y/N.” he dared. 

You meet his eager stare, “Of course I do, Joe,” you respond in a desperate breathy voice, “I have spent this past year worrying myself sick about you, and at first, I couldn’t figure out why! I have been fighting it every single day and I am exhausted from it. I lose sleep when you’re on patrol without me, and the few hours I can get, I have night terrors that you return to me maimed and bloody, scaring me wide awake! I swear I have more gray hair from this.”  

You went off on this tangent, pacing back and forth in the small room not realizing how much you just confessed, but Joe once again remained silent just mesmerized by you absorbing every word you say. 

“So, you do feel the same.” he confirmed standing taller with a gratifying smirk. 

You turn to him, your eyes beginning to gloss over with tears, “Joe, *I have loved you for several hours now, and every second more. I thought an hour ago that I loved you more than any woman has ever loved a man, but a half hour after that I knew that what I felt before was nothing compared to what I felt then. It goes on and on, Joe. There is no room in my body for anything but you. *” 

Each of you standing opposite the other, you're practically panting from the overwhelming flow of emotions and lack of breath you forgot to take. You await the next venture to unfold. 

Without a word, Joe swiftly closed the gap between you, and before you could even gasp, he pulled you in by the back of your head locking his lips onto yours.  

~~~~~~~

[writing-house-of-m]

Crushin'

Wanda Maximoff x Reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None

Word count: 1,100

Summary: You get caught staring at your crush

A/N: I did have some angst I wanted to post today but I don't like it so you get some of the sweetest fluff I've written because I found it in my docs lol

You don't know what it is but Wanda looks different today.

You were standing in the kitchen area when she walked past.

With Nat obstructing her view, she didn't see the small group standing some meters away from where she took a seat with Nat.

You haven't been able to look away. Your crush for her deepening everyday but today she's glowing. You don't get how someone can look the way she does.

Steve's words have turned into white noise as you look at the auburn woman.

She must feel someone's eyes on her because she abruptly turns her head to see you.

You make eye contact so she smiles at you and you give a quick smile back feeling your cheeks heat up. She turns back so she continue her conversation with the black widow.

After getting caught staring you realise you should turn your attention back to the men in front of you.

Two pairs of eyes are waiting for you.

Only hearing the last word from the Captain, you rush out your words, "I'm not distracted."

He furrows his eyebrows, confused, "What?"

You really have to get it together.

Sam smiles because he knows you weren't paying attention.

"What?" You question.

With the same puzzled look he explains once more, "What do you think about Sam and me asking Nat to accompany us to infiltrate while you and Tony cause the distraction?"

He relaxes his face into one of sympathy as he continues, "If you're not up for something like this so close to returning to the field, I'm sure we can ask someone else to take your place. Possibly Yelena? I know she's been looking for more work."

"No!" You blurt out. "No. I'm fine. I'm ready," You exclaim.

Now that you're caught up and understand what's going on, you exhale, "I think that's a great idea, it will mean less of a risk of you guys getting into a firefight," you nod, finishing your conclusion.

Steve, still concerned about your well-being, asks, "And you're sure you're alright? That you're definitely up for this?"

"Yes, definitely. I've spent too much time in the compound, I need to stretch my legs," you reply with a scoff.

You get a chuckle from the other two men then the three of you split up after Steve says he'll speak to Tony and Nat.

The mission isn't for another few days so you spend the rest of your day between the gym and the medical wing, getting yourself ready and making sure you feel one hundred percent.

All the while, the witch hasn't left your mind.

Her smile. Her eyes. The way her nose scrunches up. She's irresistible, taking your breath away each time you see her.

That evening when you're in your room towel-drying your hair you hear your door open.

"I caught you staring again earlier," Wanda speaks with a smirk as she closes the door. She continues as she walks over to you, "but it was the weirdest thing, I couldn't hear anything in your mind, detka."

You grin as you rub the back of your neck. Looking to the ground for a second and meeting her eyes again the next.

Admittedly, your mind does tend to go blank when you see her.

As she gets close to you, you put your towel on the bed. Wrapping your arms around her waist she moves hers around your neck as you both share a short, sweet kiss.

You rest your forehead against hers and speak lowly, "Well I have something to confess," you can't help the smile on your face.

"Yeah? What's that?" Wanda replies, with her own bright smile.

You pull back slightly so you can look her in the eye better as you speak, "I have the biggest crush on you, Mrs Maximoff-Y/l/n."

Wanda lets out a soft laugh through her nose, as if it were possible her smile turns brighter and wider, "And here I was worried you were having second thoughts about going back out on a mission."

It's your turn to scoff. You give her another peck on the lips, "Well, as much fun as it has been you nursing me back to health," you move your hands to place them over her stomach, "one of us has to work so we can finally move out of here before this one arrives."

Wanda had been exhausted with all the prodding over months of different trials in an attempt for her to get pregnant.

The day the two of you found out she was pregnant you were elated. Never in your wildest dreams did you think you would be here, falling in love, married and now making your own family.

"Then, milaya, you should be paying attention to what your teammates are saying," she says in jest as she remembers your facial expression when you thought you got caught looking at your wife, "I saw you all flustered."

"I wouldn't say I was flustered," you say, knowing you weren't fooling anyone.

Taking advantage of your closeness you lean in again kissing her a little longer than before.

"I love you little witch, and I already love this little witch too," you rub Wanda's slightly swollen belly, "even if they are giving you a hard time."

"I'm sorry honey, but if this little one gets your puppy dog eyes, I might have to take their side over yours," you speak your mind as you think of the possible mischief this child may bring.

Wanda raises an eyebrow, "Ah, I should have known I was going to lose you to this little one," she jokes as she places her hands over yours. "I owe Nat a dollar, she said you would be a sucker and take the kid's side."

"Damn that woman! Is she always going to undermine me?" You say, smiles never leave either of your faces. "I guess I will have to work even harder if Nat is going to keep getting a dollar out of you."

Pulling away, Wanda heads to the bathroom, "Alright, that's enough about finances. Let's go to bed," she finishes for the both of you.

As you lay in bed with Wanda already asleep in your arms, staring at the ceiling, you think about a life with your wife and your newborn, a smile never leaving your face.

Eventually you fall asleep to thoughts of chaotic breakfasts and peaceful nap times.

Little did you know, this one baby was in fact two. And no amount of training would get you ready for the mission that was your family.

[halfadogwrites]

LET ME HELP

SIMON ‘GHOST’ RILEY X GN!READER

SOMETHING ABOUT FIRST AID AND THE KINDLING OF TRUST ; .7k

.

Men in the army are stubborn idiots hellbent on self destructing for the stupidest reasons, that much you were sure of when you walked in on Lieutenant Riley attempting to stitch up a gash in his side. Key word: attempting.

“Oh my god!” you exclaimed at the sight that beheld unto you.

Ghost had his two flaps of skin pinched together like pieces of paper ready to be stapled. Blood was still leaking from the wounds, and he was using a straight needle in a situation that obviously called for a curved.

“What are you doing?” you continued, dropping your things onto the floor by the door.

“Bit of first aid,” he said simply, grimacing under that mask of his as he went for another stitch.

“STOP,” you yelled in a panic.

You were across the room seconds after entering, pulling the needle from his hand. He let it go with obvious reluctance. You had a feeling that if he wasn’t in what was obviously a great amount of paint that he would have fought back harder.

“What is this? What are you doing to yourself, Lieutenant? Good lord,” you rambled on, inspecting the damage he’d done and figuring out how to reverse it.

The lieutenant now called Ghost had a reputation that preceded him. You hadn’t heard much about him prior to a few months ago, so you assumed he must be pretty young, only just starting out his career in the British Army special forces. This would lead you to assume he would have some basic first aid training, namely “if it’s not a life or death situation, let a doctor handle it.”

“You didn’t even staunch the bleeding, you bloody idiot,” you chastised. “I take a lunch break for twenty minutes and I come back to golden boy doing cross stitch on himself. Christ…”

Luckily, Ghost didn’t get too far along before you caught him red handed in your infirmary. You bustled around getting the proper materials to stitch him up the right way. You literally slapped his hand away when you saw him reaching for another needle.

“Lie down,” you told him.

You uncapped the bottle of antiseptic and had a roll of gauze ready to catch its excess and any still leaking blood. When Ghost still hadn’t laid back, you grabbed hold of his shoulder and tried to ease him down. He seized your wrist almost on instinct.

You looked at his eyes through that mask he always wore. Cam cream hid the area around them, but despite a valiant effort to hide it, you could see the panic behind his eyes. He had just gotten back from a mission. You weren’t privy to the details, but according to a friend with higher security clearance, things had gone badly in the interim of coming and going.

“Hey,” you said gently, “you’re home. You’re safe here, okay? Let me help. I’m not going to hurt you.”

Some soldiers scoffed at your—albeit—cheesy reassurances when they were still running on adrenaline or in shock, but you’d be damned if saying exactly what they needed to hear didn’t help. Ghost simply took your words for everything they were worth and let you guide him onto his back. You squeezed him arm in assurance and got to work.

Sanitize, stitch, tie it off. You were done in a matter of minutes, left only to cover the wound with gauze and a bit of medical tape. There were a few others back from the mission who needed treatment as well. Your nurse had been called back from her own lunch to help you; she was tending to someone else.

“Good as new,” you said, patting Ghost on the chest as you stood. “Stay as long as you need. Let me know if you need painkillers.”

“Doc,” he called.

You stopped with a hand on the curtain you were about to draw around him.

“Thanks.”

You smiled at him. “Anytime, Lt.”

You drew the curtain, letting Ghost rest on one of the infirmary beds as you called the next wounded soldier over.

[extinctspino]

can i do a request where the reader gets jealous of wednesday for seeing her tending to tyler's injuries so the reader ends up punching tyler and walks away ignoring wednesday going so far as to give her the silent treatment so the reader asks wednesday why she never takes care of the reader like that and wednesday ends up not answering this question so the reader decides to ignore her for a few more hours but the two make up (reader and wednesday are already dating)

Jealous

Pairing: Wednesday x GNreader

Wordcount: 680

Warnings: Cursing

Author’s note: Maybe reader is being a lil dramatic but I think it’s alright.

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

Seeing your usually uncaring girlfriend tending to Tyler’s wounds like that made your blood boil. Out of every other person in the room SHE just HAD to do it. And why was his shirt open all the way?! He could’ve just unbuttoned a few of the top buttons but no, of course not, why would he.

It wasn’t even that bad of an injury, you were sure Tyler would be able to plaster it up by himself. But this isn’t the first time anything like this happened.

Just Wednesday and Tyler in general. You knew Wednesday was loyal, but you also knew Tyler was interested in her, yet she was still hanging out with him if you could even call it that.

You balled your hands into fists and took a deep breath, but you lost it all when Tyler spoke, “Thanks doc.” 

Who knew something so small could ignite the beast inside you. But since you kept your anger inside you for so long, it had been building up so there was no stopping you now. 

You stomped your way over to him and stood there a good second before absolutely smashing the shit out of his face. He practically flew off the chair he was sitting on. “What the fuck!” He hissed in pain and blood began running down his nose.

Just after you had hit him the door opened, “What the hell happened?” The sheriff - Tyler’s father - walked into the room, but you straight up ignored him.

“Go burn in hell, Tyler.” You turned around and walked past the sheriff, leaving through the front door.

Everyone in the room was shocked at what just happened. “What was that for?” Enid asked no one in particular. Xavier didn’t make a single sound, he was trying his best to not laugh. He wasn’t really fond of Tyler either so... win-win.

Wednesday wanted to go after you, but she needed a few words with the sheriff first. Besides, maybe you needed to cool down a bit before you and Wednesday talked.

The next day, Wednesday couldn’t find you anywhere around the school. She even asked Enid, but she didn’t have an answer either.

She only spotted you when she saw you leaving Xavier’s room with a wide smile on your face. 

She furrowed her brows and marched up to you. “Y/n, why did you do that to Tyler.” You kept walking as if you didn’t hear her.

Wednesday was shocked although she didn’t show it. She had never been ignored like that before. She was always the one ignoring not the other way around. She brushed away the slight hurt she felt when you plainly walked further.

She followed you,” Don’t ignore me.” Her deadly voice always made you give in but not this time. 

“Please.”

You halted your movements and looked at her. Your neutral facial expression faltered and your true emotions appeared. “Why?” You were angry and sad at the same time. 

“What do you mean?” You wished Wednesday was pretending she didn’t know what you were talking about. Unfortunately, she wasn’t.

“Why do you not care for me the way you do for Tyler?” You knew Wednesday cared about you, but your jealousy overruled any other thoughts. 

“You know he’s into you, but you’re still around him! You probably even cleaned up that bloody nose for him after I left!” You looked away from her, ashamed of your sudden outburst. 

“I absolutely adore your personality and understand that you’re a bit hesitant about physical touch, but why does that only apply to me? You didn’t seem hesitant when you were patching him up.” Your words died down at the end of your sentence.

“I-I’m sorry for overreacting like that...” You wanted to slap yourself for letting your jealousy get the best of you. But that thought immediately disappeared when Wednesday took your hand in hers. 

“Don’t apologize. I should be the one apologizing.” She said sincerely. 

You locked your eyes with hers and smiled at her. 

“Now tell me, why were you in Xavier’s room?”

[son1c]

turbulence? no way!

falling stars fic masterpost

Gunfire illuminated the room. Omega's shots were wild, and his bullets flew everywhere. They ricocheted off the walls, floor, and ceiling, and they shattered the empty pods lined up against the back wall. They turned the computer console in the middle of the floor into swiss cheese. They almost hit Rouge, but her reflexes were better than the robot's aim, and she managed to dive behind a bulky generator before anything bad could happen to her.

She started thinking about what she could do to stop the robot's rampage.

Sonic wasn't thinking about that at all though. He was too preoccupied with dodging Omega's shots to worry about it. He spent all of his brainpower on his jumps. Jump onto a wire, jump down to the floor, jump behind a metal box. Anything to avoid getting punched full of holes. His expression was troubled, but not because of the dire situation he was currently in; he was worried about Omega.

"If I'd known about this ice cold reception, I would've brought a jacket!" Sonic quipped in between machine gun rounds.

"A JACKET WOULD NOT SAVE YOU FROM MY WRATH," Omega said, his heavy metal arms clicking as his weapons reloaded. "NOW STAND STILL SO THAT I MAY REPLACE YOUR BONES WITH LEAD."

Sonic didn't stop moving. He was zigzagging his way closer to Omega, careful to avoid the robot's frenzied gunfire. However, right as he was about to leap onto Omega's shoulders, the robot managed to miss a shot so badly that it flew three feet over Sonic's head and pierced the base of the pod that Shadow was sleeping in.

Sonic pulled a 180 immediately. He heard the hatch unlock before he saw it start to open. His feet slipped on the liquid that drained out of the pod in a waterfall of green slime, but he kept going, scraping his claws against the slick floor stubbornly. Shadow blinked awake a second later. The dark hedgehog pushed open the hatch and looked over at Omega, but before he could take a step toward him, Sonic snatched him and they both rolled behind the computer console together.

Then, Shadow sat up. Despite the stressful situation he suddenly found himself in, his month long nap had left him feeling good, and so it was with a clear mind that he took in his surroundings. But it didn't last long. With one look at Sonic, his headache returned. "Blue?" he said, the name sounding almost hesitant as he voiced it. Like he wasn't sure if the hedgehog in front of him was really his friend or not.

"Hey, Stripes," Sonic said. "Sorry I’m late. But here, I got something that'll make it up to you!" He removed the inhibitors from his wrists, grabbed Shadow's hand, and pressed the rings into his palm. Then, he grinned. "Unfortunately, Egghead turned out to be a quack. The good news is he was lying about everything, not just the good stuff!"

Shadow stared at Sonic. He stared at him very hard. "What happened to you?" he asked quietly.

Sonic's grin didn't waver. "Well, for starters, I got a job. The uniform kicked, but that's about it."

Shadow frowned. "Your eyes," he pressed. "They're glowing."

"Heh. I guess I finally thought about it hard enough!" Sonic rubbed his nose. Under his hand, his grin faded. "Look," he said, pressing the rings firmly into Shadow's hand with both of his own, "I'm still me. The doc tried to change that, but I couldn't stand it. Following him around was way past boring!"

Shadow looked down at their clasped hands, and the rings pressed in between them. He ignored them completely. With his voice steeped in frustration, he asked, "The Doctor stripped you of your free will?"

"Technically," Sonic said, a little uncomfortable now, "he didn't strip me of anything. He gave me a new leg, and force fed me some code. I'm not gonna thank him for that, though, since it was all a bunch of pro-Ivo propaganda!"

A coil of anger burned in Shadow's chest like a snake. "He won't go unpunished," Shadow said darkly. It hurt him to think that Sonic had suffered because of his own eagerness to take Eggman's hand. And Sonic's laissez faire attitude only served to fuel his vengeful heart.

Sonic watched the fire in Shadow's eyes burn with concern. "It's okay, dude. There's no need to keep your foot on the gas. All that's gonna do is run us in circles." The blue hedgehog smiled. It was a peace offering. "I dunno about you, but I'd rather take the fast track to freedom, and leave this place behind."

The viper in Shadow's chest continued to hiss and spit. He wouldn't let go of his grudge so easily. However, when he saw a hint of tiredness flicker behind Sonic's electric eyes, he resolved to put a pin in it. For later.

Finally, Shadow snapped the inhibitor rings onto his wrists. His headache vanished. The bubbles in his blood cooled. He let out a breath, feeling truly centered for the first time since waking up in the crater all that time ago. With a small nod, he said sincerely, "Thank you."

Sonic's eyes softened. His smile got warmer. "Don't mention it," he said. "Besides, it's not like Mr. Ivo was gonna make good on his promise." Sonic's expression shifted to something in between annoyance and relief. "I'm just glad that lady showed up when she did. Without her, who knows what would've happened!"

"Are you boys talking about little old me?"

Sonic and Shadow looked up. Towering over the computer console, they saw Omega staring down at them with Rouge on his shoulder. She had her legs crossed and a smug look on her face. "The name's Rouge, by the way," she said. "While you two were having your reunion, I took care of the problem. Omega here is on our side now. You're welcome."

"BLUE HEDGEHOG," Omega said, "THE BAT HAS INFORMED ME OF YOUR DEFECTIVE HARDWARE. I HAVE UPDATED YOUR STATUS TO 'ALLY.' DO NOT EXPECT AN APOLOGY FOR MY PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS TO EXTERMINATE YOU."

Sonic's eyebrow twitched at Omega's comment about his hardware. The way he saw it, him taking orders from Eggman was the real bug in his system. But Omega's bluntness wasn't intended as a means to aggravate him, and Sonic recognized that. It was just a shield to deflect from his feelings.

"It's cool," Sonic said. "It's my fault for draggin' my feet, anyway. When I got zapped by that Build-A-Robot machine, I stopped thinkin' about why I'd come here. It made me forget all about it--about Stripes, and about you. And it took awhile for me to remember." Sonic stood. Then, he winked at Omega. "Thanks for waiting up."

"I HAVE REMOVED WAITING FROM MY EXECUTABLES. NEXT TIME, I WILL BRING THE WHOLE BUILDING DOWN."

Sonic laughed. "If it's another bad guy's lair, I say go for it!"

Shadow, now standing, added, "You'd be doing the world a favor."

Rouge said, "Well, this heist turned out to be a total bust. I looked everywhere, but couldn't find a single gem!" She tapped her nails on Omega's shoulder. Then, her mouth tilted upwards. "But at least I won't be walking away empty handed. This makes us a team, boys!"

Sonic's ear twitched. He turned his head toward the door, but there was nothing there.

Shadow asked, "Hear something, hedgehog?"

Sonic said, "Nah. Must've been my imagination."

Rouge hopped down from Omega's shoulder. With her hands on her hips, she gestured at the door with one of her wings. "Let's beat it. As long as we're here, the deck's stacked against us. I'd rather not give Eggy any more leverage than he already has!"

With that, the four of them left the (now severely damaged) basement stasis room. Omega nearly went ballistic when he saw the buzzy bomber waiting for them in the hallway, but Sonic was quicker on the draw than him, and explained, "Think about it! You defied your programming, right? What's stopping the rest of Egghead's robots from carving their own paths too?"

Omega wasn't happy about it, but he had to admit that Sonic had a point. He stared intensely at the buzzy bomber hiding in Sonic's quills. His red eyed gaze was daring it to prove Sonic wrong. But it stayed there, its mandible slowly opening and closing as if to say, Truce?

Omega lowered his arm cannons. "THIS IS ACCEPTABLE. BUT THE ICE ON WHICH YOU SKATE IS THIN."

Immediately, the wasp robot perked up. It chittered smartly, and it took every ounce of Omega's willpower to not start blasting. Sonic snickered.

Then, the group continued on through the basement with Sonic leading the way. It wasn't long before they reached the lift. After piling into it, they began the long ascent to the ground floor of the facility. Thankfully, the levels came and went quickly. Sonic watched them pass by through the window, distracted.

The lift arrived at the ground floor of the Brain Bowl with a light ding. Everyone stepped out, except for Sonic, who was still staring out the window. The buzzy bomber tapped him on the forehead with one of its arms. Blinking, Sonic smiled apologetically at the wasp robot, and then followed everyone else out of the lift.

But he didn't get very far. After taking a few steps out into the hanger, he suddenly froze, and his eyes went wide.

Eggman said, "You didn't really think you'd be able to escape me that easily, did you, rodent?"

Sonic looked around, but Eggman wasn't there. He was hearing the voice in his head, projected from somewhere else, as a side effect of the botched de-Roboticization he'd experienced.

"I'm afraid I'm not done with you yet," Eggman continued. Sonic could practically hear the evil grin on his face. "Our confrontation is long overdue. I understand you're on your way out, so if you're in need of motivation, I've gathered your pathetic little friend here to watch your inevitable defeat!"

The doctor paused to cackle maniacally. The noise bounced around inside Sonic's skull like a twisted tennis ball.

"Better hurry. I can't guarantee its safety if you dawdle!"

Sonic was mad. Eggman had already wasted so much of his time, and now he was going to waste even more? The blue hedgehog scowled and turned around on his heel. He knew where Eggman was. It was like the coordinates had been beamed into his brain. However, before he could start moving toward it, he felt a hand grasp his shoulder.

It was Shadow. The dark hedgehog was looking at him with his usual serious expression, but there was a touch of concern in the way he pursed his lips. "The door is the other way," he said. "Now isn't the time for detours."

Sonic turned back around so he could face Shadow. "Something came up," he said vaguely. "I've gotta take care of it before we split. You go on ahead--I'll meet you guys outside."

Shadow folded his arms over his chest. "I won’t accept that. If you’re going after the Doctor, it won’t be alone.”

The voice of Eggman spoke in Sonic's head again. "Haven't you left yet? It's not like you to waste time, Sonic."

Scowling, Sonic shook his head. To Shadow, he said, "Take the badniks and get outta here. There's a stash of planes in the next building over. Should be on the first floor, just grab the one that looks like a manta ray--it's got the keys in the ignition."

"We're not leaving without you," Shadow said. "Whatever it is you're about to do--"

"Clock's ticking, Sonic," Eggman interrupted. "I wonder which part I should remove first? An antenna, perhaps?"

Sonic stepped away from Shadow. He ignored the looks Rouge and Omega gave him as he began to run toward the backdoor. "Just trust me," he called back over his shoulder. "And remember: first floor, manta ship. I'm countin' on you!"

Without stopping, Sonic kicked down the Brain Bowl's backdoor. He burst through the other side with a roll, and then jumped back up to his feet, still running. He was outside now, with his sights set squarely on the tall transmission tower at the far end of Scrap Brain Base. He weaved around commuting badniks and bounced over steel obstacles in his path, but it wasn't fast enough, he wasn't fast enough.

Eggman's voice came to him again. It was mocking him now. "Holding back at a time like this? Your limits must've changed since your fall if this is really your top speed!"

Sonic pushed himself harder. The red light at the top of the transmission tower peered down at him, a tiny dot in the sky, still so far away.

And then Eggman must've held the microphone up to the motobug, because Sonic heard it beep fearfully.

And he couldn't take it anymore.

After everything Eggman had put him through, after tricking him and Stripes into falling for his scheme, turning him into a robot, and making him do his bidding… Sonic went fast. Really, truly fast. So fast he rippled the air around him, and created a deafening boom so powerful it knocked out the power to the Base.

The gears ground to a halt and the badniks shuddered. Something in Sonic's head fizzled and popped, but he kept going, faster and faster.

He cleared the winding stairs of the transmission tower in the blink of an eye. He crashed through one of the top floor windows before another second could pass. The glass shattered, and fell in a flurry around him, but his quills kept him safe. Then, he rolled to the middle of the floor and uncurled, leaping up onto his feet with a scowl.

Because the power was down, it was dark inside of the transmission tower. Only the emergency lights were still functional, and they cast the whole room in an eerie red glow.

"Very impressive," Eggman said. Behind him, the motobug with the star on its head was parked. It shook like a leaf in the wind. "But now it's time for the final act," Eggman went on to say. "Honestly, I never expected you to stay under my thumb forever. One way or another, I knew you'd wriggle your way out of my control! Which is why I started working on something… something I'm sure you'll find quite familiar! Oh-ho-ho!"

Something heavy suddenly dropped down next to Sonic.

It was… Shadow?!

All of the fur on the back of Sonic's neck stood up. He took a step back, away from his friend. But it couldn't be his friend. It looked like him, but something was off. Wrong. The way its arms hung limply at its sides was uncanny. And when the thing lifted up its head to stare at Sonic, the blue hedgehog realized why.

The Shadow standing in front of him was a fake. Its eyes were a black screen, illuminated by two glowing orange irises. A copy, made by Eggman, presumably while the real Shadow had been fridged in the basement. Worst of all, it said nothing. It just stared at Sonic with that horrible, unnerving gaze.

Sonic said, "What kind of horror show are you runnin' here, doc?!"

"One powerful enough to take down even you!" Eggman replied haughtily. "This is it for you, Sonic. You'll soon find you've met your match with my Shadow Android!"

The Shadow Android shifted. Its arms no longer hung dead at its sides, and instead bent upwards, with its hands balled into fists. An attack position. It then shot forward, but Sonic sidestepped it easily. He had no interest in fighting the Shadow Android, because that was what Eggman wanted.

And he was sick of doing what Eggman wanted.

"Sorry, bolt brain," Sonic said, not sounding sorry at all, "but I ain't got time for a doppelganger deathmatch today! I've got a flight to catch!"

In a flash, Sonic ran behind Eggman and picked up his motobug friend. The Shadow Android followed after him, but Sonic was on his A-game now, and easily outsped the robot copy.

The emergency lights lit his path back to the window, and Sonic jumped out of it without looking back.

The Shadow Android, however, paused in front of the broken glass on the floor.

"What are you waiting for?" Eggman snapped. "After him!"

In the time it took Eggman to say that, Sonic had already made it back to the other end of Scrap Brain Base. He skidded to a halt on the runway in front of the manta ray ship, with Buggy held over his head. Shadow and Rouge turned to look at him.

"Nice of you to stop by, Blue," Rouge said. "You were right about the keys, but piloting an Eggman battleship is a little out of my wheelhouse. Omega was able to push this thing out of the garage, but that won't work for getting it off the ground, you know. So, unless you're saying you can fly it..."

Sonic grinned. "That's exactly what I'm saying!"

Shadow made a face. "You seem confident. Are you sure it's not unfounded?"

"Who knows! Maybe I used to fly planes. I've just got a good feeling about this!"

Shadow and Rouge looked at each other. Then, Shadow said, "We can't risk all of our lives--and all of these robot's lives--on a 'good feeling,' Blue."

Sonic's eyes sparkled, a little deviously. "You can if the feeling's good enough," he said. "Now hang on!"

After setting down the motobug, Sonic grabbed Shadow and Rouge by the arms, and carried them into the manta ship. When the motobug rolled in behind them, it tugged on the wire for the door, and the ship's hatch slammed shut.

Inside the ship, Omega was trying very hard to remain civil with the menagerie of badniks that had decided they'd rather kick it with Sonic than Eggman. He managed this by standing in the corner and facing the wall like he was in The Blair Witch Project.

The only badnik brave enough to get close to him was the buzzy bomber from the basement. It circled his head like a buzzard, but when Sonic passed them by on his way to the cockpit, the tinny voice of the wasp robot reassured him that everything was fine.

Omega loved compliments, after all.

Once they reached the cockpit, Sonic finally let Shadow and Rouge go. Irritated, Shadow began brushing himself off. He didn't appreciate being dragged through the hull of the ship like luggage.

Meanwhile, Rouge turned to Sonic and said, "Never. Ever. Do that again."

Sonic was examining the buttons and knobs on the ceiling of the cockpit. "Wouldn't'a done it without a good reason," he said. Then, still looking over the ship's controls, he pointed out the window. "See for yourself."

Shadow and Rouge looked out the window. Skating down the runway at a frightening pace was the Shadow Android. It had finally caught up to Sonic.

"Another trick of the Doctor's?" Shadow said, troubled by the sight of his robot doppelganger.

Sonic flipped a switch on the ceiling, and then sat down in the chair in front of the yoke. He grabbed it with both hands and said, "Whatever it is, it's not our problem anymore!"

The blue hedgehog eased forward on the yoke, his excitement showing on his face. Even though the manta ray ship was a prototype, Sonic knew it could still fly--Eggman wouldn't've bothered having him cart all that wiring over to the hanger while he was still a Robian if it couldn't.

"Got your seat belts fastened?" Sonic asked, obviously having way too much fun with this. "We're ready for takeoff!"

Shadow and Rouge gripped the back of the pilot's chair as the ship lurched forward. They watched as the Shadow Android continued to approach, almost on top of them now. But the manta ray accelerated quickly, and swallowed the fake hedgehog up underneath it. Then, the ship's wheels left the ground, and the manta ray lifted into the sky.

Through the clouds, everyone could see the ground, as well as Scrap Brain Base, quickly shrink into the distance.

Sonic let out a victory cheer. He didn't know that back at the transmission tower, Eggman had just tried and failed to contact him. It seemed as though the communicator in his head had broken along with the sound barrier during his earlier race to save the motobug.

Sonic continued racing the wind, unbothered.

[jacobbaeluvr]

sick (f)

genre: fluff

pairing: (ateez) park seonghwa x fem!reader

summary: you're sick so seonghwa being the best boyfriend helps to take care of you.

warnings: nothing, just pure fluff and seonghwa being the best boyfriend ever. uses of baby, my pretty girl and love. mentions of hwa being an idol but not that serious.

notes: i'm actually sick rn so this fic is inspired by my sickness 😭 and btw don't come for my eng, i'm not feeling the greatest today

word count: 600 words

nets: @pirateeznet

warning pt2: this fic is not real! it's all fake so if you're uncomfortable pls block me

you felt like shit honestly, your alarm blaring for the past 10 minutes or so. you groaned and weakly turned off your phone before closing your eyes back. after a few seconds, your phone rang again. it wasn't your alarm, it was seonghwa calling you. you had a special ringtone just for him so you knew it was him. he had promised the previous day that he would send you to work. you didn't had the energy to pick up your phone so you just left it there still ringing.

a few minutes later you heard the front door closing, you gave seonghwa an extra key for him so he doesn't have to wait for you outside in the cold.

"baby?" seonghwa called out.

the bedroom door opened and you turned around, seeing seonghwa's blurry figure because your eyes were teary.

"hi baby, are you okay? you didn't answer my calls earlier." seonghwa sat at the edge of your bed, gently smoothing your hair and sweeping it to the side so he can have a better look on your pretty face.

seonghwa then rub your red cheek, shocked that it was a bit hot. he then place the back of his hand on your forehed to check if you really had a fever.

"oh no baby, you're sick. let's go to the docs now." seonghwa panicked. you then whined and shook your head a 'no'.

"i'm too tired hwa, i can't. i'll be fine if you bought me some meds." you replied weakly. seonghwa shook his head and slightly frowned at your stubborness.

"love, please don't be like this. i'll bring you there and besides you don't have to worry about me, i'm on leave for a week. i can take care of you." seonghwa said softly, his thumb still rubbing your hot red cheek.

you sighed and tried to get up but you were too weak so seonghwa helped you up, your back resting on the headboard of your bed. going to your closet, seonghwa opened the door and starts finding for you your -his shirt and your also his sweatpants. grabbing both of them he then asked you to strip and helping you put on your clothes. when done he placed the dirty clothes in your dirty clothes basket at the corner of your room and helped taking your phone placing it in his pocket before helping you get up.

the walk from your place to his car took a total of 20 minutes because of how you both keep arguing how you would be okay with meds at the store and how seonghwa argued how going to the docs is more easier because the doctors knows better.

after the visit, you were so tired so you slept through the entire journey. arriving, seonghwa felt bad for the need to wake you up but he had too.

“love, we're here. come on, let's go.” seeing how you were still sleeping, seonghwa then tried carrying you bridal style. you didn't have the energy to resist so you just kept quiet and continued sleeping on his chest.

luckily, luck is on his side because he successfully opened the door with one hand with you being on both his arms. going up the stairs to your room, seonghwa then kicked the door and gently placed you on the bed, the meds beside you on the small table you had.

“my pretty girl, so cute” seonghwa kissed your cheek and pulled your blanket further till it's above your shoulder. looking at you one more time while smiling his ass out, he then went downstairs to cook for you some soup.

you're so lucky to have him.

i don't have anything to say but hope you enjoyed that :)

masterlist <3

[resi4skz]

Title: A Promise

Pairing: Chan x femReader

Warnings: fluff

"So that's it?" Chan says. "Just like that, we're over?"

"What do you want me to say? That there's nothing going in between you two?"

"That you trust me enough to know that she means nothing to me. And that she's out to create this obstacle between us."

I gape at him. "Are you serious right now? Chan, I saw you and her together sitting next to each other like she practically was in your lap!"

"Baby, she-"

I raise my hand, stopping him. "Save it. I don't wanna hear any more excuses of what she was trying to do." I grip my shoulder bag. "I'm done."

"Y/N."

"No. I'm done, Chan. I'm done being your second choice."

I don't even dare to turn around. I get in my car and drive back to my apartment.

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

"Hey, I was gonna order some fried chicken and pizza. You want some?"

I look up at my best friend turned roommate. "Sure."

"Any preference?" Gia asked.

"Pepperoni please," I smiled and went back to looking at recipes on my phone.

"Y/N."

"Hmm?"

"Han just texted me."

I roll my eyes. "What else is new?"

"We need to go to the hospital."

I peek at her from my phone. "Why?"

"Chan got into an accident."

********************************************************

You know how some people say their life comes crashing down? Well, that's how I feel right now. I'm staring at the ground, my mind spiralling while my leg bounces non-stop. The door opens, the doctor walks inside as I shoot up, standing on wobbly legs but Gia steadies me.

"How's he, doc?" Han asked. He came with Gia, considering Chan is his best friend.

"Besides a broken leg and arm, he's perfectly fine."

The sob leaves my mouth as fresh tears form in my eyes and I collapse on the ground. Gia drops with me, her arms wrapping around me. "He's okay, Y/N. He's okay."

I felt like my heart was going to rip out.

"Can we see him?" Han asked, again.

"He's currently sleeping off the anesthesia but yes, a nurse will come get you once he's awake."

When the doctor leaves, Gia helps me stand up. "Honey, he's alright. Just broken bones, nothing major."

"I know," I wipe my face.

*Sometime later*

A nurse came to get us because Chan woke up. So she took us to his room. I was the first one to enter. I gasp at the sight in front of me. A cast on his left arm and right leg. A few scratches and brusies on his face and neck. But he still looked handsome.

And he was awake. Turning his head, his eyes meet mine and I can't help but stop at the foot of his bed, tears flowing down my cheeks. "Chan, you scared us," Gia spoke.

"S-sorry." His voice came out raspy and deep.

"Bro, what even happened?" Han chimed in.

"I was on my way to," he glances at me, "Y/N's when out of nowhere a car slammed into me. Luckily my car didn't flip over. I felt my arm break before my leg, though."

"Sheesh," Gia says, wincing at the sight.

He turns his head, looking at me. "Y/N," he raises his non-injured hand. His right eyes was pretty banged up but he still managed to look handsome.

"Right, well, we're gonna get some coffee," Han states, grabbing Gia's hand. "Come on, babe. Let's give these love birds some time alone."

After they leave, I look at him again. "Does it hurt?"

"Like a bitch," he replied, raising his hand again. "Y/N, I-"

"Chan, just...."

"No. I need to say this. I fucked up, okay? I messed up what we had. But I assure you that nothing happened between Jules and I."

"Chan."

"I, ah, fuck damn that hurts," he inhales a sharp breath before continuing. "After you left that day, I broke down in front of Han and Changbin. They had to drive me back to my apartment but I couldn't stay there because that place felt hollow. Alone." He glances up at me. "I wanted to see you. So I promised myself that I would get you back, no matter what."

"Channie, listen-"

But he cuts me off. "But I never knew what jealousy can do to a woman."

"What do you mean?" My gut told me to brace myself.

He closes his eye, breathing in. "When Jules heard I was going over to you, she drove her car into mine."

"What?"

"She's the one who drove the car into my car."

I saw red. I clenched my hand into fists. "That bitch," I turn, he calls my name but I'm already out the door. I frantically look for a nurse but my eye catches her. Sitting in a chair, unharmed as Han and Gia approach me. "You bitch!" I lunge at her but Han stop me.

Jules looks at me, eyes widening. "Y/N, what are you doing here?"

"What am I doing here? What am I," I glare dead in her eyes. "Doing here? I'm not the one getting jealous of the person that isn't even yours to begin with!"

"He was mine before you came in the picture!"

Everyone goes silent. "You took him away from me. I was going to confess the day he confessed to you. You just had to accept it, didn't you? You just couldn't stay away!"

"Are you high? Him and I have feelings for each other so you need to get your head out of your delusional ass."

"Fuck you."

"Feelings mutal."

She charges at me. "Fuck you! He's mine!"

But I was quick. Clenching my hand into a fist, I broke her nose. She looks at me as bloods trickles down one of her nostrils. I shake my finger when she tries to lunge at me again. "Try anything and you'll be the one in the hospital bed."

It's enough to stop her and walks away. The pain radiates in my hand. I look down and see some bruising on my knuckles. But I had my number 1 priority in mind.

Once I went back to his room, I found him sleeping. "Dammit," I curse under my breath. Sitting on the chair beside his bed, I prop my elbow on the bed and rest my chin on it as I looked at him. He looks so peaceful, his breathing even. I couldn't get past the blue color of his left eye. It was so swollen that I was worried if his face will ever be the same.

Then he opens his eye and looks down at me. "Hey."

"Hi."

His eye spots my knuckles. "What...what happened?"

"Well," I began. "Let's say Jules will look twice in the mirror before trying anything drastic again."

"No," he faux gasps.

I narrow my eyes at him. "Everyone seems to forget I'm a pro at boxing."

"Uh huh," he says.

"Hey!"

He grins. "Did you break her nose?"

"If you know the answer, why are you even asking?" I grin back.

He raises his arm, cups my cheek with his hand. "I missed you."

I lean into his hand. "I thought I...." A sob escapes me as the emotions come rushing through me all at once.

"Hey," he tips my chin up. Several tears roll down my cheeks. "I'm here."

"I thought I lost you forever," I manage to say as more tears rolled down my cheeks.

"Baby, no," he wipes my cheeks. "Come here." He pats his chest and I waste no time as I dive atraight into his arms. "There is nothing in this world that will separate me from you."

"But-'

"No buts," he says kissing my hair. "I can't lose you. You're-" he winces, his face scrunching as if in pain.

"I'll get the doctor."

But I'm snatched back into his arms when I tried to get up. This time I'm facing him. "Chan. You're injured. Stop."

Even with one eye, he's managed to make me feel like goo. Dammit. He still makes my tummy do somersaults. I blink down at him as his hand slides around the back of my neck. "You're so beautiful," he whispers.

"Chan, wha-"

He pushes my neck down, my lips crashing on his. I squeal in surprise but melt into him, into the kiss. "Mmm, Y/N. Sweet as ever."

My cheeks heated and I buried my face on his chest which made him laugh. "Don't laugh."

"I'm sorry. I can't help it. You're so cute."

"I'm not cute!"

"But you are."

I pinch the skin just above his tummy. "Ow!" He hisses in pain.

I shoot up, thinking I really hurt him. "Ah! I'm sorry! Are you okay?"

He cracks opens his eye and reaches up, pecking my lips. I blink down at him.

"Chan."

"What?"

"I'm still mad at you."

"I see that."

I narrow my eyes at him.

Someone clearing their throat breaks us apart and I turn to see Gia standing at the door. "I see you two are getting along well."

I scramble off Chan, pretty sure my cheeks are red because he pinches my cheek and says, "Gwiyeowo."

This man, albeit partially mobile, still manages to make my insides all warm and fuzzy.

"Ugh, you two are going to give me diabetes," Gia groans as she places a bag on the bed.

"Always a pleasure having your presence here, Gia," Chan retorts. I snort.

"Oh you two think you're funny, huh? Tell me, Chan," Gia makes her way around to the other side of the bed. "Does this hurt?" She lifts his injured arm and lets it drop.

"Ow! Fuck!" Chan hisses in pain.

"Gia, what the fuck's wrong with you?!" I pick up his arm gently and place it over his abdomen. "Are you okay?"

Gia grabs my hand and looks at my knuckles. "What's this?"

"Uhh...." I glance over at Chan.

"Do you want to tell her or should I do the honors?" When I give him a nod of approval, he turns his head. "She punched Jules." Gia's eyes widen at me. "And broke her nose."

"Wow. Just when you know someone," Gia began.

"Hey. She asked for it," I state.

The door opens revealing Han, with another bag. "Hey, you forgot this in the c-" he stops when he sees all three of us. "Uh, what's going on?"

Gia excitedly hops towards him. "Y/N punched Jules and broke her nose!"

I roll my eyes. "Here we go."

"Wow. Really?" Han exclaims, walking over to me. "If only Chan hyung stepped up his game."

"Yah," Chan warns. "I'm already suffering here and you think my girlfriend's punching someone in the face is awesome?!"

Girlfriend.

Han shrugs his shoulders. "I mean she has always been the cool one."

The duo bicker fades as my mind is stuck on one word. He called me his girlfriend. I touch the necklace around my neck. Smiling, I come back to reality as the trio in front of me talk about what to order for food.

"How does pizza sound?"

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

It had been several weeks since Chan and I had been back home in our apartment. His arm cast had com

e off a few days ago but his leg cast was still on as he needed to have it on for a few more weeks. He was getting physiotherapy weekly just to keep his muscles relaxed.

The bathroom door opens and he walks out, or rather limp out since he's got the leg brace on now "Babe, have you seen my shirt?"

"Which one?" I ask as I drain the pasta in the kitchen sink.

"The nirvana one."

I peek down and curse under my breath. Of all days, why'd he have to ask now? I touch my necklace, out of habit when I feel the object that's made me think a lot these past few days.

So I take of the necklace just as he comes in the kitchen. "Oh, you're wearing it!"

"There are other shirts, you know," I flex my left hand before turning around.

"Damn."

"What?"

"I'm sorry but how do you expect to react when you wear my clothes?" He groans.

Rolling my eyes, I make him a plate and hand it to him. "Thanks," he says. His eyes widen when he sees my hand. "Wait, is that...?"

"What?" I ask innocently.

"Y/N, are you playing with me? Are my feelings a joke to you?"

Wait, what? "Channie, wha-"

"I have told you so many times that nothing happened between Jules and I. How else can I prove it to you?"

"You're an idiot," I say, going up on my tiptoes and placing a kiss on his lips. "You're an idiot to think I haven't forgiven you."

"Wait, you forgive me?" He blinks at me.

I sigh and let go of him. "I need something sweet before I throw this ring away." I go to turn but he turns me back, caging me in. "What are you doing?"

"The day I gave you that promise ring was also the day I brought something else," he explains as he moves around in the kitchen and opens a cabinet while I'm looking at him like a deer caught in headlights. "Because," he grunts as he grabs a cereal box from top of the fridge. "I knew I was going to ask you one day."

"What are you doing? Ask me what?"

He fishes out a burgundy velvet box. And I suddenly find it hard to breathe. He walks over to me, and flips open the box revealing a diamon ring with purple gems around it. My favorite color. "Channie, what....what..what?"

He chuckles and grabs my left hand. "I'm not going to lie but when I was at the hospital, all I could think about was how I never gave you a proposal."

He slips on the ring on my finger. It fits snug around my finger. Perfect fit. "My answer would've been the same though."

"Which is?"

"Yes."

A/N: was this cute enough? :/

[writer12]

Mafia × Family | Part 1

Synopsis: You are the mother of Law, a thirteen-year-old boy suffering from Amber Lead. During one of your visits to the hospital where you work, it turns out that some man gave a tidy sum for the treatment of your son and sick children in this hospital.

AU: Modern AU

Your car pulls into the hospital parking lot, and while you are looking for a parking spot, your son Lo looks boredly out the window of the hospital building. Out of the corner of your eye, you notice your son’s condition and smile, trying to cheer him up.

“Are you ready, Law? The nurses said that this time there will be a full examination, but if all is well then this time you will not be in the hospital for more than one day." you said, hoping that your son would at least smile a little and relax.

"…I don't like it here." Law responded a few seconds later. “The food here is not as tasty as at home and I am under constant supervision. Also these nasty needles…”

You continued to look for a free parking space on the road, but still tried to cheer up your son. “I understand, dear, but when the disease passes you by—”

“What if the disease doesn’t go away?” Law interrupted you. “I have been under the care of you and other doctors in the hospital since I was a child, and the drugs are too expensive and don’t even help. My father was also treated the same way all his life, but why didn’t he survive then?”

Your smile weakened slightly, but you were still positive. "...Law, your father and I tried our best to overcome the disease, but failures always happen in life."

“Then this is a stupid life and failures...” said the Law and continued to silently look out the window.

You sigh and finally park the car. Together with Law, you got out of your car and walked to the hospital together.

A couple of hours later, you were sitting on a chair in your fellow doctor's office. The doctor entered the office with your son and sat at her desk reading the documents, and Law sat next to you.

"…Well, the results are much better than last month." said the doctor. “The spots on Law’s body became a little smaller, and the pain in his body also became a little less.”

You smile upon hearing this news and put a reassuring hand on your son's shoulder. “You see, Law. A little more and the disease will subside.”

Law nodded silently, and the doctor reviewed the papers and her smile faded slightly. "…Actually, Law can leave the room?" asked the doctor.

You didn’t have time to say anything because Law interrupted you. “No, I won’t leave. This is my disease and I need to know what it’s doing to me.”

You looked apologetically at the doctor and she sighed. “Okay… Your illness, Law, although it has begun to slowly recede, we still don’t know how to cure you. Medicines only delay so that the disease takes hold of you completely, but they are very expensive and so far there is not enough money in the fund to buy you a new dose of medicine."

Law was silent for a few seconds and looked down at the floor. "…So I can repeat my dad's fate." he muttered under his breath.

You sighed and looked at the doctor. “Do you know how much money is in the fund now?”

The doctor shrugged. "The amount is quite small, but as soon as the amount reaches the required amount, we will inform you."

You nodded and stood up, taking Law's hand. "Thanks, Doc. See you in a month as usual." You said and left the office with your son while the doctor nodded to you goodbye.

A couple of minutes later, you were both sitting in the hospital lobby, drinking water from the cooler. Law looked at his glass of water and then at you. “…Mom, what if the required amount never comes together?”

You took a sip of water and patted Law's head. “Don’t say that, you should always hope for the best. Plus, I can always take extra shifts at work and find a part-time job. I will do anything for you, darling."

Law smiled faintly for the first time that day and took a sip of water. So you both calmly drank the water for a few seconds until one of the nurses came over to you. “Sorry, aren’t you busy, (Y/n)?” asked the nurse.

You shook your head and raised an eyebrow. "No, what happened?"

The nurse nodded. “A man just donated a large sum to the fund. This amount is enough to buy Law several packs of anti-Amber Lead medicine.”

You and Law looked at the nurse in surprise. Why would some stranger give up so much money for a child he first saw on TV somewhere? You both didn’t know the answer, but you sincerely wanted to say “thank you” to the man. “…Is this person still in the hospital?”

The nurse nodded "But I have to warn you, this man is a little…weird." she said and pointed to the hospital reception.

You looked at the man and raised an eyebrow while your son frowned slightly. The man who paid the money to the fund looked really strange. His shirt was slightly pink with hearts on it and he wore a black feather coat on top. On his head he had some kind of dark red hat with ropes, at the ends of which there were also hearts. A little bit of blond hair peeked out from under his cap and he had strange makeup on his face: a blue multi-angled star under his right eye and his lipstick was placed not only on his lips, but also on his cheeks. This man stood at the reception desk and signed some papers.

The law was still slightly frowning at the stranger. “What a freak…” the boy muttered and then looked at you. "Mom, don't."

You shook your head and took Law's hand. "Thanks to this man, you and the other children in the hospital are receiving medicine. We have this stranger to thank."

Law was still muttering something angrily under his breath and trying to stop you, but you didn’t pay attention to it and, together with your son, approached the strange stranger. You coughed into your fist, attracting the stranger’s attention and he turned to you. It turned out that the man had a lit cigarette between his lips and you, although you still missed your dead husband, could not help but notice that the man’s face was very handsome, especially when his face stretched out slightly while looking at you and his eyes widened slightly.

You smiled friendly looking at the stranger. "Hello, I am (Y/n), the mother of one of the children to whom you transferred money for treatment. We would like to personally thank you and let you know that this is very important to me and my son Law."

The stranger's eyes widened a little more, the cigarette almost fell out of his mouth and a blush appeared on his face. He stood there silently for several seconds, looking at you, until he felt your son’s gaze and coughed into his fist. “No need for thanks, ma’am, I just did what I thought would be best…” he said and turned his gaze away from you and put his hands in the pockets of his pants. "…My name is Corazon, by the way."

You raised an eyebrow with a smile. "Corazon? Are you from Spain?"

“Oh no, he’s also a Spaniard…” Law whispered displeasedly under his breath.

Corazon looked at you in surprise. "Y-Yes, I spent my childhood there. How did you know?"

You smiled. “I work as a doctor in this hospital and sometimes treat immigrants. One of the immigrants was from Spain and, as a thank you, taught me the basics. Moreover, Spain is such a beautiful country. Beautiful views, rich culture and delicious food.”

“High unemployment, high taxes and medical problems…” whispered Law under his breath, clearly angry and distrustful of the stranger, and tugged at your sleeve while looking at your wristwatch. "Mom, it's time for us to go home."

You raised an eyebrow and looked at your wristwatch. "Yes, you are right." You took Law's hand and looked at Corazon. "It was nice chatting, Corazon, but it's time for me and the Law to go. Thanks again for donating money to the fund and goodbye."

You turned to leave, but Corazon's voice stopped you. "Before you go…can you tell me if we'll meet again?"

You looked over your shoulder at Corazon and the outside appearances. “I am in this hospital from Monday to Friday, and on Tuesdays I take Law with me. I will be glad to see you again, Corazon." you said and walked out of the hospital with the Law, leaving Corazon in the hospital corridor. He chuckled with a smile and looked at your back with a warm gaze…

................................................................................

Oh my God, I finished this! This is my first long work here and the first part of a work that I want to continue many more times! In the future I will try to add all the characters like Doflamingo and his whole team, so stay tuned! Good luck to everyone and look forward to my new works! Bye!

@megatqistina