#got to this chapter and had to put my phone down in disbelief

[chaosandcandies]

UNPLUGGED

CHAPTER Ⅹ: Communication is Overrated

trope: fem!9th skz member warnings: angst, drama, insecure oc, cyber bullying, slow burn pairings: hyunjinxfem!oc prev|next

THE PRACTICE ROOM was suffocating.

It wasn’t just the exhaustion—the ache in her muscles, the burn in her lungs. It wasn’t even the heat, though sweat clung to her skin, dampening the fabric of her shirt.

It was the tension.

The sharp, invisible thread stretched between her and the boys, so tight it might snap at any moment.

They had been like this for days.

Iseul could feel it in the way they barely spoke to her, how their usual teasing was replaced by stiff nods and quiet exchanges she was never part of.

She caught it in the way Minho corrected her form, voice clipped, offering no further comment. The way Seungmin avoided her gaze, usually so quick to throw sarcastic jabs her way, now eerily quiet. Even Chan—who had always made an effort to check in—seemed distant, his attention elsewhere, buried in his own thoughts.

And Hyunjin…

Hyunjin, who had started treating her like something more than a stranger, now refused to even look at her.

It was like she had done something wrong. Like she had shattered something between them and didn’t even realize it.

The music cut out.

Iseul dragged in a breath, hands on her knees. Across the room, Jeongin collapsed onto the floor with a groan. Felix sat down beside him, stretching out his legs with a sigh. Chan mumbled something about fixing the timing in the chorus, wiping sweat from his forehead as he took a sip from his water bottle.

Iseul reached for her own bag, hands shaking with exhaustion. Her phone buzzed as soon as she picked it up.

She shouldn’t have looked.

She really, really shouldn’t have.

But it was becoming a habit now—checking the internet, scrolling through articles, watching as people dissected her presence in Stray Kids like she was nothing more than a puzzle piece shoved where it didn’t belong.

Her stomach twisted as she read the words on the screen.

Iseul’s past as a boxer—?? Old footage resurfaces of Stray Kids’ newest member Should JYPE idols really be fighting like this?

Her fingers trembled as she scrolled further, until—

A video.

She clicked on it before she could stop herself.

There she was—smaller, younger, fists wrapped tight, moving with precision, with power. Blow after blow landed clean, her opponent staggering under the force of her strikes. The bell rang, and she stepped back, shoulders rising and falling with deep, steady breaths.

She felt exposed—like something that belonged to her, something personal, had been ripped away and put on display for everyone to pick apart.

The videos played on loop in her mind, the echoes of her past crashing over her like waves. The sharp crack of gloves against a punching bag. The sting of knuckles bruising, splitting open. The sound of her coach’s voice, drilling into her—Again. Again. Again.

No one was supposed to see this.

It was hers.

Not Stray Kids’. Not the company’s. Not the fans’.

Hers.

And yet, here it was, stripped bare for everyone to analyze. For everyone to turn into yet another narrative that wasn’t hers to control.

Iseul could feel herself unraveling, piece by piece, like threads being yanked loose from an already fragile seam.

A shadow shifted beside her.

“What’s wrong?”

Iseul barely heard Changbin’s voice.

Her mouth was dry. She forced the words out.

“The videos. My boxing matches—they’re everywhere.”

She expected shock. Maybe disbelief.

But what she got was silence.

No surprise. No confusion. Just a heavy, awkward pause.

Her heart slammed against her ribs as she glanced up.

Seungmin didn’t look at her. Han scratched the back of his head, shifting uncomfortably. Hyunjin pressed his lips together, gaze glued to the floor.

Her fingers curled around her phone.

“…You knew.”

It wasn’t a question.

The guilt in the air wrapped around her like a vice. It was in the way Jeongin swallowed hard, the way Felix opened his mouth as if to say something but hesitated. The way Minho exhaled through his nose and rubbed at his temple, as if bracing himself.

They knew.

They had all known.

Iseul’s breath hitched as she realised - the company.

Iseul’s breath hitched as realization struck—the company.

The company must have sneakily released it.

A calculated move. A PR stunt.

Her stomach twisted as the pieces clicked into place. JYPE must have been monitoring the backlash, the endless debates about her legitimacy as Stray Kids’ ninth member, the constant questioning of her skills. They saw an opportunity. And they took it.

Her past—something she had buried, something she had walked away from—was now public knowledge. Not by her choice.

And the boys knew about this already.

She was the only one left in the dark.

Her hands clenched into fists.

"You had no right…"

The words slipped out before she could stop them, sharp and trembling, thick with something she couldn’t name—betrayal, disbelief, hurt. It stuck to the walls of her throat, burning, clawing to get out.

No one spoke.

No one rushed to tell her she was wrong.

Iseul let out a sharp, bitter breath. "You had no right to let them do this without telling me." Her fingers curled around her phone, so tight that her knuckles turned white. "You knew—and none of you thought I deserved to know?"

Across from her, Chan exhaled, rubbing a hand over his face. “It wasn’t—”

“Don’t.” Her voice wavered, but her glare didn’t. “Don’t tell me it wasn’t like that because it was. You knew, and you let me find out like this.”

Hyunjin’s head snapped up, eyes flashing. “You think we let this happen?” His voice was rough, sharp-edged with frustration. "You think we wanted this?"

Iseul let out a sharp, bitter laugh. “Oh, so that makes it okay? That makes it fine that you all knew and decided not to tell me?”

Seungmin sighed, his arms crossing over his chest. “I don’t see how it’s a big deal.”

The words landed like a punch to the gut.

Iseul froze, blinking at him as if she hadn’t heard him right. “What?”

Seungmin met her stare with the same cool detachment he always carried, but this time, it felt different. It felt distant. “It’s not like they released something bad,” he said, as if it were obvious. “If anything, it makes you look cool.”

Cool.

Iseul felt something inside her crack.

She had thought—no, she had believed—that out of all of them, Seungmin understood her. They had grown close, slipping into an easy, unspoken rhythm, their teasing morphing into a quiet kind of companionship. When she wasn’t with Jeongin, she was with him. She had considered him a friend—her closest, even.

And yet, here he was. Saying this.

Her lips parted, but no words came out.

It shouldn’t have hurt this much, but it did.

Seungmin didn’t even realize it. Didn’t realize how much it had taken for her to even exist in this space, how fragile this trust was, how much she had let them in.

Her grip tightened around her phone, nails pressing into her palm. “That’s not the point, Seungmin,” she said, quieter now, but sharp enough to cut. “It wasn’t their story to tell. It wasn’t yours.”

A flicker of something passed through his expression—regret? Guilt?—but before he could speak, Han stepped in.

“No one decided anything,” Han muttered, arms crossed tight over his chest. “What were we supposed to do, Iseul? Go against the company?”

“Yes!" The word shot out of her before she could stop it, her voice cracking under the weight of it. "If it was any of you, you would've known. You would've talked about it together, figured it out—together. But me? I just had to find out with everyone else, right?”

“That’s not fair,” Felix muttered, his voice tense.

Iseul scoffed. “Oh, I’m the unfair one now?"

Jeongin took a hesitant step forward, his fingers twitching at his sides. "Noona—"

His voice was softer than the others, hesitant, but Iseul barely heard it over the roaring in her ears.

Minho exhaled sharply, gaze flicking between her and the others. “Iseul, listen—”

But she didn’t want to. She couldn’t.

Because she already knew how this ended. She knew how this played out.

Of course they would take the boys’ side. Of course they would defend them. That’s how it always was. She was the outsider here—the one who didn’t belong, the one who was always a step behind.

And she was so tired of pretending otherwise.

She let out a hollow breath, lips curling into something bitter. “Right. I forgot.” Her voice was quieter now, steadier, but no less cutting. “Of course you’d take their side.”

Jeongin’s eyes widened, his mouth opening—maybe to protest, maybe to explain—but Iseul didn’t let him.

“It’s fine,” she said, almost to herself. “It was stupid to think things would be different.”

“Iseul,” Changbin interjected, his expression tightening. “That’s not—”

She shook her head, the fight draining out of her all at once. “Forget it.” Her grip on her phone loosened. “It doesn’t matter.”

She had been here before—standing in a room full of people who would never really be on her side, feeling like a puzzle piece forced into the wrong set, edges scraped raw just to fit.

She should have known better.

She should have never let herself believe she belonged.

Minho exhaled, his voice quiet but firm. “Let’s just practice again.”

As if it was that simple. As if all of this could be swept under the rug, buried under hours of rehearsals and unspoken words.

Iseul forced herself to smile. It was a terrible thing—cold, lifeless, empty.

“Right. Practice.”

Like nothing had happened. Like everything wasn’t crashing around her.

The door behind her felt so tempting. On autopilot, her body turned, her legs carrying her out before she could even think.

Her heartbeat pounded in her ears, fast and frantic, drowning out everything else. Shallow breaths came too quickly, her chest tightening with every step.

Somewhere behind her, someone called her name.

“Iseul—wait!”

She didn’t.

She couldn’t.

The walls of the practice room blurred, her vision tunneling, narrowing to nothing but the cold, sterile hallway ahead.

She heard movement behind her—Jeongin, Chan, maybe all of them at once. The shuffle of sneakers against the floor, the faint hitch of breath, the quiet desperation woven into their movements. A hand—she didn’t know whose—brushed against her wrist.

She jerked away before they could grasp her.

It was too much.

She needed out.

“Noona, just—”

She pushed through the door.

And suddenly, it was silent.

The voices, the weight of their presence—it all cut off in an instant.

Her breath came fast, too fast, chest rising and falling in uneven stutters. The air felt thin, her lungs straining to catch up.

She didn’t know where she was going.

Didn’t care.

She just needed to move.

Her feet carried her forward, sneakers scuffing against the polished floor, her pulse hammering so loud it drowned out everything else.

She was already at the stairs before she realized it. Her fingers curled around the cold railing, grip tight enough to turn her knuckles white.

A part of her expected the door behind her to burst open, for one of them to follow, to call her name again.

But nothing came.

She swallowed, throat tight, then took the stairs two at a time.

Out.

She needed to get out.

The cold hit her like a slap.

Iseul barely registered it at first, the way the evening air wrapped around her skin, sinking through the thin, sweat-dampened fabric of her T-shirt. Her body was still warm from practice, from the lingering heat of anger and betrayal curling in her veins. But with each step she took, the cold sank deeper, chilling her to the bone.

She didn’t know where she was going.

Didn’t care.

The streets were still alive despite the late hour, glowing under the wash of neon lights and headlights, buzzing with movement—cars weaving through traffic, people laughing in clusters outside restaurants, a street performer plucking at the strings of an old guitar. It was the kind of scene that had always felt familiar, comforting in its normalcy.

But tonight, it felt distant.

Her arms wrapped around herself, though it did little against the cold, and her grip on her phone tightened as she walked. The screen was dark, the reflection of the city flickering against it.

She could call her mom.

She could call her dad.

She could go home.

But the thought only made her chest tighten.

Home wasn’t an option. Not yet. Not when her mind was still racing, tripping over itself in an endless loop of they knew, they didn’t tell me, they didn’t think it was a big deal.

She had never expected Seungmin to say that.

Not him.

Of all of them, he was the one she had let her guard down around the most. He was the one she had trusted—not just as a member of the group, but as a friend. Her friend. He was the one who had sat beside her during long practice nights, the one who had leaned into her shoulder and muttered complaints about Chan’s endless rehearsals, the one who had shared snacks with her when she thought she might collapse from exhaustion.

She had thought—no, she had believed—that he understood her.

And yet, when it mattered…

It’s not a big deal.

Iseul inhaled sharply, pressing her lips together. She tilted her head back, staring at the sky, at the distant glow of buildings stacked against the horizon.

She had spent so long trying to belong. Trying to prove that she wasn’t an outsider, that she deserved to be here.

But maybe she had just been fooling herself.

The thought settled in her chest, heavy and suffocating.

She barely noticed where her feet had taken her until she glanced up and saw the familiar neon sign, flickering weakly in the cold night air.

She hadn’t been here in years. Not since—

Iseul swallowed, her throat tightening.

She hadn’t meant to come here. She hadn’t even realized her steps had carried her this far.

The sign above the door was faded, peeling at the edges, but it was the same. The entrance looked just as it had all those years ago.

Her heart twisted.

She should turn around. She should.

But before she could move, the door creaked open.

A flood of light spilled onto the pavement, stretching toward her feet.

A shadow stood in the doorway.

She knew that silhouette.

“…Well, I’ll be damned.”

The voice was rough, a little older, a little sharper than she remembered.

Her stomach twisted.

“Iseul?”

She had thought she was too cold to feel anything anymore.

But hearing his voice again—

It sent ice straight through her veins.

Iseul’s breath hitched.

Her body locked in place, every muscle tensing as if preparing for a blow.

The voice—gravelly, edged with something unreadable—dragged her years back in time.

Back to hours spent drenched in sweat, fists wrapped in tape, the sting of bruises hidden beneath long sleeves.

Back to his words, sharp and unyielding, pushing her beyond her limits.

No pain, no progress.

If you break, you weren’t strong enough to begin with.

Her fingers curled into her palms.

A part of her wanted to turn and run. Another part—the part that had carried her here in the first place—kept her rooted to the spot.

The man in the doorway stepped forward, the light from the gym catching on his features.

Older. Lines carved deeper into his face. But the eyes—dark, assessing—were the same.

“Didn’t think I’d ever see you back here,” he said, leaning against the doorframe. “What’s it been? Four years?”

Iseul swallowed, her throat dry.

“Something like that.”

His gaze flickered over her, taking her in—the damp shirt clinging to her skin, the tension in her stance. He exhaled through his nose, shaking his head.

“You look like hell.”

A laugh almost broke past her lips, but it came out more like a breath.

“Thanks,” she muttered.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The city hummed softly in the background—the distant roar of traffic, the occasional burst of laughter from a nearby alley. But here, in this quiet pocket of the night, there was only the two of them.

And the past that stretched between them like a chasm.

He studied her, expression unreadable. Then, with a tilt of his head, he stepped back.

“Well?” he said, nodding toward the open door. “You coming in or not?”

Iseul hesitated.

Every instinct screamed at her to say no.

To turn around. To walk away. To put this place behind her for good.

But she didn’t.

She stepped forward.

The scent hit her first—sweat, rubber, and faint traces of disinfectant. The air was thick with it, warm despite the cold night just outside. The gym hadn’t changed much.

The walls were still scuffed, the mats worn down from years of impact. Heavy bags hung in neat rows, swaying slightly from an unseen draft. The distant rhythm of a speed bag being worked on echoed through the space.

Her fingers twitched at her sides.

It was muscle memory—the pull, the craving.

To wrap her hands. To steady her stance. To throw a punch and feel the world quiet around her.

The door clicked shut behind her.

Her old coach—Choi—watched her, arms crossed. He hadn’t spoken since she stepped inside, hadn’t asked why she was here. He didn’t need to.

“You’re still standing like a dancer.” His voice was matter-of-fact.

Iseul barely held back a flinch.

She used to stand differently. Feet firm, body braced—not poised like now, not fluid, not light. Boxing had grounded her. Dance had unmoored her.

“I don’t—” Her voice cracked, and she swallowed. “I don’t fight anymore.”

Choi hummed, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. “That so?”

She didn’t answer.

Her shoulders tensed, the weight of the day pressing against her skin, thick and suffocating. The argument, Seungmin’s words, the guilt that had been suffocating her for weeks—it all coiled tight inside her, tangled like knots she couldn’t undo.

“Hit the bag.”

The order was simple. Familiar.

Iseul blinked. “What?”

Choi jerked his chin toward the heavy bag closest to them. “You came here for a reason. So hit the bag.”

She hesitated.

Her arms ached from hours of dance practice. Her muscles burned from exhaustion. Her body was begging for rest.

But she didn’t want to rest.

Rest meant thinking. Thinking meant remembering.

So she stepped forward.

Her fingers grazed the bag, the leather cool under her touch.

She clenched her fist.

No pain, no progress.

Her breath wavered.

Then she swung.

The sharp impact sent tremors up her arms, grounding her, centering her. Her breath came faster, but she welcomed the burn, the way her muscles protested.

This was familiar.

This was something she could control.

She struck the bag harder, channeling the helplessness, the frustration, the overwhelming weight pressing down on her chest.

They didn’t tell me.

Her fist connected with the bag.

They didn’t think I needed to know.

Another hit.

Seungmin said it wasn’t a big deal.

A sharp exhale, her feet shifting, her form tightening as she threw another punch.

But the words wouldn’t leave her head.

He was my friend.

Her breath hitched.

Her fists wavered.

And suddenly, she wasn’t in the gym anymore.

She was fifteen, her coach’s voice echoing in her ears, drilling commands into her bones.

"Again."

She had been exhausted, barely standing, her hands trembling from the sheer effort of keeping her guard up.

"Again."

She had wanted to stop. But stopping wasn’t an option.

"Do you think anyone’s going to take it easy on you?"

"Do you think they care if you’re tired?"

"Weakness gets you nowhere, Iseul."

The gym blurred, past and present overlapping, her body stiffening as phantom pain crawled up her spine.

"You either fight, or you lose."

A shaky breath left her lips, and suddenly, she wasn’t punching anymore—she was just standing there, chest rising and falling, hands clenched so tight they shook.

Her throat ached.

Choi was watching her.

“Iseul.” His voice was steady, anchoring.

She blinked, her breath still too quick, too uneven.

And then she was pulling from the punching bag, her arms wrapping around herself as she tried to get air back into her lungs.

She felt raw.

Exposed.

Choi didn’t move closer, didn’t push, just let her stand there, shaking in the dim light of the gym.

Silence stretched between them, thick and heavy. The kind that had weight, the kind that didn’t need to be filled.

Iseul’s pulse was erratic, her breath sharp and uneven. Her muscles trembled—not just from exertion, but from something deeper, something buried so far down she hadn’t even realized it was still there.

Choi let out a long, slow breath. “You never learned how to stop, did you?”

Her head snapped up.

His gaze was steady, unreadable as he leaned back against the wall. “You’re still swinging like you’ve got something to prove.”

Iseul opened her mouth, but nothing came out.

Because he was right.

She had spent her whole life fighting—against expectations, against doubt, against herself. And now, when she had finally stepped into the dream she had worked so hard for, it still didn’t feel like enough.

She didn’t know what enough even looked like.

Her arms curled tighter around herself.

Choi exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. “You’re burnt out.”

She flinched.

Two words. That was all it took.

Burnt out.

Like a match flickering on its last ember, like an engine running on fumes. Like something running out of time.

She had been pushing and pushing, afraid that if she ever slowed down, she would be left behind.

But she wasn’t just slowing down.

She was unraveling.

Her throat felt tight, her vision blurring at the edges.

Choi watched her carefully. “You were never the type to quit,” he said, quieter now. “But that doesn’t mean you’re supposed to break yourself just to prove a point.”

Her fingers dug into her sides.

She didn’t know if she was going to cry or scream or collapse right there on the mat.

Maybe all three.

Her voice came out hoarse. “I don’t know how to stop.”

The weight of her own words settled in her chest, pressing down, threatening to crack something open.

She didn’t know how to stop.

Didn’t know how to let herself rest.

Didn’t know how to exist without the constant, gnawing need to be better, to be more.

Her throat ached.

Choi didn’t say anything right away. He just watched her, his expression unreadable, the way it always had been. But there was something else there now—something quieter, something almost understanding.

“You don’t have to know how,” he finally said. “You just have to let yourself.”

Iseul let out a shaky breath, barely keeping herself upright.

Let herself?

She didn’t even know what that meant.

For so long, stopping had felt like failure. Resting had felt like weakness.

If she stopped, if she let herself breathe—what if she never got back up?

What if she was never enough again?

She swallowed hard, the lump in her throat refusing to budge.

“I should go,” she mumbled, barely recognizing her own voice.

Choi didn’t stop her.

Didn’t try to talk her out of it.

He just nodded, like he understood. Like he had always understood, even when she had been too stubborn to see it.

“Door’s open if you ever want to come back,” he said simply.

She didn’t answer.

She just turned, stepping back out into the cold.

Iseul didn’t remember the walk to her mom’s apartment.

Didn’t remember navigating the winding streets, didn’t register the cold biting at her skin, the way her fingers had gone numb at some point.

She only realized where she was when she looked up and saw the familiar door. The chipped paint, the tiny wind chime hanging just slightly off-center—the one her mom had bought on a whim years ago and never bothered to fix.

Her breath came out in uneven bursts, her body still thrumming from the gym, from everything.

She hadn’t planned on coming here.

She had just walked.

And yet—

Her fingers curled into fists, hesitating.

But before she could talk herself out of it, her body moved on instinct, knuckles rapping against the wood.

Silence.

Then—soft footsteps.

A pause.

Then the door cracked open, warm light spilling out, her mother’s face appearing in the gap.

Her eyes widened. “Iseul?”

Iseul swallowed.

And suddenly, everything—the fight, the words, the weight in her chest—became too much.

Her breath shuddered.

And then she did something she hadn’t done since she was a kid.

She stepped forward, unsteady, and buried herself in her mother’s arms.

Her mother’s arms wrapped around her immediately, pulling her in like she had been expecting this all along.

The warmth, the steady rise and fall of her breathing—it was too much.

Iseul’s fingers clutched the fabric of her mother’s sweater, knuckles white, her body shaking from something deeper than the cold.

She didn't break down.

She just stood there, stiff in her mother’s embrace, her breaths coming out slow and deliberate—like if she controls them, she can control everything else.

Her mother pulls back, hands firm on Iseul’s arms, scanning her with a knowing look.

“You’re freezing,” she states, her voice even. “And you reek of sweat.”

Iseul barely reacts, her gaze drifting past her mother’s shoulder, toward the familiar warmth of home. She hadn’t even realized she was so cold.

Her mom exhales sharply, shaking her head. “Go shower.”

Iseul blinks. “What?”

“Shower, Iseul. Now.” Her tone brooks no argument.

She expects more—expects questions, concern, something—but her mother just turns, already making her way toward the kitchen. Iseul hesitates.

Her mother knows. Of course she knows.

The internet is a vulture, picking apart every detail, twisting narratives. The videos, the comments, the things she tried not to read but saw anyway.

Her mother must have seen them, too.

But she doesn’t say a word.

She doesn’t ask why Iseul showed up unannounced, doesn’t prod for explanations.

Instead, she reaches for a pot, setting it on the stove with practiced ease.

Iseul swallows.

The warmth in her chest is unexpected.

Her mother is already pulling out the ramen packets. The good ones. The ones so spicy they make her eyes water.

Iseul should say something—thank you, maybe—but the words don’t come.

So she turns, dragging herself toward the bathroom, leaving the scent of boiling water and her mother’s quiet understanding behind her.

Steam curls around her as she steps under the water, the heat shocking against her frozen skin.

She closes her eyes.

The night presses against the edges of her thoughts—Seungmin’s voice, the weight in Chan’s eyes, the exhaustion creeping into her bones. The gym. The past. The comments.

It all clings to her like grime she can’t quite scrub away.

She washes her hair, methodical, fingers working through tangles. The water runs over her shoulders, down her back, pooling at her feet before swirling away.

It doesn’t take the heaviness with it.

By the time she steps out, towel wrapped around her, the scent of spices and broth fills the air, wrapping around her like a blanket.

She pads into the kitchen, hair still damp, and finds her mother setting two bowls on the table. No words, no questions—just the steady clatter of chopsticks, the quiet hum of the heater, the weight of shared silence.

Iseul sits.

The first bite burns, but the pain is familiar. Grounding.

The warmth of the ramen spreads through her, slow and steady, easing the cold that had settled deep in her bones.

Her mother doesn’t speak. Doesn’t press. Just eats, steady and unhurried, the quiet between them filled only by the clink of chopsticks against ceramic.

It’s comforting.

Safe.

Iseul focuses on her food, letting the heat chase away the chill in her fingertips, letting the weight on her chest loosen—just a little.

Her mother refills her glass of water. Pushes the egg toward her bowl without a word.

Iseul exhales, a slow, uneven breath.

She doesn’t say thank you.

She doesn’t have to.

Instead she focuses on her ramen, the spice burning her tongue.

Her mother takes a sip of tea, eyes steady on her. “Are you staying the night?”

Iseul hesitates. She should say no. She should go back.

But the thought of returning to the dorm, to the boys, to the tension still crackling in the air—

“…Yeah,” she mutters. “Just for tonight.”

Her mother nods like she already expected the answer. “I’ll get your old blankets.”

And just like that, the conversation ends. No questions. No pressure. Just quiet understanding.

Iseul swallows past the lump in her throat and takes another bite.

Her mother doesn’t say anything else, just stands up and moves toward the hallway, leaving Iseul alone with the sound of her own breathing and the distant hum of the city outside.

The ramen is spicy enough to make her eyes sting, but she keeps eating, lets the burn sit on her tongue, lets it distract her from the weight in her chest.

For the first time that night, the ache in her chest eased a bit.

TAGLIST: @leewritesstuff, @athens-09xx, @allenajade-ite, @idjdndjzbsdm, @idjdndjzbsdm, @hyuneskkam, @geni-627, @valkirymin, @miminbin, @tillaboo, @dreamerwasfound, @youthsquaredd, @skzstannie

STORY HINT: One late night, after practice, Seungmin caught Iseul staring at her knuckles, lost in thought. Without looking up from his phone, he casually said, “If you ever need to punch something, just go for my arm. I’m built different.”

Iseul had snorted, shaking her head. “I’d break you in half.”

Seungmin finally glanced at her then, unimpressed. “Please, you’re like, five percent muscle and ninety-five percent yogurt. I’d survive.”

She didn’t argue. But later that night, when the weight of the world felt too heavy, she remembered his words—and for some reason, they made her chest ache a little less.

yep. ~candy

[deliciousangelfestival]

The Imperfect Couple - 15

Character: politician!Bucky x ex-wife!reader

Summary: A separated couple must pretend to be happily married while the husband runs for Vice President, dealing with old issues and political pressures during his election campaign.

Warning: The couple's arguments could be triggering.

Series Masterlist

Main Masterlist || If you enjoy my work, please consider buying me a coffee on Ko-fi 🙏🏻

Thank you to everyone who has read this chapter. Leave a comment and Reblog, please. I'd love to hear your thoughts. ❤️

“Seems like you're declaring war on me,” Bucky said, his voice steady but his eyes narrowing slightly.

“Does it sound like that? Forgive me.” Steve set the golf club down, a smirk playing on his lips. “What I meant is, we have to be aware of everything. We're this close to winning.”

“I agree.” Bucky replied, his expression calm, though his mind churned with unspoken thoughts.

“This is why I trust you.” Steve clapped him on the shoulder. “Remember, we're playing in the highest league now.”

Steve paused before adding casually, “By the way, my son wants to visit Nate. Is that okay with you?”

“I'll let my wife and Nate know,” Bucky responded, his voice neutral, though he felt a flicker of unease.

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

When Bucky got home, he saw you sitting cross-legged on the floor with Nate, working on a puzzle together. You both seemed relaxed, unaware of the weight he carried from the conversation with Steve. He walked over, his movements deliberate, and knelt beside Nate.

“Nate, buddy, can you go to your room for a bit? I need to talk to your aunt,” Bucky said gently, placing a hand on Nate’s shoulder.

Nate, always obedient, nodded. “Okay, Uncle Bucky,” he said before scooping up a few puzzle pieces and heading inside.

Once it was just the two of you, you glanced at Bucky and noticed his exhausted expression. He looked like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders.

“What? Did something worse just hit you?” you asked, raising an eyebrow.

Bucky took a breath, his jaw tightening. “Did you just involve Ian?” His tone was calm, but his eyes betrayed his frustration.

You widened your eyes, momentarily caught off guard by the question. That single look was enough for him to sigh deeply, running a hand through his hair. “I…” His hands clenched into fists momentarily. He wanted to be angry, knowing full well this would put you on Steve’s radar.

“Just… tell Ian to slow down,” Bucky muttered, clearly uneasy.

“I can’t,” you said softly but firmly. “The way Ian works is far more efficient than anything I could do.”

Bucky rubbed his temples, his frustration mounting. “Then I hope God protects him.”

“Bucky…” you stepped closer, your voice serious. “Be honest with me. Is he in danger?”

Bucky looked down, his hands braced on the counter, his shoulders tense. “Steve just gave me a warning. It won’t matter to him if there’s blood on his hands.”

Your heart dropped. ‘Fuck,’ you thought as panic began to bubble inside. You immediately grabbed your phone and dialed Ian, but there was no answer. Frustration and fear mingled in your chest as you quickly texted him instead: Be careful. Eyes and ears everywhere.

You glanced at Bucky, your stomach twisting. “By the way, the Rogers twins want to come here to play with Nate,” Bucky added as if it were a casual comment, though his voice carried an edge.

“You allowed that?” you asked, the disbelief evident in your tone.

The mention of the twins unsettled you. Your mind flashed back to watching The Shining in secret with Tim, and how the twins in that movie had always given you the creeps. That eerie feeling wasn’t just from the film anymore—it was rooted in real life. You had learned the truth: William and Charles, Steve's sons, had a reputation for bullying other students. The thought of them around Nate made your skin crawl.

Would they be a good influence on Nate? You highly doubted it.

Bucky gave a tired shrug. “I can’t say no to the future president, right?”

You pressed your lips into a thin line, knowing there was little you could do to stop it. But one thing was clear—you would be keeping a very close eye on them when they came to visit.

🌸🌸🌸🌸

The twins arrived at the house, their faces lit up with matching grins, excitement practically radiating off them. Nate, catching sight of them, bolted to the door, his small body bouncing with joy.

"William! Charles!" Nate called out, bouncing on his toes as he welcomed them in. His innocent joy was palpable—he was simply happy to have people he knew coming to play with him.

"Hey, buddy," William said, ruffling Nate’s hair as they walked inside.

After a brief exchange, they settled in front of the game console, and soon, the twins had chosen a violent shooter game. The screen flickered with gunfire and explosions, the sound effects jarring in the otherwise quiet room. Nate, seated between them, initially watched in awe but quickly became uncomfortable.

His tiny hands shot up to cover his eyes, and he flinched with every loud noise, his body tense as he pressed himself into the couch. He covered his ears, trying to block out the unsettling sounds, but he didn’t say a word, not wanting to ruin the moment.

You watched from a distance, trying not to be the nosy adult. You wanted to give them space, but seeing Nate’s frightened reaction twisted something in your gut. Likewise, you couldn’t stand by anymore. Walking over to the boys, you kept your tone polite, but firm.

“Guys,” you said, your voice cutting through the sounds of the game, “is there another game that’s not as scary? Look, Nate’s getting scared.”

William glanced down at Nate, who was huddled close to him. “Oh, why didn’t you say something, buddy?” he said, patting Nate’s shoulder as if that would fix everything.

Charles sighed and turned off the violent game, switching to something more child-friendly. "Here, we’ve got a game for you, Nate." He scrolled through the options and selected a bright, colorful one with cartoon rabbits running a restaurant.

The second the screen changed, Nate’s face lit up. “Wow!” he exclaimed, his fear dissolving as he leaned forward, eager to play. The teenage boys, now seemingly patient, guided him through the simple controls, explaining how to serve food to the cartoon animals. You felt a wave of relief. Maybe—just maybe—the twins weren’t as bad as you had feared.

Later, the boys decided to go swimming. You sat on a poolside chair, keeping a close eye on Nate. He was wearing a floatie around his small frame, happily splashing in the shallow end while William and Charles horsed around further away.

Suddenly, your phone buzzed. It was Ian. "H...ell...o"

You stood up, checking the signal, which was terrible. Frowning, you moved toward the balcony. The pool was indoors, so you stepped outside, hoping for better reception.

“I just got your text,” Ian said when the call finally connected. His voice was rough, but you could hear his smirk through the line. “You know this isn’t going to stop me.”

“I’m serious, Ian,” you replied, leaning against the balcony rail. “Bucky told me directly. You’re in danger.”

A pause, and then Ian’s voice, low and almost teasing, came through. “Hmm… Guess where I am right now?”

You sighed, trying to play along. “London? Since you went home, right?”

“Nope. Paris. And I’ve found something—something lethal enough to kill Steve,” Ian said, his tone dark with implication.

Paris? You froze. Was this related to Hazel? Your heart pounded with a new surge of anxiety. “Ian, don’t—”

But before you could finish, you heard it. A splash—loud, frantic. You turned around, the blood draining from your face. In the water, you saw a small hand desperately reaching out, the floatie floating uselessly nearby. It was Nate.

Panic gripped you like a vice. “Nate!” you screamed, dropping your phone as you sprinted back inside.

Without hesitation, you dove into the pool, your body hitting the cold water like a shock to your system. Your hands reached for him, pulling Nate’s tiny, trembling body to the surface. His arms latched around your neck in a vice grip, coughing and sputtering as you lifted him from the water.

He gasped, burying his face against your shoulder, his small body shaking as he clung to you. “He…he can’t swim!” you snapped at the twins, your voice filled with raw anger.

William and Charles stood there on the edge of the pool, unfazed. “That’s why we were teaching him,” they answered in unison, their tone almost dismissive.

Nate let out a pained cough, his voice weak. “My nose hurts…” he whimpered, rubbing his face against your neck.

Your heart ached at the sight of him, vulnerable and hurt. Anger surged through you like a tidal wave, and you glared at the twins. You remembered that they both just watched while Nate was drowning. Without raising your voice, you pointed to the door, your finger shaking with fury. “Get out. Now.”

The command echoed in the room, sharp and unforgiving. William and Charles flinched, startled by the intensity in your voice. Without a word, they quickly grabbed their things, shooting one last glance at each other before rushing out the door.

You stayed in the pool, holding Nate close, your teeth gritted in anger and your heart still pounding. You knew then—those boys were never going to be allowed near Nate again. Not after this.

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

The twins walked into the Roger household, their shoulders slumped, clearly sensing the storm waiting for them. Behind them, Peggy followed with a stern but composed expression. As they stepped further into the room, the tension was palpable—Steve stood there, arms crossed, his face hard as stone. He had heard everything from you, and his sons could feel his fury even before he said a word.

William and Charles instinctively moved closer to Peggy, seeking the safety of her presence as if she could shield them from the inevitable.

Peggy, sensing the mounting tension, stepped forward slightly, her voice calm but firm. “Steve, calm down. I will talk to them.”

Steve let out a frustrated sigh, his clenched jaw releasing only slightly. “I’m not going to yell,” he said through gritted teeth. “But I need to say something.”

He fixed his cold gaze on his sons. “Both of you will be homeschooled from now on.”

The twins’ faces fell in disbelief. “Dad, no!” William blurted, and Charles’ mouth hung open, too stunned to speak.

“I know,” Steve said, his voice quieter now, but there was no softness in it. “I know the main reason for your behavior is because your mother and I have been too busy for you. We never spent time together as a family.” His arms unfolded, and to their surprise, he pulled them into a hug. “So, homeschooling is the best option, isn’t it?” His tone sounded almost tender, but underneath it lay a cold warning.

William and Charles glanced at each other, then back at Peggy, silently pleading for her to intervene. But she didn’t. She stood still, her lips pressed tightly together, offering no rescue.

“Good children don’t question their parents,” Steve said, his voice dropping low. “You just say, ‘Yes, father.’”

The twins swallowed hard, a sinking feeling settling in their chests. “Yes, father,” they muttered in unison, their voices barely above a whisper. It felt as though their every move would now be monitored.

Steve’s lips curled into a smile, but it wasn’t warm—it was the smile of a man in control. “Good. Now, go back to your rooms.”

The boys moved quietly, retreating upstairs, the weight of Steve’s words heavy on their shoulders.

Once they were out of sight, Steve’s smile faded. He turned toward Peggy, his tone biting. “This is why I never wanted to send them to boarding school in the first place. They needed parental guidance, not strict school rules.”

Peggy’s eyes narrowed, a tired look crossing her face. “Don’t start again, Steve. That decision was made by my father.”

Steve’s expression darkened at the mention of her father. His voice dripped with bitterness. “Oh yeah, him. I almost forgot. I’m glad he’s dead.”

Peggy’s face tensed, a flare of anger sparking in her eyes. “When will you stop badmouthing my father?”

Steve’s cold stare met hers. “Never.”

Steve had lived a life bound by duty, his role in the military shaping every part of him. He was a good soldier—respected, disciplined, and obedient. But despite his loyalty, promotions came slowly. His lack of a powerful family background meant he was always overlooked by those with better connections. Essentially, Steve was an orphan—without anyone to vouch for him, he was left behind.

He knew how the system worked. If you didn’t have the right name, the right family, there was always a price to pay. And Steve had paid it, doing the dirty work of his superiors without question, sacrificing his principles just to keep his place. The worst part of it all was that his commanding officer, General Carter, was his father-in-law.

Every step of his career, Steve had been a puppet for the man who held both his professional and personal life in his hands. The weight of it bore down on him every day.

“Good soldiers don’t ask why,” General Carter always said this to him. “They just say, ‘Yes, sir.’”

"Yes, sir." Steve answer it like he's a robot.

At some point, Steve had everything he’d ever thought he wanted—marriage, a steady career, money, and status. On paper, he should have been happy. But he wasn’t. His life felt dull, empty, like the spark had been drained from it.

The day he realized the truth hit him like a punch in the gut. He wasn’t his own man—he was nothing more than a tool for his father-in-law, a puppet dancing to someone else’s tune.

That was the moment he had enough. The frustration, the years of silently obeying, simmered into anger. He wanted to be the one in control. He was tired of taking orders—he wanted to be the one giving them.

Steve’s life had been dull for years, a constant routine of military duties, politics, and the weight of expectations. Until the day he met Hazel. She was much younger than him—vibrant, full of life—and he was supposed to give her advice, to help steer her back home. Julius and Caroline had asked him to help their daughter stop running away. But when Steve sat with Hazel and listened to her story, something shifted. Her reasons for running, the pressures she felt—her life mirrored his own struggles. For the first time in years, he felt empathy.

He told her, quietly, “If you ever need someone to talk to, you can find me.”

And from there, things changed. They grew closer, and eventually, more intimate. He knew it was wrong—cheating on his family, betraying his friends—but for the first time, Steve felt alive again. The numbness of his life vanished in her presence, replaced by something that burned, something real. And then came Nate, the baby born out of that connection, out of a love he hadn’t felt in years.

Steve’s thoughts snapped back to the present. His jaw clenched tightly as he faced Peggy. “Did you tell them to hurt Nate?”

Peggy stood her ground, her face a mix of frustration and cold calculation. “No,” she said flatly. “But they’re smart enough to figure out why their father cares so much about that kid, and why he’s always…” She hesitated, her lips curling into a thin smile. “Spending time with his little girlfriend. Maybe they’re just releasing their anger.”

Steve’s fists tightened until his knuckles turned white. “When I get into the White House, you won’t be coming with me.”

Peggy’s eyes narrowed, but she didn’t flinch. “And what then?” she said with a mocking tilt to her voice. “You think you’re going to put that girl in my place? Have you forgotten who you are? You were a beggar, crawling to my father for help.”

Steve’s eyes darkened, a dangerous calm settling over him. “And this beggar has crawled his way to victory,” he said slowly, his voice low but filled with menace. “You can act high and mighty because of me. Don’t forget that I can take it all away from you.” He stepped closer, his words laced with venom. “Remember how your family got their business permits? How they were saved from corruption charges and tax evasion? That was because of me.”

Peggy let out a scoff, her eyes filled with disdain. “You think you’re a king now?” She crossed her arms, shaking her head. “I actually pity her, you know. Because one day, she’ll feel exactly what I felt. You’ll never be satisfied, Steve. You’ll never have enough.”

She turned to leave, her hand on the door. Before stepping out, Peggy glanced back at him, her eyes filled with cold certainty. “Never.”

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

You sat beside Nate, your heart heavy as you watched his small chest rise and fall, his face flushed with fever. The doctor had just left, handing you a bottle of medicine. "Make sure he drinks this, and let him rest completely," he’d said before exchanging a few quiet words with Bucky and leaving the apartment.

Nate’s red, feverish face made your heart ache. He had been through so much in just a few hours. You gently wiped a damp cloth over his forehead as Bucky sat beside you, silent and tense.

"Never, ever let Nate be alone with them again," you said, your voice firm.

Bucky nodded, his expression serious. "I agree. And I’m sorry. I never thought they’d pull something like that."

“Don’t underestimate underage kids,” you warned, your voice sharp. “There are so many cases where perpetrators can’t be jailed because they’re underage.”

Bucky’s jaw tightened. "Noted. I won’t forget that."

A brief silence passed, then you asked, “Have you called Hazel?”

“I tried, but I couldn’t reach her. I called her assistant, though.”

You nodded, your mind still spinning. The memory of Nate sinking beneath the water haunted you, but there was something else gnawing at you—you hadn’t finished your conversation with Ian.

Excusing yourself, you left the room and grabbed your phone, your stomach dropping when you noticed the cracked screen from when you’d dropped it before diving into the pool.

You dialed Ian’s number, your fingers trembling as you pressed it to your ear. The first ring echoed, unanswered. Your heart pounded faster. The second ring—nothing. A cold sense of unease crept into your chest. Why wasn’t he answering?

On the third try, the ringing stopped abruptly, and you exhaled in relief. “Hello? Ian?” you asked quickly, your voice tight with worry.

There was a pause on the other end, then a voice you didn’t expect—familiar, but not Ian’s.

“Y/N?”

You froze, confusion flooding your mind. “Hazel? Why are you answering Ian’s phone?” Panic started to rise inside you, the pieces beginning to fall into place. Ian had gone to Paris. He had found something—something connected to Hazel and Steve.

“He… he can’t answer it,” Hazel whispered, her voice breaking.

Your breath caught in your throat, a chill racing down your spine. “Why?” The word came out in a shaky breath.

There was a long silence before Hazel finally spoke, her words hitting you like a sledgehammer.

“Because he’s dead.”

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[landososcar]

packing it up ; LN4

— pairing(s) ; college hockey player!lando x figure skater!reader

— summary ; in which lando's transfer to a new school not only brings him a new team, classes, and friends, but a girl who will change his life forever.

— warnings ; not edited, i'm not american, im also not a figure skater so there's probs plenty of inaccuracies lolll

chapter two — prev … next

⸝⸝ ʚ 𖥔❆ ! ⌗ °•˚❆ ˖⋆*ೃ ༄

that night, i couldn’t stop replaying the dinner conversation in my head. lily’s unwavering support wasn’t surprising—she’d always been in my corner—but lando? his empathy had caught me completely off guard. i didn’t know if it made me feel comforted or embarrassed. 

as i lay in bed staring at the ceiling, lost in thought, my phone buzzed on the nightstand.

i sat up, my heart skipping a beat as i reread the message. my thumbs hovered over the screen, but i had no idea how to respond. why would lando go out of his way to talk to his mum about me? we weren’t close; i barely knew him.

but as i put my phone down, a spark of hope flickered in my chest.

⸝⸝ ʚ 𖥔❆ ! ⌗ °•˚❆ ˖⋆*ೃ ༄

the next morning, i returned to the rink, throwing myself into practice with a determination that bordered on desperation. the icy air bit at my cheeks as i glided across the ice, pushing my body to its limits. the rhythmic sound of my blades slicing through the rink was usually soothing, but today it wasn’t enough to quiet my thoughts and the knot in my chest wouldn’t loosen.

i was mid-spin when a warm, unfamiliar voice called out from the edge of the rink.

“beautiful form.” startled, i faltered slightly but regained my balance before turning toward the source. a woman stood near the boards, dressed in a stylish coat and scarf, her posture poised and confident. there was something familiar about her—the same warm eyes, the same gentle smile, “you must be y/n.”

i skated over, unsure of what to say. “that’s me. and you are...?”

“cisca norris,” she said, extending a hand. “lando’s mum. he told me a bit about your situation, and i thought i’d come take a look.”

my cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “oh, i—he didn’t need to do that.”

she smiled kindly. “he’s a good boy, my lando. and a little stubborn when he wants to help. i’m glad he told me, though. i can see you’re very talented.”

“thank you,” i said, still feeling flustered. “but i don’t even have a partner or a coach anymore. i’m kind of stuck.”

her expression softened. “you’re not stuck. you’re just at a crossroads. if you’re willing to put in the work, i’d be happy to help.”

“you’d... coach me?” my voice cracked slightly, disbelief colouring the words. i didn’t know what to say – i didn’t want to be a burden to her, and i didn’t know how to repay her.

she nodded. “i haven’t coached in years, but i still know what it takes. and i’ve got a really good feeling about you, y/n.”

i blinked rapidly, overwhelmed by the sudden rush of emotion. “thank you, b-but i don’t know how to repay you for this… i don’t know what to say.”

“say you’ll show up tomorrow ready to work,” she said smiling, “we’ll take it one step at a time.” i nodded almost desperately and she must’ve seen the water brimming on my eyes because she went to pull me into a hug, “and as for payment,” she said gently, “just make sure my son is feeling at home, would you?”

i laughed softly, wiping my eyes. “i was gonna do that anyway.”

“i thought you might say that,” she said with a smile, brushing an invisible strand of hair from my face before we parted.

⸝⸝ ʚ 𖥔❆ ! ⌗ °•˚❆ ˖⋆*ೃ ༄

as i got back to my dorm for the night, i was greeted by my best friend’s beautiful smile. lily was sprawled across her bed, headphones on and sketchbook in hand, her pencil moving in quick, confident strokes.

she looked up as i closed the door behind me, her eyes lighting up. “hey! how was the rink?”

i kicked off my shoes, my heart still buzzing from the day’s events. “you’re not going to believe this.”

her eyebrows shot up in intrigue as she sat up straighter. “spill. right now.”

i tossed my bag onto my bed and sank into the desk chair, still trying to process everything myself. “okay, so... lando talked to his mum about me. apparently, she’s a former skating coach.”

lily’s jaw dropped. “no way.”

“and not only that—she came to the rink today. she offered to coach me, lily. can you believe it? out of nowhere, she just... showed up and said she wanted to help.”

for a moment, lily just stared at me, then she let out an excited squeal, throwing her arms in the air. “i knew it! i told you lando was the best! and his mum? she sounds like an actual legend.”

i laughed, her enthusiasm infectious. “she is. i mean, she’s amazing. the way she coaches, the way she just... believes in me. i don’t even know how to thank her—or him, for that matter.”

lily rolled onto her stomach, propping her chin in her hands. “you thank her by killing it at practice tomorrow. and as for lando...” she smirked mischievously. “you could always bake him cookies or something. or, you know, just say thank you like a normal person.”

i rolled my eyes, though i couldn’t help but smile. “i’ll figure it out. but honestly, it feels like things might actually be looking up for the first time in forever.”

lily beamed at me, her expression softening. “of course they are. you’re incredible, y/n. you just needed the right people in your corner. and now you’ve got them.”

warmth spread through me, easing some of the tension that had been weighing me down for weeks. i didn’t say it out loud, but lily’s unwavering belief in me meant just as much as cisca’s. maybe, just maybe, she was right. maybe things really were finally looking up.

⸝⸝ ʚ 𖥔❆ ! ⌗ °•˚❆ ˖⋆*ೃ ༄

the next morning, i arrived at the rink early, my nerves humming with anticipation as i laced up my skates, the sharp cold of the ice already creeping through my layers. today wasn’t just another practice.it was the first step toward figuring out my future—and maybe, just maybe, rebuilding what i thought i’d lost.

as i stood on the ice, stretching and warming up, cisca arrived. she walked in with a graceful confidence that made her instantly commanding yet approachable. a small bag hung from her shoulder, and her warm smile made me feel instantly at ease.

“good morning, y/n,” she greeted, her voice as gentle as it had been the day before.

“good morning,” i replied, my voice trembling slightly with nerves.

she set her bag down on the bench and pulled out a notebook, “i have to admit, i missed this,” she said, almost to herself. “it’s been a while since i’ve coached, but it all comes back so easily.”

i couldn’t help but smile, her enthusiasm was a little contagious. “thank you for doing this. it means more to me than i can say.”

she waved a hand dismissively, though her smile softened. “lando said he’s been told you’re very talented,” she paused with a smile, “i think you’ve got some amazing friends willing to help you however they can… let’s get started.”

the next hour passed in a blur of movement and focus, diving into the intricacies of technique. cisca’s coaching style was unlike anything i’d experienced. she was direct, offering feedback that was honest but never harsh. when i struggled with a step or faltered during a spin, she didn’t scold; she analyzed.

“your jump is good, but let’s work on the timing of your takeoff,” she said at one point, skating out onto the ice to demonstrate. “if you push off too early, you lose momentum. watch me.”

she executed the jump with ease, landing gracefully and turning back to me with an encouraging nod. “now you.”

i tried again, this time paying closer attention to her tips, and when i landed smoothly, she clapped lightly. “there it is! perfect.”

her praise sent a swell of pride through me, something i hadn’t felt in months. maria had always been strict and demanding, rarely offering compliments unless the move was flawless. with cisca, it felt different. her belief in me wasn’t conditional; it was unwavering.

by the end of the session, my muscles ached in a satisfying way, and my spirits were higher than they’d been in weeks. i sat on the bench unlacing my skates when cisca joined me, her expression thoughtful.

“you’re a hard worker,” she said, breaking the comfortable silence. “that’s a quality even the most talented skaters can lack. if you keep that up, you’re going to go far.”

i looked at her, unsure how to put my gratitude into words. “thank you,” i said, my voice soft. “for everything. i don’t know how to repay you.”

her hand rested lightly on mine, her touch warm and reassuring. “you don’t owe me anything, y/n. i’m happy to help. and honestly,” she added with a playful smile, “you’ve already made it worth my while just by showing up and giving it your all.”

i chuckled, feeling my cheeks warm. “still... thank you.”

she leaned back slightly, her gaze turning more serious. “and don’t forget what i said yesterday—make sure lando feels at home here. he’s putting on a brave face, but i know my son. he’s adjusting, too.”

the mention of lando made me pause, her words stirring something in me. “i will,” i promised. “he’s been so kind to me already. he must get it from you.”

cisca smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners in a way that reminded me of lando. “he’s got his moments,” she said with a wink.

⸝⸝ ʚ 𖥔❆ ! ⌗ °•˚❆ ˖⋆*ೃ ༄

later that afternoon, i found myself walking back toward the skating arena. lando had practice, and while i hadn’t planned on going, cisca’s words lingered in my mind. i owed him at least a thank-you.

the unmistakable sound of skates cutting across ice greeted me as i stepped inside. the cold air nipped at my cheeks, but the energy of the rink was infectious. players zipped back and forth, their movements sharp and deliberate, the clatter of sticks and pucks echoing through the space.

it didn’t take long to spot him. lando moved with a precision that stood out, his focus intense as he weaved through the defence. even as someone unfamiliar with hockey, i could tell he was good—really good.

when he skated off the ice for a break, he noticed me standing near the boards. his face lit up with surprise as he walked over, his cheeks flushed from exertion. “y/n! didn’t expect to see you here.”

i smiled, feeling slightly awkward because of the other men around us, but pushing through it. “i just wanted to say thank you. for talking to your mum. she’s... amazing. i can’t believe she’s helping me.”

he grinned, leaning casually against the boards. “told you she was the best. so, how’d it go?”

“she’s incredible,” i said earnestly. “i feel like i might actually have a chance now. i don’t know how to repay either of you.”

“you don’t need to,” he said easily. “mum wouldn’t do it if she didn’t believe in you. and honestly, i’m glad i could help. you’ve been through enough.”

his sincerity caught me off guard, and for a moment, i just looked at him, unsure what to say. finally, i smiled. “well, i owe you at least a coffee or something.”

he laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “i’ll hold you to that.” i laughed, watching him skate back onto the ice with the rest of his team before heading out of the bulky double doors and back to lily and i’s shared dorm. 

later that night, as i laid in bed trying to rid my mind of the pretty boy with the brown curls so i could sleep, my phone lit up with a notification. i sighed and debated on checking it, knowing the light from my phone would completely restart my attempt at sleeping. i grabbed it from the bed side table and couldnt help the upturn of my lips when i saw what it said.

landonorris started following you!

⸝⸝ ʚ 𖥔❆ ! ⌗ °•˚❆ ˖⋆*ೃ ༄

a/n ; i’m so sorry this took so long lmaooo chapter 3 is pretty much done so i’ll post it asap (fr this time)

taglist (comment or send an ask to be added<3) ; @leclercdream @britenysbitch @cabbyhabs @jule239 @tvdtw4ever @doofenshmirtzevil-inc @f1and1d4eva @sid-is-gr8

[salemrph]

The taste of apple and pomegranate

Ch. 2: Apple, Pomegranate & Me

Nav: Ch. 1 / Ch. 2 / Ch. 3 / Ch. 4 / Ch. 5 / Ch. 6 (coming soon) // AO3

Summary: You just wanted to survive university, not fall for either of them—let alone both. Two handsome idiots who somehow made your apartment their second home. You, Sylus, and Caleb were supposed to be just friends. So why does everything feel like their is more going on?

Character: Sylus x f!reader x Caleb // Tara, Rafayel // AU - College, Student

Genre: romantic, fluff, intimacy, sexual content, humor, friends to lovers, poliamore, slow burn

Word count: 3k | Reading Time: 12 min | AO3

A/N: I’m feeling generous today—so you’re getting a double chapter release. You’re welcome 😌

Tag list: @thechaoticarchivist @peacedreamer14 @blessdunrest @strwberriiblnde @plzdonutpercieveme @sylusqt @sakuraneko-sakupanda-chan @peacedreamer14 @escapeis @plzdonutpercieveme @blorbohunter @yuurisfavblog

You sat slumped over your tray in the cafeteria, staring into your food like it held the answers to your life and problems. It didn’t. All it held was disappointment and soggy fries. You dragged a few half-heartedly, through some cold ketchup, watching it smear like a metaphor for your entire week. These fries had definitely seen better days. Then again, so had you.

Your shoulders felt heavy. The quiet hum of student chatter around you only made you feel more irritated. You stabbed another fry. You needed a new brain and maybe a hug. Tara was standing there, tray in hand, one brow raised, lips pressed into a tight line like she was trying very hard not to laugh at your expense. She sat down across from you without a word. Tara leaned in, resting her chin on her hand, and stared at you for a long moment. You just sighed and pushed your fries to the side.

“Tara,” you mumbled, voice cracking with desperation, “I need—I need someone. Anyone. Please. Do you know any guy? Just one? Help me out. I’m begging.”

Tara blinked at you from across the table, slowly lowering her fork. “Anyone? What got into you?… Are you in heat or something?”

You let your forehead fall into your palm with a dramatic groan. “I might be. Pleaseee…” you whine. 

Tara narrowed her eyes on you. “Oh, honey.”

You looked up at her, wild-eyed. “I’m a woman on the edge.”

She shook her head and pulled out her phone. “Let me see…” You waited with a spark of hope… which died about five seconds later. Tara put her phone down, expression somewhere between amused and confused. “Y/N…” You straightened slightly. “Why are you even asking?”

You stared at her. You groaned again and dropped your head onto the table. “I’m cursed. Caleb and Sylus jinxed me. This is their fault.”

“Huh?”

You sighed deeply, dramatically, like your soul was trying to escape through your lungs. You poked at your fries again, then looked up at Tara with tired almost watery eyes.

“Since I met them,” you said, voice flat, “my dating rate has dropped. No, it vanished. Puff... Haven’t you noticed?”

Tara blinked. You sat up, hands gesturing wildly now. “I used to get dates, Tara. Actual human men asking me out. Coffee. Dinners. Weird movies. Options. And ever since Caleb and Sylus started hanging around, it’s like the entire dating pool evaporated.”

Tara tilted her head. Your friend's face goes through several expressions that you can't quite decipher, too busy anyways, complaining about your nonexistent love life. You leaned in, voice serious. “Everytime, and I mean every time, I try something with someone, they either ghost me, flake out, or end up weirdly intimidated after one encounter. I can’t—”

“Wait. Wait.” Tara held up her hand, eyes wide. “Right there. Back up.”

You peeked up from your hoodie sleeve, suspicious.

“Y/N,” she said slowly, like speaking to someone in shock, “weren’t you… dating them?”

You blinked. “Who—?”

Tara stared at you like you’d just announced water wasn’t wet. “You’re not…?” 

Silence falls at the table, you open your mouth in disbelief as you realize her implications.

“No!” you said. “No… They’re just my—ugh. Why? You know them.”

“Yes,” she said flatly. “I do. Which is why I thought they were your boyfriends. Both of them. You know, a poliamor relationship.”

“What??” you sputtered. “What gave you that idea?!”

She started counting off on her fingers. “You said it. They hang out at your place more than they go to class. They glare at anyone who talks to you for more than twelve seconds. They carry your bags, share their food, and fight over who gets to sit next to you. And oh, don’t even make me start with all the pet names and the rumors.”

You opened your mouth, but no words came out. “Which rumors?” 

Tara stared at you, jaw slack. “Y/N, you’re giving me a headache.” She slapped her hand on the table. “You’re telling me you’re desperate to get fucked and meanwhile you’ve got two big, sexy, greek gods practically nesting in your apartment and you haven’t even thought about pressing yourself between them?!”

“Tara,” you hissed, looking around in horror. “Lower your voice!” You buried your face in your hands. This was a bad idea. 

Tara leaned across the table like she was sharing government secrets, her voice only slightly softer. “Think about it. The tension? The grudging teamwork? I would switch places with you if I could.” 

You lifted your head just enough to glare at her. “Why are you like this?”

She grinned. “Because I’ve known you since middle school. You have always been `oh he's not into me´. You're so fucking blind for things like this. You had your first kiss because I helped you.” Embarrassed, you slap your friend on her arm to make her shut up. “Ouch!” She rubs the spot where you hit her and you just want to disappear from this planet. 

A murmur spreads through the cafeteria, you hear some girls laughing nervously. Caleb and Sylus were walking into the cafeteria, side by side—looking unfairly hot. Sylus with his sleeves rolled up, Caleb wearing that annoying backwards cap that made girls trip in hallways. Tara spotted them too and gasped, absolutely delighted.

“Talking about the devil,” she chirped, a wicked grin spreading across her face.

You, however, were less enthused. You slammed your head back down onto the cool, sticky cafeteria table with a resounding thud. “Kill me now” you mumbled into the laminate. “I don’t want to speak with them.”

“Why? Tara's voice was already laced with suspicion.

You lifted your head just enough to glare at her, your face probably still flushed from the previous night's confessions. "I said something stupid yesterday, okay? Please, just help me."

“What did you—?”

You cut her off, dropping your voice to a mortified whisper, even though the cafeteria noise would likely drown it out. “I almost… I almost offered myself…” you paused. “Sexually.”

Tara's eyes went wide, then she choked on a laugh, a loud, disbelieving snort that drew a few glances. "Damn, girl," she finally managed, wiping a tear from her eye. "I'm genuinely impressed."

“I was drunk...” The familiar voices are stepping closer and your blood turns to ice. You grabbed Tara’s wrist, leaning across the table in pure panic. “Tara. I beg you, help me.”

She grinned like a gremlin. “I’d gladly help you with your greek gods.” You click your tongue. She sat back, sipped her drink like this was a perfectly normal day and not the impending doom of your social life. Two shadows fall across your table, eclipsing the weak cafeteria light. You didn't look up, your gaze fixed on the condensation rings left by your Coke Zero on the table. You only heard the scrape of chairs as they were pulled out. One shadow on your left. The other on your right.

“Hey, you two.” Caleb said, annoyingly casual.

Sylus sat on your other side, unbothered as always, setting down his overpriced cold brew. “Tara.”

“Hi, boys,” Tara replied, her voice dripping with saccharine sweetness. She rested her chin on her palm and looked far too entertained. “We were just talking about you.” Your soul left your body. Traitor. She smiled innocently at them both before turning back to her salad, utterly abandoning you.

Caleb raised a brow, glancing at your crumpled form. “You good, Pipsqueak? You look like you got hit by a truck. Did you miss submitting a paper or something?"

You nodded too quickly. “I’m fine.” 

“Ahm,” Caleb said, a casual hum as he popped a fry from your plate into his mouth. He grimaced instantly, chewing thoughtfully. Definitely bringing you lunch next time, he decided, mentally adding it to his ever-growing list of things to do for you.

Sylus leaned in slightly, tone dangerously smooth. “What’s this I hear about Greek gods?”  But even as he spoke to Tara, his gaze flickered to you, a quick, intense assessment. He watched your shoulders stiffen, noted the frantic way you were already trying to escape.

Your head snapped up. Tara grinned like she was watching the season finale of her favorite drama. “Nothing!” you blurted, trying to cut the conversation short. “I should go... I suddenly remember I have a thing.”

But Tara wasn’t about to let this gold go to waste. “She was just—venting. You know. About how unbelievably single she is.”

You wanted to scream. Or cry. Or just dissolve into the nearest crack in the floor.

Caleb tilted his head. “Right… She mentioned it yesterday too.”

Sylus sipped his drink, his gaze never leaving yours. “Actually, I’d love to hear your explanation again, Kitten. The one about our… responsibilities.”

Tara’s jaw dropped. She clapped a hand over her mouth, badly hiding her enjoyment as her eyes, wide with disbelief. Her expressions were practically screaming, “You need to tell me everything.” You grabbed your bag and stood so fast your chair screeched across the floor, turning heads across the cafeteria. “Nope, forget. I’m leaving.”

“Where are you going, kitten?” Sylus asked calmy.

“Out of this dimension,” you snapped, spinning on your heel. You didn’t wait for a reaction. Saying goodbye was also not on the list. No, no, you didn’t want to see their smug faces or any world about last night. You just stormed out, cheeks burning, tray forgotten.

—

Back at your apartment, you kicked off your shoes, threw your bag somewhere in the vague direction of a chair, and collapsed onto your bed face-first. The memory of the cafeteria scene played on repeat in your mind like a cringe highlight reel.

You groaned into your pillow. “Maybe I am in heat.”

The ceiling didn’t disagree. You rolled over, arms sprawled out, trying to shake the thoughts clawing up your spine. It was just the beer talking, right? But the feelings persisted. They were both so undeniably good to you. Always showing up, always helping you navigate the chaotic last two years of university life. Each had their own specific brand of comfort you craved.

There was the lighthearted way Caleb treated you like family, warmer and close. The way he joked with you, cooked for you without asking, or stayed up through the entire night when you had a fever, pressing cold towels to your forehead and pretending he wasn't worried sick.

And then there was the way Sylus, always pushing you to be better. To be more. He challenged you intellectually, taught you complex concepts, and helped you conquer subjects you'd nearly given up on. And when things got too loud, too much—he’d show up without a word, hand you a helmet, and take you on a joy ride. Just the two of you, flying through the night air on his bike, the wind screaming past, as if the sheer speed could silence every chaotic thought.

They were different kinds of comfort, starkly contrasting yet undeniably complementary. And somehow, in a way you couldn't quite articulate, they both fit. You smiled, a soft curve of your lips, as you remembered how your paths had crossed.

It had been a lazily warm afternoon, the kind where the university campus felt alive. You were drained from exams, mind buzzing with grades, deadlines and doubt. The kind of bone-deep exhaustion that made everything feel like a mistake. You’d been questioning everything—your major, your future, whether you should’ve taken a completely different path. Maybe even joined the police academy like you'd once considered.

So you ended up wandering around the campus, aimless and annoyed, and found yourself at the outdoor basketball court.

You sat on the benches, arms crossed, pretending to scroll on your phone but actually were just watching the ball moving from side to side. Sunlight dappled through the leaves overhead, and the faint, sweet scent of blooming frangipani mingled with the stronger smell of freshly cut grass. Some people were puffing on cigarettes nearby, their hushed conversations drifting on the breeze. Others reading, heads buried in textbooks or just vibing quietly with their music. It wasn't loud, just a low hum of student life, and the occasional soft cry of birds crossing the vast, blue sky was actually kinda comforting. So it was the sharp sound of sneakers on pavement, the echo of laughter, the low thud of a ball hitting the ground. You didn’t know who you were watching at first. Just tall guys running, yelling, laughing. But then, as they moved into a patch of sunlight, you noticed them.

Number 09. Number 18.

They played like opposites. Number 09 was sharp, precise, calculated. He didn't even crack a smile, but every single move he made was brutal and elegant, like he was playing chess on a basketball court. 

And then there was Number 18. Was all charm and heat and reckless ease. That popular-guy aura, the one that made people laugh just by looking at him. He played loud, fast, messy—and with a kind of passion that made you forget everything else, even the warm sun on your face.

The ball flew too hard toward the edge of the court, bounced out of bounds and rolled toward the benches. Right to your feet.

You blinked. Looked down. Then up. Just as someone approached, tall and annoyingly handsome in the late afternoon sun. Number 18 jogged over, all charm and sweaty, radiating that vibrant, golden-boy energy. You couldn't help but think of a golden retriever. You held back your laughter.

“Mind passing that over, honey?”

You raised an eyebrow. “Honey? Really?” You snorted and nudged the ball with your foot, sending it rolling back. “Try again, Number 18.” Before he could respond with another dumb line, another shadow cut in. He picked up the ball mid-roll, effortlessly, and looked at Caleb first.

“You’re done embarrassing yourself?” he drawled, his voice flat.

Caleb rolled his eyes, a familiar sigh escaping him. “Here we go.”

Then his eyes shifted to you. And you forgot how to breathe. He looked at you like he already knew you. He’d seen something in your expression, your posture, your soul and filed it away for later. His gaze was unsettlingly calm, piercing through your nonchalant facade.

“You look like a stray cat,” he said casually as if stating a fact about the weather.

You met his stare, unflinching. “Excuse me?”

He shrugged. “Scruffy. Watching from the sidelines. Were you waiting for someone to feed you?” He tilted his head slightly, a subtle movement that still managed to convey utter disdain. “Or maybe you just got lost.”

Your jaw clenched. Being compared to a stray cat was not on your bingo card for the day.  Especially not by some hot-shot basketball player who looked like he’d just stepped out of a fashion magazine. “And you,” you retorted, pushing off the bench and standing to meet his gaze head-on, refusing to let him tower over you, "look like you just escaped from—” At that moment your stomach growled loudly. 

A slow, smudged smile, almost a smirk, appeared on his lips, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Oh, I was right.” You gave him that death glare you always had ready for creepy guys in bars, the one that usually sent them scurrying. But Sylus didn't flinch. In fact, he seemed even more amused, he looked past you for a fleeting second then his gaze snapped back to you. “I'm seeing your tail go straight, kitten. What’s your name?” he said smoothly. 

You blinked up at the ceiling, the memory fading like mist, and groaned into your pillow. After that, a few encounters on the court, then a beer at the local bar… 

Now it was coffee after class at your place, a “let’s work on the robotics project together”. Caleb fixing your desk chair without you even asking, his brow furrowed in concentration. Sylus, sighing dramatically, rewriting your paper intro because “it gave him a migraine.” They’d quietly, relentlessly wormed their way into every part of your life. Your apartment. Your fridge. Your head.

Your phone buzzed. You groaned. Just Ignore it. It buzzed again, several times. You cracked an eye open and reached for it.

Group Chat: Apple, Pomegranate & Me

Caleb: You alive?

Sylus: Skipped class today. Everything okay, kitten?

Caleb: You don’t have to talk. Just… let us know you’re breathing. 👍

You stared at the screen. That was… not what you expected. You sighed, typing back.

You: I’m fine. Just needed a day off.

The response came almost instantly.

Caleb: Fine. Don't be a stranger. And eat something. If you want company later, just say the word.

Sylus: Take your time.

Sylus: I’ll bring the good cookies. The ones from the patisserie, not Caleb’s gas station stash.

Caleb: You ate half the box last time, even when you said and i quote:

Caleb: “i don’t trust food that glows under led light.”

Sylus: I was stress-testing the packaging.

Caleb: You practically inhaled the box.

Sylus: 😒 It was data collection. And frankly, your processed sugar gave me a migraine.

You: 😂 Still have the photo of Sylus with cookie crumbs on his shirt and face.

Caleb: Send it.

Sylus: Delete it and I’ll bring the fancy cookies. Or I'll hack your phone and delete it myself, sweetie. Consider it a challenge. 

You: You wouldn't.

Sylus: Try me

You let out a breath you didn’t realize you’d been holding, a smile tugging at your lips as your fingers hovered over the keyboard.

You: I’ll let you know if I need something.

Thanks, both of you.And as you set your phone down, your heart aching a little less, you smiled for real. Those two. God, of course you liked them. How could you not? They teased you. Pushed you. Protected you. Annoyed the hell out of you. You curled your arms around your knees, holding them tight to your chest, your phone still glowing faintly beside you on the bed. Your chest felt warm now, gentle even. You didn’t know what this was.

Release every 1-2 week.

Nav: Ch. 1 / Ch. 2 / Ch. 3 / Ch. 4 / Ch. 5 / Ch. 6 (coming soon)

Back to MASTERLIST

[whatdoeseverybodywant]

Rebuild & Restore - Chapter 12

I do NOT give permission for my work to be translated or reposted on here or any other site, even if you give me credit. DO NOT REPOST MY FICS

❤ Reblogs, comments, likes, and feedback ALWAYS appreciated ❤ 

All OC Characters belong to me

All Falls Down (Prequel)

Series Masterlist

Bean = Kamari

Bear= Kaiden

Bug = Kairo

Josh chewed on the inside of his cheek as he got the notification that the roses had been delivered to Kiyana’s  job. He kept checking his phone to see if she had texted him and frowned every time his notification center was empty. 

He sighed and stood up from the folding chair in the locker room and decided to start getting ready. He was starting the show tonight and no matter how often he did it he still got nervous. After drenching his hair in water, he checked his phone again and frowned when he still had no message from Kiyana. It was 7:50 pm in the UK so it was at least 1:50 in Pensacola, and the flowers were delivered. What the hell was the hold-up?

“Aye Uce! Showtime.” Someone banged on the locker room door. Josh was almost out of the door when his phone dinged with a notification. Josh felt his heart rate spike up once he looked and saw it was Kiyana. She thanked him for the flowers and said that she would see him on Friday and they could talk then. Josh had a smile on his face as he sent her a thumbs up and a heart emoji before rushing towards The Gorilla just in time for his theme to start playing. 

Josh had just finished his match and got the W against Drew McIntyre when he walked back into Gorilla and froze at the sight before him. 

“Hey, baby.” Shanté giggled and rushed towards Josh, jumping on him and wrapping her legs around his waist while her arms went around his neck. 

“Shanté, what the fuck!” He growled, trying to push her off of him, but her crazy ass was strong. “Get the hell offa me!”  Shante frowned her face up at him. 

“I’m not liking your attitude. I gave you a couple of weeks to cool down, and this is how you treat me after not seeing me.” Shanté scoffed and unwrapped her legs from his waist. “You didn’t miss me?” Josh sucked his teeth and tried to move past her, but she latched onto his arm and started walking with him. 

“Ayo, for real?” Josh scoffed and pulled his arm out of her grasp. He stopped walking and turned to face her. “I told you the last time I seen yo’ crazy ass that we were over!” 

“But you didn’t mean it, right?” She asked softly, cupping his jaw with her hand. She narrowed her eyes as she saw the hickey on his neck. “What the hell is that?” She exclaimed, moving his head to the side so she could get a better look.

“Stop touching me.” He seethed, grabbing her hand and slinging it away from his face. He then backed up to put more distance between them. 

“You've been with someone else," she accused, Josh frowned and looked around, he had to be getting Punk’d right now. There was no way this chick was this deranged! 

“Yeah I've been with someone else, my wife. The fuck is you on?” Shanté's eyes widened in disbelief. 

“She actually took you back.” She didn’t but Shanté didn’t need to know that. Josh just shrugged. She opened her mouth to retort but was cut off by Josh's saving grace. 

“Hey bro, is everything okay?” Trinity asked, walking over in her ring gear, looking Shanté's up and down with disdain. “You got a problem?” Trin asked, stepping closer to Shanté whose eyes widened before she quickly shook her head scurried off down the hall. 

“Goddamn” Josh huffed out, running a hand through his damn curls. 

“What's up with that?” Trinity asked him, folding her arms over her chest. “I thought you and Key were trying to mend things.”  

“I am, we are. . She just came out of nowhere, Trin. I ain't even know she was back on the main roster.” 

“Yeah, well, she sure didn’t waste time finding you,”  Trinity’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “If you tryna get your family back, you can't go back to your old ways, Joshua. I mean it. I already talked to Key and she already voiced her concerns to me.” 

Josh looked taken aback. “She did?” 

Trinity sighed. “Look, I'm about to break girl code here but, Key doesn’t want to let you back in just for you to break her heart again. You gotta nip this Shanté shit in the bud ASAP. You gotta show Key that you are serious about this and not just wanting to get back together because you’re lonely and not used to living alone.” 

“I hear you, Trin. I don’t want to hurt her again. I need to prove myself.”

“Exactly,” Trin stated, nodding her head. “You need to prove to her that you deserve this second chance. Cause lord knows, if I was in her shoes, Jon wouldn’t even be able to contact me.” Trin sighed and pulled Josh into a hug. “Just don’t hurt her again Josh. She doesn’t deserve that.” 

Kiyana rolled her eyes with a small smile, as Kamari and Kaiden were buzzing with excitement as they waited outside the airport for Josh. He was able to catch an earlier flight and instead of coming close to midnight, he was now about to land in Pensacola at noon. 

“Guys, relax.” Kiyana laughed, unstrapping Kairo and Kaiden out of their car and booster seats. “You're gonna combust.” 

“Where’s daddy?” Kaiden whined, stomping his little foot. “I want my daddy!” 

“He’s coming, Bear. You gotta relax okay.” Just as she said that, Kamari dropped her hand and started running towards Josh, who had a big smile on his face as he dropped his suitcase and carry-on so he could catch Kamari. 

“Hey Bean.” Josh said. Opening his arms as Kaiden ran over to him too. “I miss you guys.” Kaiden practically launched himself into Josh’s arms, giggling with excitement. 

“Daddy! I missed you so much” Josh stood up with Kaiden and Kamari still in his arms and walked over to Kiyana who arched an eyebrow and looked at his bags he left behind. 

“Ain’t nobody gon take ‘em.” He said, chuckling when she rolled her eyes playfully.  He set the boys down and took Kairo out of her arms. “Little Bug!” Kairo let out a screech  as Josh started tickling his belly. Kiyana felt her heart flutter as Josh turned his attention back to her. “I missed you.” He muttered, gently pulling her into a side hug because he was still holding Kairo. 

“I miss you too.” Kiyana whispered back, leaning into his embrace. “Thank you for the flowers too,” she added softly as she stepped back slightly, her eyes meeting his. They stood there, getting lost in each other's eyes.

Kiyana stood before Josh, her heart and her brain were telling her to do two different things. Her heart was telling her to forgive him and give him a second chance, but her brain was singing a mantra that her own mother had said right before her and her boys left to pick up Josh from the airport. ‘Once a cheater, always a cheater.’ Josh watched her closely, sensing the internal struggle within her. He wanted to reach out, to hold her and plead his case once more, but he knew words alone couldn’t erase the pain he had caused.

Kiyana cleared her throat and took a step back from Josh, she took Kairo out of his hands and put him back in his carseat. Josh sighed and jogged over to grab his discarded luggage. Josh had put his stuff in the trunk and walked over to the driver's side, grabbing her hand, stopping Kiyana from getting in.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured softly. This thumb rubbing soft circles on the top of her hand. “I fucked up, badly and It’s not fair of me to expect you to forgive me overnight.” 

“No, you can’t,”  she cut him off. “ I need time, Josh. Time to figure out if I can trust you again.”

“I understand Key,  I know I have a lot to prove to you. And I understand if you need time to trust me again. But I want to try, I want to make things right between us. Lemme take you out on a date. Just like old times. Let me prove to you that I'm serious about us.”  Kiyana’s immediate response was to tell him no. The last time they went on a date he had told her about his affair.  She had opened her mouth to decline his invitation but it was something in his eyes that stopped her. 

“I- okay.” She nodded and Josh smiled. 

“Okay, tomorrow night.” When she nodded, he let go of hand so she could get into the car. Once she was in the car, he did a little fist pump, before hurrying over to the passenger side and getting in before she could pull off. 

👀..... soo Kiyana agreed to go on a date with Josh. Y'all think thats a good idea?

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[chxrrydrxp]

𝒻ℴ𝓇𝒷𝒾𝒹𝒹ℯ𝓃 𝒻𝓇𝓊𝒾𝓉

(Jason x Dicks Ex! Reader)

blurb coming soon yall

word count: 1.3k

chapter 1

chapter 2

( reader is pissing me off like I know I made her but I'm really bouta rock her shit)

Jason shut the door behind him with a click. You sat back down on your couch, once again bringing your knees to your chest. “I'm fine Jason. You didn't have to come all the way here.”

He took a seat beside you, leaning comfortably on the soft cushions. You stared into your hands. A few minutes passed, and the silence between you began to make you fidgety. From the corner of your eye, you could see him mindlessly fumbling with your keys.

The silence burned a little longer until you let out a breath you didn't know you'd been holding. “How long will it go on like this?” You questioned. Jason removed a keychain that had your initial and began prodding at it. “For as long as you let it,” he said with his eyes still on the letter.

You glanced over at him, trying to find something wrong with what he said. But you couldn't. He was right. He was so right and you hated it. “But I love him.” You felt him flinch for a second, but it must've been a shiver from the cold.

He finally turned to look at you, then slowly lifted a hand to wipe away a stray tear. He leaned further into the cushion and looked up at the ceiling. “Is love enough?” You sniffled and stood up from the couch. “I need some air, you wanna go for a walk?”

...

If there was one thing all Gothamites could agree on, it was that Gotham always looked better at night. At nights when you can't see the polluted air, and it's harder to see the trash flooding the sidewalks, or the occasional dead body that often gets mistaken for a hobo. Gotham had a beauty that few understood. Its beauty didn't come from the visible gap in the social hierarchy that kept the nightlife…relevant to say the least. Its beauty shines from the cracks. The little imperfections on the sidewalk allowed pretty flowers to bloom from within. The hidden alleys and caves are covered in spores and overgrown vines. Somehow you ended up stumbling past stubborn weeds in some wet alley that smelled of… never mind you didn't even wanna think about it. “Jason, what the hell is this?” You wiped your hands on your jacket.

“You'll see, just keep up. Oh, and watch your step or you might lose a leg. Potholes.” You blinked at him in disbelief. “What the fuck Jason? I said I wanted to go on a walk, not lose my leg.” He ignored you. “Found em.”

You made your way over to him, leaning over his shoulder. “What? mushrooms?” You glanced down at the far end of the stone alleyway. “All of this just to look at some mushrooms?”

“Not just any Mushrooms, they're luminous.” You turned his head over to look at you with your eyebrows furrowed. His oblivious expression instantly evaporated any frustration this trip brought you. “I can't with you…” You let out a soft laugh. “If this was your attempt to distract me from my recurring misery, it worked.” Jason grinned and kneeled to the family of mushrooms huddled in the moist corner. “Don't touch em’ they've got a sting that hurts like a bitch.” He pulled out a plastic bag and put on a leather glove. “What are you doing??” He broke the mushroom off from the stem. “Got a friend that's into this kinda stuff.”

“What..the..-" Your phone buzzed in your pocket. The name set in the contact made your heart drop. Jason must've sensed your hesitation, because he added, “Go ahead.” You answered the phone, backing up behind a wall for privacy. “Dick?” No answer. You heard shuffling in the background, along with laughter. A woman's laughter. You repeated his name to no avail. You realized you recognized the female voice to be Dick's coworker.

The one who just happens to be the topic of your argument with him. You hung up the phone and stared at the other side of the mossy stone walls. You heard shuffling, and Jason came to stand in front of you, bag in hand. “You good?” “He's with her right now.

Guess he accidentally butt-dialed me. Huh. Maybe he did it on purpose. Perhaps to knock some obvious sense into my head.” Jason signed, running his fingers through his hair. “Wanna go find out?” Your heart sank. “W-what?” You questioned as if this wasn't exactly what you were thinking. the second he asked, you'd already decided what your answer was. You needed this.

You know you did. Maybe if you witnessed the cheating first-hand it'd give you the answer you begged from him. "What if they're just working, I can't just assume-.” Jason now stood closer, gripping your arm sleeve. “What the hell is wrong with you?” “I don't know what you're-” He gripped your arm tighter, but not enough to hurt you.

“Don't gimme that. What, you're gonna just ignore this one as well? We could go there right now. You'll finally be able to see it with your own eyes, and you're not gonna go?”

He didn't notice the tears that began quickly streaming down your cheeks. You fought to keep your voice steady. “I know. I know damn it. I just…can't.” He stared into your eyes for a hard minute, then dropped your hand. “Fuck it. Don't go then.

But I'm not gonna sit here and watch you do this to yourself.”

You looked down at your feet, speechless. Jason sighed. “Come on, I'm taking you home.”

Silence. The entire walk back home was filled with silence, all the way up until you both reached your front door. Jason dug his hands in his pockets, avoiding your eyes as you searched for any sympathy. “Jason.” He looked up, maintaining his silence. Maybe for a second he'd hoped you'd invite him in. Instead, “Please don't say anything to Dick. Just leave it alone, alright? Please.” He hated the desperation in your quivering voice. It sounded like you were on the brink of shattering into nothing. He simply nodded, and turned away. “Be safe,” was all he said before walking away. You shut your door, dropping your things to the floor and sitting at the dining room table. You hesitantly opened your phone, and to your surprise, saw a text from Dick.

Dick: hey, you awake? i wanna talk.

Your heart hammered in your chest. You opened the message and saw that he was typing.

Dick: can you come over?

So that's exactly what you did. You picked up your things, and walked out the door, not noticing Jason in the distance, leaning against the rusted bars that fenced your apartment.

tag list: @12134z03 @xxsweetnlowxx @broadwayotakufairy @harleycao @johnnysilverhandeeznuts @calicocat45

[ohsayge]

SBG as Voltron AU

Friends that wanted to be tagged: @blue-eyed-moon-child @niredsw @random-gamer1942

The roles

Black Lion: Tyler He's very much leadership material and with Ashlyn as Allura, it gives Tyler the perfect opportunity to be leader when she's not around yet give her the ability to run things like she does in the comic and Allura does in the show.

Blue Lion: Taylor She's thoughtful, caring, puts others first, like Lance did with everyone (LANCE STOP GETTING HURT), and Allura did at the end of the show.

Red Lion: Aiden Very loose and fast, likes to live on edge, very much a second hand man and doesn't take leadership even when he could, allowing Tyler and Ashlyn to take over. But also protective of everyone, like Keith is of Shiro and King Alfor was of Allura.

Green Lion: Logan Probably the smartest in the group when it comes to school like things. I think that he would struggle in the same way Pidge did when connecting to nature, in the "I like being inside but if I have to connect to the tree I will"

Yellow Lion: Ben Big guy, smart, compassionate, thoughtful, just like Hunk and Gyrgan.

Ashlyn is Allura Ashlyn is Allura because she fits the role of Red as much as Aiden does. So when/if Aiden gets the Keith running off to galra arc, Ashlyn gets the red lion :D

Alex is Coran

Maverick is Zarkon

Ryan is Thace

Jasmine is Haggar (without the weird, being honerva bit? like no romantic feelings please)

Charlie is Sendak (Maybe I'll draw these later)

Continue for Chapter 1: (This will be a continuing series & I will be splitting episodes into one-two chapters depending on length)

“You come up here to rock out?” Aiden asked, removing Logan’s headphones slightly. Logan jumped, whipping around to see who was behind him. “Oh, Aiden, Ben.” Logan greeted with a sigh of relief, “No, um, just looking at the stars,”

Aiden and Ben exchanged a glance. "Stars?" Aiden echoed, lifting his gaze to the empty canvas of the sky. "It's a little cloudy tonight, don't you think?"

Logan shrugged, “So?” “Where'd you get this stuff? It doesn't look like Garrison tech.” Aiden frowned, giving Logan a confused look. “I built it,” Logan sat up proudly and grinned at Aiden and Ben. “You built all of this?” Aiden asked as Ben bent down to touch one of the pieces of equipment. Logan reached over and gently smacked Ben’s hand away, “Stop it!” He turned his attention back to Aiden, “With this thing, I can scan all the way to the edge of the solar system.” “That right?” Aiden asked, a smug grin on his face, “Would you say, all the way to Kerberos?” Logan froze, slightly glaring at Aiden. “You go ballistic every time the instructors bring it up.”

Logan glared at Aiden. The blonde continued, “What's your deal?”

Ben reached towards Logan’s equipment again. “Second warning Ben!” Logan turned and scolded.

“Look, Logan, if we're going to bond as a team, we can't have any secrets.” Aiden squatted down to Logan’s eye level. Logan sighed, “Fine. The world as you know it is about to change. The Kerberos Mission wasn't lost because of some malfunction or crew mistake.” Ben reached over to touch Logan’s computer. “Stop touching my equipment!” Logan demanded.

Ben made a face of disgust before sitting back and nodding that he’d listen this time. Logan continued, “So, I've been scanning the system and picking up alien radio chatter,” “I’m sorry what?” Aiden asked, blinking in disbelief. “Aliens? Really?” Logan nodded.

“So, you're insane. Got it.” Ben’s phone spoke out for him. “I'm serious.” Logan promised, “They keep repeating one word, ‘Voltron.’ And tonight, it's going crazier than I have ever heard it.”

“What is Voltron?” Aiden asked as if Logan had all the answers.

“I have no clue,” Logan gave a helpless shrug.

Suddenly the PA activated, “Attention, students. This is not a drill. We are on lockdown! Security situation Zulu Niner.” The gentleman on the comms instructed, “Repeat: all students are to remain in barracks until further notice.” “What's going on?” Aiden asked, a frown as he looked up at the PA system. “Is that a meteor?” Logan asked, squinting through his glasses. “A very, very big meteor?” Aiden asked, in disbelief as he turned back around. Logan grabbed his binoculars from his bag and held them up to his face. “No. It's a ship,” Logan looked slightly panicked. Aiden grabbed the binoculars and pointed them at the sky. “Holy crow! I can't believe what I'm seeing! That's not one of ours.” “No. It’s one of theirs,” Logan shook his head and started packing up his stuff. “Where are you going? We’re under lock down,” Aiden furrowed his brow in confusion and upset.

“I've got to see that ship,” Logan told Aiden, grabbing his binoculars back before dipping over the short edge of the building they were on. Aiden watched for a moment as Logan hit the ground and started running towards the airship that had now crashed into the ground. “Come on Ben,” Ben grabbed Aiden’s arm before the blonde jumped off the building after Logan. “This is the worst team-building exercise ever,” He had typed into his phone. It read the message out loud before Aiden laughed and turned to jump off the building.

The sound of multiple Garrison vehicles departing to the crash site erupted from the building just before Aiden landed with a thud on softened earth, a cloud of dust billowing around him. Ben touched down more gracefully, landing on the balls of his feet. His eyes remained focused on Logan's receding form.

——— As soon as they approached the crash site, Ben and Aiden noticed that Logan had set up his computer behind a rock formation. Aiden and Ben ran over and crouched down with Logan. “What are you doing?” Aiden asked, looking over Logan’s shoulder to see the computer. “Trying to hack into their security cameras,” Logan shushed Aiden with his finger. “You can do that?” Ben’s phone spoke out for him. “Yeah,” Logan answered without anymore explanation. Aiden and Ben glanced at each other with concerned emotions etched onto their faces. “They set up a camera in there and I grabbed its feed.” Logan moved the computer for Ben and Aiden to both see.

“Look!” Aiden pointed at the screen at a teenage boy struggling against restrains. A staticky voice came through the feed, “Hey! What are you doing?” The boy asked, continuing to struggle. The head of cadet training, Iverson, motioned for two people in hazmat suits to hold the boy down. “Calm down, Tyler. We just need to keep you quarantined until we run some tests,” Tyler continued to struggle against the people in hazmat suits, “You have to listen to me! They destroy worlds!” He grunted as one of the people threw his shoulder into the table, “Aliens are coming!” “That's Tyler! The pilot of the Kerberos Mission! That guy was in our class!” Aiden looked completely shocked.

Ben watched the video feed for a moment longer, his fingers quickly tapping on the screen of his phone. “Guess he's not dead in space, after all,” the robotic voice echoed around him.

“But where's the rest of the crew?” Logan asked, his eyebrows furrowing as he scanned the screen for the other crew members.

“Do you know how long you've been gone?” Iverson asked Tyler. Tyler shot Iverson a disgusted look, “I don't know. Months? Years? Look, there's no time. Aliens are coming here for a weapon.” Tyler continued to ramble, “They're probably on their way. They'll destroy us. We have to find Voltron!” “Voltron?” Logan asked, staring at the screen in disbelief.

“Put him under,” Iverson instructed, “Until we figure out more,” Tyler freaked out, “Don't put me under! No! There's no time!” He assured them but one of the hazmat suited people stuck a needle into his arm.

The trio outside the tent watched as Tyler drifted off to sleep. “They didn't ask about the rest of the crew.” Logan frowned. “Why didn’t they ask about the rest of the crew?” “What are they doing? He's a legend. They're not even gonna listen to him?” Aiden exclaimed, throwing his hands up in exasperation.

“We have to get him out.” Logan decided, shutting his computer and stashing it into his backpack. Before Aiden and Logan could jump the gun and rush into the tent to save Tyler, Ben held up a hand as he tried to quickly type out his thoughts. “I hate to be the voice of reason, always, but weren't we watching on Logan’s computer because there was no way to get past the guards?” “That was before we were properly motivated,” Logan assured Ben with a pat on the shoulder before a large explosion rang out on the opposite side of the canyon.

“Is that the aliens? Are they here? They got here so quick!” Ben’s phone rang out after a moment. “No, those explosions were a distraction, for him.” Aiden pointed at a hooded figure parking a hover bike before they rushed into the tent where the Garrison was keeping Tyler.

“The Garrison's headed toward the blast, and he's sneaking in from the other side.” Aiden frowned.

“Who is that?” Ben’s phone asked before Logan and Aiden both jumped over the wall. “Only one way to find out!” Logan called up to the tall boy before the blonde and brunette started to sprint towards the tent.

Ben hesitated, glanced toward the distant explosion once more, then sprinted after them, his phone clutched tight in one hand.

Inside the tent, Tyler was still unconscious, his face pale against the cold metal table. Two people in hazmat suit were examining the unconscious boy as the hooded person walked into the tent. “These readings are off the chart,” One man said before the other noticed the hooded figure. “HEY!” The man shouted, pointing a gloved finger at the intruder.

But the hooded figure moved with a speed that didn’t seem quite possible. They knocked the two men unconscious swiftly and efficiently before rushing over to the table and yanking off their hood. “Tyler?” Taylor asked, her eyes seemingly playing a trick on her. She unbuckled her twin brother from the table before wrapping his arm around her shoulder. “Nope.” Aiden walked in with Logan right on his tail. “No, you— No, no, no. No, you don't. I'm saving Tyler,” “Who are you?” Taylor asked, before looking at Logan. “Logan?” “Hi Taylor,” Logan waved before looking around the tent. “Where’s the rest of the crew?” “No time for that! We need to get out of here before the Garrison grumps come back,” Aiden insisted.

Text from Logan’s phone rang out in the silence. “They’re on their way back. Now.” Logan pointed at the entrance where they had left Ben on look out.

Taylor glared at them, her eyes flitting between Aiden and Logan. But she could feel Tyler sagging against her, his breaths ragged. “Come on,” Taylor sighed, motioning with her free hand for Aiden to walk with her.

Logan followed after them, casting a nervous glance over his shoulder. "We're coming out," Logan sent a message to Ben, who was still outside the tent. As soon as they got outside, all 5 of them loaded onto Taylor’s hover bike, “Can we catch a ride with you? Thanks!” Aiden smiled at the hispanic girl as he climbed up on the bike after her.

“Is this thing going to be big enough for all of us?” Logan asked, as Aiden handed him Tyler. “No,” Taylor started the bike and took off as the Garrison professors and admin started to approach the tent. “Why am I holding this guy?” Logan asked, adjusting Tyler’s weight on him but careful not to let the boy fall off the bike.

“Can't this thing go any faster?” Aiden questioned, with a judgmental tone.

“We could toss out some non-essential weight,” Taylor shot back with a smirk on her face.

“Oh, right!” Aiden looked around for something to toss off the bike, “Okay, so that was an insult.” “Big guy! Lean left!” Taylor instructed to Ben. Ben leaned as instructed. His silent compliance added a much-needed stability to their chaotic escape. Tyler groaned softly in Logan's arms, stirring but not waking.

“Aw, man! Mr. Harris just wiped out Professor Montgomery! No, no. He's fine,” Logan assured the rest of the group. Taylor rolled her eyes.

“Big guy, lean right!” Taylor instructed Ben again and he did as he was told. “Guys? Is that a cliff up ahead?” Logan asked with stammer in his voice.

“Oh, no, no, no!” Aiden protested. “Yup,” Taylor smirked and pressed on the gas pedal. “No, no, no!” Logan and Aiden screamed as the bike approached the edge of the cliff.

“What are you doing? You're going to kill us all!” Logan asked, regret of this adventure seeping into his voice. “Shut up and trust me!” Taylor commanded, her grip tightening on the handlebars. As their speed increased, the ground beneath them dropped away and for a moment they were suspended in air.

————— In the morning, Taylor walked out to where Tyler had been admiring the sunset. “Hey Ty,” She greeted her brother.

"Hey Tay," Tyler responded, not taking his eyes off the horizon. He was sitting on a rock, legs folded beneath him in criss cross applesauce.

“It's good to have you back,” Taylor moved and sat down next to Tyler.

Tyler turned and looked at her with a faint smile on his face. “It's good to be back,” Taylor smiled back before laying into the questions, “So, what happened out there? Where were you?”

“I wish I could tell you, Tay. My head is still pretty scrambled from the whole experience,” Tyler shook his head softly. “I was on an alien ship, but somehow I escaped. It's all a blur. But, how did you know to come save me when I crashed?” “You should come see this,” Taylor stood up and offered Tyler her hand.

——— “What have you been working on, Taylor?” Tyler asked as Taylor yanked a cloth off the cork board on the wall. Logan, Aiden and Ben paused what they were doing and looked over at the twins.

“I can't explain it, really,” Taylor looked at the bulletin board, “After getting booted from the Garrison, I was kind of lost and found myself drawn out to this place. It's like something some energy, was telling me to search,” “Search for what?” Aiden asked. “Well, I didn't really know at the time until I stumbled across this area,” Taylor pointed at a picture that was almost out of her reach, “It's an outcropping of giant boulders with caves covered in these ancient markings. Each tells a slightly different story about a blue lion, but they all share clues leading to some event, some arrival happening last night,” She turned to Tyler, “Then, you showed up.” A thought dawned on Tyler, “I probably should thank you all for helping Tay get me out of there,” He extended his hand towards Aiden. “Aiden, right?”

Aiden nodded and took Tyler’s hand in his. After a firm handshake, Tyler moved to Logan and Ben. “The quiet guy is Ben. I’m Logan. So, did anyone else from your crew make it out?” “Uh, I’m not sure. Everything is a bit of a daze still,” Tyler frowned, “Sorry,” “It’s okay, don’t worry about it,” Logan assured Tyler.

Ben typed up something on his phone, “Yeah, sorry to interrupt, but back to the aliens. Where are they now? Are they coming? Are they coming for us? Where are they at this very moment?” Everyone chuckled at the automated voice messing up a few words at the general repetitiveness of the message. “I can't really put it together. I remember the word ‘Voltron.’ It's some kind of weapon they're looking for, but I don't know why,” Tyler paused, “Whatever it is, I think we need to find it before they do.” Ben quickly typed up another message, “Well, last night, I was rummaging through Logan’s stuff, and-” “Why were you going through my stuff?” Logan asked, cutting off the automated voice. Ben rolled his eyes softly before typing out a new message and letting it play. “I watched a lady bug crawl in. But, then, I started reading his diary.” “What?” Logan asked, grabbing the book Ben pulled out of his pocket away from the taller boy. Ben’s message kept playing out of the phone, “I noticed the repeating series of numbers the aliens are searching for -looks a lot like a Fraunhofer line.” “Frown who?” Taylor asked with a frown on her face.

Ben typed a reply quickly, “It's a number describing the emission spectrum of an element, only, this element doesn't exist on Earth. I thought it might be this Voltron. I think can build a machine to look for it, like a Voltron finder,” Aiden stared at his cousin in shock as the tall boy pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket. Ben typed up one more message before opening the paper up. “The wavelength looks like this.” “Give me that!” Taylor demanded before holding it up to the picture she had pointed to earlier. The two pictures, the graph and photograph, matched up perfectly.

———

“Okay, I admit it. This is super freaky.” Aiden mumbled under his breath as the group traversed the desert plateaus. “I'm getting a reading.” Taylor looked at the small device that Ben had put together and given her to read. “This way,” She pulled Logan, who’s bag was filled with the rest of the equipment and attached to the device in Taylor’s hand, in the direction of the reading.

After a while of walking, they came across a cave. Adorning the walls was several carvings, no, hundreds of carvings of a female lion.

“Whoa.” The group looked around and gasped simultaneously. Tyler turned towards Taylor, “What are these?” “These are the lion carvings I was telling you about,” Taylor assured Tyler, before dragging her hand over the dust on the wall. Immediately the carving lit up bright blue and shined in Taylor’s face. Taylor jumped back into Tyler’s arms as the ground crumbled beneath the small group. Everyone screamed as the floor collapsed and shot them down a slide like earth fixture. “TAYLOR!” Aiden complained as soon they landed. “Why do you and Ben feel the need to touch everything?” Ben turned and glared at Aiden, but remained quiet as usual. “I didn’t know that touching the wall would make the floor collapse,” Taylor told Aiden, everyone turned toward a large giant Lion with a force field. “Is this it? Is this the Voltron?” Tyler asked. “It must be,” Logan took the tracker device out of Taylor’s hand. “This is what's been causing all of this crazy energy out here.” “Looks like there's a force field around it.” Aiden point out as Taylor and he started to walk up to it.

“Does anyone else get the feeling this is staring at them?” Taylor asked, moving slightly. “No,” Tyler followed his sister and the blonde up to the lion. “Hm, yeah no. It’s definitely following me,” Taylor decided. Aiden walked up and gently put his hands on the force field. “I wonder how we get through this,” Taylor smirked as a idea popped into her head, “Maybe you just have to knock,” She rapped her fingers against the cool energy field, it immediately fell away. “AH!” Taylor jumped back slightly. A vision of a large robotic man appeared in all five kids minds. “Woah,” Logan looked up at the lion.

“Uh, did everyone just see that?” Tyler asked, rubbing his head slightly. “Voltron is a robot.” Aiden muttered as if in a trance, “Voltron is a huge, huge, awesome robot.” “And this thing is only one part of it! I wonder where the rest of them are.” Taylor mused as she walked up to the lion. “This is what they're looking for,” Tyler whispered, mostly to himself. “Incredible.” The lion stood up as Taylor approached, and Ben and Logan screamed. “Come on babies! Let’s check it out!” “Hate to be a voice of reason, like ever, but Taylor stop touching things!” Aiden ran after the girl as she darted into the Lion.

Tyler motioned for Ben and Logan to follow him after the other two. Ben typed something up on his phone quickly, “Isn’t this a bad idea?” “Yeah but it’s a fun idea, live a little,” Tyler smirked before walking up into the lion as well. Ben and Logan glanced at each other once before following Tyler into the ship. As soon as they entered the lion, Aiden turned to them. “Okay, guys, I feel the need to point out, just so that we're all aware. We are in some kind of futuristic alien cat head right now.” “Yup,” Taylor smirked, moving to sit down. She put her hands on the controls.

As soon as she did, a deep purring spoke through her head. “Woah,” She turned to the rest of the group, “Did you guys just hear that?” “Hear what?” Logan asked, looking at Taylor. Taylor looked around the small cockpit, “I think it's talking to me.” She mumbled, before moving the controls around. The lion immediately took off, and the lion shot out of the cave.

Aiden, Logan and Ben grabbed each other and screamed. Tyler started at them in disbelief for a moment before turning his attention to Taylor. “Careful Tay,” He pointed out a rock formation. Taylor responded immediately, moving the controls around to avoid the obstacle. “You are the worst pilot ever!” Logan screamed as Taylor sent the Lion into a spiral.

With an eager grin, Taylor turned to the others and exclaimed, “Isn't this awesome?” Taylor asked. “Make it stop.” Logan begged, “Make it stop,” “I’m not doing anything.” Taylor promised, “It's like it's on autopilot.” The Lion steered itself towards the atmosphere, “Where are you going?” Aiden asked, stumbling as the lion rocked violently.

“I just said it's on autopilot!” Taylor insisted, “It says there's an alien ship approaching Earth. I think we're supposed to stop it.” “What did it say, exactly?” Tyler asked, leaning forward to look out the window.

“It's not like it's saying words.” Taylor felt the eyes of all 4 boys fall onto her in disgust and disbelief, “It's more like feeding ideas into my brain, kind of.”

“If this thing is the weapon they're coming for, why don't we just, I don't know, give it to them? Maybe they'll leave us alone.” Ben’s phone read out for him. Tyler turned, offended, “You don't understand,” He assured Ben, “These monsters spread like a plague throughout the galaxy, destroying everything in their path.” Ben gulped, clearly distressed but Tyler continued, “There's no bargaining with them. They won't stop until everything is dead.” “Okay, he gets it,” Aiden defending, “Don’t lay into him like that,” They all turned to see an alien ship entering the space around Earth’s atmosphere. Taylor interrupted the boys before a huge argument could erupt, “Okay, I think I know what to do.” She pushed the controls forward and the lion shot forward into the sky.

“Hey! This isn't a simulator,” Logan reminded Taylor as the Lion reached the exosphere. “That’s good. I always crashed the simulation when I was in school,” She smirked at Logan who gave her a panicked look. “That’s not calming!” Logan told Taylor as the girl moved the controls around. “Let’s try this!” She exclaimed as she pushed the controls forward. The jaw of the lion open and a beam of energy shot out towards the alien ship. The energy beam hit the side of the alien ship, causing a series of bright, violent explosions to ripple across its metallic hull. “Nice job, Tay,” “I think it's time to get these guys away from our planet.” Taylor said, piloting the lion away from Earth. They got a good distance before the alien ship started to follow them. “Oh no,” Tyler mumbled under his breath. “They're gaining on us!” Logan panicked, pushing the back of Taylor’s seat. “It's weird. They're not trying to shoot us. They're just chasing.” Taylor observed, her fingers nimbly adjusting the controls as she kept a steady eye on the pursuing ship. Aiden put his hands up to get everyone’s attention, “Okay, seriously, now we think having aliens follow us is good? I am not on board with this new direction, guys.” “Where are we?” Ben’s phone read out, the digital voice cutting through the noise in the cockpit.

“Edge of the solar system. There's Kerberos,” Logan pointed at the moon of Pluto. “That’s impossible, it took us months to get out here,” Tyler gasped in disbelief, “We got out here in five seconds.” A spherical opening, a distorted sphere with a glowing center opened up in front of the lion. It was a good distance away but the Lion seemed to be dead set on going through.

“A wormhole of sorts, where does it go?” Logan asked Taylor, who struggled and said she didn’t know.

“Tyler, you're the senior officer here. What should we do?” Taylor looked up at her brother.

Tyler looked at the other kids, “Whatever is happening, the lion knows more than we do.” Tyler looked at Aiden, who nodded, “I say we trust it, but we're a team now. We should decide together.” Taylor glanced around, all for boys nodded at her. “Alright, guess you’re all skipping class tomorrow,” She pushed the controls forward and the Lion shot into the wormhole.

———— As they exited the wormhole, an entirely new vista unfolded before their eyes. Kaleidoscopic patterns of nebulae painted the alien sky, with twinkling stars that seemed to breathe and pulse with life. “Where are we?” Ben’s phone read out again, its digital voice sounding even more surreal amidst this cosmic seascape.

“I have no clue,” Logan answered, “I don’t recognize any of these star patterns,” “Me neither,” Tyler looked out the window at the sky. “We must be a long, long way from Earth.” The lion approached a earth like planet, “The lion seems to want to go to this planet.” Taylor told the boys, “I think I think it's going home.” The lion soared into the planet’s atmosphere, plunging through plumes of vibrant, iridescent clouds. As they broke through the final layer, a sprawling cityscape came into view, nestled amidst a lush expanse of emerald-green forests and crystalline rivers.

"Doesn't look like anything from our textbooks," Aiden remarked, his eyes wide with awe.

“Um, is it just me or is anyone else having second thoughts about flying through a mysterious wormhole? Why are we listening to a robotic lion anyway?” Logan asked as the Lion approached a castle like building. “It got us away from that alien warship, didn't it?” Taylor shot back. “I don't know if you noticed, but we're in an alien warship.” Tyler pointed out, patting Taylor on the head.

“Oh, are you scared?” Taylor teased. “With you at the helm? Terrified,” Tyler poked the side of her face before turning his attention to the castle they were approaching.

The castle was enormous, a towering structure of gleaming spires and arching buttresses that seemed to shimmer with an ethereal light. As they landed, Tyler pulled everyone’s attention to him. “No one's happy to be in this situation, but we're here now. If we want to get through this, we've got to do it together.” “Yes sir,” Aiden gave a teasing salute.

“Don’t do that,” Tyler crossed his arms.

“Look at that castle though,” Taylor got out of the pilot seat and tried to book it out of the lion. Tyler grabbed her arm and stopped her, “Keep your guard up.” “Is something wrong Tyler?” Logan asked, cautiously prodding for information. Tyler turned to him, “My crew was captured by aliens once. I'm not going to let it happen again,” As soon as the kids were out of the lion and walking up to the castle, the lion moved. “No! I knew it was going to eat us! No!” Logan screeched, covering his head with his hands. The lion roared and the entrance to the castle opened. “No, it’s just opening the door for us,” Aiden pointed out, touching Logan’s shoulder. The slightly taller boy looked up and sighed in relief. Taylor ran into the castle, “Hello?” She called out into the pitch black foyer. “Taylor! Be careful!” Tyler scolded his sister as the boys walked in after her.

“I am!” Taylor promised, “Hello? Is anyone there?” “Please hold for identity scan,” A voice called out before a beam of light scanned over the five kids.

“What? Why are we here? What do you want with us?” Logan asked as the beam stopped scanning them. Lights leading down the hall flickered on, “Guess we’re going that way,” Aiden started walking down the hall. As they all walked down the hall, the lights continued to flick on, lighting and leading their way. Eventually, they were lead to a room with two cryo-pods. Ben typed up a quick message on his phone and played it out for everyone, “Where are we?” “It's some kind of control room,” Logan observed, scanning the unfamiliar technology around them with a hit of curiosity. “Are these guys dead?” Aiden asked, tapping onto one of the cryo-pods. The pod opened with a hiss of air and a red headed girl fell out, her knees buckling as she called out, “Dad!” Aiden leaped forward and caught her, “Hello there,”

“Who are you? Where am I?” The girl asked, looking up into Aiden’s eyes. Aiden smirked, “I’m Aiden, and you’re right here in my arms,”

"Quit the flirt, Aiden. We're not in a rom-com," Tyler grumbled, stepping forward and offering a hand to the girl. “Who are you people?” The girl asked, pushing Aiden to the ground as she took Tyler’s hand. Tyler helped her up. “Where is King Mike? What are you doing in my castle? “A blue lion brought us here,” Taylor butted in. “How do you have the Blue Lion? What happened to its paladin? What are you all doing here? Unless,” She paused, “How long has it been?” “We don’t know what your talking about,” Logan said as the girl pushed away from Tyler and walked over to a small panel sticking out of the floor and started typing on it. “Why don't you tell us who you are? Maybe we can help.” Tyler suggested, sticking his hands in his shorts pockets. “I am Princess Ashlyn of Planet Altea,” Ashlyn informed the earthlings, “I've got to find out where we are and how long we've been asleep.” Logan looked over her shoulder, “Okay, that's how that works. What is that language though?” A man groaned before Ashlyn could answer. He fell out of his pod before jumping up, “Enemy combatants!” “Nope! Nope!” Taylor assured him otherwise, “We’re friendly, I promise,” The man looked skeptical but stood at ease. “It can't be.” Ashlyn gasped, covering her mouth. “What is it?” The man asked, suddenly very worried for the princess. “We've been asleep for 10,000 years.” Ashlyn stared forward, “Planet Altea and all of the planets in our solar system have been destroyed. Alex, Father is gone. Our entire civilization,”

“Maverick,” Alex shook his head is disbelief. “Maverick?” Logan asked in confusion. “He was the King of the Galra. A vile creature and enemy to all free people.” Ashlyn started to sink onto the floor. “I remember now, I was his prisoner,” Tyler crossed his arms over his chest. “He's still alive? Impossible!” Alex stared at Tyler in disbelief and distrust. “I can't explain it, but it's true,” Tyler nodded, “He's searching for a super weapon called Voltron.” Ashlyn stood back up, “He's searching for it because he knows it's the only thing that can defeat him, and that's exactly why we must find it before he does,” “We?” Aiden interrupted, “Why us?

Word Count: 5,074

[holmesianlove]

Chapter 25 -  Christmas Tree

When John came down the stairs, ready for a morning cup of tea, he was shocked to find the lounge in quite the mess. Strewn across the ground were boxes and an array of Christmas decorations. And Sherlock sitting in amongst a mess of tree parts.

“Sherlock—“

“So… this sort of happened…” Sherlock said, looking at John sheepishly.

“What have you done, Sherlock?”

“I thought I'd put the tree together. You know, since you did the Christmas baking and—“

“The tree? We’ve never had a tree before.”John looked at the state of the lounge in shock. “It’s seven o'clock in the morning! How long have you been up?”

“Well, I had to haul the stuff out of the flat downstairs and unpack it all…”

“Well, I see you've done that much,” John scoffed.

“Yes, but it seems I hit a little snag. It doesn't have instructions, John,” he sulked in reply.

“It's a tree, Sherlock. A plastic tree.” 

“I know but it should have some kind of assembly instructions, surely.” Sherlock looked so lost and confused surrounded by tree parts. It was somewhat tragic. And adorable.

“How are you such a genius but you can't figure out how to put a tree together?” John teased.

“I don't know. I thought I had it, but it's not making any sense to me. I was going to surprise you. For when you woke up, but now… I clearly need my blogger to solve this.”

John sighed and shook his head, although, in fairness, he felt nothing but affection for this idiot. It would have been a lovely surprise if he had achieved his goal though.

“Okay then, let’s see what we can do about this…” He walked over and assessed the fake fir tree pieces.

“Well, look there, if you turn them over, they've got little letters on them. See this one?” he said, grabbing the nearest piece, with a sticker that had a letter B on it. 

“Yes…” Sherlock said, listening intently. 

“And then… look on the tree stem and there should be letters that match?” John suggested.

Sherlock reached around and grabbed the stand. “It can't be that simple!” he cried.

“It really is,” John sighed, and handed the piece of tree over. Sherlock looked at them a little unsure, so John came closer and grabbed Sherlock’s hand with the tree piece in it, moved it to the tree stand and placing it in the slot. It took him a moment to register that he was essentially holding Sherlock’s hand but the minute it snapped into place he let go. “There you go. See? Simple,” he said, as he stepped away. 

Sherlock looked up at him in silence for a moment, apparently dazzled by his wisdom.

“Now there should be another one somewhere in this mess. There will be three or four of that same letter and we're gonna join them all together, okay? And you keep going until all the pieces are locked into the stand.”

“It doesn't look like a tree yet,” Sherlock announced. 

“Just click them all on first, Sherlock. That's just step one.” John chuckled to himself. So impatient.

Sherlock looked up at John. “How do you know this?”

“It's not my first Christmas, Sherlock. How do you not know this? Need I remind you, you brought the tree here.” 

“Well, I usually go home for Christmas and the tree's already assembled. That is to say, we always get a fresh fir from the forest.”

“Of course you do,” John scoffed, with an eye roll. “Of course you bloody do.”

“Or if I stay home, I just… don’t put up a tree, I suppose. Christmas is sometimes just a regular day that passes without event for me. But it feels different this year. I wanted to do this.”

“How long have you had this tree, then?” John asked. 

“Mrs Hudson was going to throw it out and I thought it might be nice for us to have a tree,” Sherlock said absently, as he returned to his job of assembling the branches.

“Is this your first time putting a fake tree together?” John said with absolute disbelief. “Oh my goodness this is adorable. I feel like I need to grab my phone and get a photo of this moment! Sherlock Holmes learning the ways of the little people.” 

“Shut up,” Sherlock sulked, carrying on. 

“No, it's good. It's really good. You're doing a great job,” John said, still laughing. “Sorry, I didn't realise you'd never done this before. And I just had not expected to wake up and find a Christmas tree in the lounge. Or a disassembled one, at least.” 

Sherlock nodded and carried on, putting the pieces together. John grabbed a couple when he looked lost, but mostly stood back and observed his friend, experiencing the joy of the task - or the frustration. Sherlock mumbled quietly to himself as he tried to work through the problem, and John just stood and smiled at him adoringly. His chest felt full of joy, to be part of this. To see Sherlock bring Christmas into their flat. Finally all the pieces were in place.

“So then what?” he asked. “This looks wholly unimpressive.”

“So then, we fluff it up,” John explained, walking over to lean across Sherlock and show him what to do with one of the branches. Sherlock looked fascinated and set about that next part of the challenge. He relaxed into it and even started humming some Christmas songs as he went.

John disappeared into the kitchen to make tea for them both, and when he returned, Sherlock had already sorted the branches and started with the decorating. He put their teas down and grabbed some decorations to help. At one point, Sherlock accidentally got tangled around John, when he attempted to put the lights on the tree, and the two of them had to stop, laughing first before finally twirling their way out of the mess.

Finally, the tree was complete, and the lights were on and they stood back, smiling and enjoying their handiwork together. The lights twinkled and the little decorations looked so much prettier with the light around them.

“I made us tea,” John sighed, shaking his head in disbelief that he’d just taught his genius friend how to do something new, apparently. They sat on the sofa together admiring it as they sipped at their tea.

“I really love a decorated tree,” John sighed, looking all dreamy eyed.

“Yes but why are they so complicated to assemble? Do people really put them up every year?” Sherlock huffed. 

“Oh yeah, and then we have to pull it apart again.”

“Seems crazy to do this now and only pull it down again in a few days, and I’m not even going to be here to enjoy it.”

“It’s okay. I will enjoy it. The place will feel Christmassy for me,” John said with a sad smile. “I love the coloured lights.”

Sherlock turned to look at John, watching the tree all starry eyed.

“Are you sure you don’t mind me going home for Christmas, John?”

“Sherlock, it’s fine. It’s your family. I’ll keep Mrs Hudson company. It will be quiet and it will be lovely,” John said. “And you’ve given me a tree now.” He grinned.

“They did invite you too,” Sherlock reminded him, a little hopeful.

John sighed. The offer had been lovely. And he had gone last year. But it was too much for him, when he was feeling the way he did, to sit around being all full of Christmas cheer and heart eyes for Sherlock, and hanging around with his family, as if he was really a part of it, like a partner, when he knew nothing was further from the truth. No, a Christmas alone would suit much better. Get his head straight. Besides, Mycroft would take one look at his face and announce how he felt to Sherlock directly. And that would not do at all.

“I know. It’s a lovely offer, but I think a quiet one at home is what I’d prefer,” he said gently. “Thank you, though.” They sat in silence for a while, finishing their tea. John could occasionally feel Sherlock watching him, but he didn’t turn his head. “You know, all it’s missing is presents underneath. And actually, I wanted to give you your present. I know it’s early but why not. It might be useful for your trip.” John ran off to his room and brought back a wrapped present, to find Sherlock standing in the middle of the room, holding one as well.

“Oh,” he laughed. “Great. Let’s do these now then.”

“We could leave them under the pretty tree and just open them at Christmas?” Sherlock suggested, sounding a bit uncertain. “I can take mine with me?”

“No, I think I need to see your face for this one,” John said, suddenly feeling nervous. “The next couple of days are a bit busy and then you’ll be gone. I don’t mind if you don’t?”

They both sat on the sofa beside each other and Sherlock shoved his at John. “You first,” he said.

John laughed and passed his to Sherlock to hold onto while he unwrapped his gift first. It was a soft and squishy package, and when he opened it he smiled. Sherlock had bought him gloves and a scarf, in a beautiful soft cashmere wool. “Oh wow,” he sighed. “Sherlock, these are too much. They would have cost a packet.” He looked up at Sherlock, feeling embarrassed that his present would not stack up now. “Honestly, you shouldn’t have…”

“John, you do so much for me,” Sherlock said, with a gentle smile before his brow furrowed. “And it irritates me endlessly that you are always cold and you refuse to wear such things, so now you will feel obligated and I will worry less,” he said, his nose tilting up in defiance.

John chuckled gently. “They’re lovely.” He sighed, stroking at the soft fabric. “Really I don’t know what to say.”

“The same blue as your eyes, I thought,” he said, almost in a whisper and John looked over at him. Their eyes held each other for a moment in silence. John tried so desperately to read what was in that expression on Sherlock’s face.

“Yes.” Sherlock nodded. “Definitely the right blue,” he confirmed, and then broke the moment to focus on the present in his lap.

“Okay, now mine is going to seem… a bit… less…” John fumbled, suddenly embarrassed.

“Is this… from the bookstore? In Brussels,” he asked as he unwrapped excitedly.

“Yes… but it’s silly… I just thought… how you like the treasure hunts your brother did and I took a punt… I don’t… it’s not nearly as fancy as your—“

Sherlock held up a hand to stop him talking as he pulled the book from its wrapping. His face had paled.

John’s brow furrowed as he tried to understand what was happening. Sherlock’s reaction was not what he expected at all. They were supposed to laugh about it and John would tell him to put it on the shelf with his travel collection and be done with it.

“I thought it might be useful on the train home…”

“Treasure Island,” Sherlock sighed dreamily, as he brought his hand down and stroked the cover.

“I know it’s really a children’s book but it just was meant to be funny, something silly… from our trip… after the story you told… I imagined you… like a pirate.”

“I always wanted to be a pirate,” Sherlock said, nodding slowly as he stroked the book lovingly. He closed his eyes for a moment as if he was saying a prayer, and slowly opened the cover.

John did not understand his reaction to the book at all. He was already feeling stupid for buying it, even though Sherlock seemed… pleased? Although it was hard to tell.

Sherlock slowly peeled back the first page to reveal the title page of the book. Treasure Island scrawled in the same dramatic font as the dust cover, and then he sucked in a gasp of a breath.

“What… What is it?” John asked, still confused.

Sherlock’s eyes flicked up to John’s and they were filled with tears. 

“What?!” John asked again, not understanding.

He looked down at the book and back at Sherlock’s teary eyes. On the page there was a dedication scrawled from a previous owner that John hadn’t even seen. He had only flicked through it briefly in the shop without paying it any mind as he decided whether or not to buy it. There had been some pages with colour illustrations at various points in the book which he thought was charming, and he had made the impulsive decision to grab it while Sherlock was elsewhere in the store. 

“You did it,” Sherlock sighed.

“Did what? Sherlock, what are you—?”

Sherlock passed him the book, so he could read the artistic scrawl in blue ink on the page, apparently unable to speak.

To Captain Will Holmes, my little adventurer.

John looked up at Sherlock. “Oh, Ha! Holmes. What a lovely coincidence.” He smiled and looked at Sherlock who had a bloody tear rolling down his cheek now. “Wait. I’ve missed something, haven’t I?”

“It’s the book, John. It’s… my book. That I lost.”

“No.” John looked horrified. How had he… God, that wasn’t the purpose of the gift and now it suddenly had more meaning than he intended and he was rapidly regretting it. He didn’t want Sherlock to think… to know… “It can’t be!” 

“It is. That’s my father’s handwriting. Captain Holmes. That’s me.”

John hadn’t even made the connection. Of course. William Sherlock Scott Holmes. His first name wasn’t actually Sherlock. John frowned. That had not been the intention of the present at all. But even if he had seen the dedication he wouldn’t have put two and two together. “So… so… it’s… really your…” 

Before he could process any more, Sherlock had attacked him with a hug, knocking the air out of him. They fell back against the sofa as Sherlock just squeezed him tight. John was confused by the whole thing but finally wrapped his own arms round his friend, reciprocating the hug which felt… so very right. After an awkwardly long silence and hug John trie to speak.

“Gosh, Sherlock. I didn’t know. I just… grabbed it and—” 

“Shhhh!” Sherlock hissed, and just hugged onto him tighter.

John felt a nervous giggle which bubbled up but settled just as quickly. He had Sherlock wrapped around him, in an emotional mess too, it seemed. The hug lasted for much longer than it should have, but John didn’t mind, and Sherlock didn’t seem to either, which John found confusing.

Then as quickly as it had begun, Sherlock let go and sat up, wiping at his eyes, giving a loud sniff and grabbing the book off the floor to look at it again. “Thank you, John. Thank you. Really.”

“Well, I’m happy to take credit for more than I planned. But, honestly, it was just a silly book to add to your commemorative trip collection really.”

“Well, now, it’s so much more,” he sighed, gazing at John with a whole new expression. “I need to ring my father,” he said, leaping up from the couch to go and find his phone. “He will never believe this,” he added, as he laughed heartily and disappeared down the corridor.

John sat alone on the sofa, a little shocked, the smell of Sherlock still lingering around him. The intensity of the moment still lingering there too, leaving him conflicted. He let out a sigh and a smile, and went back to drinking his slightly cold tea and went back to enjoying the glow of the lights on the tree.

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[deliciousangelfestival]

The Malicious Daughter is Back! - 2

Character : Bucky Barnes x Female!Reader

Summary: It's just a business marriage. Bucky thought it would be easy until he encountered the stepsister of his fiancée. She turned his world upside down.

The Malicious Daughter Is Back! Series Masterlist

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Thank you to everyone who has read this chapter. Leave a comment and Reblog, please. I'd love to hear your thoughts. ❤️

“Cassy, pardon my eldest daughter. As a mother, I admit the mistakes and the shame you've witnessed today.” Genevieve clasped her friend’s hands together, her demeanor polished yet tense.

She couldn't ruin Victoria and Bucky's engagement because of you. She had worked hard to persuade her husband to connect with the Barnes.

Juliana looked at Genevieve, noting how she was swallowing her pride—a remarkable feat for such a proud woman. She gently patted her friend's hand. “It’s alright. Every family has its own troubles.”

Genevieve's face brightened upon hearing that. She placed a hand on her chest. “Oh, what a great friend you are. I’m so glad we’re going to be in-laws.”

Victoria felt a wave of relief wash over her. Your attempt to ruin her future hadn't succeeded.

Bucky and his mother, exuding an air of sophistication and wealth, got into their Rolls-Royce Phantom. Juliana's movements were graceful, and her every gesture was a testament to their family's high status. Still silent and composed, Bucky followed her, his mind racing with thoughts of the day’s events.

In the quiet ride, Bucky's mind kept replaying the events of the day. His fingers touched his lips.

Someone had touched his face and kissed him.

He hadn’t vomited or fainted.

He would have to see the doctor tomorrow.

“Are you alright?” Juliana looked at her son, noticing how unusually quiet he seemed. He hadn't shown any reaction when she saw him get so close to you. Compared to Victoria, she could see Bucky's face turn pale.

Bucky murmured, “It's strange.”

Then he looked at his mother. “After what we saw today, do you still want to keep the engagement going?”

Juliana tilted her head and crossed her arms. “We need their money. I thought being in-laws would benefit us, but I'm starting to have second thoughts. We'll see.”

She asked, “What about you? If you don't like it, we can stop the wedding.”

Bucky hummed, his eyes looking out the window. “I don't know.”

Right now, all he needed was an answer to why he didn’t react when you kissed him.

He grabbed his phone and started typing, his fingers moving quickly over the screen. “I want you to search for someone.” Then he clicked send.

Within a minute, his phone vibrated with a message: “OK.”

Bucky leaned back in his seat, his fingers lingering on his lips, his mind racing as the car smoothly glided through the city streets.

💋💋💋💋

Inside the bedroom, Bucky emerged from the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist, water droplets glistening on his six-pack abs and muscular chest. His dark hair was damp, and he exuded a fresh, clean scent.

He had spent an hour in the shower, trying to wash away the sensation of Victoria’s touch.

Then he heard his phone buzz again. It was the information he had requested about your background.

He quickly put on his pants, then sat on the edge of his bed, his body still slightly wet, and started reading the message, his eyes scanning the details intently.

The story unfolded: you are the child of the first wife. After your mother's death, your father, Jonathan, brought another woman and her daughter into the house.

It turned out that when Jonathan was drunk, a woman took advantage of the situation. That woman was Genevieve, and her daughter was Victoria.

You hated your stepmother and stepsister, becoming a rebel. You caused chaos at home and were a troublemaker at school, until the day you were finally kicked out of the house.

Bucky read on until he reached the part about your occupation. His eyes widened in disbelief, and he stood up abruptly. “She's what?!”

🎒🎒🎒🎒

“RINGGGG!”

The bell's sound echoed throughout the entire building. It was supposed to signal the students to enter their classrooms. But they didn’t. They continued smoking, sitting on the floor, or sleeping.

This was a common sight at Granite Hills Reform School, where problematic, delinquent students from all over the country were gathered.

“Tuck. Tuck. Tuck.” The sound of something hitting the floor echoed in the hallway. Students who were still lingering started to head into their classrooms. The sound served as a final warning for them.

They didn’t want to have a problem with the person responsible for the noise.

“It’s time to enter the class, you lazy pricks. Why the heck are you guys still here? Are you discussing the solution for world peace?” You tapped a baseball bat on a locker door, addressing the final-year students who were still acting tough.

The students who had been acting strong before began to back away. One of them pulled a friend away from starting a fight with you. “Let's go. Didn’t you hear she fought two students who weighed like sumo wrestlers?”

“It was her? Damn. No wonder she broke her left hand.”

You watched as the last group of students left the hallway. Now it was empty.

You entered your classroom. Your students were already waiting for you, looking attentive and ready.

You sat on your chair and rested your leg on your teacher's desk.

Pointing at one student, you said, “Andre, prepare the TV.”

“TV again? When can we study?” Jimmy, one of the students, complained.

“Now you want to study? Fuck. I don't get paid enough for this,” you retorted.

“Grab your phone and look for 'To Kill a Mockingbird,'” you instructed.

“We didn't use the book?” Jimmy asked.

“What's the point? You're going to throw the book away,” you replied.

The other students agreed with your reasoning.

“Read two chapters, and I will ask you questions,” you said.

The students in your class started complaining amongst themselves, but you didn't care.

After a while, you announced, “Time's up,” and began asking questions.

You got up from your seat and walked around the class, your presence commanding attention. Then, you picked unlucky student Jimmy.

“Who is Scout Finch, and how does she introduce herself and her family in Chapter 1?” you asked.

Jimmy gulped nervously. “Scout Finch is a local shopkeeper who lives alone and has no family.”

“WRONG,” you declared bluntly.

“Miss, I know the answer,” Andre raised his hand eagerly.

“Give it to me,” you commanded.

“Scout Finch is the young narrator of the story. She introduces her father, Atticus Finch, her brother, Jem, and mentions her mother’s death,” Andre confidently answered.

You snapped your fingers, a smirk playing on your lips. “That's right. Bravo.” Then, you pulled dollar bills from your pants pocket and handed them to Andre.

“As a reward, you could skip this class, buy a coca-cola for you, and grab a coffee from the cafeteria for me,” you said.

“But… I'm diabetic,” Andre protested.

“A mineral water for you then,” you replied dismissively.

Andre rolled his eyes and left the classroom. As he headed to the cafeteria, he never imagined that the hallway would be empty and the dirty graffiti gone.

All of this has happened since you joined this school, and the crime records have also decreased significantly.

You were scary as heck, but you had made a change in this school.

As Andre returned to the class with the drinks, he saw someone who seemed out of place entering the building.

He looked the gentleman up and down. This man seemed to embody the type of person he wanted to become when he grew up.

“I'm looking for Miss Sinclair,” the man asked Andre with a deep voice.

Andre raised his eyebrows, taken aback. “My teacher?”

💋💋💋💋

Back in the classroom, you sat behind your teacher's desk, still asking questions while waiting for your coffee. You rested your right arm behind you and propped your legs up on the desk again.

Finally, Andre entered.

“Finally—" you began, but your words stopped short when you saw the person behind your student.

“Whaa—Andre, did you bring your master?” Jimmy asked, starting to laugh. “Hahaha—oh.” He realized he was the only one laughing in the class.

Andre handed you your coffee. “Here's your coffee, miss. This gentleman is looking for you.”

“Oh, you have a gigolo, miss?” Jimmy quipped.

You looked at the guest while sipping your hot coffee. “The outfit he's wearing from head to toe is worth more than your net worth, Jimmy.”

Other students murmured while Jimmy asked, “Should I become a gigolo too?”

“What are you doing here?” you asked Bucky.

“I want to talk to you,” Bucky replied.

“I don't have time,” you retorted.

“Is this how you talk after you stole a kiss from me?” Bucky's words hung in the air.

“Oohhh…,” the students murmured in surprise, their voices echoing in the classroom. Seeing their intimidating teacher talking to a man who looked prosperous, and she stole a kiss??

“RINGGGG…”

“Get all of your asses out of this room,” you commanded sternly, gesturing for the students to leave.

“Awww,” the students started complaining, reluctant to leave as they wanted to see what happened next. However, they eventually relented and filed out of the classroom, grumbling as they went. In a short moment, the classroom had become empty.

“Is this how you talk to your students?” Bucky asked, a hint of amusement in his voice, observing your interaction with the students.

“They're not students, they're devil spawn,” you replied with a wry smile, leaning back in your chair with a sense of satisfaction.

“Pfft…” Bucky turned away his face, trying his best not to laugh. Now, he realizes entirely that you're different from all the women he's ever met, especially Victoria.

“So why are you here? Is it because I kissed you without your consent?” you asked bluntly, raising an eyebrow.

Bucky cleared his throat. “Ehm. Partly. And I want to talk to you about something else. Please,” he replied politely, his demeanor surprisingly calm despite the situation.

You raised your eyebrows, not expecting him to ask so politely. He didn't seem mad, even after you kissed him. You were starting to feel like Bucky was too good for your stepsister.

Author Note: I have so much fun writing this chapter 😂

Taglist:

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If you've been enjoying the content, I've set up a Ko-fi account.

Your support through tips would mean the world and help me keep creating.

Only if you feel like it!

Here's the link: Ko-fi

Thanks a bunch for being fabulous followers!

[wannabekook]

Good Graces - Part Three

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(ʙᴀɴɴᴇʀ ᴍᴀᴅᴇ ʙʏ ᴍᴇ, ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴜꜱᴇ ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ ᴄʀᴇᴅɪᴛ)

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Part Two

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Pairing: Rafe Cameron x Reader Summary: She gets Rafe to do the unthinkable for the type of guy he is. Warnings: Angst, slight manipulation, Rafe being Rafe Word Count: 3.7k+ Proofread?: Yes, by @socialpsycho484 A/N: I had a not so fun time writing this one, I struggled so hard to churn this chapter out honestly. But this series is almost over! Haven't decided if I wanted to end it on a good ending or a bad ending yet. Hmmm decisions decisionssss. Remember my requests are open! So send in any requests. If you want to be on my taglist just send through my ask box and I'll put you down. Don't forget to follow and turn on post notifications to know when I post next. This is my reblogs, follow to see what I be reading. :)

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My phone went off for the umpteenth time just today. Over the past couple of days Rafe has been non stop blowing up my phone. I haven’t been in the mood to talk to him after the events of Midsummers. Especially after the impromptu hangout session I had with John B and his friends, learning how vile my supposed best friend is. My stomach twisted in betrayal as I thought about how I could even love someone like that. 

The sudden ring of my phone startled me, internally groaning as I grabbed it and answered it without looking at who was calling.

“If I wanted to talk to you I would’ve answered your fifty million fucking texts Rafe.” I said sternly, my voice dripping venom with each syllable. 

“Woah, he really fucked up didn’t he?” A soft awkward chuckle came from the other end of the phone, causing me to furrow my eyebrows. I pulled my phone away from my ear to see who was calling. Topper. 

“Shit, I’m sorry Top.” I sighed out as I put the phone back to my ear, earning another chuckle from the male. “He’s been texting me non stop since Midsummers’ night.” I groaned out displeased. 

“Yeah well..” he dragged out trying to find the right wording for the next thing he wanted to say, clearing his throat softly.

“Well what?” I spit out harshly, not in the mood for beating around the bush. A soft wince left his lips before letting out a sigh.

“Well he’s here at the country club throwing a fit about it. It’s honestly kind of alarming. I’ve never seen him like this.” he sighed out, his tone in distress. I let out a soft sigh as I heard a door open and close on his end. 

“Hey man, who are you talking to?” I could hear Rafe ask in an unrecognizable tone as Topper stammered for a moment. 

“My grandfather.” Topper finally got out, earning a slight huff from Rafe hoping he’d believe it. There’s a moment of silence before Topper speaks again. “So yeah, what do you think?” he asked, trying to sound convincing that he was talking to his grandfather as Rafe stood by him. I let out a soft sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose.

“Yeah, yeah. Alright. Give me like thirty and I’ll be there.” I huffed out.

“Alright co-” Topper cut himself off, clearing his throat “Alright, I’ll see you then.” he said evenly before hanging up the phone. I let out a sigh as I pulled the phone from my ear. Looking down at it in disbelief, finally processing what I had just agreed to doing. Breaking my few days of silence with Rafe.

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I had pulled into the parking lot of the country club about ten minutes ago. I stared at myself in the rear view mirror trying to steel myself for whatever I was about to walk into. Letting out a soft sigh, I carefully got out of my car. I stood for a moment with the door open as I adjusted my clothing to make sure everything was sitting properly. A pair of dark blue high waisted jeans with a red and black shirt that just so happened to be Rafe’s. Which he had left over one of the many nights he had stayed at my house. Paired with plain black tennis shoes. After a moment of adjusting, I let out an irritated sigh as I slammed my car door shut making sure to lock it. Carefully making my way into the building.

“I just don’t understand!” I hear Rafe from across the room. My gaze immediately found a very enraged Rafe and a very alarmed Topper. Internally cringing as I make my way towards the table, careful to make sure not to draw attention to myself so Rafe stays on whatever tangent he’s on. As soon as I’m at the table I throw my phone down to announce that I’m there without saying anything, crossing my arms over my chest. Both of them whip their heads towards me, a little startled. Rafe sits up straighter as he tries to hide his anger as Topper lets out a small breath of relief that I had actually shown. I looked between the two before my eyes landed on Rafe. My eyes filled with irritation as I stare him down. Of course he doesn’t budge. Topper cleared his throat softly.

“I’m uh.. I’m going to go get a drink.” he announced as he got up, Rafe and I continued our staring contest as I sat down. Topper looked between us before heading towards the bar, disappearing. As soon as he did Rafe parted his lips, trying to think of what to say as I didn’t budge at all.

“I was worried about you.” Rafe let out a harsh huff, causing me to laugh and shake my head at him “I’m being serious (Y/N)!” he slammed his hands down on the table. I immediately stopped laughing as I raised my eyebrow at him. His eyes searched my face, taking me in. 

“Don’t act like you actually care about me Rafe.” I sighed out as I looked away from him.

“Come on babe, don’t be like that.” he said almost silently as his body language softened. His hand reached out to grab mine as I felt everything freeze around us. “I care about you so much that it scares me sometimes.” he continued as I stayed silent. My heart feels like it’s about to leap out of my chest from him simply calling me ‘babe’. Cursing myself for allowing his words to affect me so easily. I let out a sigh as I looked towards Rafe, praying to whatever god that he couldn’t see the effect he had on me. But by the slight smirk I found on his face he already knew.

“And you going off with those Pogues..” he grimaced out as he continued causing me to scoff and pull my hand away from him. His eyes narrowing for just a moment, a quick snarky reply on the tip of his tongue before he sighs letting it go “..they’re just dangerous. They constantly do reckless shit. So yes, I care about you.” he plastered an exaggerated frown on his face.

“Dangerous?” I scoffed out “Like what you did to JJ the other night?” I raised my eyebrow again at him causing him to shift slightly in his seat.

“You weren’t supposed to see that.” he said gently with a slight shake of his head.

“But I did.” I spoke out curtly with a shrug of my shoulders “I always knew that you would torment them but..” I shook my head again  “..to now know that you’re actually physical with them, I’m not sure anymore Rafe.” 

“Not sure about what?” he questioned with raised eyebrows as he looked between my eyes. My eyebrows raised as I noticed how vulnerable he looked right now, trying to search for the words I wanted to say as he looked down to my lips before looking away altogether. 

“I’m not sure if I can forgive you.” I say softly causing him to slump with a soft exhale.

“I’ll do anything and I mean anything to make it up to you.” he looked me dead in the eye to make sure I knew he was being serious. I let out a soft hum as I raised my eyebrows at him. 

“Anything?” I questioned skeptically as he nodded frantically. 

“Yes, anything.” he said seriously with a nod. 

“Fine, let me think.” I hummed out as I sat and thought for a moment. His gaze heavy on me as he just searched my entire face waiting for a response. 

“One, you have to go and apologize to them and promise to never torment them ever again. But you have to physically promise with me present when you do so. Two, you have to accept the fact that I am now friends with John B in his friends. Since you know, once a pogue always a pogue. Third, you have to go to one of their parties with me.” I smiled at him almost too sweetly causing him to let out a disbelieving huff of annoyance. 

“That’s what I want you to do in order to win my forgiveness. Nothing more and nothing less.” I said matter of factly as I stared at him. His eyes met mine as he nodded.

“Alright, fine. Like I said babe, anything you want.” he said stiffly trying to hide his annoyance. I raised my eyebrows at him again as I tilted my head, trying to ignore the heat crawling up my neck as he decided to call me babe again. Letting a soft sigh out as I nodded at him. 

“Now come give me a hug.” he said softly as he stood. I watched him stand there for a moment before caving and getting up to give him a hug. As soon I stood, he immediately pulled me in. Pulling me tightly against him as he lets out a shaky breath. I couldn’t help but to wrap my arms around him as tightly as I could.

“I’m so sorry.” I said softly into my hair, kissing the top of my head a moment later as I rub his back gently.

“It’s okay.” I mumble softly against his chest “Doesn’t mean I forgive you fully. I just know how protective of me you are.” I pulled away causing him to pull away with a curt nod.

“Of course, I’ll always be protective of you.” he pushed a strand of hair out of my face before caressing my cheek “You mean the world to me, no matter what.” he admitted softly, voice barely above a whisper. If I wasn’t so close to him, I definitely would have missed it. He glanced from my eyes to my lips back to my eyes, slightly leaning in before someone cleared their throat. Both of us looked over to see Topper awkwardly looking between the two of us, a glass of whiskey in hand. A blush immediately crept its way onto my cheeks as I pulled further away from Rafe, putting as much distance between us as I could.

“Soo..” Topper drew out once again looking between us, “Is everything good?” I let out a small noise to confirm that we were fine, not trusting my voice. My eyes glued to the ground, not wanting to look at them. 

“Yeah man, we’re good.” Rafe nodded, his signature smirk on his face as he looked towards me. “Oh, by the way (Y/N), nice shirt.” Rafe teased softly as Topper raised his eyebrows. I looked up to Rafe with his stupidly cute smirk on his face as my cheeks burned more. 

“I…it wa..” I stammered for a second before clearing my throat and standing up straighter before I continued, “It was the only shirt I could find. I was in a rush to get here. Since Topper couldn’t get you to calm down himself.” I state calmly as Rafe raised his eyebrows, looking at me with curiosity. Topper shooting me a look for outing him like that

“Is that so?” Rafe asked in a teasing tone with a faint smile, “Well, it looks better on you anyways.” he finished, knowing exactly what he’s doing to me. I could only nod softly as he eyed me up. Topper cleared his throat once more while looking between the two of us.

“So I was thinking..” Topper started before Rafe shook his head, his eyes never leaving my figure.

“No, we have something we need to do.” Rafe spoke flatly as he glanced towards Topper, causing me to look fully at him. Confusion clearly present on my face.

“I need to apologize to certain people, and you said you wanted to be present.” he shrugged as I nodded.

“Oh, right. I didn’t think you’d do it now.” I spoke softly before looking towards Topper, “Sorry Top, wish we could say and hangout.” I give him a small hug, not noticing the way Rafe’s eye twitches the moment Topper puts his arm around me.

“Hey, no worries. I’ll catch you both later.” he says as he pulls away raising his glass. I smiled with another nod before looking toward Rafe.He nodded in return as he turned to leave the building, glancing back at me to make sure I would be following. Which of course I would be. Once at the door he held it open for me, smiling as I gave him a quiet thank you. We both stay silent as we walk towards our cars, not knowing that I had parked right next to him without even realizing. Finding it absolutely ironic since I subconsciously always park right by Rafe no matter if I am actively seeking him out or not. A soft sigh exits my lips as I pull my car keys out unaware that Rafe has stopped in front of his Ranger Rover. I begin to pull my keys out to unlock my car before his hand touches mine, stopping me from my current task. My breath hitches as I look from his hand, my gaze following up his arm before landing on his face. 

“We’ll just both go in mine.” he states as I let out a soft sigh and before I’m able to speak he speaks up again. “I can drop you back off to your car afterwards.” he smiled.

“I’m not sure..” I say quietly.

“Oh come on (Y/N), please. I miss having my girl in my passenger seat.” he softly pleaded as he genuinely smiled. My resolve cracking and crumbling dangerously fast as I feel the heat creep back to my cheeks.

First he called me babe twice and now he just claimed me without officially claiming me?

Now he’s actually pleading for me to drive with him to John B’s, maybe not actually pleading but it’s as close as to an actual plea as I’m ever going to hear come from Rafe. A moment passed as I just continued to stare, trying to process this version of Rafe I haven’t seen in years. My complete silence caused Rafe to laugh inwardly as he just watched me. The feeling of him tightening his grip on me slightly before he pulled the keys from my hand. Quickly replacing my empty hand with his own with a smile. Pulling me closer to his car.

“Come on.” he said softly as unlocked his car, opening the passenger door for me and helping me get in. It almost felt like I was on autopilot, that I had almost forgotten the real reason why I was here. The reason why I was mad at him, the slam of the passenger door echoing in the car ultimately pulling me out of my head. Letting out a huff as I crossed my arms over my chest as I looked out the passenger side window as he climbed into the driver's seat. He looked over to me as he started up the car. 

“I’m going to need directions.” he sighed out, shooting him a glance from the corner of my eye.

“Right, uh I’ll tell you when to turn and all.” I cleared my throat as I sat up straighter. 

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Ten minutes later we arrived at the Chateau. Ten minutes of silence beside me saying simple directions. Ten minutes of his hand on my thigh, his fingers dancing against it. I’m still not sure if he was doing it to fluster me or doing it to calm his nerves. My heart is pounding in my chest just like it used to in middle school. 

Thankfully John B and his group of friends were already outside, but somehow didn’t notice Rafe pull up. It took for Rafe to get out and shut his door for them to look over. All of them stood up way too quickly, almost like they were waiting for Rafe to come here. I look over to Rafe who is by the front of the car now on his way to let me out of the passenger side. Making me wonder if he really needed the directions. If he really goes out of his way just to come to this side of the island to torment them.

“Hey!” I hear JJ shout, my eyes going to look at JJ as he squares his shoulders, “You’re not welcome here! Get back to your side of the island.” he said sternly, trying to sound intimidating. Rafe hung his head as he shook it softly, laughing at JJ’s try at assertiveness. That caused John B and Pope to come closer as well. Kiara, still standing by the makeshift fire pit with her arms crossed. The same look on all four of their faces, one I recognized immediately. Defiance and anger, which honestly I do not blame them. Rafe just ignored him, continuing his way over to me. All of them were unaware of my presence in the passenger seat, beside Rafe. 

It happened in what felt like a blink of an eye. Rafe pressed against the hood of the car while JJ held onto the collar of Rafe's shirt. John B and Pope on either side boxing him in. My eyes widen before quickly getting out of the car to make my presence known. As soon as the passenger door opens all of their heads wip towards me. The boys raise their eyebrows, waiting for the passenger door to shut. I let out a huff as I slammed the door shut with a hand on my hip, looking at all of them. Confusion slowly ebbing its way into their features as they looked from me to each other then to Rafe, still not letting him go.

“Guys, relax. He’s not here to do anything.” I nod towards John B with a small smile. 

“Yeah guys, relax,” Rafe mocked with that smirk of his. Of course he was going to be a smart ass and make this difficult.

“Rafe!” I scolded as I moved closer to the boys, putting my hand on JJ’s shoulder, “Let him go, he’s here to apologize.” I said softly. The three boys exchange a look, trying to decide if this was a prank or not. JJ’s grip loosened slightly giving Rafe the opportunity to shove the blonde back to get away from them. Straightening his shirt out as he made his way next to me.

“It’s true, I’m here to apologize.” he almost scoffed out before fixing his tone to sound genuine, a soft scowl on his face. I look towards him before looking back to the group. 

“Alright..” John B nodded softly and gestured toward Rafe, “Go ahead.” he spoke confidently as JJ and Pope just watched silently. Wondering if Rafe was actually going to apologize.

Rafe let out a long sigh, looking up to the sky then to me. I give him a curt nod causing him to finally look at them again. A look of irritation dances across his face before he snuffs it out. 

“Look..” he started as he wiped at his face with a soft groan, “I’m sorry, truly. I apologize for how shitty I’ve been towards all of you.” he cleared his throat like apologizing was hurting him. I smile softly as I put my hand on his arm, encouraging him to continue. The group looks at each other with surprise as they hear the Rafe Cameron apologize. A man who never apologized for anything. Rafe let out another breath, stealing a glance at me before continuing.

“And to prove that I am serious about this apology, I’m going to stop tormenting you and your little group from this day forward.” he almost sneered out, the soft scowl still on his face. 

The boys look from each other then back to Kiara, all having a silent conversation. After a moment they all nod at each other. The boys turned back to look at Rafe and I. 

“Alright, yeah cool. Apology accepted.” Pope spoke up causing both Rafe and I to nod. I look at Rafe as I softly hit his arm. He lets out a noise before looking towards Pope, eyes glancing at all of them before nodding.

“Yeah, thanks for accepting.” he nods curtly. I look between them all before clapping my hands together with a small smile. 

“Cool, well. I’ll see you all at the Boneyard Saturday night?” I asked, looking between them all with a smile on my face. They all nodded, a matching smile on their faces.

“Hell yeah.” they replied together, earning a soft laugh from me. Rafe just watched the interaction silently, jealousy and anger seeping into his veins. He quickly made his way to the passenger side door as I continued to talk to the boys, laughing at JJ’s dumb jokes

“Come on (Y/N)” he spoke out as he opened the door for me. I looked over to him before looking back at the group saying my goodbyes. I quickly make my way over to Rafe, climbing into the passenger seat with a smile. I go to reach for my seatbelt but get my hand smacked by Rafe. He silently grabbed my seatbelt and buckled me in instead. That was new. I just sat and blinked at him for a moment before clearing my throat, looking away. Earning a small chuckle from him before he shut the door, going around the front of the car. The boys are still standing close, watching us, watching Rafe carefully. As he moved towards the front, he said something to them causing them to slightly stiffen. I furrowed my eyebrows as I watched carefully, trying to read his lips but ultimately unable to. Letting out an annoyed huff, wanting to know what he said. 

I watched as he moved, finally opening the driver side door and getting in. He started up the car, his jaw slightly clenching as he stared down the group in front of his car. Without a word he quickly backed up and peeled away from the Chateau, speeding back to the country club. White knuckling the steering wheel the entire way.

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Part Four

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Taglist: @wearemadeofstardust0

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[lyinginmeadow]

Imprimere sole I Chapter 3

<< Chapter 3 - In between pine trees >>

After the argument, Paul's phone rang. He seemed aggravated, pacing around the living room before hastily leaving, huffing. He didn't say anything, only looking in my direction as if he didn't want to leave. Looking away, I kept stirring the pot on the stove, ignoring his heated gaze.

My appetite diminished, so I just put it away to cool before placing it into a box and leaving it in the fridge for Dad. I made much more than just the two of us could eat because even if I didn't enjoy Paul hovering, I wouldn't let him starve. When I decided to be at least civil, he just had to ruin it.

I picked up my phone and dialed Bella. She picked up after a few rings, "Finally found time to call your sister?" She said, a smile evident in her tone.

"Hi, Bells." I smiled even when she couldn't see it. Hearing her voice was a nice change of pace. Given her introverted nature, it wasn't uncomfortable to maintain our sisterly relationship, mostly over the phone. We talked all the time, always telling each other all of our secrets. That changed when I decided against sharing how my friends and my boyfriend ditched me. I didn't want her to worry, she had to deal with our mother. The least I could do was not to worry her over something she couldn't fix.

"So you're positive you can't make it to Phoenix?"

I shook my head as if she could see me, "I love you, but that heat would absolutely kill me."

"Right, I figured." She answered, which made me laugh. "But I wanted to share something with you."

"Hmm, want me to guess or?"

She chuckled, "No, you wouldn't guess it anyway."

"Rude, I'm an excellent guesser."

"Right, keep telling yourself that." She laughed, and I shook my head, sighing. Before I could think of a comeback, she continued, "I might be moving to Forks."

Silence stretched between the lines for a second as I processed the new information. Confusion melted into joy. I would have my sister back, not for mere weeks during summer, but all year round. "What? When? How? What about Re-mom?" I couldn't understand it, I hoped she meant only her alone would be moving. It was ridiculous to be afraid of the possibility of Renée coming back. She practically flew out of here the moment she got the chance.

"It's not set in stone so stop freaking out. Phil and Mom are getting married in September." She waited for the information to settle in. My eyebrows pinched. Dad's going to be devastated once he hears. And I would probably be the one to tell him, to soften the blow. They hadn't been together for years, but Dad never seemed to get over Renée. I tried my best to be there for him, setting him up on a few dates, but it never panned out.

"So what, now they don't want you there?"

"It's not like that. He is always traveling. And mom...She gets lonely." Her voice was now stern. She, like me, was always worrying about about parents. Renée had always been a free spirit, usually thinking about herself above anyone else. But thanks to that and my relentless crying as a child, I got to spend my childhood in Forks, so I shouldn't be complaining too much.

I shook my head in disbelief, "You're not responsible for her feelings. It's the other way around, Bella."

"You take care of Charlie all the time!" Her voice was now angry.

I didn't want to argue with her, it never led to anything. We were both headstrong, taking after our mother, and when fights broke out, we needed a few minutes to cool down before speaking to one another. "Fine, point taken."

She sighed, "I'm sorry...It was my idea- that she would travel with him. She wanted me to go with them, but I just really don't like to travel." I could almost imagine her face as she chuckled, scrunching her mouth.

"So when can I expect a roomie?"

She took a deep breath, preparing me for another wave of bad news. It felt like I had become a magnet for those in the last weeks. "Her only condition was to wait until after Christmas."

I whined, my good mood suddenly gone, "But that's so far away."

"Tell me about it. And it's not set in stone yet. So don't tell Charlie just yet."

My smile turned into a thin line. "You've got it, dude." She laughed, and I could almost imagine the way her face cringed. "Stop with references."

We talked for at least another hour. Our favorite band released a new album, and I finally got the chance to get my hands on their CD to listen to it, so it obviously called for a discussion. She kept trying to ask me about why I ended up in the woods all alone. I tried to dodge her questions, telling her that Paul was out on a part-time job and I forgot to tell my friends I was out there. And I had fallen asleep without taking my phone with me, which wasn't a lie. She was grateful Paul found me, but still grumbled about how he should have gotten there sooner. Had she known we broke up, she would have known that the fact he got there before I got hypothermia was a miracle.

It was still relatively nice out, much better than it usually was in Forks. Sighing, I stood up, staring at my crutches. Shaking my head, I tried to stand on my leg. When I decided it didn't hurt, I slowly made my way toward the back door. There were still solid 4 hours till dad came back home, and since there was no one to hold me captive in my own home, I could finally leave as I pleased. Well, sort of, since going anywhere with the cast in this city wasn't ideal. Not to mention that small towns were harbours for gossip, and Dad would learn about my departure before I even set foot on the concrete in the driveway.

I took off in the direction of the woods in the backyard. It was my favorite place growing up, I would lose myself in it whenever I could. It always felt peaceful, calling me to revel in its quiet solace. Clouds parted for a minute, letting the sunlight dance in between the branches, lighting the leaves in different shades of green.

Walking along the path, I marveled at how it didn't change one bit. Even now, after I almost got myself killed in the woods, it didn't change my view on it. If anything, I could finally take a deep breath. The path started to curve, a hint that I'm almost where I want to be. I turned left, shuffling the ferns out of the way. The cast was making it really difficult to move in the moss covering the ground. It started to turn green, and I knew that when dad noticed, I would have to lie and say it's just from the grass in the backyard.

Finally, the greenery revealed sunken ground with a fallen tree across it, making a perfect hideout for little kids. It was nothing special, nestled between trees and easy to miss. I smiled, once the memories of me and Leah came rushing in. We found this place by accident, but in our minds, the tree trunk created the perfect roof, making a little cave for us to hide in and play. One of the surrounding trees still had doors painted on it, with little windows carved into its bark.

I carefully stepped on the fallen tree before sitting down. Closing my eyes, I focused on the rustling of the wind, calming me down. My fingers mindlessly played with the moss covering the bark, legs hanging over the opening to our little hideout. Clouds part again, letting the sun tickle my cheek. I missed Leah, who would slap some sense into me. Tell me to forget about stupid guys and focus on anything else. I missed dancing, the one thing that could make me forget worries floating around my mind.

Rustling of nearby branches pulled me out of those thoughts. My gaze snapped toward the noise, eyes widening in shock. Near me, a wolf the size of a horse stepped onto the clearing. Biology might not be my favorite subject, but the size of that thing was definitely not normal. I kept looking at it, its green eyes capturing my attention, the familiarity of them. I knew those eyes, but I couldn't place them. It cocked its head sideways, eyes narrowing. Survivor instinct finally kicked in, and I wanted to kick myself for not having any self-preservation.

My gaze shifted away from its eyes, looking toward the ground just before its gigantic paws. It whined, slowly lowering itself down, head leaning on its paws. My eyes found his once more. It seemed so aware, almost human-like, it freaked me out further. I inched away when it whined again. "You know, one might think you're looking for a company and not a prey." I chuckled. I was officially going insane and embracing it. It huffed in response, which I took as a yes.

"Well, don't let me stop you." I smiled and took my eyes off it. If it wanted to kill me, it probably already would have done so. Closing my eyes, I reveled in the uncharacteristic sunshine. I heard cautious steps before the wolf nestled near me. It was not fully going on the tree, which I was thankful for, since it probably wouldn't hold under both of our weights. His snout nuzzled my arm, the same way a dog would if it were asking for attention. I smiled, slowly lifting my hand. Taking a deep breath, I mentally prepared to lose it as I stroked the coarse fur on its head. It huffed in contentment, closing its eyes, making my smile wider.

"You're pretty cute for an oversized puppy," I mumbled, softly laughing, not to startle it. It huffed again, now the sound reminded me of a chuckle. I didn't think that my friends' leaving would mean I would start befriending animals like a Disney princess. Well, one animal, but it was the size of a horse, so it counted for at least three.

We sat in silence for a couple of minutes before I looked at it again. I kept running my finger through its thick fur, and it seemed to like it. The silvery wolf kept his eyes closed, dozing off. "I missed a proper company," I whisper. It seemed to like my company, too, since it was contentedly huffing. It inched close, putting its head in my lap. "Want scratches behind your ears, too, you big pup?" I waited for it to settle before slowly, softly scratching its head and behind its ear.

It seemed as if the hours flew by, and the wind picked up. If it wasn't for the wind, I wouldn't have noticed the change in the weather signaling the approach of evening. The heat radiating from the wolf kept me warm. Its head suddenly lifted from my lap, its ears flattening. It looked at the sky before shifting its gaze toward the path. It was getting late. It stood up, cocking its head waiting for me to move. "It's late, huh? Time's been slipping away from me these days." I said, my voice hoarse from not speaking for a while. I moved my legs around, they felt numb from not changing my position. I winced once my ankle woke up. The wolf whined in response. "Next time, I'm sleeping on you," I replied, waiting for the tingling sensation to pass.

Putting my legs up on the trunk of the tree, I carefully stood up. The wolf was still watching me, looking at my injured leg. "You should find your pack, and I should go home. My dad will probably kill me if he finds out I'm in the woods by myself. Again. With a giant animal. Which is a first." I took careful steps before I finally stood on solid ground. The wolf stood next to me, lowering its head so its snout could nudge my side. Now that I was standing next to it, the size of it was terrifying. It practically towered over me. I took another deep breath as I took one step, my cast hitting the ground with a soft thud.

The animal didn't leave my side, helping me when I lost my footing, trying not to break my cast. Just when we neared the clearing, it stopped. Its head snapped to look behind us, ear flattening. It barred its teeth, without making a sound. Time to leave. When I was a couple of steps away, I dared to sneak one last look. It was gone as if it had never been there in the first place.

I hoped that was not the case, because I didn't feel like going insane at the ripe age of 16. By the speed everything seemed to be falling apart, I would be lucky to turn 17 in September. I went inside, plopping myself on the couch, when my phone buzzed. I furrowed my brows, looking at the message.

I'm sorry. Text me when we can talk.

[milequaritchsslut]

Chapter Two—Never Enough

Chapter Summary: Miguel comes back into your life, leaving you no choice but to except your fate with him.

Pairing: Ex Boyfriend Stalker!Miguel x Fem!Reader

Warnings: blackmail, dark themes, forced relationship (?), yelling, pet names, teasing, non-consensual photographs/ videos, mentions of stalking and watching, itsy bitsy mention of masturbating, one sided attraction kinda,

Series Masterlist

“Don’t give me those eyes mami” a smirk dancing onto his lips, walking past you and into your living room. He had a large black backpack on him, dirt covering the sides. He looked different then the last time you saw him, he looked bigger, his muscles showing through his baggy hoodie and his hair seemed longer.

You were speechless, just letting him walk in. You turned around and blinked your eyes in disbelief as you stared at him, trying to figure out of this was happening or not. But you quickly snapped out of it and stormed towards him, glaring up at his tall form.

“Get out Miguel” you hissed, eyes narrowing as your hands found their way to your hips.

“Aw c’mon don’t be so cold mami” he teased, before throwing his backpack on the couch. He snaked his hands around your waist and smirked down at you, canines showing through his plush lips.

“I know you missed me princesa” admiring your eyes as they stared up into his. He missed being so close to you, having his arms wrapped around you like this. He missed your soft skin, the goosebumps that grew on your skin when he got close to you just proved his point.

You hadn’t heard that name in awhile, nobody else had called you that in months. You forced yourself to hide your smile and blush, he just had this way with words that got under your skin. You rolled your eyes, your lour growing brighter as you had that cute little nose scrunch.

“Did you not hear me? I said move, get outta here! Scram!” You yelled, scowling at him. He shook his head and smiled at you. Like he knew this was going to happen. He walked over to the couch and grabbed his bag, placing it on the kitchen table and motioned you to come close to him.

“Come here pretty girl” he chuckled, opening his bag and spread thousands of pictures on the table. Pictures of you. You gasped as your eyes widened at the display in front of you. There were so many, pictures of you walking to work, brushing your teeth, even one of you sleeping. But your attention stayed on the naked pictures of you, bare with nothing on. A blush grew on your face, your expression turning embarrassed right away.

“I never really left ya know, you just couldn’t see me” he smirked out, satisfied with your reaction and expressions. You didn’t say anything, going through all the photos he had. Blinking and trying to comprehend that you had a stalker for the last 3 months. He handed you his unlocked phone, opened in the photos app. He played a video of you showering, and one of you doing well ya know. Your gasp became louder at the sight, the volume being turned on all the way.

“Turn that off!” You shouted, pushing the video away and hiding your blushing face as you tried to catch your breath. He smiled and did as you asked, putting his phone back into his pants. He watched you the whole time, proud of his months of work and effort. He waited a few minutes before he spoke again.

“So, im gonna need something from you baby. A very very small agreement from you. That ok?” He asked sarcastically as his leer grew more and more by every word. You turned your attention to him finally, and gave him the nastiest glare.

“Get out of my house right now!” You screamed anger rising at the situation and him.

“If you don’t accept my offer I might just have to send these to your work, and maybe even” he got close to your ear and smirked. “Your family” your eyes practically burst out of your sockets at his words, mouth hanging open as he backed away and stared down at you.

You couldn’t believe he was actually blackmailing you right now, or all people you hadn’t expected your ex boyfriend to be blackmailing you. You didn’t really have a choice, you pinched the bridge of your nose and sighed, trying to weigh out your options. After a moment or two you finally looked up at him and rolled your eyes.

“What’s the offer?” You sighed, arms crossing with an obvious annoyed expression forming on your features.

“You get back with me, follow my rules like you were supposed to before we broke up. And in turn these photos and videos wont ever see the light of day” hands coming to place the pictures back into his bag.

You just glared at him, giving him the nastiest look as you stared him down. You were so done with him, and his bullshit. He was really getting on your nerves and now he’s blackmailing you.

“Be so fr rn Miguel” he groaned, rolling your eyes as you stared at him, leaning onto your hand placed on the table.

“I don’t lie to you mami” he chuckled throwing his bag to the ground and snaking his hands around your waist again.

“C’mon I know you missed me baby, I heard you that night when you-“

“Shut it” you scolded, letting out a hard sigh as you rolled your eyes. Your annoyance levels were rising higher and higher by him just being here.

“Is that a yes?” He teased, his fondness of your little attitude growing bigger the longer he admired you. He genuinely missed you so much, his nights were long, he only saw you through his camera or in his dreams. You were an angel to this man, a being sent from the heavens above. He would do anything and everything in his power to have you, you could call it obsession or love, nonetheless he would do anything for the woman in front of him. He would beg and get on his knees for you, he would tear the sun itself from the sky if you asked him to. He was head over heels for you, though you would never know just how much he loved you, he showed it in the only way he could.

You stared at the ground as your tongue poked through your cheek in thought. You finally looked up at him and let out a frustrated sigh. A small and quiet yes fell from your lips as you rolled your eyes.

He smirked down at you, cupping your cheek knowing he won this time. He kissed your lips gently, his lips were surprisingly soft and the passion in it was half expected. As he pulled away he pulled you into him and hugged you tightly, holding his soulmate as close as he possibly could.

“I love you mami”

Taglist: @lavender-223 @pix-stuff @theandromedastar @blank33 @all4koo @22carolina08 @ionly-luvhim @ghost1yd3mon @clzt4 @uziasiwa @asrt5 @2cciberrylee @tena17 @myartistrash02 @urmotherswhor3 i @day-dreams-posts @hayley1623 @gl0r10us @mx-mekla @bratty-b1tch @iytatsworld @imaginarydreams @tobanditto @elizabeth-von-winken-universe @rin-matsuoka345-blog @keenzinemugstudent @downbadforurmom @khamanix @simp-legend @dragid0ll @ehminitia @sikrettt @insanely-creative-things @brypp @charlie-xo @amb3rrz @simpingforsero @loveamongstmortals @dorypaxx @spicymochiroll @aaicaa@steevengrant@foxymask001@insanelycrazyanddelusional @sapphire-and-ruby-shipper-blog @selenenyx0124 @gejo333 @sakunasenpaisupremacy @quemirasboboandapaya@silassinclair @cecespizza01 @namjooningera @risinglightmoon @syd-vixious

[darkredsugarcookie]

The Tower - Chapter 2 - Bucky Barnes x OC

Author note: hi hunny bunnies! sorry this took so long it's been a bit, but we're back! Finally getting somewhere with this chapter so I hope you love it! let me know if anyone wants to be added to the tag-list xx

If you haven't, make sure you read Chapter One :)

Tags: @cats-chaotic-mind @averyjoyysworld

Warnings: alcohol use, profanity, Cassandra Stark (she's a valid warning tbh)

It was either my downfall or my saving grace standing in front of me. But he hadn’t said anything yet, so I wasn’t sure which. 

“Will you put a Stephen Sanchez quote on my tombstone?” Avery asked me. 

“Only if you put a Taylor Swift one on mine.” 

I internally scolded myself. Bad time to pick a shirt that says 'eat your girl out or I will'. Dumbass.

Bucky zeroed in on where we were sitting and I suddenly felt like we were being hunted. But his eyes were only on me. I grew warm under his stare and I knew what it meant. I was the one in trouble here.

“What are you guys doing?” he asked, his hands balled into fists at his sides. His hair was a little messy, probably from an attempt at sleep, and the black sweats and red long sleeve told me he wasn’t planning on being out tonight. 

“Hey,” I said as casually as I could. “Um… Pizza break?” 

“Do you have any idea what time it is?” 

I rolled my eyes and Avery cut in. “We just wanted to get out of the house!” 

“You stay out of this right now. You’re lucky if I don’t tell your dad about your little adventure.” 

She got very quiet. 

“Thanks,” I said to her. “How did you know we were here?” 

“I tracked her phone,” Bucky said. 

“Okay, stalker.”

Bad joke. The look on his face told me that was a very bad joke. “What if you were in trouble? Do you even have a weapon on you?” 

Sighing, I folded my arms. “Yes.”

“Really?” Disbelief sat in his tone.

“No, but I normally do! Just not tonight. We just came out for some food.” 

A storm brewed behind those eyes. That stare had me shifting in my seat. “Up. Both of you. We’re going home.” 

That was the most awkward fifteen minute walk of my life. None of us said anything to each other until we walked back into the main house level. Avery stopped only a few feet into the living room. “Are you gonna tell my dad?” she asked. 

Bucky glanced at me for some reason before answering her. “I… I don’t know. Are you drunk?” 

“She doesn’t drink when we go out,” I said, stepping in front of her. “She doesn’t do anything. Half the time she doesn’t even talk to anyone. It’s my fault, okay?” 

“I didn’t ask you, Cass.” 

Anger burned in my chest. I stared at him, unyielding. He could tell on me all he wanted. Hell, he could call me an alcoholic or something and I’d laugh, but there was no room here to make Avery feel bad about herself when it was my fault we were out in the first place. 

“Avery, go to bed,” Bucky said. 

“But—” She started. 

“Go to bed, kid.” He didn’t look away from me once. 

I glanced at her as she squeezed my hand and walked down the hall. Neither of us spoke until I heard her door shut. “She doesn’t deserve that.”

“Then why was she out with you?” 

“Doesn’t matter. She didn’t do anything wrong. You want to get someone busted for drinking, pick on me.” 

“You are taking advantage of the fact that your father doesn’t care enough.” he stepped closer and it took all of me not to back up. 

“What is that supposed to mean?” I challenged. 

He hesitated then and I couldn’t ignore the small grin on my lips.

“Gotcha.” I turned around, walking into the kitchen to set down my phone. 

“That’s not what I meant.” He braced his hands on the counter, leaning forward as I poured myself a glass of water. I was halfway ignoring him. I knew how to sit through a lecture. “Cass.” I continued about the kitchen, pulling my hair down from the ponytail I’d tied it up in when Avery and I were eating. “Cassandra.”

It was an effort not to smile at him resorting to using my full name. 

Without a warning, he rounded the counter and grabbed my wrist to stop me in my tracks. “Look at me,” he said quietly. 

I sucked in a breath, my heart immediately racing against my chest. For a moment I just stared up at him, trying to decipher why the hell my heart was beating so fast. I wasn’t scared of him. I’d never been scared of him. He might be acting weird, yeah, but Bucky would never hurt me. “Tell me what you meant,” I said. 

Confliction passed over his face. “Your dad loves you, Cass, but he doesn’t protect you. Not like he should.” 

“Says you,” I retorted. “What were you doing up so late to realize we were gone?” 

He sighed, his thumb stroking my skin where he still held my arm. “That… is unimportant. What matters is that you were gone and considering the fact that you told everyone goodnight, that meant no one knew you’d left. These streets aren’t safe when you’re alone.” 

“I had Avery.”

“She’s like five-foot-nothing, Cass.”

“She’d be very offended if she heard that.”

Bucky rolled his eyes. “Good thing she’s not here.” He glanced down for a moment. 

“My eyes are up here,” I teased. 

He looked back up at me. “I was reading your shirt.”

I grinned. “Did your ego just take a hit?”

Bucky shrugged, releasing my arm. “If that statement is true, I have nothing to worry about.”

I let out the smallest gasp. 

“Finish that water and go to bed.” He stepped back, leaving the kitchen. 

“Yes, sir,” I replied. 

“And don’t call me that.”

I rolled my eyes before leaning over the counter, my face in my hands. I was burning up. That vodka was kicking in. 

I used to think there was nothing worse than having to go to class hungover. I now knew that it was even worse to wake up to direct sunlight and yelling in the living room when hungover. 

At first, I was tempted to try and sleep through it, but one of those voices didn’t belong in an argument that heated. It shot adrenaline straight through me and I immediately rushed out in the living room. I was only in my pajama bottoms and a hoodie, but I didn’t care. Something was wrong. 

I squinted against the light, ignoring the pounding in my head as I hurried into the living room. “What is going on?”

I took in the scene. Steve and Avery stood in front of the fireplace, Bucky leaning against the wall in the corner. Nat was in the kitchen, watching from a distance. My dad was sitting on the couch, seemingly only a little annoyed. 

“Have you not learned your lesson?” Steve snapped at Avery as she held her arms to herself. 

“Nothing even happened! I wasn’t doing anything wrong!” 

“What you were doing is a gateway.”

“Hello?!” I stepped up beside her. “What are you so pissed about?” 

“Cassandra,” Dad warned. 

��Do you not have something to say to her?” Steve said to my dad, who shrugged. 

“She’s a twenty year old girl. Twenty year old girls party. Sometimes they drink. It’s the 21st century, Cap. As long as she’s safe.” Dad looked at me. “Did you drive?”

“No.” 

“Are you pregnant?” 

“No!”

He looked at Steve again and held his hands out as if to say, “there you go.”

“That is not the bottom line for success that I want for my kid, Stark.” 

“Dad,” Avery started. “It’s fine. Everything was fine. We were safe, we were on our way home when Bucky found us.” 

“Bucky didn’t seem to think you were safe or he wouldn’t have told me.”

That’s when it clicked through my drowsy brain what had happened. I turned around and faced the man in the corner. “This is your fault.”

He didn’t say anything. His eyes fell to the ground and I faced the man in front of me again. “She didn’t do anything wrong,” I said. “If you’re gonna yell at someone, yell at me. Avery is doing everything she can to make you happy!” 

“That’s not the point—” 

“Sure seems like it.”

“Hasn’t this gone a little far?” Nat budded in, coming from the kitchen. “Rogers, she’s a kid. She went to a party, she didn’t rob a bank.” 

“So no one understands how serious this is?” 

“I think we understand that you’re being dramatic,” I said. 

“Cass,” Nat hissed at me. “Stop it.” 

“Please,” Avery said quietly. “Can we just let this be over with?” 

Steve took a step forward and I caught myself stepping between them. He looked right at her as he spoke. “Not until you understand that this road leads to you being exactly like your mother.” 

“Woah,” Dad said, finally standing. “That’s enough.” 

I saw the moment tears welled in her eyes and it was like something in me snapped. I didn’t even realize I was moving towards him until an arm wrapped around me from behind hauling me back. 

Now everyone was yelling. 

Nat pulled Steve back. “Being an asshole to your kid is not going to fix your relationship problems.” 

Dad wrapped his arm around Avery’s shoulders. “Barnes, get them out of here.”

“No,” I started. “I want to stay—”

“Go, Cassandra.” 

I shut my mouth and listened for once in my life. 

In her bedroom, Avery switched back and forth between crying and yelling for half an hour. I sat on the bed, occasionally glancing at Bucky, who stood in the corner and looked really concerned. 

Finally, she nearly collapsed on the floor with her back against the bed. I climbed down and sat next to her, wrapping my arm around her. “He didn’t mean it,” I said quietly. “He’s just a dad. Dads say things they don’t mean when they’re upset.” 

She didn’t respond, but instead looked up at the man in the corner. “I thought you’d have my back,” she said, her voice wavering in a way that made my heart shatter in my chest. “You’re supposed to be my friend too. Not just his.” 

Bucky took a breath and walked over, taking the chair from her desk to sit in front of us. “When your dad and I were kids, it was my job to look after him. To keep him safe.” 

Avery and I glanced at each other, but kept quiet. 

“I did my best— or what I thought was my best. And you know what happened?” Bucky stared at the floor like he was watching it all replay. “He signed up to be a test subject for a science project and went off to war. I blame myself for it.”

Avery wiped her eyes. “But isn’t he better for it?” 

“We can say that now, can’t we?” Bucky said. “But at the time it felt like I failed.” 

I watched him and the way he struggled but managed to look at her with the most sincerity I’d ever seen from him. “I don’t want to fail you either, bug. I don’t want you to hate me, but if that’s the price of keeping you safe…” He finished with a shrug and I felt her ease up a little. 

“That’s a stupid theory,” she said, but I could tell she didn’t mean it. 

“You want ice cream?” I asked. She nodded. I got up and walked to the door. “We’ll be back.” I gave Bucky a pointed look, nodding towards the door.

After a moment of hesitation, he followed me out into the hall. I grabbed my purse from my room and snuck to the elevator in the back hall. “Why am I coming?” Bucky asked. 

“Because I have some questions for you.” 

I didn’t take my car very often, but today was an exception. Driving was like therapy for me and boy did I need some of that right now. “Why’d you do it?” I asked. 

I didn’t get an answer right away. Instead, I heard Bucky sigh. “Because it’s what’s best.”

“Sitting back so she can get yelled at and insulted for an hour is what’s best for her?” I tightened my hands on the steering wheel as I accelerated into the street. “Is that really what you think?” I glanced at him. “I’ve known you for a while. And I know you don’t really think that.”

“It’s complicated, Cass. She’s still a kid.”

“She’s almost nineteen, Bucky.” 

“She’s... The world's gone at her enough. I wanna prevent it anymore if I can.” 

I rolled my eyes. “Okay, well what about your friend’s newfound temper? Because he wasn’t always like that.”

“He’s under a lot of pressure right now with missions.”

“Isn’t everyone?” I sighed, running my hand through my hair. “Listen. I’m doing what I have to in order to keep her from locking herself up in her room for the rest of her life.” 

Bucky looked at me. “What are you talking about?” 

“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but she’s retreated a little bit lately. It’s her anxiety.” I signaled to turn onto the next street. 

“What do you mean?” 

“She’s having a hard time with it,” I said. “Her dad’s missions, college, work, relationships. It’s getting to her. She panics easier now than she did a few years ago. Things like this morning will have her off balance for weeks. Her medication isn't working as well.” I glanced at him as I pulled into the parking lot. “I can’t believe you haven’t noticed. Even Nat said something the other day.” “I guess… I’m in my head a lot these days.” “Well, you’re not the only one.” I grabbed my bag and climbed out of the car. “Hurry up.” 

[theweebnextdoor]

Operation: S.E.C.R.E.T.S

Sunnie☀️: Started this story sometime last year but decided to start posting the chapters on here as well. Hope you enjoy the chaotic adventures my ocs go through and be able to get to know them a little more.

Operation: S.E.C.R.E.T.S

Sector

Enlisting

Child

Recruit

Ensures

Trouble

Surfaces

A new girl claiming to be family shows up on the Uno's doorstep but not everything is as it seems as she trains to be an operative. Meanwhile, an adult with a connection to this child becomes involved in the DCFDTL's lives as trouble ensues.

Chapter 1: Knock, Knock, Knockin' on Uno's Door

The evening had been quiet minus a few lousy villains trying to sneak into the treehouse. Thankfully their defense system made sure to alert that someone was on the property and was immediately dealt with. It wasn't too much for one kid to handle himself seeing how all his teammates were in their own respective homes on a school night but he could do without the minor annoyances. Things would quiet down soon but he wanted to be able to update the computer system of some of the newer villains they had fought recently. Even if they had defeated those adults and they weren't a threat at the time there was a good chance they would strike again soon enough so they had to collect as much information on their enemies to ensure another victory by the Kids Next Door. From now on there will be no more distractions.

DISTRACTION DETECTED!!

Dropping his clipboard in surprise, the boy groaned that it was the phone of all things interrupting him. Not wanting to hear it keep ringing he rolled his chair to the other side of the computer and picked up his phone, telling himself that it had better be important. "Hello?"

"Oh, good! So glad you picked up Nigel, honey!"

"Mom? I told you not to call me unless it was an emergency and besides I'm very busy trying to-"

"You'll consider it an emergency if you don't hurry down here and eat your dinner before it gets cold, young man! We're going to spend some family time together."

The boy knew he wouldn't be able to get out of it. Sure he could refuse and just find something to eat in the treehouse once he was finished with his work but he would be in trouble for not listening when he did finally go downstairs. Hearing that there was a dessert after was enough to convince him to stop his work for now but he would be sure to return once he had been full and satisfied.

"Okay, okay I'll be down in five minutes." He sighed as he began saving the information he had already typed up as he held his handmade phone between his ear and shoulder so he could hear his mother speak.

"Wonderful! We'll wait for you until you come down. Love you, honey!"

"Love you too, Mom," Nigel muttered before hanging up. He sighed as he made sure the defense system would stay on while he left the base of his treehouse. It was highly unlikely that there would be any more unwanted visitors for tonight but he couldn't be too careful. Once everything seemed to be in order, he made his way to the elevator and hit the button for house level.

"Ugh, the things I'll do for cherry pie." He put his head in his hand in slight disbelief at himself as the doors closed.

Like his mother had said his parents had waited for him, welcoming him as he sat down. Nigel said hello to his parents before beginning to tune them halfway out as he focused on his food instead. He picked up a spoonful of mashed potatoes with gravy, making sure to push his asparagus away. No way he was going to let those vile things contaminate the rest of his dinner more than it already had.

His father talked about another fishing trip they could take next weekend and he only got a few bites in before the doorbell rang, setting off an alarm system he had his teammate install. Jumping from his seat, Nigel made his way to the door before one of his parents could get there first. In case it was another adult villain he would be sure to deal with them with one of the weapons he kept hidden in the house. When he did open the door the alarm shut off and he was ready to question what the person wanted but grew confused when a woman he never saw before with long black hair stood at their doorstep.

"Oh! Um, hello young man but are either of your parents home?" She seemed like she didn't expect a kid to answer the door so he could guess that she didn't come here on Kids Next Door business but still raised a brow at her as he answered that they were.

"Nigel ol' boy, don't just stand there. See what the nice lady wants." His dad had left the table to see what was happening, only to find his son glaring at some woman in a pantsuit. He didn't know what he was going to do with that boy.

"Hello sir, are you by any chance a man named Monty Uno?"

"Why, yes I am." He answered and Nigel stepped to the side to observe. "Is there a problem of any kind I can help you with?"

"My name is Patricia Foster. I work for social services and it has come to our attention that you have a long-lost relative in the system that has been orphaned recently and it states that we track down any potential family members to see if they would be willing to take the child in even if temporary or else they will remain in foster care until further notice. No decisions have to be made right away but I have brought the child here with me so you could meet her in person."

Stepping to the side, Patricia showed that there was indeed a child standing behind her who looked up at the man with a sheepish smile as she took one of the hands resting behind her back and gave a little wave.

Both Nigel and his father stood there not saying anything for a moment. Neither one was sure how to properly take the information in. Finally, Monty called for his wife over his shoulder, hoping that she could help address the situation.

"Jen dear, could you please come in here for a moment?"

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

They were all seated in the living room with Nigel sitting on the couch next to his parents while they looked through some of the paperwork that this Patricia woman was showing them. He tried to sneak glances but his main attention kept going back to the girl sitting on the ottoman on the other side of their coffee table. They were supposed to be related in some way? She had been observing what the adults were doing as well and when she went to move a strand of brown hair behind her ear her eyes suddenly locked with his. Giving a little wave, she mouthed, "Hi" to him, and smiled when he awkwardly waved back.

"As you can see here it says that her dad's second cousin twice removed matched your info." Patricia passed the letter to Monty along with a document of a family tree showing that Nigel's father and this girl did share the same bloodline.

"I guess this is what we get for skipping out on your last few family reunions otherwise we might have already met-." Nigel's mom paused for a moment realizing she didn't catch the child's name and looked to her for an answer.

"My name is Robin. Robin Hughes." The girl answered, biting the inside of her cheek for a moment before speaking again. "So what happens now? Is this where I'll be living or will I have to keep staying in foster care?"

Monty and Jennifer could both hear the nervousness in Robin's voice and looked at each other wondering what on earth they should do. Everything checked out and this girl needed a proper living situation but could they take on another kid out of the blue like this?

"I think if Robin will be more comfortable knowing she's around family then she can have a place here with us. We'll do what we can to make the proper arrangements for this young lass."

"What? Dad don't you think this is all just a little too-" Nigel didn't get a chance to voice his opinion that he felt something was fishy about this whole thing as Robin suddenly jumped up.

"Really? Thank you so much! You don't know how much this means to me! I know this is a lot and I'm sorry to spring all of this on you.." Robin looked to her feet and shifted.

"I can drop Robin here off tomorrow along with the paperwork I will need you to sign claiming to be her new legal guardians." Patricia stood up from the chair and began organizing her copy of the files into her briefcase while Jen took Robin to the kitchen for a moment to get her a slice of pie to take with her.

"Dad, I'm not so sure about this. I'm all for helping out another kid. It's what I do but they don't just show up at your doorstep and suddenly start living with you this fast. At least I don't think they do.." He didn't know how all this was supposed to work but sharing his home with a girl they just met seemed a little weird.

"Nonsense, Nigel ol' bean." His father waved him off. "I know this will take some time to get used to but I'm sure you'll learn to love having a new playmate. You and she appear to be the same age so she'll even be in the same class as you."

"We'll need to make arrangements to have her enrolled in a new school but we'll worry about all of that once Robin has settled in here." Patricia closed her case, having gathered everything, and smoothed out her pants. "It was a pleasure to meet you, folks."

Patricia shook Monty's hand before saying that she was going to warm up the car and just have them send Robin out once she was finished.

Shutting the car door after slipping into the driver's seat, Patricia threw the briefcase in the back before reaching up towards the top of her head. Pulling on her hair it completely slipped off to show that it had been a wig this whole time and her natural red hair was pinned up underneath. Grabbing her phone she quickly began typing a number and spoke once she heard someone answer on the other end.

"Step one has been completed. She's in.."

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

"So a total stranger is going to be staying in your house?" One of Nigel's best friends, Wally, questioned trying to understand the situation his leader was in even though it had been explained twice already.

"Maybe she will be our friend and I can invite her to my Happy Tea Time Rainbow Monkey Party!" The raven girl, Kuki, giggled to herself not paying attention to the eye roll Wally gave her.

"What did you say her name was again? Raven or something?" Hoagie questioned his friend as they neared the street the treehouse was on. It was after school now and they were walking home while Nigel told them to watch out for this girl when she arrived.

"Her name is Robin. At least that's what she claims to be called." Nigel responded, lifting his sunglasses as they began to slip further down the bridge of his nose. "I just don't get it. Yesterday I was an only child living with my parents and now today I have to share the space with my so-called long-lost- I want to say, Cousin?"

"Maybe you're thinking about this too much Numbuh 1. I mean you have a long-lost cousin on your mom's side and she's a member of the Kids Next Door." The dark-skinned girl of the group, Abigail, reminded him as she twirled a red lollipop between her fingers before putting it back in her mouth.

"Numbuh 10 didn't come to live with me in less than twenty-four hours of meeting her." Numbuh 1 pointed out to his second in command. "Don't you agree it's a little bizarre?"

"Maybe it is but Numbuh 5 thinks you're too tense even more. Ever since that last attack with the Delightful Children you've been a little on edge. I know you went through a lot and it took over a month for us to rebuild the tree house but you need to chill man. If this girl is your cousin and needs a place to crash then as members of the Kids Next Door, Numbuh 5 says we give her a chance and welcome her. She still is just a kid after all."

Numbuh 1 had to admit that Numbuh 5 was right. Maybe he was overthinking this too much. He had been even more suspicious of adults ever since transforming into one himself and having to face their greatest enemy so far. Father. There was no reason to take it out on a fellow kid.

"I suppose you make a good point Numbuh- Hey!"

The four members looked to their leader wondering what caught his attention all of a sudden. They followed his gaze ahead of them to see a car parked in front of his house. She was here already? Numbuh 1 motions for his teammates to follow him as he crept closer and stood on his tiptoes to peer through the side window. The others crowded around him trying to take a look as well. Nigel didn't see any signs of Robin. Only Patricia was sitting with his mom at the kitchen table; talking and laughing with a cup of coffee in each of their hands.

"Hey move it, would ya?!" Wally yelled, jumping to try and gain some height over his taller friends. He tried to elbow Hoagie to the side only for his friend to tell him to watch it and shove him back.

"Would you two knock it off?" Numbuh 1 warned moving the sleeves of Kuki's green sweater from his face while her chin rested atop his bald head, having hopped up on his back so she could get a good view too.

Numbuh 5 stood back with her arms crossed while the other four tried to squeeze around the window. If they kept at it the two women would hear them and see that they were trying to spy on them. Having finished her lollipop, Numbuh 5 pocketed the stick to throw away later when she saw a figure moving toward her friends. "Uh, guys?"

"Can someone just-!" To try and share the space Wally jumped on top of Hoagie but in doing so he made the other boy lose his balance and crash right into the other two, sending them all into a heap on the ground.

⋆⋅☆⋅⋆

"What was that?" Patricia questioned from inside, having heard a noise. Jen only shrugged with a smile before continuing her story.

⋆⋅☆⋅⋆

"Get off me!" Nigel lay face down beneath the weight of his friends trying to lift himself. He was able to prop his elbows when a pair of black shoes came into his field of vision and he looked up to see Robin standing over them with a box in her arms.

"What are you guys doing?"

"Oh! Um-." He began as he felt his teammates move their weights off him. "Nothing?"

Robin raised a brow at him then chuckled before shifting the box to one arm and offering her free hand to help him up. "Good to see you again Nigel." She smiled.

"It's good to see you too Robin." He responded before clearing his throat. "These are my friends." Nigel pointed his arm to the other four behind him. He introduced them each by name along with their respective Numbuhs 2 through 5 as they waved and gave hellos of their own. "And this is Robin. The girl I was telling you guys about."

"Spreading rumors about me already, eh Numbuh 1?" Robin joked using his codename that she learned.

"Ooh! Robin, your hair clips are so pretty! Can I try them on? Please! Please! Please!"

Robin turned to see the bubbly Japanese girl bouncing on her feet. She was the cutest thing but she didn't give in to her request.

"Sorry, Numbuh 3 no can do but thanks. They are pretty, aren't they?" She smiled, hovering her free hand over the clip that was pinned to the left side of her hair. It was merely a gold-colored barrette that mirrored the one on the right. They held importance and no one could wear them but her.

"What's that?" Nigel questioned, nodding towards the box that had 'Robin's Stuff' written on the side.

"Oh! Just the last of my belongings. Your dad is upstairs trying to make sure that the sofa bed still works." They didn't have another actual bed for her to use on such short notice but this would do for now.

"Hey, maybe once you're finished we can all hang out and get ice cream or something?" Numbuh 2 suggested, thinking that they were lucky to have such a cute girl staying here.

"I'm lactose intolerant but I'll take on your offer to hang out." Robin smiled, saying that she would be right back before turning and making her way back into the house.

"What does lacruz indolent mean?" Wally questioned out loud, completely mispronouncing the words.

With a sigh, Numbuh 5 corrected that it was lactose intolerant and it meant that she couldn't digest dairy products well which included ice cream. It would make her sick.

"That's a bummer." The blonde mumbled.

"Well, it looks like it's official." Numbuh 1 said as he watched Patricia walk out with Robin, hugging the child before stepping into her car and driving off. Before they had fallen from the window he was able to see some papers with his parents' signatures on them. "Robin is a part of the family now."

-End Transmission-

Sunnie☀️: I don't think we ever learn Mrs. Uno's real name. If it was brought up and I don't remember, feel free to correct me, but I chose Jennifer cause that's the name of her voice actor. Let me know what you think of the first chapter and I will have the next one posted soon.

[xoxorealitygalore]

CHILL BABY (2)

Summary: Yami navigates the chaos of life while searching for peace, with Jacob by her side, encouraging her to embrace imperfection and trust the process. Together, they discover that although life may never be free from chaos, it is possible to find stillness within it, ultimately transforming both of their paths in unexpected and profound ways.

Pairing: Jacob Fatu x Afro-Asian OC

Previous: Chapter One

January 2025

Jacob’s grip on Yami’s wrist tightened as he pulled her close, his chest meeting hers with a force that left no room for escape. She was standing right in front of him now, and he didn’t care how many people were around or how this looked; his eyes were locked onto hers, intense, unyielding.

“Now why are you acting like you don’t see me?” he growled, his voice deep, almost predatory. The low tone sent a shiver down Yami’s spine, though she didn’t show it. She loved when he got like this—fierce, demanding, with that edge of authority she could never resist.

Yami tilted her head slightly, a small smirk playing on her lips. Her eyes sparkled with amusement as she casually glanced up at him. She knew what she was doing. “I didn’t see you, baby,” she said, her voice smooth and teasing, the words coming out slow as she ran her fingers across his chest, letting the touch linger just enough to drive him mad.

Jacob’s jaw clenched. There was no mistaking the look in his eyes now. He was losing that careful control he worked so hard to maintain around her. And Yami? Well, she was just getting started.

She yanked her wrist free from his grasp, slowly and deliberately, letting her fingers slide from his grip. She couldn’t help but enjoy the way he reacted to her every move, the tension in his body mounting with each little gesture.

He leaned in closer, his lips almost brushing against her ear as he muttered under his breath. “You’re really playing with me, huh?”

Yami smirked wider, a gleam of mischief in her eyes. “Maybe I am,” she teased, stepping back just a little as she reached into her bag for her phone. “What are you gonna do about it?”

But before Jacob could say anything further, a voice cut through the heated exchange, pulling both of their attention away.

“What y’all got going on?” Joseph, Jacob’s cousin, strolled up casually, his eyes scanning the scene between the two. He looked between Jacob and Yami with an amused expression, clearly enjoying the tension that crackled in the air.

Yami, sensing a slight opportunity to throw Jacob off balance even further, crossed her arms over her chest, the movement accentuating her curves. Her tight-fitting top strained a little, and she knew exactly what that did to Jacob. His eyes flickered down instinctively, his expression betraying a mix of disbelief and possessiveness. She wasn’t shy about enjoying the effect she had on him.

“Girl, put my titties up,” Jacob muttered, his voice gruff, though there was something amused in it. He reached to pull her top up, as if he could somehow tame the small amount of skin that had spilled out. He could feel his frustration growing, though not in the way most people would think—it was more of an amused kind of frustration.

She had a way of messing with him that was... well, impossible to ignore.

Joseph raised an eyebrow, clearly confused by Jacob’s reaction. “Your titties?” he asked, genuinely perplexed by what he had just heard.

Yami laughed, loud and free, clearly finding the situation as amusing as Jacob’s exasperated attempt to play the cool guy. “His titties,” she said, nodding toward Jacob with a wink.

Jacob shot Joseph an exasperated look. “Now, when did this become a thing?” he asked, clearly a little lost in the back-and-forth of it all.

Yami smiled as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “Last month,” she said with an air of nonchalance, as if their relationship had always been out in the open.

Joseph blinked, his surprise evident. “Oh, so that’s why you’ve been dressing up when you come to work?” he teased Jacob, raising an eyebrow in mock understanding.

Jacob rolled his eyes, but Yami was already enjoying herself too much. She didn’t care who knew. She wasn’t the secretive type. Not when it came to Jacob.

“Man, I ain’t dressing up for nobody,” Jacob muttered, trying to sound unaffected, though there was a hint of a smile creeping onto his face. “Yami just likes to act like she’s got something over me.” He glanced sideways at her, shaking his head in disbelief, but still clearly amused.

Yami looked up at him, her smile playful yet challenging. “Oh, I definitely do,” she said, her voice teasing, and then glanced back at Joseph, who was still grinning at them. “So, yeah, last month we made it official.”

Joseph raised his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright, no need to rub it in. I’m just happy for y’all. Didn’t expect it, though.”

With that, Joseph started walking away, heading toward some filming duties. But Yami wasn’t finished. She pulled out her phone and, without missing a beat, started taking selfies. As she adjusted the angle, she noticed Jacob hovering just beside her.

“Come here,” she ordered, reaching for his arm and pulling him into the shot. Jacob didn’t even try to protest. Instead, he gave her a deadpan look, but there was an undeniable amusement in his eyes. He wasn’t going to fight her on this.

“You know everyone’s going to know about us now, right?” Jacob said, his voice low, but with a hint of a smile. He didn’t really mind it. Deep down, he knew it was bound to happen sooner or later.

Yami shrugged, unbothered. “Okay, and? What’s the problem?” she said, as if the world knowing about them didn’t matter one bit.

Jacob shot her a look, a little amused. “I see you’re not the secretive type.”

Yami’s eyes twinkled, full of mischief. “Nah,” she replied, her voice full of confidence. “I’m a ‘my man, my man’ type, meaning I like to show off what’s mine and keep it moving. If anyone’s got a problem with that, well…” She trailed off, letting the words hang in the air as she looked at him knowingly.

Jacob let out a small, almost amused sigh. He didn’t know how she did it—how she could always make him feel this way. The mix of admiration, slight annoyance, and genuine affection. It was like a heady cocktail, and Yami seemed to always be in control of it.

Just as the moment started to settle, Bianca, Montez, Trinity, and Jonathan walked over. They immediately noticed the chemistry between Yami and Jacob and weren’t shy about commenting on it.

“I thought Sefa was just talking shit, but y’all are really booed up!” Jonathan exclaimed as he walked over, immediately grabbing Jacob in a playful headlock and messing with him.

Jacob rolled his eyes but didn’t fight it. “Man, I’m not hiding anything.”

Jonathan laughed, shaking his head. “Right, sure you’re not. You two look good together though.”

Bianca, looking genuinely happy for the pair, added, “I always thought you two would be cute together.”

Montez was quick to shoot down Bianca’s comment. “No, you didn’t,” he said, a knowing smirk on his lips.

Bianca didn’t miss a beat. “Yes, I did,” she replied, her voice full of mock indignation.

Yami, enjoying the back-and-forth, looked between Bianca and Montez with a playful gleam in her eyes. “We are cute though, right?” she asked, her tone teasing.

Montez chuckled, his arms crossed. “Yeah, y’all are cute. Don’t pretend like you don’t know it,” he said, his voice teasing but warm.

Bianca nodded, adding, “Seriously, you two are practically glowing together.”

Yami turned her attention back to Jacob, leaning into him slightly as she let the praise wash over her. “See? They get it,” she said with a satisfied smile.

[raedroid]

Never Too Young To Die

Chapter 5: Make a Connection

——————————————————————————

The blazing sun in the crystal clear sky scorched the earth below, the sandy plains across the highway were hotter than ever. Danja drove down the road in her silver mustang, her tan skin shining brighter because of the sun rays. Unbeknownst to her, Lance was coming in behind her in the crimson motorcycle, being chased by two men on their custom black motorcycles, adorned and decorated like dragons. Danja heard a faint beeping sound coming from near the gear shift of her car. Turning over, she sees her phone attached to the car and pulled it up to her ear.

“Who is it?” She asked

“It’s Carruthers.” He answered. “I was just talking to Naomi and Sigmund and they got a lead on Ragnar and his crew. According to Sig, apparently they’re hiding in an old warehouse on the Bolton Dam cutoff on 128 North Road.”

“Got it. I’m on the way now.” She responded, putting the phone away. Just as she finished the call, she sees a bike coming closer to her in the rear view mirror. After inspecting closer, she sighed in frustration, realizing it was Lance who was being berated by a few of Ragnars associates. Lance tried to speed up to catch up to her and she made a sharp turn to avoid him. As they continued on the same path, Ragnars men draw in closer and pulled out their weapons. One pulled out a mini axe to blow out the tires and the other swings a spiked mace at him.

“Idiots.” She muttered annoyed. She spotted a large truck up ahead and speeds up and slides her car underneath it, pulling out her twin guns out from the glove department, taking her time as Lance goes to the truck, ducking his head as the axe man kept attacking him

“Looks like Deering got a date!” He teased. “Hope you don’t mind your clothes being dirty before you go out!” Just as he almost cut his head off, Danja shot the axe man the head and chest, making him tumble off his motorbike and get run over by the wheels of the truck. Lance slowed down to avoid any of her shots as the spiked mace comrade tried to swing at him. Danja shoots him in the chest as well, causing him to drive off the road and fall by the cliff side. Lance slowed and pulled over by the side as Danja drove from under the truck and pulled over as well. Lance got off and saw her expression, a mixture of anger and disbelief as she put her pistols away

“Why were you following me?” She asked, her voice almost breaking with anger

“Look. I’m sorry for snapping at the nightclub.” He murmured

“Whatever. Is that it?”

“No. I don’t think. I don’t know where to begin.” He looked down at his hands, covered in his black fingerless gloves, many emotions all over his mind. He wanted Danja to help him figure out everything that has been plaguing him for the past few days. His thoughts were interrupted by Danja sighing once more in disappointment

“Get in.” She ordered, surprising him. He stared at her with a blank expression, unsure if it was a joke or not. “Go on. What are you waiting for?” Lance scrambled to get inside but stared back at the bike as she sped away

“Wait! My bike! That was my friends!” He shouted.

“You should’ve gotten your own, idiot!” She argued. “Now what the hell were you thinking! You almost got yourself killed!”

“Calm down already! I can take care of myself!”

“Oh really? From what I’ve seen back there, you needed me to back you up.”

“Maybe it’s because I don’t have a gun!”

“Exactly! You shouldn’t be dealing with those freaks without a gun! What will your father say if he saw you acting like this?”

“I don’t know actually. What would he say? You were his right hand lady and knew him better than his actual children.”

“I had no control over that!” They sat in silence for a brief moment, their minds disoriented from the screaming and their recent run in. Danja wiped the sweat off her face and turned to him.

“Look Lance. I know you’re frustrated and I get it, but you can’t just scream at me over him. I don’t know why he left you alone like that and we’ll probably never know so I just need you to listen to me. Your father was more than just a partner to me. What he did for my family and I was much more than any other person is capable of doing. And because of that, I want to keep you safe, and that means keeping you away from me”

Lance stared at her, an indifferent expression that was hard to describe. He couldn’t help himself from tears going down his face, unable to face Danja since he had seemingly forced her to reveal dark details of her life to him. As she continued, his guilt only increased

“My dads were always away and since I had this massive little career, I had to be the parent to help my siblings out. Drew always made sure I was safe and that I was important and before I met Amara, he was the only friend I ever had and if I didn’t have him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. He meant the world to me.”

“I never thought of it that way.” Lance murmured, looking down once more, not knowing that Danja was looking at him with sympathy.

“I understand why you’re mad at him because he left you alone with your sister but he had to. He didn’t wanted you to know about any of this. You understand?” She asked

“Yes…” Lance responded, not daring to look at her. Danja stared at the wheel, wondering if she had made the right choice to reveal her intentions to him to keep him safe.

“Do you wanna talk about it?” She asked, her voice now calm and steady, enough to soothe Lance a bit and loosen his anxiety

“Um… I don’t know…” The two stayed silent, the only noise coming through was the sound of the engine running down the long road. Not even looking at each other, they both stared in opposite directions, too many things were spoken about them and they were too scared to get closer, not wanting to hurt each other more than they already did.

Their silence was soon interrupted by the car hitting a large bump, shocking the two of them. The car skidded along the road hysterically, turning sharply and almost crashing into a large boulder sticking out of the ground. Lance grabbed on his seat as hard as he could and Danja slammed the brakes, narrowly avoiding the boulder and stopping on the side of the road. They gasped in disbelief before Danja turned back to the road.

“What the hell was that?!” She shouted. As they climbed out of the car, more shrieks started to echo across the plains and several Ragnar associates comes out, carrying a variety of weapons and riding in on bikes, ready to take them both. Danja glared at them and threw one of her guns to Lance and started to shoot each member coming closer to her while Lance inspected the crowd, hoping the one of these scoundrels were Velvet, wishing to find out more about them.

However, one member comes forward and starts to fight Danja. She had brown hair that faded to indigo at the tips and her dark tan skin was adorned with a long spiral tattoo along her right arm. Her hair was shaved on side, letting her curly hair fall perfectly on her side. The two of them continue hand to hand combat and Lance hid behind the car, shooting aimlessly at anyone in front of him and watching Danja as she was thrown into her windshield, leaving cracks in it.

“Noelle! Tell your crew to fall back! You don’t want me to wipe the floor with them like I did at the barn!” Danja ordered, pointing her gun. But as she pulled the trigger, only a clicking sound came out, leaving her defenceless

“Well you’re not at the barn anymore sweetheart.” She teased, pinning her head down on the hood of the car. “Pyramid get down here!” Lance looked over to see the familiar muscular man wrapping Danja wrists in chains and throwing her on the road. Witnessing the horror, he got up and jumped on top of Pyramid and pulled back on his hair.

“Get away from her!” He exclaimed, receiving screams from him as he almost yanked parts of his hair out but Noelle grabbed Lance by his jacket and slammed his head on the hood of the car as well and threw him on the ground.

“Take her away. Velvets orders.” She called out to the other members, dragging Danja away and pulling her onto one of their bikes and drove away

“What do we do with him?” Pyramid asked.

“We already know where Stargrove used to live. Take him there. And make sure you get the pendent while you’re there. Velvet thinks it’ll help us find the disc.” She instructed. He nodded and alongside his pal Minkie, they drove down the highway with Lance unconscious body and Noelle wandered down the long road in hope of finding that ditched bike Lance left behind

——————————————————————————

Cliff sat at his computer, scribbling on his notebook as he looked over and studied the codes scattered across the screen. He kept glancing up from the computer to the door, hoping and praying that Lance would come walking through the door. He also kept looking over at the phone on the table, expecting it to ring at any moment. He sat at this table, his thoughts were racing thinking of any possible situation his best friend was in. They’ve been together for so long and he can’t even begin to imagine what he could be going through. As he kept panicking internally, he heard a faint knock at the door, exciting him as he bounced out of his office chair and ran towards the door. Opening it, he slumped his shoulders in slight disappointment to see a young woman with long black hair and a red bow accessory in the back of her hair

“Pardon me but is this room 2249?” She asked, taking a glance around the dorm room, inspecting everything inside

“Yeah it’s on the door?” Cliff answered. She looked up at the small sign with 2249 engraved on it

“Oh so it is!” She remarked amused

“So who are you?”

“Oh sorry about that! My name’s Amara Kazumi good sir pleasure to meet you!” She took his hand and shakes it excitedly and he stared at it confused

“Cliff Ramos. Um… what are you doing here? Are you new to this collage? You kinda came in at a pretty weird time if you did.”

“Nah man I just heard from some friends of mine that this is the dorm room of Lance Stargrove.” Cliff started to panic over hearing her mention his name, but he got closer to her as she entered the room.

“Where is he? Are you one of the girls he mentioned? He left at 3 am and never came back and I haven’t heard from him since. Where the hell is he?” He asked suspiciously

“Relax kid. I didn’t do anything to your friend. My group and I are just looking out for him.”

“Hey I’m not a kid. I may be short but I’m turning 20 next month.”

“Oh really? I just turned 21 the other day. Now my birthdays kinda associated with Drew’s funeral but hey, maybe he wanted to do a cruel joke for my birthday.”

“Drew?”

“Yeah Lances father. He got buried on my birthday of all days and I had plans that day down at the Incinerator.”

“You know his dad? What is this, a soap opera?”

“I worked with him you dingus. It’s plain to see.” Amara then glanced at the computer screen, seeing the long wall of text and code and walked closer to it. Looking down at Cliffs notebook, she noticed in big letters: Water Pollution Program.

“What’s this code you got here?” She asked, flipping through the pages

“Oh it came from this RAM CD in this package. Lance got this from his father and this disc was inside. It looked suspicious so I went and ran some tests with it and I found these large codes in it. It’s a program that apparently can poison the entire water supply in the city.” Cliff explained. Amara handed it back to him and looked at the computer again

“Man you cracked these codes pretty quickly. I’m impressed.” She smirked at him.

“Oh it’s nothing really. It’s really easy to do once you get the hang of it. I’ve studied and memorized thousands of codes like these before.” He responded

“Interesting. You would really like my buddy Sigmund, he does a lot of hacking and coding like you do. He even made me all of my equipment such as my communicator.”

“So he’s an inventor as well?”

“Yeah. We’ve got a lot of crazy smart peeps on the Stargrove Faction. What? You already want to join me?

“Well I did my own inventing.” Cliff walked over to the side and pulled out his Pyroblaster and unwrapped the device from its blanket protection. Amara stared at the large long ranged weapon in surprise and awe

“What is that?!”

“It’s a Pyroblaster, I made it myself. And I just finished the final touches on it last night. It has enough power to blow up my room.”

“Have you ever tested it?”

“Yep! Right outside!” He pointed out the window and sees a huge section of the outdoor area with burnt out grass, trees and destroyed benches. Some students walking by were inspecting the area with concerned expressions.

“Damn. That does some serious damage. I like it.” She smiled at him and he looked down, a small blush forming on his face

“Wow thanks.” He murmured quietly. Just before he was about to speak, Amara’s mobile phone goes off in her bag and she rushed to it

“Hello?… yes Carruthers. I’m taking care of- What?…. Where is she?… Oh god seriously?!… Hold on I’ll get over there! I’ll find her!” She pressed down on the button harshly and shoved it back in her bag, almost sprinting out the door. Cliff was dazed by Amara’s sudden urgency, running by the door frame as she runs towards the stairwell

“Where are you going?!” Cliff called out

“What do you think? I’m saving your friend and my bestie!” She answered

“Wait! If you’re going to find Lance, then take me with you!” He said. Amara stopped in her tracks and stared back at the shorter man in surprise

“I can’t do that to you. I mean, the Pyroblaster could be useful, but you would be going up against a bunch of renegades. They want to kill me and my crew mates because of Lances dad.”

“But we got the disc that they want right? So, now that we have it, I’ll be more than happy to take care of it.” Cliff saw that Amara was still pondering on the idea of taking him with her, but Cliff started grabbing his bag and shoved his Pyroblaster inside

“I understand you’re worried about your friend but you’re entering extremely dangerous territory.”

“I don’t care. Lance and I made a promise since we were kids to always look out for each other. All for one and one for all as we always say. And I’m never breaking that promise.”

Cliffs determined look must’ve won Amara over. He watched her nod, a look of confidence washing over her in response. Relief started to grow in his face as Amara patted his shoulder gently.

“Well if you think you can handle this, then welcome to the team Cliff.” She exclaimed confidently, giving him a smirk, a small crimson blush forming on his face. “Now we might wanna hurry. Who knows where they’re at.” She spoke with urgency, grabbing his slender arm in a firm grip, almost dragging him down the concrete steps. They bolted down, bumping into people along the way and receiving confused glances from them. As they ran out, the harsh sunlight almost blinding Cliff, he stared awestruck at Amara’s crimson red Ferrari.

“You got a Ferrari?!” He asked excitedly. Expensive cars and all types of vehicles in general was always exciting for him.

“Hell yeah buddy! My Ferrari Testarossa! My parents got me it for my 18th birthday!” She stated proudly, smacking the hood of the car with an air of confidence and pride. They both got in the car, slamming the doors quickly and Cliff looked down at a small bag near the gear shift that contained all types of cassettes

“You collect cassettes too?!” He asked again, his joy growing more and more. Pulling out a cassette of Voulez Vouz by ABBA, he looked it over and flipping around excitedly. “You like ABBA?!”

“Who doesn’t buddy?” She answered happily, letting him insert it and she turns up the volume on the side as they drifted away from the campus. Cliff stared back at his dormitory, worry and dread resurfaced on his face

“Do you think we’ll be able to find him?” He asked, hoping for more guidance from her

“We can only hope pal. Now that Drew is gone, anything is possible. Especially with Ragnar coming back to mess with us.” She explained. He was stunned by the mention of this strange individual and started to wonder how they could relate to Lance and Amara in general

“But who is this Ragnar person? And why are they, whoever they are, attacking you and your friends? What does Lance and his father have anything to do with… whatever this is?!” Amara put a hand on his hand to calm him down as his words grew more frantic and his anxiety worsened.

“Relax ok? I’ll tell you everything. But I gotta warn you, it’s a pretty long story.” She responded

“Well it’ll probably take us a while to find them so might as well.” He half joked, leaning back on his plush car, glancing next to Amara whose focus was on the road and barely looking back.

“Very well then. Just don’t tell anything about when I get you back to campus, got it?”

“You got it.” The pair smiled back at each other, the car speeding through the city and far out into the countryside, hoping for something good. Cliff simply sat as Amara explained everything and his worries started to creep in again. But Amara had her thoughts focused on Danja and Lance and could be happening to them

This war was unpredictable

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