#he said that he had been sick many times since he took the 2 shots

[hearts4golbach]

So Innocent, So Good.

wattpad request:

can you do a truth or dare with Jake where he finds out reader is really innocent

pairing:

Jake Webber x Fem!Reader.

a/n:

not proofread

warnings:

pre established relationship, 18+ smut, corruption kink, choking, hair pulling, cowgirl position.

word count:

1.3k

the music was loud and obnoxious as you tried to speak to Jake. "i'm getting pretty bored!" you yelled over 'Party in the USA.' you and Jake had lost Tara and Johnnie a while ago, and you had been at the party for about 2 hours.

"yeah, we should go find Johnnie and Tara!" he mentioned. you nodded in agreement. Jakes arm snaked around your waist as he pulled you along with him.

trying to find Johnnie and Tara was a difficult feat. the house was big and there were many rooms. not to mention the kitchen and living room were huge. as you walked into the kitchen, you spotted Johnnie and Tara standing in a small circle of people. you pointed them out to Jake and began to walk over.

you tapped on Johnnies shoulder. "what are you guys doing?!"

he leaned back to speak into your ear. "truth or shot, i guess. Tara dragged me over because she wanted to join."

"you two should join!" Tara shouted.

you looked towards jake who was already looking at you. you shrugged, "why not?"

Johnnie and Tara squeezed the two of you into the circle. the man across from you got your attention. "you! h/c hair." you pointed at yourself and raised an eyebrow. he nodded. "i have a kinky question for you. have you ever been choked during sex?"

the question cause your face to heat up. you heard Jake let out a small giggle as his grip on your waist grew tighter. you and Jake had never had kinky sex, it was always super soft and vanilla. neither of you had ever entertained the idea of doing anything further than that.

"no, i haven't." truthfully, this game was rigged on your part. you were designated driver for that night, so you couldn't take a shot even if you wanted to. Jake ultimately decided to stay sober with you.

you asked some other person a question, which they took a shot for. you kept getting asked odd questions like, 'would you want to use handcuffs during sex?' (which you said maybe to,) and other questions in that realm. you noticed Jake getting more aroused by the second. the thought of Jake doing all these things to you made the ache between your legs grow. it was odd, you had never really thought about stuff like that.

you two were in the game for about 20 minutes before you both started getting sick of that, as well. the ache in Jakes pants along with your own was starting to become unbearable. you turned to Johnnie and Tara once more. "you guys ready to go home?"

They were both pretty drunk at that point and resisted before giving in. you knew as soon as you all got back to the house, Tara would crash on the couch and and Johnnie would fall asleep as soon as he hit his bed. you dragged the two of them outside with the help of Jake and threw them into the backseat. Jake climbed into the drivers seat (since it was his car, even though you were the designated driver,) and you climbed into the passenger seat.

Jakes hand gripped your thigh as one rested on the steering wheel. it started to climb dangerously close to your heat, which made you rub your thighs together. Jake held a small smirk on his face. the two in the back seat were distracted. Tara was yapping to Johnnie about something you blocked out. Jakes hand placement made your mind foggy with need.

by the time you were home, you were itching to get Jake into your shared bed. the two of you helped the drunk ones inside. just as you suspected, Tara knocked out on the couch and Johnnie crashed into bed, not even bothering closing his door fully. you basically dragged Jake up to your bedroom, which you didn't need to because Jake already knew.

as soon as you closed the door, Jakes lips were on yours. instead of the slow, desperate make out session you usually had, it was rough and needy. the way his lips clashed with yours in a needy manner turned you on even more. you clawed at his shirt, ripping it off and throwing it onto the floor.

he pulled your dress up to around your your waist. your bare ass was pressed against the cold door, sending chills down your spine. Jakes tongue easily slipped into your mouth, tangling with yours with passion. he picked you up and you wrapped your legs around his waist. his growing bulge pressed into your aching core. you moaned into his mouth, which fueled his desire further.

he brought you over to the bed, sitting down quickly. one of his hands found it's way into your panties. his fingers teased your clit and ran through your folds, collecting your slick. he pinched your clit, causing you to moan into his mouth once again. "fuck," he muttered against your lips, starting to unbuckle his pants. he ripped off his belt and jeans before pulling down your underwear.

he pulled your panties to the side and teased your entrance with his tip. "please, jakey." you grinned down onto his tip. making Jake let out a groan.

he gripped your hips and pulled you down onto his dick. you let out a moan as you sat down, taking his length fully. you began to gently bounce on his cock. "god, i love how fucking innocent you are." he groaned into your neck, biting down into your skin.

you let out a loud moan as his hands moved your hips faster. you rested your head in the crook of his neck as you took him harder than you had before. "you fuck me so fucking good," you moaned out.

his hand moved to your neck as you kept up the same pace. he gripped your throat gently, causing your moans to come out louder than before. they were raspy and dripping with need. "look at you, being such a slut for my dick." he hissed through his teeth. "you like it rough, don't you, ma?" his grip tightened.

your brain fog was prominent as you couldn't form any words. you nodded desperately as he pounded into your pussy. his hand moved from your neck to your hair, pulling your head back. he kissed and sucked dark marks into your neck. your moans and his grunts filled the room along with the smell of sex.

you were already so close, "fuck, Jake im-"

"close? i know, baby. i can tell." a smirk formed on his face as he pumped into you faster.

you writhed under his touch as he brought you closer to your climax. his hand gripped your neck again as he pulled you in for a kiss. his lips glided with yours as you came undone on his cock. your walls spasmed around him as he helped you ride out your climax. he kept ducking you roughly as he chased his own.

with one final thrust, Jake came inside of you. his cock softened inside of you before he pulled out. his cum dripped out of your pussy. he laid you back on the bed and grabbed the baby wiped from the side table. he cleaned you up, being very gentle with your sore cunt.

he peppered your body with kisses as he praise you on how well you did. "you took it so good baby,"

he collapsed on the bed next to you and pulled you close. he dragged the covers over the both of you. "we should do that more often," you smiled.

[lynnlovesspidahman]

this is me trying.

peter parker x reader

part 2. || part 1.

masterlist.

warnings : angst, mentions of violence, swearing, lots of self-doubt (peter im sorry)

word count : 2.7k

summary : There’s always two sides to a story. An apology is put into place.

Peter felt like he was living three different lives at once.

Each taking so, so much energy every single day.

His job, an assistant for Dr. Octavius at Octavius Industries. He felt guilty for arriving late every day, and still somehow having a job.

Peter was smarter than Doc, they both knew that. So that meant he would be called to office very, very often.

Usually because of some mistake Doc had made while working on the new prototypes of prosthetic limbs.

But the pressure it brought could get to be too much sometimes. One small mistake could cost millions of lives — or dollars — if not noticed early enough.

But he knew it would help the world someday, in so many ways. The exhaustion was totally worth it.

Spider-Man. Peter had loved and genuinely enjoyed playing his alter-ego.

Constantly, day and night, he was out. Out saving people everywhere. Sure, his work wasn’t appreciated by everyone but it was 100% worth it — to him.

But Spider-Man came with considerable costs. His everlasting lack of sleep. Peter can’t remember the last time he really got his 8 hours. The bags under his eyes made that apparent enough.

The physicality of the job, how many times had he stopped a car with his bare hands? He lost count years ago.

The bruises, cuts, broken limbs, brought immense pain, even to Spider-Man. Sure, he can heal faster — a nights rest, a heating pad, and your some soup is more than enough — But that doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt.

And the emotional weight it brought.

The crimes haven’t slowed, if anything they’ve gotten much more prominent all around the city.

The overwhelming amount of times he has to swing across New York to fight off large groups of thugs has become too much.

And honestly, he’s so sick of it.

And so, Peter stopped pulling his punches as much.

The guilt didn’t come until later.

He climbed through your apartment’s window after a long, long night of patrol.

You were sitting there — unaware of his presence— watching TV, all cuddled up on the corner of the couch with your mini Spidey plush.

“Hey, beautiful.” He called out to you.

“Holy shit-” You jumped and turned around to look at him. “You can’t just pop out of nowhere like that, you scared the hell out of me.”

You got up and walked towards him, “Was patrol okay?”

“Uh, yeah it was alright, kicked my ass tonight though. I’m worn out,” He stretched his arms above his head.

“Hm. Why?” You raised an eyebrow at him.

“Uhm, I mean I fought bad guys all night?” He scoffed, a stupid question, he thought.

“Or was it because you practically killed someone tonight?” You bluntly said.

You had taken a step away from him, like he was a danger to you too.

“They were a criminal!” He shrugged.

“Why does that matter? You can’t just completely take someone’s life away. That’s not who you are. Before you say you didn’t, you came real close to.” You stood your position.

It felt like you shot him straight in the heart.

He should’ve listened to you. But instead, he took a shot right back at you, a shot to kill.

“Again, they’re criminals. I’m sorry I had to calm things down somehow. I’m sorry I needed to do something to catch a break for once in my damn life. And you’re not exactly helping that.” He looked away from you. He felt ashamed.

You were right, he knew that, even then. But his pride couldn’t let him admit it.

“What is wrong with you? You love Spider-Man. And you always talk about how killing sickens you. You’ve changed, Peter.” You spat back at him.

He should’ve just ended it there, stopped the excessive violence, stopped the fight. Maybe then he wouldn’t have been in your kitchen on that faithful Tuesday.

It had been two days since that argument.

His almost perfect rep was officially ruined (Jameson had a field trip that day, too). The stress was at an all-time high.

He almost couldn’t handle it. He didn’t want to anymore.

He was still so angry at you for being right. Because you always were.

You were the one who kept him balanced, who took care of him no matter the time of day or night.

He hadn’t been back to your apartment since the fight, either.

But he would return to it after a tough night the day after. And the next.

And you forgave him, so fast (He took you to see the Barbie movie, paid for every snack and drink you could’ve wanted. It was indisputable on your end). The guilt from what Peter’s put you through has just stacked on and on.

Now he really couldn’t handle it anymore. 

And so, there he was. Sat atop a random rooftop rethinking everything.

He debated his life. His three lives, more like. Which parts were worth it, and which weren’t. (It was really fucked up, who measures parts of their life in worth and just decides which to throw away?)

He couldn’t lose his job, how would he make money?

He couldn’t stop being Spider-Man, he knew that.

And there was you. The biggest and undoubtedly the most important part.

But you were also easy to throw away, he thought.

So much stress and time would be lifted off of his shoulders.

(Little did he know, it would be the complete opposite. His injuries didn’t heal all the way like they did when you took care of him. Every time he was hurt, it would linger for days at a time. He missed how much you’d worried for him. He really took you for granted.)

And so, he decided in the next couple of weeks, he would break it off.

And he did. On the Tuesday the following week.

He looks back on it — to this day — and realized everything he had said to you that evening, wasn’t directed at you. It was directed at himself.

Of course he enjoyed loving you. He didn’t enjoy being himself was what.

He needed to be his best for you because he couldn’t be with anything else. He failed at being the friendly and reliable Spider-man. Him and Doc didn’t get the grant they’d been needing for so long.

And when he did try to improve when you called him out that night, it just wasn’t enough.

He didn’t deserve you.

He took everything out on you, he didn’t mean a word he said. But you didn’t know that.

Peter never had an outlet to take anything out. He couldn’t leave you with every burden of his life, Doc and him weren’t that close, and May couldn’t know he was Spider-Man.

He snapped that Tuesday.

And there’s nothing more that he regrets in his entire life.

But he couldn’t burden you anymore. He wouldn’t.

He did nothing but keep you up late at night, hurt your feelings, and make you do everything for him.

Peter loved you. And he couldn’t let himself torture you like this.

So he forced himself to let you go. You would move on, anyways. He couldn’t.

He listened to every single one of the voicemails you sent.

Every. Single. One. He’s never heard you sound so down (Because of him, nonetheless).

It took so much out of him to not respond. More than what he had to give.

And after five weeks, he finally caved.

He texted you.

9:52 PM

Hey, beautiful.

You wouldn’t forgive him quick this time, he knew that. This time wasn’t just some fight. He tore your heart apart.

But he would work for your forgiveness, he swore to himself, God as his witness.

You read the message immediately. He knew you had gotten off of work, so it wasn’t completely abnormal.

But you didn’t respond. He checked his phone all night and the next morning (He was desperate for something, even if it was an angry text. He hated nothing more than you ignoring him).

So he texted you again. He just went straight for it this time, no holding back anymore.

1:16 PM

Can we meet up?? I think we can agree there’s still some loose ends we need to revisit, together.

Read 1:18 PM

He was patient this time. He tried stepping in your shoes, and it broke his heart. He couldn’t imagine you snapping on him like he had.

He couldn’t live if you were angry at him like he was at you. And if you weren’t going to respond again he was debating on just showing up to your apartment. Can’t ignore him that way.

2:12 PM

Y/N 💞 : “Loose ends” is a funny term. You mean when you randomly showed up to my apartment and broke up with me for the stupidest reason?

He cringed. This was a dumb decision.

2:12 PM

I know, trust me. I just want to talk. And explain myself.

Explain my biggest mistake. I’ve never regretted anything more than leaving you and taking the anger at myself onto you.

He debated on sending the message, but he didn’t.

You would just see it as him trying kiss your ass into forgiving him. It worked before.

2:14 PM

Y/N 💞 : Peter, why? Why are you only just know texting me? Why are you trying to meet up when you tore my heart into pieces? Why are you seeking forgiveness randomly?

Why are you asking such hard questions, he wanted to ask.

2:14 PM

Idk, I miss you?

I miss you and still love you. I regret that night so much.

Can you just hear me out? Please?

Nothing sounded right. But he just went for it, again. At this point, he was pacing across his rooftop, anxious for your response (If you even gave him one).

2:15 PM

Y/N 💞 : Peter, I swear. If you make me regret this, I’ll come for you. Worse than any enemy you’ve ever faced and ever will.

He laughed at that one. You wouldn’t —right?—

2:15 PM

I won’t, Y/N. I promise. Tomorrow, Micks at 3?

Read 2:16 PM

You left him on read, but he counted that as a success — you didn’t refuse his offer so.. —

He would come back from this. He has to.

Peter was late. Fuck him.

Why did you even give him your time of day anymore? This man could tear you apart and you still gave into his words.

3:13 PM

Peter 🕸️ : Babt, I’mso sotry. I got caugjt up with worl, I’m bloxks away I sqaer.

You could barely understand him, but you were used to his usually proper grammar slipping while he was swinging.

How dare he? How dare he beg you to come out here and he gets to show up late??

He practically busted the restaurant’s door open. He rushed to your table.

“Baby I-”

“No,” You interrupted. “You don’t get to call me that. Fuck you, asshole. You ask me to meet you and you show up late? Are you kidding me?” You crossed your arms and stood up from the booth you were sitting at.

“Y/N, I’m so, so sorry. I got caught up with Doc at work. Huuge internal wiring problem. I don’t even understand how he could’ve messed it up so badly,” He talked with his hands, he was so cute when he did that.

You took a step towards him, and slapped the shit out of his stupidly attractive face.

“You don’t get to break me and show up late when you wanted me here.” The tears were back. You were livid. You shoved your finger into his face as you scolded him.

“I know, I know. I keep fucking up and I’m sorry. Lets just sit down and let me explain everything. I promise you, it’s worth it.” He put his hands on both of your shoulders to keep you from leaving and tried to calm you down.

“Hands off,” You pulled his hands away from your shoulder and slumped back into the booth.

You wanted to go home.

“Okay, okay.” He sat down and stared at you.

“Well?” You waited, “Let’s hear this explanation,” You rolled your eyes.

“Well, uh-” He paused for a moment, “I don’t know how to start.”

You waited for him to continue, arms still crossed. You really didn’t want to hear him out.

“Do you remember when I almost beat the life outta that guy? Like a month ago or something?” He asked.

“Yeah.” You rolled your eyes again, not exactly a good moment to bring up.

“I feel like that’s where it started,”

“Mhm..” You nodded for him to keep going.

“I started slipping. I stopped pulling my punches and I was so stressed out every moment of my life. A-and one day I just got so sick of it,” He started choking up, you almost felt bad for him.

“So I sat down and tried to organize my life. I wanted to rid myself of stress and try to free up time for myself in order to y’know, rejuvenate.”

You sat there, you were expecting plain excuses. But it seemed he had something real going here.

“I couldn’t rid myself of my job — how else would I be able to live? — and obviously Spider-Man isn’t a choice. And there came you. The best and biggest part of my life.”

You raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue.

“I was stupid, I thought that by taking a break, I’d feel more free. And feel more.. well less stressed out. If I had something to myself then I would be better and feel okay? I don’t know.”

You narrowed your eyes at him.

“Don’t look at me like that, please. I was so overwhelmed with everything. I’ve been so behind on rent, and crime just never stops around here. Its like it raises more and more every week.”

“I thought-” He took a deep breath, “I thought that if I had one less chore — trust me you are not a chore to me — life would get easier.”

You’re guessing he tried to rephrase his words he said before, he’s almost repeating himself.

“But it didn’t. At all. I was in pain all the time — emotionally and physically — it didn’t help at all. I said I didn’t enjoy loving you. I lied. I didn’t enjoy loving myself- or being me.”

Your heart clenched for him. He hurt you so bad, but hearing how he truly felt made you slightly reconsider things.

“I didn’t enjoy the stress of my life, and I don’t have any outlet for my anger. And you forgave me so easily the last time we fought. And I guess I took advantage of that. I took all of the hate I had for myself onto you. I think that will forever be my biggest mistake.”

Your eyebrows scrunched.

“I love you. So much, Y/N. More than words can describe. I’ve never regretted anything more in my life and I can’t ever be away from you, again.”

“I broke it off thinking it would cause me less stress, but I understand now that it was you who took the pressure away. Being away from you, Y/N,” He laughed (At his own pain, seemingly). “I’ve never felt shittier in my life.”

Your tears flowed. Your expectations were well exceeded. He’s fucked up so much, but he makes up for it every time. And this time, it wasn’t done by kissing your ass and spoiling you, you recognized that.

“I can’t explain how sorry I am. I regret what I did to you that night so much. More than anything in the world. I just hope you can understand that.”

“I hope you can understand me.” He kept eye contact, his eyes were watery. “I know how complicated I can get,” He let out a breathy laugh.

“Pete.” You just about whispered his name.

“Yeah..?” He wiped his eyes on his sleeve before answering you.

“I forgive you.” You smiled, still crying from his well thought out (you had to give him credit) apology.

“Wait- Really?”

“Yeah. I do.”

He stood up and hugged you from across the table.

“But..”

“But..?” He repeated you, curiously. He let go of the hug to look you in the eyes.

“You’re gonna have to pay for the meal if you really want me back.”

He laughed.

“I love you.”

He grabbed your cheeks and pulled you in for a kiss. He’s never kissed you so hard.

Stunned, but pleasantly surprised, you sat there for a moment. Unsure of whether you should kiss him or not.

But you grabbed his collar and melted into the kiss.

No matter how hard he had broken you, his words brought you back to him.

And you wouldn’t regret it, you knew that.

part 2 is finished 🥹

just wanna explain a few things just in case:

peter is a lil ooc w the excessive violence and it’s not him to be like that but i feel like every body gets to that point where everything can be just too much. even spider-man.

i also feel like he needs a healthy outlet for his feelings, being spiderman, he’s constantly busy. not exactly easy to make friends. but also being spiderman, he doesn’t wanna leave y/n with all of his problems, he’s supposed to be the hero. so he bottles it all up. to the point where he just burst one day and took it out on her. (not good!!)

also i felt like him being a man, he’s going to feel insecure if y/n’s the one taking care of him all the time. he’s the man, it’s supposed to be the other way around, but it’s not. and that’s okay!! often times, old traditions still lies deep within all of us. men’s mental health matters too!! men can still feel insecure!! EVERYONE DOES. but that doesn’t mean we (as people) can take out our insecurities or anger at ourselves onto other people. most times, they don’t deserve the hate we bring onto ourselves.

that being said, not everyone can be perfect. (peter is a great example) we’re all going through something in life and are constantly being tested. but, the biggest thing is to always persevere no matter what. you’re never going to have more on your plate than you can handle. if you’re struggling, always remember to reach out to someone. a loved one, a professional, or even me. my dms are always open. i love you all. 🩷

anyways,

likes, reblogs, and comments are always appreciated!!

i hope you all enjoyed this story as much as i liked writing it 💗💗

[zalrb]

Speak!

Link to part 1: http://zalrb.tumblr.com/post/164720175550/trust-jonsa-one-shot Link to part 2: http://zalrb.tumblr.com/post/181817838525/an-entirely-different-way-pt-2

Link to part 3: http://zalrb.tumblr.com/post/182562584780/passion

Link to part 4:https://zalrb.tumblr.com/post/184333793460/survival

Link to part 5: https://zalrb.tumblr.com/post/184637430325/the-happening

Link to part 6: https://zalrb.tumblr.com/post/627229549053214720/nothing-has-changed-everything-has-changed

Link to part 7: https://zalrb.tumblr.com/post/695978201342672896/agony

Jon Snow was dead. With each step he took toward the altar, he’d buried another piece of himself until he stood, waiting, for his bride as not much more than a hollow husk. Truthfully, he’d already been dead for a while. Since his conversation with Arya. 

            He’d been dressing when she’d entered his rooms, fastening his vest with leaden, sombre hands and when she’d walked through the doorway, he’d turned to grin at her somewhat morosely.

 "Let me guess,” he said. “You're here to tell me what a fool I am for agreeing to this wedding. It's a little late. I’ve already asked Tormund to say the first words."

Arya shook her head. "I'm not here to tell you anything." She’d smiled, her eyes softening a bit. "No one can tell you anything, Jon."

"I don't know about that,” he said. “Sounds more like Sansa."

Jon briefly closed his eyes -- how quickly his thoughts turned to her, how eagerly his tongue spoke her name. It was a problem he needed rectified and an instinct he never wanted quelled and a threat he relished to a peace he longed for. It was a multitude of conflicting emotions. It was Sansa.

"That's why I'm here."

Jon turned around to face her completely, raising his eyebrows. 

Arya paused. "She'll never forgive you for this, you know."

Oh, did he. "So, you came as her ambassador."

"I came for you, to see if you're prepared for that loss."

He wasn’t. He couldn’t think of anything worse except for what would happen to his home, his countrymen if he went back on his word. And the fact that Sansa refused to see that, that she would severance herself from him, leave him, made him angry.

"Sansa thinks she knows better than everybody else,” he said gruffly. “But I am doing this because--"

"Jon, your Queen?” Arya walked up to him, her tone getting firmer. 

“Our Queen, Arya.”

“I know a killer when I see one. And if somewhere she knows about..." She looked at him pointedly and his lips parted. She knew. He knew she knew. But she wouldn’t say it out loud.

"Then Sansa is a threat to her in more ways than one  and that's something I will have to deal with."

"Don't speak so dangerously," said Jon.

"I’ve never been afraid of danger.” She kept her gaze steady. "Sansa will never abandon you but tonight you will lose her, do you think you can survive that? Do you think we can survive that?"

He rubbed his eyes. Why was everyone being impossible? "I have to choose what's best for everyone, regardless of how I feel or what I want. We don’t have the luxury of following our … we have a duty … we … I gave my word before I even knew that I’d---” 

Jon couldn’t even finish the sentence. It physically pained him 

Arya continued to look at him. "I know you think you've made your choice. But don't be surprised if there comes a time where you might have to choose again."

*

Sansa couldn’t recall the last time a wedding had been a joyous occasion. Tyrion had been kind in their marriage but she hadn’t known what to expect beforehand and the trepidation and unease of that ignorance had made her nervous and fearful the entire ceremony. The night she’d married Ramsay, she’d thought she was going to be sick, walking through the godswood she’d walked through many times as a young girl but with Bolton banners everywhere and toward a family who had slaughtered hers. Upon seeing Ramsay’s face her own became a mask of impassivity while rage and disgust and fear roiled within her. Before either wedding, her mother and brother had been slaughtered at one, ripping out a large piece of her that she would never, even if she’d attempted to, get back. The only glimmer of joy had been when Joffrey, her tormentor, had died an agonizing death at his wedding but that demise had not been the liberation she’d prayed for. 

And now, this wedding, between this man and that woman. This wedding that’d had the entire castle in a frenzy of preparation for days. This wedding was plaguing her with a keen, aching sorrow that made it impossible to speak, near-impossible to breathe. In the midst of dressing for the occasion, she would sometimes stare at her own hands, wondering who they belonged to So much had been taken from her over the years, but this loss was something she couldn’t have imagined because she couldn’t have imagined Jon in the first place, of what the two of them together awakened in her. She couldn’t imagine passion. She couldn’t imagine…

Sansa closed her eyes. Stop it. Stop.

It was done. They were done. Before they even started. She had to let it go. There was no other way. Her heart had been broken a thousand times before this, and loving Jon Snow would be yet something else she’d survive. She knew how to endure, she knew how to rebuild, she ---

Suddenly, she heard a creak and felt something inside of her ignite. That spark, it was only triggered by one person’s presence. She turned toward the door, looking at it with such concentration as if that was all it took for her tear-brimmed eyes to see through to the other side, to see through to who she knew, in her gut, was standing in the corridor. She willed him to come in, to knock, to whisper her name, to yell in anger, to do anything to let her know he was there, he was hers.  

Jon stood outside Sansa’s door, poised to walk in. He wanted to hold her and yell at her all at once and his hand trembled with the urge to push open this barrier between them and take her in his arms. Soon, his entire body thrummed with the desire to see her, to go to her. His mouth moved wordlessly, and he furrowed his brow, conflicted. It felt physically impossible to stay on this side of the door, everything in him strained to see her, yearned to touch her. The desire was overpowering, transforming into an uncontainable force that made him agitated, made his breathing ragged, he was going to come undone -- 

And then it was gone. He’d buried it all at once, removing himself from how he felt, shrouding himself in a numbness so complete, it was as if he belonged to himself. He was gone.

He murmured, “Goodbye” and we walked down the corridor, making his way out to the godswood. 

Sansa sank onto a chair, her hand suddenly splayed on her chest as the spark died as quickly as it had flared within her and something in her body shifted. Something that told her, it was all over. 

*

The knock was unexpected. It wasn’t Jon. Sansa already knew that. But it surprised her when she opened the door to find Daenerys in full wedding dress.

Sansa blinked. “Your Grace. I… I was making my way to your rooms---”

“That’s alright,” said Daenerys. “I move at my own pace.”

“Evidently.”

Daenerys walked into the room and glanced around. “I wanted to give this to you before the ceremony.” 

She handed Sansa a scroll that she unfurled and began reading. 

“It will say that as my prince consort, Jon will have another title as King in the North, which is what Tyrion had explained  when discussing the political aspects of this union.” 

Sansa remained looking at the piece of paper, sensing Daenerys was waiting for some sort of expression of gratitude but she did not give one. 

Daenerys prompted her. “It is exactly what we discussed.” 

“Well, what you and Jon discussed,” said Sansa, putting the paper on her desk. 

Daenerys’ face became steadily less congenial.  “I have compromised a lot, Sansa. I even conceded to the Northern customs for this wedding.” 

“Which was smart as you’re in the North and want to the favour of our people,” said Sansa simply with a shrug. Every move Daenerys did was calculated and she was rather bored with the assumption that she didn’t know when her strategies were simply common sense.  “A Northern wedding and a title with no power.” 

Daenerys scoffed. “It holds considerable power.” 

“Just not sovereignty,” said Sansa. “He bends the knee to you, we bend the knee to him, nothing changes. He’s just the Warden of North except he’s not in the North and has a fancier title and you’re counting on our loyalty to Jon to quell any idea of a rebellion as he would be by your side.”

Whatever congeniality Daenerys was putting on had now evaporated. “The Seven Kingdoms are my birthright, the North is my birthright and I love this land like---” 

Sansa clasped her hands together. “What is it that you love about the North in the short time you’ve been here?”

Daenerys blinked, taken aback by the question. She tried to recover. “I discover something new about this place everyday. Each discovery more beautiful than the last.” 

“Mm.” Sansa nodded. “But do you love the conviction we have in our beliefs? Do you understand our beliefs? Our wilfulness and loyalty. The passion with which we uphold our ideals, which may be very different from your own? Our might, our---”

As Sansa continued to speak with more and more feeling,  Daenerys got the distinct impression that she was not only describing her country and countrymen. And when she finished, she took a deep, shuddering breath as if her own words moved her to breathlessness. 

Daenerys cleared her throat and patted down her dress.  “I am marrying him when I am in no need of a husband,” he said. “That is proof enough,” she said, opening the door. “It’s time.” 

“Your Grace,” said Sansa.

            “How do I look?” 

            Sansa gave her a once over. “It’s a dress fit for a Queen.” 

Jon couldn’t feel the chill on his bare face, he couldn’t feel himself within his body, couldn’t even feel worn or tired, or detached, he felt … gone. Tormund, who stood next to him, was more nervous than he was. He could see Arya looking at him curiously but couldn’t even bring himself to pretend. He just … was. He’d snuffed it out -- the spark that had enlivened him since the Red Woman brought him back and now he was nothing more than an animated corpse and that was all he would be. That was the choice, the sacrifice he’d made.

            He saw them approach but his vision was unfocused, saving him from seeing her, from noticing her, keeping his heart dead.

Sansa, once again, found herself in the godswood. Her feet, once again, propelling her toward her heartbreak.  They passed by soldiers, passed by faces she knew until they stopped in front of Jon and she felt as though she’d shatter on the spot. 

Tormund glanced awkwardly at Jon who gave an encouraging nod and then he spoke, his voice raspy. “Who comes before the gods?” 

Sansa didn’t answer right away. She couldn’t. If she did, her voice would break and betray the depth of her pain and she’d already bled in front of Jon enough for a lifetime. She willed herself to swallow her sadness and relax her throat and once she did, she answered.

“Daenerys of the House Targaryen.” Sansa paused before saying the words that had shackled her to a man she’d despised. “A woman trueborn and noble. She comes to beg the blessings of the gods. Who … who comes to claim her?”

Jon hesitated and then stepped forward. Even in such a state, he was drawn to her. His eyes shifted to Sansa’s and when, after a few seconds, they locked, the furious pain that made hers shine with unshed tears lanced through his chest and catapulted him into an internal free fall. He didn’t feel rooted to the ground he was standing on. Nothing about the wood seemed real or possible, it wasn’t possible that he was where was, watching himself stare at the woman, at the two women in front of him. This body wasn’t his, this life wasn’t his. He was aware everyone was waiting for him to recite the expected answer. 

He opened his mouth. He paused for a second, an eternity and then ---           

Commotion in the near distance. Clanging. Shouting. Everyone turned to look toward the distraction. Voices could be heard.

“Assassin! Assassin!” 

Everyone started moving. Jon and Brienne rushed toward Sansa, Brienne standing in front of her, Jon crushing her to him, cloaking her. Greyworm rushed to protect Daenerys, joining her with Missandei. Arya, readied, had her blade drawn, covering Bran. A few soldiers ran toward the commotion. Everything was happening so fast. 

In a manner of seconds, men entered the clearing with the severed heads of the apparent would-be assassins. 

“What has happened?” 

“They opposed the union.”

Daenerys’ head snapped toward Sansa and then her eyes widened near-imperceptibly at seeing the way Jon held onto her.

His stomach plummeted. “No,” he whispered. “Daenerys---”

She addressed Sansa. “Did you know about this?”

Sansa remained silent, her eyes narrowed in fury. 

“Speak,” said Daenerys. “Speak!”

[sanscat0414]

To Close for Comfort

Hawks X Injured Reader

This is a longer one shot.

Warning: Gore, Angst (don’t worry there is fluff too),

——————————————————-

The Previous Night….

“KEIGO!!! Don’t you get it? I don’t want you disappearing on me without notice!”

“Babybird please not now I just came home. I’m exhausted.”

“No we need to talk about this!!!! You can’t just go on a mission without telling me or at least text me that your okay! It’s been 2 weeks!!!”

“It happens you know that. I have a lot of work.”

“Keigo I know but a small text like a ‘hi’ or ‘I’m okay’ is better than ghosting me. I been worried sick!!!”

“Come on it’s not a big deal.” He said in a tried voice. He was slowly getting visibly annoyed. He knew you ment well but the tiredness that built up took over.

“Keigo! It is how would you feel if I had left for 2 weeks without a call huh!?”

He ingored you cries and just went to his bedroom.

“Find be like that.” You whispered and let him be.

You decide it was best to just sleep on the couch. You were mad and he was ignoring you. It was best had some time to cool off and you though you might be able to talk to him later

——— Time skip to current day

You didn’t bother to wake him up. You knew he was exhausted probably form many nights without sleep. You wanted him to have a bit of extra shit eye. You may be mad at him but you still care. You made him breakfast knowing he probably make something unhealthy if you didn’t. You left it in the fridge and left without a word to go to work.

Hawks on the other had had slept almost the entire afternoon. The mission he was sent to left him sleep deprived and it was the first in many days that he got any proper sleep.

Hawks woke up groggily and did this “morning” routine. He walked to the kitchen to for anything to eat. Hawks saw the meal you left him, he couldn’t help but smile knowing you still went out of your way to make him something dispute the argument form last night. As he eat his mind wondered back to the previous night. You were right, he probably should have told you but the commission didn’t allow that. He felt guilty for treating you so badly. He was exhausted but he knew that wasn’t a good excuse to blowing up on you and ignoring your distress.

After he finished his meal he went to get his phone to hopefully get to call you and maybe ask if you out on a date to make it up to you. It was then that Hawks notice alll the countless calls from you. Hawks called him immediately after seeing them and he rang up your phone. He instantly got extremely worried.

To his surprise it wasn’t you who answered.

“Hawks?” It was Fatgum a long time friend of yours and his.

“FatGum? Where’s y/n I just saw she called me a bunch of time. Is she ok?”

“*sigh* Y/n is in the hospital.”

As soon as he heard “y/n” and “hospital” He grabbed his keys and left your shares Penthouse.

“Which hospital and where?” He asked.

He flew as fast as he could to the hospital that Fatgum said. He end the call as soon as he got the address. He felt dreadful for not being there when you need him the most. On his way there all Hawks could think was how he fail at be a hero, your hero. The one person that he most desperately wanted to protect he fail to do so. He beat himself over as he got closer and closer as the since of dread loomed over him.

Once Hawks got to the hospital, he got you room number and bolted upstairs and straight to you. He was mortified; he was so focused on you taht he didn’t even realize that Fatgum was still the room.

You were in the medical bed-with few machines hook up to you and Iv in your arm. You had bandages covering most of your arms and probably most of your body. Worst yet you were unconscious. Hawks walked up to the bed and sat close to you. He gently held your hand and brought it up to his head.

“Babybird….” He said quietly

It took him a few minutes but he finally got the the courage to ask Fatgum what happened.

“I don’t know how it started but it was lucky that I was patrolling that area. I saw Y/n was being beaten up by a couple of thugs. I was able to stop them and got y/n here as fast as possible” Fatgum said.

“I should have been there to save her… I’m sorry baby I should I’ve been there…” he said mostly to himself.

“Hey, Hawks you shouldn’t been may yourself over for something you can’t control.”

“I could have been there! If only I wad awake maybe I could have been there for her!” Hawks said.

“Hawks…” Fatgum was saddened by Hawks’s loathing.

“What did the doctors say? Will she be okay? When is she going to wake up?”

“They don’t know when she is going to wake up or if she could wake up….” Fatgum said sadly.

Fatgum left you and Hawks alone after that. He had his own patrols but he prayed that you be okay for both yours and Hawks’s sake.

—————-1 Week Later——————

The past 3 days was hell for Hawks. He was distracted at work, he couldn’t get a proper night sleep due to nightmares and all he could think about was you. He was a mess. Everyday he go to work and come to the hospital to stay until he gets kicked out because visiting hours were closed. He would tell you about his day, even tho he didn’t know if you could here him; seeing you still alive was the only thing keeping him going. He constantly thought bout your last interaction. Hawks thought “why didn’t I just hear you out.” And “if only I had listened to you maybe things would be different.

This day was no different, Hawks sat there hold your hand telling you about his day. He held your hand as the days of loss sleep caught up to him. He fell asleep by your side.

You woke up feeling like a truck had hit you. You opened your eyes to the bright lights of the hospital room. You immediately closed your eyes and waited until your eyes where adjusted before looking around. It was then you notice that Hawks was sleeping while holding your hand in his.

You try to recall the events that lead to your hospitalization. You only remember trying to call Hawks after a couple to men trying to flirt with you then they got violent because you turn them down. You didn’t move much mostly because it hurt all over but also you didn’t want to wake Hawks up.

A few minutes later, you hear a bit of fluttering and Hawks’ eyes shot open. He looked at you, and you looked back directly into his golden eyes. It took a few minutes but he was finally able to process that your awake.

“Baby bird!” He sayer looking both relieved and surprise “let me get a doctor to check on you then we can talk okay? Just don’t move.”

“Okay.”

After the doctor checked on you, they let you and hawks alone.

“I’m sorry… I should have been there to help you.” He said avoiding eye contact and looking down at your hand in his.

“It’s not your fault, I should have been more careful.”

“Baby, I was so scared… scared I lost you. Scared that are last interaction wad an argument because of my stupidity… I’m sorry for ghosting you, I’m sorry for no being better…”

“Keigo, I’m here now right? Still very much alive. So don’t worry.”

He didn’t say anything as he felt guilty for not being there for you and not being able to save you.

“Keigo, I’m sorry for blowing up on you too, I know your busy and I could have been a little more gentle. I love you and I wanna know that your safe. So if you promise that you at least tell me that your okay by even just a 1 letter text when your on a longer mission. I’m happy and I would forgive you.” You said as you gently booped his nose.

“No, you shouldn’t be sorry; I’m the one who mess up. I’m the one who didn’t answer your call when you need me the most. I promise! And next time I promise all be there when you need me. I promise I’ll be better.” He said looking up at you.

For the rest do your recovery, Hawks was there to help with anything you need. He even tried to spend more time with you to the dismay of the commission.

Admittedly he got super overprotective of you making sure if your outside you have one person to be able to keep you safe wether that wad with him or with a hero friend. It was a little annoying but you get where he was coming from. He even gave you a small feather to keep you safe, you can use it as a dagger or just to mess with him a little. True to his words, whenever he was out on a longer mission, he al and try to call you or send at least a text every other day. At the end of the day Hawks truly loves you and you love him all the same even if he’s a little bird brain sometimes.

[marco-newgate]

Marco X CisFem Reader

2

The color drained from your face as you stared at the picture on your phone. It was posted that morning. The way the brunette cuddled up to him made your blood boil. Even if she was nothing, he fucking lied.

How many other dates were cancelled because he was out doing...whatever the fuck this is? How often was he not actually working? The phone tumbled to the table from your trembling had as you shot to your feet.

You needed to get to the bathroom.

"What the hell just happened?" Thatch turned watching you sprint out of the room.

"No idea." Marco muttered flipping your phone over, his half lidded eyes widening as he looked over the photo, "I'll kick his ass."

"Who? What?" Thatch crossed the room to look over his brother's shoulder, "Who's the broad? Wait...weren't they supposed to have a date last night?" He asked scanning the caption one more time.

Marco took a screenshot and opened your text fulling intending to send it to himself and take care of your Sanji problem.

"Don't." Thatch snatched the phone away, "I know you're protective but F/N has to decide what to do about this."

"If I kill him she won't have to worry about it." Marco growled.

"You aren't killing anyone. But you should probably go check on her." The brunette pushed him out of the kitchen.

Marco started down the hall that lead to the den passing the clusters of family photos, a lot of which you were in. Light spread against the linoleum in front of the bathroom door.

"Uh you OK in there yoi?" He asked pressing his ear to the wood.

You turned the knob leaving it slightly ajar. He took it as permission to enter quietly closing it behind him. You'd thought you were going to be sick instead you just stood there trying to remember how to breathe. Marco watched you huff for a moment before deciding to pull you into his chest. He hadn't given you an actual hug in a very long time. You assumed because he wasn't a touchy guy. Since the crush incident it was side hugs and light punches for you. But someone had to comfort you in Ace's absence.

"I wasn't trying to pry but I saw your phone." He murmured resting his chin on your head as you burrowed into his shirt.

"You guys warned me." You said weakly.

"I'm not here to gloat yoi." He began to sway, "You're an adult. He gave you every reason to trust him."

"I just feel really stupid." Your eyes began to burn.

"You? Stupid? Are you kidding? You're the smartest person in this house right now." He scoffed, "Look, I know you...love him, but Sanji doesn't define you. And he is definitely the stupid one here. You're just too precious and he doesn't know how to handle you."

"You have to say that." You whimpered.

"Says who? I also know what a shit you are. Don't forget that." A dry laugh squeaked passed your lips.

"Thanks Marco."

"So what do you wanna do about this yoi?" He placed his hands on your shoulders gently pushing you back to face him.

You stared up at his forever sleepy face, "I'm not sure. We were supposed to sign the lease for our apartment next week. And my lease is up on the 28th."

"You have a room here. Don't worry about that. I mean what are you going to do about him? Because I have a few ideas."

"No killing anyone... Yet."

"F/N!" Ace shouted from the kitchen.

Marco stepped back opening the door for you.

"Stop screaming idiot!" The blond called tugging you out of the room.

You were halfway down the hall when Ace scooped you up.

"I'll kick his ass." The ravenette muttered squeezing you tight.

"You guys have to let me get to him first."

_______________

"What the fuck is this?" You shoved your phone in the blond's face making him back into his apartment door.

His eyes widened in surprise, "Wha – what are you...."

"You lying sack of shit." You sneered.

It had been two days and you had only managed to get angrier.

"I-inside." He stammered fiddling with the door knob.

Ace and Marco sat in the car ready to intervene if things got too heated. 

"Let me explain."

"I'd love to hear why you felt you could sneak around behind my back without me finding out." You jabbed a finger in his chest, "Be honest. Did I not give you enough? You think I'm an idiot?"

"N-no...of course not. I just..." His voice trailed off.

"What?" Your stomach dropped.

Maybe you didn't want to know the rest of what he had to say. You suddenly didn't want to have any of your questions answered. You weren't prepared for how much it would hurt. 

Fight was fading away and flight was kicking in.

"I just ... don't think I can be with just one person." He lowered his gaze. 

That was it?

Before you knew it your fist was colliding with his jaw sending him to the floor. 

"Two years!" You reeled back for another blow.

He didn't flinch or shy away. He just took it.

You stood and stepped back wiping your face on your sleeve smearing your makeup.

"Just drop my stuff off at pops'." You breathed between sobs.

"I'm sorry." He whispered.

"Fuck you."

You slid across the back seat slamming the door and slumping over.

"What happened to your hand yoi?" Marco asked climbing over the front seat.

You weren't capable of responding. Your chest was constricting, squeezing all of the air out of your lungs.

Marco sat down laying your head on his thigh calmly rubbing your shoulders and back while you sputtered.

"You punched him yeah?" Ace chirped proudly glancing in the rearview as he shifted the car into gear.

You nodded.

Marco slouched out of his black flannel shirt and wrapped it around your bleeding knuckles, "Let's get you home yoi."

[clickerflight]

The Lion and the Mouse - Part 3

Master list

Part 2

This is where the lion comes in >:3

Content: Villain whumpee, vigilante whumpee, hero whumper, tiny whumpee, bruised, blood, split lip, broken ribs, cramps, hogtied, gun, no shots fired

...................................

Vigil returned to the base after a very nerve wracking day of pacing around his safehouse and not doing much else. He had thoroughly checked his shoes and there was no Kai to be found. He felt sick to his stomach, imagining that an ant had gotten him and started the endless death cycle, or that he was small enough that he was well and truly dead now. He should have gone with the first plan. Sure, there was more of a chance of getting caught, but at least he could have been certain that Kai was in his sleeve. 

He glanced at the corner where Kai was supposed to wait for him and unsurprisingly found nothing. So, he trudged on into the base, trying desperately to think of where Kai would have gone. If you were a tiny man, where would you hide?

The vents would make sense, but they were probably too cold and Kai didn’t have any clothes. What if he had froze to death? Or starved to death? Or-

“Morning, Vigil,” a dark voice said from behind him. 

Vigil turned and found Leshy staring at him with a death glare. “Oh, morning. Sorry, I was thinking about what we were doing today. I wasn’t really told-”

“You’ll be sparring with me today,” Leshy informed him. “In the 5th training room. Be there in an hour.”

Leshy stormed off as Vigil said, “Oh, okay, then.”

Vigil knew what was coming. He wasn’t an idiot. He was going to take a beating for taking away Leshy’s toy because the hero was as childish as Vigil’s youngest niece. Thankfully it would be just a beating since everyone seemed to believe his story of ‘I stepped on it by accident.’ They even watched the footage and Technical agreed that it was an accident. 

Still, Vigil couldn’t keep back the creeping fear that he was going to be discovered. 

He was slow to get ready, changing into his sparring uniform with loose pants and a sleeveless top, but he was still there on time as he wrapped his knuckles. 

Leshy was waiting for him, shoes already off and hands wrapped. Vigil finished quickly, slipping off his own shoes and socks before standing at the other side of the training room. 

Without a word, the two took up positions and got started. Leshy was powerful, attacking in huge overpowering bursts, obviously used to having teammates step in when he needed a break. Vigil, who often worked alone, was smoother, drawing out the fight to exhaust the hero. Leshy got his second and third wind, but after that, Vigil was quick to snake an arm around his neck and push him to the floor, holding him in a pin as Leshy struggled to get out. 

After a moment, Leshy relaxed and Vigil let him go, standing up and shaking out his arms. 

“How many rounds?” Vigil asked as Leshy got up, rubbing his neck.

“Two more,” Leshy replied, digging in his bag for something. Once Leshy was ready, the two faced up again. Leshy attacked with less vigor, drawing it out a little more and matching Vigil’s pace. Vigil kept up well enough, but Leshy, now that he was applying his energy correctly, was much harder to deal with. Leshy jabbed with steady punches and grabbed for Vigil a couple of times, so close that Vigil nearly went down. 

Then it happened. Leshy moved in, forcing Vigil to step back and with the speed of a striking snake, Leshy hooked his legs out from under him and was on top of him, trying to get him in a pin. Vigil moved to get out, more flexible than Leshy, but Leshy was much stronger than him. Vigil tapped out when Leshy pressed his arm to Vigil’s throat hard enough to cause spots. But Leshy didn’t move. Vigil tried tapping out again, the sound of blood pounding in his head rising in volume alongside his panic, but Leshy didn’t move, instead reaching back and grabbing something from under his shirt. Vigil caught sight of glittering metal, and then a gun was at his head, a couple of clicks sounding as the safety was turned off and the gun was cocked. 

Leshy let up on Vigil’s throat a little and he gasped for air, the spots clearing away, but he didn’t move to get out of the pin as the warm metal stayed pressed to his forehead. Leshy seemed to be waiting for Vigil to speak so, once the pounding faded and the silence had stretched on tensely for a few minutes, Vigil relented. 

“Leshy,” he said in a warning tone. 

Leshy’s grin was something that belonged in nightmares, wide, toothy, and feral. “Did you let my pet go on accident, really?”

“You saw the tapes, and how I reacted when you killed him,” Vigil replied with a fair amount of disgust. “You’re stupid if you think I did.”

His pre-planned excuse had apparently hit just the spot of believability as Leshy relaxed slightly. “Thank you for the honesty, then, but I’m afraid we don’t have any villains to take my frustration out on, and Technical said that if I hurt one of the sidekick’s again I’d be off the team forever. Course, I didn’t get his permission for this, but I don’t mind asking forgiveness once I feel better.”

Leshy got off of Vigil, still pointing the gun at his head. “Roll over.”

Vigil did so carefully and put his hands on the back of his head like he knew the next order would be. 

Leshy chuckled. “Good dog. You’re all trained and everything.”

Vigil growled, ready to turn again and prove Leshy wrong, but a knee came down in the middle of his back and sticky, calloused hands wrenched his arms behind his back. 

“None of that, now. I promise I won’t kill you. This beating won’t be anything like what I hand out to the villains, even. Just enough to relax, you know? And if you breathe a word of this to your pretty little union, I’ll leave this team and find you again. I know how you fight, now. I don’t care what toys you have. I will take you and I will beat you until I break you. Plus, I won’t have any obligation to keep you alive afterwards.”

Vigil forced himself to take deep, slow breaths. Just withstand a beating or two. He could do that. He’d done it plenty of times before. 

“Get up,” Leshy said, standing back and presumably pointing the gun at his back. 

Vigil rolled to his side and did so slowly, watching the gun move with him to stay pointed at his face. 

“Move your arms to the front,” Leshy said, grinning with each command he gave. 

Vigil took another slow breath before stepping through the cuffs one leg at a time till his hands were at his front. 

“Good. Now, arms up and close your eyes.”

Vigil did, and the gun was placed on his chest. If he was shot at this range he knew he’d be dead. The gun pushed him back a few steps before he was backed against a wall. There was a clinking sound and Leshy’s hot breath on his face. Vigil turned his head, trying not to breathe in Leshy’s air as the man locked something into his cuffs, keeping his arms above his head. 

After a moment, Leshy’s presence was gone and Vigil opened his eyes, watching the man go and toss the gun back into his bag, cracking his knuckles as he returned. 

“I’ll betcha I can bust your lip in the first try,” Leshy said with a sadistic smile. 

Vigil’s flesh crawled with each word, but he did not respond as Leshy said, “Guess there’s only one way to find out.”

…………………………………..

When the lights went out, Kai was ready to venture again. He stepped out of the vents and went back to the kitchen. He was taller now. Not big enough to need his new cloak yet, but getting there. He was back to the size he’d been before Vigil crushed him and glad for it. He still wouldn’t be able to reach the rungs of the drawers, but it was better being bigger. 

He scavenged up crumbs again, delighted to even find bits of turkey that had fallen to the floor. He was feeling much better now after having eaten and the chance to get water and sleep. He’d even found a leaky water fountain when he’d been traveling through the vents and had his fill there. 

He ate on the way back to the vents, planning where he was going to go from here. He might start traveling into rooms, seeing if he can find tools. He’d need another cloth to be his bag and blanket when he switched to wearing the one he had now, and he’d need something sharp and some string. 

After thinking about it, he decided a bathroom would work best for finding what he needed. He quietly ate the rest of his food in the vent, deciding who would be the best for this. He could still get in and out through vent gaps so that wouldn’t be a problem, though it was getting to be a squeeze, so he’d need to decide quickly. 

Nautilus was a very sound sleeper and more prepared than the rest. Plus, he might have a razor blade hiding around. Kai remembered him talking about how he groomed his facial hair the ‘proper’ way. 

So, Kai navigated the vents, looking out through the grating to be sure he knew where he was. Soon, he was at Nautilus’s vents. He squeezed through and, after climbing the slats, he reached the knob that would open them a bit farther. He tried for a minute, but he was still too small to really do so. Still, he managed to crack them a bit more by hanging his weight on one side before falling to the floor. With that done and crossed the bedroom. It didn’t take forever, but it was still a good trek. In the bathroom he looked up at the counter. There was a stack of washcloths that he could already see, solving one of his problems. The issue would be getting up there. 

The shower curtains were slid to one side nearer to the counter, and thankfully the outer layer hung outside the tub. His hope that Nautilus’s ‘proper way’ of doing things would mean he would have a second curtain like this. 

So, Kai grabbed hold of the curtain leaving his bag on the rug in front of the sink, and climbed. He was tired by the time he got to the counter, and his hands and legs trembled, but he had the strength to fling himself onto the counter, wincing when the movement caused one of the curtain hooks to move and squeak slightly. 

There was no sound from the bathroom so Kai grabbed a washcloth and dragged it over to the edge. It was heavy and annoying. He contemplated leaving it here for another night, but he got it over the edge and that was that. He’d have to deal with it now. Some poking around revealed a small container of dental floss and a pack of razor blades. He soon pushed them over the edge of the counter, letting them land softly on the rug below. He looked around one more time to make sure there was nothing he’d want to grab on the way out and leapt for the curtain, sliding down it much easier than climbing up. 

He had to make three trips across the floor to get each of the items to the vent, and the floss pack nearly didn’t go until he figured out how to pop it open and get the roll of floss out of it. He shoved the container behind a box under the bed so it wouldn’t be found and disappeared back into the vents, happy with his night of foraging. 

Once he made it back to his patch of vent, a quiet place with a small blockage of what had been a mouse nest at some point that kept it a bit warmer. Kai admired his new tools, excited about each of them. He was still too small to wield the razor blade, but he was already thinking about tying it to a stick and having a little weapon, or at least something he could kind of use to grapple things with. 

He spent the rest of the evening napping and braiding the floss into rope that would hold him as he got bigger. 

…………………………………..

Vigil still hung in the training room. He didn’t sleep, merely staring at his aching feet as blood dripped from his open mouth. His mouth and lips were badly cut. Leshy had indeed been able to break his lip on the first punch. And the second. And the third. 

Vigil couldn’t really breath through his nose. It hurt too much at the moment, so he let his mouth hang open and drip onto the floor. He blinked slowly, his face aching. His ribs hurt too, but he was good at ignoring them. They felt bruised, not broken. His shoulders had burned for hours as he hung there, but now his arms just felt numb and cold as the blood had a harder and harder time pumping all the way up to his fingers. 

The lights turned back on, but when he lifted his head to see the doorway, no one was there. He lowered it again. The lights must be on timers, then. He wondered how long he’d have to wait before he saw Leshy’s smug face again. 

The answer was not too long. Leshy came in with a smile. He had a glass of water in hand and Vigil watched him approach, glaring through the sweaty hair that had fallen into his eyes. 

“Morning,” Leshy said with a huge grin. 

He held the cup to Vigil’s lips and Vigil got in two swallows before he had to snort to keep water out of his nose and the rest was dumped on his head, ice cubes and all. 

He gasped at the shock of it, shaking his head to get the water out of his eyes as Leshy laughed. 

“Come on, big guy. You’ve got this,” he said, backing up to set the cup down. “Just a couple more days. I have to go out on a mission later, so I’ll be nice and let you down…. What do you say?”

Vigil’s lip curled at the patronizing tone, but Leshy’s stance grew firmer and his eyes set in a cruel expression, waiting for Vigil to speak. 

“Thanks,” Vigil spat. 

“Not so hard now, is it?” Leshy said with that same nightmarish smile. “I need to get my warm up in before I let you down. Be ready.”

And with that, the beating started. Leshy had a weapon this time, a metal pole he twirled around in pretty showy circles before slamming it into Vigil’s legs or ribs. By the time he was done, Vigil definitely had a broken rib or two, and his knee ached, not broken, but something was definitely damaged there. 

Leshy turned away, as though to leave when he whirled around, slamming the pole into Vigil’s stomach. The Vigilante coughed, nearly losing the water he’d swallowed earlier. Leshy watched, smiling as Vigil coughed and bent over as far as he could with the way he was hanging. 

He reached up and undid the lock, letting Vigil fall to the ground, curling around his stomach and ribs. 

Leshy undid the cuffs around Vigil’s wrists, pulling them to Vigil’s back and relocking them. He locked the chain around the metal pole before cuffing Vigil’s bare ankles to the pole as well, hog tying him effectively. 

“There, that should keep you here,” Leshy said, ignoring Vigil’s sharp gasp as something immediately started cramping in the left leg. “I’ll be back tomorrow.”

And with that, Leshy left again. 

Vigil writhed in agony as the cramp turned into a charlie horse, and he grunted and pressed his face into the floor, letting the pain of those bruises act as a distraction. It was hours before it faded away, and Vigil was left sweating and shaking on the floor, his not so numb shoulders complaining about the position and his injured knee joining in. 

After a few hours he heard the door open and there was a soft squeak. 

Vigil twisted his head to see one of the sidekicks, the younger one, he was pretty sure, standing there. They stared at each other for a moment before Vigil opened his mouth. 

“Please, help,” he whispered. “I won’t tell him it was you. I’ll say I got out on my own.”

The sidekick stared at him, frozen and silent.

“Please,” Vigil said again, putting some urgency into his voice. 

The sidekick dashed in, giving Vigil some hope before it failed as the sidekick grabbed whatever he had been sent in for and left just as quickly, shutting the door behind him. 

Vigil slowly set his face back down on the floor with a low sigh. “Fair enough,” he murmured, and he closed his eyes against the fluorescent lights, ignoring the mirrors that lined the one wall, repeating back his misery to him.

Part 4

@whumpsday

[supernaturalkickparty]

ok so it's been a few days i can process the chaos of the back to school event on wednesday.

So as of recently both the pediatrician and psychologist have said they highly recommend my son go to school, for me to put him in pre-k and he'll get speech therapy and occupational therapy there.

I cried, talked it over with my husband, cried some more, argued with my mom that since she wont allow any therapist in the house or for us to do much of anything with him, this is my last option.

Signed him up, went to the administration building, went to the school, went to the special education department, and now i wait for my meeting on what modifications he will need in class.

NOW THE BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT

oh dear lord where do i even begin?

first off the event started at 5 but I told my husband we should leave early because we're a small town and i know a lot of people rely on this event.

hell we're a family that relies on these events.

get there at 4:25 and theres already people waiting outside, it's 108 outside. we grabbed the umbrella and my sons water bottle and we waited outside.

as soon as 5 o'clock hit, they only allowed so many people in at a time, my child was fussy because he wanted to run around, he did make a friend in line though so that was cute.

by the time that it was our turn to enter the building we rushed him to the bathroom so he could go potty, well my husband took him because if i had left to take him they said we'd loose our place in line, like why don't yall count his dad in this but count me? lol make it make sense.

get in line and im like sweet i see the backpacks, lets grab it and go.

No.

they hand you a backpack, then you have to go in line to each table and they hand you supplies.

wwwhhhhyyyyyy????

it would be so much easier if they had backpacks already filled with the basic supplies instead of you going in a line. it was crowded, we got looks for wearing mask but im sorry the lady like 2 or 3 people in front of us was hacking up a lung and no thank i do not want to get sick.

they're playing music because its supposed to be a fun event but all the vendors for the games and stuff canceled so they just had the dj playing music and my son was dancing in line lol

it was too crowded, too hot, too overwhelming, too loud, my son knocked over 2 balloon arches, i was so fucking embarrassed, i felt like everyone was judging me, we get to the end of the line of school supplies and he got sad because they were also handing out bicycle helmets and vouchers for kids bikes at walmart or academy i think and we didnt get one but they gave him some books instead and he liked those.

by the time we left there was still a huge line of people waiting to get inside and i hope they at least got something because they were starting to run out of stuff by the time we were leaving.

the plan was to homeschool my son, to avoid all this, to avoid people and my plan has been shot to shit and now im struggling to get his supplies.

we went to another event last night but it was drive through only and tbh it was a hell of a lot more organized than the one hosted by the city.

the pastor had all the basic supplies in a backpack and just asked how many kids and gave us a domino's gift card.

theres one on wednesday and i'm hoping since its being hosted by community action its a lot more organized.

wish me and my child luck!!!

[alphascorpiixx]

Phantom Touch - Chapter 4

Zelink Week Day 3: Letters

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3

Read on AO3

@zelinkcommunity

---

The sun sparkled on an expanse of water that stretched to the horizon. The lull of the waves against the shore was mesmerizing. Zelda could stare at the ocean for hours. Her heart ached to swim in the glorious blue sea.

But she had to contend with only watching. When they first arrived at Papuchia Village, Zelda had tried to swim while Link explored. Her spirit form didn’t make a splash or even get wet. She didn’t want Link to see her disappointment, so she floated by the station while Link searched for Carben.

The village hadn’t changed much since her first visit many years ago. She’d spent a summer in Papuchia and became friends with many of the locals. She couldn’t speak to the people she recognized, but it was nice to see that the monsters around the kingdom hadn’t been troubling them too much.

She spotted Link’s familiar green hat waving in the breeze. Link was walking over to Zelda, with paper and a pen in his hands and no Carben in sight.

“Aren’t you supposed to be looking for Carben?” Zelda teased.

Link blushed and ducked his head. “Yeah, but I figured the kingdom would be fine if we took a quick break. I wanted to write letters to Alfonzo and Niko.”

She floated by his side as he sat down. His legs hung over the edge of the island, and his feet kicked the water. “Who’s Niko?” Zelda asked to distract herself from a pang of jealousy. Something as silly as splashing in the water hardly warranted the reaction.

“He’s my friend from back home. He’s known my family for a long time, and he loves telling me stories of all his adventures, so I wanted to do the same.”

Zelda watched Link write his letters. He narrated as he wrote, and Zelda offered important details of their travels to include. Link also told her of his life in Aboda Village and of Niko’s fondness for paper cutouts.

“His favorite story is the one of the Great Sea, where a hero teamed up with a pirate crew to defeat—”

Zelda shot up. “Wait, a pirate crew? Is this the same Niko who served with Tetra’s crew?”

Link blinked, startled by her interruption. “Uh, he’s the only Niko who served with Tetra’s crew that I know of, so . . . yes?”

Zelda laughed. “I can’t believe he’s still alive! Tetra was my grandmother, you know. The founder of Ferrovia. And she also told me stories of their adventures.”

“When this is all over, and you have your body back, I have to introduce you to him! And then he can tell you all the stories of your grandmother that she would never have told you.”

“Oh, and what would those be?” Zelda leaned over him, her hands on her hips.

Link stammered, and they both dissolved into giggles. She sat down again—or as close to sitting as her floating body could get. They fell silent and stared out at the sea. Link placed his hand over hers. They couldn’t touch, but their hands occupied the same space, and Zelda imagined she felt the weight of his hand on her fingers.

“Niko’s favorite story was of my great-uncle,” Link said. His voice was wistful, and his gaze remained fixed on the horizon. “He was a boy from a small village, like me, but he traveled the Great Sea and saved the world from evil. I’m actually named after him.”

“He was the Hero of Winds,” Zelda said. “That was also my grandmother’s favorite story. Her real name was Zelda, and I’m named after her, too.”

“Since our ancestors knew each other, I’m glad we got to meet, too.” Link smiled at her. Zelda loved the way his eyes softened and dimples appeared in his cheeks.

She smiled back. “Yeah, me too.”

Link folded his letters and sealed them in envelopes. “Do you want me to write a letter for you? Maybe to your Teacher, to let him know you’re okay?”

Zelda stared down at the paper in Link’s hands. She knew she should send a letter to Teacher. Surely he was worried sick about her absence.

She shook her head. “No. I don’t want Cole to find it somehow and use it to figure out what we’re doing.”

“We haven’t seen any trace of him, maybe he doesn’t care what we’re doing about the Spirit Tracks. He already has your body—um, I-I didn’t mean, I . . . Sorry.”

Zelda winced. She curled her fingers, wishing she could just have the simplest touch of holding someone’s hand. “It’s okay. I know what you mean. I think . . . I think I’d like to write a letter, but not send it. Not yet.”

Link’s face brightened. He tucked his own letters into his tunic pocket and grabbed a fresh page.

“Just tell me what you want to say.”

---

A/N: the idea for Ferrovia as the name of the kingdom is from this post

I also have a headcanon that Link is descended from Aryll

[golden-gypsy]

Blue

Pearl Jam fanfic

Wrote this one-shot about a week or 2 ago when I was sick and just thought I'd share here too in case anyone wants to read. It's also on ao3 and Wattpad. Hope some people enjoy!♡

And of course, this is entirely a work of fiction. All real characters are just used for fictional purposes and nothing more. No disrespect or anything of that nature is meant towards anyone.

Summary: A young woman travels across a desolate landscape with her two companions, searching for something better. But, nothing is quite as it seems.

Warning: I don't think there's any warnings unless you count pg13-ish sexual content... or tobacco use.

Eddie Vedder x ofc

☆☆☆☆☆

The sweat trickled down the nape of her neck as she tiredly lifted one foot, then the other, repeating the process over and over again. They felt heavy, weighed down with fatigue and the unforgiving heat radiating off the sun scorching them from up above. The cloth she had fashioned into a headband was soaked through with sweat, rendering it useless as she wiped the damp from her brow. It burned as it dripped into her eyes, singeing the surface and blurring her vision more so than it already was. Squinting, she looked ahead, trying to sharpen the lines that had long since become muddled together. There wasn't much to see anyway, aside from a few bare trees and patches of dying grass scattered across the barren and hardened landscape.

“Are you okay, Emmy? Do you need to take a break or anything?”

She turned to the voice next to her. Other than his name being Eddie, she didn't know much about him, but she felt like she knew him somehow. From somewhere before here. From another life, perhaps. Because, she knew for a fact that she didn't belong here.

Eddie didn't belong here either.

“Yeah… I think I could sit down for a minute.”

He smiled at her, the slight indent of his dimples barely visible, and pointed to a weathered tree not far ahead. “Let's go there. We'll at least get a little bit of shade.”

She nodded, adjusting the bag she carried on her back and glanced back at the rusted wagon that Eddie was pulling behind him. Mike was asleep in there, face covered with a hat to protect his skin from the sun. They had stumbled across the young boy in a dilapidated house when they were seeking shelter one night. He was alone, said his parents had left to find food but never came back. She and Eddie had waited there with him for close to a week before they were able to convince him to come with them. Mike's parents weren't coming back; she doubted they were even still alive. They asked what few passers-by they crossed paths with if they had any news of his parents, but thus far it had proven to be a useless endeavor. That was another thing though.

Mike didn't belong here either.

They reached the tree, and while the shade was meager, her overheated skin still thanked her for the respite. She pulled the straps of her bag off her shoulders, letting it drop to the ground while she rolled her aching neck in circles. The headband was saturated with sweat, so she untied it, letting her hair fall to her shoulders as she shook it loose. Her curls were dingy and perpetually caked with dust. She couldn't remember a time when they weren't, but she liked to imagine that her dusky hair was once vibrant with color… once upon a time ago.

She had a feeling though…

That somewhere beyond the desolate backdrop, there was a utopia full of everything from her most magnificent dreams.

She knew she didn't belong here.

Eddie was crouched on the ground, unlatching his guitar case. She couldn't remember meeting Eddie; it was like he'd always been there. His guitar as well. How many times had she tried to convince him to get rid of it? It took up space; it wasn't a necessity, but it was all in vain. Eddie was one with that guitar. It was a part of him, and as she watched while his fingers ran lovingly down its neck, she wondered what that might feel like. To be loved by someone like Eddie, cherished even. She couldn't remember if she had ever been loved by anyone.

She didn't mind the guitar so much anymore.

How many times now had he lulled her to sleep with soft strumming and the earthy baritone of his voice? How many times had his blue blue blue eyes met hers while she tried to pretend she wasn't watching him play? How many times… how many times… how many times… she rested her head on his shoulder as he played something she had never heard before. Something new.

Something strangely familiar.

His hair was pulled back, but a few strands had come loose, the earthy stands tickling her forehead. Earthy like his voice. That was her favorite way to describe Eddie. Earthy. A steady, grounding presence who kept her knees from buckling due to the shaking ground beneath her feet.

She couldn't remember a time without Eddie.

The song he played was ethereal in a way. Otherworldly. Like it could guide her through a maze of darkened tunnels, and at the end would be the utopia she dreamed of. Rushing waters, a lush landscape, and she would reach up to sift her fingers through a passing cloud as she drifted down to meet them. For Eddie and Mike would be there too.

Because they didn't belong here.

None of them did.

“What's the name of that one?” she asked after the echo of the final chord faded away.

“Oceans.”

She shifted so that she was looking up at him, his jawline coated in a light stubble. “Hmm… do you think we'll ever see the ocean?”

He smiled down at her, and she wished she could breathe it in. “I have seen the ocean.”

“When?”

“A long time ago.” His face lowered to his guitar again, eyebrows pulled together. “Sometimes I wonder if it was real.”

“I don't think I'll ever see it.”

His eyes met hers again, and they were blue blue blue.

“Maybe you already have, and you just don't remember.”

She watched him, and she could envision him at the ocean. A lone figure on the beach, hair damp from the water instead of sweat and his feet buried in the sand. Maybe that's where he belonged. And she wondered… if maybe she was there with him, in that time she didn't remember. The time before all of this. There would be two figures instead of one. Maybe that's where they both belonged.

She hummed as the images filtered through her head. “What's the song about?”

His grin turned shy as he looked down at his guitar, plucking a few strings before blue became all she could see again. It filled her up and elevated her to the highest of places.

“You've got freckles.”

“What?”

“From the sun.” He wrinkled his nose. “Right here on your nose.” His thumb gently swiped down the side of hers.

“Oh.” Her fingers ran over her nose, down the side of her cheek. “I didn't realize.”

“It's cute.”

She didn't realize it at the time, but he never answered the question. He was good at that, evading, only offering bits and pieces at a time. Maybe that's because she had nothing to give in return. After all, she couldn't remember her life before Eddie. 

“I'm hungry.” 

Mike's voice startled her, and she jumped as she peered over her shoulder at him. He was sitting up in the wagon, long dark hair matted on one side of his head. Persuading him to sit still while she brushed it was never easy, but cutting it was not an option. Anytime the suggestion was made, he recoiled, tears welling up in his sad brown eyes. At some point, she'd have to trim it though. It was already well past his shoulders.

Eddie nudged her with his elbow, drawing her attention back to shades of blue. “By the time we finish eating, it'll be getting dark. Why don't we just stay here tonight?”

“Out in the open?”

“It's far-off from the road.”

“Do you think we'll be okay?”

“Don't worry.” He smirked, his dimples making another appearance. “I won't let anything happen to you.”

She rolled her eyes and stood up to grab the canned vegetable soup from her pack. “I can take care of myself.”

“I know.”

They were running low on food, but that was something to worry about tomorrow. Maybe they'd find another abandoned store or a community with some friendly people, but that was something to think about tomorrow. Tonight, they'd fill their bellies with the soup she cooked on the fire, and maybe Eddie would tell them stories of distant and not so distant places that would ignite her imagination into roaring flames.

The temperature always dropped once the sun set, from one extreme to another. She wanted nothing more than to keep the fire burning, but it would attract attention from those who could possibly be traveling along the far-off road or beyond. And if there was one thing she could never forget, it was that it was that the people who roamed at night often carried ill intentions.

So, the three of them sat wrapped in blankets around the dying campfire, counting down the long-forgotten minutes until sleep claimed them. Tomorrow, the worries would return, and they would set out on foot towards their next destination… whatever that may be. And it would go on and on and on, with no end in sight. Sometimes she wondered where exactly they were trying to get to.

“Will you play a song, Eddie?” Mike asked, his face peeking out from under his blanket.

“Um, yeah. What do you wanna hear?”

Emmy sat forward, wrapping her blanket tighter around herself. “Play the one you played earlier. Oceans.”

His eyes caught hers with a soft smile, and he reached for his guitar. An extension of himself, and she could see the sea of blue that encompassed him.

She didn't mind the guitar so much anymore.

He played the song, and it was just as lovely as before. Maybe more so, if such a thing were even possible. If he wasn't the ground beneath her, she'd worry that it would split open and swallow her whole. But, Eddie was the earth, and his eyes were the sky, and the ocean was his essence. She was waiting for the day when he'd spread his wings and fly.

But…

She didn't recall a time before Eddie. 

And she didn't know if time would remain after Eddie. 

The weight on her arm was nothing more than a sleeping Mike, lulled to sleep by the sound of earth's embrace. She understood; how many times had that happened to her now? Countless upon countless, dream after dream. A million different lifetimes that were somehow carried by the same background music.

She wondered what she'd dream of tonight.

She actually kind of liked the guitar now.

Eddie carried Mike to the wagon, lined with a blanket to add some cushion. She and Eddie would lay their blankets on the ground nearby, using their packs as makeshift pillows. They never slept at the same time though, alternating who kept watch while the other one would try to secure a few hours of sleep. The persistent fatigue was a never-ending battle.

“I'll take the first watch,” Eddie said after Mike was secure in the wagon.

“You barely slept at all last night. I'll take first watch.”

“I don't need a lot.”

“Just try then. I'll wake you up before too long.”

That was a lie. If he succeeded in falling asleep, she wouldn't wake him any sooner than need be. Maybe she wouldn't wake him at all. Eddie was constantly going without, letting her sleep that extra amount of time while his own body was further depleted of energy.

She would be fine, sitting and watching the stars, knowing that Eddie and Mike were safely sleeping beside her.

She didn't know how life would be without them.

Her back was against the weathered tree as she sat, listening to sounds of their breathing fill the night. Everything else was silent. She felt like maybe she remembered the chirping of crickets, maybe the hoot of an owl, but she couldn't recall where those thoughts came from. But, it seemed like, at one point in time, that the night wasn't engulfed in such silence.

Their breathing was a comfort though. It was a reminder that she wasn't alone. Even though she would never admit it, that was what scared her the most. Being alone in the world the way it was. She had people to take care of her though, and in turn, she would take care of them too.

“Emmy?”

Her head was tilted up toward the sky, and she turned to see Eddie lying on his side with his head propped on his arm. His hair was a wild tangle of curls around his face, and she wanted to reach out to smooth it away with her fingers, but she didn't dare do so.

“You're already awake?”

“You let me sleep too long.” His voice was raspy with sleep.

“Not long enough.”

He shook his head and patted the space next to him. “Come sit with me.”

Her eyes stayed focused on his smile as she sat beside him, legs folded underneath her.

“Not like that.” His arms reached towards her, hands pulling her down faster than her body would allow her to react. 

She lost her breath temporarily, as if she forgot how. His face was so close to her own that maybe her not breathing was a conscious choice, fear that any slight movement would cause the moment to disappear. They were facing each other, side by side under a dingy blanket, his hand resting lightly on her hip. If she moved or even breathed, she worried she would lose the warm weight of his hand. She wanted it to stay.

She wanted him to stay.

“That's better,” he said, his thumb moving up and down, up and down.

“What was wrong with how I was sitting?” she dared to ask.

“You looked uncomfortable.” He lifted his shoulder in an easy shrug.

The motion caused her hand to shift, and she noticed… only then… the placement on his chest, below his shoulder, almost where his heart dwelled. She could feel the beating underneath the palm of her hand, a steady pulse to show that they were living and breathing… and existing. Her fingers curled into the thin fabric of his shirt, a reflex, almost as if she wanted to soak in the life that thrummed beneath her fingertips. Draw it closer. Bask in the light that radiated off the earth and the sky and the ocean.

“We both can't fall asleep.” Her voice was a whisper, flitting away on tiny, shaking wings. 

“I'm not falling asleep. I just want to lie here with you for a while.”

“Okay.”

“Okay.”

She thought again of the song he played earlier, Oceans, and how he said he had seen the ocean before. All she could remember of her life were days spent walking on the lifeless world she found herself in. It didn't seem real that oceans could even exist, but she believed what Eddie told her was true. She knew he would never lie to her. That was one of the few things she could count on, and it was so rare to have anything to count on.

“Why are you so tense?” he asked, and she didn't have to look to know he was smiling.

“I'm not.”

“You should relax.”

“I am,” she countered.

“You're not. Am I making you nervous?”

She allowed her gaze to lift up to blue blue blue, his worry showing itself in the lines creasing his forehead. He had a way of transitioning so easily from playful to intense. It made her head spin at times, dizziness just by being in his presence.

Her fingers smoothed over the fabric of his shirt. “You could never make me nervous, Eddie.”

That wasn't quite the truth though. Eddie made her nervous all the time, simply with his close proximity. It was such a strange swirling of contrasting feelings… because he was a comfort too. He comforted her all the time. That very same mixture swelled up inside her with the touch of his fingers on her bare skin, just underneath the hem of her shirt. It was a hesitant touch, like maybe how he would dip his toes in the ocean water to test the temperature. She could see him doing that.

She could also see him running in at full speed.

“Can I ask you a question?” she breathed as his fingers ghosted higher.

“Of course.”

“Do you think we'll ever find what we're looking for?”

She watched as his eyelashes brushed against the tops of his cheeks, and she wanted to run her fingertips just underneath them. But, she didn't dare do so.

His fingers were higher still, moving along her ribcage, and her skin tingled everywhere he touched. For who can say they were touched by the earth and the sky and the ocean all at once? The feeling was new, yet familiar. He was familiar, and he was here with her, there with her… just as he'd always been.

They didn't belong here.

Those same eyelashes rose again, and time could have stopped for all she knew. Maybe it already did. Maybe these were the last moments she'd spend on this godforsaken land. That would be alright with her. She'd see Eddie in the next life and the one after.

“I think…” he said as the tip of one of his fingers brushed against the underside of her breast. “I think that we already have.”

Was he right? They had each other. The three of them. They were something like a family.

A family…

It was getting harder to think. Her mind was hazy, and all she could see was blue blue blue. It was everywhere. In the sky above her, in the earth beneath her, in the ocean that she may or may not have seen. It was in the touch of his warm fingers on her cool skin, imprinting her with currents of blue. It was in her thoughts, as all she could focus on was how she wanted him to move his fingers higher still.

And he did… 

And he did… 

And he did.

“I can still see the blue in your eyes, even in the dark.” His voice was a gentle wave, washing over the sea of blue. 

“Me too.”

His fingers moved in such a deliciously tortuous way, and nothing else existed in that moment aside from the two of them. She could see him through the fog of her vision as if he were the only thing that made sense. The only thing that was clear. The only thing that was true in their world full of deceit. His lips only barely brushed against hers for a fraction of a second, maybe less, but it was something she'd never experienced before. The frailty of the wind seemed to pick up speed. The tree behind them seemed to shake from its roots to the tips of its branches. The ground seemed to tremble as if their world would soon fall apart.

The air changed, and it was magnetic. It was dragging her away as she fought to stay closer.

Could Eddie feel it too?

It was only less than a second, but the signs were there.

“I had a bad dream.”

Mike.

They pulled away from each other simultaneously. She could see hints of fervor in that blue blue blue.

Maybe Eddie did feel it too.

“Come on,” she told Mike, lifting the blanket. 

Eddie patted his head, exhaling slowly. “I'm going to go keep watch.”

Her eyes unintentionally followed him as he took her former place at the base of the weathered tree. He leaned his head back against the trunk, gazing at the stars between the gaps in the branches, and she thought maybe Eddie could reach out and grab one if he felt so inclined. Something about him told her that it would be possible for him to.

Mike curled up next to her under the blanket, soon fast asleep. It wasn't long before she drifted off herself, thinking about Eddie and the stars in the sky.

She dreamed of the ocean that night, of what she thought it might be. Mike was sitting beside her on the sand as they built a castle. An elaborate castle, with turrets, walkways with parapets, and a moat surrounding the outside of the castle walls. It resembled what she thought a castle might look like, for she'd never seen a castle before, and it grew higher and higher, wider and wider. Mike's laughter danced across the surface of the sand, and she'd never seen him so happy. She wanted the sounds of his laughter to last forever.

A shadow was cast over their ever-growing castle. She knew not to be frightened though. It was a face she'd seen time and time again. His hair was damp from water instead of sweat, and his feet were buried in the sand. The light reflected off his eyes, and they were a bright, clear blue blue blue. They were almost crystal-like, and he stood in front of the sun so that the yellows and oranges surrounded him in a brilliant halo sent from the heavens above. He was beautiful. Painfully so. And she wanted to reach out and touch him, but she didn't dare do so.

This was where Eddie belonged.

He stood over her, tucking a water-soaked curl behind his ear. “I thought I might find you here.”

“You did?”

“Of course.” The corners of his eyes crinkled when he smiled. “This is where you belong.”

And that's what she wanted.

She wanted to belong.

The next day was the same as any other. They woke up and ate some dried-out bread she had made some days before, taking small sips of water. Everything had to be taken in moderation; none of them knew when they would stumble across more supplies or even a source of water. They carried four jugs for water and only had two left that were full. She always found herself becoming anxious once they reached the two-jug mark. The water went too fast, and she wished they could find a way to carry more… not just water though, more of everything.

But, more than anything, she wished the land around them wasn't dying.

Eddie didn't mention anything about the night before… but then, she didn't either. A part of her couldn't help but wonder if it even happened. But, she could still feel the sensation of his touch along her skin, and she shivered more than once even in the unforgiving heat of the daylight. So… it had to be real. It couldn't have been just a prelude to her dream from last night.

Her dream… 

The utopia that she prayed for every night to magically appear just beyond the next hill.

Or maybe the next…

The last hill.

“I hope we find water today,” she said after they had walked a long while in silence.

Eddie turned to her, a hint of a smile playing along his lips. “We'll find some. Don't worry.”

Her eyes were drawn automatically to his mouth, the curve of his lips, the indent of his dimples. The brief moment in time when she felt them against her own was permanently ingrained in a corner of her mind. She'd keep it there and pull it to the forefront every so often to reminisce upon in case it were to never happen again; she didn't want to forget.

Eddie's grin grew wider, and she knew he must have noticed her staring, stealing fleeting glances as they walked and walked… and walked. His pace slowed, and he inched closer to her, holding out his hand without saying a word. She looked down at his fingers stretched out toward her, his grin softening as he took in her hesitancy. But, she didn't want to think too much about it and whatever implications it could hold. It may have meant nothing but merely a friendly gesture, and she didn't want to think of the burning that would leave inside.

She interlaced her fingers with his before her doubt could lead her away. Because she wanted to be closer to Eddie, and she smiled to herself with the knowledge that maybe she already was.

He gave her hand a gentle squeeze as they continued walking. “You should smile more often.”

And she realized that maybe she should.

They didn't take many breaks as they traveled, wanting to cover as much distance as they could before the sun set. The landscape hadn't changed at all throughout the last days and the nights and the yearning for something more to come along. As it did every day, her vision became blurry in the blistering heat, the outer edges turning in their slow and lazy vibrations. The sweat trickled down her back, clogged up her nose, and caused her clothes to attach to her skin. But, she still held Eddie's hand as they wandered forward, and he never tried to pull away as he walked in the center of their group. Her on one side and Mike on the other.

They were almost like her family.

Maybe they were her family, one that she created all on her own.

“Hey, what's that?” Mike asked, his tiny hand pointing up ahead.

She saw it then, a wooden house in the distance. Chances were it was abandoned, and they could only hope that it wasn't cleaned dry from previous passers-by. It was rare to find a solitary house that was still lived in. Sometimes they'd come across small communities, communal-type living where everyone played a role, and in return, protection was provided through larger numbers. She never questioned why they didn't stay in one of those communities. It would have seemed like the wise thing to do, but it never fit quite right. There was something else waiting for them out there, and it propelled their feet to keep moving.

But, to find a lone lived-in house? That was the biggest rarity of all. Simply because it was too dangerous, too easy for someone to come in and take over. Some of the things that people would do were too horrific to even think about.

As they neared the small wooden house though, the sight of something caused her to grip Eddie's hand tighter, caused him to let go of the wagon to shield Mike with his other arm.

Not something though.

Someone.

Two someones rocking on a swing on the front porch.

One of them had his long brown hair pulled back in a ponytail, taking a slow draw of the cigarette sitting between two fingers. The other one looked taller, and he wore a straw hat decorated with a blue and purple striped band covering his long blonde hair.

She let go of Eddie's hand and took a few steps closer.

“Emmy, what are you doing?” he asked urgently.

She ignored Eddie and spoke to the two men instead. “I know you.”

“Yup,” the one with the cigarette replied.

What was his name?

Her feet carried her up the few rickety steps until she stood before them. She heard Eddie telling Mike to stay back before the creaking of the steps told her that Eddie was behind her. Really though, she didn't need to hear the steps to know; she could feel his presence from anywhere. 

He was her earth and her sky and her ocean all at the same time.

She pointed to the cigarette that ponytail held. “Can I have one?”

Stone. His name was Stone.

“I didn't know you smoke.” Eddie's puzzled voice behind her shook her eardrums, as only the earth could.

She didn't either, but it seemed like something she'd do. In that moment.

“There's a lot about me you don’t know.”

His eyes flickered over the features of her face before he answered. “I know.”

The one named Stone handed her a cigarette and held up the lighter to ignite the tip. She leaned forward to accept the open flame, but instead of hazel hues, she was met with blue blue blue. As far as her eyes could see, it was blue.

She inhaled the burning smoke down her throat, into her lungs, staring into Eddie's searching eyes as he passed the lighter back to Stone. He had a way of looking past her, through her, into the heart of her that she didn't know existed. It was in that way that he could both calm her and send a shock through every nerve in her body.

But, she knew now where he belonged, and it wasn't here. 

She hoped she could remember.

Eddie delicately removed the cigarette from her fingers, before she was even done with her exhale. As he brought it to his own lips, she was reminded of their almost kiss, how his mouth was now where hers once was. It was silly to think of something like that at that moment, but one can hardly help where the mind wanders at times. Even at this most critical juncture, when her thoughts should have been elsewhere, it was always him. Always.

“What is this place?” Eddie asked the two men on the swing, his eyes never straying from hers.

The one in the hat answered. “You don't wanna go in there.”

And his name was Jeff. 

She knew that now.

Eddie's head jerked to the side. “Why not?”

“Because no one who goes in there ever comes out,” Jeff said.

There was no explanation why. It was simply that. She knew it to be true though… somehow. Maybe for the same reason that she knew their names. Stone and Jeff. They were strangers, but still she could recognize their faces.

She stepped around Eddie, coming to stand in front of the door that led inside the house that was full of unknowns. It could be her demise, but she had to go open the door.

Eddie's hand found hers again. One last time. Or not. The possibilities were endless. “What are you doing?”

“I have to go in.”

“Why?”

She couldn't give him the answer he wanted, whatever that was. Her head shook as she gazed into those eyes that were so blue blue blue, the song he sang playing in her head as she saw his hair damp from water instead of sweat and his feet buried in the sand. It was the loveliest of visions, and she ached for it to come true.

She had to go in.

“Will you sing that song for me?” she asked him.

“What?”

“Oceans.”

He squinted at her as though she were crazy. Maybe she was. “You want me to sing it now?”

“Will you?” She took his hand in both of hers. “Please?”

And he did… 

And he did… 

And he did.

It was just as beautiful as the night before. If not more so. Because while his eyes were the sky, lifting her up so she could fly… his voice was the earth, destined to make sure her feet landed safely on the ground. And the song… the song was his essence as currents rolled above and beneath him, through him and around him.

That's where he belonged.

“I'm scared,” she said after he finished his song.

His hands clasped around the top of her shoulders, eyes intense in that particular way that only he could manage. “I won't let anything happen to you.”

She knew he'd never lie to her. That was one of the few things she could depend on in a world so full of falsity. And it convinced her that she needed to follow through as she reached behind her and turned the knob, the door swinging wide open. It was almost time, but there was still something left unshared. A final chapter to close the story, but it was just part one. There would be many chapters left to come as there was still the next life and the next… and the one after.

Her hands cupped both his cheeks as she held his face close to her own. Closer… closer… and closer still. She worried what would happen as the air began to shift around them. The signs were there, but she didn't want to live in the regret that she didn't know.

His breath fanned across her face as he drew her nearer, and she caught it as she pressed her lips to his in what was the ultimate defiance. They weren't supposed to be here, but they belonged somewhere… together. 

And just as Eddie was the earth and the sky and the ocean, she was the fire, burning the fraying ends away one strand at a time. The heat from the flames swelled up inside of her until it was too much to contain. It spread forth, nearly uncontrollable as his fingers sifted through her hair and her hands clung to the front of his shirt. They were the only two left on the planet, and it seemed inconsequential that the ground finally cracked and split, lava spewing forth and lapping at their feet as a cruel reminder of what was to come.

It should have been water.

But, the signs were all there.

The heat burned holes in everything it touched, but he held her close, and she didn't want to let him go. She didn't want to… because as his two lips continued to move against her own, she could feel it. Something new and something oh so wonderfully familiar.

Why did she have to let him go?

She could see him disintegrating away, or maybe it was her. And she wanted to hold on, for she suddenly feared she may never see him again. But, Eddie was the earth, and his eyes were the sky, and his essence was the ocean, and she knew somewhere deep within that he would never spread his wings and fly…  not without her. He would carry her with him wherever he chose to go.

He could go wherever he wanted to go, and yet he chose her.

The water would one day be enough to put out the fire.

And then, he was gone.

… 

…

…

She sat up straight in bed and wiped the cold sweat from her brow. The room she was in was small, too much so to hold many things aside from her bed. That was alright with her though; she didn't require much anyway. The tiny round window gave a view of the artificial neon lights and the smoky pollution that lived outside. She felt like she needed to be somewhere, but she couldn't remember where.

Her head swiveled to the side when she heard a knock at the door. 

“Emmy,” the voice called. “Are you ready?”

“I'm here,” she answered in a voice that she guessed must have belonged to her. “You can come in.”

The person outside her door could have been crazy, but she had a feeling…

“What are you doing still in bed?” he asked as he entered her room.

“Um…”

All she could see was blue blue blue. The neon created dancing light specks in his eyes.

“You need to get up. We're gonna get the shit beat out of us if we're late.”

She was confused, but what he said almost made sense; she felt the ache of bruises on her back. “Late for what?”

He stared at her as if she had two heads. Hell, maybe she did. “For work. Come on, we need to go.”

That's right, they had to go to work. That sounded right… but then, it wasn't.

No, it wasn't right at all.

She didn't belong here.

Eddie didn't belong here either.

[arisdiaryposts]

The Man In the Ghostface mask

chapter 2

Ever since that Halloween night, I've been thinking about Ghostface. Mainly wondering who is he? why did he spare me? And not to forget, why did he kiss me?! Do I know him?! Who is the man in the Ghostface mask?! As my mind was filled with questions, my phone began to ring. I picked up my phone and immediately frowned.

It was Liam...

I groaned, What does he want? Ever since that night, that night that Liam had betrayed me, used me, and basically gave me to the man in the Ghostface mask. I immediately blocked him on all social platforms and deleted his number, but apparently, that doesn't seem to be working nor helping.

Rolling my eyes, I hung up...

*ring ring*

UGH! Why can't his dumb ass get the hint?! As I picked up my phone, I decided to answer it.

I sighed. "What do you want, liam?" I asked, annoyed.

"Baby please let me explain!" He asked with a desperate tone in his voice.

"No! What you did liam was soo fucking foul on so many levels it's not even fucking funny! I HAVE NOTHING TO SAY TO YOU! YOU BETRAYED ME! I COULD'VE DIED! But as usual, you don't care and consider this number blocked too!"

"B-baby wai-"

Before he could say anymore, I hung up and blocked him. I groaned loudly and fell on my bed,Please, God, end this. Give me the strength to not go fucking insane! I'm honestly so sick and tired of Liam and his bullshit lies. It's tiring, I thought to myself as I'm staring up at my star covered ceiling that had my L.E.D. lights on red mode. I sighed, turning over on my side, frowning while my mind went back to that Halloween night....

where Liam and me were making out in a field of orange trees, then a masked man came out and pulled a butcher knife and Liam deciding to be a coward motherfucker, pulled me in front of him and pushed me to the masked man who had to have been a legit serial killer.

I groaned again. Killer. Did I really just make out with a total stranger who could've been a whole ass serial killer?

I moved my body to lay on my stomach, and I hit my face with my cuddleez pillow baymax that I had gotten from Disneyland with my cousin and her dad. I sighed, fun times. I then turned my head to the right and gazed out the window, looking at the starry night sky, and sighed. As I closed my eyes so I could let sleep consume me.

But before i could even let precious sleep consume my body, my phone began ringing... again.

"UGHHHH!" I groaned loudly. With my eyes still closed, I grabbed my phone and answered.

"Okay, listen here asshole! WE ARE DONE! FINISHED! STOP CALLING ME CAUSE HONESTLY LIAM I AM NO-"

"Aw, is my little cheerleader having a bad night?" Darkly chuckles.

my breathing hitched as my eyes shot open. t-that doesn't sound like Liam and I sat up right quickly. That name. Cheerleader. "G-ghostface?" I said quietly. He let out a dark chuckle.

"Hi baby,"

I immediately began blushing and trying to hide my smile at the pet name, and i tried to keep my composure and not sqeaul so loudly and show him my excitement.

But I took a deep breath and sighed, "Hi Ghostface, um...how are you?" I asked, sitting in a kneel while picking at the skin near my nails....seriously, did I really just asked How are you to a serial killer?!

But then again, I've never had a serial killer obsessed with me before or spared my life or gave me the make out of a lifetime and gave me his legit phone number.

"I'm doing just great, baby~ How are you, mi bella?" He said with a purr. my jaw just DROPPED! OH MY GOWD That's Italian?! HES ITALIAN!...well, that explains why he was such an amazing kisser. I then began smiling like an idiot while i blushed furiously, but i tried to calm myself, so he didn't know I'm getting excited.

"T-thats good, I'm glad to h-hear that..and for me, I'm doing okay.. I guess.." Great, now I'm stuttering. How does this man have a chokehold on me already?!

He hummed. "What do you mean you guess Bella?"

Shit.

"Oh, uh.. It's nothing really..." I chuckled nervously while bitting and picking at the skin from my nail.

"It's okay, princess. You can tell me. tell Ghostface what's troubling you amore mio~?"

Damnit!

A sqeauk came out of my mouth as I said, "Okay!" He began chuckling and muttered a small cute under his breath.

O.M.G my face feels like it's on fucking fire due to me blushing so damn furiously and my cheeks hurt from smiling so hard. A giggle was gonna escaped, but I shook my head, and I took deep breaths to calm myself and cleared my throat, and began telling him my troubles.

"Well, it's just.." I groaned loudly. "IT'S JUST LIAM!! Like he won't leave me alone! Like ever since that Halloween night when he literally just left me to die at your hands, no offense - " i got off my bed.

"None taken, but continue, baby." He chuckles.

"He has been blowing my phone up ever since, like, can't he just take a hint like we are done! Finished! He made his choice, so I don't get why he expects me to welcome him back with open arms?!" I say frantically, pacing back and forth in my room.

He hums "well don't worry about it, baby, Ghostface will take care of it~" he let's out a coo, then turns it into a sinister chuckle.

Huh? Before I could even ask what he meant, he hung up.

He's gonna kill Liam, isn't he?...

Yeahh ... he's gonna kill him.

I sigh as I throw my phone on the bed , go into a kneel, and get my Converse from under the bed. I sat on my butt and started putting my shoes on.

The motherfucking audacity! WHY DIDN'T HE INVITE ME? I mean... I know I shouldn't be thinking that way and should only be on my way to Liams house to stop Ghostface from killing Liam cuz apparently Liams " Innocent " but let's face reality here is Liam really THAT Innocent?

As I got my shoes on and tied the laces. I decided to take my red hoodie off, which revealed my outfit, a short, tight black romper. As I threw my hoodie on my bed, I undid my messy ponytail and let my straight wavy like long thick dark brown hair w pintura highlights fall down to my back, I grabbed my phone, and headed to my window. I moved the curtains further open and pulled my window up. I then carefully begin to climb out my window.

As I successfully managed to climb out my window, I then carefully began to walk to the big hollow tree that's basically on my house and started to climb on it to climb down.

As I jumped down from the branch of the hollow tree. I then started running to liams house. His mom and sister are out of town right now, so he's basically home alone. As I'm running to his house, I get chills, which sends a shiver down my spine. Odd, it's not even cold? Then it hit me.. I'm being watched.

Could it be Ghostface? I stopped running and turned to look behind me but only to see nothing there, Werid? I then turned forward and started running again.

As I was approaching Liams, it pretty much looked normal to me. The lights were on downstairs, and up stairs, there was a room with the light on. Basically, everything looks normal. This is getting so confusing and weird?

Just in case I walked closer to the house. Everything looks okay? So what gives? But then again, it could look like a total blood bath in there. I wonder if they still have their key under the mat? I thought to myself.

As I walked up the steps to the front door, I bent down to lift the mat.

Bingo!

I grabbed the spare key and took small steps to the door. I put the key in and

*click*

As I unlocked the door. I quietly like a mouse went inside. I closed the door quietly from behind me. I then started to take a look around. The living room looked okay, No signs of a struggle or forced entry or broken pictures with glass on the floor, no blood splatters. I then went into the kitchen, and the same thing it looked sqeauky clean. There was nothing out of the ordinary, and again, there was no blood. I hummed and let out a muttered "werid?" I exited the kitchen and started quietly heading up the upstairs. As I reached the top of the stairs, i stopped in my tracks and froze....

On the floor there was a pool of blood on the floor then it started becoming droplets like someone started walking and trailing it to one of the rooms.

Looks like Ghostface was here after all, and Liam is probably dead already. Or Liam could've fought back and gotten Ghostface, and it's actually Ghostfaces blood on the floor. That thought immediately made my heart drop to my stomach. As I took a deep breath and shook my head to get rid of that image.

The image of Ghostface laying dead on the floor covered in his own blood gutted and killed by Liam. I took another deep breath as I breathed out.

I then began following the trail of blood. As I'm following the blood trail, it looks like it's actually is leading to the loft and not one of the rooms.

As I get closer and closer to the loft, I then begin hearing sounds? I stopped and listened...it sounds like munching and slurping? Is someone eating? I stopped in my tracks to get a good listen.

*munching* *slurps* *gulps*

I mutter out a, "What the-?" My eyes widened. Am I really hearing this?

*munching* *slurps* *gulps*

As i just stood there listening to this, my mind goes to two spimple questions. Is Ghostface a cannibal? Or is liam the one doing this? I am so confused. Like what is going on? I then started walking again but made sure not to alert Ghostface or whoever it is of my presence. As I peaked around the corner to see the loft, I was horrified to see what I had discovered...

wow wow WOW!! I DID IT! WHOO HO! I can't believe I was finally able to finish chapter 2! 😍 this chapter was just absolutely amazing and just by reading it its like I'm actually reading an actual book and this means so so so much to me and I hope you guys enjoy this and again to the people who dont just keep scrolling please cause I don't have the time or energy to put up with your negative comments. but ANYWAYSSS enjoy this everyone and leave a comment on what you thought and question...what do you think happened? And what did I find? Also, I think you guys can guess who Ghostface is LOL, but have fun, everyone, and enjoy! MWAH! 😊💗

@luv4fandoms @oceansrose2002 @britany1997 & @beoneofus

[inwintersolitude]

- October 19th 2023 -

What's for dinner tonight? I'm going to make veggie burgers, BBQ baked beans, and roasted broccoli.

Do you prefer cold or room temperature drinking water? Room temperature.

How many different things have you had to drink today? Three - water, Irish breakfast tea, and a turmeric shot.

When you read a book, do you use a bookmark or simply dog ear/fold the top of the page? I use a bookmark.

What's the nearest city to you with a population of at least one million? If you're counting just the population in the city proper, then it would be Toronto. But if you're counting the entire metropolitan area (suburbs, surrounding towns, etc.), then it would be Cleveland. But the City of Cleveland itself only has like ~370,000 people. I wouldn't really call it a major city.

During the pandemic, did you use reusable or disposable masks? A bit of both. I had a few gray washable masks that I bought from Target, and also some disposable surgical masks and N95 masks. I still have some, actually.

What is your favourite local restaurant? Maybe the little cafe across from the town square. Or the farm-to-table restaurant.

Have you ever been harassed while minding your own business walking down the street? Nope. I've never experienced catcalling or anything like that.

Do you own a gun? Have you ever thought about getting one? Nope. I used to have one when I was into shooting sports years ago, but I've absolutely zero interest in that stuff now. Looking back I'm actually quite horrified by how easy it was to buy it. There should be way more oversight and regulations than there currently are.

Do you know anyone who owns a gun? My friend Cory hunts deer and elk as his main source of meat, so I'm assuming he has one, but he's never mentioned anything about it.

What year is/what your 10 year high school reunion? Will you (or did you) attend? It was in 2018, but I didn't go because I lived a 7-hour drive away from my hometown at the time.

Do you cut your sandwiches into triangles or rectangles? I cut grilled cheese sandwiches into triangles, but that's the only type of sandwich that I ever cut.

Have you ever seen a panda in real life? Where was it? Maybe while visiting the zoo as a kid? I can't remember.

Are there any postcards hanging around the house? If so, where are they from? I don't think so.

Does it snow where you live? Oh yeah, winters here are quite snowy.

When was the last time you took a flight? Where did you go? Nearly 2 weeks ago. My husband and I were flying from Dublin to Washington DC.

Is there a flight path over your house? Yep, Cleveland-Hopkins has an RNAV (GPS) approach for traffic arriving from the south, which has a waypoint over our house. I never flew it when I was a pilot but my husband occasionally flies over our house on that approach if his last flight home is from the Southeast US.

Does your neighbourhood have a lot of hills? Nope.

Have you ever had covid? What was your experience like? No. At least, not that I know of. I've been sick only once since 2018, but my Covid test was negative. I guess it's possible I've had it but I would have been completely asymptomatic if I did.

Do you have any alcohol in your house right now? Yep, some Guinness.

Do you tend to keep alcohol around the house for when you might want it? No, I don't usually have any in the house. My husband and I bought the Guinness after we got back home from Ireland so we could compare it to the draught Guinness they have in Ireland. The Guinness in Ireland tastes much better than the bottled/canned Guinness here in the US.

Has a romantic partner ever given you a pet as a gift? Nope, he wouldn't do that and I wouldn't want him to. Getting a new pet is a decision we'd make together.

Do you ever talk on the phone with friends? Sometimes with Cory.

What was the last thing someone said to you in person? "Have a nice night" or something like that, from the cashier at the grocery store yesterday evening. I haven't spoken to anyone in person since then - my husband's away for work and I haven't gone anywhere yet today.

Are you hungry right now? What would you like to eat? Nope.

How far away are your parents right now? About 27 or 28 miles away. 45-ish minute drive.

Do you believe in aliens? Yep. Considering there are hundreds of billions (maybe even trillions) of galaxies in the universe, and each of those galaxies has billions of planets, it's pretty much statistically impossible that Earth is the ONLY planet in the entire universe that has life on it.

Have you ever been bitten by a spider? Nope.

Do you own any clothing made from animal products like leather or fur? Not clothing, no. I do have a few leather handbags, though.

What's the best vacation you've ever been on? The trip to London that my husband and I went on for our 6th wedding anniversary.

[pastrnaks-sainz]

ok I’ll try 😭😭 this is really emo for some reason don’t come at me

sway: joined the military at 18. considered a “failure” in school because he never really did well, but both of his parents were very sick so most of his time was spent working and looking after them. His mom wanted him to serve the country, since everyone in his town did it. He didn’t want to disappoint her, so he enlisted at 18. He was a really good shot because he used to hunt a lot, and he eventually became a SEAL and went into special forces

ully: also joined very young, but it was to get away from his parents. He lied about his birth year and during boot camp he got found out. They were already watching him very closely and thought that he was above average, so they took a gamble and let him stay. The caveat was that he knew that he could be sent home by them at any time, so he had to do everything he was told; no questions asked. eventually he was pulled aside with some of his peers about joining a special team. The guy running it told everyone that it was gov’t approved (it wasn’t). The team’s job was to go around basically interrogating and k!lling “suspects”. Ully would later find out that these people just knew too much about the leader. He kept coming back to deploy until he met a girl in a bar. It was basically love at first sight, so he went out with her a couple of times. She said she’d wait for him while he was at war and he went off again. When he got to base, he told one of his buddies he wasn’t going to re enlist, and the word got spread until the SPECOP leader figured this out. He pulled ully to the side and basically said “you will return until you die. I cannot afford to lose you, you are my best soldier.” Atp ully had a fuckton of pent up rage from doing this guy’s bidding and snapped. He finished his service and vowed to never go back. He married the girl and they had kids together, but shortly after his son was born he fell into depression from PTSD; he was convinced he couldn’t raise a child because of all the killing he’d done, didn’t know how to be kind. To help, he started looking into the operation he was in, and his angel of a wife stuck by him the entire time. when his kid was around 1-2, one of his old friends from the unit came to his house. he told ully to stop looking into these things, that it wasn’t safe and his family was being watched. His wife suggested they move, so they did. Ully stopped looking, and focused on family. That is, until he got some random ass email. It was the straw that broke the camel’s back, and Ully told his wife he needed to go back. She told him to be safe, and off he went again. In his year at war, he gained no information except that the unit had disbanded when he started to look into them. Confused and homesick, he came back. He came back to a home torn apart. He came back to his wife, tied to a chair with a bullet wound in between her eyes. He came back to his son, with a tear stained face and empty eyes and a white sweater turned red. He mourned for months, and by rotting he became vengeful. He packed up his life and went on a killing spree basically. He hurt anyone who could be connected to his family’s murder; including many government officials and soldiers from his unit. Caught in the crossfire were two undercover Americans. Word got out that the Americans were killed, and that’s where Sway comes in. Sway’s team was given the job of finding this guy. Sway’s particular job had been watching Ully for a few years now. I don’t wanna write out how they met, but they did. It was on a mountain overlooking the home of a Swedish military contractor. Ully was basically about to put a shot through this dude’s skull but Sway stopped him. He tried to fight but it didn’t work. One of Sway’s teammates hit him with a syringe and he passed out.

There’s sosossososso much more that’s not the end at all but I have to go to practice 😜 also there are more storylines Swaymark are not the only ones lol

Hi yes I’m going to need 60k of this injected directly into my veins

[oceanstarsvoyager]

20th of Jan 2023. I have completed my type rating on the Airbus A320. That is the new floating on the surface. Let me tell you how I got here.

A week before this i was sick, forcing myself to wake up and trained at 6 in the morning on a consecutive day. Of course my brain got a tantrum and i couldn’t function well. I had five days off and while that was happening I had a lot of stress that causes me to sleep just 4-6 hours per night. I called my family during those time because they have a different time zone and thank goodness they are awake most of the time. The fact that i got stressed is theres no exact date that i could prepare for so i constantly overthink of how the plan would fall out if one doesn’t work. My mind most of the time is me reviewing my procedures and the light and switches and everything thing I have to prepare for my Checkride. As a pilot when you are not flying you will need to remember those procedures because spending extra on the simulator would cause you more money. With good memory and imagination i was able to be up at night and overthink. Here’s the fun part.

They called me up a day and a half before the Checkride and said its going to be at 4 a.m. I wouldn’t have a problem with it if I haven’t heard what the check instructor is like. People who had a check with him including the upgrade said he shouted and it is the worst check in his life.I don’t know if luck is on my side or I’ve been studying and impressed him on the oral but he is not like everyone said at all! Yes he is intimidating at first, it might be too early or the internet is down and he is fed up. The part where the Checkride start is when he is a completely different person. The night before, i studied with my partner who just got back from Virginia so he helped with the oral because you need someone to cross check your answers. From 12-7 pm we were studying. The scheduler, he called to confirm if I am still ok with that 4 am schedule and its a system go situation by that time even if i was about to collapsed. I said yes.

By 7 pm i crashed into bed with 2 alarms setting for 1 am. At first I couldn’t sleep because i still have those procedures running around in my head so I took a pill. Yeah don’t do it if you’re don’t need it i do! at least i get a few hours of sleep since I haven’t for so many days now. Guess what i woke up before the alarm. 12 i am so grateful for my sim partner he is able to wake up and take me to school.

Alright here we go 3:30am we arrived at the classroom no one was there obvi. Then a few mins later, the check is here i got in. Still fazing. The other person who also suppose to check isn’t here he was at the hangar so he have to go get him. Got back he checked for my documents and he said I couldn’t check because i required a ATP written exam so he sent me home. I said i had friends who can do the check without the written because this is a type rating check. He said he’s not sure so.. he can’t do the check. So my sim partner was able to come back and pick me up of course disappointed so we went to McDonald to burn off steam.The check instructor called me back to do the check while he was ordering at the drive thru. I got back we started the check. The other person from Lebanon started the check first so i was sent to the other room. It was about 12 mins and then i starting to hear him begging for a second chance on the check. Crying. Yeah. Look he has 2700 hrs on the actual aircraft. If he failed on the oral. What am I. Barely touch the exterior of the plane while i boarded it.

Turns out he didn’t study he said he is confident he knows everything already and he is the best in his company. Lesson learned that day ego will not pass your check. Period.

Ok then its my turn, the check instructor calls out my name. I went in the other person still don’t want to leave the room. Harsh day for him.

I told myself Rita give it your best shot here we go. It’s like a ping pong. He asked i answered he asked i answered trying not to miss the ball. He seems to be impressed he started to become more calming we got into the walk around part of the check. You haven’t got a clue how many videos and time i spent on watching that video on youtube. Thank you captain joe you saved my life. He asked i answered boom boom boom. I got to the part where he asked about the safety pin i said that should be removed before flight. Correcto. Then he asked so we as pilot removed it ? I said yes. Too quick Rita too quick. Sooo that not quite the answer he want. He gave me the look. Shit. Shit. Second chance Rita. Before you speak what is the answer. GRound crew. He nod thats right someone might put it there for maintenance purposes if something is wrong you don’t just do it it will be your responsibility. So he taught me during the check. Surprised, nervous and thankful. From that onward he adds additional information. It’s around 5-6 we have to switch to the hangar, someone might need the room. He have to drive me there i don’t have car. Lol. Sitting with the check instructor . Anyways we got to the hangar he started with the light and switches . Spend five days on that particular subject you better not messed this up Rita. It was very relaxing at that point. There’s a woman from accounting coming to talk to us during the check. He told her i was doing great so far yo. Let’s just say if i had emotion then i would be jumping already, but i just smiled to the nice lady. We got to the Adirs. I got all the points right. Then i know I understand that shit . I got all the point right but do i even understand it, so of course he had to ask about the point again and then he started to explain to me and I just realized i know this shit but I couldn’t quite remember how to explain it. Although t it was really helpful and i like how he explained it also. He said the aircraft was asleep and then some guy decided to move it during the shutdown and when she wakes up she’s lost. Lol same plane. Same.

I learned so much for the oral check to be honest. Okiedoks the Checkride. The nice lady came in said that my payment hasn’t been recieved so I can’t continue the check i said oh hell naw. But i said ok thats fine. I’ll wait till next week. Mr Dave Santo came and he needed to do an opc check. So he asked me to be his seat support obvi what else am i going to do for the rest of the day. He said get in the aircraft start it up and put my flight plan in. I said say less. So i ran up to the simulator alone and set everything up for him. I got to practice my mcdu set up but at the same time i better not screw this up because it is his check not mine. He came in sit in the left seat and start checking. Approved! 2 jet blue captains in the simulator and a baby pilot. Great. Here we go. Check started. He speaks and tell me every time he do something i like that. Doing my seat support job. Reminding him of the correction he need to make. I don’t know how i did to be honest during that time. He is a captain he would have so many better f/o then me along his years of flying. I did my best though. He passed his check. So.. he went back into the the briefing room. I thought I would go home but he started talking with each other and then he looked at me and said we will get you done. Still no idea what it meant. Like i said its lagging my brain she’s trying her best. So i went into the sim again. Got everything set up and there i go doing my check. Look. It’s more of a lesson to me Mr Dave santo was my seat support who else better i would i asked for? He’s a gift i would say.He’s correcting me. I would bust my minimum and fail if he didn’t. Do i have have a pressure with two captain in the sim and me acting as captain in command. No. I was too focused trying not to f* up its my check but looking back. Holy smoke. I am the captain of that flight . Overall, it was quick learned so much and got so much feedback after that check. After the Rejected take off. Mr Dave Santo asked Mr Charles my check instructor we want the answer does she pass and he said yes, then and there i got jolly but couldn’t really expressed it. Then Mr santo gave me a feedback on my flight during the check. I am super grateful and honored to have a Checkride with JetBlue captains. As a baby pilot that is a core memory.

So hello, my name is Tithsocheata and I am an Airbus 320 rated pilot.

[jedifarmerr]

Javier's Having a Baby

Pairing: Javier Peña x F!Reader/OFC (no y/n or physical descriptions but has backstory.)

Chapter/Series Rating: E (18+)

Word Count: 4.5k

Chapter Warnings: morning sickness, nausea & vomiting (1 instance), language, little bit of smoking, just a lot of fluff for this one.

Series masterlist

Chapter 2 : The Realization

The smell of pancakes and bacon wafted through the house. 

A far cry from the usual scent or lack thereof on a typical work week. Any other day breakfast was a quick grab and go in a race out the door, but this morning you resisted the urge to hit the snooze button and hauled out of bed early to whip up something special. 

The table was set, food dished out – it was all very Leave it to Beaver. 

You heard the heavy thump of a man on a mission barreling into the room. His brunette hair was tousled from raking his fingers through it repeatedly; his tie cockeyed, but at least his white button up and slacks were neatly pressed – thanks to you. 

Javier scanned the room, “Hey honey, where’s my-” 

“By the door.” His blood moon eyes shot to you then to where you were pointing. “Papers are in your briefcase and I packed you a lunch. Now, get over here before it gets cold.” 

Javier wandered over like once he got close it would suddenly disappear in a cloud of smoke. The idea that someone was taking care of him still felt like a dream. 

He sat down in the chair then kissed your cheek. “You didn’t have to do this,” he said, but the bags under his eyes said otherwise. 

“I wanted to,” you piped up, carefully peering over the rim of your mug. “It’s a big day after all.” The words rippled like skipping stones along the once calm sage liquid. His lips twitched with an ambiguous hum of recognition. You took a cautious sip of the warm drink while he doused his plate in syrup. “Do you know which way you’re leaning?” 

The conflict in his eyes answered first, then a subtle shake of his head. “Just gonna see how today goes.” He tried to smile, but only one side of his lips cooperated. 

Two months of endless back and forth phone calls and the DEA was throwing up a Hail Mary – flying out a half-dozen of their best and brightest to seal the deal. 

Since deciding to explore the option, the door on his time with the DEA and years spent in Colombia had been cracked open. Memories he’d long kept at bay flooded his mind. Vague stories slipped from his lips in the runoff of overflowing thoughts with nowhere else for them to go. 

Each one slotted into place – a near portrait of that period in his life. Composed of more pieces than just that of what Javier told you. Few were from Steve, far too many from Joe’s past ramblings; he boasted of his ex-partners deeds like they were somehow an extension of him. Then there was the rumor mill of his ex-colleagues which, like a Wikipedia page, held a bite of truth. It was odd how obsessed they were, jealous no doubt as they pointed out his absence at events such as Joe’s wedding; sharing not-so-hushed theories on why the agent hadn’t carved out time in his schedule as if Javier could leave Colombia at the drop of a hat. 

Obviously, Javier didn’t talk much about the more traumatic events. Just like the news coverage, his stories were censored but no less devastating. It wasn’t like there was any pretending that part didn’t exist. Especially when it came back to haunt him in the dead of night. 

Within weeks of dating you experienced the first of many night terrors. Knowing better than to wake him, he thrashed around like a palm tree in the midst of a hurricane while whimpering the names of faceless people you’d only ever hear of in his unconscious state; you helplessly waited it out by his side for that gasp of air, signaling his submergence from the past. 

Would it ever go away, you didn’t think so, but found some sort of comfort in knowing he’d never wake up alone. At least not anymore. His panic-blown eyes would always find you with open arms, there to ground him to the present with soft reassurances that never failed to lull him back to sleep. 

“You still not drinking coffee?” Javier pointed a half-eaten piece of bacon at your mug. 

You set it down with a small thump. “Don’t remind me,” you groaned. “I miss it but - I don’t know. Something about the smell still makes me wanna gag.”

Javier smacked his lips, “I thought you were feeling better?” He studied you from top to bottom. 

“I am,” you assured. His eyes went narrow and you sighed in defeat. “For the most part…but have ya ever thrown up on something and for awhile you can’t eat it without being reminded of how sick you were?”

Javier grunted, “Chicken wings.” He shuddered. “Still can’t touch ‘em.” 

The experience must have scarred him because he promptly dropped the subject. Veering the conversation far away to your itinerary for the day then a back and forth of what sounded good for dinner. 

Once finished, you gathered up the plates and dropped them in the sink. The scent of lemon coated the sponge as a small hum drifted around the room while you scrubbed at the sticky porcelain. 

Like a silent predator, Javier snuck behind you. His large hands framing the arc of your hips, making you jump at the sudden collision of your back to a warm, broad chest. 

He burrowed into the crevice of your neck and you giggled his name. The dishes clinking together in a forgotten heap as you swiveled around, looping your arms around his neck. 

His smile was soft but not assuring. Brown eyes wandering a stray and searching the depth of your eyes for guidance as if they were crystal balls that could show him the way. It tugged at your heart and you wished for it to be so simple. 

You teased down his hair then adjusted his tie. “Perfect,” you beamed with a pat to his chest. You handed him the suit jacket from off the counter. With a shrug, he fitted it just right over his broad shoulders. Very few people could pull off a tan suit but he was definitely one of them. 

“Very handsome,” you said and grabbed at his tie, tugging him closer. “Ya know,” you whispered, “I think someone might be gettin’ lucky tonight.” 

A pleased sound rumbled from deep in his chest as his grip on you tightened. 

“Now that’s all I’ll be thinking about.” His husky voice tickled the shell of your ear. 

“Hmm. Seems my plan is working,” you teased, then met his lips in a tender kiss. 

His hands surged to cup your cheeks and you relinquished control to him. The peck instantly turned heated as his lips moved with a sheer determination to forget his troubles in your pliant body and supple mouth. The weight that burdened his shoulders poured into you and it lifted for a moment. 

You were left gasping for air once he broke the kiss. The sound of your heavy breathing mingled in the space between you, his forehead resting against yours. 

“I should get going,” he whispered after a long moment, but remained stuck in place as if you were glued together.

“I love you, ya know that right?” 

He chuckled softly and grabbed your hand, guiding it to his lips and placing a soft kiss on your knuckles. 

Javier left your embrace with a low groan that mimicked the one he made when getting out of bed in the morning. You followed close behind as he headed to leave. He swung his briefcase over his shoulder and you handed him his lunch on his way out the door. 

“I’ll see ya tonight,” he said. You nodded and leaned against the solid wood frame. The fall air carried a chill in the morning and you wrapped your arms around you for warmth.

With one last glance, he waved goodbye before hopping in his jeep. The engine roared to life, and you watched until his car disappeared down the street. The brave smile you were sporting faded at the shut of the door. 

The rest of the morning continued much like any other after that. 

There was the usual morning traffic on your drive into work, luckily the commute was short, a perk of living just miles from downtown. Cordial, you greeted your coworkers with a smile on your way down the hall. Situated at the very end was your office. 

It was quaint with tinted blue walls just a shade above sanitary white. A desk, bookshelf and two armchairs filled the space. A chunky computer plopped in the middle of your desk, taking up the majority of the area. 

The morning was clicked away on the two-toned keyboard. Not a disruption to be had until lunch time when a small knock echoed on the glass pane wall overlooking the cubicles. Promptly followed by Amanda stepping in through the wide-open door. 

“Hey,” she said in that high-pitched voice that meant she needed something. “Sorry to bother you, but uh - ya happen to have a tampon?” She flashed an oopsie grin; she was always bumming them off you, not that you cared. 

“Yeah, I gotcha,” you said with feigned annoyance. 

A few worthless items tussled around the metal confines of the bottom drawer when pulled open. The sealed box of tampons was situated right in front. 

When did you buy those? You actually couldn’t remember. 

Amanda pushed the small of her back against your desk and leaned in. “Not gonna lie I was startin’ to panic a little, three days late, but-” She swept her bangs like they were a bead of sweat with a whoosh of air. 

You pushed out a half-hearted chuckle, trying to remember when your last period was. 

It was as if all her worries were suddenly transferred to you, the tampon acting as a baton. She stuffed the wrapper into her pocket with an easy grin. “You’re the best,” she said before sauntering out the room. 

Leaning back in your chair, a pen clutched between your teeth, you tried to think whether Amanda’s period came before or after yours. 

Well, it had to be before.

Right? 

A memory made your head tilt like a confused dog. Your eyes steadily growing wider and wider as you thought back on all those times when you’d been fresh out, instead offering her a quarter to buy a shitty cardboard one from the vending machine. 

But wait. If she was late…

The chair wheels skirted along the carpet, your body shot up like a revved up engine. Busting open the top drawer, you slapped the planner down in front of you. The paper slicing your finger, staining the corner of the week red. 

Sucking on it, you squeezed your eyes shut and sifted through your memories for when your last period was. 

Your eyes snapped open - it was the weird one; you’d never had a period so short and light, hardly any cramping. 

But if it was then. 

“Shit. Shitshitshit,” you mumbled under your breath while flipping back through the beginnings of November which had been plagued with a stomach bug – past October where talks of the DEA preoccupied your mind all the way to September. 

A soundless gasp parted your lips. You were late. 

No – you counted the weeks. More than late. 

You’d completely missed a period. 

A wave of nausea – no, vomit slammed into you. You slapped a hand over your mouth and dashed to the bathroom. The stall door boomeranged against the wall as your knees collided against the cold tile. 

Your spine curled over the toilet, the truth purged from you. This wasn’t a stomach bug, you were – oh shit. You gasped and gasped for air, “Fuck,” you hurled. 

After a few seconds, only harsh panting echoed around the toilet bowl. You wiped away the stray tears on your cheeks and the spit dangling from the corner of your mouth. 

The flush of the toilet roared as you slumped down, resting your lead-heavy head against the stall wall. 

Could it be? 

Were you pregnant?

---

“We hope to hear from you soon,” the silver-haired man said.

The undertone of impatience that slithered through the cracks of his grin made Javier’s plastered on smile falter. His nod coming as firm as his handshake. 

He waved goodbye to the others and took another look at the building. It was just as he remembered in 1988 – 70’s modernism with big windows and cold, beige concrete walls. Yet when he walked out of the atrium, it didn’t feel the same at all. 

With his hands shoved in his pockets, he headed off to his car. The door slammed shut behind him. He popped open the middle console immediately and rummaged through CDs, bypassing the loose sleeve of nicorettes for the red and white carton stashed at the bottom.

The slim stick perfectly slotted between his lips, and the familiar weight left his mouth watering. He clicked at the lighter, once – twice. Until it sizzled orange and sweet smoky relief consumed his lungs. 

He’d given up the bad habit – for the most part – but there were certain situations where a nicorette just didn’t cut it. 

The cigarette fell limp as he turned on the ignition, maneuvering out of the lot. When he arrived the sun had been proud in the sky. Now, street lights and neon signs lit up the near desolate streets. The meeting had run much longer than he expected. 

If it weren’t for the repulsive amount of ass-kissing, he would’ve been home by now. 

Home. 

His eyes closed and he inhaled again. 

The last thing Javier wanted was to reminisce on his ‘glory days’ but the endless prattling of expectations that followed wasn’t much better. 

They talked of the plans for the future. A new branch in El Paso was to be up and running in a few months time, his duties consisting of running the division along with a few others along the Southernmost border of Texas – as they claimed, that’s where the real war was at. 

The job honestly sounded similar to his role in Cali. He was the face, a person calling the moves but would it be like that again?

Was he just filling a role? A puppet in their game of rigged chess?

Javier took another long drag. 

The politics of it all had always made his skin crawl and the man who was leading the charge oozed with the charisma of a corrupt senator. Silver-hair quaffed to the side, he spoke with the ease of a summer breeze yet his every word carried the chill of winter. The fellow colleagues were all equally invested, spewing the propaganda with conviction. 

Courage. 

Devotion. 

Above all integrity. 

Integrity, he scoffed while lighting up another cigarette. 

He’d be the first to admit, he was far from perfect. He’d acted in ways he never would’ve imagined; bent the rules and compromised his ethics. And yes, it spiraled out of control and the consequences of it would forever horrify him but he could rest at least knowing it was never out of selfish ambition. 

His decisions came from a state of pure desperation – after watching innocent people pay with their lives – years of injustice winning time and time again. It wasn’t to further some corrupt agenda based on greed and deceit. 

Was he naive to have thought they were all on the same team – that the system had his back?

Was it credulous to think they cared about winning the war – not just pretending. He obviously knew others shared in his testament, Steve and Joe, along with countless others. 

But that didn’t matter. 

Not in the long run.

Not when the system backing all the efforts was compromised. Then he was just a pawn, a conflicting testament. 

How he wished to go back to when he didn’t know, when he had believed – it would be so much easier. 

Smoke flared out his nostrils; the cigarette flew through the crack in the window like a fly. He pulled into the driveway and his eyes fluttered shut, gaining the strength to gather his things from the passenger seat. 

The soft yellow hue of the porch light guided him home. 

A sweet, homey scent mingled with take-out Italian as he opened the door. His wife was standing in the kitchen with a gentle smile on her lips, he flew towards her. His briefcase thudded to the floor and his arms wrapped around her, the outside world seemingly disappeared in the familiarity. 

She nuzzled into his neck; the stench of cigarettes incriminating him like a hickey. Yet, she said nothing of it and clung tighter to him. 

“Hi baby.” The sweet whisper hit his ear and he hummed at it. 

“Hi,” he said, “Sorry I’m late.” He kissed the side of her head, stepping back as his stomach rumbled. 

“Nothin’ to be sorry for.” She smiled, but it didn’t come with the same ease as others in the past. Before he could think much of it, she popped open the microwave. “I put it in for a few seconds. I’ve already eaten but I’ll sit with ya.” 

She insisted on carrying his plate to his seat then grabbing a beer for him. By the time she settled in next to him, he’d already scarfed down a quarter of the meal.

“You wanna talk about it?”

Javier swallowed and faintly shook his head. His thoughts were too cluttered and he needed time to process and sift through them. Funny. The whole ordeal was meant to offer clarity, but his brain was muddier than before. 

“Later. Promise.” 

The brittleness of his voice made her head tip to the side and hand squeeze at his forearm. The warmth of her palm was soothing. “How bout you tell me about your day,” he said not a moment later, needing a distraction. 

Her back immediately straightened up as if remembering something. “Oh.” Her eyes rolled skyward, arms folded in front of her on the table, a mindless tap of her fingers against her elbow. “Um - well, I just got off the phone with your dad.” 

“Yeah? What’d he have to say?” Javier took another bite. 

“Oh, not much. Just - uh - wanted to know the plan for Thanksgiving.” 

Javier’s chewing slowed. There was definitely something off about her. Her voice was a tad pitchy and she was fidgeting like a child at church. He’d thought it had something to do with his current predicament, but he realized there was more to it. Something else was causing her antsiness.

“Forgot that was next week,” he said, not giving away just yet that he’d caught on. He angled his body slightly towards her. “What about work? Any stories?” His gaze flickered around her, searching for non-verbal cues in a secret game of hot and cold. 

She hemmed and hawed through trifling tidbits until he couldn’t take it anymore and firmly said her name. “Tell me what’s really going on,” he said once he had her full attention. 

“Huh?” A look of feign confusion rounded her eyes. 

His head ticked back and forth, “I know somethings up.” Her gaze plummeted to the table with a gulp that zapped the playfulness from his demeanor. Replacing it with a festering ball of anxiety. “Woah - hey. What happened?” 

“It’s nothing,” she waved off like it was trivial but the slight tremble in her hand said otherwise. “Let’s talk about it later.” 

Alarm bells started to ring. That wasn’t like her, she never held something in. She was the complete opposite of him in that regard. 

“Why not now?” 

“Cause, Javi.” His eyebrows probed for an elaboration and she huffed as if it was obvious. “You just got home, it’s been a long-” 

His hand enveloped hers and her lips clipped together, meeting his gaze. A cloud of unmitigated suspense in her eyes.

“I don’t care what day I’ve had. Please, just tell me what’s goin’ on.” 

She shot him a look that said, you sure about that? Before relenting moments later with a small bob of her head, pushing up on the table to stand on wobbly legs. 

Her fingers drummed sporadically along her thigh as she dragged her feet to the kitchen. 

“I was gonna wait to tell you,” she said with a hint of a smile that quelled his unease a fraction. “But I guess I wasn’t very good at hiding it, huh?” 

He tilted his head with a lighthearted huff. 

To his confusion, she opened the miscellaneous drawer full of things like scissors and receipts of major purchases to pull out a shiny, slender, white box. 

If she wasn’t acting so nervous, he’d think she got him a gift, but whenever she surprised him with one in the past she was basically jumping out of her skin to give it to him. 

He could practically hear the count of her steps; the slight shake of the box in her grasp. Stopping at the edge of the table, she handed it over and then immediately clasped her hands behind her back. 

There was no hint of what laid inside. No label. Or wrapping. If she didn’t look so woozy, he would’ve shaken it. 

Ticking the lid open, her breath caught and he checked in before continuing. Her blessing came in a fast nod. 

Placing the lid on the table, he picked up the white, plastic stick. “What’s this?” He asked, squinting at the blue lines, a key on the side. 

Pregnant. Not pregnant. 

His head whipped up then right back down. Glancing between the fine print and a strong blue line, the smaller one while a tad faded, was ever present. 

Was he seeing this right? He blinked and opened his eyes as far as they would go. 

“I was gonna wait till you got home but then you were late and I just couldn’t take it anymore and I thought if I’m not then-”

“You’re pregnant?” He gazed up at her, his tongue darting out to wet his drying lips as his brow squeezed tight. 

Her gaze fell to her wringing hands as she quickly jerked her head.

“And - and you’re sure?” He asked, inspecting the device front and back. 

Pregnancy tests had come a long way since he’d last seen them; it honestly aged him. He’d basically used a chemistry set with Lorraine, seriously the thing had test tubes and droppers. This seemed far more reliable and generally foolproof; still, he’d experienced the elusive false positive. 

Luckily, if that was the case, it wouldn’t lead to a shotgun wedding and a runaway groom. 

“Well, I took two more just to be sure.” She swayed in the direction of the bathroom door where the other positive tests must’ve been stored away. 

“Oh,” he breathed out, lips stuck in a small o-shape. The reality of it permeated his skull but had yet to fully sink into his brain. 

He looked down once again at the test - specifically the word pregnant. It was happening. He was going to be - he gulped - a dad. 

The word echoed around his shell-shocked brain; his heart began to hammer into his throat. He choked out a sound and his hand shot over his mouth. 

He felt – actually he didn’t know how he felt. 

With Lorraine, it was doom; a feeling of being completely stuck. 

It was far from that feeling, but it was one he’d never experienced before. Was it fear? Panic? Disbelief? Perhaps excitement? Even joy? Was it possible to experience all the above at once? 

He shook his head to clear his mind. It didn’t work. 

“I know we didn’t really plan this,” She timidly said while twisting the band on her finger. 

Javier blinked up at her, worry marring her face. “I’m - I’m not - I just - I.” His jaw clamped shut, the feeling was ineffable. So he instead reassured her by beckoning her to him; he turned to the side of the chair, making room for her between his thighs. 

At eye-level with her belly, his hands smoothed over her hips and waist. He gazed up at her then back to her stomach to place a soft kiss before dropping his forehead atop it. 

Her breath escaped soft and surprised; the sound of it was a punch to his gut. She raked her fingers through his hair as a warm smile parted her lips with a giggle. 

He’d never seen her like this, she was glowing with happiness and his chest ached. The idea that she’d been so willing to give this up, this moment, any dreams of a child all because he meant more to her than any of it combined. Javier would never understand how he came to deserve her - how she could possibly love him so much. 

Rising from his chair, Javier cradled the back of her neck and tilted her chin up. The soft light of the chandelier danced across her glossy eyes. 

A saltiness simmered at the back of his throat, he swallowed it down but it seeped into his voice. “I love you,” he said and water brimmed in her eyes. “So much.” He kissed her forehead and the force of it had her steadying herself with the lapels of his jacket. 

“You’re not upset.” She breathed out a sigh of relief. 

“Of course not,” he said, “Are you?” 

“No, no. Not at all.” She smiled so wide it looked like it hurt and he couldn’t help but return it. 

Javier intently listened as she buzzed through all the details, the moment of realization and all the missed signs. The longer he stood there, the clearer it became and when she kissed him, a resolve warmed his chest. 

“I’m not gonna take the job,” he said when he pulled away. 

“Javi, no - no. I don’t want you to give this up because of this. Look at Joe and Steve.” 

“It’s not that.” He shook his head and searched for the words. 

Javier didn’t know how to tell her that when they talked about him traveling to El Paso or Presidio that all he could think about was how much he didn’t want to leave her - how he’d grown so used to coming home and falling asleep next to her. 

He didn’t know how to tell her he enjoyed the peace. Maybe he really was getting old because the stillness had become more appealing than the life of a DEA agent. It no longer thrilled him; the sparkle had faded like a knockoff gemstone. 

Javier finally believed the words he had once spoken, he had done enough. While the words were bittersweet, there was a sense of tranquility that came with them. A closure that came with knowing there was nothing left to give to the DEA – not without the price of losing himself. 

Seemed his father was right, Javier had wanted to change the world, but it had changed him. The life he never imagined for himself was the one he was now choosing. 

He was scared shitless, but as he looked at his wife, he knew it would be alright. 

“It’s not the life I want anymore,” Javier finally said, and he meant it.

[luveline]

brainwashed [Fred Weasley x reader]

tags: fluff, confessions, first kiss, reader-insert

word count: 1.5k

summary: Fred thinks you like George. Technically, you told him so. Though, technically, it’s a lie.

Brainwashed. You must have been brainwashed because you were in love with Fred Weasley.

You must be crazy, or delusional, or imperiused, or perhaps poisoned. He had beguiled himself to you.

You were as opposed to your infatuation as you were opposed to many things - like murder. And torture.

And infatuated you were. Your eyes sought him out everywhere you went. He was lovely, truly, with gorgeous brown eyes and a charming face, a quirky and honest smile. On top of all this, you loved how free he looked. Incredibly free, as though nothing could ever hold him back.

You loved him. He was going to kill you.

You picked at the roast dinner on your plate. Your appetite had dissipated the moment you'd realised you were in love with him and it had yet to return. It'd been 3 weeks.

You sighed mournfully, holding your face in your hand.

"Are you finished? We're going back to the common room," one of your friends asked.

"No, I should probably finish this, you guys go ahead."

Your friends smiled and bid you goodbye. Goodness, you wished you could stomach something, anything at all, but the only thing you'd managed in days was crackers and you'd already eaten the ones your dad had sent via owl.

Oh, how you craved a sleeve of saltines.

You poked again at the roast potatoes and gravy on your plate and frowned. Maybe you'd be better off skipping it for today anyway. Surely throwing up used more energy than what would've been gained.

You looked intensely at the grain of the table. You willed yourself to shake it off, move on with your life.

But you were in love.

Your eyes flitted to him again. He was sitting a few feet away with his brother and your friend, Lee Jordan.

You'd known Lee through your shared passion for gobstones, you'd even paired together for team matches in second and third year. Since then you'd remained friendly, often playing together when no one else was willing. A dangerous game, gobstones.

To your great misfortune, George had noticed your staring. You looked away quickly, the tops of your ears warming red. This was hardly the first time you'd been caught staring at Fred this year. Hell, this week.

You stabbed the tines of your fork into an ugly looking sprout, tempted to eat it just to look as though you couldn't possibly have been spying.

"You don't have to look so sickened, it's only a sprout," he said.

You gazed up at him pleadingly.

Fred gifted you an easy smile, sliding into the seat opposite you. His robes were ragtag and scruffy, his shirt untucked. The only thing straight was his tie, though it seemed a few good shakes from falling off.

You floundered for something to say.

"Not hungry?" he asked kindly. You looked down at your plate.

"Oh - no, not really. I'm actually feeling a bit sick."

"Yes, I'd say so. You're as green as the sprouts."

You laughed. His smile curved wider.

"So, Y/N, Lee has a theory. I've come to see if he's right, and win a few galleons, of course."

"Right," you said nervously.

Fred knocked his hand on the table. His lovely, lovely hand.

"Right," he agreed, "So, the theory. Well, please don't feel disrespected by this, it's purely theoretical, though if you do, that's alright too. I'm sure Georgie will be very flattered, as you're a stunning piece of work, though he's very happily embedded into the sides of Angelina Johnson."

"Okay," you cut him off, confused. "So, the theory?"

"Well, you fancy George, don't you?"

It took you a few seconds to catch up. "Fancy - I fancy George?" you asked, or you thought you asked. It came out flat and strangled.

Fred clicked his fingers and clambered to his feet. "Damn. I owe Lee a few quid after that one! Funny thing, I thought you fancied me. Well, see you around doll."

You were up and out of the hall before you could witness what you'd created.

-

You spent that night crying. It was more of a stress cry than a sad cry, no gasping sobs or heavy breathing, though you felt a bit light-headed when it was over.

The tears started in the shower and never quite stopped. At breakfast, you were careful to bite your lip and look up at the lights whenever you felt it coming on again.

Your eyes were puffy all through classes. Your friends shot you sneaky glances through the day. One of the guys from Hufflepuff in your charms class asked you how you were and offered you a biscuit.

It was a disaster.

You kept waiting for George to come up to you. It could go one of four ways.

1. George approaches you. Tells you that's he's flattered but definitely dating someone.

2. George approaches you. Tells you he finds your attention uncomfortable, and that he hopes you can control yourself.

3. George approaches you. Tells you he loves you too. Angelina murders you in the Gryffindor common room.

4. George approaches you. You cut him off and tell him the truth. He tells his brother. You never leave your room again.

You sighed.

Well, maybe you'd lived a nice life.

You were dismissed from lessons earlier than usual. You gathered your things in a rush and practically flew through the door, trying to turn as many corners as you could before the inevitable panic began.

"Y/L/N!"

Shit. You blanched, spinning on your hell.

"Heeeeeeyyy, George, how are you?

"I'm good. Yourself?"

"Oh, I'm fab, thanks."

"Right... so listen. I just wanted to say, I'm flattered that you fancy me, but I'm deeply in love with my girlfriend, and-"

"It's Fred. I fancy Fred."

George squinted at her, mouth still open mid-word. "But, you told Fred you liked me."

You wrung your hands together. "Yes, well. I was nervous, and I wasn't really expecting him to ask me, and-"

George laughed suddenly and loudly, startling you.

"This is brilliant. Ha! Oh my Godric." He reached forward and patted you on the shoulder. "You could've picked worse. He's very handsome; I'm sure you'll have lovely babies." He wiped a finger under his eye as though catching a falling tear.

Then he turned and began to sprint.

"I- George!" you yelped.

"Sorry!!" he shouted over his shoulder, "Twin code of honesty!"

"Twin code of being a tattletale," you said to yourself. "Twin code of ruining my life. Twin code of being absolute wankers.”

-

You were reading in a secluded section of the library when he finally found you.

"Weasley, I know you aren't of the habit, but please leave me to die shamefully of embarrassment unaccompanied."

Fred sat on the table next to your book, looking down at you.

"You told me you liked George."

"Technically, I didn't."

"You said, 'I like George', what is technical about that?"

You floundered. Closed the book and marked your page and tried not to look at him.

You failed. "Okay," you admitted, "I did say that. But I meant it more like... 'I like George?'. With a question mark. You know."

He didn't reply, though his gaze was intense.

"Like, 'I like George?'" You exaggerated your questioning tone this time.

He still didn't answer, lips pressed together tightly.

"Like-"

"If you tell me you fancy my brother one more time, I'm going to kiss you."

"You are?"

"Y/N."

"I like-"

Fred cut you off, covering your mouth with his hand. You looked up at him dolefully.

"It's almost like you want me to."

"I don't?" you asked against his hand.

"Well, can I?"

"Can you?

"You're impossible."

"Yes, you can kiss me."

He grinned, your face in his hand.

He leaned down. The air was warm between you and warmer when your lips met. He tasted like caramel.

You fed into it, pushing your hands up onto his neck and in his hair. He responded in turn, deepening the kiss with a familiarity you tried not to think of.

You wanted to be so close in that moment you pushed yourself up. The chair you sat on tumbled backwards, startling you both.

Fred only laughed, wiping the wetness from your lips.

He would kill you. You just knew it.

<3<3<3

tag list: @msmimimerton (lmk if u want to be added/removed :3)

[visionofhope04]

Hii I was lowkey wondering if you would do something maybe like a one shot of neglected where reader is older (18-20) and dipped out of the house and became a singer and one of her songs basically exposed them for how they treated reader and in like an interview she full on tells them how she doesn’t even talk to them and like only Jason

This is literally perfect. I love this idea! I was planning on making a singer batsis reader anyway so here you go! I'll be making this part 4 of the series instead of a one shot. There’s a bit of angst. Btw, thanks so much for your support everyone! I'm glad you enjoy this series! Feel free to request anything you'd like besides smut as well!

This is the longest thing I have ever written so there will be a part 5. I planned on this being the last part but it's just so much. It’s not proofread and neither are all of the other parts because I post at 1 am most of the time lol. Hope you like it!

f/n = friend name

Y/G/N = your group name

N/S = news station

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 (Current) Part 5

---

You were sick of it. Sick of how even after confronting them about how you felt and almost dying because of it, they still neglected you. You couldn't wait to move out at the age of 18, even if it proved to be a struggle. You had taken mini jobs since you turned 15 and saved up since then. You just couldn't see them anymore as it would remind you of how they treated you that day at that hospital. None of them apologized either. They just pretended it never happened and continued to ignore you. The media had a field day with speculation of what had happened but eventually stopped because Bruce had claimed it was “just a bad case of the flu” which they believed.

Jason was always the only one that would talk to you. He was the only one that actually cared enough to make sure you were taking proper care of yourself and that you wouldn't have a repeat of what happened. He took you places, spent time with you and gave you advice. You even had a tradition where you'd always meet up at the manor's library every week at the same time that same day every week and just have a mini book club together. He always made time for you and never bailed on you.

So on your 18th birthday, he helped you move out. You managed to rent a small apartment in Star City with the money you had saved up. It wasn’t that close to the manor which was a good thing. The neighborhood wasn’t good but it wasn’t as bad as Gotham’s neighborhoods so you would be fine. You could handle yourself with your assassin training if needed. You also managed to get hired at a cafe which was about a five minutes walking distance from your apartment.

It had taken a while but eventually, you had packed all of your belongings into color coded containers and moved them into Jason’s car with his help. You didn’t say goodbye to anyone as you had no friends to say bye to and you knew that your so called “family” couldn’t care less about what you did with your life. ‘This is it, hopefully the last time I’ll ever be near this place.’ You thought. You didn’t plan on stepping foot in Gotham ever again after you left. It would bring back too many memories you prefer to keep buried away deep inside your mind.

The car ride to Star City was entertaining. You and Jason conversed the whole time, telling jokes and listening to his funny tales with the radio playing softly in the background. Eventually, a song you both loved came on and you both started yell-singing along to the lyrics. You wished those moments could be permanent. You were both so carefree and nothing else mattered besides having fun and enjoying yourselves.

You now stood in the doorway of your new apartment, admiring your new home. Jason and yourself had just finished unpacking all of your belongings. You really liked how it looked and thought you both did an amazing job at designing the place perfectly according to your style. Jason, unfortunately, had to leave in order to avoid raising suspicions. Once you both said your byes, he left you to your apartment.

Jason drove back home in silence. He hated to admit it but he would miss you dearly. You were always there for him and helped him with anything. You tried your best to always comfort him and make him feel better on his darkest days and it would always work. Somehow you seemed to always have the right words to say or knew exactly what to do to help him. Out of everyone he was closest to you. He assumed it was because he could relate to you the most. More so how you felt. He’d felt like the black sheep of the family before you came, and he was. When you came, you took that role from him. It pained him to see how much their insults would affect you, even if you were good at hiding it. He could just tell.

Jason made it back to the manor after a while and went straight to the library. He didn't want to deal with the others. After the whole hospital situation, he'd never really bother interacting with them. He hated how they treated you as if you didn’t exist and hated how much pain they had caused you and that they didn’t even care. He guessed that they'd probably be doing something for Damian's birthday and forgot that you were his twin. They probably couldn’t even remember that Damian had a twin.

He made it to the library and pulled out one of his favorite books. He’d read it so many times you’d often joke that he could probably recite the whole book by heart at this point. Sitting down in a chair, he started to read. However, he couldn’t bring himself to stop thinking about what it would’ve been like if they treated you how they did Damian. The both of you were Bruce’s real children. You both even looked like clones of him! At first, Jason thought you would’ve been the favorite twin due to your personality. Even though you were twins, your personalities were polar opposites. You even refused to kill! You were trained by the League so why didn’t you kill as Damian did?

Jason knew you would benefit them greatly if you joined. You had self control, didn’t kill, could act perfectly, lie perfectly, do well under pressure, and not to mention your skills. Being raised by the League may have been torture, but you managed to gain incredible skills out of it. You could take on at least ten guys who doubled you in size and beat them within five minutes. You even bested Damian in spars and he was supposedly dubbed the “better twin” by Talia, so why hadn’t they let you join their nightly crusades like they had let Damian when the both of you first arrived?

Damian passed by your room but noticed something was off. He decided to take a look. He twisted the doorknob and pushed. The room which was once occupied by you now looked extremely plain and bare, stripped of all of its accessories. The only things left were the bed itself, multiple dressers, and a vanity. It looked as if it had been vacant the whole time. It might as well have been. Damian couldn’t really remember what it had looked like since he’s never paid much mind to it but he could tell there was a drastic difference. He knew that you disliked just leaving your room plain unlike himself and wanted at least something to make it look less boring.

He couldn’t help but wonder what had happened. Had you finally been kicked out by Bruce? Did you get shipped off to a boarding school like he had been suggesting to your father for years? He decided to go ask. He exited the room and closed the door behind him, taking off for Bruce’s office. Walking down the hall, he suddenly remembered that he had seen you leave with Jason. This meant that you were not at a boarding school like he had originally thought. But then why was your room vacant?

Instead of going to see Bruce, he decided to go see Jason and bring up the matter with him instead. He changed directions and headed to the library where he knew he’d find Jason. It was no secret that Jason was a book worm so Damian had a fifty percent chance of finding him there.

He entered the library and was immediately greeted with the sight of Jason sitting comfortably on a chair, legs crossed with a book opened in his hands. Jason didn’t bother to look up from his book as he spoke.

“What do you want Demon Spawn?”

“I’ve come to obtain the whereabouts of my sister.”

“You mean my sister?”

“She’s not your sister!” Damian exclaimed.

“Well I act more like a brother than you do.”

“Where is Y/N? Her whole room is bare.”

“That’s for me to know and you to find out.”

“Just tell me, you imbecile!” Damian said, growing increasingly frustrated by Jason’s blunt answers.

“She’s not here.”

“Then where is she?”

“Not here.”

“Just tell me already Todd, I have no time for your foolish games!”

“She moved out.” Jason said, giving in.

“What?! Where.” Damian demanded.

“Why would I tell you?”

“Because I demand to know!”

“Okay and?”

“Tell me!”

“No.”

“Why not!”

“Because you don’t even care.”

“And you do?”

“Yes, I actually do Damian! I’m there for her when she needs me the most. I’m there for her while she’s watching you live the perfect life that she’s just a background character in! While you and the others ignore that she even exists! I’m there for her when she breaks down and has panic attacks! And what were you all doing to try and help her? Nothing! Absolutely nothing!” Jason snapped.

“Y/N’s fine, I know my twin!” Damian screamed.

“Do you even know what her favorite color is?” Jason questioned in a harsh tone.

“...” Was Damian’s reply.

“Exactly! You don’t! You and the others have never cared about her, so why all of a sudden do you care now? You don’t know anything about her so don’t act like you do!” Jason then stood up and walked out of the room in a fit of rage.

Damian stood there, shocked. Had Jason just refused to answer his question? He was about to follow him but decided against it. Why was Damian going to chase Jason down just for her? She was just an annoyance, a mistake, imperfect. He had been wanting to get rid of her for so long, so why doesn’t he feel relieved? Why does he feel guilty? He decided to stop dwelling on it and get on with life. He figured it would happen eventually if it hadn’t happened then.

---

It had been a year since that day. The day you left your old life behind and started a new life, a better one. One where you weren’t constantly ignored. One where you actually had more than one person care about you. Instead of seeing yourself as a failure and disappointment, you now saw yourself as an amazing person (which you always were). You had been going to a community college in Star City. You made many friends there and started up a music career with three of them.

Their names were f/n, f/n and f/n. You all started off by taking random gigs anywhere you could. You performed covers of songs and would receive standing ovations all the time. Seeing as your group was well liked, you decided to write and produce your own songs. At the age of 19, Y/G/N released their first album. It went viral within a day and everyone was talking about it. After a week, several articles were posted, praising your work. News Stations talked about all the records Y/G/N managed to break. People started to stream it like crazy, and you couldn’t be happier with all the positive feedback you were receiving.

You had been a Wayne once, meaning you had experience in dealing with the media. Since you had already been used to it, you knew you’d all eventually be invited to interviews. So, when you had received an email stating how N/S wanted a one on one interview with you, you weren’t sure how to feel. You weren’t looking forward to interviews with your whole group, let alone one where you would be alone. You knew how unfiltered interviewers could be and didn’t feel comfortable with it.

However, you decided it would be best to go. So here you were, sitting in front of the interviewer in an uncomfortable chair preparing for the interview to start. You had somehow managed to keep a smile plastered on your face the entire time while you were a nervous wreck on the inside. You hoped none of the questions would be sexist as they usually were towards women. However, you had no more time to think about that. You heard clicking, signaling that you were about to go live. Once you heard the last click, you knew you were live and the interview had begun.

“Hello everyone, welcome back to N/S. My name is Jerald Tangleberry and I’m here today with songwriter, singer, and celebrity, Y/N Wayne! How are you?”

You waved to the camera and then answered, “Hello everyone! I’m doing good, how about you?”

“I’m doing great, thanks for asking! So by now I’d assume everyone knows that you’ve released an album with your group. How does it feel to gain more fame?”

“It doesn’t feel any different. Fame wasn’t our goal when we released the album. It was to express ourselves.”

“Mhm, well Ms. Wayne, what inspired you to write songs?”

“Well we know people may be in a tough spot in their life right now and want them to know they aren’t alone.”

“That’s so true. Some fans have been speculating that every member has three songs that specifically relate to them since there are twelve songs in total and three of the songs have the same group member as the introduction part of the song. Is this true?”

“Yes, it is true.”

“So all three of your songs relate to family issues of some sort. Is that hinting that you have family issues?”

“Yes, actually. My family isn’t the best. They ignored me all the time, even when they weren't busy. The only person who didn’t was Jason.”

“You’re saying it in the past tense.”

“I moved out about a year ago. When I was around 14, I suffered from anorexia. My family would always ignore me since they were either busy doing work or hanging out with each other. The only family member that acknowledged me was Jason. I assumed it was because there was something wrong with me. I started to hate myself so much to the point of starvation. One day, I passed out right before a gala and my oldest brother Dick found me passed out on the floor. They took me to the hospital and when I woke up, Bruce, Dick, Tim, and Damian started fussing about how I’d ruin their image if the media knew what actually happened. They started to yell at me and told me how I was a useless burden. I started to have a panic attack so I kicked them out. Jason stayed behind with me and comforted me. Ever since then I made a planed to save enough money so I could move out when I turned 18, which I did.”

“Oh, wow. So Jason was the only one who interacted with you?”

“Yeah.”

“Looks like the Wayne family isn’t as perfect as they seem.”

“No family is actually perfect.”

“Did your family try contacting you at all after they found out about Y/G/N?”

“Not yet. They’re probably too busy or don’t care.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It’s alright, I got over it. What’s the next question.”

“Oh-” He cleared his throat and continued the interview. (So basically I don’t wanna bore you all lol)

---

Jason had woken up late into the afternoon that day. Patrol that morning had exhausted him. There was a huge breakout at Arkham they had assisted with. They successfully locked up every escapee, so today, Jason just wanted to relax until it would be time for patrol again. Even though he was exhausted, he knew he couldn’t take a break. The others wouldn’t and it would be unfair to them if he did.

He headed over to his couch with his phone and a bowl of popcorn in hand, ready to watch random movies the entirety of the day. He set down his phone on the coffee tables and grabbed the TV remote. When he turned on the TV, he almost dropped the popcorn and remote. You were sitting on a chair, giving an award winning smile while you politely answered the man’s questions. He was baffled. He didn’t know why you were being interviewed, let alone on TV at all! You made it clear you didn’t want to have any relations with your family any longer and you couldn’t stand publicity, so what were you doing?

He placed the bowl down and snatched his phone off the table. Unlocking his phone, he quickly dialed your phone number. However, he realized that the interview was live and that he would be interrupting it if he called you then. Deciding to wait, he placed his phone back down, picked up the bowl, and then got comfortable.

---

Tag list: @fake-id-69 @pepelachanel @loxbbg @what-0-life @yoongi-holland @omnivorousfangirl @cawcaw-pretty-thing @sexysamsungl @iceddonuts @buginetye @portrait-ninja @azazel-nyx @alculai