#i am SO SORRY it's taken me 6 months to reply to this :' )

[noxcomnia-a]

( continued from here / @heartsealed)

❛ Of course she told me, she's quite the chatterbox, honestly. ❜

It just means that the rabbit is comfortable with her, however. Rabbit are usually some of the quieter creatures you encounter. They are always on alert and aware of their surroundings. So, for once to be this talkative means that it is relaxed. She's a very relaxed rabbit with a girl who is as skittish as rabbits are meant to be. How ironic. Though, you are quite amused by the situation. Everything about this is unusual for you. You are only trying to be nicer to her because those that already have low self esteem and expect people to be mean to them are not very interesting to you. Yet, the rabbit liked her quite a lot.

Well, you suppose you can continue to try and be nice to her for the time being.

❛ Believe it or not, Animals have quite a lot to say about humans~ And I can understand each word. The birds, the dogs on the street, the cats that lurk outside your windows every night. They are very talkative creatures. Though, this rabbit isn't hungry right now. ❜

[thisgingerhasnosoul]

Hi, Australian Jew here.

Sending this anonymously because I'm not openly Jewish on Tumblr, however I am considering doing so in the short-term.

I'm sorry to bother you but I wanted to ask you a few questions, if you're open to it (feel free to ignore this if so). Just so you know, I'm asking the same questions of the Jewish bloggers I follow who post regularly - both those who blog about the current Israel/Palestine situation, and those who identify as Jewish but post mainly fandom/other content.

Do you or have you receive/d abuse for being Jewish, or for your stance on the war? If so, how often? How do you respond to any hateful messages? Do you post them publicly or answer them privately? How much would you say your mental health is/has been affected by any messages, or by the content you see on your feed? Have you developed any strategies for handling social media during this time?

Thank you for reading. :-)

Hi! Sorry it took me so long to reply.

My #1 piece of advice for avoiding harassment would be turning off anonymous asks (this is very much a do-as-I-say-and-not-as-I-do suggestion lol). I literally just turned it back on a few days ago after having had it off for months, and it really did make a difference, especially during the aftermath of heritagepost’s Zionist blocklist. People are a lot more afraid of spewing Nazi rhetoric at Jews when they have to show their faces (so to speak). It won’t stop you from seeing antisemitism, but it will stop it from being directly hurled at you personally.

As for whether this has taken a toll on my mental health… yeah. I’ve basically been bleeding trauma for the last 6 months. But honestly? The antisemitism I see in real life and on social media completely removed from Tumblr has been so bad that seeing it here doesn’t make much of a difference in regards to my mental health.

When I find some healthier coping mechanisms for it besides Tumblr venting, I’ll let you know.

[mynameismckenziemae]

All of Me

Part 1

(next part here)

Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin x OFC/You

Summary: You find yourself bored at the beach on a rare day of R & R. Things get a lot more interesting when Jake runs into you (literally). One thing leads to another and you find yourself back at Jake’s for a steamy, fun filled night.

Warnings: 18+ MDNI! Non-explicit smut, p in v, oral (f receiving), slight mentions of losing a spouse, alcohol use, etc.

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•

Relaxation has never been your forte.

Starting when you were a little girl; always having to sleep with one eye open to avoid your drug-addict mom’s unpredictable moods and the men she brought home. That unwanted attention only increased with age and the way you began to fill out your clothes which only fueled the resentment your mom had for you.

That resentment came to a head shortly after you turned 16 when one of her ‘friends’ made a pass at you and she subsequently kicked you out. Because it was your fault, of course.

Your best friend's family had taken you in with open arms and while it was the first time you felt like you had a home, you couldn’t help but feel guilty that her parents had another mouth to feed and another body to clothe even with their constant reassurance.

So you put your head down and continued to work hard to graduate high school early with honors. You joined the Navy at 17 shortly after with nothing but a backpack and $368 to your name.

Boot camp wasn’t a walk in the park, nor was the next 12 years of medical school and residency. During that time you fell in love, married the love of your life, got pregnant, and then watched your husband wither away from a debilitating, aggressive disease to pass away shortly after the birth of your son.

With the help from your in-laws and best friend, Maggie, you were able to stay enlisted for the past 8 years as you had navigated being a single mother and widow while also pursuing and achieving your dream of becoming a doctor.

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•

Late last night you arrived home from an endless 6 (and hopefully your last) month deployment-a week earlier than expected. Normally coming back from deployments early is ideal, but your son, Drew, was at Disney with grandma and grandpa for a few more days.

So here you sit on the beach with a cold beer catching some rays while trying and failing to relax.

A rowdy group of guys playing some version of football down the beach keeps creeping closer with each play and the hot, sandy-haired quarterback keeps catching your eye. He’s peacocking for you; flexing and glancing your way. You pointedly ignore it and have to bite back your smile when he deflates.

It doesn’t stop you from sneaking peeks at his sweaty chest under the cover of your sunglasses though as you pull out the smutty book Maggie’s been begging you to read.

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•

Just as you’re getting to the good part of your book, something flies over the top of you; a foot knocks the beer that was nearly to your lips down the front of your white coverup.

“Shit! I’m so sorry,” there’s an apology before he’s even on his feet. “I didn’t see you ‘till the last second.”

Liar.

“It’s alright,” you reply, looking down as you try to soak up some of the liquid with your towel but it’s no use; it’s saturated with beer, and the wet fabric clings to your torso.

“Sorry!” One of his friends yells, likely the one who threw the football. “Let me buy you an apology drink?”

“No worries,” you call back, glancing back down with a grimace. “I’m good, but thanks anyway!”

“We’ll meet you at the Hard Deck then,” his friend calls before jogging over to the rest of the group already heading that way.

“I really am sorry,” the culprit repeats. Your breath catches when you turn back to him. He’s even more good-looking up close, especially with that sheepish grin. Even though his eyes are hidden by his sunglasses, it’s obvious he’s checking you out. Your nipples are now standing to attention, pushing against your bikini top through the newly see-through fabric of your top. “I knew you were here but I hadn’t realized how close we’d gotten. Are you sure I can’t buy you a drink?”

“I was thinking about taking your friend up on the offer,” you answer truthfully, “but most of the bars around here have a strict “no shirt no service policy.”

You know Penny wouldn’t care but still.

“I’ve got more in the cooler though. You can have one if you get me one too,” you wink before peeling off the soaking garment.

He swallows thickly as he watches before he shakes himself out of it. “Yeah, sure. Thanks.”

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•

“So, I, uh…I’m Jake,” he says, handing you a beer. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise, I’m Reese,” you reply, shaking his hand after taking the bottle from him.

“Like the peanut butter cups?” He asks with a cheeky grin as he sits beside you in the sand.

“Wow,” you deadpan before taking a pull of your beer. “Never heard that one before.”You laugh at the dejected look on his face. “Yes, like the peanut butter cups.”

He laughs too, finally loosening up.

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•

It doesn’t take long for you to piece together that Jake’s younger than you and it’s obvious that he has no trouble keeping his bed warm. He learns quickly that you’re not easily impressed and changes his tune, turning the conversation toward you. You keep it vague, telling him you work in healthcare when he asks, knowing some men are easily intimidated by your degree, and in turn, he tells you he works in aviation.

Your heart pinches more than once as the afternoon passes. Your late husband, Andrew, had taken you to the beach for your first date and Jake reminds you so much of him; the way he makes you laugh; the charming cockiness when he talks about flying, the way he flirts and strokes your ego just right.

You hope your ego isn’t the only thing getting stroked when the sun begins to set. A shiver works through you, making you miss its warmth.

“Cold?” He asks as he rubs his rough, calloused palm over your arm. More goosebumps rise at his touch.

“A little,” you admit with a smile, but it quickly turns into a frown when you press your phone to check the time but it doesn’t light up. “Shoot, my phone died. So much for calling an Uber.”

“You can charge it at my place if you want. It’s not far,” he offers, brushing a strand of hair off your forehead.

“Sure, that’d be great,” you agree, knowing he’s offering more than a charger.

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•

He learn he was definitely offering more than the phone charger.

You ache in places you forgot existed as you reach for your phone buzzing on Jake’s nightstand.

Jake was better in bed than you expected.

He was a little quick on the draw the first time he had you with your back pressed against his front door, but he surprised you by dropping to his knees after he came, not even bothering to take the condom off. He’d paused at the thin line marring your lower stomach and you held your breath as you waited for him to comment or kick you out but he surprised you again by kissing your c-section scar instead before feasting between your legs like a man starved.

While you showered the sand and sticky residue of the beer off, he had ordered pizza.

After, he invited you to his bed with the excuse that your clothes were still in the dryer (even though you had both hard the buzzer). You’re not sure who fell asleep first, but you woke up a few hours later with his arms around you and his hard-on pressing against your ass.

You fell asleep after riding him, more relaxed than you had felt in years.

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•

You sit up as you read the messages from your son.

Drew: Mom!! Grandma and Grandpa said we could home early!

Drew: They said we’d be home by 10 with our new flight.

Drew: Is that okay? I just missed you so much.

Drew: Mommmmm

Drew: We’re boarding now.

Mom: I missed you too! Of course, it’s okay! I can’t wait to see you. I love you so much.

You look at the time when your text fails to deliver, 9:18 AM.

Shit. Time to go.

Resisting the urge to whip off the covers and scramble, you slowly get out of Jake’s bed, not wanting to wake him.

You’re quiet as you find your clothes in the dryer and gather your things.

There’s a notepad and pen on the small table near the door and your heart stutters when you see the dog tags hanging next to his keys.

Lt. Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin

US Naval Aviator.

Well. He did say he was in aviation.

Your phone buzzes again and you quickly scribble a note before heading out the door.

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•

“Reese?” Jake murmurs, cracking his eyes open when he pats the bed, finding it cold.

“No way,” he mutters grumpily as he heads out of the bedroom to find the house empty and quiet.

The first woman he’d felt anything for in years snuck out while he was sleeping.

An orange sticky note stuck to the door catches his eye and he walks over to read:

Sorry to run out-something came up and I had to get home. I have a feeling I’ll be seeing you again soon though, lieutenant.

Jake smiles despite himself at the smiley face you drew beside your name and sighs before heading back to bed.

•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•<•>•

A/N: Wellllll here’s the first part! I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it ☺️

I’m leaving early tomorrow morning for a 6 day girls trip (to the beach) so I might be slow to respond/update but who knows, maybe I’ll get bored 🤷🏻‍♀️

Thank you to @lexixstewart again for the meet-cute at the beach idea 🫶🏻

As always, any interaction is appreciated but I love hearing what you think in comments/reblogs!

Please let me know if you want to be added to my taglist (sorry if I forget anyone, I won’t be mad if you remind me).

@lexixstewart

@dizzybee03

@its-the-pilot

@hookslove1592

@hisredheadedgoddess28

@atarmychick007

@littlezee80

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[jji-lee]

HEY HOW ARE YOU, HOPE YOU'RE DOING GREAT, WONDERING IF YOU COULD DO SOMETHING LIKE Y/N AND JENO GOT INTO A VERY SERIOUS ARGUMENT

HI!! i’m doing great, sorry for the late reply i am on vacation! kinda inspired by jim and pam’s valentine’s day fight from the office (if you’ve seen it) it’s not so much an argument because i’m bad at dialogue but it’s a little couples spat. hope you enjoy anyways! ☺

it had been tense since jeno woke up that morning. it was valentines day and you wanted to make it special for him since the last one he had been on tour. you woke up early to make him his favorite breakfast, taking the time to cut out little hearts from all of the fruits. but of course your exhausted boyfriend had slept through breakfast, having had practice till late the night before. he had taken off from practice today to "spend time with you" but he had only been spending time with his bed. you cleaned up breakfast deciding that it wasn’t that big of a deal, you had the rest of the day planned anyways. when jeno had finally woken up you were getting ready to go on a bike ride with him, your go to date activity, but you were met with a groggy smile telling you, “not today baby hm? just a little tired, but i made us dinner plans at 7 today okay?” so you complied taking off your biking gear and heading to the living room to watch some tv. jeno came out lazily and laid on the couch next to you resting his head on your thighs. as 6 rolled around you decided to get ready for dinner looking through your closet for your new dress. you heard rustling in the bathroom assuming jeno was also getting ready. by 6:45 you were finished, stepping out of your room to show jeno your outfit. as you stepped out you were met with a very laid back boyfriend, wearing jogging pants and a hoodie, he looked up at you eyes widening when he saw your appearance, “shit baby is it 7 already? i totally blanked on dinner, i can get ready real quick and tell them we hit some traffic so they don’t charge us for being late.” he stood up quickly going to your shared room to get dressed, you stopped him. “forget it jen, i’m not even hungry, let’s stay home and do nothing like we’ve been doing all day” jeno stared at you, confused by your sudden attitude, “what do you mean ‘do nothing,’ i took the day off to be with you?” you let out a deep breath, “you didn’t take a day off to be with me you took a day off to catch up on your sleep jeno, don’t act like today’s been ALL about me” he tilted his head to the side staring at you bewildered, “is this about the biking? baby we bike every chance we get, we’ll do it next time i have free.” you pushed past him leaning on the couch for support as you took your heels off, “yes jeno, this is about the biking and breakfast and this stupid dinner that you planned and forgot about, i tried to make everything special for us today and you just slept through it all, i look like an idiot running around planning stuff for my boyfriend who doesn’t even care” he walked towards you grabbing your chin, “you think i don’t care? you think getting a last minute spot at your favorite restaurant is easy? you think being away from you everyday is easy?” your eyes began to water as he let go of your chin walking towards the door “i’m sorry for being tired today, it’s my first day off in months, you think i didn’t want today to be special too? i’m sorry okay? i feel like shit cause i ruined your valentine’s day.” you heard jeno's voice crack as he spoke, back turned towards you, “i just, i can’t keep going back and forth, not today, if we’re gonna keep fighting then i’ll just meet the guys at practice, tell them our plans got cancelled,” he slipped some shoes on, grabbing his coat to leave, you stopped him, hand grasping his shirt. “don’t leave please, stay, stay with me and fight, we’ll yell all night if we have to.” he stopped and turned to face you, “you really wanna fight on valentine’s day?” you gave him a soft smile, “yes, stay with me and fight, just, don’t go.” jeno wasn’t gonna leave, not even if you begged him.

[sukunasdirtylaugh]

Idea inspired by this art!

tags: sorcerer!Gojo Satoru x f!reader, au is kind of medieval, mentions of men grabbing reader out of home, burning at the stake, reader is mistaken as a witch but she is a prophetess, it’s giving castlevania x howls moving castle vibes, Satoru is a bit cocky but we love him (might do a pt 2?)

There’s a nice cottage outside the city, 15 minutes away by foot, you live in a home with your mother and brother (your father actually passed from a brutal cold three years ago, leaving you to tend to the home and seek work). It started off as a necessity, advising the horse racing, chicken fighting gamblers on what animal to place your bets on. your reply? intuition. that chicken has sturdy legs, that horse has agile movements. excuses that granted you money for the time being, for your gifts. an ability passed down by the women of your family though yours outweighed the abilities of your mother, so you remained unadvised. using your intuition to get by the day.

Word gets around that a young lady such as yourself is not married. 19, 20, 21, and now 22– you’re questioned behind your back by your neighbors at how you could possibly remain unmarried. It had been 6 months since men started disappearing in your route by your home, reportedly last seen by the lake not far from your home.

You had been labeled as an unmarried bloodsucking siren, a cursed demon who takes the bodies of young men, and although all that is false, it does not help your case that you’ve remained indoors most of your life and the fact that you’ve advised others in the world of gambling.

You were a sinner, sentenced by the court, but before that happened, a large storm broke 7 days before the fated event.

It was windy, dark, and rainy that your mother had frantically put everything away. “I’ll get the lights from the back shed!” you called, putting on a coat, a second for safe measures. the rain pours hard that it overcomes the splish splash sounds of your feet. When you’re walking towards the fence to the main road, and into the back of your home, you catch a man. wet, crouched, and seemingly pained from all the walking he did. the nearest town by foot was over an hour away, and waking in this weather surely meant he could catch a cold.

“I am sorry to burden you, miss...” the voice calls, head hooded from your eyes, “but is there any shelter I can rest for the night? I... I don’t have any-“

“It’s fine,” you speak, soft and understanding before you pull him gently by the arm, “come follow me,” and you lead him to your shed, making a bed of hay for him before you’ve taken your first coat and placed it over the hay for him to use as a blanket or mattress. the man behind you stands silent as you pull out to light a candle for him, turning to him, “it’s not much,” you say, “but you can stay here. It’s better than spending the night outside, right?” with not another word, you hand him the candle and grab the supplies you were originally here for. “stay here, I’ll be right back.” you direct softly, shortly before leaving the shed. at home, you take out a bowl and serve some leftover stew and some bread that you would have eaten in the morning, opting to give it to someone who could have needed it more than you.

“there’s some stew in here,” you say, handing the man a bowl and bread with your other hand. it’s at this moment you notice how unbelievably pale his hands are, almost like the statues outside the cathedrals. it almost leaves you speechless, and he notes. “Thank you, miss...?”

you give him your name without much thought. finishing your arrangements in the shed before you turn to him. “feel free to stay the night, or until the rain has settled. whatever will facilitate your journey, sir...?”

“Go-“ suddenly, he’s surprised that his bread has slipped past his fingers until you’re on your knees picking it up quicker than he can. It isn’t until you look up that your eyes meet his, a breathtakingly striking pair of azure eyes, bluer than any water or sky you’ve dreamed of, it leaves you silent. “Thank you,” he whispers softly, and the sound of his ragged voice reminds you where and what you’re doing. suddenly shy and remembering you’re a maiden, you’re quickly at your feet wishing him a Goodnight without another word, closing the door behind you.

He’s gone the next morning.

Several days pass and the talk of you around town grow more and more. you’ve asked your mother to keep your brother inside so as to protect him, but on the evening of the 7th day you’re harshly pulled from your home, leaving your mother with teary eyes as you’re feeling like the life out of you is being squeezed out with the way so many men manhandle you. pulling you, shoving you, shouting insults, you’re suddenly the main talk of the town as they expose you on the streets calling you horrible names: whore, slut, demon, murderer, and more. the names don’t cut as deep as the memory of being pulled away from your home.

“Burn the witch!” Cry out many, and you’re roughly shoved against a stake before rope is tied around your midsection, burning roughly against your soft skin it hurts. the town mayor gives a speech, then the priest calls your execution necessary for the good of humanity, blaming you for the deaths of over 12 men in a 6 month course. mother’s shout at you and men renounce your existence as worse than satan himself.

everyone wants you dead. and suddenly, the fire runs around you.

“God,” you call out, “please let these people see past their mistakes! you of all people know I didn’t do anything! please save my mother and brother from this fate! please spare their eyes from this shame, this torment they will carry- and please make my end as quick as possible so that I can look after them.” a long moment passes as your head is now dropped low, not long before you hear a chuckle.

“Well, that’s certainly not the type of monologue I’d expect from you.” calls a voice. he tilts your chin up to face him after your silence. you don’t know if you’re hallucinating, the fire is bound to burn you any second and your lungs burn. in front of you stands a man. tall, handsome, and pale. white hair and pink lips like the kind you’d see in paintings. and his eyes? they strike a familiarity you’ve seen before.

the man before you grins, and you can’t help but put your whole faith, even your idea of god on him as he looks at you with such admiration.

“So you’re the girl they call a witch, huh?”

amusement crosses his eyes. and yet again they are breathtaking, finer than any blue mosaic you’ve seen. possibly holier than any church you’ve stepped foot in.

“I’m not a witch, I... I’m a visionary,” you reply, trying not to grow dizzy from the fire around you. when you turn to look elsewhere, no one seems to acknowledge the man in front of you. were you hallucinating?

“So you’re another one of the freaks, huh?” He says, eyes laced with interest. “That’s why they have you here. even when you didn’t murder all those men.”

“I didn’t,” your coughing takes him by surprise and he remembers how sensitive humans can be, “I... I didn’t hurt anyone,”

“I believe you,” he says, lowly. “Tell you what. I’ll save you from this fire, and in return you can help me find out what on earth became of these men. put an end to this. deal?”

you nod, not remembering what happens moments later as the man wraps you in his arms, making you drown into a deep sleep before he kisses the crown of your head. the fire erupts and sparks behind you both as you both rise like shooting stats, terrifying the townspeople behind.

“From now on, you’ll live a life free of torment,” whispers the sorcerer, bringing you into the comfort of his cave.

[xkaidaxxxx]

Villain's love

Dabi x reader

Mentions: scolding, torture, pain, betrayal, heartache.

no proof read. Will be a part 2!

“You’re a disgrace to us heroes. How could you stoop so low and fall in love with a villain, and who is the right hand man of the leader of the LOV!” Midnight yelled. Mr.Aizawa, a.k.a your father called you to the principal's office. At first you thought it was about the fact you skipped school for 3 days while he was gone for hero duties. The big 3 are your best friends and they would beg you to attend class and you refused.  “ What have you told him?” Principal Nezu asked sternly. All you could do is cry and grip your father’s shirt. “ I haven’t said anything and I don’t plan to.” you replied. “ How did you meet him? How do you even talk to him? These past couple days have you been with him?” Midnight asked so many questions it was overwhelming you. Aizawa gave a dirty look at her signaling to leave his daughter alone. “ I was walking out at night in the city because I needed to clear my mind and I wanted to be alone… There was a group of men… They tried raping me..they tore my clothes off…then Dabi beat them and burned them alive… He tossed his jacket to me due to my torn clothing… I knew he’s a villain..that he’s in the League of Villain. I was terrified and he saved me. I thanked him. He walked me back to campus..he stayed across the street hidden just in case. After about a week later we bumped into each other and we just talked..we set up a day and time to meet up. I needed to give his jacket back… we spent the whole saturday hanging out..No villain shit to be clear. From there we just met up multiple times…We’ve been together for 6 months.” You replied crying. The teachers stayed silent. They felt bad about what could’ve happened to you. “ We can’t trust her..I’m sorry Aizawa but we have to report her to the authorities.” Principal Nezu said. “Are you kidding me? This is my daughter! She’d never do such a thing! She’d never betray UA. If she did, the LOV would’ve made a move long ago.” your dad defended you keeping you close to him if he had to fight. 

“ We can’t automatically accuse her of being a traitor without any proof. We can bring in a doctor to give her a lie detector test. His tests are a bit more painful.” All might, said. “I’ll do it. I’d never do anything to hurt people.” you replied. Little did you know it would be painful on the next level. 

You were taken to a room and a man started strapping you down to a table. Cables were being attached around your body. You were scared and confused. You looked at the large glass mirror knowing everyone was on the other side listening and watching. You whimpered as a doctor injected a large amount of a clear liquid in your neck. “ What the hell did he inject?” Aizawa asked. “He’s not only checking her heart rate and her brain but also forcing the truth out of her. The serum is the very painful part. If she lies it will torture the truth out of her and if that doesnt work they have other ways apparently.” a nurse replied to him starting the recording.

 “I’m going to ask you simple questions and If you don’t want to feel like you're being stabbed or shot continuously you will answer.” the doctor said looking over at your vital signs. “ Are you Y/n Aizawa?” He asked, “ Yes, I am Y/n Aizawa.” “ How old are you?” he asked. “ I’m 18 turning 19.” you replied scared of what crazy he will eventually ask. “ Your heart rate is up a bit. Are you hiding something?” He asked, writing something down on his tablet. “ No.” You lied and suddenly felt pain through your body. “Tell me the truth,” he ordered. Your body twitched. “ Yes! I am hiding something. I’m scared about all of this.” you said as sighed in relief. “Mhm see how easy that is. “ Who is the villain you fell in love with?” he continued with his questions. You started crying. “ I’m in love with Dabi.” you replied. “ You’re crying? Are you sure? Is he forcing you  to say that?” he asked, looking at the high tech monitors. “ I am sure. I’m in love with him. He isn’t forcing me to say anything.” you replied knowing this will lead to you being tortured. “ How did you meet him? In detail.” the doctor said. “ I walked alone in the city at night. There was a group of men who grabbed me and took me into a dark alleyway… I tried my best to get them off me… They called me dirty things..like I’m a slut..and whore..that I would be a good treat to them.. They tore my clothes off and their hands roamed my body. Dabi showed up throwing them off me..he took his coat off and covered me..then proceeded to beat them up..he burned them alive. He walked me back to campus making sure we were unseen by anyone. He stayed across the street from campus hidden, making sure I got inside safely. I thanked him for saving me and said goodnight. ” you replied crying. Hating to remember how the men tried raping you. Take your innocence away. “ Did you meet him again after that encounter?” he asked. You nodded yes. “ We bumped into each other a week later after the incident.” you replied. You saw two nurses walk inside with a weird machine. “ Where did you see him again and what was done?” He asked, signaling the nurses to start setting up something. “I saw him by the park…it was around 6am. I was out to do basic errands for myself. We ended up spending the entire day together. No villain activities were done.” you replied. “ What were your errands for that day? Were you planning to do more that day? How did no one recognize him? What activities were done?” he asked. “I needed to get to the store to buy snacks, a heating pad and some pads. I got my monthly period. I was planning to do more. Just watch movies, play video games and eat junk food. No one recognized him. He was wearing a hoodie and he had a face mask to hide his burned face. I saw Tamaki and asked him to take my things to the dorms. After that Dabi and I talked for hours and played some stupid games.It was fun” you replied smiling. 

The questions went on and on. Then the difficult ones came up. 

“ Have you met any of the other villains?” he asked. You refused to answer because you didn’t want your father to hate you. Your body shook and twitched. Your body moved so much, the straps held you down. “ They’re hurting her! Give her a break!” Aizawa yelled, grabbing a nurse's collar. “ Stop, she agreed to this.” All might, said. He did feel bad. “ Give her another one.” the doctor said. You felt a prick. Another dosage of the truth serum. You screamed in pain. “Yes! I have!! Shigaraki, Toga, Twice and Kai!” you yelled. You cried and cried. “Has any of them asked you for information or threatened you?” you couldn’t handle it. You needed a break. You were overstimulated. “ Y-Yes!!! Toga. She asked for Ua intel on what we have planned. She threatened me.” you replied. “What did she say she’d do?” the doctor said. You couldn’t say what she said to you. “ She’d kill me.” you lied. You cried out in excruciating pain. “If you don’t answer our questions we won’t inject more serum. We’ll just use the old way. Electricity doesn’t seem nicer.” he said. “She said she’d kill my papa! She’d give him a slow and painful death !I don’t want him to hate me if he gets hurt! I can’t let him get hurt! I don’t want him to hate me! My dad is everything I have!”you cried loudly,trying to relax. Failing at it. “ Did you give them any information?” he asked. “No. After that Dabi told Shigaraki to not let anyone lay a finger on me. To keep me out of it. Since then I’ve been safe. He takes great care of me.” you replied breathing heavily. “Why do you think he takes care of you?” you looked at the doctor in rage. “He saved me from two horrible situations and maybe more after this! You and other heroes only care about the greater good!” you yelled trying to get out of the grip of the straps. “You’re talking like a villain alright. What makes you think that? Are you planning to betray the heroes? You’re father?” he asked, taunting you. You fell into it. “ Heroes would sacrifice someone for the greater good. It could be a loved one..a friend..or a civilian. It sucks to know that you don’t matter as much as you think you do to them. At the end of the day they will more than likely sacrifice you…a villain would burn the world to save someone..a loved one and random person who needs help. Dabi knew I was eraserheads daughter. A hero in training and even then he stepped in. He saved me. He’s done so much for me in 6 months. I know every one who knows about him and I highly disagree but it's the truth. I know my dad would never give me up. He’d protect me in the end regardless if he’s a hero or not. He’s the best dad ever. Better together. I’m lucky to still have him even after I caused all this mess. ” you replied. “Him doing so much is the truth and you have a strong bond with your father, you're not in any pain. You are very lucky and privileged” the doctor agreed. You were asked more questions and they let you go 2 hours later. Your dad and All might make sure to take you to the hospital. You stayed there for about 2 weeks. Missing Dabi like crazy.

Your quirk is an amazing one. Very strong. You hold multiple quirks and can create new ones. You were scared. Having to control multiple quirks was difficult as a child. Most parents would keep their children away from society. Your dad didn’t. He sent you to daycare, elementary school, middle school and now High school. To him you grew up fast. He loves and cares for you, his daughter. He’s so proud of the woman you’ve become regardless of who you are in love with. Yes it’s crazy but you found kindness and love within Dabi and the other Villains they just were treated horribly in their past and had no one to help them. They had to fend for themselves. They lost it along the way.

You communicating with Dabi was not through anything cellular. It was through handwritten letters. You managed to buy a bird through the black market. He gets the job done in delivery and fast.

As soon as you were discharged from the hospital and back to your dorm you fed the little fella and started writing.

Dear Dabi,

The heroes found out about us and I don’t know who and how someone saw us together. Don’t worry since I don’t have any info on you guys besides Toga threatening me, you’re all fine.They tortured me badly. They asked how I met you and it was hard to tell them what had happened. It was terribly excruciating pain. All I thought about was trying to relax, being honest and needing you.

I was at the hospital for 2 weeks. I miss you a lot. We should meet up soon. Actually they’re probably going to escort me when I need to go into the city so after awhile.

How are you? Has anything come up? Are you safe? No cough or cold? No fever? Are your friends being nice, if not let them know even if you need to scare them.

I love you very much. Please stay safe. Keep the the love of fire within you ( you’re telling him to get a new hide out or move to a different one.) Keep in touch if you can.

Love you very much. I’ll respond every 3 days after I receive your letter okay so no need to worry if I’m okay.

Much love, Haru

(both agreed on your code name being Haru after all you met in clear weather and since then you felt love and joy.)

Pt.2 will come.

[daydreamgoddess14]

Support System - Epilogue

CH1 | CH 2 | CH 3 | CH 4 | CH 5 | CH 6 | CH 7 | CH 8 | CH 9 | CH 10

MASTERLIST

Just a little ending continuation for you. That's all folks - we're definitely done now 😘 Under the cut so you don't get spoiled before reading Chapter 10!

Epilogue

You got back to Nelson Road from a Fab Four lunch where you’d celebrated the sign off of the AFC Richmond Women’s team. The new season was still only a couple of months in, but the change in jobs had so far been incredible. You needn't have worried about getting on with Keeley, or about Rebecca’s terrifying reputation. The four of you gelled perfectly together, and it only improved when you called in the coaching staff reinforcements. The ethos, philosophy and culture of the club had never been so ingrained in its leadership before and it had helped the club go from strength to strength. You’d stopped by the bakery on the way back to the stadium for a box of cupcakes for Ted, Coach Beard, Roy and Nate and left Rebecca at the foot of her stairs so you could carry on and deliver them.

“I’ll come too, see Ted.” She’d followed you through the changing room. You could hear the team in the gym, the coaches were all in the office except for Roy. 

“Oh. Hiya fellas, seen Roy? I texted him when I left Ola’s.” You looked around as if you were half expecting him to be hiding by his desk, but he wasn't around at all. 

"Haven't seen him in a hot minute, sorry." Ted had replied, eyes only for Rebecca. Nate had gone to check on the players in the gym, Beard had his head buried in his book. 

"Guess I'll leave these here then. Tell him to come and say hi when he turns up?" You asked Beard who tipped his hat. Your afternoon focused on branding opportunities for the women’s team, you’d had some logo ideas you wanted to run by a few people so took the chance to stretch your legs. You said hello to the team in the ticket office, looked in on the players in the gym, “Anyone seen Roy?”

“Nah, sorry!”

“He’s around here somewhere I think.”

“I thought I saw him in the boot room.”

“Not the boot room you melon, the treatment room.” As you received at least 14 different answers, you held up your hand,

“Never mind! Thanks boys.” You carried on up to Rebecca’s office where she was meeting with Sharon, “Sorry, am I interrupting?”

“Not at all, are they the logo options?” Rebecca held out a hand,

“Sure is, seen Roy?”

“I think he’s downstairs.” Sharon smiled.

“He’s got a meeting with me at 4.30 so he’ll be about somewhere.”

“I know, I’m getting Lexie today. Let me know what you think of those and we’ll catch up tomorrow. Bye both.” You left the office and went via your own office to get your things. In the carpark, Roy’s car had gone. Because of his late meeting with Rebecca, you’d gone in separately that morning. You swung into the school car park and waited at the main doors to be let in.

“Oh, I’m sorry - Lexie’s already left today? Phoebe’s uncle collected her?” You rolled your eyes, he’d forgotten about his meeting with Rebecca.

“Ok, not to worry, thanks!” You jumped back in the car and used the voice control to call him. There was no answer so you carried on to your house. You expected to see his car, but it wasn’t there. This was starting to get annoying. You hopped out of the car and went to put your key in the lock, but it wouldn’t fit. “What the fucking fuck is going on today?!” You looked through your key bundle but your house key wasn’t there, it had fallen off. Back in the car, you tried to work out whether he’d have taken Lexie back to the club for his meeting. He still didn’t answer the phone so you went straight to his house. His car was on the drive, you breathed a sigh of relief. The door was locked so you rang the bell and waited for Lexie to answer. Nothing. You rang the bell again. At your hip level, the letterbox flipped open,

“You need to use your key.” Lexie whispered.

“I don’t have a fucking key?” It had been on your to-do list for the last few weeks since you and Roy had talked about it. You already had a spare for your house and easily handed it over to him. You looked back down at your keys and saw a new, different key where your house key had been. The letterbox closed again, you slid the new key into the door handle and it clicked smoothly, the door opening. Just inside, Roy and Lexie were standing with a house shaped helium balloon and a little cake made in the shape of Roy’s house. Everything fell into place in your brain. “I do have a key.” You realised.

“If you want it?”

“Roy’s decorated my bedroom!” Lexie squealed, his hand clamped over her mouth gently,

“Oi! Don’t ruin it!” She giggled and swung herself around using his arm as leverage. You looked up at him,

“Not just a key?”

“I was thinking we could move in together? I never want to know a world without you both.” You couldn’t stop the tears even if you’d tried, you rushed into his arms.

“We’d love to.”

FIN

[builtaworldwithyourlove]

I Forget Where We Were

1.6k/ joel miller x f!reader / MINORS DNI 

summary: life with Joel from the start. Be kind please- this is my first piece and has taken 6 months of courage🤍

Chapter Seven: Evergreen

Take me back to the catacombs, I am tempted by her love.Bluest eyes against my own skin, I have never been so caught up. 

what to expect: There’s radio silence, as Joel contemplates his options.

warnings: bad language i guess idk?😂fluff, dad!joel,lover boy joel, no specific physical description of reader, female reader (please let me know if there is anything I’m missing, I will elaborate as the series goes on) no outbreak, age gap (reader is mid 20s and Joel is mid 40s), boyfriend!joel? i repeat boyfriend!joel, angst, another woman but relax guys, Daddy Joel loves you and things will be okay, alcohol consumption 

    · · ────── ·𖥸· ────── · ·

The only sign of life from you was Tommy telling Joel he had seen you at the gym and you offered to pick Sarah up from school on Thursday.

He couldn’t help the way his heart sank like lead everytime your name was mentioned.

‘Sarah’s at a sleep over Friday night, you fancy the bar?’ Joel asked Tommy.

‘Yeah sounds good, think we need to have a chat’ Joel sighed and hung up the phone to his brother.

    · · ────── ·𖥸· ────── · ·

You somehow made it through to Friday afternoon, and you and Laura sat together at lunch still investigating all the possibilities of who Mia was and why she missed Joel.

Usually you weren’t an overthinker and you were good at taking things at face value. The reality was you were Joel’s girlfriend, he had told Tommy and all his work buddies about you, weeks before becoming official, and not to mention, you were now part of Sarah’s life, and all your friends knew about Joel.

This, however, a random woman you had never heard off popped back up telling Joel she missed him, and reinstating plans. How else should you take this?

‘Worst case is, she’s an ex something who Joel’s not spoken to her since you guys got together and she’s just checking in on plans they made pre- you& Joel. A little needy and desperate, sure, but haven’t we all been there?’ Laura played with you hair as you held back tears and rubbed your thumb on your bracelet.

‘Let’s go for drinks tonight doll, I need it’ you composed yourself and tried to give Joel the benefit of the doubt.

Laura agreed, and you texted Joel.

You:

Look, I’m sorry I just went silent for a couple of days. I love you, I love Sarah, somehow I love Tommy🙄 but we’ll talk soon. I don’t want to lose you, but I just need answers x

Within seconds your phone chimed with a reply:

Joel:

I love you too, we all do. It’s just a misunderstanding, I want to explain it, I do. Let’s just do something Sunday and sort this out. 

You sighed relief, but couldn’t rid yourself of the underlying feeling of dread.

   · · ────── ·𖥸· ────── · ·

Laura turned up at your apartment, and shrieked when she saw you.  You were in a dark grey two piece, a maxi skirt which sat low on your hips and a high cut long sleeved top to match, showing off your stomach and curves.

She looked stunning as always. Auburn hair, tanned skin, and glowing emerald eyes, wearing an orange satin backless ankle length dress to match.

Meanwhile, Joel and Tommy were getting ready to talk all things devastating. 

   · · ────── ·𖥸· ────── · ·

The drink went down too easy, as you& Laura ended up in an unfit state, dancing on tables and making a fool out of yourselves.

Joel and Tommy were sat in their local pub, down the block to you, unbeknownst to either of you.

The whiskey took over, and Joel pulled out his phone. 

Joel:

I’m still up for this weekend if you are.

*current location*

Mia:

Be there in 5.

Simultaneously, Tommy noticed Joel texting but couldn’t see the red heart emoji next to the name, just like you had.

Tommy:

You better get down here.

You.

Be there in 5. I’m with Laura, you’ll love her, she does yoga😉

   · · ────── ·𖥸· ────── · ·

You and Laura left the bar and stumbled down the road to where Tommy and Joel were. At the same time, a gorgeous black haired girl with piercing blue eyes held the door open for you. You thanked her and Laura said ‘I loveee your outfit’ in typical drunk girl fashion.

You noticed you were hot on her heels as you followed her through the exact same route to get to Tommy and Joel.

The knot in your stomach tightened as she leaned into Joel before you could, with her arm snaked around his neck. You were both the same size, and so Joel draped his hand around her waist as he did you, and pulled her in. He kissed her cheek as he made eye contact with you. Time stood still, and Tommy gulped and was in the middle of you all like a deer in headlights .

‘Mia, this is Joel’s girlfriend. Joel, remember her?’ Tommy spat venom towards his brother.

‘Baby, let me explain’ Joel croaked, looking at you offering his hand.

‘Explain what, Joel? ‘Mia interrupted’How we make plans to live in the same city, and you ghost me for three weeks before inviting me here and rocking up with a whole ass girlfriend?’

‘God damn I ain’t talking to you’ Joel hissed.

‘Then why’d you ask here’ Mia spat.

‘I’m leaving’ you sobbed, and Laura followed you, darting out the doors.

‘Baby wait’ Joel yelled, but you were gone.

‘Look I’m gonna drop the girls back. Joel, you know what you’ve gotta do. Mia, go do something or someone else’ Tommy patted his brother on the back.

‘I want to go to Joel’s’ you sniffled.

Tommy agreed and let you in with a spare key, and then drove Laura home.

You stumbled around the bathroom and got ready for bed, slipping into one of Joel’s old t-shirts. You started to regret your idea, out of fear that Joel would bring Mia home, and you played the whole situation over and over in your mind.

As you started to drift off, the lock clicked and you heard Joel’s footsteps come up the stairs. He showered and then crawled into bed next to you.

‘I’d never do anything to hurt you, you have to believe me’ Joel sighed.

Your body shook as you sobbed ‘Leave it for tomorrow, I don’t want to talk about it now.’

   · · ────── ·𖥸· ────── · ·

You were woken up by the blinding summer sun in your eyes. Ordinarily it would start your day positively, but it was accompanied by a dull dehydration headache and the weight of saving your relationship with Joel. 

Joel was still beside you, and his hands were wrapped around your forearm, as if subconsciously begging you not to leave. You wrapped a loose curl around your finger and swept it off his face, and kissed his forehead. Already, his presence calmed you, although you were devastated. He began to stir, and pulled you closer. His movements were slow, and he took in a deep breath as a pang of guilt and anxiety took him like a stake to the heart.

The alarm clock read 7:13am. Plenty of time to clear the air and get your affairs in order before Sarah gets home.

You nuzzled into Joel like a runt of a litter, and he held you so tight, you swear you stopped breathing. ‘I’m so sorry baby. Please let’s fix this.’ Joel ran his hand up and down your back, and you fell back to sleep,

    · · ────── ·𖥸· ────── · ·

It was only half an hour later but you woke up and went downstairs to make some coffee.

Joel was still in bed, but his phone, wallet and belt were on the breakfast counter.

His phone was flashing and buzzing.

Tommy:

2 new messages

Mia:

6 missed calls

You sighed, and left the phone screen facing up, dreading the outcome.

The floorboards creaked as Joel made his way downstairs. He crept behind you and kissed your shoulder. You gave him his phone.

He shook his head and lounged back on the sofa bringing his coffee through with him.

Like a lost puppy, you followed him through and sat in the armchair opposite the sofa.

‘Look, I don’t care who texts you or messages you. You can’t help it, but I just care how you respond. And you responded by texting her last night when you were drunk and putting your hands over her.’ Tears spilled over your lashline, and rolled down your cheeks.

He took a deep breath, and his eyebrows raised as he searched for the words to give to you.

‘It was a mistake. We saw eachother a couple of times way before you, and I just wasn’t that serious. She never met Sarah, she never came over. Mia lives out of town and she had to come here for work for a weekend so we just planned to do something. Obviously I met you and just didn’t text her back. Like you say, I can’t help that she still wanted to see me or the thought crossed her mind.’

You cringed slightly as he didn’t seem to grasp why you were upset. You wanted to be understanding but couldn’t get over that he texted her still last night, and cuddled her the same way he does with you. 

‘So what were you planning on doing when she met you last night? If Tommy wasn’t there or if I didn’t come?’ 

For the first time, Joel was speechless.

‘Look, you’re my girlfriend. I wouldn’t have let anything happen. I’m sorry for what did happened and I know I crossed a line. I should never have done anything to make you feel as shitty as you do. I love you’ Joel sighed as words failed him.

‘I love you too, I just don’t want to be wondering what if.’

‘All I can do is prove it.’ Joel sighed.

‘Let’s go get some breakfast’ you said, ‘We’ll go get Sarah soon and go do something with her, don’t want to ruin her Saturday.’

‘You’re right- thank you for looking out for her. I promise I’ll make things right for you’ Joel grabbed your hand as you walked past and rubbed his cheek into it.

‘I know. It just takes time’ you sighed, and cradled him into your hip.

Now to begin the healing process. 

Previous Chapter

Next Chapter

[ray935sworld]

Luca is the secret love child, you idiot! (Lucalex)

please please please tell me more I'm intrigued

OH, this one is my current favorite! It will definetly be published. Here is the beginning:

Luca hadn’t answer his phone for almost 4 days now. Of course, Alex would just assume that the Italian needed some time for himself or he was busy with the academy. After all, he was with all of them together for the first time in months and there was no race ahead. Surely they had a lot to discuss.

But even then, he had always texted him. He had given him a little heads up like “Sorry amore, it’s so busy, probably won’t write much in the next days” or “I need a few days to myself (not because of you). I will call you soon, okay?”. But no messages, no warning, nothing had been the absolute worst. It had actually made him worry.

Maybe something had happened during training. Maybe he had been hurt – seriously hurt – and the academy boys had decided not to inform him to make sure they had a stable condition for Alex to tell. After all, they were friendly, now that Marc was dating Vale again.

Marc was also with them. Would he tell him? Surely. He wouldn’t keep something like that a secret. It’d be cruel… He shook his head, refusing to believe anything his worried mind supplied. Instead he had decided to text Marc.

And finally he had an answer.

He just hated that answer even more.

It were 3 text. The first one read. “Alex, I am so sorry, please stay calm. We’ll figure this out, okay?” Then there was a picture of a child. It was a cute little boy. His blond hair was hanging in his face and his blue eyes were darted at the camera. He waved at him. He was sitting in Vale’s lap. It was obviously a newly taken picture.

The last text read “That’s Luca’s”.

That kid was Luca’s? He stared at the picture. The same hair. The same eyes. The same kind smile. No doubt. That child had his boyfriends DNA.

He felt his heart peak. His heart was racing and so was his mind. The boy was small. He was young. Maybe 3 or 4. But… He and Luca had been dating for 6 years now. They had been dating since they were young adults, still teenagers. They may have dated in secret and for a long time the long distance and hiding from their brothers and the world had felt like they weren’t really together, but they had been.

And Luca had fathered a child during that time. Luca had cheated on him. That’s why he hadn’t answered his texts or call. He had been with his son. And for some reason his brother had known.

He didn’t reply. Instead he took his backpack, threw some food and water inside, took Shira and Stitch and the keys before heading for the car. They’d be going to Tavuilla to get some answers.

[covenofthearticulate]

20 Qs for fic writers

1. How many works do you have on A03? 22

2. What’s your total Ao3 word count? 134,415

3. What fandoms do you write for? Vampire Chronicles, plus a few Umbrella Academy pieces

4. What are your top five fics by kudos? La mort dans dentelle (Death in Lace), Pink, An Aching Pulse in Search of a Home, and Bright Star. (Basically, all the fics that I no longer really like, that I wrote pre-hiatus in like 2018 that have been up on AO3 the longest so statistically have the most kudos just from age LOL)

5. Do you respond to comments? I really really try to!!! Most of the time I get really overwhelmed though like YOU GUYS ARE SO NICE LMAO so just saying "Thank you!" doesn't feel like enough and I get really nervous about not seeming grateful so it takes me approximately 10 years to reply to comments. I try to catch up every couple of months, though.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending? I'm sorry I love angst, but I am one of those writers who likes to have a satisfying emotional wrap-up at the ends of my fics so honestly most of them end on a sweet note. The closest thing is maybe les rousseurs amères de l'amour which was still soft, but definitely bittersweet.

7. What’s the fic you wrote with the happiest ending? aksdjfhcabdsfk they all have happy endings bc I am a sucker and a sap!!! Home Court Advantage is definitely the silliest fluffiest ending though :)

8. Do you get hate on fics? Only if you count the comments that compliment my writing as being in-character for the tv show characters LOL (seriously one time someone commented that they could hear Jacob Anderson's voice come through in my dialogue and I had to go lie down lmfao)

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind? These days I mostly write smut LOL but even in the pwp pieces I see most of my smut as opportunities for character building, so most of my work tends to fall into the Smut With Feelings category lmfao

10. Do you write crossovers? What’s the craziest one you’ve written? I don't write crossover fic anymore, but back when I was crazy active on my rp accounts, I wrote hella crossover! It was moreso on the Umbrella Academy side than my VC side, but I did have some fun rp threads between Louis and Philippe D'Orleans (specifically the tv Versailles version lmao).

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen? Not to my knowledge! Please don't do that!

12. Have you ever had a fic translated? Not yet!

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before? Once upon a time, baby High School Ash co-wrote an insane crossover fic with a friend I had met through tumblr. It was Barnabas Collins (from Tim Burton's Dark Shadows) x Mrs. Lovett. I feel so brave for admitting this LOL I really truly was so emotionally invested in that fic and it's so cringe-worthy but I had fun and that's what matters!

14. What’s your all time favorite ship? I mean. I'm a Loustat girlie through and through LOL but I also love Louis with Armand, or in any configuration of any of the poly ships! As long as Louis is there, you can count me in.

15. What’s a WIP you want to finish but doubt you ever will? Maybe one of the Louis/Lestat/Armand pieces I started....I love the 3 of them but I get burnt out so quickly because all 3 characters are so complex and so everything feels like an Ordeal with them because they're all very opinionated and only work in a certain dynamic if that makes sense!

16. What are your writing strengths? I think the thing I'm most proud of is my lyrical prose! I like writing sentences that just punch you in the face with feeling! I want my writing to feel evocative, I want the words and details to stick in your head and rattle around.

17. What are your writing weaknesses? I wish I had better stamina and pacing to write longer pieces LMAO like honest to god it's looking like my next fic is gonna be around 9k-10k and it really truly felt like I was going to die writing it LOL it's taken me like 2 months and it has felt like pulling teeth the entire time. For someone who likes writing, I sure wish I liked writing more asdsfkfjghdxghn

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language in fic? Like Kacy said, if it's done well and adds to the world of the fic, then sure! I'm definitely guilty of this trope, but I try to reserve it for the really high-stakes moments so that the language lands differently and is more impactful. But I also think dialogue (and even certain dialects) in different languages have the power to do more harm than good. Like, as a reader, I know that if I see a line of something in a language I can't read, the first thing I'm going to have to do is open another browser tab to google translate, and then go back and read it in context again, and by that time the flow is disrupted and everything is off and it's just hard!!

19. First fandom you wrote for? ooooh girl you should've seen some of the spicy Sweeney Todd fic I was hand-writing in my notebooks in high school. Actually it was more psychological angst than smut but LOL listen I'm a ride or die Mrs. Lovett girlie, what can I say.

20. Favourite fic you’ve written? I think in the grand scheme of things, Air Catcher will always have a special place in my heart. It was one of those rare lightning in a bottle instances where the idea came to me so suddenly and so clearly, and the concept felt so obvious I was like "SURELY someone has written this already???" but then I checked and NOPE no one as far as I was aware had written about vampire top drop, and so I just fucking went to town with that fic. It was among some of the first writing I'd done since coming out of hiatus, and to this day I think it's the only fic I've ever written where the end product was exactly what I had envisioned and hoped it would be. That fic was a gift from god to me LOL and it'll be one year old this summer! wild!!!!

Tagged by: @monstersinthecosmos <3 Tagging: adkjhfbcjhdsb once again I feel like all my fic-writing friends have been tagged by this point but PLEASE if you're reading this, do it and say I tagged you <3

[fxckadoodledoomunson]

Negligence |Part 6|

Previous

Summary: It’s been over a month since you and Eddie agreed to keep your distance from one another. But when an incident occurs at Family Video, you feel conflicted about your decision.

Warnings: swearing, smoking, underage drinking.

Tagged: @ali-r3n @somethingvicked @booksarekindaneat @tlclick73 @luvingdreams @sadbitchfangirl @lacrymosa-24 @emotionaldreamer @lail1010 @wh0reforbucknasty @thegreatbossjr @rupsmorge @siriuslysmoking @digital-charlie @decadentwombatmiracle @eris-rose-86 @savagejane1 @its-quinns-bread @allagogtoreblog

Author’s Note: Hi! I’m sorry for not updating in a while. Been having massive writer’s block, and I had to rewrite this chapter as I wasn’t satisfied with the previous attempts.

“And smile,” your mother said, as she held the Polaroid camera to her face, taking a couple of photos of Mary and Jason in their prom outfits, while Cain smiled at the couple, as he wiped a tear away. “You look so beautiful, darling,” he commented.

Meanwhile, you were in the kitchen, finishing your dinner before heading back to work. You had decided not to go to prom so Mary could go with Jason, even though they wanted you to come too. However, you swapped shifts with Steve, so he could do something before going with Robin and Vickie.

You were straightening your badge and got off your chair. You then grabbed your bag, as you called out, “I’m off now.”

You were about to head out when Mary call out, “Hey! You’re not leaving until you have a picture with us.”

You rolled your eyes, before letting out a giggle as you went into the living room and stood next to Mary. You then smiled for the camera, as your mother took the photos. After the photos were taken, Mary asked you, “Do you really need to work tonight? Come to prom with us. I’m sure Keith can manage.”

“I wish I could, but I still have to cover Steve’s shift. Apparently he’s got to do something before taking Robin and Vickie,”you replied.

“Well, I can drop you off on the way there,” Jason offered.

“Thanks, but I can cycle.”

“Be careful,” your dad chimed in. You nodded, saying goodbye your family and Jason, before telling him and Mary, “Have fun tonight.”

The couple thanked you, as you headed for the door.

Not long after you had arrived back at work, you were setting yourself up at the counter when Keith came out, wearing a tuxedo, carrying a box. “A bit overdressed for the rest of the shift,” you joked.

“Very funny, Cinderella,” Keith retorted, as he was about to leave when you called out, “Uh, hold on! You’re not really going to prom, are you?”

Instead of answering you, Keith started walking out, humming.

“Hey! You can’t expect me to serve the customers on my own.” As soon as Keith left and got in a car with Ally, you groaned, as you started banging your head on the counter. “Great,” you sarcastically muttered, as you lifted your head up when a couple of customers entered the store.

An hour or so later, Jason and Mary had finished slow dancing and made their way to a table, Mary was greeted by Steve, Robin and Vickie, before waving at Nancy, who was with Jonathan and his friend from Lenora Hills, Argyle. Earlier, Steve had picked up Jonathan and Argyle at the airport, so Jonathan could surprise Nancy. They approached a table, and sat with Andy and Chance. “I can’t believe Patrick didn’t come tonight,” Andy said loudly over the music. “He’s missing out.” Suddenly, a couple of girls from the cheer team went up to Andy and Chance, asking for a dance, which they accepted.

After the boys joined the girls on the dance floor, Jason and Mary watched them, when she asked, “You’re okay…with Patrick being with Chrissy?”

Jason smiled, as he responded, “Yeah, I am.”

Mary tilted her head, as she continued to ask, “So, have they actually…?”

“They haven’t exactly said, but if they do tell me that they’re together, they’ll have my blessing.”

As he put his hand on top of hers, Jason told her, “I’m glad that you came with me tonight.”

Mary smiled, as she replied, “Me too. Months ago, I never thought that I would end up going to senior prom with you, let alone date you.”

Jason chuckled, before telling her, “Yet here we are.”

Mary laughed, before he leaned closer to her, as they both shared a kiss, only to be cut short by a sound of a slap. They turned to find an angry Ally stomping away from Keith. “What the hell?” Mary exclaimed.

“Why’s he here?” Jason asked. “I thought he was working tonight.”

Mary was about to go up to Keith, only to be stopped by Jason when they saw Keith take a swig from his flask. “I hope he’s not gonna do something stupid tonight,” Mary muttered.

A few moments later, you were serving Chrissy and Barnaby, who were renting The Black Cauldron, as some of the other customers had left with their rentals.

As you were checking out the tape, Chrissy said, “You must’ve served half of Hawkins tonight.”

“Yeah, no thanks to Keith,” you replied.

“Still can’t believe Keith left you to do the shift by yourself.”

“I still can’t believe that he’s got a date for prom. I’m pretty sure that he bribed Ally to go with him.”

After checking out the tape, you passed it to Chrissy, who gave you the money for the rental, as you asked her, “So, you’re really not upset about not going to prom?”

Chrissy shook her head, before replying, “After what happened with me and Eddie, we didn’t deserve to go. Besides…” Chrissy had put her arm around her little brother, as she continued to speak, while tussling his hair. “I get to have a movie night with this little guy.”

“And Patrick too,” Barnaby blurted, as he moved her hand away.

“Oh,” you exclaimed, you gave her a surprised look. “Jason didn’t say that Patrick wasn’t going.”

“It was a last minute decision,” Chrissy replied, when you noticed Barnaby was making kissy face behind Chrissy’s back, causing you to let out a giggle. As soon as she turned to him, Barnaby stopped, expressing a mischievous smile.

Chrissy shifted her attention back to you, as she said, “We better get going, before he gets more mischievous.”

She had put her arm around Barnaby, as they were leaving when Chrissy stopped and turned to you, and told you, “Listen, I know you guys aren’t talking anymore, but I thought you should know that Eddie misses you.”

Your face fell, hearing her comment. Ever since you and Eddie had agreed to keep your distance, you tried your best to avoid any conversations involving him, and the places you would go with him, even the Hideout. You were about to say something when Chrissy elaborated, “He didn’t actually say, but I’ve seen the way he looks at you in class.”

You silently looked down at the counter, whilst fidgeting with the stacks of returned tapes, wondering if what she said was true.

“I’m sorry,” Chrissy began to apologise. “I shouldn’t have said-“

“Don’t worry about it,” you softly replied, as you shook your head.

As you looked back up, Chrissy gave you a small smile, before saying goodbye to you.

As soon as they left, you rested your chin on the stacks as you sighed when you heard Barnaby clamouring, “Chrissy and Patrick, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-“

“Stop!” You heard Chrissy cry, making you giggle, as you sat up and picked the tapes up. After you had rewind some of the tapes, you had put them in their designated shelves. After putting the last video tape on the shelf in the science fiction section, you couldn’t help but look at The Planet of the Apes cover. You picked it up, as thought about the first time you watched it with Eddie, reminiscing about how he would make you laugh by re-enacting the ending scene. You thought about that memory when you thought about Chrissy’s comment. Does he really miss me? You shook your head, before putting the tape back on the shelf. You then went over to the drama section and picked up Nineteen Eighty Four, deciding to play it during your shift.

After you took the tape out of its cover and put it in the VCR player, you sat down on the stool and grabbed the controller, before pressing the play button, waiting for the film to start when you heard the bell ring at the door, making you get off the stool, as you began to greet, “Welcome to Family Vi-“

You froze when you saw Eddie standing in front of the counter, holding a tape.

For the first time in over a month, you were facing him. Trying your best to be professional, you cleared your throat, before asking him, “How can I help?”

Instead of answering you, Eddie looked at the video cover and smirked, as he picked it up. “Trust you to pick a dystopian movie on your shift,” he lightly chuckled. “Last I remember, you picked Soylent Green-“

Eddie paused as he watched you give him a stern look, making his smile drop. As he placed the cover back on the counter, he cleared his throat. “I’m just…returning…” He hesitated, as he put down his copy of Nightmare on Elm Street. You took the tape, trying to avoid eye contact with him. You then checked if the tape had been rewound. After seeing it had been, you checked it in when Eddie spoke, “It’s quiet tonight. I thought the place would be packed with half of Hawkins.”

He quietly chuckled, as he watched you typing on the database.

He sighed as you continued to avoid meeting his gaze. He had no idea that you were working. If it weren’t for the fact that the rental was due, he would’ve come back another day, saving you the trouble of seeing him.

Eddie gulped, and began to speak, “Look-“

Suddenly, the electricity went out in the store. Eddie heard you swear, as he padded closer to the counter, only to hear your footsteps move further away. He leaned over, as he called your name when he heard a loud bang. “Shit!” You shouted from the back room.

A worried Eddie looked up at the door, and rushed into the back room. After he took out his lighter and flipped the lid off, lighting it up, he began searching the room when he found you squatting down on the floor, looking for something.

“Where’s the flashlight?” You growled, “Why can’t Keith put things where they belong?”

“You okay?” Eddie asked, before realising that Keith wasn’t here. “Where’s Keith anyway?”

You quickly turned your head to face him for a second, before turning back to look for the flashlight, as you mumbled, having no choice but to answer him, “He’s at the prom.”

Eddie’s eyes widened, as he asked, “What? You’ve been working on your own this whole time?”

You didn’t respond. You continued to search for the flashlight when you heard Eddie sigh, before hearing his footsteps move away from you. You turned around again, finding Eddie opening the fuse box with his free hand, before he slipped the switches, bringing the electricity back.

“And then God said let there be light,” Eddie dramatically cried. He then chuckled as he flipped the lid back on his lighter. As he turned around, his smile dropped when he noticed a cut on one side of your forehead. “What?” You asked, looking confused, when Eddie suddenly grabbed your shoulders and gently sat you down on the chair, as he asked, “Where’s the first aid kit?” You silently turned your head to the cupboard, and you were about to get up and get the first aid kit when Eddie stopped you. “No, you sit, I’ll get it,” Eddie said, before going to the cupboard and picked up the first aid kit. You lightly touched your head, and winced. As you looked down at blood on your fingertips, you thought, Shit, I must’ve cut my head when something fell off the shelf.

After grabbing what he needed, Eddie squatted in front of you and took out a disinfected wipe, before he started gently dab it on your wound, making you wince.

Eddie apologised, as he continued to dab the wipe on your forehead, when he began speak, “Can’t believe Keith left you on your own.”

You glanced down at the floor, biting your lip when Eddie mumbled, “When I see that asshole, I’m kicking his ass.”

You gave a small smile, as you looked up to glance back when Eddie quickly looked down, tearing a plaster out of the cover and stuck it onto your wound, as he said, “There we go.”

He was about to tousle your hair when he stopped and refrained himself.

“Thanks,” you mumbled, as you were about to stand up when Eddie stopped you, “Woah! I think you should stay still for a while,” he told you, as he had his hands on your shoulders.

You moved his hands away, as you retorted, “I’m fine.”

You stood up and took a step forward when you started to feel wobbly. Eddie held onto you, steadying you, as he sat you on the chair. “Easy, sweetheart,” Eddie softly spoke, as he lightly rubbed your shoulder.

“Do you need me to drive you to the hospital?” He asked, as he squatted in front of you.

You silently shook your head, when he suggested, “Well, maybe I can take you home. I’ll let Harrington and Buckley know what happened-“

“I’m fine,” you snapped as you glared at him. Eddie’s eyes darkened, as he angrily muttered, “Fine.” He stood up straight and turned away from you, before walking away, as he continued to mutter, “Don’t come crying to me when something else falls on your head.” Your eyes softened, feeling guilty for shouting at him, while Eddie stormed out. “Eddie-“ you called out when you heard the bell ring. You leaned forward, covering your face and started to quietly sob.

Back outside, a grumbling Eddie stormed towards his van and opened his door, before getting inside. He was about to switch on the ignition when he heard the radio from another vehicle, belonging to a kissing couple, started playing Chicago’s Hard Habit To Break. He then looked up at the store, face softening, as tears fell down on his cheeks, before he pressed his forehead against the steering wheel, sobbing, wishing that he could take back what he said.

Meanwhile in the storeroom, you heard a vehicle driving off. You had wanted to keep your distance from Eddie, but with him leaving the way he did, you began to realise how much you missed him. Your thoughts broke when you heard the bell ring again. Assuming it was a customer coming in, you called out, “I’ll be with you in a few minutes.” You wiped your tears away, as you got up to get a tissue from the toilet when you felt wobbly again, before your vision started getting blurry. You faintly heard someone calling your name, before you started losing consciousness…

“Has she had any previous head injuries?”

“Well, she, uh…hit her head at school awhile ago, but I don’t think she went to the hospital for it.”

You fluttered your eyes open, finding yourself in a hospital bed, before shifting your attention to Eddie talking to the nurse.

“Will she be okay?” You heard Eddie ask with concern in his voice.

“We’re still waiting for the results,” the nurse informed him.

“Eddie?” You croaked, as you slowly sat up. Eddie turned around and realised that you were awake. As he went over to sit down beside you, he softly greeted you, “Hey sweetheart, how are you feeling?”

You rubbed your eyes, as you asked hoarsely, “How long have I been here?”

“Several hours,” Eddie replied, as the nurse approached you.

“You were lucky that your boyfriend was there when you fainted,” the nurse told you, as she checked your fluids.

Boyfriend? You thought, as you watched her walk away. You were about to tell her that he wasn’t your boyfriend, when Eddie asked, “When’s she allowed to leave?”

“Like I said, we’re still waiting for the results,” she replied. “But if she starts vomiting or anything like that, let us know immediately.”

Eddie nod at the nurse, before she left the room.

You noticed that Eddie kept yawning. “Have you been here all night?” You asked.

“Pretty much,” Eddie replied, as he stretched his legs, before he checked his watch, and continued to reply, “Had only a couple of hours of sleep.”

You gasped, only realising that you’ve been in bed overnight. “Shit,” you exclaimed. “The video store-“

“Don’t worry. I called your folks and your dad locked up for you.”

You sighed, before mumbling, “That’s a relief. Otherwise, Keith would’ve been pissed.”

“I don’t think that you need to worry about Keith. He’s got bigger problems right now.”

You furrowed your brows, as you asked, “What do you mean?”

Eddie sighed, as he stood up. “You’ll probably see for yourself later,” Eddie said. “You’ve got Mary and Carver waiting outside, I’ll get them now.”

You tried to speak when Eddie left the room. You sighed, as you heard the door open once more. Mary and Jason came in, still wearing their prom outfits. “Hey,” Mary greeted you, as she and Jason sat beside you. “How are you feeling?” She asked, as she took your hand.

“I’m okay,” you croaked. “Have you guys been here all night too?”

“Yeah. Mostly went to cafeteria and got coffee for Eddie while he insisted on staying with you.” Mary explained that your dad had left a note, which Steve and Robin found, about you going the to hospital.

“Munson explained how it happened,” Jason said. “You were lucky that he was there when he was.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” Mary chimed. “If Keith had been at work instead of prom, you wouldn’t be here.”

“Eddie said that Keith has bigger problems, what did he mean by that?” You asked.

Jason and Mary explained that Keith and Ally had a fall out, because he kept talking about Nancy and by the time Higgins had announced Prom King, who was unsurprisingly Jason, and Prom Queen, to everyone’s surprise, was Nancy, Keith had stumbled onto the stage, drunkenly professing his love for eldest Wheeler, before he fell off the stage and hurt himself.

“Shit, is he okay?” You asked.

Before any of them could answer, you heard a familiar male voice yell, “My head!”

“Was that…?” You began to ask.

“Keith? Yeah, it was,” Mary replied.

“How serious are his injuries?”

A few moments later, Mary and Jason wheeled you to Keith’s room, seeing a badly injured Keith with casts plastered on both arms and legs, as well as a neck collar.

Keith had let out an exaggeration groan in pain when Mary and Steve silently glared at him, making him stop.

“I know you said he fell off the stage, but I never thought it would be this bad,” you said.

“He’s gonna be off work for quite a while,” Steve replied, as he knocked on one of Keith’s plastered legs, making Keith groan. “But I’m sure Robin and I can cope.”

“Uh, and me,” you retorted.

“Well obviously,” Steve had put his hands on his hips before telling you, “But you need to rest. Speaking of which…”

Suddenly, Steve came up behind you and started wheeling you back to your room, with Mary and Jason following you. “I’m taking you back to your room,” Steve said, while Keith continued to groan. As Steve wheeled you through the hallway, you heard a frantic male voice say loudly, “She’s not in her room. She hasn’t discharged herself, has she?”

As Steve continued to push you, you saw a nurse walking fast down the hall with a frantic Eddie behind her as she apologised and informed him that she needed to see another patient when he spotted you and the others. You saw him sigh with relief, before he ran up to you, nearly knocking you over.

“Woah! Easy Munson,” Steve exclaimed. “You could’ve knocked her out of her chair.”

“Sorry,” Eddie panted. “I just went inside and she wasn’t there. I thought something happened.”

“I’m okay,” you assured him. “Mary and Jason just took me to see Keith.”

Eddie rubbed his forehead, feeling relieved. “How are you feeling now?” He asked.

“Well, I haven’t vomited,” you replied.

“That’s good.” Eddie cleared his throat, before announcing, “Well, I guess I better go, you don’t need me…”

He began to turn around when he heard you speak, “Eddie?”

He turned back to you, as you asked, “Maybe you could take me back to my room?”

Everyone gaped, as an astonished Eddie asked, “Really?”

“Are you sure you want him to?” Mary asked, worried that Eddie’s presence might upset you.

Eddie gazed at you, when you nodded. “I’m sure,” you replied.

Eddie smiled as Steve moved back, telling him, “She’s all yours.”

Eddie went behind the wheelchair when Mary asked, “Do you need us to stay?”

You shook your head, telling her, “You guys should go home and rest.”

Mary gave you a goodbye hug, before walking with Jason, who lightly tousled your hair.

“I better get going too,” Steve announced. “I gotta pick up Robin.”

Steve lightly patted your shoulder, before leaving with the couple, while Eddie wheeled you back to your room. “Okay,” Eddie said, as he walked backwards, entering your room. “Do you need me to get one of the nurses to help you get on the bed?” He asked, as he wheeled you closer to your bed.

“I think I’m okay,” you replied, as you slowly got up from the wheelchair and moved carefully to the bed, and got in it.

As soon as you settled, Eddie moved the wheelchair near the wall, before announcing, “I better get going.” He went up the door, as he continued to speak, while reaching for the doorknob , “I’ll see you around, maybe-“

“Eddie?” You interjected, causing him to stop, and turn to face you.

“Can we talk?” You asked.

A worried Eddie asked, as he approached you, “This isn’t about the boyfriend thing, is it?”

You silently looked at him when he sighed and sat down, as he began to explain, “Look, I only said that to the nurses, so I could stay with you until-“

“It’s not that,” you interjected.

Eddie furrowed his brow, as he asked, “Then, what is it?”

You took a deep breath, before telling him, “It’s about our…agreement.”

Eddie shook his head, before telling you, “I know that we agreed to keep our distance. And I didn’t intend on coming on your shift. I only went because I didn’t wanna get a fine, or else Wayn-“

“I made a mistake,” you confessed.

Eddie’s eyes widened, as he croaked, “What?”

“I thought…keeping my distance from you would help me get over you, but…after you walked out last night, I realised that…I miss you.”

A stunned Eddie gazed at you, as you continued to speak, with tears brimmed in your eyes, “And I know that I said I didn’t want to latch onto you like a lovesick puppy, and still don’t want to do that. But, you mean so much to me, as a friend, and I just-“

Suddenly, Eddie shot up from his chair. You anxiously looked up at him, feeling sure that Eddie was going to leave when he suddenly wrapped his arms around you, embracing you. “E-Eddie…?” You whispered, as you heard him quietly sob.

“I’m sorry for leaving you like that,” Eddie wept, as he held you close. “If I hadn’t come back…Jesus Christ, I wouldn’t have forgiven myself if something happened…”

“It’s okay,” you softly replied, as you returned the embrace.

Eddie quietly sobbed, while holding you tight.

“Eddie…”

“Yes sweetheart?”

“You’re squeezing me too hard.”

“Oh,” Eddie exclaimed, as he let go of you. He let out a nervous laugh, before he began to apologise. The two of you wiped your tears away, when Eddie softly spoke, “I guess I’ve missed you too much.”

You lightly chuckled as you opened your arms, when Eddie asked, “You sure?”

“As long as you don’t squeeze me to death,” you joked.

Eddie chuckled, before embracing you once more.

After the two of you had let go of each other, you both began to talk about slowly rebuilding your friendship.

Weeks later, after your reconciliation with Eddie, you and the Hellfire club, as well as Erica, were in the back of the auditorium, in the middle of a campaign. Will, who came back to Hawkins with his family including El and Hopper for the summer holidays, also joined in. You promised Eddie that after the graduation ceremony, you would join in the campaign. For the past few weeks, while rebuilding your friendship with him, Eddie had taught you how to play.

Surprisingly, you all managed to beat Eddie’s campaign, even though you had a rough start. After finishing the campaign, you all agreed to watch a movie. Eddie leaned towards you, before telling you, “Now, seeing as you’ve survived your first official campaign, you get to pick the movie.”

“As long as it’s not a chick flick,” Gareth chimed in.

You rolled your eyes, as you chuckled, when Eddie told the others, “You guys are in charge of snacks, we’ll meet you at Henderson’s after we pick up a movie.”

“Why my place?” Dustin asked.

“Because I’m the club leader, and I said so,” Eddie retorted.

“Well, as you’re club leader, why don’t you host at yours?”

Eddie was about to bark back, when you said, “Actually Eddie, I haven’t seen Wayne in a while, and I’d like to see him. So…maybe we can watch the movie at yours instead?”

Unable to resist your puppy eyes, Eddie raised his hands, replying, “Okay, fine. We’ll watch at my place. But I should warn you, the maid took the week off again.”

After Eddie told them what snacks to get, some of the members left backstage, while you, Will and Dustin helped clean up. Eddie was putting away his D&D set, as he was having a discussion with Will about the next campaigns. After filling up a bin bag, Will told you that he was going to find a trash can, when Dustin said, “I’ll go with you, I gotta call Steve anyway.”

As they were leaving, Dustin asked you what movie you wanted Steve to reserve for you. “Planet of the Apes,” you called out.

After the younger boys left, you were putting the chairs away, as Eddie continued to put away his set when you knocked over a paper bag. You knelt down and picked it up, while Eddie paused with packing and turned his head to look at you when he noticed you holding the bag. “Oh shit,” he exclaimed, as he snatched it from you.

“Don’t worry, I wasn’t going to open it,” you assured him. “I swear.”

As Eddie held the bag close to his chest, you asked, “So, whose it from?”

“Huh?” He exclaimed.

“Well I didn’t see anyone give it to you at graduation, and it must be something so important that you wouldn’t want me to look.”

Eddie sighed, before telling you, “The guys will kill me for giving it to you now, but…”

He handed the bag to you, as he continued to speak, “I can’t wait any longer for you to see.”

You giggled, as you carefully opened the bag, and took out a Hellfire shirt.

You gasped, as Eddie moved closer to you, telling you, “I figured that now you know how to play, you’ll need the gear.”

“Really?” You smiled, as you gazed at the shirt, before looking up at him, as you thanked him.

“You’re welcome, sweetheart,” Eddie replied, as you neatly put the shirt back in the bag. “Listen, when I give you the shirt in front of the guys, could you act surprised?”

“Like this?” You asked, before letting out a dramatic gasp.

Eddie chuckled, as he helped finish tying the bag and placed it on the table.

“Thank you, Eddie,” you said, as you wrapped your arms around his neck and embraced him. “It’s one of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten.”

Eddie chuckled, as he held you close. You then moved back as you let go of him when all of the sudden, Eddie crashed his lips into yours. You froze, feeling confused by his action. However, you gave in, mewling as you kissed him back when you felt him stumbling back. You opened your eyes, as you heard him gasping, as covering his mouth with both hands. “E-Eddie…?” Your voice cracked.

“I-I have n-no idea why…?” Eddie tried to explain his actions when you both heard Dustin and Will talking, as they entered the room. “Bad news, someone else has rented the last copy of Planet of the Apes, so it’ll just have to be either-“ Dustin stopped talking, as he and Will looked at the pair of you. Sensing some tension between you two, Dustin asked, “What’s going on?”

Before either of you could say something, Dustin pointed at the bag, and asked, “Did you peek?”

“Peek at what?” You denied. Dustin gave you a suspicious glance, before Eddie quickly asked, wanting to divert attention from you, “So, what’s Harrington reserved?”

After picking up the video Steve reserved for you, which was Back To The Future, the four of you drove to the trailer park. While Will and Dustin were sitting in the backseat, catching up, you and Eddie sat in silence, which made Dustin suspicious.

“Okay, what’s going on with you two?” Dustin asked, as he poked his head between you two.

You turned your head and asked, “What?”

“Ever since we came back, you two have been acting weird. You haven’t falling out again, have you?”

Both you and Eddie denied falling out, before Eddie pushed Dustin’s head back, as he said, “Now are you done with the interrogation, Columbo? I need to focus on the road.”

Dustin huffed, as he sat back in his seat. While Eddie was driving, he looked over at you, as he thought, Why did I kiss her? I’ve never been attracted to her. But, that kiss-

“Hey!” Eddie’s thoughts broke, as he heard Dustin yell. “Eyes on the road!”

A few moments later, Eddie drove through the trailer park and parked his van outside his place.

As you all got out, Wayne was coming out of the trailer, as he greeted you all.

“I’ve let your friends in,” Wayne said, as he got in his pickup truck. “Whatever you have planned tonight, be sure to clean up.”

“I thought you had the night off tonight,” Eddie replied.

“I do. Cain called and asked if I wanted to come over. I’m sure that he wanted Mary out of the house so she can go to the graduation party with Jason.”

After Wayne said goodbye, he drove off, as you waved, while Dustin, who was holding the bag, called, “See ya, Mr Munson.”

The two younger boys were walking to the trailer when Eddie came up to you. “Listen, sweetheart,” he began to speak. “About earlier-“

“Don’t worry about it, let’s just forget about it,” you quietly replied with a sad tone in your voice, before catching up with Dustin and Will. Eddie stood still and watched you walk away, figuring out how to approach you about the kiss, before catching with the others.

As you all went inside the trailer, you noticed that El and Max sitting on the sofa, chatting with Mike and Lucas. As the girls greeted you, Lucas told Eddie that they invited the girls over to watch the movie. Before Eddie could say anything, Dustin began to announce, “Before we watch the movie, we want-“

Suddenly, Eddie took the bag from him. “Hey!” Dustin exclaimed, “I haven’t finished.”

Eddie glared at him, as he retorted, “I’m still club leader and Dungeon Master, so I’ll make the announcement.”

“Okay, no need to act like a child,” Dustin mumbled.

“I heard that, butthead,” Eddie retorted, making Erica let out a stifling laugh.

Eddie turned to you, and said, as he smiled, “On behalf of Hellfire, I present you with this gift.”

Eddie handed over the bag to you, before you opened it. You pretended to be shocked, as you lifted the Hellfire shirt up, “Holy shit!” You exclaimed. “Thank you so much guys.”

As everyone clapped, Dustin leaned towards Will, as he whispered, “She’s definitely seen it already.”

After everyone congratulated you, Eddie suddenly announced, “Oh, and another thing. The band and I will be in California next month for an audition for a record company, so we won’t be attending Hellfire during that time.”

While everyone else cheered and clapped, you quietly clapped. You had no idea that the band was going away. Not once did Eddie mention it to you when the two of you had been spending time together. While Eddie padded towards the television, everyone else started sitting down when you plopped yourself down next to Max on the sofa. Eddie had inserted the tape into the VCR, and went to sit next to you when he saw that Dustin had commandeered the seat.

Eddie was about to make Dustin move when he looked at you, noticing that you were avoiding his gaze. Eddie sighed, before sitting on his uncle’s armchair, as the film started to play.

You were snacking on the popcorn while the film was showing the prom fight scene. While you and everyone else cheered for George McFly, Eddie sat silently with his hand resting on his cheek, unable to focus on the movie. All through the film, he kept looking at you, as he still thought about the kiss. He still didn’t understand what came over him. Not once, had he ever thought of you as more than an friend.

I just don’t get it, he thought to himself. I don’t know why I kissed her. Not gonna lie though, I kinda liked it.

He then remembered what Mary told him that night at the Hideout, about why you hid your crush on him, and how things would be awkward with him being your dealer if you had got together and broke up.

I’m no longer her dealer, he thought, as he continued to look at you. And we’re both single. So, maybe if she wants to-

He snapped himself out of his thoughts when he heard Gareth asked him, “Eddie, man. Why aren’t you watching?”

“Huh?” Eddie exclaimed, as he noticed that everyone, including you, were staring at him. He was quiet for a moment, before he suddenly stood up, as he mumbled, “I’m going for a smoke.”

Eddie walked past the counter, grabbing his packet of Camel’s, before heading out into the porch. You heard Jeff ask Gareth, “What’s up with him?”

You looked over at the door, wondering if Eddie was okay. You knew that you told him to forget about earlier, but you decided to check on him. So, you got up and made an excuse that you were going to the bathroom. You approached the bathroom door, as you checked that no one was watching you, before heading out to the porch, where you saw a spaced out Eddie, frantically smoking his cigarette, unaware that you were standing behind him. “Penny for your thoughts?” You asked, startling Eddie.

“Jesus Christ…” he groaned. “You could’ve given me a heart attack.”

You sat down on the old sofa, as Eddie continued to puff. “I thought you were watching the movie,” Eddie said. “You’re gonna miss the prom scene. I know that’s your favourite part.”

You giggled, surprised that Eddie remembered your favourite scene, before replying, “I’ve seen it like a gazillion times. I just wanted to check on you.”

You watched Eddie silently smoking, as you asked, “Is this about earlier? The kiss?”

Eddie stopped taking a puff, unsure what to say to you.

You sighed, before telling him, “Eddie, it’s okay.”

Eddie took notice of the sad tone in your voice, as he stubbed out his cigarette on the ashtray, when you continued to say, “I know that you didn’t mean it, and I’m sure that you want to forget that it ever happ-“

“I don’t” Eddie interjected, making you furrow your brow. “Look, I don’t know what came over me. I never once thought of you as more than a friend…”

“No, I get it,” you retorted, getting teary eyed, as you got to your feet and went back inside. Realising what he just said, Eddie got up and grabbed you, pulling you into his bedroom, making you yelp, before he shut the door. Fortunately, the others were so engrossed with the movie that they didn’t hear you two.

“What are you doing?” You asked in a hushed tone. “You can’t just-“

Before you could get another word out, Eddie cupped your face and passionately kissed you.

You heard Eddie moan, as he deepened the kiss.

To his surprise, you pushed him away. Eddie mumbled your name, as you slid down against the door, feeling confused.

He called your name once again, when you asked, “Why?”

Eddie furrowed his brow, as you asked, with tears brimming in your eyes, “Why did you…? You just said that you never thought of me as-“

“I know what I said,” Eddie interjected, as he squatted down in front of you. “But what I was trying to say was…I never thought of you like that, but after I kissed you, I couldn’t help but think that-“

You shook your head, as you interrupted.“Please don’t do this.”

“Do what?” Eddie asked.

“Make out that you suddenly have feelings for me-“

“What if I do?”

You glanced at him, as he sat on the floor, with his legs crossed, before he asked, “What if I do have feelings for you?”

“Eddie…” you mumbled, as you frantically shook your head. “We can’t-“

“What?” Eddie asked.

“We can’t be…” you quietly sobbed, as he crawled towards you and sat next to you.

“I don’t get it,” Eddie softly spoke. “I thought that you like me.”

“I do, it’s just…We’ve only just become friends again. And you’ve broken up with Chrissy not so long ago.”

Eddie sighed, before he asked, “Is it just because you don’t want to be a rebound? Are you worried about things getting awkward between us if we did break up while I was still your dealer?”

You continued to quietly cry when he asked, “Or are you worried that I’ll become an asshole again and neglect everything and everyone?”

You sniffled, when Eddie sighed before he said, “Look, sweetheart…” You felt him wrapping his arm around you as he explained, “That won’t happen. For one, I’m not dealing now. I promised Wayne that I won’t do it anymore.”

You stared at him in disbelief when Eddie confessed, “Also…I’m over Chrissy. And besides, I don’t want to go back to being that guy again.” You sniffled, as Eddie wiped your tears away, before you asked, “What about the band though? You’re going to California soon, and even if we did get together, it probably wouldn’t work out-“

“We’re just going a week,” Eddie interjected. “And it’s just to audition, we’re not moving there. Jesus, if Gareth’s mom thought that we were moving there, she wouldn’t let Gareth stay in the band unless he graduates.”

You gazed at him, as you blurted, “I didn’t know that you guys were even going.”

“Well I wanted to tell you straight away, but the guys wanted it to be surprise.”

Eddie started stroking your hair, as he continued to speak, “Look, I can see that you don’t want to jump into a relationship right now. Like you said, we’ve only just become friends again, so…I can wait.”

“Really?” You whispered.

“For as long as you need, sweetheart.”

You smiled, as you thanked him. Eddie leaned towards you and kissed the top of your head.

He then got to his feet, and pulled you up, before telling you, “We better get back, before the others wonder where we’ve got to.”

You nodded, as Eddie opened the door, and to your surprise, the most of the boys fell forward as they yelped, while the girls, Lucas and Will stood behind them.

As they got to their feet, letting out groans, you asked, “Have you been spying to us?”

“I told them not to do it,” Max told you.

Eddie was about to scowl at them when he noticed that the three older boys were sniffling. “Are you guys…crying?” He asked.

They denied it, claiming that dust was in their eyes. You giggled, as you and Eddie stepped out of his room.

Next

[angrycowboydreamland]

"I never knew you had a child?" The hero asked a bit puzzled. Him and Villan had quarreled many times, those were dark nights full bloodshed and violence. When the Hero had their hands full of crime lords and weapon trafficking. This was back when they had no one. When lonlyness drove them to crime or justice. This was before everything's changed. Before thier feelings for one another changed thier lives of forever. Never could Hero imagine that Villain, Villain, of all people, to hold a swattled baby in thier arms.

Villain smirked. "I never told you specifically you for a reason."

Hero frowned.

"I trust you hero," Villain added quickly. "But having a baby isnt good for the life I've built."

Hero understood. Villain was feared, hated even. He had enemies everywhere. Despite the kind, caring individual Hero saw him as, that didnt change the fact that Villain had made enamies over the last few years.

"How long have you been a dad?" Hero asked.

Villain shifted the baby from one arm to another. The bottle she was suckling on came away from her mouth. She cooed slightly at her meal being taken away.

"Around 6 months," Villain replied. "She was born in August, and its September now..."

Villains voice trailed off. "Yeah, about 6 months." He confirmed.

Hero took a step closer. "And the mother?"

Villains eyes darkened. "She didn't want her. Adoption was a better situation for her."

Villains looked away. Hero could see the crease in his forehead, the one he always made when deep in thought. The way his hair fell over his eyes, and how he didnt move it away when upset.

"Oh. I am so sorry Villain." Hero stood closer to Villain, placing a hand on his shoulder. "That is hard."

"Yes, it is." Villain agreed. "But now I've got her. And she's in good hands."

Villian reached down to hold one of the babies hands. She quickly latched onto his finger, holding it tight. Hero couldn't help but smile. They had never seen Villain so gentle like this. Relaxed as well. No matter how hard Hero tried, Villain relaxing was almost impossible.

"Villain," Hero began. Villain looked up to meet thier gaze. "Let me help."

Villain looked puzzled. "Help with what?"

"Raising her," Hero replied. "Diapers, baby food, babysitting, anything else."

Villain raised an eyebrow.

"Patrolling the city, tech work, grocery shopping-"

"Let me help with it all." Hero said.

"But you are the hero of city-" Villain began. "I cannot ask you to leave your own duties behind to help with mine."

"I will not be alone," Hero added. "Sidekick can help with my duties as well. I trust them. And besides-"

Hero motioned to the cast on thier arm. "I wont be of much use with my arm in this shape."

"Hero I-" Villain began.

"No Villain," Hero cut in. "I insist."

Villain of quiet for a moment, then-

"Thank you." It was quiet. So quiet that Hero was sure they imagined it. But the thank you was confirmed with the tears in Villain eyes. Villain must've been so exhausted from fighting and coming home to a growing baby. Hero couldn't imagine the stress Villain was under.

"Of course Villain. You are one of my closest friends. I'd do anything to help you." Hero said.

[josefavomjaaga]

Andoche Junot to Laure Junot, 13 October 1812 (II)

Sorry for taking so long with the next translation. This is the second (and last, I think) letter from Junot to Laure, intercepted by the Russians, his reply to her letter that I translated here. But just so it’s mentioned, before this one, the volume also cites a letter from Junot to his secretary Cissout, lecturing the poor guy on having sent him the wrong silk stockings and having bought eau de Cologne from the wrong manufacturer. Before giving him instructions on how to distribute the letters to the ladies, that is. This second letter was to be given to Laure only some time after the first.

Junot, Duke of Abrantès, to Duchess Laure d’Abrantès, rue des Champs-Elysées, Paris Mojaisk, 13 October 1812, 6 P.M. I had written to you this morning, my dear Laure, in order to complain about you not writing to me, and I told you that I was eagerly awaiting the letters that would scold me. I've just been given this one, which I'll send back to you after I've taken a copy, because it's quite curious. The first page pleased me (to the word: pity, which is not noble), but when I saw that I was a fool, all the more guilty because I was the master of recovering my reason, and that I was a sick man who did not want to take medicine, I said to myself: "My Laure still has her head full of recipes from Aix and is a little out of sorts to tell me that it was not to me that she promised her esteem with all her friendship as the price of the noble efforts I would make to deserve the name of man, by stifling an unhappy feeling. This poor Laure adds that she has been saying this to me for many months. To this I exclaimed: "But it was eight months ago the day before yesterday that I last heard you speak!" Perhaps it's in her letters that she wants to tell me, I reread thirty-nine of them straight away, which are still there in front of me, and I didn't see any of that. As I don't have the drafts of my letters, I couldn't remember if I had asked you for medicine for my wound, and really if you sent me some balm, I wouldn't know where to put it. I do have a few scars, and I'd be very happy if you could erase them if, by making me more beautiful, it would add more charm to our friendship. Until then, the only thing that had gone wrong with the rather disjointed letter was the misquotes. But the general confession brought me back and I saw clearly that a woman who so openly accuses herself to her husband has made up her mind and from now on will have nothing to reproach herself for. Go on, my Laure, don't give rise to feelings that you can't share, and even less to those that you feel ready to share; the others are all right, but those void, I don't want. How much I would have shared your happiness, if your letter had actually found me between my mother and my son. Alas, this first happiness has long since been taken from me, and when will the other come? Will it be without bitterness? I thank you for not having made the trip to Geneva that I would have disapproved of; you didn't tell me about it, but that's all right. No doubt the happiness and glory of your life now lie in your children, and by allowing me to keep my unhappy feelings for you, by sharing them a little and giving me your esteem and all your friendship, you would not be deprived of any happy future, but we should only say these things to each other.

I think, my good friend, that this letter you expected from me is good and reasonable, but I beg you not to press me to change my feelings.I assure you that you would lose out, and allow me to use the word constancy to express the sweetness of this feeling. It is always better to fear a little than to give oneself without reserve to such a sincere friendship, which always ends up not being all that severe. As far as I am concerned, I guarantee you that no matter what you do, you will never take away from me the hope that one day my friendship will be stronger than yours and that I will be able to drag it along in spite of it; so, if you want to believe me, keep your fears, they are necessary. The report on your health is what I disliked most about your letter, because it tells me that you are still suffering. Farewell, my Laure, write to me often, but more directly than that. P.S. - Send me my last letter, which made you feel such pity, I'll burn it.

As to the »Write more directly!« - I share the feeling, your Excellency 😁. And it applies to you, too.

But mostly I’m struck by Laure Junot apparently really writing about her husband being close to his long-dead mother.

I’ve tried to look into the personal situation of Laure and her Andoche a bit but I feel I would need to read all the 14+ volumes in order to understand. So I’ll just leave it to @snowv88 or other people in the know to hopefully shed some light on it all. Is Junot deliberately misunderstanding some of what Laure had written?

If it is of interest, I can also translate the letter to Laure’s friend Madame Caroline "Calo" Lallemand, who was instructed to write to Junot about how Laure reacted to this letter.

[harrys-yellow-snow]

perfect - an h.s one shot °•. ✿ .•°

PART FOUR

read part one here ! part two here ! part three here !

word count: 4.1k

themes/triggers/tropes: fluff, angst, lime, arguing, fake dating, relationship...fixing?

“Nova,” she opened her eyes to the sound of Niall’s soft voice. He shook her lightly, allowing her to open her eyes. The haze covering her vision slowly disappeared as she sat up, rubbing them a bit. He sat at the edge of her bed with his phone in his hands. She looked at the clock on her bedside table and it read 6:24 AM.

“What’s wrong?”

“Harry called me and he wanted to speak with you.”

“What?” she slid farther down the bed until her feet were hanging off and her knees were barely touching Niall’s. 

“Do you want me to give you his number so you can talk to him? Or no. You don’t have to talk to him if you don’t want to,” he said, entering the passcode of his phone, opening up his contact list. He scrolled down to the H’s and found Harry’s number.

“I mean… sure. What the hell does he want at 6:30 in the morning, though? Did he wake you?”

“Yeah, but it’s fine.”

Nova sighed. “Sure, you can give it to me. I’ve been meaning to talk to him, so I guess this is my only chance.”

She hopped over to the bedside table, then rolled back to Niall with her phone in her hands, eyes still tired, but ready to receive his number.

“Wait. I already have it, remember? I wanted to call him anyway at some point,” Nova explained, clicking on Harry’s contact. H.♡. She sighed and turned off her phone with his contact still open. She stared at the black screen then turned to face her friend again.

“I’ll call him in a bit. Thank you for telling me, Niall.”

“It’s no problem. I’m sorry if I woke you.”

“Don’t worry about it. I need to talk to him.”

He got up, waved, and walked out after the silence had gotten too uncomfortable for both of them. 

When Nova opened her phone, she was left with an empty picture of a familiar contact. She had taken it out months ago, refusing to look at a photo of him ever again. She realized that didn;t work out too well after seeing him at the party the other night. Nova’s finger governed over the call button and she clicked it out of pure curiosity and longing. It turned black as she put it up to her ear. The dial tone echoed and bounced through her head, her heart racing as she waited. She waited for what seemed like hours before a soft voice came from the other side. She sat up straight.

“Hello?”

“Hi,” she said.

“Nova?” Her name rolled off his tongue like it never did before. He never seemed so upset, yet so happy to speak with her again. It was always hard to read him.

“Harry,” Nova replied, twisting her finger around a piece of her bed sheet that was sticking up.

“Uhm, good morning,” he mumbled. The connection shriveled, sending strange static sounds into her left ear and out the right one.

“It’s like, the middle of the night for me. What are you doing awake so early?”

“I couldn’t sleep. I wanted to call you yesterday, but Niall told me you were busy, so I didn’t think I’d bother.” His voice was smooth. Much smoother than it was after the party, considering he had probably had a couple of drinks before they first interacted. 

The two of them went silent. She could hear the rustling of his sheet through the line. It seemed like it was growing rusty. She thought of how he possibly could have looked on the other side. Messy, thin curls, resting carefully on his forehead. When she heard him sigh, she imagined his soft breath pushing them up, then meticulously landing in that same place. She thought of his fingers wrapping around the sheets, just as hers had a few minutes before. 

“I was wondering something,” Harry started, “what if…” he stopped, sighing again, “I don’t know. You’d probably say no.”

“Why? Just say it,” Nova said.

“How would you feel about coming to my place? Not in a… you know, weird way. Just for us to talk a little more.”

Nova paused, her cheeks flushing a bright red. She adjusted slightly on top of bed and cleared her throat.

“Like, in L.A.?” she asked, instantly regretting that, knowing it was obvious.

“Yeah…” he sounded concerned, “unless you wanted to go back to New York—”

“No! Let’s—let’s stay in L.A. That’s perfectly fine with me.” She smiled, but it quickly faded when she realized he couldn’t see it. She refused to smile with her teeth. Just a thin line of her lips curved upwards, small creases forming next to her eyes. The creases next to his eyes were much more prominent when he smiled, though, which made up for it for sure.

“So, when is a good time for you?” He asked.

“I doubt your girlfriend would want me there—wait. Why are you inviting me over when you still have a girlfriend? Wouldn’t she be mad?”

“She’s with her parents this weekend.”

Nova shook her head, trying not to audibly sigh, “I don’t like the idea of that, Harry.”

“It’s fine. Just, meet me later tonight, alright? You know where?”

“Yeah, but—”

“No buts. If you want to talk about… whatever, we can talk when you get here.”

“Okay.”

They sat in silence once again. A lump in her throat formed. It was incredibly hard to swallow. 

“You have a nice day, okay? Niall better let you come to my house…” His voice softened up once again. It was the nicest he’d sounded in months. She forgot this is what he really was like.

“Okay,” she mumbled, “you too.” The phone disconnected after a few seconds. She threw it onto the bed and rubbed her face with her hands, yet smiling. Finally, a one on one conversation with him. She needed him back, but taking him away from his girlfriend felt like such a crime. That’s when her smile dropped and faded. He must have loved Evangeline. Then why was he letting her come to his house? What if Evangeline was actually there, ready to hurt her? SHe had to stop overthinking. Her only option was to show up on his doorstep and whatever happens, happens.

°•. ✿ .•°

The mountains on the horizon faded out in the distance. Just above his home were the tops of palm trees. She remembered all the times they would chase each other around the thin trunks of the trees while trying to grab each other by the wrists. When one of them was successful, they would pull the other one close, planting a soft kiss on their lips. It would send a shock through her, making her want more, but then he’d walk away into the house, asking her if she wanted a drink.

She lightly knocked on his door, but realized that wouldn’t gain any response. She tried again, but was taken aback by the opening of the door. She dropped her hand slowly when her eyes caught the unique shape of his frame. Tall, dark, and handsome, as the saying goes, but he was so much more than that. She started at his feet and quickly trailed her eyes up until she reached the very tip of a few ahoges. He was covered in a black sweater and dark beige shorts. Her nose scrunched when she saw his socks and sandals. He had a newly shaved face, which she noticed as he ran his index and middle fingers down the right side of his jaw. It spread out the skin and he leaned up against the doorway.

“Good evening,” he said, his voice low. A pit in her stomach grew and grew until she wanted to collapse onto the ground, but she refused to do so.

“Hi,” was all she managed to let out. He opened the door wide and led her inside.

It was just as Nova remembered it. Large glass windows, a spiral glass staircase off to the side, leading up to the many bedrooms they slept in together. As she looked around, flashes of memories came flooding back. She saw familiar, happy figures dancing, drinking on the couch, rushing upstairs, slammed against the wall, desperate for more. Nova snapped herself out of her thoughts as she saw him walk into the kitchen through a door splashed with sunlight. She followed closely behind after dropping her bags off in the living room. She sat down on the hard bar stool and rested her arms on the counter.

“Why did you want me here?” Nova asked. Harry began washing his hands, turning her back to her. His shoulders were perfectly broad, but still low enough to be likable. The muscles in his back were prominent, even through his sweater. A bit of his t-shirt underneath stuck out near his backside.

“You know why.”

“I don’t,” she lied.

“You wanted to come here. Niall told me so.” Nova didn’t respond. She longingly stared at the counter. Why was she already regretting that she came? Why did she bother to call him? She got herself together and looked up at him again. He reached up and got a bottle of vodka from the cabinet above, took it down and poured it into the glass he apparently had placed on the far end of the island. It stretched across the whole kitchen, so he was as from her as possible. That really boosted her self-esteem. 

“I know he did.”

“So, you did want to come here?”

Nova sighed, “yes. I did. Are you sure Evangeline isn’t here?” Are you sure she isn’t listening to us?

“I told you,” he said, “she’s with her family this weekend. What are you, paranoid?”

“No,” she lied again. She was more than paranoid. “If you know that I want you back, then why did you let me come here?”

He took away the stool next to me and placed it on the other side of the island. He sat down and looked me in the eyes, grasping the thin base of the glass, but refusing to take a drink. 

“I want to make things right.”

Nova’s eyes went wide, but quickly back to normal. She bit the inside of her lip and looked down. She had absentmindedly begun kicking her feet and tapping the countertop. 

“How?” she asked.

“By talking to you.”

“Nothing’s going to work. You have a girlfriend and the paparazzi—”

“She was just a coping mechanism, and she knows it.”

“What? So you’re using her?”

“No. We’ve been friends for a while. She said that she was attracted to me at some point, but that was years ago. She saw how much pain I was in after we broke up, so she came up with the brilliant idea of… fake dating? I don’t think that’s what it really is. I’m not sure, but she knows and she’s fine with it.”

Nova was not pleased with the idea of “fake dating” his friend. Was she really okay with it? What if she admitted to me that she really wants him?

“Are you sure? She seems like a really nice girl. I don’t want you to hurt her too.” Nova felt so vulnerable at that moment. Her body was clenched and she gave him that horrible look of an abandoned puppy. She never gave anyone a look like that before. He rolled his eyes and took a sip of his drink. He squinted at the sudden spice.

“I don’t think you ever apologized to me,” she continued, “you just… left. And we hadn;t spoken since, you know, the party.”

He sighed, resting his arms on the kitchen island like she had a couple of minutes before. “I’m sorry.”

She scoffed and started laughing. “You think that’s going to work now? It’s been months, Harry! Months! You think two little words are going to fix this now? If you had said that to me within a day of leaving, then maybe I’d forgive you. Just maybe. Maybe I wouldn’t have!”

“Nova—”

“I’ll admit it. I want you back. Badly.” She aggressively stood up, pushing the stool back. It wobbled and almost fell to the ground, but carefully landed on its three feet. “But I was too afraid to say anything.” Her eyes began to swell, thinking of all the times they danced in this kitchen they were standing in. They rarely fought, until the very end. Those last few weeks were brutal. Arguments almost every day, countless nights of weeping alone while he was out doing “errands”, breaking away from each other’s embrace in the middle of the night. Nothing was going well.

“Does faking dating that girl give me a bit of a chance? Just a little?” She pinched her fingers together, trying not to break down and sink into the floor. Who knows if he’d even help. 

He stood up and placed the tips of his fingers against the counter, watching her start to sob in front of her with a traumatized look on her face. He came over and reached his arms out, taking her into a warm embrace. Her eyes widened, but she fell into him like her bed, back home in the city. His chest covered by that black sweater was like a pillow. It softened the impact of her head, but still sent a sharp pain through it. She cried and she cried as he took her over to the couch in the living room. He kept his arms around her the whole time until she broke away. She wiped her tears (and a bit of snot) onto her shirt, which was his cue to hand her the box of tissues. Her head was beating, agonizing pain and exhaustion spreading through her entire body. 

He took her in again and let his lips rest against the top of her ear. She felt a small peck on her hairline. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” He grabbed her tighter and squeezed her. The pressure made her lose balance, sending them down onto the couch. His large body was right on top of her, crushing her with great force, but he felt like a weighted blanket, comforting her with every slight movement. 

When they broke apart, a tear stained his cheek, which he quickly wiped away. He looked in any direction that wasn’t near her field of vision, but that didn;t work. She grabbed his chin, inaudibly snapping his neck at the slightest. Her grip was hard, making him wince. 

“Why?” she asked, tears still streaming down her face. A confused look spread across his face. “Why did you break me?”

He rolled his eyes, not knowing what to say. He knew why, but she already knew. He knew that she knew. 

“I didn’t want to, Nova,” his voice broke, “it was the paparazzi—”

“I know it was the paparazzi. We could’ve been perfectly fine with them. We could’ve run away.” She grabbed his hands, which he gladly took, longing for her warmth for what felt like a hundred years.

“We couldn’t have run away,” he whispered, “we’d lose everything.”

“What else did I have to lose? I had you and that’s all that mattered. You ran away without me.” She took his face in her hands. He refused to look at her. Absolutely refused. 

“If you wanted to run away, you should’ve just said so.”

“I know,” tears filled his eyes again, one dropping down into his lap. She wiped it away when he finally looked at her. Their faces were only inches apart. She snuck glances at his lips every couple seconds. She was surprised she remembered them almost perfectly. He had a little stubble, which he must have just shaved that morning.

“I’m sorry.”

“I know. I know you are. I shouldn’t forgive you, but I will.” He turned his head away from her again in shame.

“Well that makes me feel great,” he said sarcastically, the tone in his voice growing harder.

“That’s not what I meant. I never thought I would forgive you. You know how hard it is for me to give people second chances. But I would, just for you.” His tears streamed down harder, coating the tips of her fingers in guilt, shame, and truth as she wiped each and every one away. She felt a sense of sincerity in his voice, not one that she would hear if it wasn’t for today. 

“Why? I broke you.”

“I’m the only one who knows you for who you really are, Harry. You’re the sweetest person in the world. I know you wouldn;t purposefully hurt me,” she said. Inside, she realized she had been lying to herself this whole time. She knew it. He was the only person she can be genuine around. She can’t even trust herself with her own feelings. “I swear to God, I wouldn’t trade you for anyone else.” Their foreheads touched, brushing their noses against each other.

“After everything,” he sniffled, “you really still love me?”

“Of course.” Their lips locked in a beautiful embrace. Moving together like gear, each piece fitting within each other like a puzzle. They caress each other so gently, running their hands from each other's faces down their arms. He gripped tightly onto her waist, pushing her back down onto the couch. He pushed closer, his torso slamming harder into her. A quiet sound came escaping from her open lips. A sound that intrigued him, running his hands through her hair. 

“Nova—” He muttered as his mouth slid down her neck, placing kisses and bites down to her collarbone. “Don’t start something you can’t finish.”

“I should be saying that to you.” She pushed him off, throwing him to the other side of the couch, putting her on top. His eyes lit up. The sparkle was back, filling her with pure bliss. “I kind of wish you were wearing a button down shirt…”

“Why, so you can rip it off of me?” he purred.

She hit him playfully on the chest, digging her fingernails into the sweater. She tugged at it, watching the smile spread across his face.

“What are you waiting for?”

“I think we should take this upstairs.”

°•. ✿ .•°

A young woman opened the door to the luxury home, taking short steps inside. She took off her outerwear and hung it up on the rack next to the door. 

“Hi,” she said, walking into the kitchen. Her boyfriend was washing his hands at the sink. He looked over at her. She expected a smile, but nothing came. He turned his attention back to the sink, letting the water coat his hands. The pressure was perfect. He ran each one of his fingers under, having each stick of soap fall off like a melting ice cube in the hot summer sun. He disappointedly turned off the water and dried his hands with a disposable paper towel. She stood there with a longing, yet concerning stare.

“Harry?” She followed him out onto the deck, looking out at the mountains on the horizon. Two ivory colored armchairs were placed next to each other at an angle, waiting to be sat in. “What’s going on with you?” She grabbed his arm, but he quickly pulled away.

“There’s something I need to talk to you about.” his voice was low as he made his way over to the chairs, sitting down and placing his arms on the sides of the chair. He looked sick, which she quickly noticed. She took a seat in the chair nearby.

“What’s wrong?”

“I had Nova here the other night.”

Her heart dropped. Straight into her stomach. She could feel the beat of her heart quickly fading in the chemicals that usually dissolved her food. It was now full. Would she ever eat again? It would never digest. She could never get over it, and she didn’t even know what he had to say next.

“Look, Evangeline. I know you love me. I’m terribly sorry, but I want her back.” Her heart flew up to her throat, making an unswallowable lump. “You know why I started dating you.”

“To use me, apparently.”

“I wasn’t using you. We agreed that we’d be in a relationship so I could get over her. You know that I love her. That doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy being with you. But we agreed that it’d be fake. You told me that was fine with you. Deep down, I knew you were upset.”

“But just to have that opportunity with you was enough,” Evangeline said, her finger gripping the soft leather of the armchair.

“I feel so horrible,” he whispered under his breath. 

“I feel used.”

“Evangeline—I didn’t use you! Did you not listen to our agreement? I needed to get over her and I knew you wanted to spend time with me. You came up with the goddamn idea! You wanted to date me! So don’t blame me for using you when you’re the one who started it!”

“I didn’t start it! You’re the one who broke up with her and didn’t apologize, then ran to me for help. We hadn’t seen each other in so long. As soon as I saw you, I fell for you again. I couldn’t help it. I’m sorry.”

“I was hoping I’d fall for you too. I did, actually—”

“Then she came into your life again, right? At that stupid party?” she said, standing up in aggravation, “I didn’t even want to go! You knew she was going to be there, right? Let me guess, Niall told you?”

“He didn’t.” Harry rolled his eyes and stood up too, beginning to pace around. He held his face in his hands, toughly rubbing his cheeks and forehead.

“She just happened to be there?” Evangeline was fuming. You could practically see her ears burning as smoke came rolling out.

“Look, I get that you’re upset but—”

“You didn’t answer my question. She just happened to be there—?”

“Yes! She did! I’m sorry, okay? I’m sorry! I just wanted to tell you that we were going to end the fake dating and still stay friends because she and I are finally together again!” He regretted that last part instantly.

“You’re what?”

“No, no. Evangeline. That’s not what I meant—oh God, don’t start crying. Come on, love.” He walked over with open arms but she pushed him away, sobbing.

“You lied to me!”

“How did I lie?” he asked. They were both shouting at this point, their voices echoing through the mountain peaks. Birds flew for cover and squirrels scurried up trees.

“You told me you wouldn’t get back together with her!” she cried, “you’re such a terrible person…”

“Evangeline. Listen to me,” he took her chin in his hands, but she quickly swatted him away. She wanted nothing to do with him. Never again. “LISTEN TO ME!” Her eyes widened at the side of him she had never heard before. She tried to focus on him through blurry eyes. “You agreed to our deal. You clearly agreed to it. You came up with it, for God’s sake. Don’t tell me that it’s my fault.”

“So you never loved me?” she sniffled.

“That’s not true. I did, but I was hoping I could love you for longer.” He took a hold of her chin and planted one last kiss on her lips. Her face squinted and her cheeks flushed.

“But she came along to ruin it.” Evangeline got to her feet, wiping her leggings off from any dirt that stuck to the fabric when she dropped to her knees.

“She was there the whole time. You just didn’t realize it.” He also got to his feet and made his way to the door. “We’re still friends. But if you dare go after her,” he practically jogged over to tower over her, sticking a finger into her face, “we’ll have to cut ties forever.” He walked back into the house, leaving Evangeline sobbing on her knees, sending waves of pain through the sky for miles.

yes, this was a hefty part, but we're almost at the end! just one more part! i know last chapter was a filler but it was leading up to this moment, plus building Nova's friendship with Niall. It shows how even though he invited Harry to that party, they're still good friends and how she can trust him, if that makes sense.

I think you'll all enjoy the ending!!

[lilyevanstan1325]

🔥 Dangerous Game 🔥

Chapter 2

Amaya POV

6 months later

This morning I got up in a good mood which is very rare for me so I let myself be carried away by this positive energy.

I put on my trusty running shoes and went to Central Park.

Although we are in the month of February today the sun is shining high in the sky and the temperature is quite pleasant.

I'm not the only one who has taken advantage of this beautiful day and even though it's only 7 in the morning, the park is full of people.Many others like me who have decided to make the most of this day to train outdoors.

I wear my Airpods and to the rhythm of Back in Black by AC/DC I start running.

I try to keep my mind focused on running, on my breathing but fail miserably.

I sigh.

With my mind I go back to the night of six months ago.

My memories go back to that pub.

I don't often think about it and mostly when I see that my thoughts are taking that direction I try to distract myself with something else.

But sometimes I give in to memories.

The way that man fucked me in that bathroom is something out of the ordinary.

Thinking that a perfect stranger can figure out what you need is insane.

The way his blue eyes searched for mine at all times has something inexplicable about it.

I slow down my run near a fountain, I approach to fill the bottle of water that I have with me since I have already drunk it all.

Damn it's really hot today.

I am about to take off the windbreaker I am wearing, tying it at the waist.I simply wearing leggings and a long-sleeved cotton shirt.

All strictly black.

I love how this color fits me.

It highlights my green eyes and makes my red hair alive like the flames of hell.

I feel like this color highlights the true essence of my soul.

If I still have a soul.I doubt it.

I don't think being a professional killer helps and if I really had a soul it would surely be black.

Black represents me.

I shake my head to try to banish these gloomy thoughts, I don't want to lose that rare momentum of good humor with which I woke up.

I do a bit of stretching and I get back to running but I don't even have time to pick up the pace that the smartphone in my jacket pocket begins to play.

I stop again, cursing through my teeth.

I take the phone out of my pocket and check the display.

Maria Hill's name flashes before my eyes.

Strange.

I answer immediately.

“Agent Hill since when did you become such an early riser?This is a real surprise”

She responds with a loud yawn.

“Forget Snow.Last night I had to monitor the movements of some suspicious trucks and went to bed when it was already 3AM.Fury phoned me just 4 hours later.And this is why I called you"

"To let me know that you slept little?"

I reply with a chuckle.

"Fuck you Snow" now she laughs too.

"Anyway Fury wants you.You have 45 minutes to make yourself presentable and go to his office"

"Did he by chance tell you why?"

Strange.To look for me with all this urgency and above all at the last minute there must be something big underneath.

"No I'm sorry, I don't know anything" replies Maria not before having made another yawn.

I roll my eyes.

"See you later, now I'm going to have another cup of coffee.I hope this help me recover" she mutters in a sleepy voice.

“OK Maria catch up, see you in the office later”

“Bye Snow”

She hangs up and I put the phone back in my pocket.

Fury is waiting for me at 08:15.

In exactly 40 minutes.

I have to call a taxi to go home otherwise I'll never make it.

As soon as I arrive I rush up the stairs and enter my apartment.

I undress as I make my way to the bathroom, leaving a trail of clothes behind me.

I will take care of it steely when I return.

I step into the shower and immediately started lathering my hair.After rinsing them and applying the conditioner, I wash my body sprinkling it with my favorite citrus shower gel.

The scent tickles my nostrils.

I rinse well and get out of the shower.

At 8 o'clock I'm ready and headed for Fury's office, if I don't encounter traffic I should make it up to 5 minutes late.

I get off the taxi right in front of the majestic building that houses the offices of the New York headquarters of S.H.I.E.L.D.

I stride across the atrium, the echo of the heels of my stilettos in shiny black leather by Kurt Geiger, echoing in the high ceilings.

I pass a busy Maria Hill.

"Hi Hill, is it better?"

"After 4 coffees, let's say that at least I am able to articulate sentences of complete meaning"

We walk together towards one of the four elevators available. "Come up with me to Fury?"

"No sorry, I have to go to the logistics floor.I have some documents to be signed by Agent Brown" she sighs heavily.

"Yuck!That man is so gross"

I reply with compassionate eyes.

"Slimy" we say at the same time.

Let's laugh together.

Agent Brown is famous for his long eye, you can always catch him looking at your tits or ass.

At that moment the elevator doors open and Rumlow comes out followed by a dozen agents, all armed to the teeth.

"An eventful start to the day, huh?"

I smile at him out of courtesy.

"Oh you can bet redhead" and so saying he walks away.

"I hate when he calls me that"

I murmur through clenched teeth.

"You know very well he does it to flirt.Why do you refuse all his invitations?That man devours you with his eyes every time he sees you.His eyes scream SEX" makes me participate Maria of her thoughts.

I can understand her disbelief.

Brock is a handsome, charming man and God only knows how big his muscles are.

But there is something about him that does not convince me.

"You already know" I reply observing the display that marks the approach to our destination.

"There's something about him that I don't like.He seems to be hiding something"

“Oh something he hides.And he looks really nice big.And he doesn't hide it so sincerely”

She laughs heartily at the same joke as her.

"Hill I don't understand if it's sleep deprivation or if you've lost your sense of reason"

The bling of the elevator tells us that we are on the logistics floor.

Maria is preparing to get out.

"Shall we have a drink one of these evenings?" she asks me as the doors are closing.

"Sure" I say.

The elevator continues its ascent and a bit of anxiety makes room inside me.

What could possibly want that is so urgent the director of S.H.I.E.L.D. at 8 am on Saturday?

I'm sure I'll find out soon.

I smooth the totally imaginary folds of my shirt.

This morning I wore a simple white shirt, a pair of black palazzo pants and my beloved black leather jacket.

I stop in front of the desk of Dana, Fury's secretary.

“Hi Dana, I'm here on Fury's orders”

She moves her eyes away from the PC screen and then focuses on my figure.

“Hi Amaya.They are already in the office.They're waiting for you”

I raise an eyebrow.

"They are waiting me?Plural?"

"Yeah, along with the director are Tony Stark and Steve Rogers"

She looks excited.

"Oh my God you can't understand what a wonderful smile Captain America has"

I laugh heartily and answer her.

"I didn't know you had a thing for blondes.Michael didn't is it brown?"

"Oh shut up!Cap is still Cap" sighs the blonde secretary.

I shake my head and get ready to enter the office not before Dana has announced my arrival via her intercom.

How strange.

What on earth could I have in common with Iron Man and Captain America?

What can push Fury to reunite Agent Zero and two of the most famous Avengers in the same room?

I think I'll find out soon.

"You can enter now" the voice of Dana brings me back to reality.

With a sure and decisive step I make my entrance.

The three men present inside the large office turn to me.

The only one to stand up is Captain Rogers.

"Good morning gentlemen.What can I do for you, director?"

Steve Rogers comes a few steps closer to me and holds out his hand.

"I'm Steve Rogers, nice to meet you"

His tight is strong and decisive.

“The pleasure is mine Captain.I'm agent Amaya Snow” I reply.

He smiles, Dana is right, he has a really nice smile.

"Please just call me Steve"

I smile embarrassed back.

Tony's bold voice breaks in followed by laughter.

"Seriously Fury?" he looks annoyed.

"We spoke for one of your best agents and you introduce us to this little girl?She's a kid"

He turns to me making a gesture with his hand.

"No offense"

"Oh no please.Go ahead" my tone comes out a little more sarcastic than I wanted.

"Tony don't be rude"

Steve intervenes, then addresses me directly.

"Forgive him"

"Don't worry Steve, it's ok"

I observe Fury who hasn't said a word yet.

Meanwhile, Steve has settled back into the chair in front of the desk.

I ignore what Stark says and turn to Fury again.

"Can I be useful in some way director?"

He watches me carefully and then with infinite calm he turns to Tony Stark.

"You asked me for a new member for your team.You asked me for the best.And that's what I'm proposing to you"

I can't follow what he says.

What are they talking about?

"Gentlemen, she is Agent Zero"

My eyes widen in disbelief.

What the hell is he doing?

Why is he blowing up my cover?

I intervene to try to stem the damage.

"Excuse me director, I think I don't understand"

Fury smiles sweetly at me from the other side of the desk.

"It's okay Amaya, relax"

I take courage in both hands and turn to the two Avengers who stare at me open-mouthed.

"So it's not a legend?" gives Steve incredulous.

Tony looks me up and down.

"What's up?" I ask him.

"Did you think it was a man, tattooed arms and mustache?"

"More or less yes" he replies smiling "but without a mustache.The mustache is too 80s"

I smile.

Fury takes the floor again.

"Agent Snow is the best and I'm sure she can become a great resource for your team"

Me in the Avengers?

Me alongside Rogers, Stark and Banner?

Alongside Barnes?

I panic.

No, no and then no.

"Fury could I talk to you in private if you don't mind?"

"Sure" his answer.

Rogers and Stark stand up, they both hold out their hand to me.

"I hope to see you again.I think you might be interesting” Tony tells me.

I remain silent.

I don't really know what to say.

They both say goodbye to Fury and leave the office.

I don't even give the door time to lock itself up, which I explode.

"What's wrong with you?Did you loose your mind Nick?"

“Don't call me that”

“And instead I'll call you what I want.I've saved your old ass so many times that I can take this confidence with you"

We stare into each other's eyes for a few endless minutes.

Fury starts laughing heartily

"You remind me so much of your mother, you know?She was so exuberant too"

"I'm not exuberant.I'm angry.What story is this?Why on earth should I work with the Avengers?I'm fine where I am"

"Amaya this can become the occasion of your life.You will have the opportunity to work in a team, to learn to trust someone else as well as yourself"

Why  he doing this to me?

“But I'm fine like that.I'm fine by myself"

"Bullshit" yells the man in front of me clapping his hand on the desk.

I look at him in disbelief, I am speechless.

I see him close his eyes and sigh.

When he opens them his gaze is softened.

“You know how much I care about you Amaya.You've been my right hand for so long.You're not just an agent to me, you know that"

"Then why are you throwing me like this"

I can't help but my eyes get wet.

He goes around the desk to stand in front of me.

"Don't see it like that.You know very well that I would never do it.But in these years I have observed you, year after year you have closed yourself more and more in yourself.Dependent on this job more and more every day!And I don't want this for you"

I can read the pain in his eyes.

“You have no friends, you have no love in your life.You are alone just like me and I don't want to see you end up like me"

"But you are my family Nick, you are my mentor"

"But I won't be there forever and when I'm gone, what will you do?Who will take care of you?"

A tear escapes from my eyes.

I had no idea that Fury had all these worries about me.

"I am able to take care of myself"

"I thought so of myself too" Fury smiles at me.

"But in the end I became attached to you.Because basically no one is born to live alone"

He approaches me and grab me by the shoulders.

"Listen I'm not telling you to accept with your eyes closed but think about it, okay?Sleep on it tonight and tomorrow you will give me an answer.But I sincerely really hope you accept, it would be the right thing to do.Do you trust my opinion?”

“I will trust you until death Nick”

He takes his hands off me and goes back to sit behind his desk.

“Now you can go, I'll leave you the day off.Go home, relax.Think about it.See you tomorrow morning"

"Ok" I whisper.

I leave without adding anything else, I don't trust myself so much at this moment.

I walk away quickly, I want to put as much distance as possible between me and this place.

I quickly reach the exit.

I see Agent Hill gesturing in my direction but I don't stop.

I'll apologize to her later.

As soon as I get outside, I am hit by a gust of cold air.

The beautiful sun that was shining this morning has been replaced by large black clouds.

The weather conditions have turned upside down in the space of nothing a bit like my day.

Or like my life if I accepted this proposal.

I find myself wandering the streets of New York, horrified.

Without realizing it I find myself in front of the door of my house, I go up the stairs dragging my feet.

I feel emptied of any strength whatsoever.

I enter the house and taking off only my shoes and I throw myself into the bed, throwing the blanket over my head.

I think of the Fury proposal.

Could I really become an Avengers?

Does Fury really think I live up to that?

He has been my guide for the past 12 years, he has been my only point of reference in my life.

If I accepted it would mean that I would no longer work alongside him.

But I would be exposed, recognized.

I do not know what to do.

A small voice in my head, however, rebels, tries to raise the tone to be heard.

This voice keeps telling me that what the director says is true.

I have been alone all these years and this situation is starting to weigh on me.

I am 28 and have no plans for the future.

I am afraid of it.

Fear because if I think about myself in 15/20 years I see myself alone and as far as I can say it's okay so I know it's not the truth.

The thing holding me back, or rather the person holding me back, is James fucking Barnes.

How could he react to my presence?

Will he remember me?

Will he recognize me?

And above all, will I be able to work alongside him pretending that six months ago it never happened?

What a nice mess.

I spent my life working in the shadows, seeking revenge for my parents but on the way I forgot the most important thing.

Too focused on revenge.

I forgot to live and I'm sure my parents wouldn't have wanted this for me.

I feel a weight in the center of my chest.

I feel thrilled to be able to start over but also fucking scared.

It will not be easy to join an already well-formed group, with people who have bonded over the years, forming almost a family.

Family.

I too had one.

I curl up on myself, the leather of the jacket creaking with my every movement.

I feel my head explode and with millions of questions in my head I slowly slip into sleep.

I wake up it's dark outside.

I feel disoriented.

With my hand I look for the alarm clock on my night stand to try to figure out what time it is.I find the alarm clock and face it, it's 8PM.

Damn.

I slept 10 hours, it hadn't happened to me in months.

I decide to get up and change my clothes.

I wear simple black sweatpants and a white t-shirt.

Barefoot I head to my small kitchen.

My stomach rumbles in response.

I open the fridge and the pantry but I can't find anything.

Great.

I need to go grocery urgently.

I grab my phone and call my favorite pizzeria, I will order pizza for dinner.

Tambourine with my fingertips on the table waiting for my food.

I try to keep my mind away from all my worries.

The sound of the doorbell makes me jump, my heart reaches my throat.

I try to compose myself and after grabbing my wallet I head for the door.

"Hi Josh"

"Hi Amaya"

"How is Ares?" I ask him.

We have known each other for a few years now and we often exchange a chat.

"Ares is fine, finally we found a good vet and we have solved that bad dermatitis that plagued him"

"Excellent, I'm happy"

I offer him the money

"Keep the rest.See you next time"

"Thanks Amaya.See you soon”

I close the door and head to the kitchen, the scent of pizza brings my nostrils to orgasm.

Joe absolutely makes the best pizza in New York, his Italian origins are his winning weapon.

I take a seat on one of the two stools and begin to enjoy my dinner.

As I chew my mind goes back to Fury's proposal.

I have to think clearly, pros and cons.

The cons are that I would have to leave this house to move to Stark's tower, even if it is small and modest I have lived here for many years.I got used to having my own spaces.

I should leave Fury.

I think this is the thing that makes me suffer the most.

Being far away I could no longer defend him efficiently, I could no longer be constantly by his side.

He wasn't just a mentor, he has been my point of reference ever since my parents died.

If today I am what I am I owe it to him.

If I am alive today I owe it to him, who has always given me the right motivation to go on.

And then...and then I no longer find any cons.

I sigh.

The advantages, on the other hand, would be innumerable.

I could work more often alongside agent Romanoff, I love working with her.She is smart, intelligent and nice.

Steve would also be a point in favor, in those few moments I had to relate to him he seemed to me a sweet and kind man, a right man.

With Tony I think I'd fight all the time, we have two very similar characters.Both sarcastic and stubborn.

It would be exciting to live alongside him.

On Dr. Banner and Sam Wilson I could not express myself not having known them but from their files I could understand that they are kind and altruistic men, working as a team with them should not be challenging.

Having the possibility of not being alone anymore is the thing that thrills me the most.

A smile seems to come from my lips, maybe it could work.

But then my brain reminds me that Sergeant Barnes would also be there.

Fuck!

I don't know if that's good or bad.

After what has happened between us, it could be difficult to collaborate or it would be an advantage.

Our sexual harmony could have a positive effect on our teamwork.

Or maybe he forgot you the moment after you left that bathroom...

The voice of my conscience is keen to let me know his opinion.

I throw my head back and stare at the white ceiling for a few minutes, I get up and approach a photo on the wall of me with my parents.

In that photo I will have been 5 years old, I was in dad's arms and my arms wrapped around the neck of both of us.

Mom was kissing my head and dad's loving eyes were on each of us.

I miss their love.

A lonely tear line my cheek.

"What should I do mom?"

I can imagine her response, she was my best friend and she had the ability to always find the right words.

She would have grabbed me by the shoulders and looking into my eyes she would have simply asked me

"What do you want my child?"

What do I really want?

Deep down my heart I know.

I take my phone and press a button.

After the first ring, Fury's voice answers me loud and clear.

"So Snow have you decided?"

Bucky POV

The dawn light shines behind my lowered eyelids.

I've been awake for a few minutes already but I can't open my eyes.

I search for my phone with my hand on the night stand, find it and grab it.

I slowly open my eyes and blink a couple of times so that my eyes get used to the light in the room.

I bring the phone in front of my eyes and read the time.

It's 7 o'clock.

Ok it's time to get up.

Among the notifications I notice a message from Sharon, I open it and I'm about to read it.

“Hey babe, I just got on the jet.We will soon take off.I'll call you as soon as we land in Prague.I love you"

Great.

I close my eyes again hoping that the earth will open under my bed and swallow me.

I type a short, concise answer.

For the past six months I have been trying hard to make things work.

After that brief moment of madness I tried to be better, to give the right direction to my relationship with Sharon.

I talked to her, obviously omitting a lot of truth, and I tried to explain to her how I felt.

That I care about her but that I need time.

That I wanted at all costs to make things work.

She was obviously understanding as always and came up with talks about post traumatic disorders, stress and other things that I honestly did not understand.

I tried to dedicate every free moment to her and make her feel desired.

Dinners, cinemas, clubs.

Couple dating with Steve and Nat.

The latter are the ones I hate the most and not because of my friends but because I was being thrown in my face when my relationship, compared to his, was a failure.

I don't understand how nobody notices it.

Nobody perceives my discomfort.

I swallow my frustration daily just to be better for the people I love.

The sex between the two of us has improved slightly.

There is a little more imagination, I can put a little more passion into it.

But the reason why I do it knocks me out of my mind and only adds to my anger.

Because I realized that the problem is not Sharon but me.

I complained about the lack of passion but I realized that it was I who did not wear it.

So when we are together now I find myself thinking about other lips, other hands and then I get hotter.

More passionate.

Do I hate myself for it?

Obvious.

But I also hate that stranger for pushing me to this.

I know it's basically not her fault, that it was me who had to stop everything in the bud, but I hate her because she knew who I was.

She certainly knew that I was already involved in another relationship.

I get out of bed I'm already a bundle of nerves.

Fantastic.

Starting the day like this was just what I wanted.

I brush my teeth and after wearing a black jeans and a black t-shirt I go down to the kitchen for breakfast.

In front of the coffee machine I find Sam intent on observing the wall in front of him.

“Hey, are you okay?Looks like you haven't slept"

He turns to me, eyes red and after a huge yawn he answers

"Oh man, I must have slept no more than three hours tonight.I've been to that new bar, the one opened last week in Brooklyn.Full of gorgeous girls.It was quite an interesting night"

I smile.

He hands me a cup of coffee, as black as my mood.

We both sit at the table and after a few minutes Steve and Natasha come in.

He is already fully dressed.

She is wearing pink pajamas with a bear printed on the shirt and tousled hair.

They almost look like a nest.

I can't help it but a laugh escapes my control and I try to disguise it with a cough.

She sharpens her gaze and points it into my eyes.

"Is there some problem Barnes?" she asks me as she takes a seat on the other side of the table.

“Oh no, all right.Nice pajamas by the way"

Steve walks by her to go to the cupboard that contains the coffee cups and leaves a kiss on her head.

"Forget it honey.You look beautiful to me"

The redhead's eyes are still on me and, strong of Steve's word, she raises her middle finger in my direction.

I roll my eyes.

We all stand in silence drinking our coffee, each lost in thought.

After a few minutes a shining Tony Stark enters the kitchen.

"In ten minutes I'll be waiting for you all in the conference room"

His gaze stops on Natasha.

He raises an eyebrow and adds

"Let's do 20 minutes" and as he says he goes away.

We all burst out laughing including Steve getting an elbow in the stomach from his girlfriend who visibly angry gets up and walks away muttering something like "bunch of asshole".

Sam and I laugh even louder as Steve runs after her.

"C'mon babe don't do that" the echo of his voice is lost in the corridor.

Fifteen minutes later we are all where Tony asked us, Bruce Banner has also joined us.

Natasha is sitting across from me next to Doctor Banner, arms folded across her chest.

Steve at her side looks dejected, I think she's still mad at him for laughing.

Sam is sitting next to me and we both have our backs to the door.

Tony is standing at the head of the table, he observes everyone and then takes the floor.

"As you know since Barton and Lang retired to devote themselves totally to the family we are very few.Six people do not seem to me to be enough in case something should happen"

Steve intervenes.

"Wanda and Vision?"

“They are still part of ours but have decided to live on their own.Apparently they fell in love” Tony replies with a half smile.

“Really?The witch and the humanoid?Who would have thought"

Sam really looks surprised.

Yet it was so obvious.Or maybe it was just me?

The way they looked and communicated with each other was a clear signal that theirs wasn't just a friendship.

Tony continues to speak to Steve.

"Technically they didn't abandon their Avengers role but Vision 15 days ago turned off his tracker"

That's a big problem.

If we needed wouldn't be easy to track them down.

Tony's voice catches again my attention.

"So Steve and I talked to Fury to direct us to some agent who might be right for us.And we found him"

Tony pauses a little then continues.

"Agent Zero will be on our team"

Sam and I look at each other confused.

Natasha is the first to speak.

"For real?Will Amaya join us?"

Steve's head jerks to his girlfriend.

“Do you know her true identity?Why didn't you ever tell me about it?"

She shrugs.

"Professional secret" her reply.

“We worked together a couple of times on Fury's behalf.By now we have known each other for something like 4 years" continues the former Russian spy.

"I thought it was a legend"

I observe thoughtlessly.

At the same moment Sam exclaims "Is Agent Zero a woman?"

“It's actually been 5 years Natasha.Yes I am a woman and no Sergeant Barnes I am not a legend” a voice behind me answers all our questions.

Why do I have the impression that I have already heard this voice?

As soon as I turn my gaze towards the door, Nick Fury makes his entrance along with Agent Zero.

Together with the woman I had the best fuck of my life.

My blood freezes in my veins, I feel like I can't breathe anymore.

She passes me by without deigning a glance and goes towards Natasha.

The two embrace and smile.

"I'm happy to see you and above all to be able to work by your side again" Natasha tells her.

She breaks away from the embrace and smiles at her.

Nat continues to talk.

"What are you tired of being a caregiver for Fury?"

She laughs heartily.

"Nah...I'd still take a bullet in the head for this old man"

Fury clears his throat and turns to the two redheads.

"Are you done?"

He does not seem angry indeed he looks at them as a father would do with his own daughters.

Meanwhile Amaya, this is her real name, approaches Steve and hugs him.

"It's a pleasure to see you again Captain"

"And I'm glad you took the job" replies my best friend.

Sam turns to me and whispers under his breath.

"Wow, she's so hot!Look that boobs!"

I think I'll throw up.

Sam realizes that something is wrong.

“Are you okay dude?Looks like you saw a ghost"

I watch her shake Tony's hand.

"Yeah yeah it's ok, don't worry" I answer him without even looking at him.

Now she's turning her attention to Bruce.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Doc"

He hints a shy smile as he returns the handshake.

Fury turns to Amaya and with a wave of his hand points to me and Sam.

"They are Sam Wilson and James Barnes"

Her eyes for a moment stop into mine.

Then she replies with an Oscar-winning nonchalance.

"It's a pleasure to meet you"

And she smiles.

And I feel anger rising inside me.

After other brief pleasantries Fury exchanges a few words with Bruce and Tony and everyone else is around her filling her with questions.

I am glued to my place.

I do not know what to do.

I feel trapped in a nightmare.

After Fury leaves, everyone goes back to his duties.

Natasha turns to me.

“Bucky could you please help me with Amaya's bags?So I show her her room and she can settle down"

"Yeah" the only syllable that leaves my lips.

Right now I don't trust myself, I prefer not to say a word.

I follow the two women down the long corridor to the elevator that will take us upstairs to the floor of our rooms.

As we go up the two redheads chat and laugh among themselves.

I remain in absolute silence.

As soon as we reach the top floor and walk along the corridor, I discover that her room is right in front of mine.

Please tell me this is all a joke.

Natasha greets her.

“I have to escape, Steve and I have to go to Washington.But tonight we have dinner together ok?We have so much to update on"

"I can't wait" she replies.

"Barnes can you finish helping her?"

I just nod and watch Nat disappear behind the elevator doors.

I take her suitcases and put them in her room, help her with some boxes.

All in absolute silence.

God the tension between us could be cut with a knife.

I watch her from the sly.

God she is more beautiful than I remembered.

Her hips are forced into a pair of high-waisted black jeans while her gorgeous breasts are squeezed into a red cashmere sweater.

Her eyes are planted in mine.

"Everything ok?Why do you keep staring at me?" she asks me, she looks really confused by my behavior.

No it's not ok at all.

"It's all great" my answer sounds more poisonous than I wanted.

I see her sigh heavily.

She's about to say something but I block her with a brusque wave of my hand.

"Stay the fuck away from me and my girlfriend"

I snarl to her.

I go away without looking back.

I know I'm acting like an asshole.A psychopath.

But I can't help it.

Just the sight of her pisses me off.

Now it's official, God hates me.

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Once Upon a December

part; 2

(If you want me to make this a series, let me know!)

(Colored text indicates who’s speaking;

Diluc is red

Crepus is green

Kaeya is blue

Y/n is purple )

If Diluc Ragnvindr had a mora for every time that his father brought home a random child and announced that he would be adopting said child, he would have two mora, which isn’t a lot but it’s weird that it’s happened twice. These were the thoughts running through the young red head as Adelinde had taken the child to a spare bedroom to help her clean up and change into some new clothes.

“Father, did you kidnap a little girl?” Diluc said half jokingly

“Of course not! I found her half frozen on my journey, I sent some of my contacts to find out where she came from but so far, we can’t find any information on her identity. So I’ve decided that she’ll be staying with us until we can reunite her with her family.” Crepus replied

“Father you know I hate to think of the worst case scenario, but what if she has no family or what if you are not able to find them?” Diluc said to his father. The truth is Diluc didn’t even need to ask that question, he knew the answer by the look in his father’s eyes.

“We’ll, you did always say that you wanted a little sister, right?” Said the elder man

“I wonder what Kaeya is going to think about all of this…”

“Think about what?…”

While Kaeya was still being filled in on what had transpired by their father, Diluc thought about the fact that Kaeya was going to regret being late to everything one of these days.

“You what?!?”

“I brought you both a new little sister.”

Before anymore questions could come out of anyone’s mouths, a new voice was heard by all three males

“H-Hello…” said a sweet little voice that pulled in the heartstrings of all three Ragnvindr men.

“Hello little one, do you remember me?” Crepus said in the most gentle voice he could.

“Yes… you are the man that brought me here.”

“Yes I am, you already told me your name, do you think you can tell me where you are from?”

“I don’t remember, the only thing I can remember is my name… I’m sorry” the little girl started shaking like she was holding back sobs. At the sight of this, all three men silently promised to themselves to protect her.

“It’s ok, don’t cry…. We’ll figure it out together ok?”

“Really?!?”

“Of course, but even if we can’t find your home, you can stay here and I promise to protect you.” The man said it so earnestly that the girl instantly believed him. For the rest of his life Crepus kept his promise to the little girl, but then again, nothing lasts forever.

Note; this isn’t a longer part as I don’t have much time at the moment, I’ll try to make the next one longer, it will also be a time skip of about 6 months from this part. And if you wanna be tagged let me know.

Btw; thanks to @mis-disaster for requesting this part!