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scarletwinterxx · 3 years

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End to Start pt. 3 - Jaehyun AU

Hello lovelies! this part took awhile to write but she’s here, i hope you like it! I enjoy reading your feedbacks😊🤍

For my other works you can check them out here, and for my other story series’ you can check them out here.

taglist: @the-universe-in-you-jjh @undevotedfangirl @dumplingley @halbae

All works are copyrighted ©scarletwinterxx 2020 . Do not repost, re-write without the permission of author.

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“But like how rich is he?”

“Rich enough to buy this building three four times over” you mumbled, not really paying much attention to Jungwoo and more on the cake you’re trying to decorate

“And you broke up with him? Wah noona” you looked over at him with a glare, signaling him to shut up.

It was the day after the gala, you were supposed to take the day off but you’d rather keep yourself busy than overthink at home. Thus why you’re here now at the cafe with a very nosy Jungwoo beside you with his 100 questions after finding out you dated the Jung Jaehyun.

“I’m three seconds away from kicking you out of this store permanently”

“That’s the third time I heard that, this month” he smiled at you, walking back to the kitchen to grab the other pastries to be displayed. It’s still pretty early and it’s the weekend so you don’t expect that many people right now.

“So is he the guy you dated when you were in college?”

“Yes”

“You didn’t say he owned a big company”

“Are we playing 20 questions right now? Go serve the customers” you pushed him to the side when you heard the bell right, going back to what you were doing and letting Jungwoo deal with it.

“Goodmorning, what can I get you today?”

“Two iced americano please”

Hold up, you know that voice. You don’t even have to look up to see who it was, “Is that all? Would you like to try some of our cakes and pastries? It’s good to pair with the coffee” Jungwoo said, still clueless about who he’s currently talking to

“Is that green tea with pistachio? I’ll take a slice of that” it just so happens it was the cake you were currently setting up.

“Sure thing, is that all?” After taking his order, the guy walked to a vacant table.

“Noona, should I set you up with that guy? He was looking at you, plus he looks handsome and rich”

“Jungwoo”

“Mhm?”

“Shut up”

You were preparing the order when the bell rang again, “Goodmorning, welcome to the cafe” Jungwoo greeted happily.

“Oh, looks like he’s with someone” that made you halt for a second but quickly shaking it away. Passing the tray over to Jungwoo, “Here, go serve this and please stop being nosy”.

Jaehyun wanted to visit the cafe for some time now, but he didn’t want it to seem like he’s stalking you. He already knew you know how to bake, your cookies were his favorite. You used to bake those for him after exams as a way to cheer him up.

He didn’t know the first time he’ll be visiting here is when he’s about to break-up with his current ‘girlfriend’, with you standing only a few meters away. But after last night’s gala, Chungha called him suddenly asking if they could talk.

“Here’s your order, is there anything else I could get you?” Jungwoo asked him and Chunga but the girl just shook her head with a smile, “Really? green tea cake? Your taste is so weird sometimes” she chuckled at the sight of cake on the table

“It’s one of the more unique flavors, we also have a chocolate one. It’s our bestseller” Jungwoo added, “Maybe later, thanks”

After Jungwoo walked away, the two were left alone to talk.

“Go on, just say it”

“You don’t have to act all tough all the time you know”

His eyes landing on hers, as if he was telling her to just get on with it. “We had a good run” she chuckled, “What will your parents say when the word gets out?” Jaehyun asked. He might seem like a cold guy but he does still have some empathy left in him,

“I’ll deal with it. Happiness comes at a price, it just took me this long to realize I’m willing to pay for it no matter what the cost. Maybe you should too”

Jaehyun can’t help but look over at you, you were having a conversation with the guy that took his order and was laughing at something he said. Jaehyun’s gaze made Chungha look over at the side too, in that moment she knew

“So that’s her?”

“No” he cleared his throat before drinking his coffee, “You know you can’t lie that good, not to me atleast. Or her it looks like. Word of advice though, if she’s worth it just do it”

You were doing your best to ignore the two people on the far side of your cafe, Jaehyun and the girl looked like they were having a very serious conversation. When the girl stood up you immediately busied yourself again, then someone was standing infront of the counter on the other side.

“I heard the chocolate cake is the best seller here” she said, her voice gentle and sweet. She seems like a lovely lady.

“Yea, and the chocolate chip cookies too. Would you like to try it?” you asked her with a smile of your own

“I’ll take both to go” you packed the treats yourself, passing it over to her as she hand you her payment

“Green tea cake, sounds different” she chuckled, looking at the cake with a single slice missing “Oh yea, I just like trying out flavors here and there”

“What are you talking about? You always make that, if you want to try something new, you can order that. We always have extra” Jungwoo butted in, “Will keep that in mind, my friend loves that flavor”

“Oh, friend” Jungwoo said then looking over at you, “Thanks by the way” the lady said then walked out the door.

“Friend” Jungwoo repeated with a wicked grin on

“Stop”

“But this is your chance at finally landing someone! Jihyo may be bad at setting you up maybe I can”

“No-”

“Let’s just try, see he’s walking over here”

“I said-” “Uh can I have this cake to go, please? I’ll also get the rest of it” Jaehyun said looking back and forth between you and Jungwoo

“Sure, would that be all?” you asked as if you didn’t know him

“Uhm so my boss here-” you elbowed him on the stomach, trying to stop him from continuing. “I’m here! Sorry I’m a bit late, class finished later than I thought” Sungchan announced as he enter the shop, making the three of you look over at the tall boy

“Oh, hyung what are you doing here?” he asked Jaehyun when he spotted him, “You two know each other?” Jungwoo asked from beside you

Then it clicked, you almost wanted to slap yourself. How can you be so stupid, you’re not sure.

“You’re related, how come I never put that together” you looked back and forth between the two

“You two know each other?” Sungchan asked back, “Something like that” Jaehyun mumbled. That made Jungwoo look over at you then Jaehyun then at you again, “Oh, Jung Sungchan. then you must be-”

After that stressful encounter, you chose to just call it an early day and leave the boys at the cafe. Jaehyun didn’t say much afterwards, just waited for his order then left with a few words said to his younger brother.

Add that to the list of things you were thinking about. After the gala yesterday, after seeing Jaehyun’s mom again you can’t help but overthink about things again. A big part of you itching to do what you’ve always been meaning to do, something you wish you never did.

Unable to stop yourself, you opened the door of your closet and rummaged through until you find the box stashed inside. Stuffing it in your bag before shruging your coat on, took your keys and drove off.

You've only been at their place once, that was the first and last time.

It’s what you see in movies, the typical huge mansion rich people have in movies. The Jungs were no exception, their home looked like something straight out of a magazine. Until now you feel like you shouldn’t be here.

Parking your car on the driveway, you walked towards the front door. Knocking twice and wait for someone to open the door, when it did it was just the person you wanted to see,

“Can we talk?”

Jaehyun didn’t expect the turn of events this day had, after finding out his youngest sibling works part time at your cafe ofcourse he had to know more. Telling Sungchan he’ll wait until his shift is over to drive him home.

“You didn’t tell me you work at the cafe”

“Why? would you stop me just like mom?” the younger one asked, he knew what his brother meant. With their mother there’s almost little to no room for freedom, their lives were planned out for them. As kids they were told what they should be when they grow up, expectations they had to meet, things they needed to accomplish.

“No, it’s close to my office. You could’ve just worked for me” he answered, the older brother tone gone

“Then what’s the point? Like I said, I wanted to atleast see the world on my own before mom and dad stops me. Or atleast until college” Sungchan mumbles

“If you don’t want to study the course mom and dad are making you study just tell me, I’ll help you”

“Why? They’ll just get mad at you too”

“Then they can be both mad at us, don’t make the same stupid mistakes I did. Don’t take too long to decide that this isn’t the life you don’t want to live. Just... just be you. If they won’t have that, then you’ll have me” he sincerely said, meaning every word he just said.

He wished he had someone to say that to him back then, in a way he did. You told him that.

Even if the world is against him, he’ll have your hand to hold on to.

“So, how did you know Y/N noona?”

“We went to same college” he answered, keeping it brief. After that Sungchan didn’t ask anymore questions. When they finally arrived at their home, there’s an unfamiliar car on the driveway. Assuming that it was one of their parent’s visitor,

“Are you staying the night?” Sungchan ask as they walk towards the house, “No, just came to talk to mom about something”

“Okay, well see you later” the two brothers went their own ways, Sungchan skipping up the stairs to his room while Jaehyun walk around the house looking for his mom.

What he didn’t expect was to see who she was talking to, they were at the foyer, sitting at opposite sides of the table.

“Even when I didn’t have anything to my name, I never touched a cent in that envelope. I’m ashamed I even took in the first place, that was my mistake. And I’m still paying for it until now, you got what you wanted. Jaehyun hates me”

You were talking about him with his mother?

What envelop were you talking about?

“Then why did you take it?”

“Because it was the only way you’ll stop, I thought if I took the money and disappeared you would atleast spare him, you’d let him live the way he wants to. I don’t care if he’s angry at me, he has every right to be” you answered, no sign of intimidation or fear in your voice.

But he does hear the pain, and he hated it.

“Your son is worth more than whatever you give me, that money is bitter reminder of my lowest point. But even then, I’d rather starve and have no roof over my head than spend a single cent you gave me. It’s up to you if you tell him what you did, I think we’re way past the point of going back anyways. He can’t even stand being in the same room as me. One way or another, you got what you wanted. All I want is my peace, I don’t want that with me anymore, I don’t want to keep that in the corner of my closet like the monster I’m too scared to face”

Jaehyun was trying to take all of your words in, struggling to process the truth he just accidently uncovered.

All those years he thought you left him because you didn’t love him was in fact not what really happened, His mother, surprisingly but not really, manipulated his life yet again.

“All of the money is still in there, I haven’t touched that since then. I was just waiting for the day I could finally give it back to you. I’m pretty sure you don’t need it, but neither do I” you said your final words then rose from your seat.

When you turned around to leave the place you didn’t expect to see the person standing by the door, a gasp leaving Mrs. Jung’s mouth

“Jaehyun” she said but his gaze was on you

You didn’t have to ask him, you already knew he heard it. How much? probably enough judging by the look on his face.

You looked at him with same intense stare, trying to say your apologies without saying anything at all. It feels like there’s this weight lifted off of you after you gave the envelope containing the money back to his mom. Like this time you can look him in the eyes without thinking about the money stashed away in your closet.

There are still questions floating in his mind, you could tell. But Jaehyun didn’t look as troubled as he should be, even with the overwhelming amount of questions in his head he knew this time it would be okay. You were the only answer he needed.

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weirdcharacter · 2 years

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Misha Collins shared his New Year's resolution and asked us in exchange to do the same

He said his resolution for this new year was to be happy. He said he knows it's cheesy, but it's a resolution he will stick to because it's worthwhile.

So, here is my resolution for this new year:

Write my book.

I knows it had been one of my resolution in 2019, amongst other things, and I somehow managed to stick to it for most of 2019.

I've never been much into resolutions, I think they are mostly silly rules we force onto ourselves and that don't necessarily make us happy - "lose weight", "wake up earlier", "work-out" etc. - but feel more like a general consensus of things we have to do because...because.

And I read once that it's easier to stick to resolutions when they are positive; "work-out with friends" sounds already funnier than "work-out"; "sleep 6-8h a day" is easier to maintain than "wake up at 6am everyday", and so on.

Anyway, just to say, I won't do a bullet point list like I did last year and the year before, but instead I will focus on one thing. One good thing. Writing a book.

It will take time, and work, and I probably won't be done by the end of the year; but I want to do it. I want to do something worthwhile.

This is worthwhile.

I love writing, when people ask me what I want to do with my life I don't say "I want to he a teacher" even if that's what I'm studying; I say "I want to write". And I mean it.

Writing is everything to me.

So this year, I want less reblogs about writing memes, less "I don't have time" or "I don't know what to write". Less excuses. And more writing. More doing what I love, what I need. More work and more creation. More failures, because more tryings.

Mostly, I want to believe in me, and I want to hope. I know it's a difficult road, it's demanding and I may probably never reach the "Best-seller" stage. But I don't care. I don't write to be rich or famous.

I write because I love writing.

I write because I love sharing.

I write because I love seeing and hearing people being so... So shaken and moved by a book it changes them, it unlocks something in them, it inspires them.

I grew up reading and reading and finding comfort and friends and love in books, when I felt so lonely and outcasted in my real life. I grew up with books on the corner of my school tables, waiting for me to be done with my exercices so I could keep reading them. I grew up with books and a flashlight under my covers well past my bedtime, reading until I couldn't open my eyes because of how tired I was.

And when reading was not enough anymore, I started writing. It was cheesy, it sucked, it was never finished and almost always forgotten, but it was there anyway. It existed.

We all need to start somewhere. I know since I'm 13 I want to write. I really started to do so when I was 16, and the first project I really actually worked on and have written the most about happened when I was freshly 19.

Now I'm 20, and at a stage in my life where I feel good. Where I feel happy. And even if I have difficult days, I am nowhere near the sh*thole I was in a few years back. So I know that if I was able, somehow, to come up with the most comforting and healing story I've ever came up with during one of the hardest time of my life, then what am I capable of now that I feel way better?

Answer is: everything I put my mind up to. Everything I give myself the chance to do. Everything I take the time and effort to work on.

So this year, I won't tell myself to work-out, or go out more, or eat healthier. I won't tell myself I need to be more organised, or go to sleep earlier. I won't even tell myself to be happy. Not because it's bad or overdone - it's not. But it's not what I want to aim for.

I want to act on my words. I don't make promises, because I hate when one don't keep a promise. But I will make the extra effort. I will work and create and try and fail. And eventually, at the end of this new year, I will be able to look back at everything I did. And hopefully, I will be proud.

I want to be proud of me.

That's my resolution. Write my book, and be proud of me.

#personal #new year's resolution #to keep #it feels good to write that down #I hope this year will be the year where I put actions where my words are #more than I did before #idc if I finish the book or anything #i just want to do it #I just want to try and fail and try again until the year is over and I have something to hold in my hands #something that makes me go 'it was hard but I did it. and I want to keep going.'#anyway here is to me being cheesy and hopeful 🥂#my archives

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thisisawonderfulusername · 4 years

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let's save the world

season one, episode four

five hargreeves x reader

summary: after the break in, five comes back with information, and you two go to check it out.

trigger warning: cursing, drinking, a fluffy moment 👉 👈

word count: 2.5k

a/n: damn, already part four O-O. i don’t really have much to say, so, enjoy!

after getting attacked by the commission assassins, you had gone up to five’s room and passed out on the bed, not even taking the time to clean or patch it up. you told yourself that it would be fine for the night, though there was a nagging voice in the back of your head, warning of the possible infection, but you inevitably pushed it away.

your morning wasn’t too great. you were shaken violently to be woken up, and you sat up quickly, hissing and grabbing onto your leg when you felt the pain the coursed through it. looking up at five, you glare at him. “what the fuck?”

“i take it you didn’t find any clues?” he questions, the smallest hint of a smirk on his face as you groan softly. of course he would do this. you knew it meant sitting in that van all day, he actually found something, and he was ready to rub it in.

leaning on your arm to reach for the med kit, you don’t meet his eyes. “no, i didn’t.” you mutter, opening the box and pulling out the supplies to finally patch up your leg. “i assume that you did?”

glancing at him as you doused a clean rag in rubbing alcohol, you raise an eyebrow. “yup.” he grins, and you roll your eyes, pulling your skirt up a bit to pull the make shift tourniquet off and reveal the wound from the glass that so rudely decided to cut through your flesh.

“how did that happen?” five questions, cringing slightly at the sight of the injury that you quickly placed the soaked rag over, biting your lip harshly to hold back the cries of pain from the stinging pain.

once the pain settled, you took a deep breath and looked to him. “long story. people, from the commission, i’m sure of it.” you threw the rag to the side, grabbing the needle and stitching thread, quickly putting it through and getting to suturing the puncture.

he watched as you stitched the wound, staying quiet for a moment, before he decided to speak again. “remember the guy we talked to? at meritech?” he asks, and you nod simply, eyebrows furrowed in concentration, “well, he’s definitely doing something sketchy. so we need to figure out what.”

you finish the stitches before throwing the needle to the side, looking back to him. “seriously? if this leads to another dead end, i’m going to kill you.” you grab some gauze and quickly wrap it around your leg, sighing softly as you toss everything back into the medical kit.

“i’ll deserve it if i am. but i’m sure of this.” he tells you, standing from the bed beside you and holding out his hand to help you up. it hurt a bit to stand on your leg from the pain, but you had endured worse, so you could suck it up.

waiting on the street, you leaned against a building, following five’s gaze and staring at one of the cars that lined the street. “how do you know he’s here?” you question, crossing your arms over your chest.

“i followed him, and when he went into the vet, i figured i had time to get you.” he responds, neither of you risking a glance away from the vehicle. “there he is.” he mutters as the man walks to his car, putting his dog in the backseat and getting in himself. five grabs your hand and the next moment you’re in the car, sitting by the dog.

smiling slightly as you give him a pat, your attention is brought back to the situation when the man turned and jumped at the sight of five right next to him. within a millisecond, a knife is held to his throat. “one chance.” he snaps at him, and you purse your lips, leaning forward in your seat. “you’ve got one chance to tell me what is going on in that lab.”

obviously terrified, since he was held at knife point, the man quickly speaks. “i manufacture prosthetics for fake patients.” his eyes are wide, staring straight into five’s, “i bill the insurance companies then sell them on the black market.”

resting an arm on the head rest of his seat, you lean towards him. “including eyeballs?” you press, and his gaze flickers towards you before back to five.

“yeah-” he stutters out, his head shaking slightly, “they’re my biggest seller. i’ve got a list- a wait list- probably twenty buyers!”

five nods, “so the serial number i told you?” he raises an eyebrow.

“yes, it- it could’ve already been bought.” he tells him, his breathing shaky.

as five stared into the guy’s eyes, you swore he could see into his soul, and though you had seen it multiple times, it still unsettled you. “i need that list, lance.” the knife pushes against his skin slightly, and he visibly flinches, “names and numbers, i need it now!”

“i don’t have it,” you can see his eye’s glossing, and you don’t blame him for being close to tears. “the only copy’s in my safe at the labs.” he quickly adds on, probably praying to himself that he wouldn’t die today.

smirking, you slap a hand on his arm, and he jumps at the sudden touch. “alright then, start the car, bud.” you lean back against the seats, petting the dog again. “we’re going on a trip.”

stopping the car just a street away from the building, all of you get out, you and five both holding onto lance’s arms to make sure he wouldn’t make a run for it. he could probably easily push you guys away, as you were practically thirteen years old, probably no muscle at all, but you assumed he was too afraid to even think about running.

as you rounded the corner, the building up ahead, your eyes widen. flames engulfed the lab, smoke pouring out of the windows. your heart practically stops. your only clue to go off of, was totally destroyed.

you could only stand in shock as lance slipped out of your grip after five ran forward, both of them looking up at the burning building. as five stood in front of the entrance, there was a sudden explosion, sending him flying back into the road.

that got you moving, quickly running to his side and crouching down next to him, ignoring the burn in your thigh. “holy shit, are you okay?” you question, slightly panicked, as it definitely wasn’t a simple fall to the ground. first of all, it was the middle of the road, concrete, and he had been knocked back pretty hard.

pushing himself up as he nods, five looks at the building. “there goes the only evidence we had.” he mutters, and you sigh softly.

standing up, you hold a hand out to him to help him up, which he gladly takes. “guess we better get to searching for another lead, then.” you glanced to the lab, pursing your lips at all the rubble that surrounded the entrance where it had exploded.

“i guess so.”

you sat on the floor of the library, the glass looking down at the lower floors behind your back. books surrounded the two of you, scattered around as you tried to search for any clues inside of them.

bottles of alcohol also surrounded you, which you guys weren’t holding back on. with your only piece of evidence gone, you were ready to give up and just let the world turn back to the rubble it had been when you first got stuck, as long as you didn’t have to be in it again. you didn’t know if you could handle that like you did the last time.

“you know, i thought we’d be able to figure this out faster.” five mumbles, breaking the silence between the two of you. his words were slightly slurred, from the alcohol. he sighs softly, flipping the page he had been reading to move on to the next.

taking a sip from the bottle you held, you lean your to the side to rest your head on his shoulder. “so did i.” your words are just as jumbled, maybe even worse. “but i guess the world is just... against us.” you close your eyes, feeling tired. you weren’t sure if it was from trying so hard and failing miserably, the alcohol, or actually being tired. you didn’t care.

five stayed quiet for a moment, his gaze still trapped on the book, until he glanced to you. “remember the first night? at griddy’s?” he questions softly, tracing the lip of the bottle with his finger as you nod. “you were saying something about how you felt when we were both separated in the apocalypse.”

you remembered that moment very clearly. even with a hazy mind. you had been preparing to tell him about the feelings you had had for him, before those guys crashed the party. you weren’t sure why you didn’t tell him after. probably slipped your mind after the big fight. “oh.” you sigh softly, eyes still closed as you thought, “yeah, i was just going to tell you that i used to like you. in more than a friend way.” you chuckle, sitting up and shaking your head.

“it’s so stupid.” you look at him, your head tilted to the side, “when we got stuck and i couldn’t find you, i felt like i lost the whole world- well, i guess i did, but not in the literal way.”

his eyebrow’s were furrowed at the information you gave him, probably processing it all. “you liked me?” he questions, a hint of confusion in his tone.

“well, yeah.” you take another drink from the bottle, frowning when there was only a tiny bit left. “i guess i stopped once i found out you went crazy and fell in love with a mannequin.” you laugh, motioning to the mannequin that he had brought along and sat between you two, looking up at the lights on the ceiling.

pursing his lips, five nods, humming in acknowledgment at what you said. “find anything that might help us?” he asks, and you groan, looking back to him.

“i don’t know if we ever will.” you felt like this whole mission was hopeless. you had been ready when the two of you first made it back, prepared to do whatever it took to keep the world safe, but now, all of that confidence and hope was gone. you were close to just giving up.

setting his now empty bottle down, five leans back against the glass. “maybe.” he mumbles softly, and another silence falls.

you don’t even realize when you fall asleep, slumped against his side.

when you wake up, it takes you a bit to feel the arms holding you up, your body bouncing slightly with each step they took. your eyes shot open, and you sigh in relief when you see that it’s just diego.

“it’s not secure.” you hear luther’s voice behind him, turning your head to see him walking behind with five in his arms. “those psychopaths could come back at any moment.”

“hey.” you mumble as your eyes fall closed again, and you groan as you feel your stomach churn. it probably wasn’t the best idea to drink that whole bottle, but your mind would clear up once it’s effect wore off a bit, and it would leave you with a killer headache. that was something to worry about later.

you hear five speak, but you can’t focus on his voice, only hearing fragments of what he says. something about puberty. and the end of the world. when he asks what they had been talking about, luther sighs. “two masked intruders attacked the academy last night.”

“they came looking for you!” diego says, the accusation clear.

sighing softly, you let your head hang, “hazel and cha-cha.” you inform him, words jumbled together, “assholes from the commission.”

“best of the best.” five adds on, chuckling, “other than us, of course.” you grin, nodding slightly.

both of the men seemed to be annoyed by your lack of genuine answers, but it’s what they get for thinking that questioning to drunks was a good idea. “the best of what?” luther urges, glaring at five.

“you know, delores always said she hates it when i drink.” five ignores the question, patting the plastic woman on the head as you groan loudly.

you grab onto diego’s arm slightly, “fucking delores. stop talking about her!” you pull yourself up a bit, looking at diego, “he’s in love with a fucking mannequin? can you believe it?” you grin, shaking your head and letting yourself fall back again.

“hey!” you jump as diego suddenly yelled, apparently down to his last straw of patience. “i need you guys to focus.” he stops in his tracks and turns so he could see five as well. “what do they want? this hazel and cha-cha.” his tone is firm, and you’re surprised he’s still expecting actual answers.

you see five’s amused grin and you laugh, but the two men don’t seem nearly as entertained. “we just want to protect you.” he adds on, tone a bit softer but still demanding.

five lets out a mocking laugh, and your grin is obvious. “protect us?” he derides, leaning forward in luther’s arms. “we don’t need your protection, diego. do you know how many people we’ve killed?”

“we’re the four fucking horsemen!” you laugh, throwing your arms up slightly, “the world is ending, and the apocalypse is coming. there’s nothing you can do to help.” you glare at him.

you hear five heave and throw up, and your nose scrunches up. “that’s fucking disgusting-” you can’t stop yourself from doing the same. both the men look at each other in irritation.

taglists

main: @horrorklaus

tua: none at the moment

five: @anapocalypseinmymind @five-hargreeves-official @insatiable-ivy @coffee-e-addict

let's save the world @aspiringwriter1 @thetrashypanda423 @lilacs-lavender @academy-umbrella

if you’d like to be added to any taglists, just ask!

#tua x reader #tua #umbrella academy x reader #umbrella academy #five hargreeves #five #five hargreeves x reader #five x reader #fanfiction series #fanfic #fanfiction #oneshots #fandom #reader insert #lstw #let's save the world

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wiypt-writes · 3 years

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Stark Spangled Banner

Ch 28- Crossbones

Summary: The Avengers uncover the identity of the mysterious Crossbones and mount a mission to apprehend him in Lagos.

Warnings: Bad language, Smut! (NSFW, Under 18s) Bad Language words.

Pairing: Steve Rogers x OFC Katie Stark

A/N: NEW BANNER ALERT @angrybirdcr has made a DOOZY for the Civil War part of the Story.

Disclaimer: This is a pure work of fiction and classified as 18+. Please respect this and do not read if you are underage. I do not own any characters in this series bar Katie Stark and the other OCs. By reading beyond this point you understand and accept the terms of this disclaimer.

Chapter 27

Stark Spangled Banner Masterlist // Main Masterlist

January 2016

“Are you sure this isn’t a team call?” Katie asked Steve, watching as he picked up his shield.

“No.” He shook his head firmly as they walked down the corridor. “We don’t even know if he will be there.”

“But…”

“Katie, stop!” Steve chuckled, pushing the door open to enter the hangar. “We’ll be fine. This is intelligence gathering, I’ve no intention of heading straight off after this guy, not until we find out what his play is.”

“His play is arms trading.” Nat interjected dryly as she appeared at the side of the jet.

“Which we are going to gather intelligence on.” Steve looked at her sternly “Nothing more.”

Katie bit her lip, she wasn’t convinced.

“We’ll be fine.” Steve continued, putting both his hands on her shoulders before he deftly changed the subject. “Don’t you have an interview to be getting ready for?”

He watched as the gentle smile spread across her face, a surge of pride flooding his system. She’d recently found out that the author of one of the books SIP had published last year had worked their way onto the Pulitzer Nominee list for fiction. The book itself held a plot centred around a War Veteran and the letters he wrote to his girl back home, and she’d roped Steve into helping the author keep it as factually correct as possible, something he had found strangely nostalgic yet enjoyable. Upon publishing it had flown off the shelves, the original five hundred copies went within three hours causing a mad scramble for a second run and downloads had been off the scale. Other than the Thrombey book they had published, it was their biggest seller to date, shifting almost half a million copies in a month, and with a foreword from Steve Rogers, critics had raved about how poignant it was.

Whilst it hadn’t won the prize, simply being a nominee was an honour in itself according to Katie. The Publicists at SIP had arranged for the author to be interviewed in a few newspapers and magazines along with one of them also requesting Katie, to discuss the launch of her new charity The March Foundation, which would sit alongside Tony and Pepper’s latest initiative- The September Foundation, but instead of focusing on inventors and science, it would instead be centred around authors and the arts.

The name was a play on words, not only being another month to compliment Tony’s, but also to honour both the War Based fiction that had inspired it and the man who had saved her life as March was the month of Bucky’s birth. A decision that had really touched Steve.

She took a deep breath and sighed, as she eyed Natasha heading up the ramp into the jet.

“Just be careful…”

“I’m always careful.” Steve kissed her gently.

“Liar.” She mumbled against his lips. He grinned and pulled back, pecking her mouth once more before he started up the ramp. He paused at the top and turned to face her. “We’ll be back late tonight. Don’t wait up.”

“I won’t!” she teased.

He flashed her another smile and then he hit the button and the ramp started to close. A loud siren told Katie that the hangar door was opening and that was her cue to leave. She headed back over to the steps at the side, leading up to the mezzanine, and as she watched through the window she saw the jet fly out of the side and over the frosty compound grounds. It up through the clouds and gone from sight before she had reached the double doors at the top.

The base was a hive of activity already, despite it being little after seven am. Katie was heading for an hour or so in the gym before her day began properly. She stuck her Bluetooth headphones in, selected the usual work out play-list and began to run on the treadmill, slowly at first to ease herself in- she was a little bit stiff and sore from her sparring session with Natasha yesterday. Nat had really upped the ante on Katie over the last month or so, which was good as Katie was now pretty much on a par with her when it came hand to hand, something Steve had been completely astonished to see after walking in on the two women just as his wife floored Natasha with a well-placed leg swipe the red head didn’t see coming.

Forty minutes later, Katie swapped to the rower to finish off, and was approximately half way through the three-kilometre distance when her music cut off and the screen to the right of the machine switched over from the play-list to a visual of Rhodey.

“Hey Kiddo,” He smiled as she stopped rowing to look at him. “Sorry to interrupt, but we’ve had a sensor trip on the outer perimeter of the facility.”

“You send someone out there?” She frowned, catching her breath as she picked up the bottle of water that was to her right.

“Yeah, Sam is currently out there looking for it, just thought, well seeing as Cap and Nat are out, you’re technically the one in charge so…”

She let out a snort as she swallowed a mouth full of her drink. Being third in command was something she didn’t really care for, knowing full well it was Steve’s way giving her some kind of authority over simply being the Captain’s Wife, but she’d accepted the gesture simply because he’d been so excited when he had asked her she couldn’t refuse.

“Okay, I’ll go and check it out. “

Standing up she left the gym and moved quickly to the armoury, grabbing a gun, a coms piece and a fleece jacket before quickly making her way outside.

“What’s going on up there, Sam?” Rhodey spoke in her ear as she walked into the cold air, spotting Sam circling above.

“I’m at the location of the sensor trip, but I’m not seeing anything.” He said. “Oh, hang on…”

“What is it?” Katie asked, watching him as he circled above her.

“Roof top…”

“Gimme a lift?”

Sam swooped down from the clear, winter sky and she grabbed his arm as he effortlessly pulled her up, dropping them both onto the flat roof of one of the buildings.

“I can see you.” Sam called out loudly as they landed.

Katie frowned, as she didn’t know what Sam was talking about until out of nowhere a man in a red and silver suit, with an insect like helmet suddenly appeared. Katie cocked her gun and aimed it at him.

“Who the hell are you?” she questioned. As they watched the man started to awkwardly introduce himself to Sam, his mask lifted to reveal a shaky smile as he waved.

“Hi, I’m Scott. I know who you are, obviously, you’re Katie Stark, I mean Rogers…” Scott started trying to hold back his enthusiasm and motioning towards Sam and Katie with a chuckle. "I’m a big fan.”

"Appreciate it. But like the lady asked, who the hell are you?” Sam echoed Katie’s earlier sentiments.

“I’m Ant-Man.” Scott or Ant-Man answered confidently. Sam and Katie shared an incredulous look and Katie mouthed the name back to him and he shrugged. Katie lowered her gun slightly.

“Wanna tell me what you want?” She questioned Ant-Man as the man tried to explain why the two Avengers hadn’t heard of him.

Scott pointed towards a building to their left, maintaining eye contact with Katie as he spoke “I was hoping I could grab a piece of technology. Just for a few days, then I’d return it. I need it to, uh, save the world- you know how that is.”

“Yeah, we know exactly how that is,” Sam said to Scott and Katie felt her mouth twitching into a grin.

“What piece of technology, and what do you mean saving the world?” she asked.

“I’d love to tell you but Hank Pym said never to trust a Stark.” The man called Scott, or Ant-Man was almost apologetic. “Even though you’re technically a Rogers now.”

Katie frowned, she’d never heard of a Hank Pym before, but that was irrelevant now. Sam gave a sigh besides her and stepped forwards.

“We’ve located the breach.” he spoke “Bringing him in…”

“I’m really sorry about this.” Scott rushed out and as Sam reached out to him he vanished.

“What the…” Katie spun round and felt something hit her, hard in the back. She fell forward onto the gravelled surface of the roof before rolling onto her back, gun raised again just in time to see Sam flying backwards off the edge, tumbling through the air and grappling with something whilst flying over the lawns of the facility.

Katie could do nothing but stand and watch from her vantage point as Sam continued to wrestle with, then shoot at the man who could shrink and grow seemingly at will. And if she was completely honest, it was kind of entertaining to watch.

“This guy would actually be pretty useful.” Katie mused into the coms, trying but failing to hide the amusement in her voice “Are you recording this? For future, recruitment purposes obviously.”

“All over it.” Rhodey responded, a slight chuckle punctuating his confirmation.

It was when the two men crashed into the storage unit that Ant-Man had wanted to break into in the first place that she started to get concerned.

“Err do we have cameras in there?” she questioned Rhodey.

“Uh… negative.” Rhodey answered after a short pause.

“Shit.” Running to the side of the roof she scaled down the metal ladder at the side, dropping the last eight feet or so, landing gently before she ran towards the storage building. At that point Sam came crashing backwards through the metal door and Katie flung her arms up to shield her face from the debris before glancing up. Sam’s flight pattern was jerky and off and he was gripping at his pack on his back.

“He’s in my pack!” Sam shouted before he landed hard in the dirt and with a groan, pulled himself into a standing position, yanking off his goggles.

“You okay?” Katie asked as she ran over to him.

“Yeah, fine…” He sighed before he looked at her. “You know, it’s really important to me that Cap never finds out about this.”

Katie grinned and the pair of them scouted around but to no avail, there was no sign of Ant-Man, or Scott anywhere. Katie instructed Rhodey to get the door fixed and lock it down again and said she would speak to Tony to find out what was in there. Sam was luckily not hurt, just a slight bruising to his pride so Katie left him at the lab with Lawson to look at making the repairs to his pack before she headed off to get changed.

*****

Steve and Natasha landed in Sadove, Crimea and were instantly greeted by the man who was leading the investigation into the raid on the local police station. The last three out of six hits the guy had made had been on small, local outfits with less resistance than the other places he had hit but that was hardly surprising. The former SHIELD base he had hit in Mexico had been heavily guarded, which made Steve think that he had perhaps suffered losses to his team which was making him rethink his strategy. As Natasha chatted to the man in his local language, Steve hung back before the man nodded to Natasha and strode towards him.

“Captain Rogers.” he said, English thick with accent “Inspector Chernov.”

Steve shook the man’s hand “Pleasure to meet you in person Inspector.”

“So you are interested in the man who raided our local station?” “He’s been on our radar for a while.” Steve said, choosing his words carefully “But we don’t have much to go on.” “Well, I’m not sure we can help but I can take you down there and you can see for yourself.” Steve nodded. “That would be great, thanks.”

It wasn’t a long drive, and once they arrived Steve and Natasha were allowed to wander round the scene undisturbed, providing they didn’t interfere with the police and teams already swamping the area. Their search showed them nothing new and they moved to watching the CCTV which the Authorities had refused to send them. They could have hacked into it, but Steve was keen to keep the tentatively growing communication lines with Crimea and Russia as amicable as possible, especially in the light of Sokovia. The Avengers were not a political party, so by remaining respectful of their requests to meet only in person he hoped it went someway to proving they were here to help and had no ulterior motives.

As such they sat in the mobile control centre, scanning the CCTV. Steve watched the footage and sighed.

“This isn’t HYDRA.” Nat concluded and Steve agreed.

“I know, it’s not their MO. This guy is too haphazard.” Steve pondered. “Just wondering why, considering how well organised he is, he is leaving so much devastation behind.”

“Minimum effort leaving maximum casualties.” Natasha said, watching the footage “He simply doesn’t care who he takes out.” “Well he’s hardly gonna care about that if he’s dealing black market arms.” Steve sighed.

They watched the footage some more and Steve held his hand up to Natasha to play it at normal speed when they reached the bit where the key perps were on screen.

“What’s he doing?” He frowned, looking at Crossbones. The man was stood in the middle of the room, looking around.

“He’s scanning for Cameras.” Nat answered as they both watched.

There was something familiar about the way the man walked and held himself, but Steve couldn’t quite place it. As they continued the footage, Crossbones located the camera they were watching through and looked directly up at it, pulling his mask up a little to reveal his mouth, clearly saying something.

“Can you enhance that?” Steve asked. Natasha tapped at it.

It zoomed in on the man and Natasha spoke “looks like something about it being personal…”

She held her phone up to the footage and then pressed something, and the phone spoke to her in a robotic voice.

“Big Guy…I just want you to know, this aint personal.” Steve’s gut clenched. The last time he had heard those words were in an elevator in the Triskelion.

“Rogers?” Natasha looked at him, noticing the nerve which was twitching in his jaw “What is it? Does that mean something to you?”

“In a fashion.” He turned to face her. “It’s Rumlow.”

****** The interviews went well and once the photos etc were done Katie and Tony retreated to the living area of the Tower for a well-earned drink as they put the final touches of their tour together. They were to start visiting various Universities across the US to roll out their foundation grants. To ease them both in gently, the first University they were going to was Columbia, so not far from home. Tony and Pepper would be presenting and discussing to students within the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Katie in the School of the Arts for Students on the Writing Programme.

Their chatter moved from work to Tony asking how the Compound was going, and Katie remembered the events of that morning.

“You ever heard of a bloke called Hank Pym?” she asked suddenly.

Tony paused for a moment, frowning at her sudden change of subject, but something stirred in his mind. “The name rings a bell, hang on…FRIDAY, search all files reference Hank Pym.” He instructed, tapping at something on his tablet.

After a few seconds something flashed up in the corner of the screen.

“Yeah, here you go.” He pressed another button causing the image to reflect in front of them as a hologram. “He worked with Dad and SHIELD on a programme called Project GOLIATH.”

“What the hell was that?” Katie asked, taking a pull from her bottle.

“A research programme into some kind of Nano particle.” Tony said as the pair of them simultaneously ran through the information on the screen.

“Ahhhh.” Katie nodded, “makes sense…” “What does?”

Katie explained about the encounter with Scott and Tony gave a hum of agreement.

“That could actually be kinda useful.”

“I know.” she agreed “But he vanished after he got whatever he wanted. Any thoughts on what it could be?”

“That facility holds a load of crap that was Dad’s” Tony said simply “Could be anything.”

“Well, nothing we could see was missing, but it might be worth you taking a look.” she suggested.

He shrugged “I can do, but there was nothing remotely dangerous in there. Was just a load of old signal jammers and code breakers we don’t really need anymore.”

“Well, I did try and ask what him what it was he wanted, you know, on account of him saying he was saving the world, maybe we could have helped with that, being the Avengers and all, but he simply turned round and said ‘Hank Pym told me never to trust a Stark’.”

She drained her bottle of beer as Tony did the same and he stood up, taking the empties to retrieve 2 more from the fridge.

“Clearly one of many in the long line of people dad pissed off.” Tony rolled his eyes as he popped the lids, before he sighed “I’m actually surprised no one tried to kill him before, you know, he rammed their car into a tree.”

Katie looked at her brother and swallowed. Tony had no idea how close to the truth he was.

“Sorry.” he slid the beer across the bar, mistaking her guilty silence for one of upset “That was out of order.”

“For all his faults I don’t think Dad was a bad man.” Katie spoke quietly “And he did love us.”

“I know.” Tony nodded, squeezing her hand.

She stayed for another drink and then headed home. She had checked in with Sam before heading back to their apartment and she was settled on the couch with a glass of wine when Steve called.

“Hey Soldier.” she said, smiling at the screen as she flicked the phone to project the image in front of her, muting the TV.

“Hey Darlin’.” He smiled back

“So, how was it?” she asked

“Well we got the intel.”

“Solid?”

“Pretty solid yeah.” Natasha spoke, appearing by his side. “We think we know who he is anyway.” “Who?”

Steve sighed. “It’s Rumlow.” “What?” Katie spluttered into her wine glass. “Are you sure?”

“Oh pretty sure.” Steve nodded. “He left me a clear message.”

“Steve recognised him on the Video so I ran a crosscheck.” Nat picked up. “Turns out he was listed as severely injured and was taken to the hospital. After that, our trail runs cold.”

“Until now.” Katie sighed.

“We’ve also got a list of his associates, some known faces he’s been seen with.” Steve shrugged “So we’re putting out an alert.”

“Doesn’t give us much to go on though.” Katie rubbed at her temples.

“When have we ever had much to go on?” Natasha asked and Katie shrugged

“Fair point.” she conceded as Natasha moved off out of sight.

“So how has your day been?” Katie looked back at Steve as he spoke.

“Not bad actually.” she said, “Interviews went well, oh, and we had a bit of an incident at base before.” “Incident?” he frowned, “What kind of incident?”

“Attempted break in, nothing major.”

“Everyone ok?”

“Yeah, honestly it was no big deal, I’ll fill you in on when you get home. For the rest of the day once the interviews were done Tony and I drank beer.”

“Sounds pretty productive.” Steve raised an eyebrow, smile playing on his lips.

“Beer is always productive.” Katie informed him and he chuckled.

“We’ll be airborne in thirty minutes and then we should be home in about four hours.” He said, as Katie looked at her watch. It was almost 8:30 pm.

“Alright, I’ll see you soon.”

“Love you.”

“And you.” She blew him a kiss and cut the call with a yawn. She was tired. Really tired, so she headed off for a bath. After soaking and listening to music for forty minutes she dried off and shoved on one of Steve’s T-shirts before climbing into bed and laying there for a moment, flicking through the TV channels. She settled on an episode of Family Guy and snuggled down into the large bed, wrapping herself in the soft covers. It always felt odd sleeping without Steve being there. Sometimes she quite enjoyed being able to starfish in the middle of the Emperor sized bed but tonight she wasn’t enjoying being alone.

****

Steve was whacked when they arrived home. Bidding good night to Natasha, instead of changing in the armoury he headed straight back and let himself into their quarters. Crossing the hallway he made his way into the bedroom he paused, a gentle smile spreading on his face. Illuminated in the light from the hallway he could see Katie was curled up in the middle of the bed, using his pillow as a hugging buddy. He quietly crossed the room and perched on the bed, stripping off his boots and uniform top. He paused slightly as Katie stirred and he turned to look at her, gently brushing her hair of her face. He glanced down at the freckles he knew by memory, long thick lashes, soft pink lips, that familiar Stark nose…she looked so peaceful asleep.

She stirred again, and that nose he adored wrinkled in the way it did when she was waking up and she cracked an eye open before her face split into a smile at the sight of her husband.

“Hey.”

“Hey, baby girl.” He smiled, his hand cupping her cheek. “Sorry, didn’t mean to wake you”

“It’s Okay.” She yawned, leaning into his touch.

“Did I tell you how beautiful you are?” He asked, and through the tiny sliver of light coming from the hallway Katie could see his eyes were full of their usual warmth.

“I don’t think you did today, no.”

“Well in that case, you’re beautiful” He smiled and she chuckled slightly as he dropped a soft kiss on her head. “I’m gonna take a shower and then I’ll be right with you.”

She watched him appreciatively as he stood up and pulled his compression-shirt over his head, leaving him bare form the waist up as he headed into the en-suite. For a moment she was tempted to join him, but then decided against it, laying back onto her side, dozing.

It wasn’t long before the bed dipped and she felt him slide under the covers next to her. She turned over to snuggle up into the crook of his shoulder, her head laying on his chest.

“So, you wanna tell what the incident was today?” he asked, his right hand reaching up to play with the strands of her hair that fell over her shoulder.

“Oh yeah.” she grinned before she launched into an explanation about Scott-slash-Ant Man. He fell silent for a moment but in the end came to the same conclusion as Tony had, there was nothing in there that was dangerous so they just needed to remain vigilant.

“Yeah, well Sam seemed to be taking vigilant to the extreme as he’s already been on the phone to numerous contracts, trying to track him down.” she said “I think he’s a bit annoyed the guy basically kicked his ass. Rhodey caught it all on video but Sam told me never to tell you about it. He’s taken it quite personally.” “I’m not surprised, he had his ass kicked.” Steve sniggered. “Where do I get a copy of the CCTV?”

Katie grinned, “I have it on my phone, Rhodey sent it to me.”

“Play it.” he instructed.

“What now?” “Yes, right now.” he nodded, moving so he was sat up, jolting her off his chest.

“No Sam will kill me!” she laughed, propping herself up on her elbow

“Screw Sam!” he snorted “He plays those damned Phys Ed videos every chance he gets.”

“That’s true.” Katie pondered “Ok, hang on…”

She turned, reaching over for the phone and the TV remote. Blinking at the sudden light, once her eyes were accustomed to the change she pressed a few buttons on her phone and beamed the footage to the TV on the wall. She had to admit, it looked even funnier from the video play back than it had when she had been there.

Steve let out a huge, genuine laugh, his head thrown back, banging against the headboard, arm clutched across his chest as he laughed, and laughed.

“I’m so showing that at our next briefing.” he said, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes.

“You can’t…” “Oh, I can!”

****

The next morning the pair of them made their way to the briefing room both munching on a piece of toast and each carrying a mug of coffee. It was early, before 8, but Steve wanted the team to be prepared. Everyone filed into the room along with some good humoured grumbling about the time before they dropped into their preferred seats and looked to the front of the room.

“I know it’s early and I’m sorry…” Steve held his hands up, looking round at the team assembled in front of him “But this is important.”

“More important than sleep?” Sam yawned.

Steve ignored him. “Alright, here’s what we already know.” Steve began to explain how they believed Rumlow to be Crossbones, the masked man who had been causing a whole lot of chaos in the wake of what happened at the Triskelion. Katie knew he was annoyed at himself for not realising he had survived sooner, but even if they had, they’d so much going on, not to mention Ultron had been a much bigger threat in the immediate future

"He’s been targeting former SHIELD labs and police stations all over the country and selling products on the black market.” Natasha spoke.

“Police stations?” Katie asked.

“We think he suffered heavy losses at the raid prior to the last three, so he’s going for easier targets whilst he regroups.” Natasha answered.

“Still no intel on who his buyers are?” Wanda asked.

“No.” Steve shook his head, “He seems to have become an independent terrorist, and doesn’t appear to be working for anyone”

“Our recon yesterday told us that Rumlow seems to be operating with this guy.” Natasha explained as the photos flashed up “He’s known as the Black Mamba…” “Black Mamba?” Wanda deadpanned. “Cross Bones and Black Mamba?”

“NATO has every available pair of eyes out looking for them.” Steve ignored Wanda and looked at Rhodey.

“Soon as they break cover, we’ll know.” Rhodey nodded

“So then what?” Sam frowned

“More recon?” Katie asked

Steve looked at his wife and nodded. “Possibly, but for now we need to let intelligence do their job. But be prepared, when we get a lead I want to be ready to go.”

There were mumbles around the room and Steve let the team lead the discussion. Sam commented on the crap code names again, causing Wanda to laugh. Katie suggested they should compile a detailed profile on Rumlow, see if they could find a pattern to his behaviour, nodding to Vision. the AI had a knack for it as did Katie, so Steve and Natasha nodded, both agreeing it was a good idea.

“We need to be vigilant.” Steve instructed. “Keep our eyes open for anything that’s out of the ordinary.” He caught Katie’s eye, a wicked smirk crossed his face and she shook her head smiling as he continued “Speaking of which…FRIDAY, play the video”

“Certainly Captain Rogers.” The pictures of Rumlow and Black Mamba disappeared from the screen and suddenly the footage of Sam spiralling through the air started to play. The room started to snigger as Sam looked at Katie who held her hands up in an “it wasn’t me!” gesture.

“Oh come on Man!” He groaned as the room gleefully watched the film, laughter ringing round the room.

******

The next four months ticked by with no further information on Rumlow. They pulled together a potted history which tracked the hospital he had been in, when he had escaped (the local authorities had been searching for him for ages since he threatened his nurse upon waking before violently breaking out) his movements since (ones they knew about and some they hadn’t) but it didn’t give them anything new.

Katie and Tony were buried deeply in their Foundation work, which was taking up a lot of Katie’s time so she wasn’t as close to the investigations as she could have been. Steve was fine with that though, the further away she was from Rumlow frankly the better, but he still made sure she was involved with what they had found and she attended the briefings as best she could when she wasn’t travelling the country. Steve’s chest burst with pride every time he saw his girl on the news, in papers, as the press seemed to be lavishing praise upon the siblings for what they were doing.

Then, one day in the middle of May, they struck gold when one of the Facial Recognition Alerts they had set up pinged to Black Mamba being spotted in a Lagos, Nigeria. As a result Steve had scrambled them all to attention as soon as he could, which was four am. But there were no complaints about the time, not when they knew this could be their chance to bring him in. They all pitched round the screen as Steve and Natasha identified the local police station that they suspected of him hitting, given where the FR had pinged several times.

“We think they are scoping this area.” Nat said, drawing a red circle round a part of the town.

Katie moved the screen with her fingers, enlarging the aerial shots as she looked at them, her analytical brain going ten to the dozen.

“Layout looks pretty standard.” she said, scanning the map, frowning slightly. Something was nagging at her. And as she looked, she realised what it was.

“What is it?” Steve asked, recognising the tone of her voice and frown on her face.

“The Science Institute.” She nodded towards the screen. “Big white building at the end of the road.”

“Biological weapons are big on the black market.” Sam cottoned on, nodding slightly.

“Yeah but his recent previous hits and our pattern analysis don’t give us any reason to believe that’s what he’s going to be aiming for.” Nat suggested

“You said yourself that you suspected he was going for easier targets whilst he regrouped.” Katie bit her lip. “What if he has?”

“We have to assume Rumlow will go for the police station, it’s the best intel we have.” Steve looked at her and he noticed the expression on Katie’s face as she crossed her arms and opened her mouth to argue. “But we should be vigilant, keep alert.”

She exchanged a glance with Sam, who simply shrugged

“We do this with stealth.” Steve continued, “I want us on the ground and out of sight, we need to catch him with as little fuss or danger to civilians as possible”

"Yeah, and with that in mind Viz you may need to sit this one out.” Nat tossed out and Vision nodded deprecatingly

“We’re still working on him blending in.” Wanda added.

“Same for you too Rhodey.” Steve looked at him “We need someone back here, we could be gone a few days.”

Rhodey nodded. “No problem Cap.” “Get what you need. Wheels up in twenty.” Steve dismissed everyone who immediately went their separate ways to prepare for the upcoming mission leaving Katie, Natasha and Steve alone

“You think she’s ready?” Natasha looked at Steve, nodding to Wanda. He took a deep breath, staring at the door through which she had just left with Vision.

“You say she’s been training hard.” He spoke after a moments pause, looking at Nat.

“Yeah, she has but her powers are still largely impacted by her emotions.”

“Aren’t everyone’s?” Katie asked. “I mean I’m angry or upset I fight harder, as you know.” “Yeah but,” Nat sighed “It isn’t the same, she can do a lot of damage.”

“We have the bare bones of a team as it is.” Steve shook his head and Katie looked down, feeling slightly guilty. She had discussed this with Steve, she wasn’t going. The Stark Foundation Tour had another few visits to Universities this week. Steve spotted the look on her face and he gently nudged her arm “That’s not a criticism honey…” “I know…” she bit her lip. Maybe she should postpone…

“Throw in the fact that this is the first full team mission we’ve had since Ultron and I don’t see any choice but to take Wanda” Steve shrugged, ending the conversation.

Nat took a deep breath and nodded “You’re right. And maybe being in an actual mission environment might help her gain some control, I mean practice makes perfect.”

“You trying to convince me or yourself?” he asked, eyeing her

“Both.” she drawled, heading out of the door.

Katie took a deep breath as Steve turned to her. “You best go.” she smiled softly. Steve bit his lip before he pulled her into an embrace, kissing her softly.

“I’ll call as soon as I can.” He promised, pressing his forehead to hers.

“Stay safe, please.” She whispered as he kissed the tip of her nose and hurried out of the door.

Once he was gone, Katie sank onto a chair, her head in her hands. She was torn, really torn. For the last year or so, post Ultron, they’d had a pretty quiet time of it, mopping up any stray Hydra operatives that strolled into their patch. But this, this was big. Was the Foundation really more important than putting a halt to whatever shitty plan Rumlow was trying to pull off? She was still an Avenger after all, she’d never quit that, and would never quit that.

She’d always be Supernova, whether she wanted to be or not.

“I’m gonna regret this.” She groaned to herself as she jumped up, and headed after the rest of the team.

*****

Steve, at first, had tried to argue against her coming but when Natasha had pointed out they could do with the support he had relented and the team had been bolstered by Supernova’s return to active duty.

Their support staff had done a great job on such a short time, and rented the group a four bedroomed apartment overlooking the street the Police Station was on. It wasn’t fancy, but it was the last place anyone would think would house Avengers. They spent their first day setting up a command centre, with coms links back to base and the next morning they began their recon.

The first two days were completely uneventful. No sign of Rumlow or any of his associates. Nat was the expert at covert ops and so she took the lead, directing them to all the right places coaching Wanda along the way and Steve was pleasantly surprised to see how well the younger girl took to the task, blending in with the locals. Katie took to observing from up high with Sam, her attention on the Biological Institute, unable to shake the nagging feeling she had about the place. She hadn’t mentioned it since their brief a few days ago, but Steve knew when she had an idea in her head she wouldn’t rest so he left her to it. Between them they had the area covered, which was good enough.

On the evening of the fourth day Wanda, Sam and Natasha headed out for a little undercover work in the bars at night, “So you guys can have a little undercover activity of your own” Sam teasingly stated, patting Steve on the back as he left, drawing an exasperated sigh from the Soldier. Nevertheless, the door had hardly clicked shut before Steve had his wife pinned up against a wall, hands wandering all over her body, lips and teeth clashing, her hand fisting in the slightly longer strands of hair at the top of his head as they’d furiously taken advantage of their first time alone in days.

The next morning Katie woke at about five-forty-five am and rolled over only to find the bed empty besides her. Steve could never rest when they were in the middle of a case like this. The clothes they had shed and left scattered all over the floor the night before were now folded and placed on top of the dresser, and she had to smile. Even now he was a total neat freak. Knowing full well where he would be she climbed out of the bed, pulled on Steve’s T-shirt and a pair of shorts before making her way into the dark corridor. She stopped in the doorway of the small dining room which was functioning as a makeshift office and sure enough, there he was, the lamp softly illuminated his handsome face as he flicked through a file, crease evident between his brows.

“Soldier, you’re up so early.” She said gently. Steve had heard her coming of course. Smiling softly, as he was always pleased to see her, he turned to face her as she crossed the room.

“Yeah, sorry, I woke about half an hour ago and couldn’t get back to sleep.”

“You know, I get that you’re fed up of just waiting but sitting here re-reading all this isn’t going to help you know.” Katie sighed, taking the file off him and dropping it onto the wooden table, before she perched on the edge.

“I know, it’s just so goddamned frustrating.” Steve ran his hand over his face. After pondering for a moment Katie stood up and walked behind the chair and placed her hands on his shoulders. He let out a groan of satisfaction and leaned back in his seat as she kneaded the muscles with her hands. She found a particularly bad spot just under his shoulder blade and began to push harder with her thumb. Steve, unable to decide if it was pleasurable or painful, made a little noise which was half way between the two.

“God your shoulders are so knotty.” Katie mused and he left out a breath through his nose moving his head to the side.

“Yeah well, I did a lot of exercise last night.” He quipped back as her hands continued to work at his shoulders.

“I’ll say.” She grinned. “You know that thing you did with your mouth is actually illegal in several countries.” “Good job we live in the land of the free.” His voice was low as he fully relaxed under her touch. Katie carried on working at his muscles in silence for a moment, happy to let him bliss out.

“So… answer me a question?” She spoke after a short while, rousing him a little, and he hummed, unable to bring himself to be bothered to talk.

“If you couldn’t sleep why didn’t you wake me to help you?” Her voice was loaded as she leaned forward to wind her arms around his neck, running her hands up and down his chest from behind. Steve loved it when she touched him like that which was why he pouted slightly when she pulled away, but the pout didn’t last long and a smirk crossed his face as Katie walked round to the front of his chair

“And how, exactly, would you have done that?” His hands moved to rest on her hips as she lowered herself so that she was straddling him. She slid one of her hands around the back of his head to tangle in his hair the other settling on his chest.

“Reckon I can think of a few ways.” She smirked slyly before using her hand in his hair to pull him forward and connect their lips. Steve kissed her back immediately as one hand crept up the back of her top, the other on the side of her thigh, sliding up her shorts.

“Sleepy yet?” She murmured.

“Not exactly the word I would use.” Steve raised an eyebrow.

She grinned and then began to rock her hips on top of him grinding down on his growing hardness and he sighed slightly, kissing her harder as she pushed down again. With an automatic reaction he raised his hips, rocking up to meet her and this time she groaned as she could feel the friction of their clothes grinding against her clit. His hands were now firmly holding her hips underneath her, no, his top, and he sat forward so his mouth could cover the spot under her ear that drove her wild. With a soft sigh she titled her head to the side as he trailed kisses across her jaw until his mouth met her lips again. His hands reached down to grasp the hem of her top and he had just begun to slide it upwards when they were interrupted by a raspy voice.

“I thought all the making out fully clothed supposedly stopped when you reached the age of seventeen.” Natasha scoffed from the doorway. Katie looked up over Steve’s shoulder as he sighed, dropping his head onto her chest, letting out a groan of frustration.

“Don’t you know how to knock?” Katie sighed.

“Don’t you know how to lock a door?” She retorted, dryly.

“I take it this isn’t a social call?” Steve’s voice was muffled as he spoke into his wife’s chest, not bothering to move his head. Katie chuckled a little, her hand running through his hair.

“Half and half.” Natasha arched an eyebrow, “Unsociable hour it maybe but Wanda’s already up and wants breakfast, she was going to head out to the local bakery but I thought it might be an idea to start the re-con early.”

Steve’s head looked up to Katie’s as she shifted off his lap and straightened out her clothing and hair. Steve glanced down at his crotch and Katie raised an eyebrow slightly as he stood up and adjusted his sweats in an attempt to hide his slowly ebbing arousal before he turned to face the red head.

“Well, you’re the expert in this covert stuff.” He raised his brow. “What have you got in mind?”

*****

“All right, what do you see?” Steve was coaxing Wanda, as ever, to observe her surroundings, see and hear everything, on the job training he supposed you could call it.

Meanwhile, Katie glanced down from the rooftop on which Sam and her were currently stood, her scanners doing their usual work. No weapons spotted yet.

“Standard beat cops. Small station. Quiet street. It’s a good target” Wanda’s voice came through the ear piece Steve was wearing.

“There’s an ATM in the South Corner.” he replied “which means….”

“Cameras” Wanda said instantly.

“Both cross streets are one way.” He carried on

“So, compromised escape routes.”

“Means our guy doesn’t care about being seen, he isn’t afraid to make a mess on the way out.” Steve concluded. “You see that Range Rover halfway up the block?”

“Yeah, the red one? It’s cute”

“It’s also bulletproof,” Katie cut in as FRIDAY completed a scan on the vehicle “Which means private security…”

“Which means more guns, which means more headaches for somebody. Probably us” Nat finished

“You guys know I can move things with my mind, right? “ Wanda replied

“Looking over your shoulder needs to become second nature.” Natasha continued

“Anybody ever tell you you’re a little paranoid?” Sam asked and Katie turned to look at him, retracting her face plate to give him a grin.

“Not to my face. Why? Did you hear something?” the exchange continued.

“Eyes on target, folks” Steve spoke firmly with an air of authority, bringing them back to the job in hand. “This is the best lead we’ve had on Rumlow in six months. I don’t want to lose him.”

“If he sees us coming that won’t be a problem. He kind of hates us.” Sam replied

As Steve watched he noticed that a garbage truck was slowly pushing its way through traffic, with no regard to pedestrians or other vehicles. He frowned and kept his eyes on it as it continued to gather momentum as it went.

“Sam, Katie…see that garbage truck? Tag it.”

Sam’s small drone launched, swooping down to scan the vehicle as Katie instructed FRIDAY to do the same.

“Give me X-ray.” Sam spoke. There was a pause before he gave a little moan. “That truck’s loaded for max weight.”

“And the driver’s armed.” Katie concluded.

And in that second it dawned on Steve that his wife had been right all along. The Institute was the target after all.

“It’s a battering ram.” Katie’s voice mumbled on the coms, clearly having realised the same thing he had, and with that Steve turned from the window, running for the door.

“Go, now!” He yelled into his coms as he sprinted down the stairs. “There not hitting the station…” “The institute…” Sam spoke as Steve burst onto the street looking up in time to see Falcon and Supernova spiralling into the air.

And once more the fight was on.

**** Chapter 29 Part 1

**Original Posting**

#stark spangled banner #steve rogers #Katie Stark #steve rogers x ofc #steve rogers x original female character #steve rogers fanfiction #steve rogers smut #mcu #mcu fanfic #chris evans #chris evans characters

58 notes · View notes

atlafan · 4 years

Note

Hii ok u dont have to write this if it doesnt inspire u but I’ve been watching Selling Sunset on Netflix & I’ve been waiting impatiently for the 3rd season cuz it’s just so good lol but i was wondering if u could write something about rich real estate agent H? Maybe helping the MC buy her first home and they hit it off? Ur the only 1 who writes these diverse Harry’s & I can’t stop thinking about real estate H showing her expensive houses & like doing NaughtyStuff with her in an empty 1 lol xx HC

a/n: this has been in my inbox for a while and I’ve been wanting to get to it, so here it is! there is smut, but it’s more tame than you requested. Hope you still like it!

Sold

You weren’t sure how you were able to do it, but you finally had enough money for a down payment on a home. You scrimped and saved for years as best you could, you paid off the majority of your student loans, you built up your credit, and now you felt ready for this very adult step.

Your parents weren’t sure why you weren’t content with just renting. “What if you meet someone?” They’d ask you. “Then they could just move in with me, or we’d find another place. It’s an investment!” You’d reply. They had this vision in their head that you’re supposed to buy a home with a partner. It was the twenty-first century, you didn’t need anyone to help you...or so you thought.

The pre-approval process at the bank was lengthy, but thorough. They’d need to see your W2′s from two years prior, they needed to know how long you’ve been at your current job, and basically just how much money you had altogether. The mortgage specialist at the bank was very kind.

“So, you’re doing this all on your own?”

“I am.” You smile.

“Have you got real estate agent yet?”

“No.” You shrug. “You don’t really need when you’re the one buying do you? I can just call whoever’s showing the house and work with them.”

“Maybe in small towns, but in larger areas like this you’ll want a realtor, trust me. It doesn’t cost you anything either way. They can top shop, help you negotiate, all those kinds of things.”

“They also like to show you houses out of your price range.” You scoff.

“Not the honest ones. I get it, at the end of the day, they’re out there to make a quick buck, and the more the house is, the larger the cut they get. But I know a guy, he actually helped my son buy his first home. He was absolutely wonderful, and he’s a shark.” She goes through the many business cards on her desk. “Ah! Here it is, Harry Styles, he works for Greenfield Real Estate.”

You take the card from her and scan it over.

“Don’t they sell, like, really nice homes? They work with people looking for mansions.”

“Just give him a call, and tell him I sent you. You won’t regret it, trust me. Your pre-approval is only good for ninety days, so you’ll want to contact him soon.”

Your head was swimming, but you knew she had a point. Half the houses you favorited on realtor.com or zillow were sold already. It was a seller’s market for sure. Maybe you would need someone to help you negotiate...but did it have to be a man? Couldn’t you find a female realtor? You spent years becoming the strong, independent woman you came to be, and now it felt like you’d be surrendering to some stereotype.

However, after perusing on the Greenfield website, you see a picture of Harry. You bite your bottom lip, swallow some pride, and dial his number.

“Greenfield Real Estate, this is Harry.” You weren’t expecting the British accent, or the deep voice and drawl that came with it. “Hello?”

“Um, hi! Yeah, Doris at Hills Bank gave me your card...I’m a first time home buyer.” You want to smack yourself for how stupid you sound.

“Oh, I love Doris! I’ve worked with her a bunch. I actually helped her son buy his first home last year.”

“That’s what she told me.”

“Right, so, picking a realtor is sort of like dating, you wanna make sure you pick the right one. Why don’t we meet up for coffee somewhere locally so we can get to know each other a bit.”

Pushy, he was already wanting to meet you. Probably to have you sign your life away to be his client.

“Sure, we could do that.”

“Are you local? There’s a place on Bleaker Street that has great coffee.”

“Is it Monte Alto?”

“Yeah! That’s the one. When are you free?”

“I could meet you Friday during lunch my break.”

“Sounds great, I’m assuming noon?”

“Correct.”

“By the way, you didn’t tell me your name.”

“It’s Y/N.”

“Alright, Y/N, I’ll see you Friday at noon at Monte Alto.”

You take a huge breath after you hang up.

Friday rolled around, and you weren’t able to step out of the office until nearly 11:50. It would take a little more than ten minutes to get there, and you hated being late. You were happy you had at least looked up what Harry looked like so you’d be able to spot him once you were there.

Once you’re there, you see a man sitting on one of the cushioned chairs, looking out the window. It had to be him.

“Harry?”

He looks over at you and smiles. He stands up to shake your hand.

“Y/N?”

“Yes, hi, sorry I’m late, I’ve had meeting after meeting this morning. Fridays aren’t usually this busy.”

“No worries at all. Tell me, what’s your order?”

“Oh, I can get it myself. I’m gonna grab a bagel too.”

“Good idea, I’ll do the same. Now, what’ll you have?”

“Really...I can-”

“I know you can, but I invited you here, it would be rude to have you pay. Do this with all my perspective clients.”

“Well, don’t I feel special.” You say sarcastically. He chuckles softly as you both get in line.

You both order your drinks and food, and wait awkwardly for your names to be called, then you sit back down.

“Thank you.”

“You’re more than welcome. So, tell me, what’s your dream home?”

“Oh god, um, nice big kitchen, I love to cook when I actually have time. A room for entertaining. I’m usually the one to host friends. Two stories, a garage, three bedrooms would be ideal, but I’ll settle for two-”

“No settling.” He smirks. “Go on.”

“Um...well, so, three bedrooms, ideally I’d like a master with an en suite, but who doesn’t?” You watch as he makes notes on a little pad of paper. “I’d like a yard, but it doesn’t need to be huge. Bonus points if there’s a deck or patio, maybe even a pool, but I can live without those things.”

“And you’re buying this just for yourself, correct? No husbands or boyfriends I need to know about?”

“You know, I could have a girlfriend.”

“Shit, I’m sorry you’re right, um-”

“Relax, I’m teasing.” You chuckle. “But to answer your question, I am doing this alone. I feel like I’m ready for a house, so I want one.”

“Thought I put my foot in my mouth for a second there. I need to learn to just say partner.” He picks up his drink to take a sip, and that’s when you notice he has perfectly manicured nails. Interesting. “So it seems like you know how to be realistic about what you want, and you also have a dream list. What about projects, do they scare you?”

“I’m good with painting or even having to put new flooring in, but I’d like to stay away from any major reno.”

“Gotcha.” He makes another note. “And what price range are we working with here?”

“Let me just make a note on my phone, I’d rather not say out loud in case someone tries to rob me.”

He smiles and nods. He squints at your screen and makes a note.

“Great, good for you. What do you do for work?”

“I’m a physician, I work at a doctor’s office not too far from here. I’ve been there for two years, and I love what I do.”

“That’s great. So, Doris talked with you about balancing a mortgage and paying down your student loans?”

“They’re mostly paid for, actually. I got a lot of scholarships for my undergrad, and during med school I was awarded a pretty decent grant.”

“Perfect.” He scribbles some more notes and then puts his pad and pen down. “What do you want to know about me?”

“How long have you been a realtor for?”

“Six years, been with Greenfield since I started.”

“What made you get into it?”

“Love seeing people happy.”

“What about when someone buys below the asking price?”

“Doesn’t happen with me, not when I’m selling anyways. However, when I’m helping someone buy a home, well, let’s just say I’m pretty good at negotiating.” He smirks. “You’d be in good hands with me, but if you wanna shop around some more I’ll understand.”

“Do you work with first time buyers a lot?”

“Sometimes, it depends. I know a lot of them like to work with me. They’re usually young, I’m young. Makes for a more relatable experience.”

“Okay.” You look outside and think for a moment. “I think I’d like to work with you.”

He smiles big at you.

“Are there any homes you’ve had in mind that you’d like to start looking at? I can definitely see what open houses are out there too. People tend to make offers fast, but don’t let that scare you. The home has to feel right, if you want it, I’ll make sure you get it.”

“There were a few I’ve seen on realtor...” You take your phone out to show him. “I’d like to not have a super long commute either if I can help it.”

“Are you looking to grow into this home or is it more of a starter space for you?” You give him a funny look. “I just mean, like, would you be open to a condo or something like that.”

“Only if it was detached and didn’t have a high HOA.”

He nods and looks at some of the other homes you had favorited.

“So what I’m gonna do is go back to my office and run a few searched. Then I’ll text you a link to the home I find, and you can tell me which ones you like. Don’t be afraid to tell me you hate them either. Then if there’s a couple you wanna see, we’ll set up a time that works for you, and then I’ll contact the other realtor, sound good?”

“Sounds great.”

You shake hands again before leaving. As you make your way back to the office, you feel relieved. You had someone you could ask questions to, and someone basically on your side. Harry was nice, a salesman at heart, but nice.

Saturday morning you get a text from Harry.

Harry Styles - Hi Y/N, it was great meeting you yesterday. Here are some places I think you might like. Let me know what you think!

You liked how formal he was. You tap the link he sent you. The first couple were duds, but there were a few on here that actually peaked your interest.

You - Could we three of the home? The bottom three on the list.

Harry Styles - Sure! When would work for you?

You - I don’t work on Mondays, so that would be easiest. Timing doesn’t matter.

Harry Styles - I’ll contact the realtors and see what we can put together.

You - Thanks so much!

You felt really excited. You wondered if maybe you should invite your parents to come look at the houses with you, but maybe you would save that for a second look through once you actually find something. A house can look much different in pictures than it does in person.

Monday morning, around 9:30, you meet Harry at the first location. His car was parked in the driveway. He gets out when he sees you pull in. He had two coffees in hand.

“Morning.” He says to you. “Got you a coffee, I remembered your order.”

“Oh! Um, thanks.” You take it from him.

“I’ve already gone in and unlocked the doors and turned the lights on. The other realtor isn’t here, which is perfectly fine. Take your time, feel free to walk around outside before heading in too.”

You smile and nod. The front was beautifully landscaped, and there was a gate leading to the backyard. He follows you out that way. You listen as he explains when the home was built and why the people were selling it. There a nice deck that had been recently put on, no pool though, but there was room for one. You go up the stairs of the deck and go in through the sliding glass door.

“Kitchen was recently renovated within the last five years. All appliances come with the place.”

“It’s beautiful.” You run your fingers over the nice granite counter tops.

As you scope out the rest of the house, you’re not as impressed as you were with it when you first walked in. The bedrooms were small, and barely had any storage. The basement wasn’t in the best condition either.

“Definitely a no, but a good first experience nonetheless.”

Harry looks down at his watch as he nods.

“Wanna follow me to the next place then?”

“Sure.”

Same thing happened at house number two and three. You just weren’t wowed. You sigh heavily as you lean against your car.

“Don’t get discouraged, Y/N. It’s better to know what you don’t like. We can keep looking. When I go into the office tomorrow I can run another search. Maybe we can look at some condos.”

“That might be good. Maybe somewhere with people my age? It would be cool to be in a little community.”

“Definitely.”

“Thanks...I hope I haven’t been a pain with the things I don’t like.”

“Not at all. This is a really big purchase, you should get what you want.”

It took three more weeks of meeting up with Harry on various days to find a place you liked. On a Saturday evening, he brought you over to a condo that was detached, had a garage, a community gym and pool. It had three bedrooms, and two and a half baths. One being an en suite for the master bedroom.The kitchen was gorgeous and flowed into a dining/living area. You were thrilled.

“Harry...” You look at him. “It’s perfect.”

“Really, you like it?”

“I love it!” You squeal and hug him without thinking. “Sorry.” You blush.

“It’s fine, it’s exciting.”

“I’d like to put an offer in. The price is rate and the HOA is reasonable. It’s not too far from work. I’d be able to entertain, the backyard is fenced in. There was even security at the gate! This is my home, I can feel it.”

“Fantastic. The paperwork can take some time. Would you wanna fill everything out over dinner?”

“Um...sure...”

“Plus, it gives you a chance to see what places nearby are like. We passed some nice restaurants on the way here.”

You follow him to a nice pizza place a couple of miles away. He bring a large packet of paper and a couple of pens in with him.

“On the way here I called the other realtor to let him know an offer was coming their way.”

“Thanks.”

You both get seated and are given some water. He takes the papers out and explains what you would need to sign, and what your offer would mean. Harry said you could definitely low ball the sellers, so you asked for about $15K less than the asking price.

“They probably won’t accept, but most people don’t on the first offer. This just gives us a good starting point.”

“And you think the six grand in closing costs is good?”

“Yeah, totally reasonable. That’ll be about half of it. Sometimes, you can get more money off after the home inspection. Once a price is settled, you’ll want to schedule that right away. I have some names of some great home inspectors.”

“Would you be there for that?”

“I would. I’m there for all of it. The other realtor will be there too.”

“Okay good. I’d feel better with you there.”

As you begin to sign the documents, a waiter comes over.

“Good evening folks, can I start you off with anything to drink?”

“I’d love a glass of rose please.” You say.

“Just a Corona for me, thanks.”

The waiter nods and leaves you be.

“Did you want to just split a pizza?” Harry asks looking down at the menu.

“Sure, what do you like? I usually just get green peppers and mushrooms.”

“Works for me. Would you mind this cauliflower crust?”

“Not at all! I prefer that, actually.”

‘Perfect.” He smiles.

When the waiter comes back, Harry orders your pizza. He watches as you finish up all the paperwork. He checks over everything to make sure you signed everything.

“I’ll get this all scanned and sent over tomorrow.”

“Do you ever take a day off?”

“Yes and no. The realtor world is funny. Sometimes I’m in the office all day and then I wont hear from a client until 8PM. I’m not helping someone buy, I’m helping someone sell. I’m always busy.”

“Sorry to take up your Saturday night...”

“No, don’t be. I’d just be home working.” He shrugs and takes a sip of his beer. “It’s your Saturday night I’m more worried about.”

“Oh please.” You laugh. “My friends know I’ve been busy with this, they understand. Besides when I showed them who you were...” You stop yourself from finishing the sentence.

“No, please, go on.” He smirks.

“They just, they saw your picture on the Greenfield website, that’s all.” You blush.

The waiter comes over with the pizza, and thankfully it breaks a bit of the tension. You each take a slice and dig in.

“This is delicious.” You say.

“Yeah, never been here before, I’ll definitely have to come back.” He takes another sip of his beer. “Once that condo is yours, I fully expect an invite to your house warming, by the way. I like to know my clients are good to go.”

“I definitely won’t be a stranger.”

When you and Harry are done, he walks you out to your car. He gives you a small hug goodbye as well. You felt like you just had a date, but there was no way you did.

After going back and forth twice, your offer was accepted. You set up a home inspection with one of the names Harry had given you. He meets you at the house when it’s time, and you’re able to meet the other realtor. A woman, who was a little too delighted to see Harry. You felt jealous when they hugged. However, he stayed close to you and took notes while the inspector was talking.

You made sure to ask a lot of questions. There were no major things that alarmed you. All of the information was just a lot to take in, and you were feeling slightly overwhelmed. You should have brought your parents, or another friend. Was Harry a friend at this point? As the inspector was putting together a full report for you, and getting your email, the other realtor was talking to Harry.

“So, I thought you were only in the selling game right now.” She smirks at him.

“Once in a while I take on a buyer.” He shrugs. “It’s good commission.”

“Yeah, thanks, can’t wait to split it with you.” She rolls her eyes. “But I do love when our paths cross.”

“Mhm.” He looks over at you and then back to the realtor. “The previous owners took great care of this place.”

“Yeah, they did. The only reason they moved is because they’re daughter had a baby and they wanted to be closer to her.”

“Ah, classic.”

“Are you doing anything later?”

“Um…well…Y/N is probably going to have questions and stuff, so I’ll probably be busy with her for a bit.”

“Okay, but, like, tonight, are you free? We could grab a drink.”

“I…”

“Harry?” You say, walking over to them. “Everything’s all set. He said I should have the radon and water tests by next week.”

“Perfect. You’ll be able to make a final decision and add anything to an addendum then.”

“It was nice to meet you.” You shake the woman’s hand.

“Same to you. Look forward to hearing from you soon.”

“Y/N, I took a lot of notes, is there anything you want to go over?”

“Yeah, that would be great.”

“See ya Margaret, we’ll be in touch.” He shakes her hand and leaves her standing there, shocked.

Harry walks with you outside, and you agree on a bar to meet up at. You both grab drinks and Harry goes over his notes with you. He gives you the name of a good plumber since you mentioned you’d want to update a few fixtures.

“What about a painter? Know of anyone that can help with that?”

“You don’t need to waste your money on a professional. Painting’s not that hard.” He chuckles.

“Well, I am not very skilled when it comes to that kind of stuff. Plus, I won’t really have the time to do it myself, and I’d wanna get it done before I move.”

“You could get all done in a couple of weekends no problem, you just need some friends that know how to paint.” He puts a toothpick in his mouth and fiddles with it. “I know how to paint.”

“You do?”

“Sure.” He shrugs. “Sometimes sellers need to fix up their houses quickly. I’ve come to the rescue on more than one occasion.”

“That’s nice of you.”

“I don’t make any money if I don’t. No one wants to be an ugly house.” He takes a sip of his drink. “I guess what I’m saying is, I could help you paint. You’re about to have a mortgage payment on your hands.”

“Pending the inspection report.” You smirk.

“Right.” He smiles.

“Did you offer up the same service for Doris’ son?”

“No.” He says smugly. “He already knew how to paint.”

“That other woman before, what was her name? Margaret?”

“Yeah, what about her?”

“I heard her ask you out…”

“She didn’t, she wasn’t…uh…” He scratches the back of his neck. “Sometimes we go for drinks if we end of working on the same house. Nothing more than that really.”

“So, you’re not, like, seeing her.”

“God, no. That would be a major conflict of interest.”

“Do you always go out for drinks with your clients?”

“Sometimes…I know some people have clients over to their home to do paperwork, but I didn’t think you’d feel super comfortable coming over to some guy’s house you barely know.”

“How considerate of you.” You giggle.

“Did it bother you that she asked me out tonight?”

You nearly choke on your drink.

“What? No, why, uh, why would it have bothered me?”

“Because…if someone had done the same to you in front of me I would have been bothered, but to be fair, I’m a pretty jealous guy.” He finishes his drink and orders another one.

“How many times does this happen?”

“What?”

“You hitting on your clients.”

“Is that what I’m doing?” He fake gasps. “And no, I don’t usually do this. I’m a little embarrassed, actually. Not very professional of me to have a crush on your client.” Your eyes widen and your jaw drops slightly. “Sorry, I hope I’m not making you uncomfortable.”

“No! I…I’m just a little surprised that you’re into me, is all.”

“Why? You’ve got a great career, you’re super independent, and you’re really funny.”

“How do you not already have a girlfriend?”

“I’m really busy, like, all the time. I’m able to take vacations here and there, but you see how much I work. Any time I date it doesn’t last because people don’t understand the job. You’re a doctor, you get it. You must be busy going to classes trying to stay up to date on everything.”

“I am, I’m definitely busy a lot…but I make time for friends.”

“So do I. My friends don’t get offended if I have to cancel or reschedule, or they at least don’t take it personally.”

“I get what you’re saying…dating is hard when you have a demanding job.”

“Exactly.”

“So…are you going to ask me out?”

“Can’t, not until this is all done at least. Conflict of interest.”

“Oh.”

“But when I do, are you saying you’ll say yes?”

“I guess we’ll find out when you ask, won’t we?”

Harry helped you go over the inspection report once you got it. You asked for some money towards getting the furnace serviced, and the previous owners thought it was a reasonable request. You were able to close a couple of weeks later. Typically the realtor comes to the bank with the buyer on the big day.

“Harry!” Doris squeals as she hugs him. “Great to see you.”

“Same to you.”

“Love when we get to see each other like this.”

“Same here, how’s your son?”

“Oh, he’s great. Y/N, have a seat. We have lots of things to sign.”

You sign what you need to. Doris gives you a gift bag with some wine glasses. Harry hands over a bottle of champagne to you as well. It was very exciting. You were officially a home owner.

“Thank you so much.” You shake Doris’ hand before leaving the bank.

Harry grabs your wrist once you’re both outside.

“Congratulations.”

“Thanks, I literally couldn’t have done it without you.” You give him a quick hug. “My parents are gonna meet me there soon so they can check it out. I think they wanna take me out to eat to celebrate.”

“That’s great.” He clears his throat. “What, uh, what are you doing tomorrow?”

“Continuing to pack.” You laugh. “But, um, I could make myself available in the evening.” You smile.

“I’m having a little pool party tomorrow. Bunch of my friends are coming over, I’d love to have you over too, if you felt comfortable.”

“That sounds amazing! Can I bring anything?”

“Just your beautiful self.”

Your parents were very impressed with your new purchase. You did well. Saturday morning you continued your packing adventure, trying to make sure you properly labeled your boxes. You needed to make sure none of your medical journals got lost.

Even though Harry had offered over and over to teach you how to paint, your parents offered to pay for a painting crew for you, just to make things go faster. Once that was done you’d be able to move. You search your dresser for a suitable bathing suit. You weren’t sure how much skin to actually show.

“Ah ha!” You find your green, strapless one-piece that had a cute cut out in the upper part of the stomach. You’re also able to find a cute cover up dress to throw on over it.

In the latter part of the afternoon, you drive over to Harry’s. You were impressed by the neighborhood he was able to live in. All of the houses were huge. When you pull up to his house you wonder what he needed such a big house for. Maybe he entertained a lot too, just like you did.

You – just pulled up!

Harry Styles - come right around back!

You walk around to where you can hear music playing and people laughing. There were plenty of people already in Harry’s large in-ground pool.

“Y/N!” Harry waves over to you.

Damn, he has a lot of tattoos. You think to yourself.

“Hi, Harry!”

He comes over to you and kisses you on the cheek without really thinking.

“Glad you could make it. Make yourself comfortable. Plenty of food, plenty of pool.” He chuckles.

Harry’s friends were really nice and welcoming, you didn’t feel too out of place. His eyes couldn’t help but scan over your body the second you took your coverup off. Turns out Harry was a master on the grill. He made sure to pay attention to while still being a good host to his friends. It was a fun party. As the night dwindled you wanted to make some sort of move.

“You know, I’ve seen your entire backyard, but I’ve yet to be given a your of your home.”

“You’d like that?”

“It’s only fair, you’ve seen mine.” You wink at him.

He leads you inside.

“Well, you’ve seen the kitchen, obviously.”

He takes you through the first floor and then leads you upstairs. He explains that he has all the extra rooms so his family has their own space for when they come to visit.

“And this is my room, but you don’t have to-“

“No, let’s see it.” You smile.

He smiles back and opens the door. Your jaw drops when you see how much space there is. There were two closets, both filled with nice clothes.

“Come check out the bathroom. I had some work done to it last year.”

“Why do you have a double vanity?”

“For guests.” He blushes. “My last girlfriend actually, she liked having her own sink. Apparently I have too many products and they can get in the way.” He clears his throat. “Anyways, I had everything redone last year. I know a great bathroom guy if you ever wanna update anything.”

“You have a guy for everything.” You giggle. “And you do have a lot of products, two sinks makes sense.” You walk out and back into the bedroom. “So…”

“So…”

“What date number would you consider this to be?”

“Legally, the first…not legally…” He grins. “Think I’ve lost track.” He steps closer to you. “My friends liked you.”

“I liked them.” You wrap your arms around his neck. “And I like you.”

“I like you too.” His hands move to your hips. “And I really like this bathing suit. Haven’t been able to take my eyes off you all day.”

You both smile and continue to make eye contact. Harry looks down at your lips and leans in. He presses his lips to yours, and you find yourself grasping at him to pull him closer. You couldn’t remember the last time you were intimate with someone, but it had definitely been too long. You were ravenous. You open your mouth him and he groans into you. You both shuffle back to the bed and fall on top of it.

“If this feels too fast, just let me know.” He breathes as you move to straddle him.

“Harry, I want you.” You cup his cheek and he moves to kiss your palm. “But, if it feels too fast for you, we can cool it.”

“I want you too, I just wanted to make sure you didn’t feel pressured or anything.”

“I don’t, but thank you.”

You lean down to kiss him again. His hands move to the back of your bathing suit.

“Gotta get this off you.” He grunts.

You get off him to stand up.

“I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.”

“Seems to be our little theme.” He smirks.

Harry stands up and takes his trunks off. Your eyes grow wide when you look down at his hard cock. He steps towards you and helps you out of your swim suit.

“I have a fun idea.” He says as he kisses down your neck. “We’ve been in the sun all day, let’s go hop in the shower.”

You smile at him and nod. He leads you into the bathroom and gets the water in the shower going. He yanks you inside and gets you under the warm water. He backs you up to the wall and press you against it. His hands roam your body as his lips find yours again.

“I’ve thought about this so many times.” He says.

“You have?”

“Mhm, there were so many times in the houses I showed you that I just wanted to take you right then and there.”

He nips at your jaw as his hands knead your breasts. You wrap your arms back around his neck. You feel his hard cock press against your hip and it makes you whimper. One of his hands slides down your stomach. He looks at you to make sure it’s alright and you nod yes.

Your head rolls back against the tile as his fingers slips between your legs. His thumb works your clit while he works two of his fingers inside you.

“Oh my god.” You gasp and grind your hips toward his hand. You reach for his length and start to pump him.

You both were panting. You have to let go of him to clutch onto his shoulders as you release around his fingers.

“Please.” You moan. “Fuck me. I have an IUD.”

Harry kisses you and hooks one of his arms under one of your legs so he can push in at a better angle. You bite down on his bottom lip, causing him to groan loudly.

“You’re so fucking sexy.” He says into your ear as he thrusts in and out of you.

“You feel so good, Harry, fuck.”

He pulls out of you, turns you around, and presses back inside. His chest was flush with your back. You claw at the tile as he rocks in and out of you. One of his hands snakes around to rub your clit and the other works one of your breasts.

You feel a flood of things wash over you, but mostly it was another incredible orgasm. You could get used to this.

“Shit, I’m gonna come. Where do you want it?” He grunts.

“Inside me.”

“Jesus.” He groans and releases inside you. You moan out at the warm feeling.

“This is the softest robe in the world.”

“Glad you like it. You can wear it anytime.”

You both were cuddled up in his bed, munching on some fruit while watching TV.

“Do you have parties like this often?”

“Only when I’ve finally told a tougher home.”

“You were working with someone while working with me? How did you find the time?”

“Babe, I was working with like six other people.” He smirks.

“Doris was right, you are a shark.” You laugh.

“Gotta be able to afford this place, right?” He tucks some hair behind your ear. “You’ll stay tonight? I’m a cuddler.”

“Of course.” You giggle. “I’ll have to have you over for my next game night, you can meet all of my friends.”

“Like I said, I fully expect to be invited to your house warming.”

“That too.”

“But I’d be happy to meet your friends. Are they doctors too?”

“A couple of them are, yeah. We met in med school. Wouldn’t have made it through without them.”

You two stay up for hours, legs tangled in each other, telling each lots of things about one another. It was easy to talk to Harry, it had been since you met. He felt the same about you too. You both knew it wouldn’t be so easy to just get together. Harry’s schedule was unpredictable, and your days were long and tiring. But, neither of you really cared because you both felt like you found your person.

Harry loved game nights with your friends. He was a tad competitive, but it just made for more laughs. You both liked having your separate spaces, but you enjoyed when he could actually spend the night, or when you could spend the night at his place. Neither of you took it personally when the other was too busy or too tired either. Once you felt truly settled, you wrote Doris a thank you note for setting you up with the best realtor and the love of your life.

#harry styles #harry styles imagine #harry styles fic #harry styles x reader #harry styles x y/n #harry styles y/n #harry styles fluff #harry styles smut #harry styles smut fic #enjoy!#realtor!Harry

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cosmiclatte28 · 3 years

Text

#11 It’s a Small World (You x yuta x taeyong)

Eleventh day of Christmas

It’s a Small World (You x Yuta x Taeyong)

warning : expect a plot twist okay? It’s quite interesting, hope this can be a real life story for someone 😂💖

I do not own the pictures, but I own the stories :) hope you enjoy this

You’re glad to spend the Christmas and New Year with your family in Japan and now it’s time to go back to work. Your company has given you an extra two days holiday since you’ve been doing great for them. Your family send you off to the airport that morning and you’ve checked in your luggage and have some hours to stroll around the airport before departing home.

The Kansai airport in Osaka was not the biggest, but you sure can still stroll around the stores and pick up last chance Japanese snacks from the mini kiosk and after purchasing your favorite chocolate bars, you walk to the waiting room.

Before sitting down, your phone vibrates and you check to see a new message coming in.

“Safe flight (y/n)! I’ll pick you up in Incheon. Don’t forget my souvenirs. XOXO TY” the message read and you slap your head for forgetting the most important souvenir.

Quickly you scroll the chat room and look for the list of things he asked.

“Ramen done, skin care done, snacks also done,” you mumble as you read through all of the things he listed. “And shit I forgot the book.”

The nearest bookstore is a ten minute walk, the directory said, and you still have an hour. Without a second thought you make your way to the bookstore. You won’t risk going back to Seoul without that book. You basically promised him you will get him one if you’re in Japan.

You pray that the book store has the complete comic series, or you’ll need to find something for an exchange.

“Here I go,” you huff when you stand outside of the small store.

You directly go to the comic area and run your eyes through the Japanese characters, mumbling their titles as your heart beats faster and faster whenever you read another title.

“Here it is! Howl’s Moving Castle!” your happy squeal almost make you get kicked out from the store, as you extend your hand to take the last complete comic book you brush someone else’s hand.

“I grabbed it first,” was all that taller man said when he saw you opening your mouth.

You are speechless and you still keep your hand on the book “Excuse me,” you finally can speak up to him.

His Japanese is fluent, so he must be someone from here. You cannot recognize his face because of his shades and his long hair.

“What? I touched the book first, your hand comes after it. So this belongs to me.” The man said in his deep calm voice.

You shake your head “Can’t you just buy something else? I want to give this to someone.”

He shakes his head “Too bad, I also need this as a gift.”

You tighten your grip and try to pull the book “No, look you don’t understand. I might die if I did not get this.”

He smirks “Oh yeah? Someone’s a diehard Miyazaki fan. Cliché” he shrugs his shoulder.

In a glance he looks like Howl, considering the loose white tee he wore, the tight pants, the long blonde hair, you just wish you can see his eyes.

Maybe he is one of those guys who do cosplay and he always dresses up as Howl so he looks like this in daily basis. Your mind must have been crazy.

A cough interrupts the cold staring contest you two held. Without letting go off the 4 comic book set, the two of you shoot your heads to the sound.

“I am sure you do not want to make a chaos here. Please put down the book, you haven’t bought that yet.” The store owner points his finger to the book you and this man hold.

Flustered the two of you just mutter a polite “Sorry,” but without letting go off the book.

“I need this like seriously, please help me out this one time.” You plead but the tall man shakes his head, okay in your mind he is an asshole now.

“I also need this, four of them to be precise.” He sighs.

You roll your eyes “But I also need four of them. Since we both need to at least bring this book, let’s share it.” You hate this, you don’t like backing down but considering your time limit and your urgent need to bring this book home, maybe bringing back 2 is better than none.

The shop owner seems to agree with you, he offers you two to share and just look for the rest series later. He apologized for not having extra copies, because the book is a best seller.

The tall man finally gives up when his phone vibrates and his alarm rings.

“Fine. You’ll take two I take two. You take the even numbers, I take the odds.” He pays the book and after thanking the shop owner he walks to you. You give him the money and walk away, only to notice he is also walking the same way.

“What’s your name?” he asks suddenly when the two of you are walking back to the gates.

“(Y/n), you?” you feel sort of cranky with him, why can’t he be a gentleman and just let you have the book.

He hasn’t introduced you his name for there is a call for the passengers leaving for Seoul.

“Whoops, that is my plane. Nice to meet you (y/n),” he waves and disappears like that.

You shake your head and mutter a curse, when you realize you’re having the same flight with him.

Slowly you queue behind the long lines and after handing the ticket, you board to the plane.

Well you tried to forget the unfavourable encounter and just explain everything to Taeyong, while wishing he didn’t hate you.

“Seat 27 H” you smile and put up your things on the cabin above your head.

You notice someone is not sitting beside you, but since you’re in the window seat you nicely make your way into the chair. You buckle your seat belt, leave a message to tell your parents you’re on board already and send Taeyong a message too that you’re on schedule. You lean back while looking out of the window, taking in one last view of the Osaka vibes.

“Good bye home,” you whisper

“I guess that window seat is mine,” a finger taps your shoulder.

“What?” you turn around to face the same man from the bookstore, “You again?!”

“Oh we meet again,” he pretends to sound surprised in his same deep voice you’re trying to forget.

He smirks and takes off his shades, “Nakamoto Yuta.” He offers a hand and to be polite you take his hand, but something didn’t feel right.

“It is my seat,” you scrunch your eyebrow.

He grins, “Well yeah by the ticket it was yours, but I always like to take the window seat. Besides I put something there already,” he shows you the book he bought is inside the pocket infront of you.

You roll your eyes, “That doesn’t mean this is yours. I paid to get the window seat.” You lied.

He acts surprised, ”Really? You’re lying. Now I usually ask them kindly to switch place with me-“

He cannot finish his sentence because you cut him “No. Sit on the aisle or find another chair Yuta.”

He smirks and shrugs his shoulder, “I thought people always fall for my smile, but not you. Fine, you won this time.” He simply sit down on the other seat and buckles his belt.

“Sorry for the bookstore incident, I hope we can still enjoy our flight back to Korea.” He said softly to you in Korean. Your eyes widen, oh he is a fluent Korean speaker.

You just nod and when you feel like there is nothing else to talk about right now, you put on the headphones and play yourself some music.

Something tickles your brain, something about Nakamoto Yuta, his name somehow feels familiar in your ear. You take off your headphone to listen to the safety procedure and that’s when Yuta speaks up again in Korean.

“Look at us,” he suddenly whispers, “We fought over the last book, fought over a window seat, both speak Korean… we have some things in common. Aren’t we basically a couple already?”

You punch his shoulder “Are you in your right mind?”

He looks at you annoyed “Didn’t you know I was flirting?”

You blush and scoff “Not that fast sir-“

He smirks “Oh Sir? You’re into that huh? Sounds interesting.” His gaze examines your face.

The way your eyes look into him with curiosity but defence, the way you hide your cheeks from blushing but your ears give away too much, and the way you bite your lips.

He winks, “Alright, I am not teasing my little lamb anymore. You might cry if I go too far. Just know that whoever dates you must be very lucky to win someone like you.”

Your heart fell for that, “Actually I am single,” you blurt that out and curse yourself when you see his gaze changes to a challenging one.

“Woah, were you hinting me?”

You shake your head “Sorry I just didn’t know I’d say that outloud.”

“People tend to tell the truth when they’re nervous. So tell me little lamb, are you nervous because I am too stunning or you’re afraid I might harm you.”

You close your eyes, it’s not the fear of him killing you in your sleep or robbing you. No, it’s pure nervousness.

“I am sorry, I need my time alone.” You give him a forced small smile so he doesn’t feel bad and you return to listening your music.

The rest of the flight, Yuta did not bother you anymore. He watched movies, played some game in his phone and even read some books.

You just interact with him when he helps you take out the things on the overhead cabin and while you wait for the luggage. He helps you with your luggage and you’re grateful for it, at least he is not a total asshole. He is actually sweet and caring, maybe he is a tsundere.

“Alright, I guess this is it. We part ways and maybe never see each other again.” Yuta pushes his trolley and you also did the same thing beside him.

You nervously chuckle, something in your hear wishes you’ll bump him once again. “Yeah, this is it. Thank you for helping me and the books.”

He laughs, “As much as I want to give you the remaining half, I promised someone this.”

You nod your head, “I understand, same thing goes to me.”

He taps his finger on the handle, “Think we might see each other again one day?”

You look to the distant, “Maybe? Hope it’s better than our first encounter.”

Yuta nods, “Yeah I wish that never happen again. So, this is it. Is someone picking you up?”

You take your phone out to see the message from the man picking you up, “Yes, my cousin is here. What about you? Taxi?”

“No, someone came to pick me up too.”

Your phone rings and both Yuta and you toss each other a glance. “Go, your cousin is here maybe.” He shoos you politely and you laugh at his action “See you when I see you! Bye Yuta!” you wave and walk with your trolley away while listening to your brother’s direction.

Yuta also picks up a call not longer after it, “Oh the mini market? Yeah I saw it. I’m walking there.”

You meet your cousin already and hug him tight “Taeyong!!! Glad you’re not late. Let’s go!” you try to bring him home first and show the other souvenirs first before finally telling him about the comic.

He ruffles your hair “I know you’re excited to go back to Seoul, but I am also here to pick up my friend. He’s also from Japan and I promised to pick him up too. He’s on his way.”

Your mind feels fuzzy but you try to ignore it, maybe you’re just nervous about telling the story. That was until you hear your cousin’s voice calling out a name you learnt today.

“Yuta!!”

“Taeyong-ah!!”

You peer over Taeyong’s shoulder and gasp when you see the same man you’ve been with the whole day.

“Yuta, this is the cousin I used to talk about, and (y/n) meet Yuta, my boyfriend.” Taeyong proudly introduces the two of you without knowing anything.

Yuta plays along and shakes your hand “The girl from the bookstore? (y/n) right?”

You smirk and play along too “Mister window seat! Yuta, true?”

Taeyong looks at the two of you with a big question mark on his face.

You stifle a laugh when Yuta nicely grabs his boyfriend’s hand and pushes his trolley to get to the car.

“We owe you a story, come let’s eat lunch and we will tell you everything!” you giggle as you push your belongings too.

Taeyong nods his head “Fine, looks like you two are hiding something. Hope it’s nothing bad.”

After loading your stuff and Yuta’s stuff, the three of you stop over a restaurant for lunch.

Once the lunch is over, you and Yuta both pull out a paper bag.

“For you, open it up and we will tell you the story.” You hand him the same bag Yuta handed over.

Taeyong curiously open the bag and screams when he sees the book, he wanted is complete here in front of his face.

“Oh the two of you did not forget! Why did you just get me two each?” he notices that soon when he arranges the comic books on the table.

“Who wanna tell?” you glance to Yuta.

He rolls his eyes, “You go first, then me.”

With that Taeyong laughs at the story both of you re-enact. He has the greatest laugh this year when he sees how you and Yuta re-do the scene while muttering the same Japanese words he did not understand.

“So, in the end both of you got me the complete set. Congratulations! None of you will die.” Taeyong ends the story with a nice wrap and the three of you can’t believe how small the world is.

See you tomorrow, on the last day!

Thank you so much!!! ily!!

Christmas masterlist

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catcze · 3 years

Note

Oh, Catte, my beloved... The bracelet is so beautiful. Goodness, did I cry when I took it out of the envelope. It's almost as beautiful as you are, I love it so much! I'm never ever taking this off. Oh starlight I'm so happy, you may as well have just proposed! I love you so so much, thank you💜💜💜

I'm glad Cyno is doing well for himself these days! It's not really that complex of a spell, simple transmutation really, but I'm sure he didn't want to overwhelm you. He may not talk a lot but trust me; he cares. I should write him sometime, if only so the next time an emergency arises he won't think I only remember he exists when I need his help, hehe... I'm joking of course, he's not the kind of person to care. I do still owe him a favor though. Two, now that he's gone out of his way to teach my girlfriend magic, and specifically for helping you make me this wonderful present. Send along my thanks please, but please don't mention that I said I'd write him, just in case I somehow forget to. You know me, heh..

Also I'm a little surprised to hear that name again! Collei was quite the visitor when she was here a few years ago, it's a long story, and one I doubt very much she'd want me to tell. Suffice to say she and Amber are good friends, but I'm sure she already asked you about her as soon as you mentioned Mondstadt. I'm so relieved to hear she's safe, and studying medicine no less! Tell her I'm proud of her. She'll do great things in her life.

I must admit I'm slightly bothered to hear that so many scholars accosted my poor babygirl to ask if I'd return, I'm so sorry darling. If they give you any more trouble, oh I'll come visit alright. To dispense punishment(although I'd definitely grab some food on the way as we left). Speaking of food, that's so sweet of you to offer to learn the local cuisine just for me~ you're so thoughtful, it's one of the many many things I love about you. My reputation around the school is honestly the only accomplishment you'll find though sweetheart. I wasn't really all that social there, aside from talking to the professors and scholars. I couldn't afford to procrastinate if I wanted to learn everything I could. Funny, that sounds completely unlike me, now doesn't it~ Those lectures can be tiresome at first, did they provide you with the appropriate reading materials, or are you only listening? I still have my copy of the first semester alchemy textbook--it's only about 800 pages, but they're packed to the brim with knowledge. I still reference it sometimes.

Like I mentioned though, most of my time in Sumeru was spent at the Academy or at the local restaurants. If you wanted food recommendations, those I can provide, but unfortunately I won't be of much use otherwise. Sorry cutie~

[the next page of the letter is a list of local restaurants, many with recommended dishes written next to them. There's also a fair number of heart shapes and "I love you"s doodled around the edges of the paper]

I hope you'll try at least some of those and tell me what you think. The more you talk about it honestly, the more it's beginning to grow on me. I do want to go back and visit with you, my love. I miss it, even if I don't want to admit that. It would be so much fun to sight see with you, being able to just meander aimlessly through the city, not a care in the world, and with you by my side... That sounds amazing. I'd want nothing more. Perhaps for our honeymoon~? [the last sentence of the paragraph is crossed out with a single streak of ink cutting through it]

Your photos are all amazing, darling. I just wish I had as many to send you in return, but unfortunately I don't own a camera, nor can I afford to leave the library long enough to travel to Liyue and buy one. That being said, Albedo does have one, and he already took that first photo. Darling, I'm curious, and please, *please* say no if it would bother you even slightly. If I... Perhaps wanted to take some... Pictures, just for your enjoyment~ ...would you mind if I had Albedo continue to serve as the photographer? I want my baby to be thinking of me, especially since I'm not there to pleasure you myself~💜 again, PLEASE say no if you'd have any problem with that. Or I could ask Jean if that would be better. I just want to treat my princess to some candy~

That line is going to have me up all night, I swear. I do wish I was there for you in every sense, but goodness does my heart ache for you. I miss the way you taste so much, my precious little munchkin~ you're not going to sleep at all the first night you're back in my arms, I hope you know that. I'm going to edge you so hard you'll cry for me, hehe~ I'm a little peeved you didn't take notice of my comment about punishing you! There will be ropes involved when you return to me. Just the way you always like it, cutie~ tell me, how bad do you miss me? Miss my tongue you love so much~? Don't worry baby--you'll get everything you could ever want for when you come home. I can't wait to taste you~ goodness, excuse me a moment baby... I need to scratch an itch before I finish writing this letter, hehe...~

Okay, I'm back. That was quite the itch, it just kept coming back~ that picture you sent with this letter may have helped with that... Celestia, you're so so beautiful, my rose..~ I love you so much.

Where was I... Ah yes. I'm very glad you've been eating and sleeping properly. Such a good girl you always are~💜 and don't worry; I'm taking care of myself as well. I've been becoming more adjusted to the late nights lately, since your letters often arrive around this hour(it's 11:30 right now, although up until a page ago it had been 10:15, hehe...). I don't mind it at all, since you know I love to sleep in anyway. I love reading your letters sweetheart. They truly do carry your love across the distance. I'm so happy that you're my partner. I love you so so much. I reread your letters every day, they put such a smile on my face.

Also, what's this about ideas you're having ever since I mentioned the uniform? Tell me!! Pretty please~? 💜

I'm going to call my letter to a close here, before I end up needing a bigger envelope, hehe~ I love you so much, starlight. Please take care, and I hope you're well rested when you read this. Hopefully I can put a smile on your beautiful face. I just wish I was there to see it. I love you so much, take care and write me back when you can, promise~?

Yours Always,

- Lisa 🌺💜

Milddd nsfw here muaH <33

Hi, love, I’m so happy that you like your gift! I love you very much as well— hopefully it can give you comfort on some particularly hard nights where I cannot be with you, dearest. Sort of like a reminder that although I cannot be there with you in person, you always carry a piece of my heart with you, you know?

I’ll be sure to relay your message to Cyno and Collei! They were rather surprised when they found out I was your girlfriend, haha! In a good way, of course— they’ve been great company so far.

And don’t worry about the other scholars, Lisa dear. I can handle them plenty fine. I’m sure they’ll go running if I even so much as imply that you wouldn’t be pleased with them for their behavior, my love. They wouldn’t want to mess with one of the best sorcerers to ever roam those halls, you know?

Regarding the lectures, they offered to loan me some textbooks actually, but I had to turn them down since, well, I am just an observer, and carrying so many books with me to and fro would weigh me down. Still, although I sometimes get confused while I observe, It’s such a fun and interesting experience! I can’t say I’m remembering every bit of knowledge I hear, but I’ve definitely learned at least a thing or two.

Just yesterday, there was a bit of a lull in lectures that I was attending— something about one of the scholars who had agreed to host me taking their class out to fieldwork, and I was unable to accompany them. So I took the time to check out some of the restaurants you listed for me! I went to just one of them for lunch, since I didn’t want to get too full throughout the day, and I enjoyed it very much!! I included a picture of one of the dishes you noted for me (a best seller of theirs, apparently) and I didn’t regret purchasing it at all. It was so good! In my free time, it’s one of the recipes that I hope to familiarize and bring back home to you— I think you’ll rather like it, especially since there’s no meat. Hopefully I’ll get good enough at making it that you’ll be able to savor the flavor too!

Though, I don’t mind either if you’d rather return with me next time, and we can have a dinner date here? I really like the ambiance of the place— its both romantic and private. And the view from the balcony here is absolutely magical. Or we can maybe visit a couple of the other restaurants you’ve recommended to me? I doubt that I’ll be able to try all of them this time, and being able to experience it with you would make the experience a million times better.

Also, regarding the photos you mentioned— well, I’m fine with it if you are. As long as you’re comfortable with whoever is photographing you love, then it’s perfectly alright with me. Besides, I know that we’re devoted to each other, so there’s no cause for me to be uncomfortable 💞 If you so wish to grant me such photos, I eagerly await them, love! They’re not the same as you being here, of course, but I’m sure they could help me with how much I miss you.

And ah, sending such things only makes me miss you more! Perhaps I should take a good, long rest before I come back to Mondstadt, if you plan to keep me up all night. And who says I didn’t notice your comment? Perhaps I was just teasing you by keeping quiet about it, especially if I know what’s awaiting me back home. And yes, I miss you so so much, I miss your tongue and you lips, your touch on my skin, the way you hold me and make me feel so good each and every time— Love, really, if your intention with that letter was to get me all worked up, then safe to say you’ve succeeded. My, I doubt I’m going to be getting any sleep tonight, thinking of you.

And regarding that bit about the Academy uniform… well, I might have found a local seamstress who was willing to make me a version of it, tailored to my measurements. It’s not ready quite yet, but hopefully I can send you some photographs soon 💞

By the way, love, there’s no need to have to wait up for my letters, not if you’re not getting enough sleep! I don’t mind waiting a bit for your reply as long as I know you’re sleeping on time. I worry about you as much as you worry about me, so for both your sake and mine, promise me you’ll get enough sleep? Either way, though, I’m glad you’re taking care of yourself, dearest. It makes me happy, knowing that you and the others are doing well. I love you very, very much you know? Please continue to stay safe, dearest, and know that I’m always missing you.

And, well, regarding a proper proposal, though I can’t say I haven’t thought of it before (how could I not? I can fully envision spending the rest of my life with you) I would much prefer if I were able to give you the ring and ask you in person, love. That being said, take the bracelet as a promise that I’ll return to you soon— and hopefully with a ring that I think you’ll like and a question that I plan to ask you.

All the best wishes, dearest. I love you very much 💞

—Catte 💞

#Character anon 💌 : Lisa #Kisses from Catte 🦩#Catcze.Lingerie 💦#liSA anon ily <333 please get enough rest babes!!!#muAH 💞💞#ALSO have a nice day!!!! ILYSM <33 #Alsooo regarding your other ask I'm so glad you liked the bit about the bracelet aaAA 💞👉👈

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mosylufanfic · 3 years

Text

Holding Out for a Hero

I’m so proud of myself, I finished a 12 Days of Killervibe prompt at the last minute!

Holding Out for a Hero

Caitlin pinched the bridge of her nose, breathing out against the burn in her eyes. No matter how she juggled the numbers, they always came out red in the end.

"Dammit, Daddy," she muttered.

The bell over the door jingled, and she jerked her head up, pasting a bright retail smile on her face. "Welcome to Jack Frost Toys!" she called out, quickly minimizing the accounting software. "Are you looking for anything specific?"

Usually they weren't. Usually, they came in, wandered around a little bit, and left. If she was lucky, they bought something before they left.

But the man standing just inside the door, snow dusting his hat and shoulders, said, "Yeah, please, I'm begging you. You're my only hope."

She cocked her head and guessed, "A . . . Star Wars toy?" There wasn't any particularly hot Star Wars toy this year that she was aware of, and she followed every toy blog and website she could find.

He laughed, tugging his gloves off and shoving them in his pocket. "No, just a desperate nerd looking for a Puffy Penguin. My niece is three and she watches the show on repeat. I know Leo Lion is like the hot toy this year, but Maya knows what she wants. For her it's Puffy or nothin', and I couldn't tell if you had any from your website so I came down here just in case and please?" He widened his eyes at her. "Please."

Her heart melted. One of the best things about this store was seeing children find their new best friend. Second on that list was adults who cared enough about the children in their life that they moved heaven and earth to find, not just the latest hottest toy, but the toy that was just right.

She slid off her stool. "I've got some ZooFriends toys right over here. We're sold out of Leo, of course -" Everywhere was sold out of Leo. "But I've got Puffy in a variety of styles."

"Oh my god," he breathed, snatching a Puffy Penguin stuffie off the shelf and holding it as if it were the Holy Grail. "You've got them all. Elly and Slowpoke and Skyhigh - " He stared at the elephant, sloth, and giraffe toys lined up next to the penguins.

She smiled brightly. "Now this one says phrases from the show, but this one is a lot huggier if you ask me -"

"I'll take them both," he said, grabbing the talking Puffy. "Holy shit. Nowhere has ZooFriends anymore. How do you?"

She bit her lip. "Lucky, I guess." She stepped away and grabbed one of the plastic hand baskets printed with the store logo. "Would you like a basket?"

He took it. "Really? Because it's three in the afternoon on the first Saturday of December. A toy store should be wall-to-wall. Where is everybody?"

She turned away. "Amazon," she said. "Walmart. Websites, chain stores -" She shrugged and tried to laugh. "The plight of the modern small business owner. Is there anything else I can help you find?"

"I'll keep looking around," he said, studying the shelf. "So you're the owner?"

She nodded. "This store has been in my family for five generations."

He almost dropped the basket. "Five - Did they even have toys that long ago?"

"Oh, toys have been around as long as humans have had childhood! Did you know they've found marbles in Egyptian tombs? And dolls in archaeological digs. Toys are how children learn about the world, and how they start to decide their identities and practice interactions with others! They . . ." She trailed off, blushing. "Sorry, my major was psychology and I did my senior thesis on the role of play in early childhood development."

He held up a hand. "Hey, I'm the last person to shame anybody for nerding out. That's pretty awesome. You're in the right business."

"For right now, anyway," she murmured.

"What?"

She smiled brightly. "I don't suppose you have any more nieces or nephews that need Christmas presents?"

He studied her for a moment. "Do you have any action figures?"

"Collectible or to play with?"

"Collectible?" he said hopefully.

She led him down the aisle and to the back wall. His eyes went wide. "Oh my god, you've got Max Mercury, black series." He grabbed it off the wall. "And Brainiac? This is a great section!"

She smiled. "My dad invested in these because he was hoping to bring in the collectors."

"Well, he made good choices." He picked the Braniac from its spot and turned it over in his hands, studying it closely.

She left him to it and went back to the counter. She didn't feel like agonizing over the accounts when he was still here, so she cleaned the counter, dusted the book corner, and rearranged the ZooFriends shelf to fill in the empty spots he'd left when he took the two Puffy toys.

After half an hour, he came up to the counter with an overflowing basket, most of it action figures. With her heart singing the song of small business owners, she scanned them briskly. His purchases came out to well over two hundred dollars. It was a drop in the bucket of her costs, of course, but it was a bigger drop than most.

He handed her his credit card without a wince. When she ran it, his name popped up on her screen. She handed it back with the receipt. "Here you go, Mr. Ramon."

"Cisco," he said. "Please. Mr. Ramon is my pop."

"Cisco," she said. "I can wrap these if you want."

"Just the Puffys," he said. "The action figures are for me."

She grinned at him and selected a print of happy reindeer to wrap the stuffed animals. "Naturally."

He laughed self-consciously. "I'm not sure whether to be insulted or not. I promise I'm a grown-up man."

"Of course you are," she said, hands busily folding and taping. A really nicely grown-up man, too. She battled back her blush and hoped he hadn't noticed. "But I'll never look down on any adult who still likes toys."

"Well, sure, that's a good hundred and fifty dollars of my total."

"There's that," she acknowledged, setting aside the first perfectly wrapped box and picking up the second. "But toys are important to children's imaginations. And children grow into adults, who still need their imaginations." She nodded at the Max Mercury he held. "I don't think any of us ever really outgrow the desire to be someone's hero."

"Well," he said, "you're my hero today."

She met his eyes and felt the blush rise again. "Thank you."

He grinned and accepted the bag with the two wrapped presents inside. "And come Christmas morning, I'll be Maya's hero."

She smiled. "She's lucky to have an uncle doing his best to find her the perfect present. I'm glad you came by today."

"Yeah, well, it was coming out here or spending a hundred and seventy-five dollars on eBay and hoping like hell it made it here in time." He fiddled with his wallet. "I really don't mean to be that guy, but your website is . . ."

Her face went hot and she made a business of putting away the scissors and the tape and rolling up the rest of the wrapping paper. "Archaic?"

"I was going to say behind the times," he said tactfully. "If you had web ordering, you'd be sold out of ZooFriends and a whole bunch of other stuff."

"I know," she said. "But I really haven't had the time to get a good system set up since I took over the store. I need inventory software that integrates with ecommerce and for that I need technical skills, money, and time, and I don't have any of those."

He leaned on the counter. "You don't have to tell me, but how did it get this bad? You clearly love this place and I really don't feel like you would have let it fall behind like this if you had a choice."

She chewed her lip. "My dad died in September."

Sympathy spread over his features. Not the plastic, practiced sympathy she'd seen so often, but real compassion. "I'm sorry. Was he sick?"

"He had MS," she said. "He'd had it since I was ten, and he'd always kept on top of his medication and his therapy and everything. So - " She looked down at the perfectly clean counter and wiped it off again. "So when I was away at school and he told me he was doing fine, I believed him."

"He wasn't doing fine," Cisco guessed.

She shook her head. Tears burned in her eyes again. "It probably started small. Just little things falling through the cracks. Then the cracks got bigger, more things fell through. . . ."

He nodded. "They tend to do that."

"Mhm. Then last spring, he had an assistant manager who embezzled a lot of money - "

"What!"

"They caught him!" Caitlin assured him. "But most of the money was gone, and the stress of that just sent my dad's health into a tailspin. I'd just graduated so I moved back home to take care of him."

"And I'm gonna guess you were so wrapped up in that, you didn't even realize what was going on with the store until you took over."

She sighed. "Got it in one." She mustered up a smile. "I didn’t mean to dump that on you. It's bad now, but things will come around. They always do. The holidays are the best time of year to be a toy seller."

"Yeah," he said. "They sure are." He smiled back and gathered his purchases. "I'll tell people about this place."

"Great," she said. "Here's my card, by the way."

"Caitlin Snow," he read off the little rectangle of cardstock.

"That's me. Let me know if you have any particular collectibles you'd like me to obtain."

"Hmm?" He was looking at his phone. "Uh, yeah, if I think of any, I'll give you a shout. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," she echoed, watching him leave. The jingle of the bell over the door echoed in the toy store's emptiness.

Walking back around the building to his car, Cisco snapped a pic of the business card Caitlin Snow had given him. Then he dialed a number on his phone and wedged it between his shoulder and his ear as he pulled on his gloves. "Hey, Iris? Got a moment?"

"Hi, Cisco. Half a moment. My editor's breathing down my neck again about finding some heartwarming story to fill up Sunday space."

"Yeah, I remember you mentioning that. What would you say to a struggling fifth-generation local toy store owner who just took over the business after her dad's death, carries everything from ZooFriends stuffies to high-end collectibles, and knows toys backwards and forwards?"

Iris paused and he could practically hear the gears clicking. "Tell me more."

A week before Christmas, Cisco finally found a good excuse to drop by Jack Frost Toys again. With the name of a rare collectible action figure in his pocket, he turned into the parking lot and found it jam packed. He finally managed to wedge his little car into a space half on the gravel and climb out.

This was a good sign, right?

When he walked in the front door, the girl behind the counter wasn't Caitlin. "Welcome to Jack Frost Toys!" she called out before returning her attention to the grandma-looking lady at her counter. "We absolutely do gift certificates. How much would you like that for?"

The place was transformed. There was no other word for it.

When he'd come in the last time, it had been neat and bright and colorful, but empty and somehow sad. Now there were people in every aisle, voices ringing off the rafters. He cut down the doll aisle and almost stepped on a kid sprawled out on his belly, leafing through a colorful picture book. A little girl was staring at the Barbies as if she were deciding the fate of nations. A couple of moms were talking to each other over the Lego sets.

"It's just such a cute little place! It was getting so run-down there for awhile, but this new owner’s really spruced it up."

"I used to come here when I was Mandy's age and it always seemed like the most magical place to me. I'd forgotten all about it, honestly, but we're coming back."

Cisco smiled to himself and edged around them to the collectibles wall.

The door to the stock room opened and Caitlin came out, arms loaded down with what seemed to be flat-folded gift boxes. She stopped short when she saw Cisco. "Hi!"

"Hey," he said, smiling at her. She was wearing reindeer antlers and her hair was up in a bouncy ponytail. "You're busy."

"We are! I'm sorry, I've got to -"

"Yeah, go ahead."

She went to the front counter and stashed the gift boxes underneath. "Allegra," she said to the girl who'd greeted Cisco as he came in. "I just got off the phone with our supplier and they'll have more wrap here tomorrow. Can we hold out?"

"It'll be tight, but we should be okay."

"Great. I'll be back to cover your break in a few minutes, okay?"

"Take your time, I'm good."

Caitlin edged back around the counter and paused to check in with the moms. She considered their questions, looked around, and plucked a few sturdy wooden toys from a lower shelf. "I really like this designer for the textures they incorporate," she explained. "Babies enjoy being able to experience different kinds of material as they explore the toy, and it stimulates their brain development. Have a look at these. I'll be right here if you have any questions."

"Thanks so much."

She beamed and moved on.

Cisco watched her consult with the little Barbie lover and pick out a second book for the reader, as well as four or five other small interactions. It was like watching Michelangelo paint the Sistine Chapel or Einstein doing calculations on a chalkboard. She was in her element.

She came around the end of the aisle and spotted him again. Her face lit up. "I'm so glad you came by again." She threw her arms around him.

"Uh," he said. "Hi again to you too." He gave her a quick hug back.

She pulled away, blushing. "Sorry. I - I just wanted to thank you. I know the article in the paper was your doing."

"Oh," he said. "No, that was nothing. I just called up a friend. She's the one who did the interview and that great photo - "

Iris had been savvy enough to pose Caitlin by her display of the coveted ZooFriends toys. Cisco had noticed how bare the shelf looked now.

" - and you were the one who made this shop so amazing that once people knew it was still here, they came."

"But none of it would have happened if you hadn't put it in motion. You said I was your hero that day for having the Puffys, but you’re my hero now.

“Pshaw,” he said. “Like you said, nobody grows out of that.”

“But not everybody does something. So. Thank you."

"Well, you're welcome." He looked around. "So you're doing pretty good, it looks like."

She nodded, beaming. "People started coming in after that article, and PalmerTech asked me to purchase toys in bulk for the families at their company holiday party. All my part-time workers are doing as many hours as they can, and I'll be able to pay the rent for January and February, and if it keeps going like this, I can hire somebody to revamp the inventory system for ecommerce."

She ran out of breath and panted for a moment, her eyes bright.

Cisco had to smile back at her. "That's amazing."

She nodded. "I mean, we're still competing with Walmart and Amazon, and we still took a real hit from what Jay did. So we're not out of the woods, but this - " She looked around, eyes still bright. "This is going to give us some breathing room.

"I'm really glad."

She turned her smile back on him and stole his breath. "Sorry, I'm just chattering away, and - did you come by looking for something else? Another collectible?"

"Ah - well, I was planning to ask about the limited edition Star Wars figures they're talking about for next year."

"I don't think I'm going to be able to order any of those until March, but I can definitely get your contact information."

"Oh. Okay, sure. But actually it was an excuse."

Her brows crinkled. "An excuse?"

"I really wanted to come by and see if you wanted to go get coffee or something. Sometime." He looked around. "I mean, maybe not right now because it's still December and you're slammed, which is great, but - "

"I'd like that."

His stomach filled up with warmth, like drinking an entire mug of hot chocolate. "You would?"

"Very much."

They smiled shyly at each other until Allegra called out, "Caitlin? A little help?" She had a line that stretched halfway down the doll aisle.

"Oh!" Caitlin said. "Uh, I should - "

"Yeah! Go. I'll hang around until you're free, and then I'll get your phone number."

"Okay." She gave him one last smile before rushing up to the counter and opening up a register. "I can help who's next over here! Oh, sweetheart, that's a great choice. Your best friend is going to love it."

Cisco watched her for a moment, smiling to himself, and then turned to browse the collectibles. She'd been right, he mused. The holidays really were the best time of year to be a toy seller.

FINIS

#Cisco Ramon #Caitlin Snow #killervibe #12daysofkv20 #mosylufanfic lives up to her damn name #fluff #toy store AU #I know December is retail hell #allow me this fluff okay #the flash

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officialleehadan · 4 years

Text

Hot Pepper Blackbird

Hello darlings and happy Wednesday! Today's story is something very special indeed!

I am pleased to introduce HGE - Blackbird, as requested by JDR, who wanted to know more about Luka's sister, Maggie. I hope you love it! Thank you for all your support!

This series takes place a few years after Luka is crowned, but a few years before he meets Ella in HGE - Rise Above.

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Maggie hoisted her duffle bag over her shoulder, kept a good grip on her tech case, and tried not to miss her mother too much. It was tradition for the royal family to spend a few years out in the real world, and she was eighteen, so she was old enough to go. More than, in fact. Her brother left home just after his seventeenth birthday. Of course, when he left home, their father was in good health, and there were two direct-line heirs to the throne.

Now Maggie was next in line for the throne if something, Deities forbid, happened to her brother.

Of course, Luka got himself into all kinds of trouble all on his own, so there was no telling. Maggie fought him and their mother, Dowager Empress Tatana Maria, for her right to go. Luka, being more sensible than most, and also only a few years her senior, knew better than to try and get In her way when she really wanted something. If he didn’t give her permission to go, she would sneak out.

At least this way, he could keep an eye on her, and she had several emergency beacons in her bag in case she got into trouble. One of them was actually implanted under her skin, where it could be activated with a touch of magic. Unless someone knew exactly what to look for, and where, it would be hard to take that away from her.

Hopefully, trouble wouldn’t be likely. She wasn’t like Luka. She didn’t go looking for shiny new ways to give their mother grey hairs.

The space port was dirty, filled with spacers, and absolutely wonderful. Buildings, which looked like they started as mining houses and grew without warning, lined the streets. Stalls and carts were everywhere, their sellers proffering their goods and haggling at the tops of their lungs. Maggie kept a good grip on her bags and elbowed her way through the crowd. She was glad she had gone with Luka to his favorite dives once or twice, and gotten to see this kind of life before she ran into it head-first. Luka had some interesting stories about his adjustment to life in the private sector.

Her stomach rumbled, so Maggie stopped at a stall long enough to get a whole skewer of stuffed peppers, dripping with melted cheese. They were ferociously spicy, and still hot to drip cheese down her hand, but Maggie ate them happily. Street food was also new, and thus exciting.

The space-port was a busy one, and tended to swing more towards the illegal kind of business than it did the legal sort. That was ideal, since Maggie didn’t want a reputable ship. Luka gave her a list of ships to avoid, and a list of ships that were reputably disreputable, but otherwise left the decision up to her.

Personally, Maggie wanted a smuggling ship. There was no better way to see where the Empire’s weak spots were than from the bottom. If Maggie wanted to learn what it was like to live on the edge of society, a smuggling ship would be just the thing.

There were fourteen ships in the port when she reached the landing bays, and Maggie sized them up with the eye of someone whose brother cared far too much about ships. As she walked, she compared ship names to the lists in her mind, and noted several.

The Stonebreaker had a nasty habit of selling off the more expendable members of her crew when times got lean. Definitely not.

The Dandelion had a good crew, but their captain was as soft as his name, and couldn’t haggle to save his life. Not a bad option, but not exactly what Maggie wanted.

The less said about The Ramship, the better. She gave that one a wide berth and kept her distance from the crew who wore the red ram on their shoulders.

Unfortunately, she didn’t avoid them well enough. Two of them spotted her, and Maggie muttered a curse she learned from her brother as she glanced around for somewhere handy to vanish. It wasn’t that she couldn’t fight, she could, but if she made a fuss here, finding work would be that much harder after. Nobody wanted to hire on a rabble-rouser.

Just as the two Rams, a man who was built like a wall, and a woman with a terrible scar splitting her from eye to chin, reached her, so did someone else.

“Hello there gorgeous, I wondered if you got lost!”

Maggie managed not to jump when a friendly arm swept around her waist. The roguish voice was female, and the face, when she half-turned, was friendly. Her clothes were old, but clean, and she had a rifle over her shoulder. The woman bent to press a kiss to her cheek, and muttered “Play along,” in her ear. It was the work of a moment to lean into her, and Maggie painted a pleased smile over her lips.

“I got distracted by the roasted peppers,” she replied as if they were old friends. The woman burst into surprised laughter, and tugged her away, barely a wary glance over her shoulder to make sure the Rams weren’t following them. “Thanks.”

“Rams are bad business,” the woman said, and winked. “Sorry to sweep you up like that, but they know better than to rumble with me after last time.”

“I was warned about the Ramship, but I hoped not to find out personally,” Maggie admitted as they got out of sight and the woman let her go. “Thanks for stepping in.”

“No problem. I’m Zaaba, by the way. Naga. What’s a pretty noble-girl doing in this part of the Empire? Thought your kind liked to stick to civilized space.”

The accent. Luka warned her that their accent screamed money out in the Rim planets, but it was still a surprise. That Zaaba was a naga was interesting. There weren’t that many nagas around. Maggie shrugged one shoulder. “Looking for work. Know anyone decent who’s hiring?”

“Depends. What can you do?” Zaaba asked wryly. She seemed interested though, and anyone who knew these ports as well as she seemed to might have a line of a ship who needed another pair of hands. “You’re pretty as a picture, but that won’t get you anything good out here.”

“I’m an electromancer,” Maggie said, since that was the most useful of her talents. She might be on the small side, and on the young side, but she packed a punch. “I speak a number of languages fluently, can hack reasonably well, and know enough dirty secrets to open a few doors that might not open on their own.”

“Anything else?”

“My brother is the Red Baron.”

Zaaba stopped to stare at her, and Maggie cracked a grin as she sputtered. “You’re joking.”

“Want me to call up the Roja?”

“No thanks. Why aren’t you on your brother’s ship? Everyone knows he flies a smooth ride.”

“You ever tried rooming with your overprotective older brother in a ship the size of a market square?”

The sputters turned into roaring laughter and Zaaba clapped Maggie’s shoulder.

“What’s your name, gorgeous?” she demanded with a roguish grin. “You’re a sweet package of attitude, wrapped up with a bow on top.

“Maggie Gol.”

“Alright, Maggie Gol. You want a job? I’m captain of the Blackbird, and I think I might have just the place for you.”

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More Stories!

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#humans are insane #humans are weird #humans are strange #humans are space oddities #humans are space australians #humans are amazing #writing #writer #write #writers #spilled writing #spilled thoughts #spilled words #spilled ink

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five-hxrgreeves · 3 years

Text

I Won’t Back Down - Five Hargreeves x OC

Word Count: 1,385

You can stand me up at the gates of hell But I won't back down I'm gonna stand my ground Won't be turned around And I'll keep this world from dragging me down

1 | 2 | 3 |

Pt. 2- The Last 6 Days Until Apocalypse II, 2019

The next few days passed much the same as they always did. School was indeterminable boredom and after was a blur of time. It was nights that Lola really lived for. She wasn’t sure why but the dark, mysterious blackness that covered everything was so much more intriguing than the bright daylight. It helped spur her mind into its most aggressive thinking, it sped her heart up as she made her daily route to the large, unused library, it made her eyes strain to the best of their ability to see outlines in the blackness.

Now, don’t get her wrong- she was a fan of the light. She needed it to write, to see distinctly, but the quiet calm that came with the night was something so few people experienced in a world of billions that it made it more special to her. She didn’t think she’d ever like complete blackness, though.

The dark of night allowed her some cover as she slipped quietly into the Umbrella Academy’s library, her feet soft and quiet on the wooden floor. By now, she knew the layout by heart and made her way easily to the last place she’d taken books from and zipped open her bag carefully, extracting both volumes. While they hadn’t been extremely interesting, she’d liked learning from them as much as all the other books she’d borrowed from the library.

Lola quietly slid out the next two. One was a thick, bound leather book and she could feel the embossed gold on the cover as she slid it gently into her bag. The books on the shelf fell with a muted thump as the space became available and she winced but no one came, as usual. She moved to the next one, which was slimmer and a regular hardcover, its contents remaining a mystery until she could read them in the light.

After zipping her bag back up, she crept back down the stairs and made her way towards her usual escape except- she bumped into a soft-bodied figure and nearly screamed.

“Who-who’s there?” a light, airy voice called out, “are you a ghost?”

Her pulse picked up and Lola’s voice came out in a stutter as she said, “y-yes. O-of course,” then, feeling the need to be more ghost-like, she gave a fake, quiet moan, “wwoooohhh, my spirit is restless,” she sang in whisper.

A hand gently hit her face and brushed up and down as if petting her, “there, there, ghostie. Don’t bother me now.”

She leaned away from the man’s touch and scrambled for what to do next, but then the man seemed to freeze, “why’re you solid, ghost?”

“Uh- I’m special?” she tried, wincing at the lame answer. Luckily, the man seemed accept this and nodded, “okay, well, don’t follow me to bed. I’m open to many things but ghost sex is stretching it,” he gave an exaggerated shudder and stumbled past her, clumsily patting her on the shoulder.

Lola’s face burned bright red and she was glad it was too dark to see. After he left, she hastily made her way to the open window and slipped out, breathing a sigh of relief when her feet landed on the grass. His kids must have come back for the funeral, she thought as she made her way home. He’d spoken about ghosts, so it- it must’ve been The Séance.

She hoped he wouldn’t tell his siblings what had happened- that wouldn’t bode well for her. Luckily, he hadn’t seen her face and he also hadn’t seemed to be completely there, so he probably wouldn’t remember.

After school on Friday found Lola walking down the main street towards her father’s store. Now that it was the weekend, she didn’t need to be picked up and hurried home from school so she could start her homework. The local bookstore caught her eye and her father’s words echoed in her ears about the Hargreeves’ autobiography.

The bell jingled as she entered the shop and a female assistant made her way to the dark-haired girl to greet her, “good afternoon! Is there anything in particular you need help finding today?”

Lola gave her a smile and nodded, “yes, actually. I’m looking for an autobiography. Its, um, by someone of the last name Hargreeves.”

The woman’s smile flickered for a moment before broadening, “of course, right this way! We’ve moved them towards the back now that they’re not popular sellers. I think we still have a few copies, though.”

Sure enough, in the back of the non-fiction section the name Hargreeves stood out like a sore thumb, at least in Lola’s opinion. The book was titled Extra-Ordinary: My Life as Number Seven. The brunette slid a copy off the shelf and turned it over to read the summary on the back. There seemed to be a surprising amount about the woman’s- Vanya’s- family contained in the book.

“Will that be all?” the attendant asked.

She gave a nod, “yes, thank you.”

“Alright, dear, I can check you out at the counter.”

Lola followed the employee back to the front and made her purchase using her saved-up allowance money. Most of it was used for notebooks, writing utensils or additional book-buying so she had enough saved to purchase Vanya’s book. After leaving the shop, she made her way to the local diner, Griddy’s, texting her uncle of her change of plans.

Once there, she sat at the bar where an elderly woman came to greet her, “hello, dear, what can I get for you?”

Lola eyed the treats behind the counter thoughtfully, “classic glazed, please, Agnes,” she added her name after reading the woman’s tag.

“Of course, one moment,” Agnes said cheerfully and turned to complete her order.

She set the doughnut down in front of the girl, “if you need anything else just give a holler.”

Lola nodded in thanks and cracked open her new book, eager to read a professional autobiography. While she had studied some for research it had been awhile since she’d seriously read one.

My name is Vanya Hargreeves and this is my story it started out and the brunette smiled slightly at the similar openings. Pulling her pencil from behind her ear, she jotted down a note in the margin before continuing.

We were never a real family. We were our father’s creation, family in name, but not in fact. In the end, after our brother Ben had died, there was really nothing connecting us. We were just strangers living under the same roof, destined to be alone, starved for attention, damaged by our upbringing, and haunted by what might-have-been. We all wanted to be loved by a man incapable of giving love. Our father never missed the opportunity to remind me that I was ordinary, a hard thing for a little girl to hear. If you’re raised to believe that nothing about you is special, if the benchmark is extraordinary, what do you do if you’re not?

Lola sat at the counter as minutes slipped passed, slowly eating away at her doughnut and reading Vanya’s book, occasionally scribbling between the lines as she wrote notes for herself. As she read, she realized she liked Vanya’s writing style. The woman didn’t write daily stories and chronicle her life as if everything was significant but she also didn’t write the major events like they were items on a grocery list to be ticked off once they were written. Instead, she wrote in a way that made the objective viewer feel as if they were actually there, experiencing Vanya’s life. The brunette supposed that this is why the book lost popularity; some of the moments were too raw, too painful, to want to go back and reread and live through again.

Sometime later, her phone buzzed in her pocket, causing her to jump in surprise. The book lay before her more than half-read, pages wrinkled and dirty from pencil smudges and sugar from her sticky fingers as she’d turned the pages, hardly looking like a newly-bought book. Reaching into her pocket, the girl checked her text which was her uncle wondering where she was. Looking outside in surprise, she realized the sun was setting.

“Shit,” she breathed, hurriedly packing up her things. Hopefully, she wouldn’t get too much of an earful.

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prettyinlimegreenboots · 3 years

Text

Twelve Days of Holly Jolly Tidings - Day 12

Disclaimers: I watched “Dash & Lily” the other day on Netflix. This story is LOOSELY based on that book and Netflix series. I do not own “Dash and Lily” or Newsies or anything recognizable within the series. There are occasional curse words throughout the series, nothing too horrible but there’s some.

Catch Up Here

Tuesday, December 24

At exactly eight that morning, a knock sounded on her door. Already ready, she was dressed in a pair of jeans, a thick cable knit sweater and her boots. She had her bag swung across her chest. Throwing open the door, she grinned seeing Jack, dressed similar to her, holding two take away cups. “Good morning m’lady.”

“Good morning, dear sir.” She took the cup of hot chocolate he offered, leaning in to give him a kiss. “How are you?”

Looking at her from head to toe, he grinned. “Good. You ready for your last adventure?”

“As ready as I think I can be.” She made sure she had her bag, walking out of her apartment, shutting the door firmly behind her.

Once outside, Jack offered her his elbow, slipping her arm in the crook of his elbow, grinning as they started their walk down the street. “So I gave you a hint last night . . . any idea where we’re going?”

She had stayed up, later in her standards, trying to figure out where he was taking her. She had hit up all of her favorite places within the city the last eleven days. “I am officially stumped.”

“Good.” Jack grinned, as she gave him a look, taking a sip of his coffee as she did the same. “I was hoping that you wouldn’t figure it out.”

Her lip pushed out in a pout as he leaned over and kissed it away. “Don’t worry . . . you’ll figure it out quickly enough.”

They continued their journey throughout the city, Jack purposely winding throughout the streets, trying to throw her off. “You’ve got me totally lost.”

He chuckled, glad his plan was working. “Good. We’re almost there.”

“And where exactly is there?” She raised an eyebrow, looking around the neighborhood they were lazily walking through.

“Ah ah ah . . . nope. You’re not getting any additional hints from me.” Jack tutted, shaking his head. “All will be revealed in a little bit.”

Nodding, she continued to match his stride as they walked. The neighborhood they were walking through was decked out in full Christmas decorations. She grinned seeing the wreaths deck the doors and the lights strung around the doors and windows. “What are you thinking about?”

She was knocked out of her daydream by Jack’s questions. “Truthfully?”

“No, I want you to lie to me.” Jack’s voice was full of sarcasm as she grinned, shaking her head.

“Haha you’re a funny man. Well . . . I was thinking about how cool it would be to live in one of these brownstones all decked out for the holidays.” She shrugged, sipping on her drink. “They’re all decorated but they all have their own spin on color scheme and decorations.”

Jack nodded, his head swiveling as he took in the decorations. “Is that something you want? To live in a brownstone like this?”

“I mean, eventually.” She scoffed. “I can’t actually afford anything in this neighborhood.”

He laughed. “I’m with you on that. But maybe someday.”

“Maybe.” She echoed, getting lost in her thoughts once more, that she failed to notice what they were coming up on, until Jack stopped her, giving her a look.

“Surprise.”

Her eyes widened as she took in the many stalls of a Christmas Market at Bryant Park. She had always loved strolling between the booths, looking at everything that was offered and often picking up a Christmas present or two along the way. “You really do know me way too well.”

“I would hope after five year together that I would know a lot about you.” He teased, as she hip checked him, laughing at his offended pout.

She leaned forward and kissed him, successfully wiping the pout off his lips. “So what’s the game plan?”

“I was thinking we’d spend the next few hours wandering in and out of all the booths. We have somewhere to be at 11 so we’ve got some time to wander.” He said, unhooking her arm from the crook of his elbow, opting to lace his fingers with hers. “Do you need to look for anything special?”

She reviewed her list in her head. She was done shopping for everyone in her life. “The only thing I’m looking for is an ornament for this year.”

“I think we can cross that off your list.” Jack grinned, squeezing her hand. “How about we start wandering and seeing what we’ll come across?”

And so they did just that. There were about 60 booths and each booth had something different, so it was a must to visit every single booth so as not to miss out on anything. Jack mostly hung back while Kat talked with the sellers, exciting talking about the holidays and upcoming plans. A few times Kat must’ve said something about him because moments later both Kat and the seller were looking over at him in amusement. He meekly waved, causing both women to giggle and turn back to talking.

Soon Kat joined him as they wandered through a couple more stalls. As Kat was distracted by one of the booths, Jack wandered off to go look at something. He quickly found what he was looking for, purchasing it and was back at the booth before Kat even knew he was gone.

She joined him as they continued their journey. “Wanna grab some food?”

Jack nodded, as they looked around for a place to sit and order some food. A little booth caught their attention and they quickly made their way over to it to order. Sitting at the table, Jack looked over at Kat with a grin. “Having fun so far?”

“Yeah.” She grinned. pouting. “But I haven’t found my ornament yet.”

Jack looked around the square. “We’ve barely gone to half of the booths. I’m sure there’s going to be something that catches your attention.”

“You’re right.” She nodded. “Is there anything you’re looking for?”

Jack shrugged. “I’m not looking for anything in particular. Just browsing, seeing what people are offering.”

As their food arrived, a band started up just to the left of them. Jack smiled watching Kat sway to the music as she ate her food. “What?”

“Just watching you and continuing to fall in love with you.” Jack grinned, popping a blueberry in his mouth.

A light blush crept onto her face as she looked down at her Belgian Waffle. She bit her lip, a smile fighting to appear. “Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me . . . just telling you how it is.” He laughed as they continued to eat in silence, the music from the band a perfect background filler.

Lifting his fork, he snuck a chunk of her Belgian Waffle as her mouth dropped open. “Hasn’t anyone ever told you that you don’t steal food from someone’s plate?”

“You steal my french fries all the time.” Jack gave her a look, his eyes wide challenging her.

Shrugging, she plucked a strawberry from his plate and popped it in her mouth. “That’s different.”

“In what way?” He argued back, stealing another piece of waffle, quickly dodging her ill attempt to hit him.

Taking a sip of her coffee, she mulled it over for a moment. “It’s written in the girlfriend code . . . didn’t you have to sign one when we started dating?”

“Hmm . . . was that a document in that big stack you gave me before you accepted a date with me?” His eyes went wide as she giggled.

“Yep!” She continued laughing, pushing her plate away. “That was good but I’m full.”

Gathering their trash, they quickly disposed of it before lacing hands. Jack pulled her close to him as they started slow dancing along with the band as they played “Winter Wonderland.” Throwing an arm around his shoulder, she laughed as he led her through the steps. For someone who proclaimed he wasn’t a good dancer, Jack actually did quite well, not messing up at all.

Once the song was finished, a couple of people clapped around them as blushes crept up both of their faces. “There’s your daily dose of embarrassment.”

“Thanks for that.” She squeezed his hand. “You know, you’re actually a pretty good dancer, despite your protests. Who taught you?”

“Medda actually.” Jack grinned, as her eyes lit up.

Medda was their residential hall “mother” back in their freshman and sophomore years in college. She watched out for all of her residents but Spot, Race, Kat, and Jack all held a close place in her heart and she adopted them, along with Albert and Finch. She was the one they would all go to if they couldn’t talk about their issues with anyone - she was that calming presence and they all thought of her as a second mother. Medda was the one to always have a stash of candy in her office and would bake homemade goodies to bring them. More than once in college, they had all arrived on her doorstep in need of a hug and a warm meal.

“When did she teach you?” Kat asked, as they started their journey towards more booths.

Jack squeezed her hand, pulling her towards a booth. “Just before Amelia’s wedding.”

Amelia was Katherine’s freshman roommate who got married just after she and Jack got together. It was the first time Jack had seen Kat in a dress and heels. Though he loved how she looked, it wasn’t anywhere in his top ten favorite looks of hers, not that he would ever tell her that.

Kat raised an eyebrow as Jack continued. “I was worried about making a fool of myself, since you were a bridesmaid and all. I asked Medda for some help and she roped Race, Spot, and Natalie into helping. Race was natural due to dancing already but Spot and I were a mess.”

Natalie was Kat’s other roommate and had a fond spot for Jack. “I bet Natalie hated all three of you.”

“She did . . . until we figured out how to dance and not step on her toes.” Jack chuckled, pausing to look at a couple of knick knacks at a booth.

“How long did it take you?” Kat asked, looking at a couple of ornaments, not finding what she had in mind.

Jack sighed, tilting his head back slightly. “I think we practiced for two weeks. I was so nervous when the bridal party had to join Amelia on the dance floor. I just kept thinking to myself not to step on your toes or embarrass you.”

Throwing an arm over his shoulder, she leaned over and placed a kiss on the corner of his lips. “Can I tell you a secret?”

“What’s that?”

“I was so nervous to dance with you. We had only been dating for a couple of weeks at that point and one of our first big outings as a couple was a frickin’ wedding. It was a lot of pressure for a girl . . . not to mention it was all the bridesmaids could talk about once Amelia showed them a photo of you. They all thought you were ruggedly handsome.” She laughed as Jack stood a little taller at the compliment. “Not to mention how they all hit my shoulder for downplaying how gorgeous you were in real life.”

Throwing his head back, he laughed loudly. “Little did they know how gone I was for you and didn’t even bat an eye in their direction.”

“The same was for me.” She kissed him again.

Jack’s ears perked up as the clock at the church struck 10:30. He looked over at Kat who was purchasing something, glancing over her shoulder at him. He gave her a little wave as she turned back to the seller, murmuring a few words before walking back over to Jack, slipping something in her bag.

“You good?” He asked, as she glanced around the area, before nodding. “Good. Let’s find a bench . . . there’s something I need to give you.”

Her eyes lit up at the prospect, slipping her hand into his before letting him lead the way. They walked for a little bit, getting out of the Christmas Market and heading to Central Park. They walked for a bit, trying to dodge all of the last minute shoppers as they made their way along the sidewalk.

Jack tucked her arm in the crook of his elbow, ensuring that she didn’t get lost in the shuffle of the hubba babloo of the city. He heard her laugh at something as they crossed the street, walking into one of the many entrances of Central Park. Quickly locating an empty bench, Jack led her over to it, pulling the familiar notebook from his coat. “In the rush of the day, I kinda forgot to give you this this morning.”

Accepting the notebook from him, she slung her bag onto the bench, sitting back and cracking open the book, flipping to the correct page. A smile crossed her lips, seeing a rough sketch of them sitting on the couch in her apartment drawn out on the page for the day.

Katherine,

Happy 12th day of Christmas and Happy Christmas Eve. I hope you have had a wonderful morning so far. I kept the Christmas markets for the last day so I could go with you . . . it’s fun to see your face light up at each booth’s offerings and the way you engage with each of the owners.

So I’m going to let you in on a little secret . . . another favorite outfit of mine. Don’t get too excited but it was the outfit you wore when you first came to volunteer with me at the Children’s hospital. You wrote a red sweater dress, leggings, and your boots but that’s not the only thing I remember from that night. The thing that remains stuck out in that memory is the way you interacted with each child you came in contact with. You spent so much time with them, them believing you were one of Santa’s elves, they wanted to make sure they told you everything they wanted. And you patiently sat with them, coloring, and making notes so you could tell the Big Guy, or their parents.

I remember Maggie coming up beside me and telling me I need to keep you in my life somehow because you were real, true, and genuine. And she’s right. You’re all of that.

Pausing, she hastily wiped away tears that had clouded at her eyes as she read Jack’s words. She heard Jack chuckle as he pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “Keep reading.”

But what I didn’t tell anyone, or even you until now is that I kept thinking about how amazing you’d be as a mom. You would be patient, loving, kind, and so supportive . . . which got me thinking about our future kids but not for a long, long, long, time.

Laughing, she shook her head at her boyfriend. continuing to read.

But that’s not for a long time. Maggie mentioned something that night that has stuck with me all these years. She mentioned how more laid back I am when you’re around. She said that it’s almost that I can relax and not be on edge when you’re around me and it’s so true. I never realized it but it’s really true.

So we’ve got a few more places to visit before the day is over. Don’t fret . . . just take every moment in.

Love you,

Jack

Closing the book, she tucked it in her bag, leaning over and kissing him. “You never fail to make me cry when I read these entries.”

“I don’t mean to . . . it’s sometimes easier to write everything down than to tell you face to face.” He confessed, shrugging before pushing off the bench. “Come on, we’ve got places to go and people to see.”

Accepting his hand, she grabbed her bag, allowing him to pull her to her feet. Still holding her hand, he tugged her closer to his side. “I love you, Kat. Thanks for going along with my hair brain idea.”

“I love you too, Jack. I’ll always be your sidekick.” She giggled as they made their way through the park.

As they walked, Kat’s eyes kept dashing around the park, laughing a few times at the kids who were running around while parents walked lazily behind them. Feeling Jack squeeze her hand, she looked over at him with a grin. “Happy?”

“It’s Christmas Eve, of course I’m happy. It’s fun watching the kids run around in the snow and trying to wear off energy so they don’t drive their parents nuts.” She said as a family caught her eye building a snowman. “My dad used to bring my brothers and me to the park to build snowmen so mom had time to wrap presents. He used to bring us through the Christmas Market in case mom needed more time. Hot Chocolate was always given as a bribe, not to tell mom what we got up to in those afternoons out.”

Jack laughed, nodding. “It was similar with dad, Maggie and me. Dad would take us out, giving mom an opportunity to wrap all the presents. Anything that wasn’t from Santa would end up under the tree. Maggie and I couldn’t touch the presents or they would all be shipped back. No matter how many times that was said, they never were. I think my parents were worried the two of us would destroy the house before Christmas morning.”

“I mean, they probably did have plenty of cause to worry.” Kat grinned while Jack hip checked her. She yelped, shaking her head, giving him a look. “You know I’m not lying and there’s some truth to the statement.”

“You’re right . . . Maggie and I were hellions when we were younger. It wasn’t until we both hit our teenage years did we calm down slightly.” Jack admitted sheepishly, while Kat threw her head back and laughed.

“Part of me would’ve loved to know you in high school and even in the beginning of college but meeting you in Junior year was perfect.” She smiled.

Jack smiled, as he led her into a more secluded part of the park. “You would’ve hated me in high school and probably even in my freshman and sophomore year of college. I significantly calmed down junior year so I’m glad I didn’t meet you until then. You probably would’ve been running for the hills if I had met you any earlier.”

“I don’t think I would’ve hated you . . . I think I might have been a bit cautious.” She hesitated to tell him that but didn’t have to worry as he laughed.

“You were hesitant to date me when you did finally meet me.” He smirked. “I saw you around campus a lot, always surrounded by people. Spot told me your name in Sophomore year and I kept hoping we’d have a class or two together but fate never stepped in.”

She barked out a laugh. “Spot told you my name?”

“I mentioned that I saw you around campus once and Spot blurted out your name one time. Him and Race turned that into an opportunity to tease me about you.” Jack shook his head. “Race was especially awful when you and he had that Speech class together. They almost staged a run-in just so they could introduce me to you.”

“Little did they know we would meet each other all on our own.” Kat beamed as Jack led her through the Bethesda Terrace. Looking at the architecture and the gorgeousness of the terrace all decked out in Evergreen for Christmas, she looked over at Jack but didn’t see him, until she looked down.

“I’ve been carrying this around for the last eleven days, trying to figure out a good time to ask you. You have been a bright light in my life for the last five years and I love you. I love you and can’t imagine my life without you in it. Will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?” Jack’s eyebrows rose as he cracked open the ring box.

Tears clouded her eyes as she nodded excitedly. “Yes, Jack Kelly, I will marry you.”

Pushing off his knee, he scooped her into his arms, twirling her around as they both cried excitedly. Lowering her to the ground, Jack cupped the side of her face, leaning in and kissing her. “You said yes?”

“Yes, Jack. Yes, I will marry you.” She said as he kissed her again before they broke apart by clapping within the terrace. Pulling away, they looked at people standing around watching them get engaged. “I guess I should give you this.”

Showing her the ring box, he took the ring out before slipping it on her ring finger. She held up her hand, admiring the oval emerald ring, flanked by diamonds as it laid perfectly on her finger. For the first time, in a long time, she was speechless and didn’t know what to say. “I love you, Jack. This is gorgeous.”

“I love you Kat. I’m glad you like the ring - it was actually hard to pick out which one I thought you might like.” Jack leaned forward and kissed her again. “And thank you for saying yes. I didn’t know if you could tell I was nervous.”

She grinned, shaking her head. “As if I was going to say anything else. And no, I couldn’t tell you were nervous.”

“As soon as you said yes, all the nerves went away and all I saw was our future.” Jack leaned over and kissed her again. “I love you fiancé.”

Her eyes lit up at that name. “Fiancé has a nice ring to it.”

Several Hours Later

He tugged on her hand as he led her up the path to the house. Squeezing her hand, he pulled her close, kissing her. Opening the door, he tugged her inside, slipping off his shoes, allowing her to do the same before they walked down the hallway to the kitchen. He grinned seeing his parents, Maggie, and Brendan standing there. “About time you two show up. We were starting to worry.”

Jack grinned at his dad, his eyes glancing over to Kat. “Sorry about that. We got caught up in the afternoon.”

“It was your last adventure, wasn’t it Katherine?” His mom asked.

Kat looked from Jack to his mom grinning. “It was. We hung out in the Christmas Market at Bryant Park.”

“Good day?” Maggie asked with a knowing grin.

Jack nodded. “The best.”

His parents traded glances, looking between their children. “Why do I feel like I’m missing something?”

Jack pulled Kat close to him, grinning at his family. “Because you kind of are mom. Earlier today, I asked Kat to marry me and she said yes.”

A cheer went up in the small kitchen as his mom and Maggie came over to hug Katherine while his dad and Brendan came over to shake his hand and congratulate him. Glancing over at Kat, he sent her an air kiss followed by an “I Love You.”

Later that evening, after dinner was served and things had settled down, Jack and Kat sat on the couch looking at the tree. The gifts have been given, everything unwrapped and oohed and ahhed over. She had gotten several wonderful gifts from Jack’s parents along with Maggie and Brendan. “Good Christmas Eve?”

Looking up from admiring her engagement ring, she grinned leaning into Jack. “It was the best. It was wonderful spending time with your family. They’re so excited.”

“They have always thought of you as a daughter, now it’s official.” Jack pressed a kiss to her lips. “Did you call your parents?”

Shaking her head, she bit her lip. “No. I figured I’d tell them when they come back from their travels.”

“Kat!” Jack was astonished at his fiancé’s flippant response. “Don’t you want to tell them?”

Kat bit her lip and shook her head. “They haven’t been exactly supportive of our relationship in the last five years. Mom has this notion that I’ll marry a doctor while dad thinks I’ll just be alone for the rest of my life.”

“Your dad doesn’t think you’ll be alone for the rest of your life.” Jack said off handedly, giving his fiancé a look.

Her eyes went wide, listening to him. “What do you mean? Did you go talk to him?”

“I may have. I went and saw him the day you went to the hospital.” Jack wrapped his arm around Kat, kissing her forehead. “I wanted to give him the heads up of what I was planning.”

Kat looked over at him. “Did you ask him for his blessing?”

“God no.” Jack snorted, shaking his head. “I just told him I was asking you to marry me and I hope he could support that.”

She nodded, leaning up and pressing a kiss to his cheek. “I love you for doing that. What did he say?”

“He didn’t say much . . . only that we should have dinner with them when they get back.” Jack sighed, cracking a smile. “I’m sure that’s as much music to your ears as it is mine.”

Holding out her hand, she grinned at him. “At least I have my partner in crime by my side. We can do anything together.”

He laughed, his hands cupping her cheek leaning in, kissing her. “I love you, forever and always, Kat.”

“Love you too Kelly, forever and always.” She kissed him again, snuggling deeper into his embrace.

“So I know I already gave you a gift but I got you a little something else.” He gave her a look, pointing to a lone bag with tissue paper in the corner behind the tree.

She looked over her shoulder at him as she slid off the couch and onto her knees. Grabbing the bag, she pulled the tissue paper from it before pulling out an item wrapped in tissue paper. “What did you do?”

“Just open it Kat.” He grinned, watching her carefully unwrap the item. She gasped as her eyes flew up to him. The item was an ornament that had “Just Engaged” painted on it with their names and the date below it.

She grinned, holding it up so that the porcelain caught the lights of the tree. “It’s gorgeous, thank you.”

“Got it at the market earlier.” He nonchalantly said, as she wrapped up the ornament before joining him on the couch.

She eyed him curiously. “How were you so certain that I would say yes?”

“A tiny part of me was worried about what you said but a bigger part of me knew you were going to say yes.” Jack grinned. “Besides you said that you were looking for an ornament for the year . . . and I think that one fits this year pretty well.”

Leaning over, she captured his lips in a kiss. “You did good, Jack. I love you.”

“Love you too Kat.” He smiled, kissing her again. “See you didn’t have to worry about your gift . . . you gave me the best gift by saying yes.”

She snuggled into his embrace. “Sap.”

“But you love my sappiness.” He chuckled, pressing a kiss to her head.

They sat there in silence, enjoying the Christmas tree and reflecting on the last twelve days and the happiness they felt along with gratitude for everything that was in their lives.

What do you think? Feedback would be wonderful and amazing. Thank you for following along on this journey with me!

#Newsies #Newsies Fan Fiction #writing #jack x katherine #Newsies Holiday Fic #Twelve Days of Holly Jolly Tidings

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wintaejk · 4 years

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Jungkook’s FIC REC | series

Because I spend a lot of time here on tumblr reading fanfictions, I wanted to create my own fic recs. Like that, I can recommend fictions that deserve more recognition and at the same time, if I want to reread one of them, I just have to come here.

Everything on this list is about Jungkook. And of course, all those works have been written by the authors I tagged next to the name of the fictions, they do not belong to me (and if the authors want me to remove their work from my rec, I will).

I also want to thank the authors. I really appreciate all your works and efforts to create all those beautiful stories. I send you all of my love.

I decided to try writing a commentary for each of the stories. I always try to use the right pronouns when talking about the authors, but if I used the wrong ones for you, don’t hesitate to tell me. I will change it in a minute.

(f) = fluff

(a) = angst

(m) = mature

The following fictions are all about completed and finished series. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did.

Complete

— wanted (F) (M) | One ; Two ; Three ; Four ; Five ; Six — by @jincherie

You were a deserter, a renegade, a wanted “criminal”. It was never in your plans to crash land on that planet, and it most certainly wasn’t in your plans to fall in love with it’s handsome ruler.

space au | alien au | royalty au | soulmate au | +56k

Commentary - To be honest, I don’t even know where to start and what to start with. But I think I’m simply gonna start with my first thoughts of this story. Because this fiction, I saw it multiple times on many fic recs. And to be completely honest, every single time I saw it, I found the summary attractive and intriguing but something was holding me. Probably the universe. The fear of being unsatisfied and disappointed. Because the difficulty with that kind of fiction is to immerse the reader in a universe they don’t know. You then have to describe it enough so that the reader can represent it in their head, but not too much to the point of becoming heavy. And this balance between the ‘enough’ and the ‘not too much’, you find it perfectly in ‘wanted’. I was not only imagining the scenery, I was totally living it. I was seeing everything, I was completely immerged, as if I had been living in that world my whole life. Also, the other risk with diving into a fantastic universe is the possibility of writing (or reading) something that has already been done. Yes, I already read stories where the characters are traveling from planet to planet. Yes, I already read love stories between an alien and a human. And yes, I read stories with kings before. However, this story is totally coming from the author’s imagination, or at least that’s the feeling I have. I don’t feel like I’m reading another story with aliens or in the future or a love story between a king and a non-royal reader that eveybody already knows by heart. No, I am reading Rha’s own story, her scenery, her plots, her descriptions... It was coming from her and it was her interpretation of an ‘alien world’ in the future. And I was even more stunned that I was not expecting that at all. It was in definitive a fucking good surprise. If you ask my opinion, I could even imagine it being the next best-seller book and then someone adapting this fiction in the next record-breaker movie. Now, let’s talk about the love story. Shit, fuck, damn. I’ve been craving a good love story these past few days and she gave it to me. A slow burn with a good amount of actions between the two characters, a flirty and sensual back and forth, a little bit of soulmate au, characters who have a personnality and feel truthful emotions, a last chapter with full on smut... It was for me a delight! And can we talk about that smut? Spoiler alert: Rha will make you wait until the very last minute, the very last chapter. And after waiting five long chapters, I personally only had two words for that smut... The. Fuck. I was so scared when I read the warnings and I saw tentacles and triple penetration. I was wondering where the author were bringing us. BUT BUT BUT!!! Holy fuck! I think we need all to respect a minute of silence in memory of the old me who just died. BECAUSE HOLY CRAP I FEEL LIKE A NEW WOMAN. No, but honestly, I am starting a new day tomorrow as a new person. This smut was something else. Never thought tentacles could be that exc.... Okay, I’m stopping now before making a whole essay on that perfect-amount-of-kink smut :))) I am going to conclude this lil (lol lmao lmfao) comment by emphasizing the work the author put in that fiction. For me, Rha’s story deserve so much recognition. Because this is clearly one of those fics where you can feel everything has been thought. Everything has an explanation, everything arrives at the perfect moment, everything is followed by a logical event, without being predictable. The plot, the secondary plots, the characters, the details... This author truly has nothing to envy to those ‘famous authors’ like J.K. Rowling, J.R.R. Tolkien, Jane Austen... This was not the first fiction she wrote that I read (she actually is the second account writing about bts I followed) and it is not a surprise that I loved so much this story. I am even certain, even if I just finished reading it, that this fiction will be one of those that you remember of, even years and years after you first read them. So Rha, if you happen to read this, let me tell you that you have a real talent, and you should keep embracing it! Love you lots, sweetheart, and I’m looking forward your next pieces of art.

— Falling Skies (F) (A) (M) | Prologue ; One ; Two ; Three ; Four ; Five ; Six — by @fortunexkookie

Jeon Jiyeon was your childhood best friend; her brother, Jungkook, was something else entirely. Once upon a time, she had called you her sun and him her moon; it was fitting, given the constant push-and-pull between you two. You used to consider him a friend, but then he had gone from endearingly frustrating dumb boy to card-carrying fuckboy so fast it had given you whiplash.

You often wondered how Jiyeon wasn’t bothered by his behavior. In fact, she often seemed to encourage it. What you failed to see was that she was just trying to show you how he reflected your light. Jiyeon had realized he was in love with you even before he did, but of course she knew. It was a twin thing.

So despite the fighting and teasing, you always found yourself drawn back to him. You knew he was one of two constants in your life: the Jeon twins were - and had always been - your one indisputable truth. You were the sun, Jungkook was the moon, and Jiyeon was the sky holding you both up When she died, it ripped a black hole right through you.

friends to enemies | enemies to friends | friends to lovers | +50k

Commentary - I think I will never have the words to express how much I love this story. This fiction has its own place in my heart, and I have the need to come back from time to time to read again and again and again this beautiful piece of work. I’m gonna be honest with you. If you don’t like angst, if you don’t want to suffer even a little bit, this fiction is not for you. However, you would miss something. And a big something. Yes, your heart will sink, you might even cry but dammit, it is so worth it. Plus you will find some comfort in Jungkook and reader’s love story. Who doesn’t love a good ‘enemies to lovers’ at the same time of a ‘friends to lovers’. Did I mention smut? No, I did not yet. SMUT, ladies and gentleman. Good smut. In a few words to summarize that all, this is an amazing, wonderful, brilliant masterpiece. Just... go read it.

— Roommates (M) | One ; Two ; Three — by @tayegi

When you accepted to let Jungkook, your best friend’s younger brother, to live with you, you did not take into account how much he grew up… and became that handsome young man.

roommate au | best friend’s brother | college au | +25k

Commentary - I’m pretty sure I couldn’t count how many times I read that fiction on only one hand. This story is the definition of slow-burn itself. As well as a collation of a roommate au, a best friend’s brother au, a friends to lovers au and an older reader. Let me tell you that when Jungkook and reader finally decides to act on that tension, it doesn’t end up in fire, but rathen in a volcanic eruption. And let’s be honest, that is exactly what we are here for.

— Animal (F) (A) (M) | One ; Two ; Three ; Four ; Five ; Six ; Seven ; Eight ; Nine — by @cutaepatootie

“I don’t want to die without telling someone about her,” he says, his voice softening when he says ‘her’. “I don’t want to disappear without the world knowing about her and what she did for me.”

“About her?” the girl frowns.

Maybe his daughter? His sister?

The man turns his head and faces the girl, a soft, distant smile plastered on his lips. The gesture is nostalgic, sad, almost loving.

“Y/N,” he murmurs, the name rolling off his lips softly, just as softly as the waves of the sea roll over the sand. “Her name was Y/N.”

boxer au | flashback au | +115k

Commentary - I’m not gonna lie, this story, I haven’t read it much. Simply because every single time I read it, I left some parts of my heart behind me. You can’t and I promise you that you won’t come out of this fanfiction in one piece. My heart broke the first time I read it. And the second time. And the third time. And this is probably the most I read it. Not that I didn’t like it, on the contrary: it is one of my favorite fictions in here. But there are some stories that you can’t read too many times, because they bring you such a combination of pain and joy, suffering and contentment, sorrow and euphoria that it is hard to handle, that you need some time to heal before reading it again. Putting words on what I felt while reading it is hard. I loved the characters, I loved the plot, the different stages of their relationship... And the end! I don’t think I would find someone who wouldn’t want for the end to be different. The last part let me in pain. Literally. I had a knot in my stomach and tears in my eyes. I had to stop two or three times to breathe in before continuing. In conclusion, if you love stories full of emotions, just go for that one. I read a lot, like a freaking whole lot. And fuck, this fiction is beautiful. Destructive also, but it is really worth it.

— Bunny Boy (M) | One ; Two ; Three ; Four ; Five — by @parkmuse

Catching feelings for your sisters friend wasn’t part of your plan.

sister’s best friend | older!reader | virgin!reader | +17k

Commentary - If you have the same taste as me in terms of fictions, you will like this fiction. There’s no complicated plot behind this story, but this is exactly what I loved about it. Sometimes, you just need a simple story between the reader and her sister’s best friend. A simple story between two young people pining for each other. A simple story maybe, but with a lot of charm. I particurly appreciate this story because of its simplicity. Love is not always complicated and impossible, and it is refreshing to read a story that remins you of that.

— Cream & Sugar (F) (M) | One ; Two ; Three ; Four ; Five ; Six — by @taehyungforreal

Stepping into this coffee shop was either the best or the worst idea of your life. You know that barista, you know he’s great in bed. You also know he’s the biggest asshole you’ve ever met.

escort au | barista au | enemies to lovers | +36k

Commentary - Cream & Sugar is another gem you can find on tumblr. Every time I read this serie, I fall in love once again with the characters of this stories. They are realistic, genuine and fierce. And this is what I love the most about Ashley’s fictions: the realism she puts in every single one of her work. The stories are thought, the psychology of the characters have been analyzed, the plot is consistent. This is not a coincidence I love everything that she writes; she has talent, and you should go read her fictions. And if you love slow-burn, sexual tension, and a good enemies to lovers universe, I warmly recommend you to start with this beautiful serie that I read multiple times and that I will continue to read again and again.

— Everything in you (F) (M) | One ; Two — by @jjungkookislife

Y/n wants a baby, Jungkook is wiiling to help.

best friends to lovers | roommate au | pregnant!reader | +24k

Commentary - If you are looking for a cute and soft Jungkook’s story, I hardly recommend you to not click on this one. And for the others who are ready to give it a go, make sure to prepare your eyes and soul beforehand. This fiction is made of 90% of smut. This is kinky Jungkook asf, this is filth, this is all we like to read. Plus if we add the friends to lovers theme on top of everything else, this fiction can be considered as the holy grail for sinners like me. (But if you consider yourself pure and innocent, I promise the damnation is worth it.)

— the jeon twins (F) (A) ; kookie ending ; jk ending — by @krreader

jk thought he was doing this for his twin’s good. falling in love with you while pretending to be kookie was never something he planned on doing and he hated himself for it.

twins!jeon | college au | badboy!jk | nerd!kookie

Commentary - I loved the concet of this fiction. A double ending, so everyone is happy at the end. Plus we have the duality of Jungkook in one fiction: the nerdy part of him vs the iNtErNaTiOnAl PlAyBoY one. And I have to admit that I’m a sucker for both of them. So having them reunited in one fiction is a delight.

— fear is forever (F) (A) | One: fear in your eyes ; Two: forever and a night — by @gukyi

there’s a werewolf in that forest behind your house, they told you, and he’ll eat you before you can even beg for mercy.

werewolf au | strangers to lovers | +8k

Commentary - For some reasons, this story hit me hard. I love reading werewolf au, or should I say that I just love everything that is supernatural and magical. But this one was different. No crazy smut, no mate au, no pack. At some point, I even thought about Red Riding Hood, but not because the stories are similar. Far from it. I didn’t realize it directly, but after a few days, I was still thinking about it, and I could imagine telling that story to my future children. And then I realized why I was associating it to Red Riding Hood. This story feels like a fairytale. The famous ones. The ones that you tell your children before they go to sleep. The ones with magic, as much in the story itself as in the way it is written. The ones that make you still think about them days after you first read it. This story is literally a fairytale.

— Cafuné (F) (A) (M) | One ; Two — by @daffodilon

cafuné - (brazilian portuguese)

“the act of running your fingers through your lover’s hair; among the few words that cannot be directly translated into english”

roommates au | friends to lovers | +19k

Commentary - This fiction is the personification of the friends to lovers au itself. You want soft? You will have soft. You want soft smut? You will have soft smut. You want soft smut with Jungkook? Seriously, I don’t know why you still are here reading my bullshit when you could be reading that beautiful baby instead.

— vaunt (M) | One ; Two — by @yminie

Every weekend Beta Tau throws a ‘little’ party to help students relax and let loose, and the frat resident Jungkook has a big mouth that talks a lot of big game. You finally get sick of the lack of relaxation on your end and set out to see if he’s all talk.

college au | fratboy!jungkook | enemies to lovers | +18k

Commentary - I only have three words to describe that fiction: big dick Jungkook. You want reasons to go read this story? A lot of smut. A good amount of crack. A little bit of fluff to end the story. And also, fuckboy!jungkook; fratboy!jungkook; and Big. Dick. Jungkook. You want a little bit more of filth and sin in your life? You are in the right place, that’s all I have to say.

— bad for you (A) (M) | drabble 1 ; drabble 2 ; Epilogue: undressed — by @yoonia

His whole presence emits sin and danger, and you are not supposed to be attracted to him on the first glance.

stripper au | bachelorette au | +31k

Commentary - Another fiction that I love reading again from time to time. And yes, cheating is wrong. Don’t do it at home kids. But no, I am not ashamed to love that fiction so much. I’m a sucker for Jungkook. But I’m a hoe for stripper!Jungkook. Plus the alchemy between reader and Jk is too good to not count that fiction in the top of my list of fictions. You add smut, fluff and the right amount of angst and BAM! You end up with a five stars fiction that you will devour until the very end.

#fic rec #jeon jungkook fic rec #jeon jungkook #bts fic rec #series fic rec

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sarcastic-space-gal · 4 years

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Cross Paths (Part 1)

Pairing: The Mandalorian x female Reader;

Word Count: 2,8k;

Warnings: None;

Summary: On Tatooine the Mandalorian is helped by a misterious woman.

A/N: Is it requested? Nope. I still have requests to do? Yep. I’m gonna deliver it to you anyway? Yes. Will there be more than one part? Yes. I have spoken.

Tatooine was the only base available, even if their time on the planet would have been counted. Sometimes the Mandalorian wondered if taking the asset had been a good idea, putting a bounty on the little creature’s head and condemning himself to be a fugitive and living in exile. But how can someone live behind a baby, yes he was a warrior but he was not heartless.

The Razor Crest trespassed the planet’s atmosphere in a matter of minutes and reached the surface, landing vigorously on the desert of Tatooine.

“Stay here” Din pointed at the little creature as he headed towards the exit door and pushed the button as a warm soft breeze filled his body when he finally stepped outside.

The two suns were high in the sky, the temperature was too hot for his liking but fortunately the city was just a mile away from where he landed. He was just about to take off to his destination when a soft cooing sound made his way to his ears. He turned his face and found the crib with the little green creature smiling at him to which he could only respond with a heavy sigh.

Wordlessly he started walking away as the crib floated right next to him.

Mos Eisley’s streets were chaotic and timing with every kind of creature from every part of the galaxy but nobody seemed to care much about them, which was good, he had to remain low key. The crib was now closed in order to not arouse suspicion: seeing a Mandalorian with a crib was already strange enough.

Merchants’ yells and the indistinct chattering of the people almost covered the Din’s thoughts as he finally found hat he was searching for: charges and munitions. While searching for the things he needed within the endless types the seller had displayed, he repeatedly kept looking around him, making sure that no one was here for them.

As he put away the last weapon in his belt he strode down the street again when a beeping sound caught his ear.

“It’s him!”

Without hesitating he pulled out the blaster and started firing towards the voice as all the people in the streets started screaming in horror and running away to find a shelter. They were there for the baby, but he wouldn’t let them take him, he thought while hiding behind a corner.

From what he could tell there were at least six or seven of them. That was not good, not with the crib floating closely around him, making it a perfect target.

“Here!” a different voice came from behind him, making him turn around and aiming the blaster at whoever was there.

_______________________________________________

Mandalorians are warriors: weapons are part of their religion, the thirst of conquest is embedded in their instinct, confrontation is inevitable, fighting is necessary.

War is their way of life. War is their God.

This is what you knew about them or at least what has been told you about them. You’d never seen a Mandalorian before but their story had always intrigued you: how can someone give away his life, his entire being on one belief, for one cause and follow it, die for it.

Listening carefully to the rumors that were always going around, you heard even more terrible stories about them, as they were depicted as dreadful opponents, someone you don’t want to face on the battlefield, and if you were on their list, the last thing you’d see before dying would have been their blaster pointing at you.

But well, maybe you’d rather have a Mandalorian against you than carrying on with your kind of life, you thought. Surviving sometimes was really hard and challenging as you found yourself skipping meals many times and fighting and praying to the Maker that the next day would be better.

That day turned out to be really different.

As you did everyday, you woke up from your tiny little spot where since countless days and months you passed the night, get dressed, took your weapon and headed out in the streets of Mos Eisley.

Life as a scavenger was exhausting but it would put food on the table… sometimes. That day you had to sell some items that you took two days prior from an abandoned dathomirian starship.

Since you arrived to the marketplace you could not notice the stranger who strode down the street with a...crib? But his appearance spoke by itself. The helmet, the armor, you had no doubt: he was a Mandalorian. Finishing the deal you shoved your credits in the pocket and turned to see him buying some munitions. Intrigued you put your headscarf up to your nose so that only your eyes where out, and slowly followed him down the streets, not sure why you were doing that. Then suddenly you heard blasters firing around and people frenetically running away. You could swear that all the bustle was because of the new arrival in town.

Quickly running around the corner, you saw him hiding and occasionally firing at the hunters. You had to help him. Searching for a better place to hide you scanned the area and with a solid kick you opened a door and shouted “Here!”

_______________________________________________

“I’m not a bounty hunter, I wanna help you, come here” it was a female voice for sure.

“He is not alone come on!” one of the hunters shouted.

Lacking of any other ideas, Din quickly typed something on the screen placed on his left arm and sprinted towards you as the crib floated in your direction too.

“Inside” with a side nod you pointed inside where the door was slammed open. The man and the crib followed your instruction as you entered and closed the door just before hearing some shouting and heavy footsteps running down the street.

“That was close” you said as the adrenaline pumped into your veins when you turned and saw the Mandalorian with the blaster still firmly in his hand. When finally all the shouts silenced, he shoved his weapon in his belt.

“Thank you” his voice was steady, calm and even if it was filtrated by the helmet you could feel it was deep, it almost made goosebumps appear on your skin.

The light inside the house was dim as the only source of it was through a small window almost fully covered by a heavy curtain, making really difficult to see. But even in the dark you could make out the outline of the Mandalorian looking at you, his sixth-sense and experience was probably kicking in, knowing that he couldn’t trust anyone.

“Don’t mention it” you replied kindly before heading to the window. You moved the curtain a little and peeked outside, people were still running away but mostly the streets were clear. You turned your head again and saw him on his knees near the crib.

“Is your baby ok-?”

The little oval thing was now open, revealing a little green creature with huge ears compared to the size of his head, who was cooing happily.

“It’s not mine”

“Oh, yeah I can see why” you looked at the little baby with a wide smile on your lips “Hi little one”

The Mandalorian cocked his head to the side as he attentively watched every movement you made. The baby was already a fan of yours as he reached up with his little arms.

“I must go” he suddenly said, when few shouts were heard in the street “They are still here”

“I think you should wait for the night and sneak out in the darkness” you suggested.

Even if he wasn’t eager of the idea, he had no other choice, he couldn’t let anything happen to the Child. So with a heavy sigh he lied down with his back leaned on the wall with the crib right next to him.

“I should go then...”

“No” his hands were working on his weapon, he was probably cleaning it “They saw you with me, they’re searching for you too probably”

“Oh” it was the only thing you could manage to say.

After a few moments of silence, noticing the sudden changing in your features the Mandalorian spoke again, this time his voice was soft.

“I’m sorry”

“It’s okay. I don’t have anything here, I’ll find a safe passage out of this planet as soon as I manage to get out of here” you sat down on the opposite side of the man leaning on the wall too “Hoping that the credits I own are sufficient”

You two didn’t speak again for what seemed like hours, you could tell that he wasn’t a talker but as time went by you shared few glances, or at least you thought, you couldn’t really tell if he was really looking at you through that helmet, but somehow you knew: he was watching you. What was intriguing was that he tried not to be obvious about it. When you lifted your head and meet his eyes he would always quickly look away nonchalantly.

Come on, how you could even think such things, he was a warrior, a hunter, he was probably keeping you under control, after all the only thing he could see were your eyes as you remembered only then that you were still wearing your headscarf.

You pulled the fabric away from your face revealing your features to the man in front of you. At first he did nothing but when he turned his glare to you and saw that you pulled away the veil from your face, deep down in his heart he hoped for a few more light for being able to see you better. But there was none.

“Can I ask what is your name?” you asked, gaining his attention again.

“My real name is a secret, but everyone calls me Mando”

“Mando” you repeated “I’m Y/n”

Din felt his heart falter a bit at the sound of your voice, but shook away the feeling immediately.

The two suns were getting down pretty fast as the two of you stood up ready to go out. The Mandalorian closed the crib again fidgeting with some buttons on his screen.

“I know the way through the streets were you could go unseen, but to reach your gunship you must pass through a not covered area, in the desert. They will probably follow you. But I can show you the way”

He didn’t say anything he just nodded and took his blaster out. The night was already dark and silent, making difficult to see. Perfect.

Slowly you opened the door and scanned the area, no suspicious looking people were around for now. The Mandalorian was right behind you with the crib floating silently. With determination you started striding down the streets, small corners, dark passages with quick turns in every directions: no one could ever see you.

At least it’s what you believed. Someone was lurking in the shadow, following your path.

Then the three of you finally came to the peripheral area of the city, no more corners, no more streets, just sand for miles and miles.

“This is it, you have to be quick and-”

The sound of blasters and red lights interrupted you as you both reached for your weapons and started firing back.

“They’re trapped, the asset is ours” one of the hunters shouted aiming his weapon towards you two.

They were still firing when suddenly a gloved hand wrapped around your upper arm pulling you away and down behind a pile of boxes.

“How many are they?” you shouted.

“At least six or seven, maybe more” even in that circumstance he was able to keep his voice steady almost as if this wasn’t happening “I throw this to them to distract them and we start firing” he said showing a grenade in his hand.

“Sound good for me”

With that Din threw the grenade which exploded vigorously. Without hesitation you charged towards them. After few moments he had already took down three men, but he froze when he saw you fighting. Surely you were skilled, you knew how to fight but the way you move was almost warrior like: kicking, punching, firing you killed all the men near you. The Mandalorian was so caught into your movements that he didn’t see the hunter with the blaster aiming at him just few steps behind him as he caught him in the arm. Without even flinching the shot was stopped by the beskar armor as he quickly turned and shot at him, leaving the streets of Mos Eisley finally silent.

Regaining a steady heartbeat you walked towards him.

“Are you okay?” you asked a little out of breath.

He simply nodded as he shoved his blaster away.

“You should go now”

“What about you?” he asked.

“What do you mean?” your confusion grew every moment.

“You said you needed a safe passage out of here, I can offer you that”

“I don’t have enough credits to pay” sadness suddenly rose from your heart.

“I don’t want them” your confusion was at its peak now. A Mandalorian with a little green creature in a crib was offering a safe passage, and he didn’t want your money? “I could use a crew member of your ability”

“Sorry, are you offering me a safe passage for free?” you questioned.

“Yes” he simply responded.

“I accept” without even thinking about it twice, you responded “I’ll just take few things and we can leave”

“I’m coming with you” your heart skipped a beat. But why? That was probably adrenaline still pumping around your body.

Gathering all the last things from your little ‘home’ you left that place, and followed the Mandalorian to his ship.

The trip to the ship was silent, just the soft sound of your footsteps on the sand and the wind caressing your cheeks, when you finally came to the Razor Crest. You stopped right in your track and just looked at it for a few moments. This was a turning point for your life, a new beginning, away from this planet, away from hunger and away from scavenging.

“This way” the Mandalorian said opening the ship’s cargo door.

Placing your things down you followed him again to the cockpit of the gunship and took a sit next to him, but as the engine turned on a wave of nervousness made his way to your mind. You stiffened in your seat as you hooked your fingers around the armrests.

“Have you ever been on a ship?” it was like he could almost sense your distress.

“No” you gulped “Not one that actually flies”

“Are you nervous?”

“What you suddenly became a talker now?”

That was impossible to tell but you could swear he was smirking under that helmet.

He pressed some buttons, moved some switch and the Razor Crest started flying. Within minutes you could see the planet from the gunship window. Slowly you walked towards it and looked at it in awe. Din didn’t fail noticing your expression while watching for the first time the space and the planet from up above. You features were shaped with happiness, the nervousness was now completely gone as you smiled widely scanning the sky and the stars with your beautiful eyes. They were indeed beautiful. Now with the light shining on your face he could finally see every little detail that was under that headscarf: your e/c eyes, your nose, your mouth, your lips, your beautiful hair. Like in a dream he suddenly looked away, hoping you didn’t notice his staring.

But you did.

“Mesh’la”

“What?” his heart almost skipped a beat after hearing that word. It was a long time since he last heard his language being spoken.

“Isn’t the word for ‘beautiful’ in your language?”

“Yes, it is. How do you know Mando’a?”

He was fully focused on you now. Surely you were full of surprises. You turned away from the cockpit and sat back in your seat.

“Living on a planet like Tatooine is not simple” you started, looking down at your hands that were placed in your lap “I learned to speak many languages, how to fight, how to heal wounds, how to fix ships”

The Mandalorian was listening very carefully at your story as the only sound in the ship was your melodic voice.

“I tried to survive in any possible way”

He simply nodded and didn’t say anything.

After few minutes passed in silence you spoke again.

“Thank you” you said hesitantly “For taking me with you and away from that planet”

Din stayed quiet for a bit.

“Thank you for helping me” his voice was steady and calm “...Us” He turned his head to you and the baby and nodded .

Smiling fondly at him, you leaned in your seat and closed your eyes as the Razor Crest went into hyperdrive to your next destination.

#the mandalorian x reader #the mandalorian #din djarin #din djarin x reader #mandalorian x reader #pedro pascal #the mandalorian x you #mandalorian x you #baby yoda

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gustafsnightangel · 3 years

Text

A Softer Side Part 5

“I’m not so sure.”

“Bullshit Strand.” She chuckled with a snort.

“I’m no good for her.” He growled, trying to convince himself more than anything.

“I don’t know.” She said with a slight smile. “I think you’re just who she needs.”

“I’m an asshole Mia.”

“Yeah, you’re that all right.” She snorted.

“I’m not the right person for her.”

“Under it all you’re a good guy and don’t you think she should be the one to determine if your good for her or not?” He scrubbed a hand over his scalp at his words being thrown back in his face.

“Touché.” He said sarcastically.

“She brings out a softer side of you Karl, I’m not so sure that’s such a bad thing.” She squeezed his forearm and left him there with that sentiment, slightly floored.

He stopped at his bedroom door and hesitated trying to decide if he should check on her before he went to bed. With a clenched fist lightly punching the doorframe he warred with the thought. “You’re fucking killing me sweet girl.” He sighed and turned toward her room.

The door was wide open, no surprises there, the last thing she’d want is to be closed in all things considered. His brow furrowed, the bed was untouched. Without turning on the lights he let his eyes adjust to the darkness, searching every corner for her. There pressed tightly against the wall was her huddled figure as the moonlight streamed through the open curtains. He moved without thinking and crossed the room with purposeful strides to slowly crouch in front of her, much like he had the first time he’d seen her.

“Sweet girl.” He breathed. “You can sleep in the bed if you want to, it’s yours.” Nothing, not a whisper of movement, the vacant look in her eyes telling him all he needed to know. It was the same look Mia had when he pulled her out of Syria, psychological overload. Reaching out slowly he went to brush the tears from her face as he’d done earlier today and she shrank back from his hand. Resting that hand on his knee he watched her a moment. “The bed, this room is yours, you’re safe here sweet girl and I’m only next door if you need me ok. I won’t let him hurt you anymore.” She’d retreated into her own mind now the adrenaline had all burnt out of her system, the fight flight response crashing her. It broke something inside him to rise to his feet and walk away, each step feeling like a great chasm had opened up between them. Settling in his own room he left the door open, climbed into bed and passed out hard, the exhaustion and lack of sleep finally catching up to him.

The house was quiet when he woke, sunlight streaming through the window which meant it was after 1 pm. Checking in on Jane he noticed she hadn’t moved and he was at a loss as to how to reach her. Shuffling out to the living area he could hear Jerry and Mia discussing evidence and felt shitty for leaving them to it. Grabbing the last dregs of coffee from the pot he made his way in, his thoughts still on Jane.

“Well you look better.” Mia smirked.

“Amazing what 12 solid will get you.”

“While you’ve been sleeping on the job we may have something.” She nodded for Jerry to take over.

“What does this look like?” He asked holding up a laptop that probably wouldn’t have the processing power to type a word a day.

“A relic.” He scoffed.

“On the outside it is.” He grinned. “Your girl is a fucking genius.”

“She’s not my girl.” He mumbled and sipped his coffee, wincing as it scolded the roof of his mouth. The quirked eyebrow expression from them both put his mood even further in the toilet. “Has she come out at all today?” He asked and Mia shook her head.

“Let her be for now.” She said softly, the same pain she’d endured echoed in her tone.

Jerry opened the laptop and had Strand inspect it. “What am I looking at, looking for?”

“Notice there’s no power supply port, no ports at all, just a keyboard and screen.”

“Ok?”

“Dude she’s using DNA encryption. She’s literally THE cypher.” Jerry looked like a kid at Christmas. “The only way to power this thing on is if she puts in the correct genetic DNA sequence, her DNA sequence. I’m not going to go into how complex that is. Then a DNA sequencer will pop out somewhere for her to press her thumb to and it takes a drop of blood analyzing her DNA, her own human genome is the encryption cypher. Then and only then will it power on and I’d bet my entire salary she’s got layers and layers of encryption before you get to anything that’s worth protecting. This is HER computer, it won’t work for anyone else unless she’s attached to it.”

“Quite literally. What do you think is on there?” Strand asked as the wheels in his head began to turn and process what he’d just been told and how it related to the case.

“At a guess it would list every girl sold, stolen, reviewed, looked at, drugged, killed. It would hold the real set of financials, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it listed buyers, other sellers, other accounts. This would crack this case wide open.”

“It would, but she needs time to recover, mentally and emotionally.” He looked at Mia. “She’s withdrawn into herself.”

“Understandable.” Mia said gently. “I’ll try connecting with her around dinner time, see if she’ll come eat. We just have to wait her out.”

“Let’s keep at it, give her some time.” Karl said defeated, there wasn’t much else he could do because he wouldn’t force her.

******

“She shrinks away from me too.” Mia said softly as she came out into the living room. “I think she wants you, needs you.”

“I tried last night, she pulled away from me.” He said gruffly.

“That was last night. There’s a lot going on in her head, she’s drowning in the noise.” She got up and started to heat up some soup in a cup. “Take this in with you, see if she’ll eat.” She said cutting a thick slab of dark rye bread and popping it in the toaster.

He walked in the room and sat on the floor close to her, setting the soup on the window sill, he hoped the smell of it would entice her. They sat in silence for a long while, letting her just feel he was close.

“I don’t know how to help you sweet girl, to reach you.” He murmured. “I’m literally winging this.” He snorted. “You’d think I’d be better at this by now after saving Mia’s sorry ass.” All humor left his voice. “That’s her story to tell if she wants to, but I felt as helpless then as I do now.” He looked at her and wondered if she could hear him. “Mia used to drift off in her mind like this, the world would get to loud and it was like something snapped inside her, her mind protecting itself.” He sighed and continued. “I know who your parents are Jane, know what name they gave you. I don’t know if that makes a difference now or not. I’ve met your mother, she came to me, begged me to find you. One day if you’d like to meet her I can take you to her, I think she’d like that. I’m just sorry I didn’t find you sooner, end your torment sooner.” He had a ton of regrets when it came to this girl and it was even harder to live with now he’d found her. “I’m an asshole Jane, not like Allen Raven asshole, but I’m not a nice guy. I don’t do relationships, barely do friendships. You could do much better, be with someone that makes you happy.” He scoffed a chuckle. “I say that yet I’m drawn to you and I don’t know why, I don’t know that it’s healthy for you to be involved with me.” He looked at her. “Sweet girl I don’t know how to be that person for you, the one you need me to be.” She hadn’t moved, her gaze staring into an unknown void. “How do I reach you? How do I help you come back to me?” He whispered and instinctively stroked a finger down her cheek, she didn’t pull away or flinch at his touch, progress he thought.

He sipped on her soup hoping it would engage her. “This tastes pretty good.” Resting it on his knee he pulled his phone out as it chimed for an incoming text. Unlocking his screen an open webpage from last night stared back at him, Ayla. His brow crinkled in confusion then he looked at her and smiled as it dawned on him, she’d chosen her name from a tender moment with him and it choked him up as he read the meaning.

Ayla - a halo of light around the moon.

“Sweet girl you undo me.” He whispered, he’d never forget her now, every time he looked at the moon he’d think of her. “Ayla.” He murmured softly and grazed his knuckles down her forearm. “Come back to me sweet girl.” His voice gentle as he sipped her soup.

He knew the moment she surfaced, those sea green eyes filling with tears. “There’s my girl.” He smiled. “There’s my sweet Ayla.” Her hand shook as it reached for his, his thumb brushing the tears away. She pressed her face against his hand and sat there silently crying, her mind struggling to stay in reality, to face the pain that came with it. “It’s all too much isn’t it sweet girl, your mind is overloaded.” He was trying for soothing but sure it came out harsher than intended, as she retreated back against the wall with a slight nod. “Can you eat a bit of soup?” He tried, her head shaking no as he held it closer to her. “Your tummy upset too?” She didn’t answer, just slipped back into the safe space her mind had created for her, the vacant look back in her eyes as the tears fell silently. Starting to to release her hand she clutched him tightly, stay, it begged, please stay. Placing the cup of now luke warm soup on the window sill he offered her his other hand, he didn’t think he was what she needed, but apparently she’d made her decision as to who was good for her. “Only if you want to sweet girl.” He said softly, her body shaking as she reached for him and robotically curled up in his lap like the wounded child she was. “Sleep now.” He soothed. “You’re safe.” She’d made her choice, and her choice was him, he not only had to accept it, he had to respect it. “You could do so much better than me sweet girl.” He muttered more to himself that anything else.

******

“Hey.” Mia said softly a little while later, Ayla had passed out in his arms, complete dead weight.

“Hey.” He sighed.

“Want some help getting off the floor and into bed where it’s a little more forgiving on your ass?” Her smirk made him grind his teeth, she was enjoying this way too much.

“Please.” Tucking Ayla in close Mia helped him stand.

“She’s out cold.”

“Yeah until I put her down.” He huffed.

“It’ll get better. You remember how I clung to you for the first few days.” He voice choked up as she spoke. “Give her the time Karl, she’ll heal faster if you don’t fight her on it.”

He hated it when she was right. “I just want to get on with the case and catch these assholes Mia.” He growled.

“I know you do and we’re making progress. She’s more important right now. Take a few days, get her through the worst of it.” Mia pulled back the covers and helped him get settled. “Once her mind relaxes she’ll deal with it better, you being close to her is what she needs Karl, she made her choice, just like you asked her to.”

******

Being horizontal again was bliss, having Ayla in his arms an added bonus. He was hoping she’d sleep, long and deeply. It would take more than a few days to get control over where she’d been and where she was now, it was a monumental shift in her world and it was no wonder she’d closed the world out. With his own eyes growing heavy he tucked her in tightly and drifted to sleep.

The next few days were a blur where one seemed to meld into the next. Mia would sit with Ayla while he ate and showered or needed a bathroom break, and although she slept through the change in guardian, she was restless like she somehow knew, sensed, he’d stepped away.

******

It was four days later that she surfaced, her body and mind physically recovered enough to let her function, to be conscious. Sleep was restorative, healing, Mia was right, it was the best thing for her. He was sitting up, laptop perched on his bent knee, the other occupied by her head, his fingers absently combing through her hair. As she shifted his fingers stuttered, it was the first voluntary movement from her in days. “You awake sweet girl?” He murmured, her head nodding slightly. “Would you like some soup? I bet you’re pretty hungry.” Her head nodded again and she shuffled until she was sitting up and scrunched against his arm. He saved the file he was reviewing and closed his laptop, placing it on the nightstand. “There’s no rush, when you’re ready we’ll go get some soup ok?” He kissed the top of her head and lingered, he knew he shouldn’t but he did, the scent of her did things to him.

“Well look at that.” Mia said happily. “Good to see you up Jane.”

“This is Ayla.” Karl said gently. “Her choice.”

“That’s a pretty name.” Mia’s smile was wide, she’d chosen her name too and it was liberating. “Suits you.” Ayla watched Mia and Strand felt her tense.

“You remember Mia?” She nodded. “She’ll keep you safe too sweet girl, so will Jerry.”

“Would you guys like some soup?” Mia asked gently.

“I’d love a steak.”

“And I’d love lobster, but soup’s all you’re getting tonight unless you’re hunting down the cow. I have to get them out of the deep freeze.” She grinned.

“Soup it is then.”

“Come out when you’re ready, no rush.” Mia said as she walked back into the living area.

Ayla sat there clinging to him, but after a few calming breaths her grip loosened. “That’s my brave girl.” He said softly. It was another half an hour before she gingerly released his arm and climbed off the bed, hesitating slightly before she went to the bathroom. He knew the thought had gone through her head, could see it cross her face, do I need to wait for permission? Her brain processing what had been ingrained since birth, the quick glance to him on the bed, wondering if he’d punish her for it, the realization when it all clicked, she could just go to the bathroom. His lips twitched into a smile as the bathroom door shut. “Now there’s some real progress.” He muttered.

She hesitantly came out of the bathroom, probably half expecting to be berated, scolded, he thought. “Ready for some soup? I’m hungry.” He smiled and she seemed to relax a bit. Watching him carefully she made her way to the living room, Karl following, and saw her steps stutter as she saw Jerry and Mia at the table talking.

“Give her a minute.” He heard Mia say to Jerry as he opened his mouth to say hi. “This is all new for her and one hell of a learning curve after what she’s been through. Let her make her choices.”

Ayla eventually shuffled to the table, taking a seat close to Karl and far away from the other two. Even though she’d met them earlier in the week that was partially forced out of necessity, this was her choice, and she needed to do this at her own pace. The four of them ate in a comfortable conversation, mostly talking about the case and it’s progression, where it had stalled, where they needed to search next. Strand could see Ayla taking it all in, every detail, every word, every micro expression.

“I need to thank you Ayla.” Jerry said softly as Mia placed bowls of ice cream on the table. Her eyes flicked to his and Karl watched her tense. “That algorithm you showed me the other night has really helped.” And it had, Karl thought, it had given them another layer to the syndicate and another thread to pull. “I could also use your help on something I found.” Jerry’s gaze found Karl’s and he slammed down the urge to snap at him, not now rookie. “When you’re feeling up to it, no rush.” He shoveled a spoonful of ice cream in his mouth to help himself stop talking.

He watched her toy with her ice cream, nudging it around the bowl not really sure of it and smirked. This was the time to let her figure out her own tastes. After a few side long glances at everyone she took a spoonful and let it sit on her tongue. She seemed to like it ok as the bowl was empty a little while later. He was surprised when she stood quietly and took her bowl to the sink after Mia had cleared their dishes, waited and watched intently until Mia had rinsed and stacked the dishwasher. Mia held out her hand for the bowl and she shook her head clutching it closely.

“You want some more ice cream Ayla?” Mia asked gently and she shook her head, no. “Show me?” Mia said and stepped back. It took a while, but once Ayla realized she wasn’t going to be punished or yelled at, she rinsed and stacked the bowl in the dishwasher as Mia had done. “Thanks.” Mia beamed at her, that wide smile causing Ayla’s lips to twitch.

“You want to show me this new link, Jerry? I need to stand up and move around.” Karl chuckled.

“Sure.”

“You can join us if you want to, your choice sweet girl, no pressure, no rush.” He kissed the top of her head as the three of them moved to the rec room and Ayla followed in her own time.

“She’s doing really well.” Hunt said quietly as he sat.

“Slow and steady. I know you want access to that laptop but we can’t push it on her, that’s a hell of a thing to shove in her face right now.” Strand said honestly.

“I get it, I would like her help with some more sniffing around code, but I can wait.”

“She’ll come to you when she feels she can handle it. We have to trust that.” He shoved his hands in his sweat pockets and looked at the file Jerry had up. “Why does this look familiar?” He asked.

“Because it’s yours.” Jerry said flatly.

“What the fuck is it doing in with this lot?” Karl’s tone was anything but pleasent.

“Someone gave it to him.” Jerry pushed a few keys and another file popped up, one of Hunt’s very own. “And one of mine.”

“So we have a mole. Well I’m glad we came here now or things might have turned out very differently.”

“Yeah.”

“Do you know who?” Hunt shook his head.

“That’s what I was hoping Ayla could help me out with. If I go in there with the battering ram so to speak it’s not going to get me anywhere. She has mad sniffing skills, her code is elegant, it teases out information so stealthily you don’t know she’s in there until she has what she wants and vanishes without a trace, slamming the door in your face on the way past.”

“Is that how they got our information? Did he force her to hack our system?” He growled.

“No, I think these files were hand picked. I have no doubt she could, we could ask?” His eyes darted to Ayla as she’d inched inside the room, not wanting to be a part of the conversation, but needing to be close to Karl.

His cell phone began to ring and he snarled at the screen as he accepted the call. “What do you want Meekland?” He asked putting a finger to his lips for silence as he switched the phone to speaker.

“Where have you been Strand?” She snapped. “I’ve been trying to reach you for days.”

“Traveling.” He lied.

“Well we’ve got a major fucking problem back here in case you give a shit.” She said briskly and Karl’s attention went to Ayla as she suddenly gripped his arm painfully tight and pressed herself against his spine as if trying to put him between her and the phone.

“And what’s that Sarah?” He asked before placing his microphone on mute and letting her rant as he spun and held Ayla close, something had spooked her, Meekland’s voice? “You’re safe sweet girl, she can’t touch you here.” He kissed the top of her head, but she held tight and was trembling. Glancing at Mia he saw the murderous look she flashed him before looking at the phone and then back to Karl. Nodding his head to Mia she put the microphone live again. “I can’t tell you where I am Sarah, and I can’t leave the girl.”

“I swear Strand that little fuck toy is more important to you than the rest of the fucking world. Fine you want to play hero, then game on. You’re fired, and if you see the sniveling brat that was following you like a damn puppy, he’s fired too.”

“Copy that Meekland, but you’ll live to regret it.” Karl hung up on her and swore.

“She’s the mole?” Jerry said flatly. “And I’m unemployed. Great.”

“No you’re not, and she’s not the mole.” Strand said quietly as he tried to soothe Ayla, she hadn’t stopped shaking. “You work for me now and we’re going hunting.” He seethed. “There’s something going on at the office and she did us a favor by terminating our employment.”

“Oh? And what’s that?” Hunt asked sarcastically and backed off as Karl glared at him.

“She’s telling me to dig, giving me free reign to run the op like it’s supposed to be run.” He said quietly, his brain processing her conversation. “That’s the only reason she’d ever fire me.”

“And you know this how?”

“Because she’s fired me before to get me “off a case” when she wanted me to dig in more. She’s in a sticky position and likely someone was within earshot of that call which is why she had to play hardball.”

“What if she’s part of the problem?” Jerry asked.

“She’s not.” Strand said softly, almost trying to convince himself more than the three people around him. Was Meekland inside this syndicate? What was her role? What did she gain from it? Did she know Allen Raven. “Oh fuck me. Mia?” He called as she’d gone out into the kitchen to make coffee. “Do you still have some contacts inside Hades 6?” He asked as her head popped from around the corner.

“Sure.”

“Can you?”

“Yep.” There was no need for words, no need to freak Ayla out with the possibility that Allen Raven was a free man.

“It was a good find Jerry.”

“Yeah, with a sucky ending.”

“Dig deep into her accounts, I want to know everything.” He was livid on the inside. “Just in case I’m wrong.” Had she fucked him just to get information, to keep Raven from prison, to keep the syndicate rolling along? This was a fucking mess, he thought, and so was the woman in his arms. “Sweet girl you’re ok.” He murmured as his hand stroked her spine in an attempt to calm her system, calm her mind. “You’re safe with me.” He hoped, and what was the connection, how did Ayla know Meekland?

Strand moved them to the one seat in the corner of the room and waited for her to crawl into his lap, the shock to her system temporarily causing her to withdraw, but he needed to be in here working as well. “How do you know Meekland sweet girl?” His eyes flicked to Mia when she walked in, the nod of her head, settling him. Mia pulled out her phone and handed him his. Her text came through seconds later.

He is currently enjoying the hospitality of Hades 6, they even sent vacation pictures.

The photos were of a screaming Allen Raven, unfathomable terror etched on his face, his eyes revealing the horror of what they were doing to him was very real. Good, at least he was where he belonged getting exactly what he deserved.

Davis is MIA.

Fuck.

Exactly. I don’t think Meekland is in on it. There could be someone above her putting the pressure on to find Ayla.

Get Jerry to run a search for Davis. He would have gone to ground too, and Wainwright. I don’t think they’re part of it, but find them if they haven’t already been disposed of. And you’re right, I don’t think Meekland is involved but we dig anyway. Knowing her, she’s planted pivotal information in her files for me to find. That conversation was saying dig into me, so that’s exactly what we’ll do. This stays between us three.

Agreed.

He hated keeping it from Ayla, but what purpose would it serve right now to have her further terrified out of her mind? Would she hate him for it later? He’d keep her safe at all cost, even at the expense of their friendship, relationship, whatever the fuck THIS was between them. He saw Jerry read his message between him and Mia and he swiveled in his chair and gave Strand a terse nod, the rookie was pissed, good, he had every right to be.

The three of them got to work, Ayla had withdrawn again, not as bad as before, but it was gut wrenching all the same. Her fingers scrunched in his shirt, the repetitive motion oddly soothing him, she was still in this reality. As the night wore on and they’d downed more caffeine, he looked down at Ayla to find her looking up at him. “Hey there sweet girl.” Smiling he kissed her brow. “Doing ok?” She nodded her head and those fingers tenderly stroked the scruff at his jaw. Stretching up slightly she kissed him, a soft kiss before climbing off his lap and tentatively shuffling to her bathroom. He caught Mia’s smirk and glared at her to shut the fuck up. How could she be so tender with him, when he was such a prick, he wondered?

She was gone for close to an hour before quietly slinking into the room, hair damp and a new set of pajamas. Mia followed and nodded his head as if to say she’s all good. Ayla spent the rest of the evening absorbing what Jerry had flashing on his multiple screens and laptops, as if the code spoke to her, calmed her.

“Ok, I’m done, I need sleep.” Jerry chuckled. “My eyes are almost as square as the screens.” He pressed his fingers to them in an attempt to relieve the burning sensation.

“Night Jerry.” Karl mumbled as he continued reading and watching Ayla out of his periphery. She scooted closer, just standing there reading code, what did she see that they hadn’t? “How do you know Meekland?” He asked gently, his gaze falling on her solidly at her slight flinch. She shook her head. “You recognized her voice Ayla, how do you know her? It’s important sweet girl. I need to know if she’s in bed with Raven, or on our side?” In bed with us, with me? She kept her silence, her eyes flicking to his, the question had made her uncomfortable. “Is she a part of the syndicate?” He asked, his tone sharper than he planned. Her head bowed and she seemed to shrink inward, a child that had been scolded. “Sweet girl.” He sighed getting to his feet. “I’m not angry, I just need to know if I can trust her. I want to believe she’s a good person and that she’s helping us, but you know her voice, I need to know where from and how she fits into all this.”

He reached for her and she took a step back. “Is she part of it?” Ayla shook her head and Strand breathed a little easier. That was something at least. “But she’s working this case?” Her head nodded and stayed bowed. “There’s a mole but it’s not her.” He said to himself more than Ayla, but saw the slight nod of her head. “Above or below her?” He mused to himself as she looked at him questioningly. “Is the mole working at the office above her, a senior, or under her command.” He clarified and watched as her finger pointed up. His eyebrow shot up. “You know who it is don’t you?” He asked and her body drew back as if readying for a blow. “But you weren’t supposed to know were you.” He clicked and she shook her head, the tears falling, waiting for him to punish her. “Clever girl.” He murmured. “You’re not in trouble sweet girl.” She flinched as he stroked his knuckles over her cheek, the tenderness making her shiver. “You’re safe.” He said softly and breathed a sigh of relief when she let him hold her, soothe and reassure. “Can you show me?” He pointed to the computers and she shook her head. “Ok sweet girl.” He said softly, he’d pushed far enough for tonight. “Ok.”

She rested her head against his chest, her eyes watching the code as he raked his fingers through her hair and kissed her head. Unsure she reached for one of the monitors, her fingers brushing a photograph stuck to one of the monitors. “That’s Jerry’s sister.” He said gently and her hand snatched back as if he’d physically slapped it. “It’s ok, you can look at it, touch it.” She looked at him and then gently lifted the picture up to have a closer look. He saw it in her eyes first, recognition, her hand trembling. “You know who and where she is don’t you sweet girl?” Tears were her only answer. “He’s been searching for her, never gave up hoping one day he’d find a clue as to where she might be.” Karl heart broke for her, the violence and terror she must have witnessed over the decades. His fingers tenderly brushed the hair from her temple and tucking it behind her ear before kissing the top of her head and smiling down at her.

She sniffed and wiped her eyes pulling back from him to study the code in front of her, occasionally looking at the photo. Looking at him she pointed to each screen and shook her head. “She’s not in any of these? Is that what you’re saying.” She nodded and fresh tears fell. “Not any of these searches?” She nodded again. “That’s a good start for him, a huge help actually.” He smiled and kissed her head again, lingering, the smell of her hair clouding his mind, his judgement. What was it about this girl that got to him so fucking deeply? “Maybe you can help him tomorrow, I think he’d like that.” She placed the photo back where Jerry had set it and wrapped her arms around him tightly as if she had the sudden urge to ground herself, the need to feel the connection. “You’re ok sweet girl.” He sighed. “You’re ok.”

A little while later he followed her to her room with no intention of staying unless she invited him to. He stood at her door and she turned to look at him. Taking his hand she took a step inside and tugged, please her eyes said, please stay with me. He watched as she dropped his hand and went to sit on the floor, the same scrunched up position as he’d found her in.

“Sweet girl.” He sighed sitting beside her. “The bed is much more comfortable.” She pointed a finger at him and then the bed as if to say you go. “Not without you Ayla. If you want to sleep here then I will too.” Even though his ass would be asleep shortly. It took a little bit but she eventually stood and walked to the bed, a piece of furniture that seemed completely foreign to her. Sweet girl what did he do to you, he asked silently? “It’s all yours Ayla, this is you’re room, your bed.” He murmured and watched as she pulled back the covers with shaky hands and climbed up, the wince of pain telling him she was still physically hurting. She huddled up in the top corner of the mattress. Standing up Karl moved to the other side of the bed and got in. He wanted to wrap an arm around her and pull her to him but didn’t, that would only freak her out. “The middle’s more comfortable sweet girl.” He said gently and smiled as she rolled over to face him. “Warmer too.” He stretched his hand over the distance and grazed her cheek with a finger, her own hand taking a hold of his. “I won’t hurt you sweet girl, that’s not who I am.” He left it at that and closed his eyes, she would come to him in her own time.

He felt her shift on the bed, scoot closer and curl into his arm, her body relaxed further when he didn’t move any closer, when the reprimand or punishment didn’t come. Hovering the border of sleep and awake he listened to her breathing slow, the gentle sound telling him she felt comfortable with him enough to sleep. He was skating the line precariously with her. Part of him wanted to run far away from her with what she made him feel. Those deep emotions that didn’t belong. He was an asshole and wasn’t good for her. She deserved better, she deserved the love and tenderness he couldn’t give, that shit wasn’t in him, a part of him. But how do I give her what she deserves when I know it’s not in me to give it, he thought? Mia had said Ayla had revealed his softer side, and that’s bullshit he scoffed mentally, he didn’t have a softer side. With that thought sleep pulled him under.

******

Her sleep was fitful, which resulted in Strand being woken every so often as she twitched, the jerky movements jarring him. She’d shifted during the night, curled into him tightly, it seemed as if he was her only tether to this world. “Sweet girl you’re safe.” He breathed and rolled onto his side, enveloping her with his massive frame. Pulling the covers around her he waited until her breathing leveled out again as she settled. “He can’t touch you here Ayla, you’re safe with me.” He mumbled as sleep claimed him again.

He woke to an empty bed and felt the panic rise in his chest, where was Ayla? Sitting up he looked over to the corner of the wall where she usually retreated to find it empty. Locking his eyes on the bathroom door he frowned as it stood open, the room beyond quiet. Hastily pulling back the covers he climbed out of bed, grabbed his Glock, and went looking for her. Logically he knew absolutely no one could get into Mia’s fortress without a myriad of alarms sounding, so no one was in the house that shouldn’t be. He could hear tapping as he came into the living room, the kitchen and dining room equally as empty. Bringing his weapon up he stalked to the rec room and inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. Lowering his Glock he tucked it out of sight as he watched Ayla strip layers of security away as if she were wiping a countertop clean with a rag, she was helping them, helping Jerry find his sister.

She was so into it she didn’t hear him shuffle out to put a pot of coffee on. It was four in the fucking morning, he needed caffeine to contemplate his next move, because she would retreat into herself once he made his presence known. Hearing metal tap china he stuck his head around the corner to see her eating a bowl of ice cream. At least she was eating, he smiled. Grabbing the tub of chocolate chip she seemed to prefer he collected another spoon and walked into the room. Without a word he scooped some more into her bowl that sat empty beside her and watched her hands freeze over the keyboard, the tremor in them something he wish he could make go away.

“Thought you’d like some more.” He said gently and smiled as she looked up at him. “You can stay there.” He said as she went to get out of the seat. “You’re making progress Ayla, really good progress, keep going if you want to.” He ate a spoonful of ice cream and decided it wasn’t bad for a quick breakfast. She hesitantly went back to what she was doing while casting him sidelong glances every so often, waiting for the reprimand, the punishment, the ice cream melting into a bowl of milk.

He felt that itch between his blades as she accessed the employee files Meekland had “left” for him. “Oh sweet girl you are truly amazing.” He breathed as he pulled up a chair next to her and scanned the list. “Can you save all those files to my laptop?” He asked her softly and with a few quick keystrokes she pointed at his closed laptop, her body staying motionless. “I think that deserves some fresh ice cream.” He said quietly and saw the corners of her mouth twitch into a smile. “Thank you.” She nodded quickly, flinching as Jerry walked in.

“I knew you were good.” Jerry said beaming as he looked at the progress she’d made on his searches. “You went down through nearly eight layers overnight.” The rookie looked at her abashed. “Damn.” He breathed.

“She’s been in here since around four.” Karl said making his way out to the kitchen to get another coffee and a fresh bowl of ice cream. He would have bet his salary she’d never had it before now.

“I don’t know what education she’s had, but shit boss, she could hack into anything undetected.” Jerry said following him out of the room.

“You ok with her running the keys for a bit?”

“Hell no, she’ll get further than I can and quicker. I’ll start digging into the orphanages, run the data Wainwright sent me.” He grabbed a cup and filled it, topping off Karl’s in the process.

“I think it’ll help her to be a part of taking the syndicate down, not only Raven, but also finding the other girls.” Jerry nodded.

“Boss I’m more than happy to watch her take these sites apart, I’ll learn something from her, she’s got some mad snooping and hacking skills.”

“Where’s the DNA laptop?” Karl asked quietly.

“Back in with rest of the evidence.”

“Good. I want her to find it on her own, access it when she’s ready.” He said grabbing the ice cream. “This is a really positive step for her.”

“It is, and for us.” Jerry said softly as he focused on the screen she’d just pulled up. “She’s found pay dirt.” He grinned and went to join her.

Bringing the fresh bowl of ice cream with him he watched as she scrambled out of the chair as if she’d been caught red handed doing something she shouldn’t have. “You’re ok sweet girl. Happy puppy remember.” He smiled pointing at Jerry, her shoulders relaxing.

“Sorry Ayla, just, holy shit this is good.” Jerry grinned. She inched away from him, leaving the chair vacant for him to sit in and take control, her fingers brushed the photo of his sister as she stood apart from them. Strand saw the gesture and it wasn’t lost on Jerry either, his face falling slightly. “Do you know who she is?” He asked, his voice raspy. Her nod had Jerry bristle. “Do you know where she is?” She shook her head and Hunt deflated, the tears brimming his eyes. Her gaze darted from Strand back to Jerry. In a panic she grabbed his sisters photo and slapped it on the screen of the data she had uncovered. Her whimper had him placing the ice cream on the one seat and moving to her.

“She’s in there?” Karl asked, her nod and the constant slap of her hand and the photo against the screen begging him to believe her had him reach for her as tears streaked her face. “Jerry.” Strand said softly. “She may not know who took her, but they’re in this site somewhere.” The rookie stood stoic.

“I...” He looked at Ayla. “You searched for her?” She nodded as that keening whimper tore from her. “You knew her?” Jerry’s eyes went wide as she nodded.

“Sweet girl.” Strand murmured and pulled her close, she crumpled into him. “It’s not her fault kid.” Karl said glaring at him almost daring the rookie to fight him.

“I know, I just.... this is a lot.” He choked.

“Take a minute ok?” He said as Ayla sobbed in his arms. She’d spent the entire morning stripping away layer after layer of security in a site that they hadn’t even found yet, twenty three additional sites now sat open for them to search, pay dirt was right. Jerry headed out into the porch, he needed air and space. “My Ayla.” He murmured. “Sweet girl you are amazing.” He kissed her head and lingered. Pulling away she placed the photo back and looked past Karl to where Jerry was standing, her glance up at Strand said it all. “He’s ok, a little shaken up.” Her head bowed and she shrank back from him. “He’s not angry at you, Ayla, more overwhelmed. He never expected to find anything on her, it’s shocked him that’s all.” He looked at all the sites she’d given them access to. “Is this all of them?” He asked and she shook her head. “You can talk to me sweet girl and I’ll listen, I’ll believe everything that you tell me no matter how bad you think it is.” His fingers threaded through her hair tenderly. “I know he probably yelled at you, told you to shut up and punished you if you so much as squeaked. I won’t do that Ayla, neither will Jerry or Mia. It’s up to you sweet girl, we won’t force you.” She looked up at him and he gently wiped her tears. “You are free here Ayla, to be you.” She nodded and looked back at the screens. “It’s up to you if you want to keep going.” He could see she was torn whether to back off entirely or keep working. Strand gave her the space to decide and took the melted ice cream to the kitchen, turning back a moment later she had taken a seat and started pulling each website apart.

By the time Mia surfaced he’d watched her strip away the final layers on Meekland’s file, something that would have taken Jerry much longer with all the other searches he was running.

“Leave them.” He said softly to Mia as she looked at Jerry and Ayla sitting at the wall of monitors furiously working. “She’s been working on this all morning, Jerry’s a little beat to hell.”

“That’s a good positive step for her.” Mia smiled. “Jerry ok?”

“Yeah, Ayla hacked the site that sold his sister, she knew her.”

“Oh snap!” Mia’s tone was genuine shock.

“Yeah, she’s been up hacking since before I got out here at four.”

“She’s trying to right wrongs that aren’t even hers.” Mia said softly.

“I don’t know how to help her Mia.” Strand said slightly panicked. “She was going to sleep on the floor last night.” He said quietly as he watched her. “I doubt she’s ever had a room let alone a bed. The look in her eyes when I let her know it was ok to get into bed, she curled up in the top corner of the mattress, without the covers.”

“It’s a lot for her to come back from and you did exactly what she needed you to do. You’re here for her. I know it doesn’t seem like much to you, but it’s huge for her. She feels safe, all jitters aside.” She said holding her hand up as he went to interrupt her. “She feels safe, look at her. Not an ounce of fear in her body right now. Jerry put her at ease, she knows you’re near by. She also knows you’ll protect her, even from the happy puppy.”

“Yeah. It makes me wish I’d got a few more punches in.”

“He’s getting much worse where he is. I made sure of it.” His eyebrow arched at her words.

“I called in a favor, I had a few outstanding.” She shrugged as if it was no big deal to be owed favors from the most violent people to walk the earth.

“Remind me never to piss you off.” He chuckled.

“Let’s just say he is enjoying all the comforts of home. Reliving every moment, with Jane Doe and all the other girls in excruciating detail.” Her eyes hardened.

“Pity it’ll be a quick death.”

“Oh no, you see Strand. Everything he did to her and those girls, is going to be done to him, he’ll be beaten within an inch of his life, and then they’ll stitch him up, let him heal just enough so he won’t die, and do it all over again.” Her voice was ice cold. “I have it on good authority that he will live to be at least a hundred, they’ll make damn sure of it.”

“No less than he deserves.” Strand snarled.

“Fuckin’ A.” She growled and went into the rec room to see Jerry and Ayla.

“Meekland left you a few smoking guns boss.” Jerry grinned as he came into the room with coffee for everyone and another bowl of ice cream. Placing the bowl at Ayla’s arm he handed Jerry a coffee and perused the information in front of him. As he read he smiled as Ayla picked up the bowl and looked up at him. His eyes flicked down to her and he winked at her before going back to the screen.

“Have we done any cross referencing?”

“Not yet, I was tugging other strings.”

He opened his mouth to speak, but shut it again as Ayla set up a cross reference between the list from Meekland’s file and the website bidders and account names. A gentle caress of his fingers against her shoulder was the silent thank you he couldn’t voice. She spooned some ice cream into her mouth and shot a finger up in the air as if she had an idea, a second later she was typing feverishly, the spoon, Karl noticed, still in her mouth.

“Would they be that stupid to use their real names on the accounts?” Jerry asked., watching her pull data effortlessly. “Apparently some were.” He chuckled as she got a few pings.

The three of them watched in amazement as she stripped away the layers to reveal payment information for the site membership fee. Transactions that included credit card information. A few more pings were added to the list and she went down another few layers to search if those cards were stolen, aliases, or real. She was systematically sniffing out each user and stripping their false identities away with each keystroke.

“Pity we don’t have his master list.” Strand said quietly and saw Ayla’s hands stop. Turning she looked at Karl, then Jerry. Her eyes frantically searched the room until she held up the photo of Jerry’s sister. “His sister?” She shook her head and ran her finger around the edge of the picture. “Photos?” She nodded. “Photos of what sweet girl?” She pointed to herself then her wrists.

“Photos of you?” Jerry asked and she shook her head. Standing up quickly she shuffled over to the wall and slapped her palm against it. “The photos from the house?” Jerry said hesitantly, her nod had that itch between Strands blades tingle. “They’re over there with the evidence.” He pointed and glanced at Strand and got the nod to go ahead. She moved quickly and winced, her joints not yet healed enough to take the sudden movement. Ripping the top off the box she started removing things, she knew what she was looking for. “The photos are here Ayla.” She shook her head, hand waving, no, and pointed to the box. Sitting back on her heels she stared into the empty box, the tears brimming in her eyes.

“What are you looking for sweet girl?” Karl asked softly. Her finger reached up onto the table and tapped a laptop. “You’re looking for a laptop?” She nodded and started to place everything back into the box, her hands shaking, tears falling, the sense of failure rippling off her.

“There’s another box we only just started processing, maybe it’s in there?” Jerry said and helped her pack the remaining items into the box.

Strand went over to the other box and pulled out the DNA laptop. “Is this it Ayla?” She lurched to her feet and stopped short at the sight of the black box Karl was holding. “Is this it sweet girl?” She nodded her hands reaching for it before dropping back to her side. “It would help to see what’s on this, but we won’t force you, your choice remember?” She nodded and looked at him. “Always your choice.” He saw the steel come into her eyes as she held out her hand for it. “All yours sweet girl.” He smiled and handed it over. She had a spine, that was another positive step.

Taking it back to the table she placed it next to the keyboard she was using and stroked a hand over it. She turned to Jerry who had sat beside her and he grinned at her. “Happy puppy.” He shrugged and Karl laughed. Looking at the photo of Jerry’s sister on the desk she placed it on top of her laptop. She pointed at Jerry, then at his sisters photo, then tapped the laptop. “She’s in there?” He choked and her nod had the kid’s bottom lip quivering. She placed the photo back on the monitor and opened the DNA laptop, it sat silent and she smiled.

Her fingers flew over the keys, a highly complex sequence tapped out and as she hit enter a small thumb sized compartment popped open. Pressing her thumb to it she winced as it took its payment and powdered on.

“Fuck me this is epic.” Jerry breathed. “I’ve only ever heard about these, never seen one in person.” Her slight smile warmed Karl, she was ok and handling this much better than he’d originally thought. It gave her joy, the encryption, the hacking, and he smiled internally, something for her to hold onto, to keep her going. With what seemed like a few simple keystrokes she brought up the files for each girl taken, from prime to milk money, each girl had a file complete with a photo. With her simple gestures she asked if she could use Jerry’s photo to run facial recognition. “Of course, do what you need to do, anything.” The kid was on the edge of his seat. Holding the photo against the screen he huffed a chuckle as it scanned the image. Setting the data points for her face Ayla let it run, Jerry mesmerized at how smooth and fast it was.

He wasn’t prepared for the ping, the hit that was his sister and Strand saw the jolt slam through the kids body like he’d been punched. “You found her.” He breathed as she opened the file. “Eva.” He choked, his fingers reaching out to touch the file on screen. Ayla stopped him from making contact with the screen and shook her head.

“What happens if he touches it?” Mia asked intrigued.

“It’ll shut down.” Jerry said quietly. “It only answers to her touch, her DNA.”

“It knows?’ Mia scoffed.

“It does, it’s as much a part of Ayla as her right hand.”

“Fuck me!” Mia was blown away. “And you built that Ayla?” She nodded shyly. “Damn girl you and I need to chat on a few things later.”

“Ayla can you print this out? Get me a hard copy?” Jerry asked and she shook her head. “Only available on there?” She nodded and bowed her head. “I figured as much. Mind if I read it?” She shook her head and pushed it closer to him. “Does it list who bought her?” He asked as he read and she nodded. “Can you?” She smiled that slight smile and nodded again, her fingers going back to the keyboard connected to the outside world. Briefly taking back her laptop she searched for the buyers name and got to work, an hour later Jerry finally knew where his sister was.

“Ivan Petrov.” Karl said gently as the ping confirmed it.

“The Russians, the only syndicate worse than the Chinese.” Jerry said quietly.

“Run everything down sweet girl.” Karl said softly and kissed her head. “Absolutely everything. We’ll be visiting them later.”

“I need a minute.” Jerry said abruptly and left so hastily, his chair fell back and startled Ayla.

“You’re ok sweet girl, this hit him hard. He’s not angry with you.” Karl said quickly, trying to head off her meltdown, she was doing so well.

“He’s angry at himself for not protecting her, keeping her safe.” Mia said gently as she placed a bowl of soup next to Ayla’s arm. “It’s nothing you did.” She said and Ayla nodded, still not completely sure. “You did good.” She said simply and went to make lunch.

“I’m proud of you sweet girl.” He kissed the top of her head and sat beside her to read more of Meekland’s files. There was so much information they seemed to be swimming in it. “We need to narrow our focus. Can you find Wainwright and Davis?” He asked her. “Jerry has their last known whereabouts, it would be handy to have them on board.” Without question she sat her soup down and started to work. “You can finish your soup first if you want to.” He chuckled and she just shook her head and continued, her choice.

By the time dinner rolled around Ayla had helped Strand track down Wainwright and send them Strands secure contact information, all they could do now was wait. Jerry had still not returned from his room and Karl decided to give him space, that was a lot for the guy to take in today and have shoved in his face. He left Ayla to it, not fully understanding what she was doing, the encryption far beyond what he was used to or capable of understanding, she was hacking on an entirely different level. It got results and at this point in the case that’s all he cared about. Sitting on the large one seat in the living area he read through the hard copies of Meekland’s files, getting to know the assholes above and below her that were a part of this syndicate.

“Strand.” He growled as he answered his phone.

“Hey boss.” Steve’s voice was a welcome relief.

“You doing ok Wainwright? We’ve been a little concerned.”

“I’m good, Davis was a little worse for wear, he’s ok.”

“He with you?”

“Yeah.” Steve sounded beat to hell. “He was jumped on the way back from escorting Raven to Hades 6. Three guys from the office, if you’ll believe it.”

“I believe it.”

“He got word to me we’d been compromised, set up a meet point, and we bugged out.” Steve sighed.

“You guys somewhere safe?”

“We are, can’t disclose.”

“Hard same.”

“The girl ok?”

“She’s doing just fine and we’re making progress.”

“We’ve made progress of our own. I called in Burke, she’s in the prime merch factory and the reports are pretty sickening.”

“Nutshell it.”

“64 kids in total, never more than that, three per year. They’re raised to be perfect little girls, innocent, naïve. A month before they’re sold they get the birds and the bees talk. From what Burke said it’s basic and clinical, and more a “this is how you please your man” kind of talk with the underlying tone of let him do whatever he fucking pleases. It’s sickening boss.” He said wearily. “She said the girls are cared for and want for nothing, most of them spoiled brats if they were out in the real world. A prime merch factory in sickly, teeth aching pink. Her words.”

“Do they know about Raven?” Karl asked.

“At this point Burke thinks they’re none the wiser. She’s installed cameras, we have the entire place wired for audio and visual.”

“Can we tap in?”

“I’ll send you the link.”

“No need, I’ll have Jerry access it.”

“It’s not department issue.”

“Neither is Burke.” Karl chuckled. “How’s the other teen we rescued?”

“Alive and well and now living with her real parents at an undisclosed location. They’ll never find her.” Steve spat. Strand had Jerry bury their identities deeply already, Ayla could bury it some more.

“Good, I’ll have a few layers of additional security added. And Mr. Chang and his entourage?”

“Entourage was booked, they’re in federal lockup, Chang is looking at Hades 6. Pity we couldn’t get the sons.”

“We will.” Strand growled. “In the end, we will.”

“Burke is going to be our stand in teen for the next sale, the woman is a fucking chemelion.”

“We can be your eyes for the takedown.” Strand said, his mind chewing on the op he’d have to run remotely.

@hausofobsession @ill-skillsgard @grandpa-sweaters @authentic90skidd @tuckersgirl @fairlyfallacy @flowers-in-your-hayr @raewritesfiction @stinkerbelle007 @kamie-b @mrsaugustwalker @skrsgardspam @loliwrites @trippedmetaldetector @lihikainanea @fay-walden

#Karl Strand fanfic #gustaf skarsgard #a softer side #sexy as fuck

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