#my dad wanted to meet up today which i was already so anxious about

[stonesandswords]

my parents are such fucking jackasses. they always assume absolutely the worst in me and always jump to these insane conclusions about me based off these wild assumptions they make up and will confront me very aggressively about their assumptions and will harass and gaslight me when i’m tell them i have no fucking clue what they’re talking about.

[guess-my-next-obsession]

Elementary, Chapter Four

pairing: pre-outbreak!joel miller x teacher!reader

chapter rating: E (18+ ONLY, oral (fem rec), unprotected piv, dirty talk??, unedited/unbeta’d)

word count: 4.3k

series masterlist | joel masterlist

“Alright, everybody. Please remember to fill out your reading log during the break,” you talked over a room full of distracted tweens excited for the upcoming Spring Break. “Am I talking to air?”

“I hear you,” Sarah answered your question as she approached your desk, her backpack slung over her shoulder. “And I wanted to apologize for last Friday. I was having a bad day and Jessie was making a big deal about me leaving the sleepover—“

“Sarah, sweetheart, you don’t need to apologize,” you assured with a kind smile. “Have you talked to Jessie?”

“Yeah, dad took me over to her house on Sunday night and we talked it out. I guess she was offended by me leaving, but I explained to her that I just get anxious sometimes and can’t—“ She sighed. “It just feels better being at home with my dad. I don’t have to try to be funny or cool or whatever.”

You smiled at the tenderness of Joel and Sarah’s bond.

“But anyways,” she continued. “My dad wanted me to ask if you were busy tonight—he still hasn’t gotten a new cellphone which, if you’re wondering, is why he’s having me act as the messenger.”

“Isn’t he coming to pick you up today?”

“No, him and Uncle Tommy are in San Antonio meeting with a developer or something like that,” she informed. “My grandma is picking me up.”

“Oh, well, you can tell your dad I’m free like always,” you chuckled and tried not to think about the fact that as today’s parking lot attendee, you’d have to come face to face with the mother of the man you’d been casually seeing for three weeks now. “Oh, and tell him he needs to get a new phone so you don’t have to play messenger anymore.”

“Trust me, we’ll probably be waiting years until he finally breaks down and gets himself one.” The two of you shared a laugh.

“In that case—“ You jotted your landline and cellphone number on a post-it note. “Here.”

“Miss? My mom wanted me to let you know that I won’t be doing any of my reading logs this week,” another student approached your desk and very sassily delivered his news. You chuckled out a scoff and fixed your attention on him while Sarah went back to her desk.

“Okay, Michael, why won’t you be doing your reading logs?” You crossed your arms over your chest and waited for his response.

“Because it’s Spring Break,” he defended.

“Yes, I’m aware. That’s why I didn’t assign any homework. All you need to do is keep reading at least a chapter a day of your book—“

“I don’t want to read my book. That’s basically homework.”

You gave him an incredulous look as you tried to gather what little patience remained in you after a long year of teaching fifth graders.

“No, Michael. Homework is what Mrs. Hill gave her students—a packet a day. What I’m asking if you is to do what you’re already supposed to be doing—reading a chapter a day of whatever book you want. That’s not homework, that’s just an activity.”

“Well, I’m not doing it.” He remained firm, mimicking your stance by crossing his arms over his chest.

The bell ringing interrupted whatever onslaught of frustration you were just about to bestow upon him, his smug smirk boiling your blood as he turned and shuffled out of class.

“Have a good break,” you called out to the rest of your students as they shuffled out of the classroom in a single file line.

“Hey,” Joel sighed out his greeting as he entered his mother and father’s ranch home on the outskirts of Austin. Sarah was sat in the living room on the floral loveseat covered in plastic while her grandfather, Paul, sat in his rocking chair fast asleep.

“How did it go?” Sarah offered him a smile as he rounded the corner of the loveseat to plop down beside her.

“Went alright,” he replied. “Got a good chunk of jobs lined up for me and the guys, so we’ll be good on work ‘til the end of the year.”

“That’s good!” She beamed, bringing a hesitant smile to her father’s face. Joel never liked to celebrate his successes—something he likely learned from his father. “Oh,” she tapped his arm as she remembered your conversation from earlier, quickly informing him about your lack of plans for tonight. “She also gave me her number to give to you.”

Joel watched as Sarah fished the note out of her pocket before handing over the crumpled up piece of paper.

“You think she’s home yet?” Joel checked his watch.

“Dunno,” she shrugged. “But grandma was talking about all of us going out for dinner tonight.”

“Oh, was she?” Joel looked disappointed by the sudden emergence of plans when he spent all day hoping that tonight would be spent just with you.

“Joel?” Mary, Joel’s mother, came walking down the stairs with a smile. “Bout time you came to see us.”

“I’m busy with the new company, ma, you know that,” he argued as he stood up to greet her, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

“Busy with the company or with your new lady friend?” she teased with a grin. Joel whipped his eyes over to his daughter who already held her hands up in defense.

“My bad.”

Joel chuckled out a scoff before turning back to his mother. “It’s new.”

“And? That’s all you gotta say about her?”

“To you. For now.” Joel followed her into the kitchen, Sarah trailing shortly behind.

“What do you think I’m gonna do? Hunt her down and force her to look at your baby book?”

“Wouldn’t be the first time,” he retorted with a mischievous smile.

“Joel Miller, I swear if you do not give me at least a summary of this woman—“

“Alright, alright,” Joel sighed and looked to Sarah who was beaming with amusement. “She’s Sarah’s teacher. We met at a parent/teacher conference. She’s…nice.”

“Nice?” Both women repeated the descriptor as if it was an insult.

“Dad, you’re basically in love. I’m sure you can find a better word than nice,” Sarah reasoned.

“She is nice. Everything else is private,” he argued.

“Well, I guess we’ll find out at dinner tonight,” his mother shrugged with a smirk. Joel turned wild in the eyes and shook his head.

“No, no, no. She ain’t—y’all aren’t—no.”

Sarah laughed at her dad’s fluster and looped her arm around his waist hug him. “It’ll be okay, pops. Just breathe.”

“Oh, to hell with that,” Joel shook his head again, turning to his mother. “I haven’t even taken her out for a real dinner yet, ma. I’m not invitin’ her out to deal with y’all.”

“Deal with? Son, we are as civilized as anybody else—“

“Ma, you got a plunger? I clogged the damn toilet!” Tommy shouted from upstairs and Joel gestured in his direction as though to prove his point.

“Well not here. We’re in the comfort of our own home,” she defended as she made her way out of the kitchen to help her son. “She’s comin’ tonight! Better go on and call her up.”

“Christ,” he sighed and stomped over to the landline, his scowl fixed on Sarah as he dialed the number. “If she never speaks to us again, it’s on you.”

“She’ll love us.”

Although it wasn’t what you were expecting for the night, Joel’s call to invite you out to dinner with his family was impossible to decline just due to how much you missed him. Even if you turned into a ball of nerves every time you had to meet “the parents”, it was worth it just to be in the same room with him, especially after the day you had.

At seven, Joel, Sarah, and Tommy came to pick you up, but for once it was you running late. You invited them inside to wait while you finished getting ready, handing Sarah the TV remote and watching as her and Tommy instantly started bickering over what to watch while Joel followed you into your bedroom.

“How is this the first time I’ve ever been in your room?” He found a seat on the foot of your bed while you sat at your vanity, finishing up on taming your hair.

“Because I’m old fashioned,” you turned back to give him a wink. “But also because I can’t seem to get you alone long enough to give you a proper tour.”

“I know,” he sighed and walked over to you, standing behind you. He leaned down to kiss your cheek, the warmth and softness of his lips curing something that had been aching inside of you since the last time he kissed you. “I made a deal with my mom. She watches Sarah this weekend, and I suck it up and allow you to meet my chaotic family.”

“Mm, so I get you all weekend is what you’re saying?” You smirked at him through the mirror.

“All. Damn. Weekend.” He kissed your neck as a promise, your eyes fluttering closed as you relished in his proximity. “No interruptions. Just me and you.”

“S-sounds good,” you stuttered through your haze of lust and Joel smiled against your skin, seemingly amused by his effect on you.

“You got chills,” he rasped, his fingertips trailing up and down your arm. “That all me?”

“Just wait until you see what else you do to me,” you purred back, earning a groan of desperation.

“You two done yet?” Tommy called out from the living room. “We got places to be.”

“Save that thought for after dinner,” Joel mumbled against your cheek as he gave you one more kiss.

Five or so minutes later and you were on your way to the restaurant, nerves now replacing the butterflies you felt in your stomach as you thought about what his parents would be like. If they were anything like Tommy, Sarah, and Joel, you had nothing to worry about, but it was the uncertainty that drove you mad.

“You alright?” Joel stayed back with you as you pretended to have forgotten something in the truck, Tommy and Sarah heading into the restaurant to meet up with Joel’s parents.

“Just nervous,” you shrugged with a soft smile. “Anything I should avoid bringing up?”

“Politics. My dad’s a big Republican, so,” he winced. “But my mom is about as liberal as they come, so at least there’s that.”

“So I should stick to talking to your mom, then,” you joked.

“Come on,” he nudged his head towards the restaurant and laced his fingers with yours. “I’ll be right there next to ya, and as soon as we’re done with dinner it’ll be just us all weekend.”

You took a deep breath of courage and gave him a cheeky but bashful smile, bringing a similar one to his own face.

“God, I just can’t help myself—“ Joel cupped your cheek and tilted your head up to meet him as he leaned in for a surprising kiss, your hand finding purchase on his wrist to ground yourself.

“Mm,” you hummed as you pulled away from him earlier than he would’ve liked. “Let’s not stall anymore. Don’t want your mom to think I’m a bad influence.”

“She knows me well enough to know I’m the bad influence, but alright,” he tugged you off towards the restaurant with your hand in his.

As the hostess guided you through the busy dining room, you leaned further into Joel. He didn’t seem to mind the clinginess, his hand letting go of yours so that he could slide an arm around your waist.

“There y’all are!” A stout woman you presumed to be Joel’s mother stood up from the table where the rest of the Millers were seated, a big, dimpled grin on her face that resembled Joel’s.

“Ma,” Joel introduced the two of you by name, his eyes fixed on you as you shook her hand and allowed her to seat you beside her rather than next to Joel like you’d hoped. You gave Joel a nervous look from across the table as he sat himself directly across from you beside his father.

“It is so nice to meet you, sweetheart,” Mary fixed her attention on you. “Joel’s been pretty tight lipped about ya, so why don’t you tell me a little about yourself.”

“Well,” you chuckled nervously, but Joel’s reassuring eyes from across the table helped calm the frenzy of anxiety coursing through your veins. “I’m a teacher, have been for a few years now but this is my second year in Austin.”

You found it surprisingly easy to talk to Mary, her warm smile and sense of humor similar to that of her children and granddaughter. You told her where you grew up, where you’d been before coming to Austin, about what you liked to do in your free time, but mostly you told her the story of how you and Joel came to be.

Across the table, his father continued to remain stern and silent, only mumbling to his boys or to Sarah every now and again to remind them to use their manners. He seemed like a tough egg to crack, and while you were up for the challenge eventually, earning his respect today seemed unlikely.

“Joel, you ever tell her about your singin’?” Tommy spoke up from down the table, his question bringing a blush to Joel’s face.

“Yeah, I mentioned it.” He looked over to you and cracked the most subtle of smirks, no doubt remembering what occurred shortly after.

“Well, you gonna sing for her?” Mary asked with mischief in her tone, bringing an amused smile to your face.

“Not here,” he sassed, tilting his head at her mockingly.

“Why not here?” You prodded with a smirk, your foot finding his calf beneath the table. Joel gave you a chuckle and shook his head. “Oh, come on. Please?”

“Ya know, I pride myself on my ability to not cave into peer pressure,” he retorted with a quirked eyebrow, daring you to challenge him. You bit your lip and looked down at your plate, too flustered by everything him to look him in the eyes—especially given the current company.

“So, Sarah, how are you likin’ the whole dad datin’ your teacher thing?” Tommy asked, and the question earned the attention of the entire table.

“I don’t mind it,” she shrugged. “Maybe I would if it was Mrs. Clarkson from last year.”

“God,” Joel shook his head at the mere idea. “That woman terrified me and I’m a grown man.”

“Oh,” Sarah called your name. “Did you tell dad about Michael?”

“Michael? Who’s…uh, who’s Michael?” Joel’s jealousy was as clear as day, bringing amused grins to almost everyone’s faces aside from the ever stoic Mr. Miller.

“Michael is my student,” you clarified and eased his concern. “A shitty student at that.”

“Oh yeah?” Tommy asked with a chuckle.

“Yeah, he’s—well, I guess I probably shouldn’t be saying this around you, Sarah.”

“I promise I won’t talk about it,” she replied earnestly and you easily caved.

“He is just the absolute worst. And his parents are even shittier,” you lamented with a laugh. “Today he came up to me while Sarah and I were talking at the end of class, and flat out told me that he wasn’t going to be doing the reading log during the break because his mom said so.”

“Why doesn’t he just fake it like everybody else?” Tommy chimed in but quickly received an elbow from his niece.

“I don’t fake my reading logs,” she corrected.

“Yeah…right.” He gave her a sarcastic nod and turned back to you. “I’m just speaking from experience. I never did any of that shit and I turned out…well, I turned out decent.”

“Yeah. Maybe I am being too demanding,” you shrugged, turning back to your plate.

“No,” Joel was quick to interject. “Don’t listen to Tommy—he couldn’t even get into community college. You’re the one who went to school for six years to do this. You know what you’re doin’, that kid’s just a prick.”

You couldn’t help but fall in love with him a little bit as he stood up for you, his foot pressed to yours beneath the table acting as a sort of promise that he’d always be here to do this—to remind you of your worth.

“Thank you,” you mouthed just to him. “Anyways, it’s his loss—and yours too, Tommy. Reading is fun.”

Tommy mimicked your smile and chuckled. “I guess I’ll take your word for it.”

“Alright, don’t give your grandma a hard time,” Joel ordered Sarah as he hugged her goodbye in the driveway outside your house.

You watched the scene from the doorway, smiling at the way he swayed her and kissed the top of her head. If only all little girls could grow up with a father like Joel—not flawless, but as close to it as a man could get. There was no denying his love for her and vice versa, and the fact that you were being let into this beautiful family felt like nothing less than an honor.

“Alright, go on,” he ruffled the top of her hair with a playful grin. “I love ya, and I’ll see you Sunday night, alright?”

“Love you too,” she gave him one more hug before turning to you standing up the walkway. With a wave, she wished you goodbye as well, your smile widening at the gesture. “See you!”

“See ya, Sarah!”

Joel met you by the front door and watched Tommy and Sarah pull out of your driveway before he turned to you with an anticipatory grin.

“Well, just us now,” he husked, playfulness thick in his southern drawl.

“Whatever will we do?” you teased, hooking your fingers in his belt loops and tugging him closer.

Joel cradled your cheek and jaw with both hands as he leaned down to kiss you, both of you still wearing your grins through it. Walking you backwards into the house, you giggled into his mouth as you nearly stumbled over before he caught you.

“Clumsy,” he accused in a rasp.

“Your fault,” you countered and he laughed against you.

Joel’s hands traveled to your hips to keep you flush against him as he kicked the front door shut, your smiles fading as the kiss deepened into something so filthy even the humor of the almost-fall couldn’t penetrate it.

“God,” he groaned against your lips as he continued walking you through the living room to your bedroom. “I want you so bad, baby girl. Fuck.”

“Remember what we were talking about earlier?” you purred against his jaw as your kisses trailed down to his neck, Joel’s body pinning you against your open bedroom door. He hummed against you in confirmation and you smiled, taking one of his hands off your waist to guide it beneath the linen of your dress, his breath ragged as his fingertip grazed over your thighs until they reached the soaked lace of your panties. “This is what you do to me, Joel.”

“Jesus fuckin—baby, I need you,” he whimpered and sunk to the floor in front of you, his dark and dreamy eyes peering up at you for permission as he lifted the hem of your dress up. “Can I taste you?”

“God, you never have to ask,” you moaned back, taking the fabric bunched in his hands and holding it for him. Joel’s eyes dropped from yours down to the image right in front of him, his tongue swiping along his bottom lip at the sight of your white lace thong.

“You’re gonna make me lose my mind, baby,” he groaned again, his hands now running up and down the outside of your thighs.

The anticipation could have killed you, your chest heaving and skin prickling with chills from the simple sensation of his breath fanning over the wet spot on your panties, the lust in his eyes. Combing your fingers through his hair, you attempted to silently urge him on and he seemed to pick up on it, his hands sliding back up to your hips to hook into the tiny band of your underwear and slip them down your legs until they were kicked off.

“Baby,” he cooed as you draped one of your knees over his broad shoulders to open yourself up to him, his mouth watering at the sight. “I’m never gonna wanna do anythin’ else but stay right—“ He placed a kiss to your mound and your entire body jerked. “Here.”

His tongue swiped through your folds and you melted against the door behind you, your fingers gripping his hair now as you struggled to stay upright. Joel practically growled at your taste, his hands gripping your thighs as if he was holding on for dear life.

“Fuck,” you moaned as he tensed his tongue to circle your swollen bud until your arousal started to drip down your thighs. “That’s so good.”

Your praise earned you another growl, his tongue now flicking and circling, lapping and sucking against you until your thighs were shaking from the pressure building in your lower stomach.

“Tastes so fuckin’ sweet, baby girl.” He sucked your clit and made you cry out his name. “Yeah, just like that. Keep sayin’ my name, baby. Let everyone know.”

“Joel, fuck!” Your orgasm was imminent, the tingling in your thighs that traveled down to your toes and back up your spine fogging any sense of coherency you may have once had in his presence. “I—fuck, I—“

“I know, baby. Can taste it.” He shook his head and flattened his tongue against your clit, his eyes meeting with yours. You wanted to cry, but the pleasure you were feeling was too consuming. The only thing you could do as Joel sucked your now throbbing bud into his mouth was to cry out his name like a prayer—some sort of wicked salvation that beat out any other holier counterpart. “Come on, baby. Cum on my tongue. Wanna taste it…every fuckin’ drop—“

“Fuck!” You crumpled to the ground, your back sliding against the door until you were kneeling with him on the floor, your body shuddering as you rode out the waves of your euphoria.

Joel was quick to act, guiding you down onto your back while you were still lost in bliss. He kissed your face as if you were his most prized possession, his hands worshipping the curves of your still-clothed body.

“Need you, baby,” he whispered against your jaw as he placed a love bite there, your head nodding to give him consent to do whatever the fuck he wanted to do to you after that mind blowing climax he just gave you.

You only heard the clinking of his belt buckle before feeling his cock stretch you open, a choked cry slipping from your lips in time with Joel’s wanton groan. You peeled your eyes open and looked down at the place you were joined, delighting in the fact that neither of you were undressed, the neediness of the moment turning you both feral.

“God damn,” he groaned and let his head hang as he stilled himself deep inside of you after only a few thrusts. “About to embarrass myself. You feel too fuckin’ good, baby.”

“Don’t worry about lasting long,” you stroked his beard. “I just wanna feel you.”

“God, I—” He choked on his words and leaned over your body, propping himself up by his elbows on either side of your head. You wrapped your legs around his waist and dug your heels into his jean-clad ass to urge him on, desperate to feel him spill inside of you.

“Want you to cum for me,” you moaned, pressing kisses into the side of his face as he buried his head in the crook of your neck. “Cum inside me—“

“Fuck,” he shouted as his cock thrust into you faster and deeper, your wetness squelching around him and filling the room along with both of your ragged moans. “I’m gonna—fuck, baby. You sure?”

“I’m on birth control, it’s okay,” you promised. Joel lifted his head to look into your eyes, his face scrunched up in something akin to agony but you were sure it couldn’t have been further from it.

“Gonna fill you up, beautiful,” he leaned down and pressed his lips against yours. “Gonna have you dripping for me.”

“Yes!” His cock was hitting something inside of you that was making you see stars, your mind going back to that pleasure-dumb state you’d just been lost in, and before you had time to warn him, your walls fluttered in time with his cock spilling inside of you. “I’m coming, Joel, fuck!”

“Me too, baby,” he choked out through a string of profanity and moans. “Fuck, so fuckin’—you’re perfect.”

The two of you stayed there for a while, both of you turned into puddles of post-climactic bliss as you laid in each other’s arms. Joel hissed as he pulled out and rolled over onto the carpet beside you, both of you turning your heads to look at each other with wide, almost childlike grins.

“Be my girlfriend?” Joel choked out, nerves thick in his shaky voice. You laid there speechless for a moment, unsure of how to tell him that ever since you met him you’d been dreaming of the day those words would leave his lips. So, you kept it simple, a smile gracing your face as you reached over to hold his face.

“I would love to.”

[demontonic]

Hayden Christensen - The first time

H.C x actor reader

In which you try to avoid him during training but it’s useless when Ewan puts you up against each other in a friendly match.

Word Count: 2099 words (que spiderman theme song. IM NOT JOKING THIS IS THE ACTUALLY COUNT)

You were new to the industry, you had only been in two movies thus far. The first one wasn’t big, it was just an indie film that horror movie nerds happened to like. From there you got picked for an audition for a bigger movie that would be put in a few theaters. However here, now, you’d never really expected such a huge change, you weren’t going to be playing a huge part. It was a flashback for the upcoming series Ahsoka, you were going to be a Jedi for a short time. They were doing another scene for order 66 in which Anakin goes against someone whom he’d become acquainted with during training. A battle was to be choreographed which meant you were going to be up against the actor who had single handedly started your acting career.

You were a huge Star Wars fan and without a doubt one of the kids who had lightsabers and a few Clone Wars coloring books. As you got older you looked into Anakin’s actor Hayden Christensen and grew to love the movies he’d done. Of course you thought he was hot, who wouldn’t love the nerd in Shattered Glass, or the punk in Life as a House? Sure he’s older now but that didn’t stop you from absolutely freezing up the second you walked into the training area. He’s significantly taller than you, that much you already knew but now it made you feel even more anxious. Interviews of him (which you of course obsessed over in your younger years) depicted him to be very nice, but you can’t always judge someone based on their interviews.

“Oh my god,” you whispered to yourself as you placed your hand to your cheek.

“Are you okay?” The trainer had questioned, a slight concern showing on her face. Hayden had also looked to you, the thin lightsaber prop swinging effortlessly to his side as he awaited your answer.

“Uh- Sorry I just got a… um- a headache is all.” You lied while your hands gripped onto the prop like it was the only thing grounding you.

“I have tylenol in my bag, or some water if you want?” Hayden’s hands gesture over to the black backpack that was leaned against the wall next to yours. Your throat ran dry as you opened your mouth to speak, before choking on your words and coughing… quite literally choking on your words.

“Yeah, the water should be fine.” Hayden walked over to his bag before pulling out two bottles and handing one to you. He stood there however as you took a small sip and placed it back down.

“Nervous?” He snickered lowly while he waited for you to collect yourself.

“Pfft… can you tell?” You questioned softly, looking up at his sparkling blue eyes. My god you’d dreamed about meeting him for practically half your life, but all you did was fumble. The casting crew never really gave you a lot of information, just that it was for upcoming Star Wars content and that they’d needed to fill a small jedi role. Nothing could’ve mentally prepared you to meet your living, breathing, wet dream.

“It’s just training right now, so there’s really no need to stress, we can all help you learn everything you’ll need to know.” His voice was so calm and endearing, maybe it was the daddy issues talking or the fact he is a dad, but it was so comforting.

Even three months into your training you’d distanced from Hayden as to not make a complete fool of yourself. He’s almost 40 at this point with a child you’d assume he was tired of the wild fans. Even so during training you’d often slip up while your eyes were trained on his swift movements. Sometimes you guys would get together and have little matches to see who could win. It was a random pick or whoever decided to challenge someone, and it was no different today. Everyone had finished training but the energy had been so vibrant that here you were on the cushioned floor in a circle. At this point it was no secret your character and Anakin were to have a final battle, but you had never gone against each other in these matches.

“Okay before we start, would anyone like to call someone out?” Rosario Dawson, Hayden’s childhood friend who’d been training for a separate project, questioned the small group.

“This isn’t a call out but I’d actually like to see Hayden vs Y/N without their choreography.” Ewan suggested while sitting on the blue mat cross legged, a childlike smile on his face. On one hand you were a shell of a human around Hayden, but with Ewan it was like he was your favorite uncle. Had you at some point in time found him incomprehensibly attractive? Yeah, but he’s the kind of nice that makes you feel like you’ve known him your entire life.

“Oh come on, is that even fair?” You whined, alluding to the obvious experience points he had on you.

“Are you calling me old?” Hayden jokes lightly as he steps forward into the circle, the group collectively letting out a low ‘oooooooh’.

“I mean your character is the chosen one, I don’t know if my three months of training can compare.” In all honesty you had tried your hand occasionally at a lightsaber when you were younger, so you had a little bit more experience than you let on. The amount of times you’d watched the behind the scenes,their practicing and training helped you recognize his moves.

“I’ll go easy on you, how about that?” His arms were outstretched to his sides in a shrug. A smirk was playing on his lips as he stared at you expectantly.

“Easy? Okay Christensen I’ll fight you.” Competitive couldn’t even begin to describe the drive that suddenly pumped through your veins. The way his eyes zeroed in on you, and the familiar smirk you had only dreamed of seeing in person made your adrenaline kick in. All the information you’d ever retained while watching those extras, would finally be useful for more than proving a point in a dumb argument online.

“Let’s not forget who’s had more training.” Hayden said with a scoff as you both got into your beginning stances. Yours mimicking the form Obi-Wan took while fighting Grievous, Ewan didn’t miss it, how could he? He simply stood with his left foot pointing towards you, his right braced for a sprint, and his saber behind him ready for a strike. You were reading him like a billboard, he never strayed from the forms he was taught, but you were a fan with too much time so you had a few of your own moves.

“May the force be with you Master Skywalker.” You said before he charged, you dodged the first strike but he had already begun to recover from the miss. A huff came from his chest as he swung the flimsy pole back down, meeting yours with a loud clash. The group let out sounds of shock and excitement as he pushed you down to one knee, he was stronger than you. It was no secret as height wise he’s an entire foot taller than you, so you quickly rolled from your position in front of him. He stumbled forward slightly, then twisted around to meet your blows. One to the head, down to the legs, up to the arm, then back down to his torso since it would be an awkward position for him to hold. You were both fast, you’d spent so much time learning basic defense in case one of you made a mistake it was too easy. Stamina was probably the only way you’d win this, or so you thought.

“You’ve learned well, young one,” he tripped you up, while you were focused on his words he’d hit you with the same move Anakin used on count Dooku. “although you’re too focused on me,” your ‘saber’ swung upward to slash his torso, but with a small step back, he dropped the pole to his open palm.

“And not my hands.”

“Fuck.”

The cool, thin, dented metal was up against the side of your neck as your arms were still tilted up in your last strike. Heavy breaths left the both of you as your small ‘audience’ went silent. The sound of your pole hitting the mat, signaled your defeat and in true style you dropped to the floor. The room erupted with groans and yells of victory from those who bet on Hayden. A few seconds of lying on the floor Hayden walked over, standing above you holding out his hand.

“Come on loser.” His smile was so genuine it made your face blush softly as you rolled onto your back.

“I can’t, I’m dead, rigor mortis.” You mumble, letting your tongue hang out the side of your mouth. You felt two arms scoot under your back and knees, quickly feeling your body lifted into the air. A scream came out of your throat as your hand quickly gripped onto Hayden’s loose shirt. The group laughed as he basically tossed you up and down, pretending like he was going to drop you.

“I don’t know why you’re screaming! Dead people don’t scream!”

“Oh- OH MY- PLEASE! GOD PLEASE! OBI WAN PLEASE!” He’d even managed to flip you on your stomach, your fingertips almost meeting the ground before he flung you back up again. Sure it wasn’t a crazt high distance from his arms, but add that with his height it was terrifying enough.

“So uncivilized!” Ewan mocked in a bad Obi-Wan voice, Hayden finally held you against his chest as he laughed with the rest of the group. Ewan came over with Rosario, both of them cooing softly at your semi panicked state.

“Put the poor girl down already!”

“She’s as red as a tomato Hayden!”

He let you down to your feet, still holding onto you as you stumbled lightly. Your chest heaved as you rested your hands on your knees, completely oblivious to how you practically pushed against Hayden’s crotch. His hand came down to rest on your lower back, rubbing softly while you regained your breath.

“I’m-… I’ll kill you for that one day Christensen.” You said through heavy breaths before standing straight again. Hayden’s hand coming up to rest on your shoulder, sporting a smug smile as the group began to discuss the next match. Hayden pulled you off the far walls where your bags lay, you both sitting in front of each other while he pulled out water bottles. For a while you sat in silence, just leaning against the wall watching Rosario and Ewan go at it.

“Were you ever going to tell me about your tattoo?” Hayden questioned, his voice staying low in contrast with the yelling from the group. At first you almost didn’t know what he was talking about, but then your cheeks turned to a dark red. On your wrist was the japor snippet Anakin gave Padme when they first met, and under it read ‘Skywalker’ in Huttese. Usually it was covered by a scrunchie or bracelet, but it must’ve slipped your mind today.

“I wasn’t planning on it, it feels too embarrassing to show you.” You held your arm out to him, since he’d already seen it there was no use in hiding it now. His hand pulled your wrist closer as he traced it with his fingers.

“I always wanted to get a replica of the japor snippet but I never did. I think this is really cool Y/N, you don’t need to be so nervous around me all the time.” He said quietly as he set your arm down on your thigh. Hayden was nice, but you were feral, you still couldn’t grasp the fact you avoided him like a schoolgirl avoided her crush.

“I-… I am not! The job is just so… overwhelming you know?” Lies, you shook as bad as a chihuahua when you were alone with him, practicing lines, fighting, and in general.

“It’s been three months and you still get distracted by just staring at me mid-fight.” A chuckle resonated in his chest as you looked at your blushing face.

“Okay… I just didn’t want to look like some nerdy, obsessed fangirl, I didn’t know how well that would go over.” Holding the cool bottle against your face you let your hair shield your face from the older man.

“I think it’s cute.”

And for the first time, you felt like maybe the star would align, maybe you would have a chance with the man you’d worshipped during your teen years.

I need to be his controversially young girlfriend HIS BIRTHDAY IS THE DAY AFTER MINE idk i think its a sign or whatever🤞🏼 hope you liked this! feel free to make any requests! i might make a part two but idk yet

Masterlist

[zuko-always-lies]

Azula's Strong Emotional Empathy Skills

Often times, people assume that Azula is bad at empathy, or at least emotional empathy. However, I would dispute that, and argue that her compassionate empathy skills in particular are actually extremely strong and off the chart, at least when it involves someone she cares about.

ATLA gives several examples of Azula showing off her empathy skills. The first comes in "The Crossroads of Destiny":

Azula: We've done it, Zuko. It's taken a hundred years, but the Fire Nation has conquered Ba Sing Se. Zuko: I betrayed Uncle. Azula: No, he betrayed you. [She stands up from the throne.] Zuko, when you return home, Father will welcome you as a war hero. Zuko: But I don't have the Avatar. What if Father doesn't restore my honor? Azula: He doesn't need to, Zuko. [She puts a hand on Zuko's shoulder.] Today, you restored your own honor.

She notices Zuko is uneasy, and does a pretty good, if not entirely successful job trying to reassure him and make him feel better.

Next we come to "The Awakening":

[Meanwhile, back at the Fire Nation Capital, Zuko feeds turtle ducks in a lake with some bread. Azula joins him.] Azula: You seem so downcast. Has Mai gotten to you already? Though actually, Mai has been in a strangely good mood lately. Zuko: I haven't seen Dad yet. I haven't seen him in three years, since I was banished. Azula: So what? Zuko: So, I didn't capture the Avatar. Azula: Who cares? The Avatar is dead … [Zuko looks away.] unless you think he somehow miraculously survived.

It's easy to miss out on this with where the scene ends up going, but what's actually the inciting reason for the scene to happen in the first place is that Azula knows Zuko is out of sorts, and wants to reassure him. She knows exactly where he is likely to go when he's sad or anxious, the turtleduck ponds which reminds him of Ursa, and easily finds him there. However, in her attempts to reassure him, she begins to suspect that he's hiding something from her, and the scene gets derailed.

Next up is "The Beach":

Zuko: [Cut to closer view of Zuko and Mai. Angrily.] Doing nothing is a waste of time. [Rises from his seat next to Mai.] We're being sent away on a forced vacation. [Walks over and grips the railing of the boat.] I feel like a child. Azula: [Frontal view.] Lighten up. So Dad wants to meet with his advisors alone, without anyone else around. Don't take it personally.

Azula instantly tries to reassure Zuko here, although she's less skillful about it than in some other cases.

Next up is the famous "Azula apologizes to Ty Lee" scene. As I've argued elsewhere, Azula is very skillful in comforting Ty Lee there. She knows exactly what she needs to say and do to make Ty Lee feel better.

Then, after Zuko gets kicked out of the party, we get this scene

Azula: I thought I'd find you here. Zuko: [Side-view.] Those summers we spent here seem so long ago. So much has changed. Azula: Come down to the beach with me. Come on. This place is depressing.

Azula's empathy is really impressive here. She apparently not only realized that Zuko would end up in a bad funk and cared enough to do something about it, but she also knew exactly where he would go in his depressed emotional state.

We then have the famous "fireside" scene. Azula isn't always the nicest person here, but her ability to understand the emotions of others is on full display:

Zuko: [Turning around.] For so long I thought that if my dad accepted me, I'd be happy. I'm back home now, my dad talks to me. Ha! He even thinks I'm a hero. [Close-up of Azula, who smiles.] Everything should be perfect, right? [Aerial view of campsite.] I should be happy now, but I'm not. [Turning back to the others.] I'm angrier than ever and I don't know why!

Azula:[Frontal view.] There's a simple question you need to answer, then. Who are you angry at? Zuko: [Close-up.] No one. I'm just angry. Mai [Side-view of the three girls.] Yeah, who are you angry at, Zuko? Zuko: [Close-up.] Everyone. I don't know. [Becoming frustrated.] Azula: [Frontal view.] Is it Dad? Zuko: [Close-up.] No, no. Ty Lee: [Frontal view.] Your uncle? Azula: Me? Zuko: [Close-up.] No, no, n-no, no! Mai: [Close-up.] Then who? Who are you angry at? Azula: [Camera pans left, past Ty Lee, to Azula.] Answer the question, Zuko. Ty Lee: [Close-up.] Talk to us. Mai: [Extreme close-up.] Come on, answer the question. Azula: Come on, answer it.

Finally, we have this scene from Nightmares and Daydreams:

Azula: Hello, Zuzu. If you've come for a royal hair-combing, I'm afraid you'll have to wait. Zuko: So I guess there's a big war meeting coming up, huh? And apparently I'm not welcome there. Azula: What do you mean? Of course you're welcome there! Zuko: Oh, yeah?! I guess that's why no one bothered to tell me about it! Azula: Oh, Zuko. Don't be so dramatic. I'm certain Dad wants you there. You probably just weren't invited because it's so obvious you're supposed to be there. Zuko: Well, were you invited? Azula: Of course! I'm the princess. Zuko: And I'm the prince! Azula: Exactly, so stop acting like a paranoid child! Just go to the meeting. Zuko: Forget it! I'm not going!

Although Azula instantly moves to try to comfort Zuko, this is in many ways her least successful scene. She struggles to contain her frustration with Zuko's behavior.

Still, overall Azula displays an impressive record, and shows very strong compassionate empathy skills. However, it's only toward the people she's close to, as she has no reason to display them toward enemies.

[starsomens]

Star hello! Im so sorry about the test love :( there will always be the next one!

how about one where Noah and Y/N have a big argument and hurtful words are tossed, etc. so reader leaves and as reader leaves the house she goes

"Oh and just so you know what I was annoying you about" and she tosses him a test "im pregnant!" and slams the door

now you go 👀

OOOOO I have not done ANY angst here! Here we go!

warnings: language, arguing,

"you can't keep doing this shit Y/N!" he begins to raise his voice

"Oh my god Noah grow the fuck up! It was goddamn mistake" you said as you slump into one of the kitchen chairs

"It's not a fucking mistake when you do the same shit over and over." he his hand comes down on to the counter "it's so fucking annoying and you wonder why I stay at the studio all fucking day"

"I don't know maybe with some other girls you meet or something" you fire back, not really meaning it but wanting to fire back just as hard

"right, right. Because you're annoying ass has to know what and who I'm with constantly" he turned his back and walked away from you " 'Cause if that's how you feel why the fuck are we even together?" he didn't mean that either, he just wanted to get back at your comment

"Fine." you push yourself out of the chair and head upstairs. Noah following you behind just a few steps away "Y/N what are you do?"

You didn't answer and just started stuffing a backpack you had with your essentials. You grab your charger and push past him and head down the stairs

"Don't just ignore me Y/N, come on" he said trying to reach for your arm. Maybe he was a bit too harsh with his words. He didn't mean any of what he said. You grab your keys and open the door

"I'm going to Y/B/N's, I don't know how long I'll be there but if you really think we shouldn't be together here's your chance to confirm that" you said opening the door.

"Y/N, baby wait I didn't-"

"Oh and if you're wondering what I was so annoying about today," you throw a plastic bag at him, it hits his chest and he catches it before it hits the ground. "I'm pregnant." you slam the door out of frustration. He stood there frozen for way too long just staring at the test in his hand before his legs finally move to go after you.

"Y/N! Wait! Come on let's talk about this!" but he was too late you started the car and backed up out of the drive way and drove down the road "Fuck! Why did I say that?!" he goes back inside and the house is quiet without you there. He takes out one of the tests and just looks at it. He falls on to the couch and really lets it set in

"...I'm gonna be a dad..." he slight chuckle escapes his lips "She's...we're gonna be parents." he pulls out his phone and calls Nick.

"yeah?"

"..Nick I fucked up." Noah confesses with a bite to his bottom lip "Could you meet me here when you can?"

"I'll be there in 10"

Make sure about his door no explains what was happening and the newfound news and Nick, being his best friend gave it to him straight

“ yeah, you fucked up”

“ yeah I’m already aware of that. How am I gonna fix that ? she’s pissed off at me.” Nick flicks his forehead and looks at him dead in the eye

” All I’m going to say is you got yourself into this mess. She’s pregnant and the last thing either of you need is for her to be stressed right now. Do you know where her friend lives?”

“ yeah, I’ve picked her up there a couple of times”

“ come on we got a few stops to make before we go and get her” Nick said, grabbing his car keys motioning to the door with his head. It was safe to say Noah had taken some time picking the right things and reciting the right things in his head.

Which was why your best friend had to answer an anxious door bell at around 1:20 am.

“Haven’t you done enough damage?” You friend asked crossing her arms at him, she may like him but whenever he fucks up with you, he also fucks up with her.

“Look i know. I was wrong I just…..I need to talk to her. Please” he really didn’t want to argue and wanted to see you and talk to you. She lets out a huff and calls for you to come over. You come into view with your arms crossed and no emotion on your face. There stood your boyfriend with a large bouquet of flowers, and a stuffed animal in his other hand. with a bag hanging from his hand full of treats he knows you love. You step aside, signaling for him to come. inside. You close the door and your. friend leads into her room to give you both privacy. Noah's sets down the bag on the coffee table and looks at you with his pleading eyes

"I'm...sorry baby." he starts " I didn't mean anything I said. You never annoy me, ever. You're the one person that's constantly checking on me, even when you tell me to take a break I'll still sit there for hours You are never knowing And you know I'm always open to you and you can ask me any question you'd like. There is no one else for me except for you and. now....them." He said as his eyes dart down to your stomach and back up to your eyes.

"Noah.... Maybe you're right. maybe I was being a little too pushy, and I should trust you more knowing that you wouldn't do something like that to me. I was just a little nervous to tell you the news And I didn't know how you'd react hearing it..." you sniff looking away from him

"Oh baby no...don't apologize" he said setting the rest of the stuff down and bringing you into his hold "This was all my fault. I shouldn't have snapped like that you don't deserve that...neither of you" he tested the waters and pulls back to look down at your none existent bump. His thumb grazing over your hips

"Look if you still need time to calm down or just need the space I can come back-" you shake your head and take his hands in yours

"...Lets go home" you gave his hands a squeeze. He grabs your bags and any extra items and didn't let you carry anything even if you offered. Once you were at the car he accommodated your items. He turns to you. He looked like he wanted to say something but opted for just a simple hug and kiss to your lips

"I'm sorry princess. Let's get you both home" he smiles softly and opens the door for you. He gets into the drivers seat and takes you home where you belonged. With him.

「✨Taglist✨」 @lilhobgobbler @cncohshit @vir-tual @tdopomymind @concretenoah @misspygmypie @purple-lili @itsmrsfuentes @fvckmeorchokeme @lust-for-sacher @thescarlettvvitch @cind6547 @ima1986

[petertingle-yipyip]

CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE - MIGUEL OHARA

//idk why this took so long to post, it was already done when i revisited it. edit: nvm its cause i kinda missed some of the request//

Pairing: dad!miguel x GN!reader

Word Count: 1,801

Summary (request): hii, this is platonic request! can you do a fic where miguel comforts a reader ( gender neutral if possible ) who's turned 18 recently and is super anxious because their parents are pressuring them to pick a career/collage, decide what they wanna do in the future, etc and it's all making them feel really overwhelmed and restless?

“Hey there, kiddo.” Your dad strided into your room with your mom in tow. “How’s homework?”

“It’s fine.” You answered quizzically. “What’s going on here?” You gestured to the two of them.

“Well, we just came to see if you needed anything.”

“No, I’m okay. Thanks though.”

“Honey.” Your mom offered your dad a look and you could tell there was something else.

“Okay.” You sighed and pushed away from your desk. “What’s going on?”

“What do you mean?” Your dad tried, which earned him a pointed look from you.

“Alright, alright.” He put his hands up in surrender. “Your mother and I-”

“You need to start thinking about your next step.” Your mom cut in.

“Oh… Guys, I’ve still got time.” You tried. “Besides, I’m not sure what I want to major in.”

And that was true. There was so much going on with your vigilantism and latest recruitment into the Spider Society that you hadn’t had time to sit and think about your major, let alone what school you wanted. You knew MIT and Columbia were great options. Harvard was on the table, as were the other Ivys. But what was the point of applying if you didn’t know why you would be there?

“Calendar wise, yes, there’s time. But you know how steep the competition to these higher schools can be. Are you ready for the SATs? Or the ACTs?” Your mom continued, and her high emotions began to grate your own sensitive nerves.

“Mom.” You tried.

“We’ll pay the application fees.” Your dad offered, though your mom was still on her rant.

“No, I don’t need you to.” You told him.

“And your personal essay, what would you write about? Do you have any ideas? Oh goodness, there’s so much to do.”

“Mom.” You said roughly, finally cutting through her own words. “I don’t know, okay? I’ve been busy… I haven’t thought about it.”

“You can’t waste time anymore, Y/N.” Your mom said firmly, pushing your chair back against the desk.

“I’m not wasting time, Mom. Please just relax.”

“Sweetie, maybe Y/N needs to do this at a different pace.” Your dad offered and you gave a thankful expression.

“I don’t care.” She snapped. “My child won’t miss an opportunity because of hesitation.”

She slid your laptop in front of you and then leaned down to meet your eyes. “This is your chance to get somewhere better than this.”

“I like where I come from.” You said honestly.

“That doesn’t mean you have to stay here.”

“How about I take Y/N to the library to do these?” Your dad offered. “Wi-fi’s been acting up today.”

“Yeah, and maybe I’ll find inspiration.” You added on. “I can look through some books and see if anything feels right… I get what you’re saying, Mom, but I don’t want to rush into something I shouldn’t.”

She blew out a sigh and stood straight. “Fine.” She conceeded. “But please, get at least two done today.”

“Yeah, okay.” You nodded, figuring you could at least do that much, even if just to please your mom.

After all, she had given you everything she could growing up. Her and your dad gave up a lot so you would have what you needed and what you wanted. You didn’t have everything under the sun but you had more than enough. And that dedication was what inspired your actions as a spider-person. Your parents looked out for you in ways no one else ever would. They put everything on the line for a payout that didn’t always go in their favor, but in yours.

And being able to give that back to the community you grew up in, the community that supported you and welcomed you. That was what you wanted your adult life to be, something so giving and so genuine that it could inspire someone else to do the same.

But what kind of career or schooling could give that to you?

When your dad dropped you off, he gave you his credit card and said your mom would be checking the account to see the pending charge so you had to keep your end of the deal. You offered a laugh and thanked him for getting you out of the house.

“Kid, I know she’s a bit overbearing but she wants what’s best for you.” Your dad said honestly.

“I know, Dad.” You nodded. “I’m just a little bit caught in the middle right now. Can’t look too far ahead.”

“Can’t look back, either… Remember where you come from, of course, but don’t let it hold you back. Okay?”

“Yeah, thanks.”

“Call when you’re done.”

You offered a lazy sluate before skipping up the library steps. Once your dad’s car was out of view, you ducked around the side of the building to the library’s alley. You pulled your watch from your backpack before tucking it behind the usual pile of boxes and fit the device into place. You weren’t even in your suit but you’d wandered HQ in your pajamas before, so coming in your school clothes wouldn’t be a big deal.

Once you stepped through your portal, various spider-people greeted you in the halls. You offered nods or waves but didn’t stop for much conversation, not until you reached the head honcho’s office.

“What are you doing here?” He asked without turning to face you. Surprisingly, his platform was actually ground level today, meaning no one had annoyed him enough to raise it. “Don’t you have something else you should be doing?”

“No.” You shrugged. “It’s still daylight back home and the weirdos don’t start till dusk, at least so…”

“Not what I meant.”

“Then what?”

“Those college applications you promised your mom.”

“Oh…”

“Yeah, oh.”

“Why are you spying on me anyway?” You asked, hoping to change the subject.

“Because you, insectito, are the biggest pain the ass here… So what’s the problem then?”

“I don’t know what I wanna do with my life.” You said honestly, scooting some of his papers over so you could sit on the desk. “Mom wants me to just throw my name in the pot everywhere to see what happens and Dad just wants to make Mom happy.”

“Mmm.. And what do you want?”

You shrugged. “I dunno.”

“What do you like to do? Any classes in school get you excited?”

“Not really.. Bio is cool sometimes but..”

“That’s a start.” He glanced over with a small, almost proud smile that lasted half a second. “Biology major is broad enough to start picking schools.”

“I guess but-”

“What about bio do you like?”

“Miguel, can you just-”

“People, plants, or animals?”

You groaned and flopped backwards on the desk, throwing your arms over your eyes. You thought coming to Miguel would be a good time to rant and not be given advice, because half of the time he seemed to drown out your voice anyways. But of course the one time you just needed him to ignore your words, he had to do the exact opposite of what you wanted.

“You’re the worst.” You muttered, to which you felt a kick to your foot. “Hey!”

“Y/N, your parents are right.” He started and you groaned again. “You’re a smart kid but you have to find some sort of direction.”

“I’m just caught up in the middle, trying to keep going.. But it’s just not that simple.” You complained and when you got no answer, you kept talking. “But I have to keep going or they’ll call me a quitter.”

“Who will?”

“Everyone.” You shrugged. “I don’t know, probably no one.”

Miguel turned fully and took hold of your arms to haul you upright. You let out a loud sound of complaint as he did so and you didn’t bother to fight it, not that you’d have much of a chance to do so anyway. You dramatically let your head fall back so you could see his expression and he looked down at you with a small smile. You huffed a sigh and raised your brows expectantly as you waited for him to say something.

“What about a geneticist?” He offered and you were taken aback, no doubt your face showing it because he gave a quick chuckle. “I’m serious.”

“Yeah, you usually are but what the hell are you talking about?” You said in bewilderment.

He shrugged slightly before turning back to his work and you couldn’t help but follow him.

“You’re always lurking around to see what I’m doing.” He explained. “You ask questions about what I do and how all of my stuff works.”

“Like that injection you refuse to talk about.” You agreed and peaked up with a questioning expression. Without looking at you, he pushed your face away.

“Exactly.” He agreed with a nod. “And then you could study your own DNA and see if you can find anything cool.”

“I could give myself fangs!” You yelled with excitement before camping a hand over your mouth when you realized how loud you were.

“Yeah, and then you give yourself a lisp.” He rolled his eyes slightly. “What I’m saying is that maybe some sort of higher level biology career is where you’re heading… You’re one of the smarter spiders around here anyways. Might as well do something other than engineering.”

“Don’t you think science in general is a bit stereotypical for a spider? … Oh, shit. Is it our canon?”

“No.” He laughed a little. “There’s a Peter Parker around here that’s a photographer for a newspaper.”

“Oh.. That’s fun?” You tried.

“He takes fake candids of Spiderman and sells them to his Daily Bugle.” Miguel deadpanned and you laughed. “Not every spider leads a strenuous academic life.”

“But you think I could?”

“I think you should. Y/N, you’re always challenging yourself physically. Maybe it’s time to do it academically.” He shrugged. “But what do I know?”

You pursed your lips in thought as you considered his words. Maybe not genetics, but a STEM field could be fun. And with your current academic status, you’d be able to swing one of the better programs with better labs and better opportunities. You could try your hand at different branches and see what stuck. Even if you didn’t find one, you’d have a better direction for a graduate school at the very least.

“Thanks.” You said honestly with a small smile. “That actually helped… You always do.”

He put a hand on your head and gave you a small shake that made you laugh.

You went home after that and headed straight into the library after you fished out your backpack. You ended up doing four applications and got a text from your mom after each one. With every submission, you felt a little less stuck.

[littledrummeraussie]

thursday’s for the boys.

masterlist. | capture the moment collection. | want to be added to my taglist?

warnings: dad!Calum. some naughty comments, but mostly just fluffiest of fluffy fluff.

word count: 1103

author’s note: just a quick dad!Calum blurb because I saw this pictures and I just had to.  ❤️

- - - - -

“I really hate leaving you two like this, but I–”

“But you have a job and you’re needed in the office. Don’t worry, I get it,” Calum smiled at you, fingers lightly running through your hair before cupping your cheek. “You just told me for the tenth time or so.”

“I’m not used to this,” you confessed with a sigh, resting your forehead against his collarbone and Cal wrapped his arms around your waist, kissing the top of your head. “I like pre-planned meetings and appointments so I know how to schedule our time so it doesn’t ruin your plans, and–”

“You’re spiralling,” Calum stated shortly, making you stop your rambling. “Don’t worry about us. I told the guys I’m needed here, and Ashton wanted to come over ASAP.”

“He just wants to steal Kai for himself,” you scoffed, a smile already pulling at your lips.

“He thinks babies are soft and cute.”

“Well, he should try and make his own,” you pursed your lips, making Cal lean down to kiss you shortly.

“Nah, too much responsibility,” he chuckled, both of you having a laugh over your friend.

A delightful babble rang through the air, at which you and Cal turned to look at your son sitting on the floor, tiny hands petting Duke’s head, the dog giving Calum a not-so-happy look and demanding him with a tiny woof sound to please get him out of this situation, preferably right now.

“You’re so dramatic,” Cal chuckled at the dog before bending down to pick the little boy up, holding him in his arms. “Come on, Bubba, Duke’s grumpy. But Dada is here to stay with you today.”

“Momma?” Kai looked between you and Calum, brown eyes big and curious, and more than anything you wanted to stay home and be with them.

“Momma needs to go to work,” you stepped closer to them, softly caressing his chubby cheek. “But I’m coming home as soon as I can, and until then Dada will keep you entertained. And maybe Uncle Ash will stop by too.”

“Be careful what you say,” your boyfriend mumbled with a stifled laugh, adjusting Kai in his arms and leaning close to press his lips against the top of his head. “Say bye to Mommy?”

“Bye,” he waved his hand at you, still a little unsure as he was only just starting to learn the words and their meanings, slowly understanding the actions they paired with.

“Kiss Kai?” you offered your cheek to your son who quickly leaned over and pressed his lips against it, giving you a big wet kiss. “Thank you, baby!”

“Kiss Kai,” he repeated your words, something he recently learned, while sucking on his thumb.

You yourself pressed a kiss on his cheek in return before turning to Calum, lips meeting and sharing a kiss. Cal curled his arm around your waist to pull you close, hand caressing your waist, trying to slip under your shirt.

“Maybe once I’m home…” you softly bit into his bottom lip, giving him a cheeky smile. “Text me how the day’s going?”

“Don’t worry, we’ll be fine,” he promised, bumping his forehead against yours. “Dad mode: activated.”

 .

You’ve tried not to worry, you really did. You’ve also tried to focus on the meeting that was currently taking place, the one why you needed to ask Cal to stay at home with Kai, but everything seemed futile. Truth was that since Kai was born there were only a few days that you spent apart from your little boy, and you might have developed a slight co-dependency when it came to him. Not that anyone would have blamed you, after all, you were his Mom.

Maybe you were just anxious for some reason – you knew Calum is well capable of taking care of your son, he’s been there every step of the way since he found out you were pregnant. Maybe you were just scared you’re missing out on something; Kai was growing up so fast, already learning words and you wanted to hear every new one from him. It was perfectly normal wanting to experience all these new milestones together with Cal – they were far more important than whatever your co-worker was rambling about.

You’ve tried, you really did, but in the end you needed to pick up your phone, and hid it in your lap as you sent a quick message to Calum, wanting to know what they were doing, and if Ashton really did show up to spend some time with his godson.

Y/N: Hey, how’s everything going?

A few minutes passed before your phone buzzed in your hand, a new text message popping up on your screen.

Calum: all good in the Hood 👌

Y/N: CALUM!!!

Calum: sorry I had to

A series of laughing emojis followed, and you needed to roll your eyes at your boyfriend. He was definitely in one of his cheeky moods, it was clear from the morning as well, but that didn’t mean your nerves were soothed. You needed proof that both him and Kai were doing okay without you, even though your conscience told you not to worry about them.

Y/N: But are you sure you’re okay?

Calum: Couldnt be better

A second later a picture appeared on your screen, and it took everything in you not to start tearing up while looking at it. Calum was lying in your shared bed, his phone pointed at the mirror to take a picture of him and Kai. Kai, who was peacefully sleeping, cuddled against his Dad’s back, chubby cheek resting against Calum’s broad shoulder. There was so much love and calmness radiating from the picture that suddenly you felt silly for worrying this much about them.

Calum: Cant move. Might stay here forever

Y/N: He also knows that Daddy is the best kind of pillow ❤️

Calum: we miss Mommy though. Hurry up and come home to us ❤️

Y/N: Gonna cozy up to you soon! Save a spot for me?

Calum: bet your sweet ass I will 😘

You sent him back a kissy face emoji as well, saving the picture of your boys and setting it as your new wallpaper. You also made a promise to yourself to ask Calum to have some more father-son days with Kai – it was definitely the best part of your day when he ended up sending you the cutest pictures of the two of them on their many different adventures.

And if you got to tag along to their Thursdays which soon were reserved for the two of them, well, that was definitely the best kind of bonus.

 - - - - -

taglist.

@mymindwide​ @fuckyeah5sostakemehome​ @suchalonelysunflower​ @talkfastromance4​ @ashtonsunflower​ @in-superbloom​  @wiiildflowerrr​  @lovelywordsblog​ @heyitskelseaj​ @whentherosesbl00m​

[stillsaltyaboutmcr]

I will always be here for you- Jake Seresin

PART 3!!!! WOOOO

this is a series, so I will link parts one and two below. I wanna write more parts for this than 3 so we aren’t to the birth yet. This is just lots of angst and fluff and Rooster throwing a tantrum (per usual). Hangman becomes more domestic and protective, aka the good stuff. 

part one l part two

Part 3: A Jake Seresin x f!reader where the Dagger Squad finally finds out you’re pregnant. It’s also time for the uranium mission.

Warnings: cursing, Rooster being a dick, mentions of blood and gore from an injury, Phoenix being the bestest friend

It’s been a week since the situation at the beach happened. You’ve been staying at Hangman’s place for the time being, his excuse being he can take better care of you. He’s cooked for you, ran baths for you, let you use his hottub; with restrictions of course. Jake’s been amazing ever since you told him about the baby. He’s always making sure you’re comfortable and healthy. You get to sleep in his spare room, equipped with a queen size bed and it’s own bathroom. To say you were living comfortably was an understatement. 

Everything was going great until today. Your doctor told you not to fly this mission, so you had to meet with Maverick today. 

Maverick beat you to it though. “C/s, I need to see you in my office, time now.” You were so anxious, although you already knew what he wanted to meet over. The uranium mission was tomorrow which meant today was for packing and last minute training. Upon entering his office, he sat down and offered you a cup of coffee, which you declined politely. 

“How’s everything going? I’ve noticed you’ve been grounded lately.” Yup, you knew it. He knows, and Bradley’s the one who most likely told him. 

“Mav, Bradley told you didn’t he?” Maverick’s face turned pale as you cut to the chase. He swallowed hard before clearing his throat to talk. 

“Yes. I don’t know all the details, just that you’re pregnant. May I ask who the father is? You know our rules on fraternization.” You could tell he was trying to tread carefully on the matter as to not upset you. 

“Bradley is, but he wanted nothing to do with the baby, so Jake stepped in. He’s been taking care of me and acting as the father since then.” You fiddled with your hands nervously. 

“Okay. Bradley told me Jake was the father, that’s why I ask. Bradley wanted nothing to do with it?” 

You sighed at the new information. Of course Bradley would lie. He doesn’t want to be caught up in a misdemeanor. “Yeah. He and I started being more than friends way back when we were first here at Top Gun, it’s been on and off since then. Just a month ago, right before training we met up again and here I am. When I confronted him about it, he told me he’d pay half for an abortion and that he wanted nothing to do with the child.” Maverick’s face tensed up at that, knowing that he couldn’t do anything about Bradley, not without breaking your trust in him. 

“You said Hangman stepped in?”

“Yeah,” you caught his puzzled look. Anyone who knows Hangman would give the same reaction to what he was willingly doing for you. “He came over after training that day I confronted Bradley. He comforted me and told me no kid should go without a father, even if he wasn’t biologically the dad. He’s done so much for me this past couple of weeks. He’s doing more than Bradley would’ve ever done.” You let go a breath you didn’t realize you were holding. 

“Okay, you’re doing well? Everything look on track?” You nodded before he continued. “Unfortunately, you will not be able to fly this mission, but I don’t see why we can’t stick you in range control.” He smiled at you before giving you orders to see Hondo. 

Walking out, you immediately bump into Phoenix, who immediately bends down to say hello to her future niece or nephew. As she reaches eye level again she smiles at you, as if silently asking how you’re holding up. “I’m in range control from now on. At least I don’t have to deal with Rooster though.” You let out a small chuckle before she speaks up. 

“At least I know someone is in there who has my back.” She smiled and you both laugh before going your separate ways. 

-----

You hadn’t seen Jake all day, not since you both arrived this morning. Since you were staying with him, you both rode to and from work together in his truck. 

You were getting ready to head out and meet him before an emergency meeting was called. 

It turns out, you’re all shipping out in an hour. 

Everyone hurried to the locker rooms to shower and change back into their flight suits, and some ran to their cars to grab bags they left in there. You ran out to Jake’s truck with your spare key and grabbed your bag, his already missing from the backseat. 

You were worried at the sudden ship out, you all weren’t supposed to leave until the early morning, but plans change. 

You all were in the front of the building, bags and uniforms ready. You noticed Jake across the tarmac from you where you all were waiting. When you made eye contact, he quickly grabbed his things to come be by you. “I thought you were grounded, how are you still coming with?” It wasn’t meant with malice, but pure curiosity. 

“Mav put me with Hondo, I’m in range control. My voice will be telling y’all what’s in the sky with you.” You smiled and saw his shoulders release the tension they were holding. Now that you were out of the running, you knew Hangman would be flying the mission, or at least be a spare. 

----

From boarding the ship until now, everything was going smoothly. Rooster was a wingman and Hangman was put on spare. You were halfway glad Hangman would stay on the ship unless called out, but you knew he was disappointed that he didn’t get picked. He was first up if anyone called for backup, with Coyote right behind him if requested. You were sitting in range with everyone else, a GPS locator in front of you. You could see the four planes, instructing them to dip below radar. Once they disappeared from your sight, you switched modes, being able to still locate them. 

You did your job, and listened as they landed both missiles, the mission successful thus far. You listened as they communicated through coffin corner. 

You even heard Maverick go down. You heard Hangman request for take off, and get denied. Everything went numb in you, even when Rooster turned around and both of them were presumed dead. 

That was until you yelled for Admiral Simpson, because something had lit up on your radar. “We have an F-14 entering the airspace.” 

“An F-14? How could- Maverick.” You watched the realization come onto his face as he told you to release Dagger Spare, which was Jake. You had to give orders to send out the one person you prayed stayed grounded. 

“Dagger Spare? Do you copy?” 

“To you? Always darlin’.”

“You have permission to take off, request of Admiral Simpson. We have an F-14 in our airspace we believe to be carrying Maverick and Rooster. We need you to find them and bring them home.” 

“You got it. I’ll see you soon, I promise.” As if Hangman knew your secret worry, he reassured you he’d be back. 

You watched on the radar as he shot down an enemy aircraft and both planes approached the carrier. You heard his cocky banter with Rooster. As soon as they both got into range of the carrier, you all double checked to make sure nothing was following and headed out to the tarmac to witness Jake land safely and Maverick do his infamous fly by. 

As soon as everyone got out of their planes, you rushed over to Jake who swooped you in his arms. “Good job, you did great.” He said, his arms still around you. 

“Me? You just landed another air to air kill! Look at you!” He smiled before you both fell silent. He slowly leaned in, a hand coming up to hold your face as he placed his lips on yours. You reciprocated the gesture and wrapped your arms around his neck. Soon, he pulled away looking at you.

“I’ve wanted to do that for awhile now.” He smiled, a blush coming to decorate his cheeks. 

“Well, you can always do it again.” He quickly swooped you up and kissed you feverishly, this moment was amazing and you hoped to stay in it forever, until you heard your names. 

“Are you kidding me? We just come back from a dangerous mission where I saved Maverick and risked my life and all you two can do is make out? In front of everyone?” Rooster walked over to where to two of you were still by Jake’s plane. 

“Congratulations, really. You were great out there but what you did was reckless and could’ve gotten you both killed. I’m celebrating the fact that Jake came back safe. That the mission was a success and we didn’t lose anyone. I can celebrate the way I want to. You have no right coming over here and judging me for that.” You beat Jake to it, he mouth was still open, but nothing was coming out. “I really wish you’d grow up a little and move past this all. Jake stepped in when you didn’t and became the father figure I wanted for my child. You lost the privilege to be in my life and my baby’s life when you told me to get rid of it. It’s my body that makes the child, not yours. I wanted you in the kid’s life. Please leave us alone. Come back when you’ve matured and don’t throw a tantrum every time you-” You quickly look down, cutting yourself off when you noticed Rooster’s flight suit. 

“What? Cat got your tongue?” Rooster stepped forward and puffed out his chest. 

“No, Bradley...you’re bleeding.” His eyes go wide and Jake quickly follows your gaze. Your eyes were stuck on Bradley’s side, where blood was quickly soaking his uniform. Bradley quickly reaches his hand down and touches the spot, wincing and revealing a red-soaked hand in return. “Come on, let’s get you to the med bay.” You turn to Jake and he nods, telling you to go. You smile apologetically in return before helping Rooster to the nearest medic, who takes you both to the med bay and quickly starts cutting off Rooster’s flight suit to reveal an open wound on his side of his body by his ribcage. He must’ve gotten caught on something during his ejection when saving Maverick. You sat there and watched as the medic cleaned and stitched up the wound. 

“I’m sorry for the way I treat you. It just pisses me off when I see you and Jake having the life I’ve always wanted with you. Let alone, with the baby I helped create.” 

You sighed, looking down at Bradley. “Honestly, that’s a bullshit apology. You shoved me off the moment I told you about my pregnancy. You wanted nothing to do with me, wouldn’t even look at me. Don’t start feeling guilty now and telling me you’ve always wanted this because you lost that chance.”Just then your phone buzzed, it was Jake. “I have to go.”

Before he could say anything else, you walked out to find Jake. He was still out by his plane talking with Phoenix, apparently filling her in on everything that just happened. “Hey girl, how ya feeling?” She hugged you, giving you a small smile. 

“Rooster just tried to apologize. I walked out on him.” They both look at you with wide eyes. 

You told them both what he had said and Phoenix sighs before taking off. “Where are you going?” You shout. 

She turns around and looks at you before shouting back, “To give him a piece of my mind!!” She was gone in a blink and you couldn’t help but laugh. Jake snaked his arm around you and gazed into your eyes. 

“I’m so lucky to have you.” He said it with such admiration in his voice, it took you by surprise. “Do you want to move in with me?” Your mouth fell open in shock as the question left his lips. 

“Really? Are you sure?” 

“As sure as I’ve been in awhile. If we’re raising this kid together, then we should be a little more official don’t you think?” 

All you could do for an answer was kiss him. “I’m gonna take that as a yes.” He laughed a little before you looked at him fully. 

“I’m so lucky to have you.” You returned his statement from earlier, basking in the setting sun and living in this moment as long as you could. 

[hockeyboysimagines]

Bitter

Chapter 10

The wedding chapter

Warnings: possible language, weddings, alcohol.

This is it my friends! Bitter is officially over. This has been so fun to write. Thanks to all of you for continuing to read this even through my long hiatus I took. I couldn’t have finished it without all of your kind messages, and some inspirational words from my lovely friend @jostyriggslover96 . She’s the best. Enjoy! Let me know what you all think🤍🤍🤍

This gif is so appropriate and I can’t believe I found it Omg.

“Good morning best friend!” Ginny whispered excitedly that morning. Leighton smiled and sat up in bed. She was both nervous, happy, excited, anxious and absolutely starving, which was quite the mix of emotions at 6:30 am.

They would be meeting the girls for breakfast before hair and makeup, but she and Ginny had a sleepover. They’d spent hours talking, about everything that had happened. For a brief period in time, they were back to being 12, giggling about boys as they painted their toenails and did each others makeup. In all her life, Leighton didn’t think she would ever meet anyone as wonderful as her best friend. She was her saving grace, her platonic soulmate, and the strongest most courageous person she knew. But it was plain to see Ginny was hurting, even under the excitement of the wedding. They hadn’t spoken about Beau. Leighton would let Ginny decide when she wanted to talk, but wouldn’t force her.

“Your getting married today!” Ginny said as she clasped her hands excitedly under her chin, smile wide and bright.

Leighton smiled back and sat up, stretching “It still doesn’t feel real.”

Ginny shook her legs back and forth excitedly from where she was sitting. “It’s real Leighton. You’ve finally made it.” she reached forward and gripped her hand.

“I couldn’t have done it without you.” She gave it a squeeze and smiled. They busied themselves with showers, and getting their belongings situated before they left their hotel room. The others were already waiting for them in the hotel lobby, and they headed out together for breakfast and coffee.

Ginny thought about Beau, joining in the conversation but not really listening. She wasn’t ready to see him, but she also really wanted to. She’d not been in contact with him since her meltdown days prior and she wasn’t sure what seeing him was going to do to her. She would pull herself together for her friends of course, but she was having a hard time.

She knew Leighton could see her suffering, but like the true friend she was she didn’t ask. Leighton had always given Ginny space when needed it, and this was no different.

She pushed Beau from her mind and threw herself into breakfast. She would need many many mimosas to get through this day.

***********

“Happy Wedding day buddy!” Beau boomed cheerily, slapping Mat good naturedly on the back and rubbing his hands together “You ready?”

“Is that even a question?”

“Good because I’m fucking pumped. I’m actually excited for this one.”

“Speaking of. I want to thank you.”

Beau frowned “For what?”

“For everything guess. I know you didn’t want to be my best man last time and looking back I don’t blame you. I shouldn’t have put you in that position. And I appreciate every you’ve done for me and Leighton. Your my best friend.”

Beaus eyes softened and he smiled reaching forward to give him a hug “Don’t thank me Barz. Just do right by it and take care of your girl. Your life can only get better from here. Your getting married and soon you’re gonna be a dad, it’s so cool to watch this all unfold. Thanks for letting me see it all.”

Mat smiled and took a deep breath, brushing his hair off his face and turning towards his tux “Lets get going.”

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

“Lost. Leighton’s ankles. If found please call-“

“Oh stop you look beautiful.” Ginny said waving her hand as Leighton stared down at her feet. Her baby bump had popped finally and it was obvious she was pregnant now at this point. She looked ADORABLE, and though it was a bit of a squeeze she’d wiggled into her dress to make sure it still fit, and was now seated comfortably in a chair in her Bride robe, getting her hair done. Everyone else was mostly ready, and Lauren was already in her dress and shoes, assisting Sydney with her own dress. It felt like a movie she had been waiting to finish for some time, and she couldn’t believe it was finally coming to an end.

The girl doing her hair smiled at her in the mirror “You look amazing. How does it all feel?”

“Like a dream I thought might never come true.”

Ginny shook her head “No. This was always going to come true. You can’t stop this kind of love.”

***********

Mat and Beau dressed in their tuxes and were now making their way through the venue, stopping here and there to greet people who were arriving. It was packed to the brim with friends and family milling about and socializing.

“Oh my god there he is!” Mat turned and a surge of excitement went through him. Leighton’s mom was hurrying towards him, arms outstretched. He caught her in a tight hug, eyes closing. Leighton’s mom had been his number 1 fan from day 1. She’d pulled him into a very tight hug, much like the one she had him in now, and that was it. She’d been kind, and warm and felt like his own mom, who was miles away in Vancouver. She still looked the same, and very much like Leighton, the same bright smile now plastered across her face.

“Oh I’m so happy to see you.” She said quietly as she pulled away “Let me look at you.” She gripped each of his arms and smiled as her eyes moved over his face “Handsome as ever. Are you ready?”

“I’ve never been more ready. I’ve been waiting for this for so long.”

“Me too. Feels like just yesterday she was coming home, gushing about the cute new boy who had walked her home.”

Mat blushed and chuckled half turning and pointing to Beau “This is Beau, my best man, Beau this is Leighton’s mom Gina.”

She swatted Beau’s extended hand away and pulled him into a hug too.

“It’s nice to meet you.” She said releasing him and giving his arm a squeeze. Her eyes moved over his face and then she smiled mischievously “I’m sure Ginny’s going to love walking down the aisle with you.”

Beau pursed his lips and shook his head “No don’t think she will.” He and Mat shared a small look and Leighton’s mom nodded, pursing her lips.

“Ah. I see. Ginny’s always been a heartbreaker.” She gave Beaus arm a squeeze “But she’s always had a tremendous amount of love for my daughter. Don’t give up on her too quickly.”

Beau pursed his lips and was quiet a moment before he answered “I’m not planning on it.”

Mat raised his eyebrows but didn’t say anything. That would be a conversation for another time. Leighton’s mom called her dad over and they chatted for a minute or so, before the director called for Beau to head into the back room and Mat to make his way to the altar with his parents. His dad slapped him on the back and smiled.

“Are you ready?”

“I’ve always been ready to marry Leighton.”

“Congratulations son. I’ve never been more proud.”

As Beau separated from him and made his way to the back he started thinking about Ginny. The last time he’d been in this place was that first night he’d spent with her.

It seemed so long ago, and it floored him that something that had started so fast could crash and burn so hard.

He would never forgive himself for bringing Kerry to the party and he wouldn’t blame Ginny if she didn’t either. Given the chance he’d do everything over.

He’d go back to that night they spent here in Manhattan, get off that train and march right into Mat and Leighton’s apartment and tell them what happened. He’s give them a real chance to have something that didn’t need to be kept behind closed doors. He’d save all this heartbreak for both of them. Maybe things would be different.

Or maybe not.

Maybe they still would have crashed and burned. Maybe it really was just sex, and what he was feeling was just infatuation. Maybe they’d still be in this same position, not speaking, not anything. But maybe in another world they were something.

Something great.

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

Ginny was buckling the strap on her heel, when she heard Leighton clear her throat. She turned to find the rest of the girls had left, leaving her and Leighton by themselves.

“Can you help me with my zip?” She asked turning to face the large mirror. Ginny reached forward pulling the zip up slowly as to not catch the fabric.

“I just wanted it to be us for a minute.” Leighton said quietly, looking at her feet “Ginny if anything happens to me I want you to take care of Mat.”

Ginny froze hands in midair, and pursed her lips shaking her head. She didn’t wanna talk about this. Not now. Not ever, but definitely not now “Nothing is gonna happen-“

“Ginny-“

“No Leighton. You shouldn’t talk like that.” She said as Leighton turned to face her. Ginny wanted absolutely nothing to do with this conversation. She’d been pushing it out of her mind, and talking about it out loud would only make it real. And if she lost Leighton she knew she would never recover. She may as well climb in the coffin after her because she’d have nothing left without her.

“Ginny listen to me.” She gripped both of her upper arms and held her there “Mat won’t talk about it and everyone else is completely avoiding it. I need you to hear me out.”

Although she didn’t want to, Ginny sniffled and nodded “Okay.”

“You are the best person I know, and the only one who I would ever want to take my place. I don’t think Mat could be alone, and I don’t want my baby growing up without a mom. And I don’t want you to be alone either. And if something happens to me I want you to raise my daughter.”

“But nothing is going to happen.”

“But if it does. I need you to do this for me, no matter what. Promise?”

“Okay. I-I promise. I’m just scared that’s all.” Ginny felt tears prick her eyes and she took a shuddering breath “I can’t do this without you.”

“I know. You know.” Leighton smiled at let out a breath, Ive spent my life surrounded by all these wonderful people, and I’ve finally made it here to this moment that I feel like I’ve been waiting my whole life for. But most importantly I’ve spent 16 years with my wonderful, incredible, beautiful best friend. And I’m-“ she started to cry “I’m just really scared that this is going to be it. That I’m going to miss everything.”

“If you leave me before we’re old and grey I will find you in the afterlife and beat your ass.”

Then they started to laugh and cry and Ginny groaned looking at the ceiling and wiping under her eyes “Your ruining our wedding makeup you bitch.” She said laughing.

Leighton too wiped under her eyes and took a deep breath “Ugh sorry.” Then she smiled “I love you Ginny.”

The door opened and Leighton’s mom leaned around the corner “Alright girls. Showtime.” She said with a smile.

“I love you.” Ginny whispered as they shared a tight hug and made their way, hand in hand, to the door. Ginny released her and left her with her dad, making her way around the corner the the double doors they’d be walking through when the procession started. She’d been so wrapped up in the day’s preparation she’d almost forgotten about Beau and all the events that had happened over the course of the last few weeks.

Almost.

But there he was. She felt her heart skip a beat when she saw him. He looked so good in his tux, a light scuff across his jaw, a favorite look of hers. He stopped speaking, half turning when he felt her staring at him and the expression in his eyes softened for a second. He turned to face her fully as the rest of the wedding party seemed to melt into the background as they came to stand in front of each other.

“Hey.” He said, dragging the toe of his shoe across the floor. She glanced up, and he expected her to be glaring at him but instead she gave him a small, slightly sad smile.

“Hey.”

“How are you?”

“Uhm. I’m okay. How are you?” She was gripping her bouquet, and looking at him with an expression he hadn’t seen before.

“I’m alright. Just uh-happy we made it here.”

“Me too.”

They stared at each other for a long moment before the wedding director clapped his hands and stage whispered “Showtime!” The music came on, and Beau looked at her and smiled, extending his arm.

“Come on. Let’s do this for real this time.”

She took it, and the doors opened allowing them to walk down the aisle together, smiling for photos. There wasn’t a face in the crowd that wasn’t smiling as they spilt at the end, and went to their respective sides. Beau gave Mat a gentle nudge, and they shared a smile. Mat was beaming, looking comfortable and confident, unlike how he’d been at his last wedding. The church quieted as a few notes of music played and everyone stood and turned to watch the bride.

The doors opened, and like a vision seen in a book about fairytales, Leighton appeared at the end of the aisle. Mat was open mouthed, staring at her in complete amazement as she started towards him, arm in arm with her dad.

“Wow.” He whispered, sharing a smile with Ginny and then Beau. Ginny felt tears spring to her eyes as she watched Leighton hug her dad, and then her dad hug Mat as he handed he off to him, Leighton smiled at her and reached to give her hand a squeeze before she turned to face Mat.

As the officiant began to speak about Love, selflessness, and sacrifice, and other words to describe a marriage Ginny made eye contact with Beau over Mat’s shoulder. He smiled at her.

Ginny felt a searing pain in her soul, and she realized what it was she was feeling. Her heart had been locked up so tight, for so long, that the pain was burning her alive inside. The weight and the overwhelming emotion that had been bubbling inside her for weeks was overflowing. The lock and key that had been constricting her heart for all these years was cracking apart and she felt like she was ready to burst as she stared at him for a few moments before she gave him a small smile back.

She listened as the officiant spoke about love, commitment, and selflessness. He spoke about marriage, and unity, and the undying love that would tie your souls together. Ginny felt tears brimming in her eyes as Mat and Leighton said their vows, promising to love and cherish one another. The tears in her eyes ran down her cheeks when they slipped rings on each others fingers and the officiant finally said the words she’d been waiting years to hear. The excitement in the room was palpable, so thick you could practically see it as everyone waited, holding their breath.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

A loud cheer went up from the crowd, and the wedding party as Leighton and Mat came together for their first kiss as husband and wife. They broke apart after a few moments, and everyone stood applause exploding amongst cheers, laughter and lots of happy crying.

Ginny felt a hot tear run down her cheek.

The movie she’d been watching her for years was finally over. The most perfect ending to the most perfect story.

***********

The atmosphere at the reception was perfect. There was laughter, and smiles everywhere. Ginny couldn’t remember a time where she’d felt more happy and at ease, especially not in recent months.

She’d only been forced to be around Beau a handful of times and had successfully evaded having to be alone with him, or with him at all really since they’d walked down the aisle. She missed him, and she did want to talk with him but it wasn’t about her today. She also wasn’t really sure what to say. She couldn’t put her feelings into words, and until she was able to she wasn’t going to try and have any conversations. She wasn’t good at making things up on the spot.

But the more she thought about him, the worse the ache in her heart felt. She’d washed her bedsheets the previous evening and noticed that they no longer smelled like his cologne. Even though she was mad at him, she’d gone to sleep every night breathing in his cologne that lingered on her sheets and it was almost like he was there with her. But it was gone now, just like him.

Ginny felt a presence at her shoulder and turned to find Leighton “I have to pee. Can you come help me please?”

“Of course.” Ginny stood following her to the bathroom and through it was tricky with both of them, plus Leighton’s baby bump in the small confines of the bathroom they’d managed to make it work.

“Your dreams have finally come, and I’m so proud of you.” Ginny said helping Leighton straighten her dress out in the back after she was done.

Leighton smiled at her in the mirror “They have. But what about your dreams Gin? Don’t you think maybe it’s time for them to come true too?”

**********

“Can I have your attention ladies and gentlemen. I’m told the maid of honor would like to make a speech.” Ginny stood, accepting a microphone and making her way across the floor under a spotlight. She cleared her throat and smiled.

“First I’d like to welcome everyone and extend my thanks for all of you being able to be here with us tonight. This is a day years in the making, and it’s just as special as I imagined it would be.” She took a deep breath and turned to face Leighton and Mat.

“I’ve know Leighton for 16 years, beat that Mat.” She said with a small smile as a laugh rippled through the audience before she continued “And in that time I have watched her grow into a loving, caring, beautiful person. She taught me about life, friendship, and what it means to love.”

Leighton swiped at a tear and smiled. Ginny turned to Mat “I’ve known Mat for a long time too, and I’ll never forget the first time he asked me about Leighton, in the library while we worked on a history project. And it wasn’t just that day. It was the day after, and the day after that, and many days afterwards and finally, weeks into our sophomore year Mat finally talked to Leighton. And that was it. So when I finally asked him if the mystery was over, if he finally realized she was a human being, he said No. Leighton is not human. She is angel. And she’s my angel.” Ginny’s lower lip trembled and she took a deep breath before she looked at Beau and continued to speak.

“I believe in true love. I believe in Love at first sight. And I believe that no matter how much time has passed, or how much heartbreak or sadness there is, that love conquers all. I’ve watched this epic, beautiful love story unfold in front of me and it’s made me realize that Love is real, and it’s the most important thing a person can feel for someone else.” She placed a hand over her heart and smiled at him “And I see now, that when you feel that for someone you should say it. No matter how much it scares you. I’ve been waiting my whole life to feel the kind of love they have. And then.”

She looked at Leighton who gave her a small nod and a smile “And then I met you.” A spotlight clicked on and landed on Beau who looked surprised as Ginny continued “And you were nothing like what I though you would be. Your rude, and annoying, and you drive me crazy sometimes but I realized….fighting with you over this past year is the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and that sometimes love shows up in unexpected places. And I think there’s a very good chance that I might be falling in love with you.”

A loud gasp rippled through the audience as smiles spread across faces. Mat’s mouth fell open and he turned to Beau, who’s face was unreadable. He stood very slowly and came around the table, arms wrapping around Ginny’s waist, and pulling her into a long slow kiss.

The crowd erupted with cheers and clapping, most of their teammates and wives standing to show their excitement, many loud whistles erupting from tables.

When they broke apart, Ginny felt her face grow hot and realized she was still holding the microphone. She pulled away from him for a minute and cleared her throat “ In conclusion, Mat and Leighton tied the knot finally, let’s all get drunk.”

The rest of the night was filled with dancing, laughter and celebration. Ginny’s feet and legs were sore but she was so high on joy both from the hitching of her best friends, and Beau’s arm around her waist. It felt so natural as he pulled her out on to the dance floor giving her a spin before he pulled her close to him.

“Mmmmm.” She sighed, head resting against his chest, eyes closed.

“Having a good time?” He asked, hands coming to rest on her lower back.

She nodded “I’m having the best time of my life. I don’t ever want this day to end, but when it does, I want to end it with you.” She peered up at him with her big green eyes, and gave him a breathtaking smile. They spent the rest of the evening dancing, kissing, laughing and enjoying the company of their friends and family.

Ginny cried when Mat and Leighton left, hugging and kissing goodbyes. Leighton wasn’t allowed to fly, so they’d be making a road trip to the beach for a week away from New York. They stood waving goodbye on the front steps of the venue, waiting until the car was out of sight around the corner before Beau turned to her and gripped her hand.

“You look beautiful. I forgot to say that earlier.”

She smiled and shrugged “It’s okay you don’t have to.”

“I do and I should. You should always be told that your beautiful. And if you let me, I’ll tell you everyday.”

Ginny’s heart and stomach were both fluttering as he reached forward and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Take me home Beau.”

“My place or yours?”

“Doesn’t matter. As long as I’m with you.”

***********

2 months later there was a soft knock at Mat and Leighton’s door before the handle turned.

“Hello?” Mat and Leighton’s front door opened and they both turned smiling when Ginny poked her head in and grinned widely. She took a step forward, Beau following behind.

“Hi new family.” She said softly. Mat stood to hug them, and Ginny leaned down to kiss Leighton on the top of her head, before she sat down next to her.

“Hi beautiful girl.” She whispered to the tiny new baby in Leighton’s arms. Ginny bit her lip, eyes getting glassy as she let her hand slide over the fabric of the blanket she was wrapped in, fingers tracing the embroidered letters that spelled Lucy in pink thread.

“She’s so perfect.” Ginny continued. She looked at Leighton and smiled softly “How does it feel best friend? To be the girl who got everything she ever wanted?”

Leighton looked at Lucy thought for a moment before she turned back to her “Just like I’ve always dreamed.” Ginny touched her cheek and Leighton closed her eyes. Lucy started to wake up, cooing and moving around.

“Okay hand her over.” Ginny said pushing her hair over her shoulder and making grabby hands. Leighton laughed and carefully handed her to Ginny.

“Hi baby. You are the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen, and I am gonna spoil you Lucy Barzal.” She said smiling down at her.

Leighton’s eyes drifted to Mat and Beau before she spoke “Lucy Virginia Barzal.”

Ginny looked up, tears clouding her eyes “Really?” She whispered.

Leighton nodded with a tiny smile “I want her to be a great person. And I can’t think of a better person to share a name with.”

Ginny let a tear rolled down her cheek and then chuckled “Well it is a great name.” Ginny looked at Beau and smiled. Seeing her holding a baby did something for him, and he knew in that moment that he was going to do whatever he could to spend the rest of his life with her. He would give her the world and more. She was his soulmate, something he thought he’d never find, and someone who’d been there for so long.

He’d never believed in Love until he’d seen a beautiful story unfold before his eyes. He was ready now to start their story.

“Congrats buddy.” He said to Mat who was watching Leighton, Lucy and Ginny with a dreamy lovesick smile “You finally made it.”

“Not without you I wouldn’t have. It’s indescribable…the way I feel. I hope you get to feel it one day.”

He looked at Ginny again and smiled very softly “I will.”

[cleverqueencommander]

So I wrote a happy ending for Harriet Hook x Anthony Tremaine and Ginny:

June 30, 20xx, 9:45 A.M.

Ginny and Cheerful made it at the hospital in time to visit her friends, but first she had to go to the receptionist.

“Good morning,” Ginny greeted politely while out of breath as she drummed her fingers softly on the countertop.

The receptionist looked up at Ginny and smiled softly. “Good morning miss! How can I help you?”

“Do you know where’s Harriet Tremaine’s room? I’m her sister and I want to visit,” Ginny replied, silently hoping the receptionist could accept her fake identity.

“Of course,” the receptionist said as she jot something on a paper before tearing it and gave it to Ginny, to which she heave a sigh of relief.

“Thank you.”

“Just a little warning though,” the receptionist began, causing Ginny and Cheerful to be anxious. “Visiting hours are limited.”

The curly haired young woman nodded in understanding before leaving the reception area.

..

It didn’t take long for Ginny and Cheerful to find Harriet’s room and went in to see Harriet and Anthony smiling from ear to ear.

“It takes you long enough to come,” Harriet commented, sounding slightly tired.

“It’s only like 5 minutes, Harriet,” Ginny told her.

“I’m just messing with ya. Now, come meet this little pirate.”

Ginny and Cheerful went over Harriet’s bed so that they could see the small bundle in Harriet’s arms.

“Aw, he’s adorable!” Ginny cooed as she clapped.

Anthony arched a brow. “He?”

“Huh?”

Harriet chuckled softly. “It’s a girl, Gin.”

Ginny’s eyes widened in shock. “Oh! I’m so sorry! I didn’t realize.”

“Eh, it’s fine,” Anthony reassured his friend. “I thought the baby was going to be a boy too.”

“So have thought of a name to give her?” Cheerful asked. “By the way, your daughter is adorable.”

“Thanks! So Tony and I kind of had a debate on what we should name our daughter and we came to a conclusion: Annalise Anaïs Hook Tremaine,” Harriet declared as she adjusted herself on her bed while holding the newborn.

“Anaïs?” Ginny said, amused. “That’s a fancy middle name.”

“Well, I chose that name because I want my daughter to be noble,” Anthony said proudly. “After all, she’s a Hook and Tremaine.”

“And she’s gonna be fancy like her dad. I just hope she’s not gonna be snobby,” Harriet joked, making Anthony rolled his eyes playfully.

“Or a diehard whiskey lover.”

As she heard this from her husband, Harriet scoffed.

“That’s really nice!” Said Cheerful. “I can totally see that on her. The baby that is.”

“Anyway, enough about us, what about the two of you?” Harriet asked. “Anything new?”

Ginny smiled. “Well because of the baby and all, we kind of got caught up but we’re engaged!” She lets out a tiny squeal, not wanting to wake up sleeping Annalise.

Harriet’s eyes lit up. “I knew it! Lemme see your ring.”

“I’m surprised that you two aren’t married already,” Anthony said dryly.

“And I’m surprised that you marry Harriet and had a baby with her,” Ginny retorted with a smirk. “I’d never thought I’d see you two end up like this.”

Anthony blushed. Ginny had got him. “Touché.”

Ginny smirked again as she showed her friend her engagement ring. It was a simple yet beautiful silver ring with a minty green diamond encrusted in the center with two smaller diamonds on each sides of the main diamond.

Harriet gasped softly at the ring. “Oh my gosh, it’s beautiful, Gin!”

Ginny giggled. “Thank you. After all, I’m marrying a guy whose dad is a miner,” she looked up at her fiancé lovingly and Cheerful in turn returned the gesture before wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

“Congrats, you too! So when you guys got engaged?” Anthony questioned, eyeing the two.

“Today, shortly before you called us,” Cheerful answered.

“So I guess it’s a good day then,” Harriet said as she checked on Annalise, who was still sleeping in her mother’s arms. “You two are engaged and us are new parents to Annalise here. Coincidence, isn’t it?”

Ginny smiled. “I guess so. After all, June is considered a wedding month, so yeah.”

Ginny and her fiancé stayed with the new parents for a couple more minutes until Harriet’s siblings and Dizzy along with Uma came to see the newest member of the Hook-Tremaine family.

Not only Ginny and Cheerful were the only ones who were engaged, Uma and Harry as well, which came as a shock to everyone.

But nonetheless, today was a good day.

[xxdumbblondexx]

---Additional Learning Support---

5 - Only if I get to push you Infront of a car.

Master List --- Next --- Previous

You arrive at the pub to be greeted by a dark haired guy, standing behind the bar chatting and laughing with patrons. It’s lively and warm inside and still, you feel unexpectedly nervous.

He smiled at you, before stepping closer, one eye covered by his long hair. “Are you here for the interview?”

“Yep.” You almost chocked on the words in your throat.

“Well our boss has already spoken to your dad and said we’ll give you a trial period.” “And that means?”

“It means you start today. We’ll train you for two weeks and then depending on your performance and your opinion, you can properly start working.”

“Yeah, still not understanding any of it.” He laughed, almost like it was the funniest thing he had ever heard. It twigged on your last nerve and you wondered if you could even quit this early on.

“Come on in, I'll introduce you to everyone.” he kicked the door of the bar open, before creating a grand gesture of welcoming you in.

……

The shift was somehow more fun than you thought it would be. You get to know most of the servers there and even learn their names.

They also seemed to all go to your school and all knew your brother which seemed like it would backfire massively. But as soon as you provided them with ammo, you were all besties. Or so you’d like to think.

As you stood in the kitchen, shining cutlery, Kaeya, the first guy you met, stood with you.

“Alright, pop quiz. If I ask for a larger top it is…”

“A pint of larger with a little bit of lemonade in the top.”

“Good, and a shandy?”

“Ale or larger, half filled with lemonade.” “Good!” He grinned, even clapping his hands a little.

You had learned to tolerate him and his teasing. Anyway, with older siblings, you were used to teasing. It was endearing in the most annoying way possible.

“[name]!” Called a person from the kitchen door. You turned to find Amber, another barmaid stood there with a burning grin. “There's a guy here for you. Said he was gonna meet you.”

And you completely forgot about that. For fuck sake.

You left the kitchen to find Heizou sitting at the bar with the hood of his jumper up and texting on his phone.

You felt unnaturally anxious as you stepped closer, like you’d swallowed a rock that now clogged up your throat. But it was too late to run away as his eyes shot to you and an overly confident smile met his lips.

“That uniform looks good on you.” Was the first thing he said.

“Gross. Can I have my id card?”

Something about his gaze made your skin crawl and palms sweat. It wasn’t intense or anything, yet still made your chest tighten.

Maybe it was something to do with not having many boys in your life apart from those genetically related to you. Childe had a talent for scaring away any guys that looked your way and he definitely put it into practice countless times.

But strangely enough, part of you wished he would now, even when you hated when he did.

“Nah, not yet. You said you’d have a drink with me.” He stuck his hands in his hoodie pockets as he reclined over the bar stool.

“No, I said that sounded like hell. Anyway, even if I wanted, neither of us could get served.”

But just as that sentence left your lips, Lisa— another barmaid —placed two pint glasses onto the bar.

“Here you go, cuties.” She grinned before stepping back to serve someone else.

“You were saying?” The tease in his voice made you want to make him wear that drink he nonchalantly took a sip of.

Instead a sigh left your lips as you threw yourself into the bar stool next to him.

“Fine but only one. My parents want me home.”

“Want me to walk you back?” His suggestion only made your heart more tense as you scoffed out a breath.

“Only if I get to push you in front of a car on the way.”

The smile was back on his face. It was a Cheshire Cat like grin that mocked you from its place on his lips.

“You can try.”

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

Hiyaaa,

Working as a bar maid is quite a fun job, ngl. I have such a love hate relationship with my job. Being there until 1 am on some nights is definitely a hate. As well as not being able to close early when its dead since my boss doesn't want to upset the regulars. But i do like the regulars, their all so nice and one of them always calls me their grand daughter soooo.

If your wondering what's a larger and what's a ale, in layman's terms (My terms since idk what the difference in depth) larger is the carbonated bear such as Fosters or Heineken meanwhile Ale's aren't usually, such as Courage or Hobgoblin.

Remember to have your say [HERE]

Thanks for reading x

[athena-writes-i-guess]

Mixtape - Part 2 - Will You Stay Tonight?

Series Summary: You’ve just moved from Los Angeles to Hawkins to finish your senior year and you meet Eddie Munson, who offers to help you find a place in your new school.

Chapter Summary: This is part 2, Eddie comes to your house for the first time and meets your family and stays the night.

Part 1

Masterlist

Pairing: Eddie Munson X Fem!Reader

Genre: Fluff mostly, slow burn 

Warnings: Language, anxious thoughts, insecurities

Word Count: 5.4K

Author’s Note: Hello! So I didn’t know if I would make a part 2 of this but the ideas just kept pouring out of me. So I guess this is now a slow burn series?  

¯\_ (ツ)_/¯ 

I really liked writing this one so I hope you enjoy it. 

Likes, reblogs, comments are always welcome!

Friday, Nov 1, 1985

It had been just about 2 weeks since you had met Eddie and started at Hawkins. Since then, you had met the Hellfire Club and already had played in 2 campaigns, your character becoming a strong asset for the party which earned you a spot amongst the group. 

Eddie had learned more about you. He learned that you moved here so you and your parents could take care of your grandma as her health was failing her. And that your parents had grown up here and were high school sweethearts, moving out of Hawkins as soon as they graduated to move to LA. And you learned about him too, he shared the fact that he was repeating his senior year again, but informed you that he was going to make this his year and graduate. You learned he lived with his uncle and a little about his home life. 

Eddie had also insisted on taking you around town, showing you his favorite spots. He had taken you to the arcade and saw your pinball skills in action. You definitely kicked his ass. And you had seen his band play at the Hideout. Had burgers at his favorite spot. You two seemed to be together all the time now.

Eddie was smitten. He didn’t know what to do. You were on his mind constantly. Less than 2 weeks ago he didn’t know you, and now he found himself sitting in his van parked out front of your house drumming his hands on his steering wheel in anxiety to the mixtape you gave him 3 days ago. Normally you all would have just gotten out of Hellfire as it was Friday, but Eddie had moved this week’s game to Thursday for a special, spooky Halloween session. Tonight he had gone to the Family Video and rented some horror movies as a late Halloween watch, and had been passing your house on the way to his trailer when he saw you reading in the window from the street, your hair making it obvious it was you.

He was going back and forth on whether he asked you to sneak out to come watch at his place. Not knowing if you wanted his company tonight. He would normally call first to see if you were busy but he didn’t do that tonight. Now he wasn’t sure what to do, he wanted to spend time with you but didn’t want to force himself on you either.

Making up his mind, Eddie jumped out of his van and walked up to your first floor window. He tapped lightly, hoping not to startle you too much as your back was turned. He saw you jump slightly before you turned to find the noise, watching your expression turn from confusion to excitement when you saw him standing there.

“Hey doll,” Eddie smiled after you opened your window to speak with him. 

“Hi Eddie, what are you doing out there?” You said, returning a smile of your own. 

“I wanted to see if you wanted to sneak out and come to my place? I rented some horror movies if you wanna come watch with me.” He said, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. He watched your smile falter for just a moment and tried not to show his disappointment. 

“Oh, I’m sorry, I can’t come out tonight Eddie. My dad works nights usually but he had today off and wanted to hang out with us.” You said softly.

Eddie was about to tell you that it was no problem and run away back to his trailer in embarrassment when you cut him off. 

“But, we can watch here if you don’t mind hanging at my place instead?” You asked hopefully. 

Eddie nodded his head with a large smile, “Need help opening the window?” 

He then tilted his head in confusion as you giggled, “No, you don’t need to sneak in Eddie. Come to the front door.” You stated sweetly, closing the window on him before he could respond. 

Eddie played with a ring on his finger as he walked back to his van to get the movies for the night. Saying he was nervous was an understatement. He had been to girls' houses before, girls that were too embarrassed to say they were dating him at school and chose to only see him at night. They would sneak him in through their window and hide him in the closet if there was a noise. So this was uncharted territory for him. Meeting the parents of a girl he liked? Unheard of. 

What if they hated him and made you stop hanging out? Would you? Or would you then have to start sneaking around with him too to stay friends? What if your parents wanted more for you than friendship with a 3 time super senior from a trailer park?

He tried to push down his nerves and keep his hand from shaking as he knocked on your door. Bouncing on his toes as he waited. A kind looking blonde woman in an apron and dress opened the door with a smile, “Hello, how may I help you?” 

“Oh um-“ He started, eyes wide.

“It’s for me mom!” Eddie heard you call as you bounced up to the door. He took in your appearance as you walked up, more casual than he had ever seen you. You were in an oversized black sweatshirt and short cotton shorts, the tattoos on your legs visible to Eddie for the first time since seeing them in the photos of you from the beach. Oh how he loved seeing you like this, he loved seeing you in anything, but there was something so cute about how the sweater swallowed your hands and almost covered your shorts that Eddie loved. 

“Mom, this is Eddie. Eddie, this is my mom, Maggie.” You said, gesturing for Eddie to come inside as he sent your mother a small wave. “Eddie wanted to watch some movies with me, it’s okay if he stays for dinner, right?” 

Eddie watched your mother’s expression very carefully, trying to see any disappointment. But he found none as she reached her arms out to him in a welcoming hug. “Not at all sweetie. Oh, Eddie it’s so nice to finally meet you, Y/N talks about you all the time.” She said kindly, a bright smile on her face. 

“Mom.” You groaned lightly, trying to keep the color from rising to your face as you closed the door behind your friend. 

“What? You do, honey. That’s just a fact.” Eddie heard a man’s voice say with a laugh. 

Eddie watched as a man with dark hair came up to you and your mother, dressed like an old rocker, complete with the same style of Led Zeppelin shirt Eddie first saw you in.

“Hey son, name’s Roger. I’m Y/N’s dad. It’s nice to finally meet you, like Maggie said, Y/N talks about you all the time.” He said with a teasing smile directed at you. Eddie watched you roll your eyes and groan again as you fidgeted with your ring.

“It’s nice to meet you both.” Eddie said, still nervous, but suddenly less so with how friendly your parents were being. 

“What movies did you bring Eddie?” Your mother asked, leading the group into the small dining room. 

“Oh, I brought Evil Dead and Nightmare on Elm Street.” Eddie said, holding up the movies. 

“Ah horror movies, you gonna be okay with that pumpkin?” Your father joked, taking his seat next to your mother, giving you another teasing look. 

“Yes.” You said quickly, “I’ll be more than fine. I’m gonna go get grandma for dinner.”

Eddie shot you both a confused look as you hurried out of the room and down a hall.

“Y/N usually gets scared during horror movies.” Your mother stated quietly to the metalhead, gesturing to him to take a seat across from her before going to get a new plate for him.

Eddie nodded his head as he took his seat and your mother began dishing out dinner, he didn’t know that about you. Why did you agree to watch horror movies if they make you scared? 

He didn’t have long to think about it as you came out pushing your grandmother in a wheelchair to the head of the dinner table with you and your father on either side. 

“Eddie, this is my grandma Elizabeth. Grandma, this is Eddie.” You introduced as you took your seat next to Eddie. 

“Hello ma’am.” Eddie said politely. 

“Hello dear, you must be the boy my darling Y/N keeps talking about.” Your grandmother said kindly with a wrinkled smile.

Eddie tried to fight back his grin as he could see the small blush on your cheeks now as you took a bite of your dinner.

“Thank you for having me, I know I just dropped by.” He said awkwardly.

“Not at all dear, I’m happy to see this old house have some company!” Your grandmother said happily. “Can you tell me a little bit about yourself Eddie? Did you grow up here?” 

“Uh, yeah-yes- I did. Been here my whole life, and my parents were here their whole lives too, they’re gone, but I-uh- live with my uncle.” Eddie answered before taking a bite.

“May I ask for your last name? I used to teach at Hawkins Elementary a long long time ago, maybe I had them?” She asked curiously.

“Our last name is Munson.” He told, anxious now with his family’s reputation. 

“Oh I remember your father and uncle very well.” Your grandma said with a kind smile. “They used to get in a little trouble but they were sweet boys.” 

Eddie let out the small breath he had been holding in relief. 

“I remember your dad and uncle too.” Your father agreed. “They were good guys, how is Wayne?” 

“Oh, he’s good. He works nights at the plant so we only see eachother a couple times a week.” Eddie said. 

“Well tell him I said hi when you see him, not sure if he’ll remember me much.” Your dad laughed. 

~

Dinner went on much the same, your family asking Eddie questions and him responding, mixed with your family telling as many stories from your childhood as they could with embarrassed groans from you. The metalhead was surprised with how nice the dinner was going. He was sure the first time he met a girls parents that they would hate him. But your family seemed to genuinely like Eddie, they asked him follow up questions and seemed to actually care about the answer. Before long, everyone had finished dinner and Eddie was helping you clear the table, shooting you a sweet smile as he did. 

“Eddie?” Your father said, catching both of your attentions. Eddie gulped anxiously. “Would you say that you’re good at video games?”

“Oh, oh yeah, I think I’m pretty good at Dragon's Lair at the arcade.” He responded, relieved the question wasn’t worse than that. 

“Good, well, I have a surprise for you Y/N, but I am really glad you’re here for this Eddie.” Your father said, excitedly leading you both into the living room. 

You and Eddie shared a quizzical look between yourselves as you followed him, sitting on the couch when he gestured. 

“Pumpkin, remember that trip I took right when we got here?” You nodded, “Well, while I was in New York I was able to snag something very special during a limited release.” He then pulled out a black box with red lettering and the picture of a game console on it. “I was able to get us a Nintendo Entertainment System, with that Mario Brothers game.” Your father finished proudly.

“Dad, holy shit, are you serious? These haven’t even been officially released!” You exclaimed, reaching out and taking the box.

“Hey I know a guy!” Your father exclaimed, “So I’m really happy you’re here Eddie because I’m no good at these games and Y/N needs a partner for this Mario game. That way the wife and I can watch you two play instead of Y/N yelling at us when we suck.” 

“Well, you have to get better somehow, pops.” You sighed dramatically, causing Eddie to laugh next to you. 

It took you and Eddie a few minutes of teamwork to set up the system and get the game launched, but eventually you both were sitting in front of the TV, controllers in hand, watching the opening of Super Mario Brothers for the first time. 

“Be sure to keep up, Munson.” You said confidently, smirking at the brunette.

“Oh, don’t worry about me, L/N, you’ll be the one needing to keep up with me.” He shot back with a wink and smirk of his own. 

“Kids, it’s a cooperative game, you don’t need to make it a competition.” Your dad said with a chuckle from his spot on the couch with your mom.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever old man.” You said playfully as you started the game.

The living room was filled with noise; the noise of the game, yours and Eddie’s competitive banter, and your parents' words of excitement and encouragement as you raced through each stage. Eddie and you worked together and after not too long you both were able to get through the game, not without racing each other through the stages at each chance though. You were fighting the final boss together when Eddie was able to get the final blow before you both saved the princess. You looked at Eddie, who sent you back a teasing smirk. “Guess I win.” 

You rolled your eyes dramatically before pushing him to the ground playfully, “We both won you dork.” 

“Yeah, but I like super won, you know, doll?” He said as he recovered and helped you put the controller and console away. 

“Oh whatever, it’ll be me next time just you watch.” You said standing up, extending a hand to Eddie to help him up as well. 

“Well, I think you both did so well!” Your mother exclaimed. “Are you kids going to watch your movies now?”

Eddie looked at the clock on the wall, it was already past 10 and your parents were asking if you were going to start 2 feature length movies now? He could have sworn they were going to ask him to leave since it was getting so late. He then looked at you, seeing you nod your head.

“Yeah, lets head to my room, we can watch there. See you later.” You said before leading Eddie out of the living room and down the hall and to your bedroom. The metalhead sent a small wave to your parents as he followed you further into the house.

~ 

You tried to push down your nerves as you opened the door to your room and ushered Eddie in. The guy of your dreams, the one you had quickly developed a crush on over the last two weeks, was about to be in your room. It’s not the first time you and Eddie had been alone, obviously, but that never stops the butterflies from erupting in your stomach whenever you are. Especially when he sends you that heart stopping smile of his, the one seemingly only reserved for you. 

You watched Eddie investigate your room as you shut the door. It was obvious that you were still moving in a bit with a few moving boxes you hadn’t unpacked, but Eddie looked around curiously at the items you did take out.

You had a few posters up, your bed in the center of your wall and your tv in facing it, you had your bass guitar on a stand in the corner by your bay window, a cork board full of pictures of your friends back home above your desk, and an easel with a painting still being worked on in another corner.

Eddie made his way to the easel and looked at the painting you were working on. It seemed to be a scene from the Halloween campaign that Hellfire had the night before. It had all of the members' characters engaged in a battle, each one looking like the person who plays them, and Eddie as the boss of the battle, the Vampire King. 

You watched that smile you love grow on his face as he saw the painting, “You did this all last night?” He asked not hiding the awe in his voice. 

“Mostly, I worked on some of it when I got home today too. It’s not done yet.” You said quickly, you were always so critical of your artwork. 

“It’s great so far, doll. I can’t wait to see when it’s done. We’ll have to hang it up for Hellfire, if you're okay with that. The guys will flip, seeing themselves as their characters.” Eddie exclaimed before his eyes fell on the shirt hanging off your desk chair. “Speaking of Hellfire.”

He walked up to the item and held up your new Hellfire shirt. “You finished it?” He stated more than asked.

“Yeah, it just finished drying last night.” You smiled.

“I can’t believe you got me to agree to let you make it a crop top.” He scoffed playfully, putting it back down. 

“What can I say, I’m incredibly charming, Eddie.” You stated jokingly as you walked up to get the TV ready. “Which movie should we watch first?” 

“You haven’t seen either?” He asked as he brought the tapes over to you. You shook your head. “Let’s start with Evil Dead, it’s much tamer than Nightmare and I heard someone gets scared during horror movies.” He finished with a teasing smirk.

“I just haven’t watched that many, I guess.” You admitted with a slight flush. “My parents tried to show me The Exorcist when I was a kid and I think it scarred me towards horror movies.” 

You hadn’t noticed that you had started fidgeting with your ring again as you spoke. Your hands betraying your nerves. Eddie took one of your hands gently in his and gave it a soft squeeze. 

“We don’t have to watch them, sweetheart.” He said, not wanting to push your boundaries. He would be happy watching old reruns off the TV if it meant that he could just spend more time here with you. 

You felt your heart thump erratically at the new pet name, head swimming with racing thoughts at what that could mean. You shook your head lightly to clear the intrusive thoughts. Eddie was just that kind of guy, the one to throw around names like that without more meaning behind them it seemed. Or at least that’s what you told yourself, not believing that someone like him would like you the same way as you did. 

“No, we can watch them. I..I want to try.” You said, trying to sound confident. 

“Okay, dolly. But let me know if you get too scared or want to stop, okay?” He said with a soft smile and another squeeze to your hand as you nodded up at him with a small smile of your own. “If it makes you less nervous, I don’t think either of these movies are all that scary. Evil Dead is actually pretty funny when you get past the gore.” 

You sent him an even larger smile at his words, thankful that he was trying to ease our mind. “I’m holding you to that Munson.” You laughed lightly, returning the squeeze before taking your hand from Eddie and putting the movie in the VCR.

Eddie turned back to your desk, taking off his vest and jacket in the process to hang on your chair. He looked at the scattered cassette tapes that littered the surface next to your stereo. You must have been working on another mixtape earlier. He looked at the titles, wanting to know what names you had chosen for them. His smile grew as he read “Radio Trash”, “Shitty Love Songs Vol 6”, and “Ready to Cry?”, he paused, finding one labeled “E.M.” with a small doodle of him. 

He was confused, you had already given him his tape. Somehow you had picked his favorite songs without him telling you, making a perfect mix for his drives around town. You had even added L.O.V.E. Machine after he told you it was now one of his favorites because of you. You had labeled it “You’re Stuck With Me Now” with a small drawing of you with your tongue out, flipping him off. He remembered laughing when you had given it to him before class the other day. So what was this?

He picked it up, showing it to you, “Hey Y/N? What’s this one?” 

You read the title and felt your eyes go wide, “Oh, it was my first attempt, I-uh-messed it up and had to start over.” You weren’t totally lying to Eddie. You had made the entire tape, picking songs that made you think of him, but while listening to it back you had found that you had filled the tape with love songs. So you made a new one and gave him that one instead. You now listened to this one when you painted or wanted to smile. 

“What happened?”

Shit. Now you would have to lie. “I accidentally taped over the ending of L.O.V.E. Machine and that was just unacceptable.” You smiled, earning you one in return from the man. 

“Yeah that would have been, good call sweetheart.” He beamed, putting the tape back on the desk. Missing the sigh of relief you let out behind his back. He then let his eyes wander over the items on your cork board; there were photos of your friends, Polaroids from your trip across the country to Hawkins, a flier from the biggest gig your band had, a ticket from Black Sabbath’s 1980 Heaven & Hell Tour, and finally a postcard. Eddie looked at the postcard closely, he knew where that was from. His eyes quickly scanned your room before landing on the item he was looking for. Your denim jacket. The sky in the painting on your jacket was the same as the sky in the postcard. 

“Starry Night - Vincent Van Gogh - Museum of Modern Art” He read in the bottom corner.

“It’s my mom's favorite.” You said softly next to Eddie. “We went last year so she could see it in person.” 

“You painted the sky on your jacket for her?” He asked, turning to look at you. He noticed the sweet look on your face. 

“Let’s just say, Echo isn’t only based on Aragorn.” You said with a grin, mentioning your long time D&D character, you chuckled as Eddie furrowed his brows in confusion. Grabbing his hand, you led him to your bed so you could start the movie. You both got situated, sitting up against the headboard, before you started playing with the rings on Eddie’s hand you were still holding. He was thankful you didn’t seem to notice his quick pulse under your soft fingers.  

“Remember I told you that my parents were on the road a lot when I was a kid and that’s why I started school late?” You asked. Eddie nodded. “I don’t tell people a lot what he was doing because everyone always says I was lying, but my dad was a roadie for a small local band in L.A. and he and my mom followed them all over the country their first couple years as they toured with larger bands. That’s how I got to meet Jim Morrison when I was 4.” You said with a chuckle.

“Shit. Really?” Eddie said in amazement. 

“I swear. You can even ask my dad!” You laughed. “But while dad was working, mom and I were at the hotel every night. Just me and her. She’s the one who taught me how to draw and paint. She’s the one who read The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings to me for the first time and encouraged me to be creative. She had a hard life growing up and was always worried she’d be a bad mom. But she’s my hero. I hope I can make her as proud of me as I am to be her child.” You finished quietly. 

Eddie felt his heart clench at your words, not believing that you trusted him enough to be vulnerable with him like this. He took the hand you had and twisted it so he could hold your hand, lacing his fingers with yours. You liked the calming pressure that came with those rings pressed against your skin. “I know that all 3 of those people out there are proud of you, dolly. Have you seen the way they talk about you?” He reassured, with a squeeze of his hand. You let out a soft chuckle and nodded your head. “Good, now let’s start this movie, okay, sweetheart?”

“Yeah, let’s do that.” You said grabbing the remote from your end table and pressing play. You squeezed Eddie’s hand again as the movie started. “Thank you, Eddie.” You added quietly. 

Squeeze.

~

It was just about 2 am currently and you had both finished the movies and were watching a rerun of The Twilight Zone. You had made it through both movies with minimal fear. And just like Eddie had said, once you got past the gore in Evil Dead you were laughing right along with the man to all the corny special effects. The only time Eddie really seemed to notice you being scared was during the bathtub scene in Nightmare on Elm Street. He could feel you squeezing his hand and burying your head lightly into his shoulder nervously during the entire sequence of the character almost drowning. And even though he didn’t want you to be scared, he had relished in the physical contact and returned the pressure on your hand in comfort. 

You both had slid down the headboard into laying positions on the bed as you sleepily watched the show, hands still joined. Eddie was going back and forth in his mind if he stayed or left, not knowing if he was overstaying his welcome with you. 

About halfway through Evil Dead, your parents dropped by the room to say goodnight and had told Eddie that if it got too late he was more than welcome to stay the night. He had been shocked. They just didn’t care if he slept in your room with you? A guy they had just met a few hours ago? You were right that first day, you really do have cool parents. 

Eddie stirred, moving to let go of your hand and get ready to leave, worried that you wouldn’t want him to stay anymore, when he felt you grip onto his hand a little stronger. You moved your head to the side to look at him, eyes wide, nervous. 

“Will you stay tonight, Eddie?” You rolled to your side to look at him better, tentatively putting your other hand on his forearm above where your hands were joined. “Don’t want Freddie to get me.” You added with a soft smile. 

You weren’t actually scared of the movie, or of having a bad dream from it. You just wanted to stay with Eddie as long as you could, even if you were both asleep during it. You didn’t want to have to let go of his hand, not knowing the next time you would get to hold it again. You wanted to stay like this with him forever if you could. 

Eddie moved to his side as well, facing you fully. He took his free hand and pushed some hair that had fallen forward behind your ear. Letting his hand then settle on your upper arm. “You need me to stay, dolly?” He said gently, almost teasingly. 

“Please?” You ask, searching his big brown eyes. 

A large smile broke on the metalheads face, “Of course I will. Gotta protect my favorite girl.” He said before letting go of your hand and pulling you into a soft embrace. 

This was not the first time you had hugged Eddie, he had found pretty early that you were an affectionate friend. But this was certainly the most intimate you had thus far. You and Eddie laid there holding each other, both basking in the joy of being in each other’s arms. Eddie breathed in the smell of your shampoo. Strawberries. It was intoxicating. He could feel you gripping onto the back of his shirt, keeping him close. And you felt his hands rubbing up and down your back soothingly. Both of you hoping the other couldn’t tell how fast your hearts were racing. 

After a few minutes of this, you reluctantly pulled away from Eddie. “Would you like some pajama pants? I think I have a pair that will fit you.” You asked sweetly.

“That sounds great.” He smiled down at you, dimples on full display.

You crawled out of bed and to your closet, pulling a pair of plaid sleep pants from a drawer you had in there before tossing them at Eddie with a teasing smirk. “I’m going to go brush my teeth while you change.” You said before leaving the room and heading down the hall to the bathroom. 

When you got in the room, you quickly tossed some cold water on your face after shutting the door, trying to calm your nerves. You had basically just begged your crush to stay in your bed tonight. What were you thinking? What if he had wanted to go because he was tired with you and now he was forced to stay here because you begged him? Oh this was bad. 

These thoughts flooded your mind as you dried your face and brushed your teeth. Unbeknownst to you, Eddie’s head was flooded with thoughts too. Only his were of intense excitement that you had asked him to stay. You, the girl of his dreams. The girl who could kick his ass any day at pinball. The girl who rallied your party to defeat his big boss in your D&D game the night before. The girl who was already defending him at school. The girl who made his heart beat out of his chest when you smiled at him. You asked him to stay the night in your bed. He was on Cloud 9. 

Eddie changed quickly out of his black jeans into the sleep pants, they just fit his long legs, he also opted to sleep without his shirt as he always got hot when he slept and didn’t want to wake you up with him all sweaty. He was already under the covers on the far side of the bed when you walked back in the room with a soft knock. You had taken off your sweater and were now in a tank top and your shorts. The tattoos on your arms and chest now visible to him. Curves on display. God you were beautiful.

“You don’t mind if I have the radio on while we sleep do you? I can’t sleep in silence very well.” You asked, gesturing to your stereo on the desk. 

“Not at all, I like to do that too.” He smiled back at you. You clicked the power button and a local late night radio station started playing through the speakers. You turned off the TV and light as you got situated under the covers with Eddie. Now facing him on your side in the dark as the radio host introduced the next song. 

“You’re sure you’re okay with staying right Eddie?” You couldn’t help asking. 

Eddie took your hand in his again, “I promise I want to stay sweetheart.” He said, you could just make out his sweet smile in the moonlight coming from the window. 

You beamed, “Good, because I like having you here.” 

“Me too dolly, me too.” He sighed sleepily. “Good night, beautiful.” He said with a squeeze of his hand, seeming to have no intention of letting go. 

“Good night, Eddie.” You said dreamily back. You both fell into silence as the room filled with the music of All Through the Night by Cyndi Lauper from the radio, pulling you both into a peaceful sleep, hand in hand.

“All through the night

I'll be awake and I'll be with you

All through the night

This precious time when time is new

Oh

All through the night today

Knowin' that we feel the same without sayin'

We have no past, we won't reach back

Keep with me forward all through the night

And once we start, the meter clicks

And it goes running all through the night

Until it ends, there is no end”

[freakbabyy]

see you in hell

chapter two

eddie munson x reader, steve harrington x reader, billy hargrove x reader

cross posted on AO3

98 weeks left :)

“Good morning my honey-bees!” Mom’s voice rang through the early morning air.

Dustin and I had both muttered a good morning in response, not entirely sure how she had so much energy, let alone enough to make a whole buffet of breakfast. We had both begun eating, mom joined us after setting down a fresh plate of bacon, which Dustin attacked.

“Any plans today, kids?”

Dustin began explaining something about the DnD campaign, mentioning how they were playing in Mike’s basement again. They were at Will’s yesterday, and Lucas’ the day before that. I had taken a liking to staying in my room while reading a book, practicing the guitar, or talking to dad on the phone.

“Y/N, honey, why don’t you go with him? You can hang out with Nancy, Karen had said that she was going school shopping before it started next week. How about it?”

“I dunno, mom. I don’t want to intrude on her day, especially if she’s meeting her friends there. I don’t mind staying home.”

“Y/N… I don’t like the fact that you’ve been staying home the entire time since you’ve arrived. Plus, Nancy was the one to bring it up. She’s excited actually.”

I poked my eggs with my fork, thinking, before glancing at Dustin, who looked hopeful, and sighed.

“Alright, I’ll go. Just this once, though.”

Mom smiled before clapping excitedly, taking Dustin’s plate, which he had cleaned of food, before grabbing my empty one, too.

“Go, get ready. Dustin, don’t forget to brush your teeth!”

“I don’t understand why I have to. It’s not like there’s any teeth to brush.” Dustin grumbled, before walking into the bathroom.

Walking back into my room, and shutting the door, I headed to my dresser, before grabbing out an outfit. I wasn’t sure where they were going shopping, let alone if we were walking, so I had thrown on something light. 

“Good morning, Galadriel!”

I had grabbed some dried banana slices to put in her cage on top of her fresh hay, before pulling my shoes on and grabbing some money dad had given me, before walking to the bathroom, seeing it now vacant. I quickly brushed my hair and teeth, before applying deodorant and making my way to the living room.

“All ready?” 

I nodded to Dustin, both of us making our way to the Wheeler’s house. I had the way memorized by now, after all the times I had to go get Dustin when he had forgotten the time. 

“You know you can always hang out with the party, right? In case you haven’t noticed, we’re not really the popular kids, we wouldn’t mind.”

“Thanks, Dusty, I know. I just sometimes prefer being alone, you know? It’s what I grew up with, being homeschooled. Big crowds make me anxious, even if it’s just four or five people.”

“That’s okay. Everyone needs to be in their own company, sometimes, right?”

I smiled over at the curly haired gremlin, before messing up said hair, and pulling him into a side hug.

“You know you’re one smart kid, right? What did I do to get such a cool little brother?”

“Me? Cool? I think you need to look in a mirror, Y/N. I mean, who can say they’re fluent in another language, do karate, AND like video games?”

“Uh, I can.”

“Exactly my point! I wish dad had taught me another language!”

“I can always teach you, gremlin.” 

“Gremlin!?”

“I can also vouch that you are indeed a gremlin. I think the entire group is.”

We both looked over, seeing Nancy leaning against the car in the driveway. Nancy nodded towards the house,

“They’re all inside already. I’m just waiting for Barb to pick us up.”

I gave Dustin another side hug, before walking towards Nancy.

“Have fun, eat lots of junk food for me!”

Dustin smiled and nodded, running inside and shutting the door, before a car had pulled up. Inside was a girl with short curly red hair and big glasses. She was really pretty. Nancy walked over to the car, pulling me along beside her, before sliding in the front seat, and I slid in behind her.

“Barb, this is Dustin’s older sister, Y/N. Y/N, this is my best friend, Barbara, but we call her Barb.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Y/N. I love your shirt.”

“Oh, I didn’t think many people listened to Echo and the Bunnymen, thanks! I love your glasses.”

“Are you kidding, Nance and I love the song Rescue.”

The entire ride to the mall, which was in the next town over and took an hour to drive there, was full of listening to music, the two filling me in on what’s been happening around town, and what school is like.

The mall itself was huge, like, huge. The music playing over the loudspeakers were strictly pop songs, and the lights were so bright that I thought if I came here at night, I would be blinded.

“So, did you go to a lot of malls in Illinois?”  Barb asked, as we walked into a clothing store.

“No, I didn’t really go anywhere. My dad did, though. I usually stayed home.”

“What about with school? Did you hang out with friends?”

“I didn’t have any friends, and I was homeschooled. I was basically a hermit.”

Nancy and Barb were currently staring slack-jaw at me, as I looked through the clearance shirts.

“We didn’t mean to-”

“No, it’s alright. It’s not like I know any different. I’m actually kinda nervous around crowds, but with you guys I’m not as nervous.”

“Barb doesn’t like crowds, either, don’t feel bad.” Nancy offered, as Barb nodded.

“Yeah, and all the stuff Nancy likes are in stores that are full of teenage girls. It makes me kinda sick, actually.” Barb teased, as Nancy rolled her eyes.

“Hey, I go to the instrument stores with you, you can come with me to pick out cute bras!”

“You play an Instrument?” I asked Barb, hoping that she would also be in band.

“I play the clarinet, do you play?”

“I play the keyboard, I tried learning guitar but I wasn’t too good.”

“Hey, I can’t play an instrument to save my life. Don’t feel bad.” Nance nudged my arm as we made our way out of the store.

“So, I assume we all have different classes?”

We had all pulled out our class schedules, comparing them. I had math first, then band and English before lunch. After lunch it was chemistry and history. Study hall was my last period, which I was eternally grateful for having completed my language courses when I was homeschooled. 

“We all have English together. But I think that’s it.” 

“Well, do we want to split up and meet back up here at 2:30? That gives us about two hours to roam before meeting back up.” Nancy questioned, looking at her watch. 

“I’m fine with that.” I nodded, needing to get a new cassette anyway.

As much as I hated this crowded place, it was practical since it had every shop we needed to shop at for school. Plus, a music shop. I already had notebooks and stuff at home, so I figured I could just explore the mall.

The music shop had multiple instruments hanging from the wall, as well as some in display cases. Records and cassettes were on shelves lining the whole store, and I quickly realized this shop was mainly for the rock genre based on looking around and the lack of other genres.

“Are you lost?” A voice spoke up, as I turned around towards the counter.

“N-no.” Jesus, could I not stutter for one second with a new person?

“You look lost, doll. I could show you around if you want me to, hun.”

Who did this guy think he was? He wasn’t impressing anyone, not that there were many customers to begin with.

I walked to the cassettes, before looking through them and picking out one of the black sabbath ones. My old one had broken, thanks to Mews the other day. I was glad that the worker had left me alone, but it was short lived when another person decided to talk to me, causing my flight or fight to kick in.

“Hey, I wanted to apologize about Andy.” I turned around, meeting eyes with another teen, but she had lacked a uniform, instead wearing an outfit I could only describe as ‘preppy’. From the light pink sweater to the light gray skirt. 

“He can be a bit of an asshole, but sometimes he gives pretty girls like us discounts, thinking we’ll take him on a date.”

I nodded, skeptically. Should I pretend I didn’t speak English? Should I forget the cassette and just exit the store to look for Barb or Nancy? Should I try to make another friend?

“Why don’t you let me buy you that cassette as an apology on behalf of him?”

She nodded to my hand, which was clutching the cassette as if it would run away at any moment. I mean, she really didn’t have to do that, considering she wasn’t even the one who was being rude.

“Uh-”

“I insist, really.”

I didn’t trust my voice to try and talk, feeling and hearing my heartbeat in my ears. Despite the way she looked, her eyes looked kind and caring. The world was blurring together a bit, a sure sign of an oncoming panic attack. Oh god, did she think I was weird, just staring at her right now, heavily breathing?

“Are you alright?” She asked, brows furrowing as she took a step forward, her hand coming out as if I was about to fall over, to be fair I could have.

“Y-yeah.” I shook my head, putting the cassette on the counter, before she had put her own cassette on the counter, a Van Halen cassette, before putting some money on the counter, handing the cassette to me, pocketing her own and the money, and leading me out the door of the store.

“Are you sure you’re okay? You look like you might pass out on me.”

I sat on a bench overlooking the below stories of the mall, before putting my hands on the railing, leaning my head onto my arms.

“I’m okay, I just- I need a moment. I’m not good with people, I’ve never been around so many as I have today.” 

The girl had sat down beside me, before pulling a water bottle out of her purse, unscrewing the lid and offering it to me. I looked at the water bottle and back to her kind blue eyes, and took a small sip from the bottle.

“I don’t like crowds either, much. Which is kinda odd since I’m around them every Friday for over half a year.” She probably recognized the confusion in my eyes, as she elaborated. “I’m a cheerleader for the high school, so I go to all the football and basketball games.”

Weren’t cheerleaders supposed to be mean and scary according to all of the stereotypes in literally every movie?

“I’m Chrissy Cunningham,” She stuck her hand out, another smile gracing her angelic face, as I smiled a bit back, shaking her hand.

“Y/N Henderson. I’m sorry for freaking out earlier, I was homeschooled my whole life and was basically a hermit never leaving the house until recently. I just moved here from another state over.” 

“Welcome to Hawkins, Y/N. I moved here when middle school started, so I totally get what you’re going through. I’m a sophomore,”

“I’m a junior,” I was worried she wouldn’t want to hang out with an older student, who didn’t have any friends, but she quickly spoke up, a bit loudly, too.

“That’s alright! If I’m being honest I think you seem really cool and I’d love to be friends. I don’t really have many besides the cheer squad, and I don’t even know if I’d classify them as friends, more like acquaintances?” The poor strawberry blonde began rambling quite fast, as I laughed a bit before smiling, her mimicking my face, “I was totally rambling again, huh?”

“I do it a lot, too, don’t worry.”

Chrissy looked down at her watch, before speaking up again, pulling out a crumpled up piece of paper, which was her schedule for classes. Once we compared our schedule, we found out that we both had choir together, but that was it.

The rest of the time at the mall, I had spent most of the day with Chrissy, we had met up with Nancy and Barb at the time we agreed upon. The three of them hadn’t hung out before, Chrissy being amongst the popular cheerleading crowd, Nancy was focused on her studies like Barb, but apparently had been dating a more popular guy named Steve.

“I had fun today,” Chrissy smiled, showing off her bright white pearls, “I hope we can hang out again soon.”

“Agreed,” Nancy offered a smile back, “We’ll see you at school, and you’re sure you don’t need a ride home?”

“I’ll be fine, thank you though!” 

On the ride home, I couldn’t stop thinking about how maybe staying with mom isn’t so bad. Maybe I can get dad to move out here one day. I tried to relish in the fact that I had all weekend to relax, but the anxiety kept creeping up at the knowledge of school starting Monday. But that’s two days away, which right now, seems like a lifetime. 

[wordsvomit101]

7. Winter sunrise

(12 months after the death of Mr and Mrs Lee)

As they stood at the front of his house, Minhyeok's gaze fell on Raon, her petite frame bundled in layers against the frigid winter air. Her eyes flickered with a hint of unease, her small hands clasped together as she fidgeted beside him.

The gentle breeze carried the scent of frost, painting the morning with a crisp, icy touch. Minhyeok reached out, his warm fingers enveloping hers, offering a silent reassurance. Her shoulders relaxed slightly as she turned to meet his gaze, a flicker of gratitude crossing her anxious features despite the opposite of what she was saying.

"Do we have to go out at this hour? I miss my bed already", her annoyed tone couldn't hide the fact that she did not drag him back into the house but only held on tighter.

Minhyeok could understand the reason for Raon's moody and gloomy behavior, but he did not want to pressure her or trivialize her struggle. More often than not, he preferred to distract her by being annoyingly active and bringing her with him to do things together.

This usually happened in their home or backyard, as Raon was not as comfortable going outside as much as before unless it was family trips. However, today was different.

Raon's eyes are red and puffy after crying with dark circles underneath them. Another nightmare, it happened a lot the first few months of their death, but thankfully it has been better, well, until now.

"It was worse than usual..."

It was past 4 AM in the morning before she came over to his room to wake him up. Without a word, she seized his hand, its icy grip pulling him from the depths of slumber. As they descended the stairs to the kitchen, her tears flowed unchecked, a torrent of anguish that left him reeling in its wake.

He might calm her down with leftover brownies they still have left in the fridge and a cup of warm milk, he also turns on the living room TV as she eats. Yet, she doesn't look comfortable being in the house, shrinking to herself further the longer they stay inside. So he suggested that they go out for a walk.

He might need to explain to his parents once they get back from the park, that his mom wouldn't be happy if she knew he only had a long coat and two heating pads with him. At least, he makes sure Raon is warm before they get out.

"A walk to the park is nothing you know? It will only take us a few minutes from here"

Raon only groaned at him, not a bit entertained by the idea, and even seemed disgruntled by it. Her long face is a little funny, she's not bad at PE, she is above average at best but never bad. It has always been amusing how she would always be the first to whine when the coach told them to run on the track.

While he does want to spend time with her in the backyard where she would be more comfortable, it didn't seem like a good idea today. So he started walking with her to the park, chatting along the way.

"Plus I want to show you the sunrise, it will be fun"

By the look on her face, she didn't get it, "Isn't it only sunrise, what is so fun about it?", just as he thought.

Honestly, he was like her before too, he rarely watched the sunrise, but it was the activity that his dad and mom seemed to enjoy a lot when they got time for it.

Though, the first time they took him to watch it, it was after he got angry at his mom for giving attention to his brother. He remembers his mom apologizing for neglecting him, which made him feel very bad about himself, his brother's awkward but genuine praises, and his dad making him apologize for his aggressive outburst and making him promise to discuss what was on his mind with them from now on. It was a humbling experience.

He tried to watch it on his own before when he didn't want to be at home. It doesn't feel the same when he does it with others.

"It's weirdly enjoyable, not on your own but when shared with others"

Raon seemed to understand the concept when she gave him an affirmative hum. They walked in comfortable silence, hand-in-hand until they reached the park.

In the ethereal glow of a winter dawn, they ambled through the park, their footsteps muffled by the crisp snow pavement beneath their feet. The crisp morning air carried the scent of pine needles and the distant sound of birdsong. As they approached their destination, a bench overlooking the city skyline, they noticed a smattering of locals exercising on the park's equipment.

With practiced ease, they settled onto the bench, their gazes fixed on the horizon where the first faint blush of sunrise was beginning to illuminate the sky.

"It's relaxing", he thought and decided to steal a glance at the girl beside him.

His breath caught in his throat as he watched Raon's eyes soften with a small smile admiring the captivating sight of the sunrise painting the winter morning sky in hues of pink and gold. Her face, illuminated by the soft light of dawn, reflected a sense of tranquility and beauty that seemed to mirror the peaceful stillness of the park around them.

At that moment, the chill of the winter air nipped at their noses and the morning unfolding before them. He couldn't take his eyes off her and he almost couldn't hear her when she talked to him, still admiring the scenery.

"Min, it's beautiful"

He only blinked at her before going back to enjoying the rising sun with her. His old man never tells him why or tells anyone much about himself, but he can see why he loves watching the sunrise with his mom so much.

"Yes, it is, isn't it?"

[canyouimaginethatstory]

Wrongfully Accused Part 14 (Lucifer X Reader)

PART 1: Here  PART 2: Here PART 3: Here PART 4: Here PART 5: Here PART 6: Here PART 7: Here PART 8: Here PART 9: Here PART 10: Here PART 11: Here  PART 12: Here  PART 13: Here  PART 15: Here

Things went smoothly for the next two months. You and Lucifer were happy. He passed every random drug test and visit Billie threw at him. Lucifer got his license renewed. As you predicted Bobby did end up liking him enough to give him his own car to keep and fix up. An old 1985 black Porsche. That's how you knew Bobby considered him a hard worker. He only gave the really good old cars to the employees who did the best and most work. Jessica and Sam were getting more anxious as Jessica just entered her eighth month mark. You were standing in your kitchen. Today was the day you were finally gonna tell your brothers about you and Lucifer. You were especially worried about how Dean would react. You know your oldest brother. It was more than likely not gonna end well. You grabbed a ginger ale from the fridge as Lucifer walked out of the bathroom ready for work. Your stomach always acted up when you were nervous. "You sure you wanna do this?" he asked as he walked over and gently rubbed your back.

"It's time they knew," you told him, "especially if we decide to go to your dad's book thing,". He nodded

"Ok, well call me if you need me," he said kissing your forehead "Bobby will let me go early if he knows you're upset,". You grabbed your bag and keys. Bobby was the only one who knew you were together and though he didn't like it he promised to keep it between you three.

"Have a good day my sexy mechanic," you said giving him a kiss. He softly patted your butt as you left. You got settled in your car and tried to calm your nerves. You hated feeling so nervous. "I can do this" you chanted to yourself as you headed off to the restaurant you decided to meet your brothers at. You decided on a public place so hopefully, your brothers wouldn't make a scene. You pulled up to the restaurant and cut off your engine. "You can do this," you told yourself again. You grabbed your bag and threw your keys in it before getting out of the car. You scanned the parking lot and spotted Dean's Impala so you knew they were already here. You walked in and up to the hostess.

"Can I help you?" she asked

"Yes, I'm looking for a table under the name of Winchester?" you told her.

"Yes, right over here," she said walking you to a corner booth where your brothers waited. She handed you a menu and went back to her podium.

"Hey Y/N," Dean said getting up and hugging you.

"Hey little one," Sam greeted pulling out your chair for you.

"Hey guys," you said sitting down, "have you ordered yet?".

"Not yet," Dean said, "what's this news?". You wanted to tell them but not too soon.

"Later," you told him, "let's just talk for a bit,". So you and your brothers enjoyed your lunch and talked. You listened intently as Dean bragged about taking down a killer who proudly called himself Hitler So now Dean goes around saying he killed Hitler. Which is completely something his goofball self would say. Sam went on about his worries over being a dad soon. You knew he could do it.

"Come on Y/N, we've finished eating," Dean said, "tell us what you need to tell us,". You took a calming breath as your stomach started to feel queasy again.

"Ok, but before I do I want you two to remember I am a smart woman and I am fully grown got it?" you asked and they nodded. "Sam you remember that pin pal project you started for your law class?" you asked. He nodded. "well one of the guys caught my eye," you admitted.

"Y/N did you enter the program?" Sam asked.

"Not exactly," you said.

"What does that mean?" Dean asked confused.

"I snuck a file out of the folder," you admitted, "the guy just caught my attention and we started writing each other and now we're in love,".

"Y/N most of these guys could be dangerous" Sam pointed out.

"He's not," you said.

"Who is he?" Sam asked. This was the moment you knew they'd freak out, but like you told Lucifer you were tired of hiding him. You looked your brother straight in the eye and confidently answered.

"Lucifer Shurley," you said.

"No, absolutely not Y/N," Dean said.

"Dean you are not dad," you pointed out, "and we've been dating for a while and it's been the best relationship I've ever had,".

"He's a criminal Y/N!" Dean said raising his voice causing people to look over at your table. You didn't care.

"No he's not," you said, "He was accused wrongly of a crime,".

"Oh come on Y/N," Dean argued, "did you really fall for whatever sob story he sold you?".

"It's not a sob story!" you spoke a little louder than you meant to, "Lucifer's story has never not once changed Dean,".

"He ripped his own father off Y/N," he pointed out, "stole from his own parent,".

"Oh please Dean," you said, "everyone knows how shady Father Shurley is,".

"He's always done the best for the town," Dean pointed out.

"No Dean he kisses up to the biggest names to keep funding for his lame ass books," you corrected.

"His books aren't that bad," Dean said.

"Seriously Dean?" you asked raising your eyebrow, "have you even read any of them?"

"Well, no," he said, "but people talk about them all the time,".

"Yeah and do the stories sound at all familiar?" you asked.

"What?" he asked confused.

"Like his novel A Fated Hunt. It's literally about dad accidentally killing Jo's dad during a deer hunt,". you pointed out, "and how her mom never fully got over it,".   "So he wrote a story matching a real life event doesn't mean anything," Dean said.

"Or the story of Sam's tiny drug use in college," he asked, "which he cheesily titled Demon Blood,".

"I guess that was bad," he agreed.

"And what about his book about you?" you asked.

"Me?" he asked back confused.

"Heart Throb," you said, "he talked about how you were the lady's man of the high school and how you had that daddy scare with Lisa Brady,".

"Oh yeah, I still don't see how he knew about Ben," he admitted.

"He probably paid Lisa to tell him," you pointed out.

"Look it doesn't matter," he said standing up, "he isn't good enough for you Y/N".

"He is beyond good for me Dean!" you said getting up, "You don't have to like it Dean. But you will not big brother your way into breaking us up and you will not tell me who I can and can not date! I love him and he loves me," you grabbed your stuff and hurried out of the restaurant. Dean started to head after you but Sam stopped him.

"Dean, she's right," Sam said, "it's her life,".

"He's an ex con Sam!" he argued.

"I know and yeah I'm worried too, but she's not a little girl anymore,".

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[babyjakes]

forever and a day | 41. home.

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summary | a story in which america’s favorite captain gives a new life and family to a five-year-old girl who has suffered well beyond her years at the hands of hydra.

characters | dad!steve rogers, girl/willa rogers (original character)

warnings | AU similar enough to OU to include spoilers to many Marvel movies (Age of Ultron and beyond). action and fight scenes with violence and killing. injuries/mild gore. mature themes related to and semi-graphic depictions of child abuse/neglect, past CSA and CSM, and their aftermath (emaciation, wounds, scarring, etc). medical abuse and experimentation. ptsd/trauma symptoms in a child (developmental discrepancies, de-humanized behavior, detachment, extreme fears). medical treatment of CSM and other aftermath of abuse.trauma-informed therapeutic treatment of ECT. minor mentions of disordered eating. themes relating to abuse of power/authority and immoral interrogation tactics including SA (with brief depictions.) evil!Tony Stark.

[Steve]

As my tired eyes scan over the various piles of paper covering my desk, I sigh, pushing myself back in my seat slightly and running an anxious hand through my hair. In the past few weeks since returning from Romania, my life has been a complete whirlwind of chaos. For the most part, though, no one knows it. Bucky is the only person I’ve let in on all of my plans. Today, however, I plan on breaking my silence and dropping the news on the rest of the team.

I run my hands over the stack in front of me, pushing the sides in a bit to tidy it up. As overwhelming as this has all been, it’s all felt right to me. I know I’m making the correct decisions for both me and Willa. I just hope everyone else will see it that way, too.

Taking a mental inventory once again in my mind, I assure myself for the millionth time that everyone is home and available at the tower today. Reaching over and picking up my phone off the desk, I pull up the Avengers group chat. With shaky fingers, I begin to type out my message.

Steve: Since everyone’s around today, there’s something I want to let you all know. Meet up in the lounge at noon.

Hitting send, I glance at the clock positioned at the top of my screen. I have about an hour until noon. While I wish I could’ve just said, “Let’s meet right now,” I wanted to give everyone a chance to get ready. Only a few moments later, there’s a knock at my door. “Come in,” I call, wondering who could already be wanting to talk to me.

The door opens slowly to reveal Peter, a questioning look on his face. “H-hey Cap,” he greets, tugging on the hem of his blue button-down. My posture immediately softens when I see who’s come to chat, and I offer him a smile, leaning back slightly in my office chair.

“Hey Peter. What’s up?”

The boy continues to play nervously with the fabric of his shirt, holding his phone in the other hand. “Well, I just got your text, a-and… I’m assuming it’s something important? What you’re calling the team meeting for, I mean,” he clarifies, waving his device slightly in the air. “And I was wondering, am I supposed to come? If all the adults are gonna talk about something, then- then I’d be happy to watch Willa while you guys- well, you know,” he rambles. Humming, I nod. I guess I didn’t think of that until now, but I would like to break the news separately to the little girl. The way I’m going to explain things to the others is different from how I’d like to flesh them out for her.

“That would be great, Peter. Thank you,” I graciously accept his offer. “It’s something I’m gonna tell Willa about when it’s just the two of us, so it would be perfect if you could watch her while the rest of us talk.” The teen nods, seeming content with this plan. “I guess, then, that I might as well tell you now, what’s going on. Since you won’t be there when I tell the rest of the team,” I add.

Peter’s ears perk up at this, and his eyes rise to meet my own. “O-okay,” he says, stepping further into the room and closing the door behind him. “What’s going on?” he asks softly.

“You can come sit down,” I say with a slight chuckle, motioning to my bed. Peter returns a nervous smile as he makes his way over to it, sitting himself down on the very edge of the mattress.

“So,” he tries again. “So- what’s up?”

I sigh, suddenly feeling unprepared to disclose the news to the kid. “Well,” I begin. “Sometime after Willa, Bucky, and I returned from Romania… I came to the decision that Willa and I are going to be moving out of the tower.” Peter’s eyes widen at the news, and a slight frown forms on his face. “After everything that’s happened with Tony, I just feel like the safest option would be to remove him from Willa’s environment.” Peter nods understandingly, and a hint of relief washes over me. At least he seems to be getting it. “On top of that, things are just awfully hectic around here. I’m not sure that’s the kind of setting I want to raise her in.”

“W-wow. I…” Peter trails off, appearing to be at a loss for words. “That’s definitely not something I was expecting. But I totally get it. And I support you; I support you guys,” he says. “Whatever’s best for Willa is definitely the right choice.” A look of compassion crosses Peter’s face, and I feel my entire body softening up to his grace. What an absolute gem of a kid. He never fails to amaze me with his heart of gold.

“And there’s something I wanted to talk to you and Wanda about, specifically,” I continue, earning a nod from the boy. “The apartment I’ve settled on is located across town, in the same complex as Bucky’s. I was lucky enough to find one with three bedrooms. One for me, one for Willa, and a spare. The plan, for now, is to have the spare as the guest room; you could come and visit whenever you want. But I also want both you and Wanda to know that if you would like to come and live with us, you know, permanently, you’re more than welcome to.”

When I became serious about moving out and bringing Willa with me, the idea of inviting Wanda and Peter was already lingering in the back of my mind. Peter specifically because he’s Willa’s best friend, her almost-brother. But in a broader sense, both of the teens because I frankly don’t know if the tower is a place for any child to be growing up in. And then on top of that, Wanda had her traumatic experience while in captivity, and I made the conscious decision to commit to taking care of her, in whatever capacity she needs. I have no idea what either of the kid’s responses will be to this offer, but it only feels right that I make it.

A pensive look forms on Peter’s face as he remains silent for a few moments, processing the information he’s been given. “Y-you mean, we… I could come live with you? Like, instead of living here?” he asks slowly, as if he doesn’t believe what he’s been told.

“That’s right,” I confirm. “I know how close you and Willa are, and I know how hard it was on you when we were away in Romania. Aside from that, I know things in the tower aren’t always easy. What I want to create for Willa is a real home. There’s no pressure one way or the other, but if you want a home like that, you deserve one just as much as she does.” The expression on the young boy’s face shifts from confusion to sadness, surprising me at the sudden and unexpected change.

“I… Cap,” Peter whispers weakly.“You know I can’t.”

Troubled by his words, I furrow my eyebrows, asking, “What do you mean?”

He sucks in a breath, his gaze falling to his lap. “It… you know he’d… Mr. Stark would…” His familiar words break my heart, and I nod understandingly, wishing he’d look up at me. “Th-thank you, Cap. I don’t- I don’t know what to say,” he mumbles warily. “I-if I could… I wish it… but… I can’t.”

“Peter. Look at me,” I murmur seriously. The kid takes in another shaky breath, his big brown eyes glancing up to connect with mine. To my despair, they’re lined with tears. I wish I knew how to make things easier for him. He’s just so caught up with Tony that he doesn’t see any way out, even if it’s staring straight at him. “Tony means a lot to you, I get that, but he doesn’t control you. If you want to come with us, he has no say in it,” I try to reason with him.

“B-but he’d… Cap, you know I can’t,” he states again, a little bit more urgency present in his voice this time around. “Mr. Stark, h-he’d- he’d… I don’t even know what he’d do, but it would be bad. It would be really, really bad,” the poor boy rambles anxiously.

“He can’t do anything to you, Peter, other than get upset with you. It’s your decision. He might not like what you do, but that shouldn’t matter. Tony’s behavior, especially recently, has been… it’s been unacceptable. Out of control. You shouldn’t let him influence you.”

“I-I know he’s been out of control, but… that’s the whole point. If I make him upset, who knows what he’ll…” Peter sighs, shaking his head. “I can’t, Cap. I’m sorry. If I could, I’d… I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.”

“Peter, hey,” I say, my voice falling to a mere hush. “Are you… afraid he would hurt you? You know we wouldn’t let him do that, right? You know I wouldn’t let him do that?” His gaze falls again, and he squeezes his hands together, his shoulders slouching sadly.

“I-I… I have to go. I’m sorry, Cap. I’ll come visit lots, I promise.” The boy rises to his feet, and I stand as well, reaching an instinctive hand out.

“Hey, wait,” I try, but he’s already making his way over to exit.

“’m sorry,” he says again before opening the door, ducking out without another word.

Standing outside Willa’s door, I take a deep breath, placing my hand on the cool metal knob. The meeting went surprisingly smoothly. Everyone was saddened to hear about my decision, but they were all understanding. Tony stayed silent through the entire thing. The look on his face was hard to decipher; I couldn’t tell if it was remorse or just bitterness. Clint and Thor both agreed to help me and Bucky move furniture into the apartment. I’ve decided to buy new and leave what we already own at the tower. Hopefully we’ll be able to come back and visit often. I’m surely going to miss my friends and this strange place I’ve learned to call home. Bruce said he would be more than happy to come by regularly to check up on Willa’s health. He also mentioned that he had found a therapist who might be able to help her begin to work through some of her trauma, which would be a great thing to start thinking about as we make this transition.

I had the same discussion with Wanda after the team meeting that I had with Peter. She was deeply touched, but politely declined, which I completely understood. After she finally disclosed her trauma to me back on the night we came home, I was able to help her connect with Natasha about the issue, who has since taken over in a lot of ways to address the situation and further care for the teen. Since then, she and Nat have become extremely close, and Wanda’s decided that she would feel most comfortable staying here with her. In the end, I’m just glad she’s finally getting the help and support she deserves. And of course, she agreed to come visit often. She said she would really miss us both, and I could tell she meant it.

So now there’s just one more person to tell.

I knock gently on the door once before opening it. Willa and Peter are sitting on the floor, playing with a set of blocks Bucky got for the little girl. Right away, I notice that her soft brown hair is pulled back into two low pigtails, something Peter must’ve done while we were in the meeting. The pair look up at me and I smile at them, earning two in return. “Hey, we just finished up,” I tell them as I walk over and join the two down on the floor, sitting cross-legged beside Willa. “What’re you up to? Playing with some blocks?”

“A'phabet,” Willa tells me, pointing to the pattern she’s made out on the floor.

“That’s right, sweetie; good job. Do you know all the letters of the alphabet?” She thinks for a moment, nodding slowly.

“Can sing them in the song,” she answers.

“Yeah, she got them all right when she sang it for me,” Peter confirms. I smile at the little girl, rubbing her arm encouragingly.

“That’s great, Willa. I’m so proud of you. Remember when we first played with the blocks and you didn’t know where some of them went?” Willa nods, smiling back up at me.

“P-p'oud of me,” she beams shyly, leaning against me carefully. I wrap an arm around her, pulling her up so that she’s sitting on my lap.

“Yep. Always proud of you, lovebug,” I tell her. “And it looks like Peter did your hair, huh? That was awfully nice of him.”

“Ponies!” the little girl beams, her voice soft like always but still full of excitement. Peter grins over at us and nods.

“I think I’m getting better at them! At least, I hope I am,” he says with a laugh.

“Well, I think they look just wonderful,” I say very matter-of-factly, causing Willa’s cheeks to turn pink. Glancing back up at Peter, I ask, “Hey Pete, do you think Willa and I could have a little time alone? I wanna let her in on what’s going on.” A knowing look forms on his face and he nods, rising to his feet.

“Sure thing, Cap,” he agrees. I can feel the Willa tense in my arms slightly as her friend makes his way to the door, turning to wave before exiting and closing the door behind him. Now with just the two of us, the child in my arms grows even more restless, her little body quaking against my own.

“Hey, you’re alright,” I murmur, rubbing her arm soothingly as she looks up at me with wide eyes. “It’s nothing scary, doll. I promise.” But I know my words do little to comfort her.

“Was I bad? Don’t beat me,” she whimpers, and my heart sinks. Slowly, I begin to rock her back and forth, hoping to show her that she’s still safe with me.

“I won’t hurt you, sweetheart. And no, you weren’t bad. You’re not in trouble, Willa. Not in trouble at all. I just have something I want to tell you, that’s all.”

“N-not scary?” she asks fearfully.

“Not scary,” I tell her, linking my pinky up with hers. At this promise, she relaxes slightly, though I can tell that deep down she’s still on edge. “This is something I’ve been thinking about since we came back from our trip with Bucky,” I begin, not exactly sure how I want to break the news to the little girl. “I’ve just been thinking that… with everything that’s happened since we, well… since I took you in, I just decided that… we need a place of our own.”

Willa blinks. “A place of our own?”

“Mhmm. And I found one. It’s over by where Bucky lives. An apartment, for the two of us.”

“Ap-partm-ment?” she repeats back the word. I nod.

“It’s sort of a house. Like the one in Romania, only the one I found is a lot nicer. There’s a kitchen and a living room, and bedrooms and bathrooms, everything we need. And it’s just for us.”

Willa looks thoughtfully up at me. Her reaction is hard to read, though at least it’s not bad, from what I can tell. “A house… just for us? A house like… like in th-the books you read me before bed? Where little kids live… with their mommies and daddies? A h-house for… for us? We… you…” To my surprise, the child’s big green eyes fill with tears as she finishes her question, “… you’re gonna bring me home?”

Tears well up in my own eyes as I look down at her, her face filled with an overwhelming sense of hope and wonder. “That’s right, sweetheart,” I murmur, bringing a gentle hand up to stroke her cheek. “I’m finally gonna bring you home.”

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