#passing away. what a woman. i needed her today. i needed her strength

[mickgaydolenz]

girl micky to cheer you up, ok?

girl micky has me crying at work because she is so beautiful jo i lub u so much for this gift thank you 💋💖💋💖💋💖💋💖💋💖💋💖💋💖💋💖💋💖💋💖💋💖💋💖💋

[dumbseee]

united in grief.

f1 au/fic: in which, you’re jules bianchi’s little sister. you’re the same age as charles and grew up with him, when jules passed away your world completely fell apart, and you left monaco for paris. eight years after jules’s death you finally decide to comeback to monaco to visit your old friend.

charles leclerc x bianchi!reader.

fc: madison beer.

warnings: mention of jules bianchi, grief, angst, fluff.

note: happy eighth heavenly birthday, jules, we will always love and remember you, champion 🤍

y/n just posted a story!

caption: missed you monaco 🤍

_

you really thought about going back for a while, you missed you life in monaco so much. all your friends were here, your family was here, even after jules’s death they stayed, but you couldn’t. every step you took in the luxurious city reminded you of your brother. his presence was everywhere. you were seventeen when you lost jules, he was your whole world, you always wished you were the one in that car. you left monaco for paris because you needed a fresh start in a new city where you could walk without feeling the people’s eyes on you. but a small part of your heart wondered if leaving monaco meant that you were abandoning jules too. he was buried there after all, his soul was now forever in monaco and you were leaving to run away from him.

but your parents reassured you, and told you to fly with your own wings, to find your way, that no matter what jules would be proud of you, and would follow you because he was now your guardian angel. that reassured you a lot since your worst fear was to disappoint him. but your parents were right, jules was an angel when he was still here, and he’s still one up there. so whenever you felt bad, defeated, sad, you knew jules was around you, that gave you the strength to stand up and stay strong. you had to, for your brother. to make him proud.

that’s why you decided to attend today’s race. the monaco grand prix, your brother’s home race. he loved that circuit so much because he knew his friends and family were watching him and cheering for him. you came back without telling anyone, but of course your mother had to tell pascale, so the elderly woman immediately called you to invite you to have lunch with her and lorenzo, her oldest son. you couldn’t say no, because you missed the leclerc, but also because you knew how much you leaving hurt them. you left without saying goodbye, it was too hard for you, so once jules’s funeral was over, you packed your bag and left.

pascale and lorenzo welcomed you with open arms and big smiles, the mother apologised for charles and arthur’s absence but they were busy. charles… you were glad he wasn’t here because you didn’t know how you’d be able to look him in the eye. "you should go to the grand prix with us." lorenzo had told you, with his usual warm smile. at first you refused, but after thinking it over you realised that you owned it to charles, you left him behind when he was also mourning. of course it was harder for you since he was your brother, but jules was everything to charles. his second older brother, he was also lorenzo’s best friend. you hated yourself for being such a selfish coward. guilt was eating you alive and lorenzo noticed it. "don’t be too hard on yourself y/n, jules isn’t going to be happy." he smiled and you had to fight back your tears.

so you came with the leclerc to charles’ home race, you knew that your presence would be the only talk in town and on the internet. "oh my god, y/n!" someone yelled from behind you and you smiled when you saw ‘little arthur’ like you called him back then. he ran to you and made you spin in his arms. you laughed and brushed his hair when he finally put you down. "look at you! where is my little boy?" you asked, still laughing. he flexed his muscles and flashed you a cocky smile before pascale came to hit him in the head. "where is charles?" she asked. "getting ready in the garage, he’s really nervous, i think you should go say hi." he told you. you immediately took a step back, you were nervous as hell too, but for different reasons than charles. what if he didn’t want to see you? what if seeing you ruin his race? what if-… "he still talks about you y/n, he misses you so much you have no idea." pascale chimes in, patting your shoulder.

you were in front of charles’ driver room, you knew that he was just behind it. you could hear voices inside which had to be charles and his teammate. you closed you eyes and knocked three times before waiting. a tall and tan man opened the door for you, he smiled at you and you recognised him as carlos sainz. "isa is waiting for me, see you on track charles." he told charles. "it’s nice seeing you here, y/n." you smiled and watched him go. you took a deep breath before walking into the room. your hands were sweaty and you didn’t know where to look. "y/n?" you haven’t heard his voice in nearly a decade, so him calling your name startled you. "h-…" you couldn’t even finish that charles had closed the gap between you, pulling you in his arms. his face was buried in your neck and his arms were hugging you tightly. you were completely frozen, you didn’t expect him to be that affectionate after what you did to him. "charles, i’m so sorry for leaving." tears were now rolling down your cheeks. he broke the hug and immediately wiped your tears.

"sorry for what?" he asked, furrowing his eyebrows. his hands rested on your shoulders, his touch soothing you. "i’m not mad at you for leaving, y/n. i just wished i was here with you to help you through the grieving process." he smiled and you looked at the ground. he was too good to you, you didn’t deserve it. "you lost jules too, i acted like i was the only one grieving, i didn’t realise the impact my brother had on people’s lives." charles gently kissed your forehead and stroked your cheek. "let’s talk about that later, let me enjoy your presence, you don’t know how much i missed you." he hugged you once again, and this time you wrapped your arms around him, savouring the moment. "my lucky charm is back in town." you couldn’t refrain your laugh at his cheesy comment.

_

"and charles leclerc wins the monaco grand prix for the first time in his career!" the whole stadium cheered for the monegasque meanwhile you couldn’t stop crying. he won. he won in monaco. it was his goal and he did it. pascale hugged you while cheering for her son, lorenzo and arthur ran to their brother. but you stayed in your seat, looking at him jumping everywhere and celebrating with his brothers and carlos. then, when he turned around to face your direction he did something that sent shivers all over your body. he pointed at you, then at his heart, and then at the sky. this was jules’s celebration every time he’d win something and you were there to support him. he honoured jules even when he finally fulfilled his dream. "jules, you are so loved." you muttered to yourself, looking up at the bright sky.

liked by charles_leclerc, arthurleclerc, philippe_bianchi17 and 2 682 789 others.

y/n: coming back in monaco was hard, but i wanted to be here for charlie, i was scared at first because i knew that i handled my brother’s death terribly but in eight years i forgot how kind you were. i finally understood why jules loved you so much. congratulations on winning your first grand prix in monaco! i’m so proud of the man you became charles, i know that my brother is proud of you and will always look after you. je t’aime charlie ♥️

_

charles_leclerc: this one was for you, and of course jules, i’m so happy to have you back, je t’aime aussi ♥️

fan1: i can’t stop crying wtf

fan2: jules’ death affected everyone, even the people who never even met him, like me, he was such an angel

fan3: your brother is proud of you y/n! don’t be too hard on yourself!

fan4: we love you!

fan5: so happy to see you healthy!

fan6: man, this family suffered too much, i hope they’re happy now

fan7: charles and y/n relationship is so cute omg

fan8: the way he dedicated his win to the bianchi siblings 🥺

[little-diable]

Midnight Hotline - Dean Winchester (smut)

After meeting Jensen Ackles this weekend, I simply needed to write a Dean drabble. Please like and reblog if you enjoyed reading this, your comments keep us writers motivated! Enjoy my loves. xxx

Summary: For weeks now, Dean has been calling the Midnight Hotline to speak to Lilith, a stranger he has fallen in love with while sharing his secrets and confessions. And now as they are in the same city, it’s finally time to meet.

Warnings: 18+, smut, piv, oral (f), strangers to lovers

Pairing: Dean Winchester x fem!reader (2.7k words)

“Midnight Hotline, this is Lilith speaking.” Her voice rang in his ears, instantly drawing a smile to his lips. He had to clear his throat before speaking up, sinking further into the leather seat as his eyes stared down on the city.  

“Hi, Lilith. It’s me.” The chuckle rumbling through her made his heart skip a beat. A by now all too familiar warmth began to spread through him, instantly distracting him from the grim feeling he hadn’t been able to shake. 

“Bobby! I was waiting for your call.” He still wasn’t used to the name he had given her weeks ago, knowing that he couldn’t share any personal details with the voice on the other end of the line. Dean hadn’t given the name much thought, it had instantly come to mind to comfort himself when he needed strength to move on. Strength only she managed to give him lately - her, the voice of a woman he didn’t know. 

“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I was busy, but I missed talking to you.” The words rolled off Dean’s tongue before he could stop them, trying to ignore the heat now spreading through his cheeks. He fumbled with the zip of his leather jacket, needing to find something he could use to distract himself from the sensations her voice pushed through him.

“Oh, I missed you too! Were you travelling again?” A deep hum left Dean while he wondered how she wore her hair today, what she wore and how she was feeling now, talking to him. Weeks ago he had asked her for a description of herself, it hadn’t been much, besides her hair and eye color, and yet it had been enough to shoot shudders down his spine. 

“I was, I’m in Colorado now.” Her breath shuddered as she exhaled, making him awfully aware of the silence that followed his words. Dean counted the passing by seconds, only allowing the sound of Lilith clearing her throat to interrupt him. 

“I’m also in Colorado.” She whispered the words, making Dean awfully aware of the thoughts now seemingly racing through her mind. 

Could this be their chance? Could this be the moment to break all rules she had once sworn to follow? 

“Where are you at, sweetheart?” Once again she mumbled the reply, leaving Dean to swallow heavily as he stared down at the city whose name she had just dropped. For a moment, he pondered over his choices, wondering if he should go ahead and follow the call of his heart to finally meet the woman who called herself Lilith, or if he should stay away like his mind begged him to. 

“When does your shift end?” His question was met with silence. Perhaps he had gone too far, perhaps she didn’t want to meet him like he desperately wanted to meet her. But the shaky giggle leaving her told Dean all he needed to know. She wanted this as much as he did, bound together by the past weeks, aching to finally meet after imagining the other since their first call. 

“Are we really doing this?” She kept her voice small, seemingly wondering herself if this was a good idea. Dean’s tongue rang along his lower lip, buying his racing heart a few more seconds before speaking up again. 

“We sure as hell are, sweetheart. Where should I pick you up?” 

……

Dean couldn’t remember the last time he had been this nervous. This had something so unfamiliar to it, he had to force his body to stay right there and not to run like he wanted to. For the first time since he could remember, Dean began to doubt the way he may come across, wondering if she felt the same draw he had been trying to swallow and bury six feet under for a while now.

But before he could rerun all the things he wanted to say to her again, the sound of somebody nearing ripped his focus from his phone. He was leaning against Baby, wrapped in his dark jacket to try and shield himself from the cold air of the night, sensations that were forgotten the second his eyes met hers. 

Dean could instantly tell that it was her, carrying a soft smile that made him forget everything around him. His heart was in his throat, pounding louder than it had ever before - all while watching her approach. He allowed his eyes to take her in, wandering up and down her frame, just like hers did with him. Fuck, she was even prettier than he had imagined her to be, a woman so gorgeous, Dean wasn’t sure if he was under some spell, toying with his vision. 

“Bobby?” The sound of her voice forced all darkening thoughts into the back of his mind, purely focused on her. He nodded his head while reaching his hand out for her to take, set on pulling her in for a hug. The scent of her perfume washed through him, forcing Dean’s mind to cling to it with the silent promise of remembering this for the rest of his life. 

Her arms found their way around his middle, letting her head rest against his chest as he hugged her. No word was shared between them, letting their minds catch up with what was happening - something they had been dreaming of and longing for ever since their first call. 

“Hi,” she softly mumbled the word, looking up at him with eyes that seemed to uncover his every secret, instantly leaving Dean breathless. He couldn’t stop his hand from cupping her warm cheek, letting his thumb trace her soft skin as he repeated the word. 

“You’re even more handsome than I imagined you to be.” Her voice didn’t carry much strength as she spoke, just enough to draw a soft blush to his cold cheeks. 

“Well, seems like we got something in common there, you’re gorgeous, sweetheart.” Her smile grew wider at his compliment, keeping her focus on him as she slowly loosened her grip on him. But Dean didn’t let go of her just yet, needing to feel her close for as long as possible. “My real name’s Dean, I’m sorry for keeping that from you.” 

Her laugh left him grinning, watching her shake her head while moving closer once again, “Nice to meet you, Dean. I’m (y/n).” 

Dean had to force himself to snap out of his hazy state, wanting to cross the small distance between them to taste her name on his tongue for the first time before kissing her. But even though his heart urged him on to move, he fought against it, at least for now.

“Are you hungry? Or you want to go for a drink?” She studied him for a handful of seconds, unable to bite down her growing grin. 

“How about you come over to mine? I have some beer at home.” 

……

“Here you go.” She gave Dean a bottle of beer before sitting down next to him, letting her eyes take in every inch of his handsome features. The whole thing felt like a dream, something that was entirely too good to be true, and yet (y/n) tried to cherish every second, not daring to break away from him. “This still feels surreal. What are you even doing around here?”

She watched his Adam’s apple bob as he took a few sips of beer, buying himself some time before clearing his throat. Dean had his arm placed on the couch, resting behind her to keep (y/n) somewhat close without touching her, just enough closeness to give her the opportunity to shuffle closer and rest against him. A draw both were held hostage by, unable to fight against it. 

“My brother and I had some work stuff to do around here.” A hum left her, eyes fully focused on Dean and the soft smile playing on his lips. She could marvel at him for hours, getting lost in the green pupils that told stories she wanted to uncover one by one, learning everything about the man she had developed a crush on without even seeing him. 

“So, you will leave soon again, won’t you?” He placed the bottle down before fully turning towards her, hand finding her shoulder to let his fingers run along her skin. A sombre feeling began to stretch through the two of them, knowing that their time together wasn’t long and would end sooner than both liked. Dean nodded his head, trying to find words that would promise his return, even though he knew it could be weeks, perhaps even months, until he’d get another chance to return.

“Seems like we’ll have to make the best out of our time then.” The words rolled off her tongue seconds before she shuffled closer, letting her arms find their way around his neck. Three seconds passed until Dean began to move, two shaky breaths left them both, and one mumble of his name was all it took for Dean to kiss her breathless.

Perhaps they were moving all too fast, skipping important steps others clung to. But for the past weeks they had shared more with one another than they had with any other person, set on learning everything about the person on the other end of the line. It felt like they simply belonged together, forming a bond so sweet and sincere, neither had felt this alive before. 

Dean pulled her into his lap, hands resting on her waist to try and ground himself. This was more than just a fun night with a woman he’d never see again. This was everything he had never dared to give in to. This was what he had always feared, being with a woman who held his heart in her hands, giving her the power to toy with him. 

“Will this be a one night thing only?” (Y/n) mumbled the words against his slightly puffy lips, not daring to get lost in his darkening eyes before she had her answer. Dean’s hand found her chin, tilting it upwards to let her eyes find his. 

“Do you want it to be a one night thing?” His raspy voice buzzed through her like lightning striking her trembling body, setting her ablaze with a heat so strong, (y/n) feared she was about to lose control over her body. She had never been one for taking drugs, for chasing highs she couldn’t control, but now she couldn’t care about letting go, not when Dean held her oh so close. 

“No.” It was a simple reply, and yet it was enough to make a smirk grow on his lips. Dean kissed her again before he rose to his feet with her clinging to him, wordlessly letting her guide him towards her bedroom with her finger pointed in the right direction. Carefully, he placed her down on her bed, making room for him to shuffle out of his shirt to expose his naked upper body to her wandering eyes. 

“This is much more than just one night, I will come back to you, sweetheart. I promise.” Her laughter reverberated through the bedroom, leaving Dean chuckling before he tugged on her shirt. Both were a mess of tangled limbs as they undressed, leaving them both in their underwear before he pushed (y/n) down on the mattress, hovering over her. 

His lips kissed their way to her chest, sucking on the spots that made her breath hitch in her chest. Dean was high on her noises, wondering if being with women had always been like this and if he had simply never paid enough attention or if this was all about being with (y/n). Everything about this felt different, a routine he had once known by heart turning into something completely new he never wanted to let go of again. 

“Dean, touch me, please. Been waiting too long for this to happen.” (Y/n)’s impatient words left him chuckling while he undid her bra, exposing her breasts to his excited eyes. Sweet nothings left him as he marked her up, sucking on her hardening nubs and letting his hands palm her skin before moving further down south. Their eyes held contact, connected through every passing moment. 

“You’re so gorgeous, baby, I can’t wait to have my way with you.” She mewled his name, eyes fluttering close as he pressed a kiss to her clothed heat. Slowly, Dean pulled her panties down her legs, letting the fabric drop to the ground before kissing his way to her pulsing bundle. A moan clawed through (y/n) at the new sensation, high on the feeling of his rough tongue brushing against her bundle, on the way he brushed two fingers through her slit to spread her arousal on her warm skin. “You taste so sweet, fuck, I could do this forever.” 

“Make me cum, please, Dean. I need you.” (Y/n) arched her back off the mattress, toes curled as her orgasm crept closer and closer. He sucked on her bundle, drawing another moan from her that left him grinning in success. Dean wanted to see her cum when he was buried deep inside of her, knowing that he couldn’t drag this out much longer. “I want you so bad, make me yours.”

“You’re already mine, sweetheart. I’d be stupid to let you go again.” He let go of her to step out of his boxers, hand finding his hard cock to give it a few tugs. (Y/n) momentarily shuffled away from her spot, reaching for a condom Dean rolled down on his length, leaving both nervous for a second as he positioned himself. 

“Oh my god, fuck.” She choked on her words as he sank into her, moving slowly to let them both adjust. Dean pressed his forehead against hers, giving her the opportunity to sling one arm around his neck while the other ran down his back, scratching at his skin. He moved carefully at first, keeping her legs wrapped around his waist while he stretched her perfectly, making her feel full with every thrust. 

“Focus on me, baby.” Their eyes met again, wordlessly sharing their every thought, every longing they struggled to put into words. She felt loved, more loved than ever before, all because of a man she had met for the first time hours ago, even though she knew his darkest and deepest secrets. He felt appreciated and complete for the first time in his life, he had finally found what he had always been searching for, and it had come in the shape of a woman he had fallen head over heels in love with.

Their bodies melted together with every thrust, tangled limbs and racing hearts that formed a completed picture. She whimpered his name, knowing that her orgasm was all too close and ready to bury her six feet under with Dean clinging to her like ancient lovers buried together. Nothing could rip them apart, nothing could stand in their way as they loved one another like they had always ached to be loved. 

“I’m so close, Dean.” Her whispers spurred him on, letting his hand find her bundle to give her the needed pressure. She came first, letting go with another moan as his hips kept snapping against hers. Dean fucked her through her high, watching her unfold beneath him with a proud smirk glued to his lips.

He came moments later, burying his face in the crook of her neck to let the scent of her perfume engulf him. She clung to him, wordlessly trying to find back to reality as both panted, “Never let me go again, Dean.” 

“Never, baby, it’s you and me against the world.”

[pickingupmymercedes]

I'd like to believe - Lewis Hamilton

Alternative sequel to Maybe in another life / When I get to meet you

pairing: Lewis Hamilton x Reader!

warnings: mentions of mourning, angst, will make you emotional

wordcount: +1K

a/n: Alternative-ish ending (this was actually my first draft to continue their story, so the happy-ish one is the alternative, sort of).

As always, I'm open for feedback, come say hi!

MILD TRIGGERING CONTENT UNDER, PROCEED WITH CAUTION.

______________________________________________________________

My dearest little one,

Today marks ten years since you should have been here, celebrating another year of life. Ten times the snow has fallen, making everything quiet outside.

They say time heals all cuts, but some cuts go real deep, leaving scars that never quite go away. And I still find it hard to believe that a whole decade has passed.

You'd be so grown now, so full of life and curiosity, brimming with questions and dreams. I often wonder what you'd be like – would you have my stubbornness and determination, or your mother's grace and patience?

Maybe a beautiful blend of both, creating someone truly unique.

I’m going to visit your stone again later today. Leave this letter like every year. I suspect there’ll be fresh flowers, as always, probably from your mother.

She never forgets.

We never reconnected, not like I'd hoped for. But I think about her often.

I searched everywhere for her. I just really needed someone to share the pain with, someone to hold onto while everything fell apart. We tried talking, spilling out all our feelings, but the words wouldn't come out right. Maybe we were afraid of saying the wrong thing or making things worse.

Maybe we were both thinking the same thing – maybe if we'd done things differently, maybe you'd still be here.

After a while, the space between us just kept getting bigger, too big to cross. You see, your mom, she found a way to move on. She built a life for herself, a life where the pain was still there, but it didn't control her anymore.

I hope she's found peace and happiness, something she deserved more than anyone. She was an incredible woman, and I wish I had been the man she needed me to be.

I hope she reads these letters someday, that she understands how much I loved you both, how much I regret not being there when you needed me most.

Maybe one day, when the weight of these years starts to feel a little lighter, I can finally forgive myself.

Maybe then, I can find the strength to reach out to her, not to get back together, but to find some peace, a simple way to say thank you for the love we shared and sorry for the loss that tore us apart.

You know, life has changed quite a bit since I last wrote to you.

I'm with someone, have been for the past four years. She's patient, kind and knows about you. I don't think we'll ever have children though. She's got her own ghosts.

I retired from racing. Shortly after I won my eighth championship with Ferrari. It was a dream come true, but also bittersweet because I couldn't share it with you. I work as a consultant for the team now, just like Niki was for me at Mercedes. You’d have loved him.

It's a different kind of thrill, guiding the next generation of racers, helping them navigate the same challenges I once faced, but it drives me forward.

I’d like to believe you’d be proud of your old man for that.

I sometime wonder if you would have been drawn to racing too, or maybe you'd have found your passion in something entirely different. Whatever it might have been, I would have supported you every step of the way and with all my heart.

I think about the things you'd enjoy often; you know?! The hobbies and interests you'd develop.

Maybe you'd love music, like your mother. She had an incredible ear for it, always humming a tune or singing softly to herself. It’s what got us close in the first place so many years ago.

Perhaps you'd have a knack for building things, creating something out of nothing with your hands and imagination.

Either way, I hope you'd have found joy in the simple things, just like I try and do now.

There's so much I wish I could’ve shared with you. So many lessons I've learned the hard way and would to show you. Life isn't always easy, my little one. It's filled with ups and downs, triumphs and failures.

One of the most important things I wish I could’ve taught you is the value of love. Real love, the kind that fills your heart and soul, and is worth every bit of pain and sacrifice.

I had that with your mother, even if I didn't realize it at the time. She saw right through me, saw the man behind the driver, and loved me for who I was. I'd hope you'd find someone like that, someone who understands and loves you unconditionally.

It might hurt sometimes, but that's how you know it's real. Love isn't always easy, but it's the most beautiful thing.

I would want you to know that it's okay to make mistakes though. I made plenty, and each one taught me something valuable. The key is to learn from them, to grow and become a better person. But each moment, whether good or bad, shapes who you are.

I wish I could have been there to guide you through it all, to help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the victories. My motto has been “Still I Rise” for the longest time and if you wanted it could’ve been yours as well.

Life isn't about being perfect; it's about being true to yourself and striving to be the best version of you.

In the quieter moments I still dream about you, you know. In my dreams, you're a whirlwind of energy, your laughter filling the air. We go on adventures, explore the world together. I teach you what I know, and you teach me about everything else.

Those dreams are my sanctuary, a place where we can be together, even if just for a moment.

Sometimes, I catch myself talking to you out loud, as if you were right beside me. I tell you about my day, about the races, about the world. It might sound silly, but it brings me comfort. It's my way of keeping you close, of making sure you're never forgotten.

Even though we never got to meet, you are a part of me, and I carry you in my heart every day.

You are my greatest loss, but also my greatest gift. You've taught me more about love than anything else in this world.

Sometimes, under a sky full of stars, I imagine you up there with the constellations, looking down at me with curious eyes. And I need you to know that we love you still, deeply and unconditionally.

Ten years old. A whole person with your own personality, dreams, and wishes.

The world missed out on knowing you, and so did I.

But your memory, my precious child, it lives on. It lives on in the way I cherish every moment, every sunrise, every laugh shared with a friend. It lives on in the way I try to be a better person, kinder, someone who would have been a good dad to you.

This letter is my vow written down. A promise that even though you're not here, you'll never be forgotten.

Happy birthday, my sweet child. I hope, wherever you are, you're smiling, knowing that you are loved and cherished.

You are my light, my angel and a part of me. And though the path I walk may be lonely sometimes, I carry you and your mom with me in my heart, always.

With all the love that would have filled a lifetime.

Dad.

______________________________________________________________

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[ughthisisntright]

Lap of Luxury | Sugar Daddy!Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Reader

Summary: As a young woman without much income, a joke of a job, and an unfortunately expensive taste, your curiosity one evening leads to a string of events far out of your control.

Warnings: Age gap (reader is 23, Bradley is 40), suggestive themes (no smut), fluff

Word Count: 4,635

“Babe,” your best friend slurred. “You need to get on Seeking Arrangements! These guys- they just buy you stuff! And give you money!”

Another conversation about your not-so-much of an income, splitting a bottle of wine with your best friend, and her insistence on helping you has devolved into this. Discussing a sugar daddy arrangement from a site for older folks. You couldn't imagine a worse way to spend your night.

“Aren't they, like, old?” You ask with a sneer. Your friend just laughs it off.

“And rich!” She squeals. “You’d never have to work another shitty job again! C’mon just try it!” She grabbed your phone from you and fumbled with it to download the app.

“Ugh, what’s your password?” She showed you the screen where the app store was asking. You hesitate before typing it in and allowing her to do the rest.

“Okay first thing’s first,” she places her hand on your knee, mostly to steady herself. “Never use your real name. So you're going to be…”

She starts typing on the phone, probably using her galaxy brain to come up with something truly brilliant. And by brilliant, that means ridiculous.

“Genevieve,” she states finally. You don't hate the name, but it's not yours. You made a mental note to change it when you're sober. “Everything else will be the same. And…”

She starts scrolling through your camera roll. You'd have freaked out but really, there wasn't anything there she hasn't seen already. She taps on a photo of you she took a week ago at a vineyard the two of you had visited (on her dime) and handed your phone back to you,

“Voilà! Welcome yo Seeking Arrangements,” she grinned at you. You looked down at your profile and sighed.

“Now what?” You ask flatly.

“Find someone!”

“How? I don't know how to use this!”

“Ugh, you're so boring sometimes…”

Thus began a hunt for the “perfect man” to fund your broke self’s habits. It was all a drunken blur from there, and you passed out on your couch after about two hours of playing around on the app. You had no idea there were so many men willing to give their money away to young women with no regard. But it was working out in your favor.

-

You woke up the next day with a pounding hangover, cottonmouth and your phone on 5% battery. Your friend was nowhere to be found - as usual after drinking binges like that. You mentally kicked yourself for allowing it to go this far but, realistically, you didn't care to go into work today anyway.

A quick text to your boss and a shaky walk to your bedroom to plug your phone in preceded your chug-fest in the kitchen. Drinking straight from the tap wasn't fast enough, but it would suffice. You groaned as you finished gorging yourself on your borderline acceptable tap water, went to the cabinet, and pulled out your bottle of painkillers. You popped two extra strength tablets and washed them down with yet another healthy gulp of water.

You walked back to your bedroom and laid in the quiet dark on your bed. Just as you closed your eyes, your phone buzzed. Once, then twice. You pick it up to see you have missed messages from men on that confounded Seeking Arrangements app. You groan and set the phone down again, remembering just how horribly drunk you got last night. Drunk and stupid, it seemed. You hear another buzz and pick up the phone in frustration, unlocking it and then scrolling through the messages and threads you'd started last night.

Genevieve. What a stupid name. You quickly changed it to your name and kept scrolling through. You deleted many of the threads, only stopping on a few men who were even remotely close to your age bracket. All tech startup guys with nothing better to do than wine and dine young women into their panties. Typical.

You’re about to delete the app when you see one face in particular that doesn't piss you off like the rest. You open your conversation from the night before to find it was pleasant, not sexually charged, and genuine. You smile briefly before clicking his profile picture. He’s handsome, too handsome. What’s the catch?

You open his profile to see his age, what he does, and where he is. He’s forty, lives nearby in San Diego, and is an aviator for the Navy. The military thing would have been a turn off if the conversation you’d had didn't look so… refreshing. You scroll to see his net worth - nearly one million. Unheard of among these other men. He must be well-off.

You scroll more and see he’s very close by. A block away. You excitedly - but cautiously -  type a message to him.

You: So sorry, I fell asleep. I think it's wild you’re still single at your age. How doesn't that mustache pull women nowadays?

You bite your lip and quickly turn the brightness down on your phone, the blue light making your migraine worse. You see him typing and your heart flutters.

You can't believe this is happening. How did you let your friend talk you into this? Were you crazy? Desperate? Or just lonely? You watched the bubbles on screen appear and disappear as the man on the other side of the screen typed his response to you.

The self-loathing part of your brain told you he was figuring out how to turn you down gently. Tell you you're too young for this, to go find someone your own age, chase your dreams, and whatever other sentiments he could think of. You wanted to hear it, but you also didn't. This was all too much.

Until it wasn't.

Bradley Bradshaw: No worries, sweetheart. I see you're nearby - let me come get you and treat you to brunch. Mimosas?

-

You stood outside your apartment with your cutest outfit on, though to someone like Bradley, it could be considered… revealing. You didn’t have much, hence the entire reason your friend had convinced you to join that stupid app in the first place. Regardless, you stood waiting for Bradley to come pick you up for your impromptu brunch date.

Could you even call it a date?

Your mind swam as you stared down at the photo of him on the app. He was handsome, yes. You just weren’t sure if this made you one of those gold-digging, shallow women who you were sure were all over this app. He looked as though he’d spent a lifetime laughing, living. The wrinkles you could see that weren’t airbrushed out of this photo seemed deeply set. A good sign that he wasn’t as stuffy as some of the other guys you’d apparently spoken to.

Was this just a giant ass mistake?

What if he was just another one of these guys looking to fuck a younger woman and then give her some hush money? Or even expensive gifts in lieu of hush money? You didn’t want to be the dumb trophy on some older man’s arm. And that was when it hit you - you actually liked Bradley. It was just a small crush, of course, you’d hardly known him. Hardly even spoken to him. But from the little interaction you’d had he seemed like the genuine article.

Before you could psych yourself out any more, you heard the low rumble of a classic car getting closer. You popped your head up to see a bright blue classic Ford Bronco headed your way. Your eyes lit up - having an affinity for classic cars - and you simply prayed that this was Bradley coming to get you. 

The car came to a stop right in front of you, and the aforementioned Bradley was looking out the window at you with a grin. He pulled his aviators down the bridge of his nose and looked you in the eyes. A genuine kind of look on his face that had you melting inside.

“Hey, sweetheart,” he said kindly. “Are you ready to go?”

You nodded wordlessly and shoved your phone into your small purse. Bradley jumped out of the Bronco and approached you. He was incredibly tall, compared to you, and he didn’t have this dominating presence that you kept thinking he would have. No, he was like a giant teddy bear - someone you could imagine curling up with at the end of the day and getting nothing but hugs and kisses from.

“You’re even more adorable than that picture on the app, you know,” he tilted his head sweetly to one side. Your cheeks flushed a bright red, though you weren’t sure if he would notice.

“I-I’m happy I’ve surpassed expectations,” you croaked. “God, I’m sorry-” He chuckled and shook his head.

“I’m nervous, too, sweetheart,” he admitted kindly. “Let’s get to where we’re going and we can be nervous together.” He took your hand and led you to the passenger side of the Bronco. He opened the door for you and helped you get up into the seat. He waited until you were situated before closing the door and walking coolly to the other side and getting into the driver’s seat.

“I hope you don’t mind. I chose a more secluded spot than I normally would,” Bradley admitted as he pulled away from the curb. “Not because I’m embarrassed, but just because I’d hate to have people I know giving me shit.”

“I completely understand,” you say softly. “I would die if someone I knew saw me doing this… Whatever this is.”

“I’d say we can put off putting a label on it until we’re sure, yeah?” Bradley looked over at you with a smile. “No pressure, no fakery, no stress.”

“I love the sound of that,” you said sweetly, looking at him with a smile.

Soon, you arrived at a small brunch joint on the outskirts of the city. Bradley had assured you he’d never seen his buddies here, and you assured him that your friends are too broke to afford this kind of place. Sharing a laugh, Bradley cuts the engine and gets out of the Bronco. He walks to your side and helps you out before linking your arm with his.

“I’ll treat you right, okay?” He said sweetly as he walked you in. You only smiled in response and allowed him to lead you inside. He gave his last name coolly to the hostess and she ushered the two of you to a more private booth at the back of the restaurant. Bradley pulled your chair out for you and let you sit first. What a gentleman. He took his seat across from you and removed his aviators.

Those eyes were mesmerizing. Beautiful brown that you swore had little flecks of gold in them. You could get lost in those eyes if you weren’t careful, so you quickly picked up the small menu and looked it over. Yikes. You for sure wouldn’t be able to afford this.

“So, I can tell this is not something you usually do,” Bradley said softly. “Me neither, if I’m honest.”

“Honestly? My friend made me do it. We were… Drinking last night. And she convinced me this would be a good idea.” You admitted candidly. “I didn’t know what to expect.

“Hah! Sounds exactly like what my friend did to me,” he admitted right back. “I forgot the app even existed until you messaged me last night. Then, I just got this… feeling. Like, if I let this slip by, I’d regret it the rest of my life.”

“Hence, why we’re sitting here having brunch together,” you finish for him. “I have to admit, Bradley, you don’t seem like the type to go for… younger women. You’re mature, put together, and seem like a zero-bullshit guy.”

“Yeah, well, the Navy sort of beats that into you,” he laughs softly. “Women are usually deterred by the military thing. They automatically think you’re looking to get married, or they think you’re active duty and are going to lose you. So they don’t even bother trying.” He looks up at you. “I’m just trying to find someone to spoil. Someone to care for, and someone to care for me right back.”

You appreciated his honesty. You liked skipping around the nervous chatter, the lies, the embellishments. This was a far cry from some of the dates you’d been on in the past - boys pretending to be men that they’re not. Bradley clearly went through that when he was your age. And he clearly realized it doesn’t work long-term.

“You’re saying all the right things, Bradley,” you chime. “I just want you to know… I’m not after your money or whatever else it is you have to offer me. I’m not sure what I’m after here, but I’d like to explore this. Whatever it ends up being, or not being, I’m interested to see where it goes.”

You’re surprised to hear those words coming from your mouth. An hour ago you were just about ready to call this whole thing off. You were sure this would make you lesser than; lump you in with all the other desperate girls your age just looking to get rich and not work for it. But, honestly, you didn’t care about money - your friend did. If this all worked out, if Bradley ended up being more than just a Seeking Arrangements date, you’d have to thank her for being such a gold digger.

Oh, the misery.

"I do too, sweetheart,” Bradley said sweetly. “No pressure, no fakery, no stress.”

-

Brunch went exceptionally well. Bradley told you stories from his time in the Naval Academy, TOPGUN, and even a few missions you were pretty sure he wasn’t supposed to share. He told you about his parents and how he followed in his dad’s footsteps. He told you about everything. He was a man who’d lived. You couldn’t grasp, still, how a woman his age wouldn’t want him.

You shared stories from your years in college, your job, and from your childhood. Absolutely nothing compared to the nearly twenty years he had on you. You felt silly telling him about yourself, but he was genuinely interested. He asked so many insightful questions, held your hand, and maintained eye contact. You thought maybe, just maybe, he was falling for you.

You’d be remiss if you didn’t admit you may be falling for him, too.

When the bill came, Bradley snatched it away from you with a mischievous grin. You playfully pouted at him and he just waved you off. He took his wallet out and slid a credit card into the book and held it until the server came back. Clever little devil.

“I told you I’d spoil you, sweetheart,” he mused. “This is me spoiling you. But, I should warn you. This is only the beginning.”

You grinned at him and nodded, relaxing back in your seat. He was just so cool. His entire demeanor, his attitude - devil may care kind of air about him. You enjoyed his youthful aura, especially since you knew he was not quite as youthful as he used to be. It was truly a breath of fresh air.

The bill was paid, you’d successfully drank three mimosas, and Bradley was looking at you with stars in his eyes. He walked you out of the restaurant and to his Bronco. He looked down at you once the two of you were on the passenger’s side. Brushing some hair from your face, he smiled softly and pulled you just a touch closer.

“Well, I’m dying for your review, sweetheart,” he said with a grin. “Did I live up to expectations?”

Your mouth felt dry all of a sudden. Did he? Did he? You’d just spent three hours chatting with a man nearly twice your age about his life, your life, and genuinely enjoying each other's company. And he wants to know if he lived up to expectations? You smiled widely, no longer able to conceal the excitement you felt in your gut about this.

“Very much so. I’d even be so bold as to say you’ve surpassed them,” you took his hand in yours gently. He responded by squeezing your waist a little tighter.

“Then,” he said in a lower tone than he’d used earlier. “You wouldn’t find it uncouth of me to do this?”

Before you could even think of a witty response, his lips were on yours in a gentle, tentative kiss. Your initial shock washed away quickly as your lips pressed back against his. He was gentle, nothing extravagant, nothing lying beneath the surface - just a kiss. His hands slid around your back and upwards, pulling you impossibly closer. Your hands found purchase on his large biceps, squeezing as he drew you nearer.

Like in the movies, you felt an instant spark. Little electrical pulses all over your lips, your cheeks, and wherever he touched you. His hands seemed to be made for you. They seemed to know exactly how to hold you, how to caress you, and how to make you forget all except him and this moment.

And all too quickly, he was pulling away from you. He looked down at you with gentle eyes, a small quirk of his lips. You stared back up at him with your mouth hanging open ever so slightly. He brought his hand up and swept his thumb over your bottom lip. You almost had to squeeze your thighs together to relieve the mild ache that warmed your core.

Bradley let out a soft chuckle and opened the door for you. Like earlier, he helped you into the Bronco and then got in himself. He started the vehicle and started driving away from the restaurant. Your mind swam with the possibilities. He could be your father, but you wanted him. You wanted him to be the man in your life. Just from this one little encounter. You were sure you wanted him.

It really was like the movies.

You noticed eventually that you were nowhere near your apartment, or his. In fact, San Diego wasn’t around you at all. You’d traveled north, and then west. To a small little shopping center away from town. You looked at Bradley curiously and he met your gaze as if on cue.

“I’m not done with you yet, sweetheart,” he said coolly. “I’m taking you to the beach. But you need a bathing suit. And, honestly, so do I.” He grinned at you and pulled into a parking spot. Just great! He was already blowing his money on you. Part of you felt guilty, but the other part of you - the part that was still listening to your friend - wanted to see this all through.

He pulled you into a store that sold probably the most revealing swimsuits for the most outrageous prices. You cringed every time you looked at a price tag even though Bradley had assured you nothing was too expensive. Finally, after looking at a one-piece suit that was anything but “one piece,” you pulled Bradley to you.

“I cannot let you spend this kind of money on such little fabric, Bradley,” you pleaded. He simply smiled down at you and nodded.

“I understand completely,” he looked around at the options and narrowed his eyes. “Let me find something worthwhile then.” He kissed your cheek and walked off to search for a suit for you. Dumbfounded, you stood back and watched for a second. Then, without even thinking, you started looking for one for him to wear. Like some kind of girlfriend would.

You picked up a red pair of trunks, the shorter kind that have come into style recently. You weren’t sure if these would make him look younger or just plain silly. You didn’t really care, though, you wanted him to wear them. You figured this would be a good color on him.

When he eventually found you again, he had his hands behind his back. A shit-eating grin on his face, you’d notice. You held up the trunks you’d chosen for him, a small smile on your face.

“How are these?” You asked sweetly. He nodded in approval and then brought a one piece suit out from behind his back.

Your eyes bugged out of your head when you saw it - bright red, just like the trunks you’d chosen for him.

You let out a genuine laugh and smiled up at him. He pulled you in for a quick kiss before taking the trunks from you and walking to the register to pay. You followed behind him but quickly tucked yourself against his side at the counter. He’d picked up a pair of aviators for you, a couple of towels, and some sunblock. Once he paid, he took your hand and led you out of the shop.

“Let’s change into these before we head out. I wanna get right into it when we get to the beach,” he handed you the swimsuit and gently pushed you in the direction of the bathroom. He went to the men’s room to change, and you changed as instructed.

When you arrived at the beach, you were in awe at how gorgeous the scenery was. Not a person in sight, either. Perfect, you thought. Bradley hauled you to the sand like a little kid and laughed at your protests.

“The water is fine! Come on, let me see that suit I got you.” He pinched your sides and tickled you into submission. You shoved him off of you with a wheezing laugh and tore your clothes off to reveal the swimsuit. His eyes traveled down your body in a very uncharacteristically obvious way.

“Wow, sweetheart,” he grunted. “Red is definitely your color.” He took his t-shirt off and tossed it aside. He was surprisingly muscular for someone his age. It added to his charm, you decided, that he was able to stay in such great shape. “How about me? Red a good color on me? Someone my age?”

“Yeah, actually. Those make you look at least ten years younger,” you teased. He laughed and watched you take off towards the water. He followed behind you and let his feet get wet from the waves.

You, on the other hand, were the young sprite who was going deeper into the water. You let the water lap at your thighs before traveling out a little further. The cool water felt amazing on your skin, even better with the sun beating down on you. You closed your eyes and let the waves rock you from side to side. You surely could get used to this.

You suddenly felt hands on your hips, a firm grip. You jumped slightly before turning around to come face-to-face with Bradley. The sun made his eyes sparkle just as you’d predicted in the restaurant. You looked at the age on his face and sigh softly. It’s not as obvious in the sun. Not something you expected.

“You forgot something,” he said softly. He propped the pair of aviators he bought on your face and gently pushed them up the bridge of your nose. He poked the tip of your nose with a boyish grin. “Perfect.”

“You’re gonna let me get a sunburn, too?” You chide with a poke to his ribs.

“Oh, never,” he said with a scandalized look on his face. “Here, turn back around.” He produced the bottle of sunscreen and smirked.

You turned around without hesitation. You felt his hands all over your back as he spread the sunscreen around your skin. He rubbed up and over your shoulders, kissing them gently when he was finished. He traced your spine on the open back of the swimsuit he bought you. You shivered ever so slightly when his hands brushed your skin so gently. He worked the sunscreen into your neck before gently turning you back around and working it over your collarbone. You saw the hesitation in his eyes when he went to drag his fingers lower, but your lack of protest replaced his hesitation with determination. He massaged the sunscreen into the swell of your breasts slowly. Your breath caught in your throat at the touch. The familiar ache between your legs returning.

He moved on to your arms and the tops of your ears. He then put a silly little stripe of it on the bridge of your nose, making you giggle. You took the bottle from him and repeated the gesture on him. He grinned proudly and pulled you close again. His lips crashed onto yours in a hungry kiss, more intimate than the last.

You knew then that you could get used to this.

-

You grinned widely and charged at Bradley, jumping into his arms. He laughed and caught you with ease, spinning you around as you wrapped your legs around him. He playfully tipped you backwards so your hair brushed the water. Your squeal of excitement rang out clear as day, making him smile brighter than you’d seen.

He pulled you back up and you buried your face in his neck. His skin was slick with sweat and sunscreen, and he smelled still like the subtle cologne he wore. He held you securely against him, never daring to drop you.

You pulled your head back and kissed him again. It came easier now, kissing him. It was more exciting, less anxiety-inducing. You liked the way the walls had been dropped and the affections came easier. He gladly kissed you back, tugging your bottom lip between his teeth. A soft, more needy than intended whimper left your lips at that.

Instead of scaring him away, it only spurred Bradley on. His hands cupped your rear possessively and he carried you back to shore. And you knew where it would go from there.

He set you down on one of the towels and crawled over you. His hands gripped your hips tightly as he explored your skin with his mouth. Your hands slid up and into his hair, whining softly as he ravaged you with that perfect, experienced mouth.

“I need you to know, sweetheart,” he grunted. “This isn’t a one-off.” You tilted your head, sweat on your brow.

“I’m going to take you out, bring you home, make you mine,” he explained further. “I’m not ready to let you go yet. I hope that’s okay.”

“It’s more than okay,” you breathed. “I’m not ready to let you go yet either.”

“Good,” he said before kissing down your stomach, dangerously close to your aching cunt. “Because I don’t want to go too fast.” He kissed back up your stomach and to your lips.

A pitiful little moan left your lips in protest. He chuckled softly and looked down at you.

“We have time,” he said simply. You wrapped your arms around him and laughed softly. His lips connected with your collarbone before he lifted you back up.

“Let’s order something and eat dinner here. Sound good?” He suggested. You nodded with a grin, kissing his cheek. As he was busy ordering something for dinner, you looked down at your phone for the first time since that morning. You opened it up and looked at your conversation with Bradley on the app. You bit your lip and closed the app. Then you took a leap.

You deleted the app.

Bradley was the only one you cared about among the list of men you’d chatted with. And in a stupidly short amount of time, you started picturing yourself with this man. This real man. He turned to you and smiled as he spoke on the phone with the place he was ordering from. The look on his face when he looked at you was enough. This, eating dinner on a secluded beach, was enough.

Tagging people who may enjoy: @roosterscock @cherrycola27 @roosterforme @roosterbruiser @beardedladyqueen @seresinsweetie @sebsxphia

[pinkthrone445]

-Let it burn to the ground- Part 6

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 part 5

Pairing:Melissa Schemmenti x Reader

Gender:love, hurt, confort, funny

Warnings:Mention about past trauma, fires and dead

Summary:Melissa lets the fire of love consume her when she meets the new chief of the fire station.

After the fight, you have to think if everything is worth saving.

You were driving automatically, from the beginning of the day you felt horrible because it had already been 3 years since your husband's death, but now a new weight of pain had been added now that the redhead had treated you like this. You weren't so angry about what she said because you knew she might have a point, you were mad because she choose to say it in the worst day possible in the worst way possible. Instead of choosing a time when the two of you were alone and could talk calmly, she told you at a party full of people, to get your attention she decided to take one of her slobbering exes and on top of it all she wanted to throw the blame for everything on you. If she had said it in a good way at a good time, you would have listened to her, taken into account what she said and tried to change it as soon as possible, and the two of you probably would have gone home together.

Instead, you yelled at her, broke up with her leaving her in the arms of other men and came home as a single woman again.

Your son, smart as he was, didn't say a single word the entire trip, it wasn't until you were curling him up in his bed that he decided to speak

-"Mama... Are you okay?" - Your little one whispered seeing your eyes and you sighed

-"Today is not my best day..."-You answered honestly, you had always tried to instill in him that he did not scrutinize his emotions and that what he felt was valid and nothing better than the example to teach

-"I can see your sad eyes" - He whispered resting his little hand on your cheek, you leaned over him smiling softly-"Why Mel didn't came with us? She always makes you smile" - The little boy spoke and you sighed again

-"She... We... She said something hurtful to me and I needed some time alone, so she went home by herself" - You answered and he pouted a little

-"Can I sleep with you mama? When I'm sad sleeping with you helps" - Your child was trying to help you in the way that worked for him when he was sad

-"Okey my beautiful boy, let's go sleep together" - You whispered lifting him out of bed and carrying him in your arms to your room to sleep together and snuggle like when he was a new born. Even though he was very small compared to you, you felt like his love was protecting you from the sadness.

The next morning you were still hurting just as much, but you had a child and a job and you couldn't stay in bed and cry, so you drew strength from where you didn't have and went to make breakfast. After you ate and everything was ready, you went to take your child to school. At the entrance you managed to spot the redhead receiving the children, so you got out of the car and said goodbye to your son but you didn't approach the entrance, or even look at her. When you made sure your child got in, you got in your car, and drove off, the only time you decided to look at her was in your rearview mirror as you drove away.

The days started to go by, Mel tried to talk to you but you had blocked her, she came to see you at home but you were never there and at work they wouldn't let her go to the office because you had asked that no one bother you.

For your part, every day that passed hurt less and you missed her more, but that didn't take away the damage she had done to you with what she said and how she said it.

A week later, Mother's Day came and you were invited to the school to see the gifts and things the kids had prepared. Before leaving the house you looked at the photos on the wall, especially the ones with your husband and you sighed, sad and at the same time a little relieved to feel how his absence hurt less, it still hurts and forever will, but it was less... Now, though for different reasons, the redhead's absence hurt a little more than his.

When you got home, you entered the school with the visitor's pass you had been given and went to your son's classroom, greeting his teacher Barbara

-"Mama! Look at my drawing!" - Your son took your hand and led you into the hallway to show you the tender drawing he had made of you and him.

-"Thats gorgeous baby! You even draw me with my uniform" - You laughed and he nodded, you knew how much he liked that you were a firefighter

-"And I got you this!" - The little one took out a gift package and gave it to you, you pretended to be surprised to see a decorated mug inside, although a few days ago in the list of supplies you had been asked for a mug and things to decorate it...

-"I love it baby! The heart and the fire you made is perfect! I'll use it for work every morning"-You answered and he hugged you tigly while you pick him up. After thanking Barbara for her efforts and giving her some chocolates for Mother's Day, you headed to the gym to enjoy the food they had ordered for the mothers. While the children were eating and playing, the redhead approached you with a small bouquet of flowers and stood by your side

-"Happy mother's day..."-she whispered, handing you the small bouquet, but you didn't take it

-"Thank you" - was all you answered without taking your eyes from your son

-"Look... I'm so sorry for all I said and how I behaved... I let my insecurities get the worst of me..." - She started talking and you sighed

-"I don't want to talk about that here or now Melissa, I just want to enjoy my mother's day with Chris, that's the only reason I'm here" - You answered seriously and it was her turn to sigh

-"Okey...I really wish you a happy day..."-Mel offered you the flowers once more and finally, for the first time in the night, you decided to look at her. Dark circles under her eyes were marked as if she was not sleeping well and her eyes did not have their characteristic brightness, they were dull and hid a lot of sadness. Carefully you took the flowers and she smiled just sideways looking at you, wishing to tell you a million things now that you were finally close, but choosing to stay quiet because you asked. -"I will go back with Barb..." - She whispered before leaving and you smelled the flowers, not only did they have their normal scent, but her perfume had also stuck to the paper that wrapped them, which made you smile softly without you noticing.

At the end of the little party they had organized, you drove home with your little one and the bouquet of flowers.

While your child was bathing, you opened the paper covering the flowers to place them in water, a small envelope with a letter fell to the floor. Curious and confused, you picked it up and opened it to find the unmistakable handwriting of the redhead

"Hello... I didn't know if you would accept the flowers, but if you're reading this it means that you did and they didn't end up in the dumpster like I thought... I'm so sorry for everything I said and what happened. From the moment I met you I fell in love with you, but the more I knew about your husband and how perfect you were, the more I doubted if I was worthy of having you by my side. He was an excellent dad, a very brave man, an amazing husband and a very good person in general, perfect for you... And I'm nothing like that and, besides, I'm old... I was jealous of him and what an amazing couple you made and I felt stupid for being jealous of someone who had passed away, so I didn't told you anything. Every day that passed, I felt less deserving of you and because I did not to mention my doubts with you, my insecurities came to the surface in the worst way at the worst time.

You don't have an idea of how sorry I am for what I said and for hurting you and for doing so many stupid things. I miss you and Chris so much.

I understand now that I lost you, how much it hurts to lose the love of your live. I'm sorry for invalidate your pain.

I hope you can forgive me one day.

With love M"

You stared at the letter for a few minutes, the truth is that Mel's anger wasn't unjustified, maybe it wasn't well expressed but she was right. You carefully grabbed your phone and unlocked the redhead's number, admiring her profile picture for a few seconds. After a little more consideration, you decided to send her a message

-You: "Thank you for the gorgeous flowers Mel... Do you think we can talk someday about what happened... About us?..."-Once you sent the message, you were left nervously waiting for a response that came almost immediately

-Melissa: "Yes please... Tomorrow after school?"-The redhead replied

-You: "I'll be working... Is there any chance that you can come to the office?" - You answered a little nervous

-Melissa: "I will be there after school"-She replied and you smiled softly

-"You:thank you... I will see you tomorrow, have a good night Mel"-It was the last thing you sent before you went check on your child in the bathroom.

The next day Mel was very exited about seeing you again, even though she might have to face the hurt that she did to you and hear you scream to her, she really missed you and needed to see you again.

For your part, you also wanted to see her to clarify some things, even though you were hurt, you really wanted to try to fix everything. You were aware that there were times when we all say things that hurt and that no relationship is perfect and everything takes work.

Although you and Mel had a desire to talk, fate didn't care. Even if it seemed like it would be a quiet day at your job, a call to the fire station changed everything. Gas pipes in a large building had exploded, not only causing the building to catch fire but also cause it to collapse. Immediately your station had to go to the call for help. While they were riding in the truck, you sent a message to the redhead, because you couldn't call her since she wouldn't be able to hear you for the sirens

-You:"Hi Mel, I know we had plans to talk today, but a complicated call just came in and I don't know at what time we will finish, I'm so sorry. Maybe we can talk tomorrow... Also, can you tell Miss Howard that maybe I will be a little late to pick Chris up, please. Thank you and I'm sorry"-You sent the message a little nervous about the situation

-Mel:"Hi honey, yes, no worries, I'll tell her and we can talk tomorrow. Please be safe" - Mel's answer was short but calmed you down a bit.

By the time you got to the building, everything was more complicated than you expected, so they immediately got to work saving as many people as possible.

Meanwhile at school, Melissa was teaching her classes but she felt watched, and it wasn't because of her students as they were all busy doing their homework. She carefully scanned the entire room, looking for the reason why she felt that way. When her eyes fell on the door, she found the source. Your little boy was watching her hidden behind the frame, and although the redhead could see almost half of the little boy's body, Chris thought it was very well hidden.

-"Chris... Are you okay?" - The redhead asked and got up from the desk and walked over to your son and knelt in front of him

-"No... My head hurts and I wanna go home" - Your son made his best sad little eyes looking at the redhead

-"Did you tell Barbara? Why are you alone in the hallway?" - Mel asked worriedly, frowning

-"I told her I was going to the bathroom... I miss my mom, can you call her please?" - Chris pleaded and Mel picked him up in her arms

-"Your mommy is working saving people... But if you want you can stay with me until your mommy arrives, would you like that?" - She asked and the little one nodded hiding in her neck.

Melissa knew that when Chris missed you or had a rough day he would say he had a headache so they call you to pick him up, but since you were busy, she would take care of him until you arrived. Mel alerted Barbara of the situation and stayed with your little one in her classroom while she teached.

When the fire stopped and people were safe, everyone went back to the station. You immediately tasked one of your lieutenants with reporting the mission, took off your protective clothes, and ran to the car to pick up your son. The mission had gone on much longer than planned and the kids had already left school and you hadn't gone to pick up your little one. While you were driving, you called Barbara and she told you that Mel had stayed at school with him waiting for you.

The school was empty when you arrived, but as you entered the redhead's classroom you breathed a sigh of relief when you saw the two of them there. Mel was sitting at her desk and your son was asleep curled up in her arms, with his head on her chest and her coat on his back protecting him from the cold. The woman's desk was filled with toys, books, and an empty food Tupperware, showing you how well the redhead had taken care of him.

-"Hi Mel..."-You whispered without really knowing how to greet her, a hug might be too much for how delicate the situation still was, let alone a kiss, and if you make to much fuss, your son might wake up. So you just got closer to them without touching anything-"Thank you for taking care of him, the call was a mess and was longer than expected, I'm sorry that you had to stay" - You whispered a little embarrassed

-"Hi (Y/N)... Are you kidding? I'm happy that I had to stay with him, we had an amazing time and I missed him so much... And he missed my food too"-She joked and you laughed softly. The redhead carefully got up from her chair to hand Chris over to you softly, not taking off her jacket so that his body wouldn't get cold. Your son frowned when Mel pulled him away from her body, but smiled when he felt you and continued sleeping.

Mel frowned, looking at your face more carefully

-"Yeah, I got a little hurt and I didn't stopped to wash my face, but I'm okay..."-You whispered trying to calm her worry-"Thank you for taking care of him..."-You thanked again as she took her purse and the two of you walked down the hallway-"Did you come in your car?" - You asked as she opened the school door letting you out first

-"It's a pleasure, I love being with him... No, I came with Barbara and she's already gone, I'll ask for a uber to go home" - She responded by taking her cell phone out of her purse

-"I'll drive you home, it's the least I can do..."-You replied and she smiled nodding in gratitude. Once your son was secured in his chair, the two of you climbed up and drove home quietly, it wasn't awkward but there was a bit of tension in the silence. The trip went by too quickly for your liking, and even though you hadn't talked about anything, you realized how much you had missed having her by your side, it hurt you what she said, but it hurt you more no having her close. Mel was about to open the car door to get out but your voice stopped her

-"The new season of Bridgeton is out... Do you want to come home to watch it?" - You asked nervously and she looked at you in surprise

-"I would love to... But are you sure you want this? Having me in your home?" - She replied in a trembling voice

-"I'm sure" - You answered confidently and she took her hand out of the door and put her seat belt back on.

Once you got to your house and put your son to bed, you turned on the TV opening Netflix but Mel called your name from the bathroom, confused you followed her and saw her with a wet towel in her hands and the emergency kit

-"Come... Let me clean your face first, we don't want it to be infected" - The redhead spoke and you sat on the small bench that your son climbed on to brush his teeth, Mel sat on the toilet with the lid closed and began to wipe your face with the damp towel. Her hands were soft and delicate, carefully running the towel over your features, wiping a small cut on your forehead with special care, even though you had your eyes closed, you could feel her watchful gaze on you

-"I'm sorry" - You whispered with your eyes closed, and the redhead's actions stopped

-"For your cuts? I don't like that you are hurt, but I'm glad it was something small and not something more dangerous" - Mel resumed her actions and you took her wrist gently making her stop her movements, slowly you opened your eyes and raised your gaze to look into her eyes

-"I'm sorry for not loving you the way you deserve it... I'm not saying that what you did was okay, but I know that somehow I pushed you to said what you said and in part you were right... I couldn't let him go because he literally saved my life and I felt like I owned something to him, loyalty even if he wasn't here, I was scared of forgetting him or that Chris forget him... I know I will never completely forget him because I see him in the face of my son every day and I know that Chris won't forget him because he loves him and knows the kind of person his father was, but I also know that holding into him won't bring him back and will only take you away from us. You are part of our family now, you are everything that I need, you are here now, you love us, you protect us and you are everything that we were missing... I get now that you are not here to replace him, but you are here to complete us... And I'm sorry for pushing you away"-You whispered, still holding her hand, and Mel smiled, resting her forehead on yours

-"I'm sorry for being an asshole and for being mean, you didn't deserve that. I'm sorry for letting my insecurities get the worst of me... I don't want to lose you both and I don't want you to forget your husband or that Chris forget his father, I just want to have a place here" - Mel pointed to your heart and you barely smiled-"Because you and Chris occupied my whole heart..."-Mel kissed your forehead gently and you hugged her waist resting your head on her chest-"I also love the pictures that you put on the wall where we are all together... We look like a cute family" - Mel whisper against your hair

-"We are a family, you are our family... I really missed you Mel... I love you" - You murmured against her chest

-"I love you honey" - Mel gave you a little kiss and kept holding you tight

[bones4thecats]

Miko's Army! Sister; TFP! Bulkhead's S/O

Character: Bulkhead (Transformers Prime) Inspired By: The most random thoughts A/N: This may be a part two, don't know, y'all can vote after reading! ⚠️ Trigger Warnings for: Nothing ⚠️

╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗

╚═════ Bulkhead ══════════════════════════════╝

💥 You were Miko's older sister, being 9 years older than the 15-year-old. She admired everything you did growing up. You were a very strong woman, participating in multiple strength-related sports as you aged, ranging from wrestling to volleyball

💥 When you turned 18, you moved into America and gained citizenship before joining their military, becoming one of their best members quickly. Once you returned from missions overseas, you got the news that your sister, Miko, had been getting ready to be an exchange student from your parents

💥 It definitely shook your life around, as you hadn't seen her since she was 9 and you were a new-adult. Miko was ecstatic to move in with her older sister once again, knowing you would be such an amazing caretaker for the meanwhile

💥 As the time passed, Miko gained a strong love for American pop-culture. She dyed part of her hair pink and grew into a thrill-seeking young teenager with a strong sense of bravery and loyalty, which she gained from your influence

💥 One morning, she had woke up after falling asleep on the couch in front of the TV with you reading a book in your chair. She was not wanting to go to school, but she knew that you wanted her to go and she couldn't make you angry, your anger scared everyone

💥 She lightly walked out into the living room, finding you there with your canine, Koro, sitting down with his vest wrapped around his body

"What are ya' doing?" She asked.

"Getting ready for work. I have a shift starting at 9:00, so you might wanna get ready 'cause you're getting dropped off early."

"Ugh..." She groaned as she walked away to get dressed and fix her hair.

"Don't worry, Miko. I should be off sooner rather than later tonight, my boss said that I could leave to get you and get back when you're home."

💥 Miko, after some bribery from you, got dressed and pulled her hair up into the two buns and single ponytail in the back. You smiled and handed her a lunchbox filled with her favorite foods before grabbing your own along with your keys, turning on your 2009 Ford F-150, and vesting up your dog before leaving

💥 As you drove Miko to school, you got a call. Picking it up, you answered formally to your boss before asking him what he needed you to do the rest of the day

"Well, Agent Nakadai, we are in need of your presence today. A plan is needing some finalization. Are you clear to come in?"

"Yes, sir. I'm about two minutes away from my sister's school, I'll drop her off and head over immediately."

"Alright. I shall see you soon, Agent."

"You as well, sir."

💥 Hanging up your phone, Miko asked who called, to which you said your boss before laying your phone in the cup holder and turned on some Slash Monkey, knowing it was Miko's favorite band to listen too

💥 She sang along to the music while playing an air guitar as you laughed and kept driving, only slowing down once entering the school-area. Miko looked at you and smiled, pulling her tank-top strap back up and slinging her bag over her shouldr before jumping out, saying her goodbyes, before running off to screw around like normal

💥 You smiled and drove off towards your work, hoping that this wouldn't cause anything to keep you for too long. You needed to hang around your sister more, work just- could get difficult...

»–•–«

💥 It did not go as planned.

💥 Once you saw the lock hit when Miko would get out, you groaned, grabbing your phone and calling your sister. She answered and you just said that she needed to tell you where she would be in around 2 to 3 hours, and she just said she'd be walking around Jasper

💥 You told her that you'd call when you got out and that when you did, she would need to go to K.O. Burger and wait for you there. She agreed and said she was gonna go have some fun now

"Okay, just-"

"Be careful, yeah, I know."

"Love you, Miko."

"You too, big sis!"

»–•–«

💥 Nodding as you spoke to your boss again, you heard both Arcee and Bumblebee returning from grabbing the two male humans that found them in the action against two Vehicons the day prior

"Are the two of them back?"

"Yes they are. I better go see the boys and make sure they don't pass out."

"That you should. Have a good rest of your day, Agent."

"You as well, Fowler."

💥 Closing the phone and stuffing it in your pocket, you turned around and began walking towards the main room where the others were. You were ready to meet the boys, but were not ready to meet the third human they got

"I'm Raf." You heard.

"I'm Miko! Who're you?"

"Bulkhead..."

"Are you a car? I bet you're a truck. A monster truck! Do you like heavy metal? How much do you weight? Ever use a wrecking-ball for a punching bag?"

💥 You quickened your walk to a run as you heard the ramblings. You prayed to every God of every religion that that was not the Miko you were related too

💥 WHY WERE YOU WRONG ALL THE TIME?!

"Miko Nakadai! What are you doing here?!"

💥 The female froze as everyone turned to look at you in confusion. Did you know the young girl?

"Hey! Funny seeing you here!"

"I told you to- why can't you listen for five minutes?" You mumbled as you ran down the stairs to your younger sister.

"Uhm, Y/N?" Bulkhead asked, causing you to turn around to look up at the green-mech.

"...Yes?"

"How do you know her?"

"Oh, don't tell me she's your sister." Ratchet said, a groan ready to come out.

"Well... yeah."

💥 The Autobots looked at you with shock, you guys looked similar, yet different. Her hair has a thick, pink stripe while yours had nothing. She had a very flamboyant fashion sense, while yours was far more dark and solid-appearing. Miko also had an outgoing personality while you were cold and calculating with your words

💥 Bulkhead looked at you and back at Miko nervously, wondering what his next words should be

"Why didn't you tell me about this sooner?!" Miko asked excitedly.

"It was classified." You glared at Bumblebee and Arcee, making them slightly shift, before continuing. "And none of your business."

"Y/N, if I may ask, how old is Miko?"

"I'm 15! Y/N's-"

"24. We're aware."

"I didn't know how old she was." Arcee said, making Bulkhead slightly tense and look away, his face-plate slightly tinted blue.

"Are you like my sister's boyfriend or something? She does rave about someone nicknamed 'Bulky'."

"MIKO! Enough!" You yelled, grabbing her arm and pulling her away to look at you, only to be interrupted by Optimus walking inside to speak to the humans.

"Y/N, I believe it is in all of our best interests to assist these... children, in gaining some consolation in what is happening in this base."

"Understood, Prime."

💥 Bulkhead saw you slightly back away, so he bent his hand down for you to jump on, which you did. He picked you fully up to perch on his shoulder and listen as Optimus spoke to your sister and the two other males

💥 You looked at Miko and sighed... this was going to be a more difficult time caring for her than you thought...

[slaymitchabernathy]

Hands to Yourself

When Coriolanus Snow hears his girlfriend let out a tired sigh when she sits down next to him on the sofa, he can’t help but grin at himself.

Soarynn sighs as if she’s entirely and utterly exhausted.

And it makes him wonder what could possibly make her so tired?

It’s adorable really, how shopping and dining with her girlfriends manages to tucker her out within a matter of hours whereas Coriolanus spends hours upon hours holed up in his office to put bread on the table.

But he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Coriolanus has worked tirelessly to ensure that the only problem Soarynn ever has, is deciding how she’s going to spend his money.

She’s dressed comfortably for a night in, wearing a matching set of pajamas, silky pants, and a silky button-up shirt. Her hair is pulled back into a loose ponytail with some stray pieces framing her face.

She looks so effortlessly beautiful.

He wishes he could just keep her in his pocket all the time.

“What’s troubling you darling?” He asks, folding the newspaper in his hands. He got home two hours ago and they’ve spent those two hours having dinner and winding down after a long week. Tomorrow is Saturday and Soarynn got them tickets for the ballet.

Soarynn sighs and waves him off, “Nothing. I’m just tired is all.”

Coriolanus can’t help but feel a bit cheeky and as much as he denies it, he loves to tease Soarynn, to push her buttons and make her scowl.

“What did you do today to warrant this lack of energy?” He asks her, crossing one leg over the other while leaning back into the sofa cushions, “Was it the tea with Persephone, or buying a whole new outfit for the ballet tomorrow that’s truly sent you over the edge?”

If looks could kill, he’d be a dead man.

Soarynn glares over at him and pulls her knees to her chest, putting more distance between them which is something they both know he hates. Coriolanus doesn’t see any reason for them to ever be more than three inches apart. Especially when they’re alone.

“I got my period thank you very much,” she snaps, causing his smile to drop. A woman on her period is a force to be reckoned with, especially Soarynn.

Not that she gets unnecessarily snippy with him but her patience does tend to run shorter when it’s that time of the month for her. Coriolanus has learned to approach her with snacks and kisses to help the week pass by quickly.

He scoots a bit closer to her, forcing her against the arm of the couch, “So I still haven’t gotten you pregnant then?” Soarynn scowls at him and jabs his ribs with her elbow for good measure, “You’re not funny you know that right? I’m bleeding out and you’re cracking jokes.”

Coriolanus chuckles and slips an arm around her waist, his fingers slipping under her shirt and pressing against her bare skin, “You know I’m funny, and you know that I’d cut off my hand before I let you bleed out yes?”

He’s got her there. Coriolanus Snow is many things but he’s not a negligent boyfriend. Should Soarynn need something, she’ll get it within seconds. A foot rub, a back massage, some kisses or chocolates.

Soarynn doesn’t look him in the eye but he can still see the resolve, she knows he’s right. “I suppose this week is always a test of inner strength for you,” she says, “since you can’t really touch me for a week.”

Coriolanus frowns because those are words that are not technically true. He can touch Soarynn while she’s on her period, in fact, he can do everything he does to her normally if she’d only let him. He’s offered it before, going down on her or fucking her while on her period but she’s always shied away from such suggestions, claiming it would be too messy and gross.

As if he could ever find his darling girlfriend gross.

His hand slides up to cup her breast and she whimpers, she’s always so much more sensitive during this time of the month. “The offer still stands,” he whispers, his lips ghosting the shell of her ear. He enjoys how Soarynn shivers despite her claims of not wanting to be intimate during this week. She’s as bad as he is when it comes to holding back from primal urges.

Soarynn shakes her head but doesn’t pull away from the physical contact, “No, I…it’s too much, you’d think it was gross.” Coriolanus wants to point out that he’s swallowed her spit almost every day and don’t even get him started on how many times they’ve finished each other off with their mouths.

Soarynn and her cunt taste delicious as far as he’s concerned.

He kisses her neck, “You could never be gross my darling girl, not to me. And how do you know if you’ve never tried it?” He’s got her there and she knows it.

He watches her face carefully while she mulls over the possibilities and he can see her slowly giving in. “Besides, I’ve heard that an orgasm can help relieve cramps,” he adds which is really a shot in the dark.

Soarynn bites her lip and Coriolanus watches with anticipation as she finally comes to a decision, “Alright,” she murmurs, “but in the shower.”

That’s the best offer he’s ever going to get from Soarynn and he’s quick to pepper her face with kisses, smiling at her giggles and squeals, “Coryo! Coryo calm down,” she shrieks while tilting her neck to give him better access. Coriolanus latches his lips to her sensitive skin and sucks hard, leaving behind a bruise, “It’s hard to calm down when you’re usually so keen on keeping me at arm's length darling,” he mumbles, his other hand slipping under her shirt to grab her other breast.

Her reaction is instant as it always is, she’s always been so sensitive to him.

Soarynn moans and Coriolanus presses his lips against hers, groaning when she grinds her body against his. “The shower,” she mumbles against his lips, reminding him of their little promise. Coriolanus nods, his hands sliding down to squeeze her waist, “The shower,” he repeats.

He’s never been so excited to shower in his life.

꧁ ꧂

Coriolanus is more than smug as he looks down at his girlfriend lying next to him in bed, wrapped in soft pajamas with a blissed-out look on her face.

Fucking Soarynn on her period had been everything he expected it to be which was the exact fucking same as it is when she’s not on her period.

She had been so worried about the blood but he hardly noticed it, he was too busy fucking her to pay attention to a little bit of blood. The way she talked about it, he expected gallons and gallons of it.

But if anything she just felt a little more wet than normal which was more than fine for him.

He’d given her three orgasms before she could barely stand up anymore, then he washed her down and showered her with words of praise and loving touches. Soarynn’s always had a sensitive heart but he’s found it to be extra sensitive during this particular week. So he always makes sure to take extra good care of it.

He gently brushes his fingers through her soft blonde hair, smiling when her eyes flutter open, “Did I wear you out tonight?” He asks, all too smug and proud of himself. Soarynn squints up at him while stretching her legs, so soft and smooth, “I will neither confirm nor deny such things.”

He definitely wore her out tonight.

Coriolanus shrugs and makes himself more comfortable sitting against their headboard, “Don’t worry darling, we both know you could barely stand by the third round.”

Soarynn scoffs and rolls over to her side, her back now facing him, “Tonight just proved that you can’t even go a week,” she says, her voice muffled by the sheets.

Coriolanus quirks a curious brow, “A week without what?”

Soarynn sits up, her blonde hair tumbling down her shoulders, “A week without fucking me, or touching me for that matter.” She smirks when she sees the dumbfounded look on his face and Coriolanus tries to find anything wrong with what she just said, what’s wrong with constantly wanting to be physical with her?

“Well…well you’re just so alluring,” he says earning a laugh from Soarynn, “I can’t help myself darling you’re simply too irresistible.”

A mischievous look crawls across Soarynn’s face and Coriolanus can’t help but feel a bit nervous, Soarynn’s always been a good girl, a rule follower, but she’s got this little evil side to her that scares the shit out of him.

And it always seems to come out around this time of the month.

“Do you wanna bet on it?”

He blinks once at her question, then twice, “Bet on it,” he repeats, wondering where this version of his girlfriend has been hiding for so long. Soarynn nods, batting her eyelashes while her hand finds her thing, sliding further and further up, “Mhm. We can see who can go longer without touching the other person, see who’s really the touchy one in this relationship.”

Maybe it’s because her hand is so close to his cock straining in his boxers or it’s the fact that Coriolanus Snow loves a challenge and loves to win but he finds himself nodding to her little proposition without a second thought.

“Alright,” he agrees, “and what does the winner get?”

He ought to know his reward for when he wins this silly little bet.

Soarynn gives him that sweet smile that has anything but good intentions behind it, “If you win then you can do whatever you want to me.”

Well, now he has to win.

His throat bobs a little but he can’t back down now, “You have yourself a deal darling.”

꧁ ꧂

꧁ Two Weeks Later ꧂

“You two are still doing that bet?”

Coriolanus nods at Festus and his question while watching Soarynn from across the room. They’re attending a company auction and Soarynn looks exquisite in her blood-red dress tonight.

“I have to win,” he says, more to himself than to Festus. It’s been a mantra constantly repeating in his head since he agreed to this stupid bet that’s slowly becoming the bane of his existence.

At first, it was easy.

Soarynn had laid out the rules plain and simple, they could kiss, but only small pecks. They could hug but not for too long, not long enough for something to start between them. They could cuddle but only when drifting off to sleep.

The second one of them made a move on the other, the bet was off and he—as she predicted—would be a sore loser.

The first week wasn’t too bad since he was used to not being as touchy as he usually was since she was still on her period. He showered her with chocolates and sweet cards, making sure she was comfortable.

This week has been harder.

Soarynn Nightingale is a very predictable creature and Coriolanus knows that the week after her period, she’s as horny as can be. She clearly didn’t plan for that when she came up with her little bet, something she thought would punish him and only him but she’s been making it very hard to keep his hands to himself.

Monday night he came home to her walking around completely naked. He nearly jumped her right then and there but he held back. He had to win.

Tuesday was especially hard in the morning when that little vixen did a fucking strip tease right before he went to work, leaving him with a hard and pressing problem.

Wednesday was when hell almost broke loose. Coriolanus had managed to make it through dinner even though Soarynn was eye fucking him from across the table the entire time. It was clear that she was just as pent up as he was, but she wanted to win too.

It was when he heard her moans coming from the bathroom that he almost called it off. He had peered through the cracked doors leading to their bathroom to find Soarynn in the bathtub, head thrown back in pleasure while she did who knows what in there.

To see his own girl getting off using something that wasn’t him went against everything Coriolanus stood for.

Soarynn deserved to feel the utmost sexual pleasure, preferably provided by him, not her fingers or the bath faucet.

Thursday proved to be difficult when he suggested that they watch a film so Soarynn decided to sit on his lap. Which was completely normal except for her ass was right on top of his growing boner and she had the audacity to act all innocent.

Tonight thankfully they were in public so she couldn’t pull any of her little stunts. “You two are crazy,” Festus says while shaking his head, “Persephone and I wouldn’t last three days.”

We barely have, Coriolanus thinks to himself. These two past weeks have been sheer torture and what scares him the most is that they have the potential to go months without touching should both of them keep this up.

And he can’t have that.

He’s going to have to take drastic measures.

“Excuse me,” he says to Festus before grabbing two glasses of champagne from the table next to them and making his way over to Soarynn who’s talking with her friends Persephone and Livia. All three women giggle as he approaches him and he can only guess why, “Oh Coryo, you’re looking so pent up, has work been extra hard this week?” Livia asks, teasing so evident in her tone.

He flashes her his best Capitol smile and nods, “Yes Livia, this week has proven to be full of challenges but thank you so much for your concern.”

He hands Soarynn a glass of champagne, noticing the smirk she’s wearing, “For you darling. Since you’ve been so parched this week.”

Her smirk slightly falters but she recovers smoothly and takes the glass from him, bringing it to her red-colored lips and taking a long sip, her eyes never breaking away from his gaze once. She finally swallows and her lips have left an imprint on the rim of the glass, “Thank you Coryo, it’s been a while since I’ve swallowed something so thick.”

Well fuck.

Coriolanus nearly chokes on his own spit all while her little friends are sniggering. Fine, fine, let them laugh, he’ll have the last laugh.

꧁ ꧂

The auction dinner is going by painfully slowly. If it weren’t for his beautiful girlfriend next to him, Coriolanus would be bored out of his mind.

Everyone is bored out of their minds while one of the owners of the company he works for drones on and on about how diligence and work ethic make a business as successful as this one. Which is all fine and dandy but Coriolanus is so fucking horny that he can barely think straight.

It doesn’t help that Soarynn is so intoxicating while she listens, mindlessly twirling her blonde hair around her finger the same way she’s got him wrapped around her other finger.

Oh fingers, he misses using his fingers on her, listening to her gasp and moan and whine and beg.

And her other hand that’s planted on his knee is not helping. He knows that she means well, that she only ever touches him there when he starts to get impatient and bounces his leg up and down until the table starts to shake.

But only a few inches above his knee is another area that would greatly appreciate her hand's attention. Too bad he can’t manspread right now and really show her what she’s missing.

The owner finally wraps this snooze fest up with a few inspiring quotes and then some, leading everyone to stand and raise their glasses. “To the future,” they all say and Coriolanus finds a completely different meaning in those words.

To a future where we can fuck every single day until we die, he thinks to himself as they all sit back down. Soarynn is oblivious to his internal battle as she begins chatting with her friends again, practically ignoring him.

Thankfully the first course is brought out so he can at least enjoy his food, but he’s still starving for something else.

“So what have you two been up to?” Persephone asks, eyeing Coriolanus and Soarynn with an amused look. Festus covers his laugh with a half-assed cough while Coriolanus scoffs and stabs at his food, “We’ve been up to absolutely nothing,” he grumbles, not caring if he sounds like he’s pouting.

Soarynn hums, taking a sip of her drink, “Yes, we’ve been on a path of self-discovery the last few weeks, haven’t we darling?”

You’re about to discover how hard I can fuck when this is all over, he thinks to himself before nodding and giving her hand a squeeze, “Yes darling, although I do love discovering you more than myself.”

Those words do enough to cause Soarynn to nearly choke on her drink and he’s the first one to offer her a napkin and a smug look on his face, “Be careful darling, heaven knows how long it’s been since you’ve choked on something you can’t swallow.”

Soarynn glares at him but Coriolanus basks in his small victory.

The last few weeks have been a battle of wits and words it seems, every jab having a double meaning that screams: ‘fuck me before I lose my mind!’

But neither of them is willing to give up victory, even if it costs a small bit of their sanity.

And it seems to be quite the entertaining experience for their friends who eagerly watch the pent-up couple go back and forth with their witty replies, “I dare say they’ve reached their limits,” Festus muses with a grin on his lips. Persephone nods, looking Coriolanus up and down, “Yes, it seems our dear Coryo finally didn’t land on top for once.”

Soarynn looks all too smug and he honestly can’t believe that his own friends are ganging up on him!

“Oh I intend to land on top,” he tells them, earning him a curious look from his girlfriend, “just you wait.”

꧁ ꧂

Coriolanus runs his fingers through his curls absentmindedly while watching Soarynn get undressed.

It used to be that he would be the one undressing her after a night like tonight, but once again, his hands are tied.

So now he has to watch. Miserably at that.

She just looks so regal, so beautiful and angelic as she slips off her shoes, leaving her only in her panties and her bralette now. She throws him a smirk when she catches him watching and flips her hair over her shoulder, “Like what you see Coryo?”

He can’t help but nod. She’s got him wrapped around her little finger.

She turns to fully face him, giving Coriolanus a great view of what he’s been missing out on these past few weeks. Her toned abdomen, her full breasts, her perky little ass. He might just kill himself.

“Well you know what you have to do to get it,” she purrs, slowly walking up to him. Coriolanus can’t do anything but sit there and watch as Soarynn slowly sinks onto his lap, straddling him in the armchair.

Her hands graze his shoulders and she hums to herself, “You’re so close to giving in Coryo,” she murmurs, her breath leaving a trail of goosebumps down his neck, “just give in to me, you know you want to.”

Coriolanus can feel his resolve breaking, his mission becoming jeopardized. He can’t lose.

He quickly shoves her hands off of him and stands up, causing Soarynn to nearly slip onto the floor had he not caught her, “I think that’s enough of that darling,” he decides, clearing his throat, “we ought to take a shower and get ready for bed.”

Soarynn looks anything but pleased with his restraint. She clearly planned on him failing her little test but Coriolanus Snow loves a challenge and he’s more than happy to make this miserable for her too. Because she’s just as horny as he is.

“You’ll break,” she mumbles, shuffling to the bathroom, “and then I’ll be the winner.”

Coriolanus smirks, “Keep telling yourself that.”

꧁ ꧂

The next three days are filled with deathly glares from Soarynn and for good reason too.

He’s been working late.

Which she already hates with or without their little challenge. She’s always hated it when Coriolanus has turned up late after work but now she knows he’s doing it on purpose, doing it to rile her up and it’s working.

The first time had truly been an accident, Coriolanus ended up losing track of time on a project and got home around eight to find Soarynn perched on the sofa, arms crossed and chin turned away from him.

He apologized but he also took notes.

His absence clearly took a toll on her, so that’s how he’d win this thing.

The next few nights he did the same thing, showing up later and later until he sprung the news of a surprise work trip on her.

“You what?” She asks, her eyes wide in disbelief as they get ready for bed. Coriolanus sighs and shoots her a look, “I’m only going to be gone for two days darling, it’s business.”

Soarynn scoffs and throws her pillow onto the bed, “It’s last minute is what it is. And you know how I feel about last-minute plans.”

Petunia hops onto the bed, her tail held high and mighty while watching her humans fight, they’ve been doing a lot of that lately, fighting.

It’s all a part of his master plan.

Normally they’d come to the conclusion that it’s been a minute since they did anything intimate and the problem would be solved then and there. But they can’t solve the problem if they’ve sworn off the solution and it’s slowly making itself apparent to Soarynn who glares at him from across the bed.

“I can’t do anything about it, darling, unless you’d like to stop living this lavish lifestyle you seem so fond of,” he says, smiling at the last few words.

If Soarynn were a cat, she’d be hissing at him right now.

“You are getting on my last nerve Coriolanus Snow,” she grits out, jabbing a finger in his general direction, “but go ahead, go on your little business trip, see how it feels to wake up to an empty bed.”

Coriolanus raises his eyebrows in amusement, “But you’d also be waking up to an empty bed wouldn’t you darling? So it appears that once again, we’re evenly matched.”

They’re both at a standstill it seems but that’s fine with him, they can fix it when he gets back and she’s on her knees begging for him.

꧁ ꧂

꧁ Two Days Later꧂

The sound of Festus Creed letting out an exaggerated groan as they descend from the train causes Coriolanus to roll his eyes, “You act as if we weren’t in first class,” he says to his friend who merely shrugs, “It’s been ages since I rode on a train Coryo. Thank goodness the company paid for our tickets.”

Coriolanus nods, the company paid for everything they did on this trip, room and board, the train tickets, and of course, fine dining.

They’d only gone to District One to see a few of their factories, make sure everything and everyone was in order. They stayed in the only resort District One had, making the travel arrangements much easier.

The days flew by quickly but Coriolanus found himself missing Soarynn more and more each day. Not just her body, but her voice, her laugh, her soft blonde hair, and her dazzling gray-blue eyes.

He knows she’s missed him.

They spoke on the phone last night, briefly before began packing up and he could just hear how needy she was. There’s always been a slight tell in her voice whenever she’s gotten to the point of no return. There certain breathiness to her voice, almost as if she’s whining. Begging is a better term for it.

Coriolanus is quick to bid Festus and his other colleagues goodbye before searching for his car in front of the station. He spots it easily and is greeted by his driver who gladly takes his bags and puts them in the trunk.

Coriolanus relaxes into the leather seats of his car, checking his watch to see that everything seems to be going along schedule. He’ll get home just before eight o’clock, just like he promised to Soarynn last night.

She had sounded so goddamn needy on the phone last need, whispering and mumbling about how much she missed him. Coriolanus knew she'd break eventually, that she'd realize how much she missed him, he just needed this trip to get her to that desperate point.

Soarynn can be feisty when she wants, but she can also be so fucking needy and he's learned to love both sides of her, knowing how to play each to his advantage.

By the time his car pulled up to their apartment building, he's already thinking about all the positions he's going to put her in.

He takes his bag from the driver, thanking him before making his way into the building lobby where he's greeted by the doorman and the security officer. Both men make leaving Soarynn behind a little bit easier for Coriolanus who constantly worries for his girlfriend's safety when he's not around.

"Welcome back Mr. Snow."

Coriolanus flashes the doorman a blinding smile, "Thank you, it's good to be back."

Indeed it is.

Coriolanus taps his foot while the elevator takes him up to the top floor, humming a tune Soarynn likes to sing in the shower, something about willows and meadows. It sounds so pretty when she sings it.

He's nearly shaking with anticipation as he fishes his keys from his coat pocket, sliding them into the door, and listening to the familiar click of the lock turning.

Coriolanus quietly opens the doors, peering into the dark penthouse. It seems as if no one is home. He steps inside, closing the doors behind him before setting down his suitcase and shrugging off his coat, "Darling, I'm ho-"

He doesn't even get to finish his sentence before he's attacked by a smaller body, the scent of vanilla hits his nostrils like a train and he groans when he feels Soarynn's hands on his shoulders. It's dark but he can still make out the silhouette of his girlfriend and the black lingerie she's chosen to wear tonight.

She's got this feral look in her eyes.

"I need you," she whispers, pressing her body flush against his. Coriolanus groans when she reaches down to cup his covered cock, her fingers already working their magic, "Are you giving up then? Do I win?"

Soarynn scoffs and drops her hand, looking him up and down, "You still care about this stupid bet?" Coriolanus grabs her chin with his fingers, tilting her head back to look him in the eye, "I care about winning my love, so just say the magic words and I'll fuck you until you can't walk anymore."

His words go straight to her core and he smirks when he sees Soarynn pressing her thighs together.

He can see Soarynn trying to stay strong, but she's also growing weaker as the seconds pass and he's got her right where he wants her.

Soarynn lets out a frustrated sound, so similar to the sound Petunia makes when she doesn't get her way. "Fine," she huffs, "you win Coryo."

That's all he needs to hear.

He's on her in seconds. His hands are in her hair while his lips crash onto hers. A whole month of not truly getting to touch Soarynn has been pure torture and he's ready to make up for it tenfold. Soarynn moans into the kiss while her fingers work on his button-up shirt, fumbling to get it off of him.

"Fuck me," she whispers agasint his lips, "please fuck me."

Well how can he say no to that?

Coriolanus crouches down to pick her up, smiling when she squeals and wraps her legs around his torso, her fingers carding through his golden curls while he stumbles towards the bedroom.

His palms grip her flesh, feeling how good it is to have her back in his hands once again. The lacy black thong she's wearing makes her even more enticing. Coriolanus pushes his way into their bedroom and doesn't waste a moment dropping Soarynn onto the bed. She gasps and sits up on her elbows, watching as he gets undressed. Coriolanus has never gotten naked so fast in his life.

He's kicking off his pants and ripping off his shirt, jumping on top of Soarynn the second his clothes are off. Soarynn moans into the kiss while their bodies grind against one another, making up for lost time.

"Please," she whimpers when his lips move down to her neck, "please Coryo I need you."

Normally Coriolanus would tease her, kiss up and down her body then eat her out to get her nice and wet but one swipe between her legs tells him that she's more than ready for him.

Coriolanus tugs his boxers down and flips Soarynn onto her stomach, "Ass up darling, you know what to do." Soarynn doesn't even give him any sass, she just arches her back giving him a perfect view of her barely covered cunt. "You little tease," he mumbles, slapping her ass, "made the past month so fucking difficult for me huh? Thought you could just prance around here without any consequences."

Soarynn whines, wiggling her hips side to side and Coriolanus is quick to land another slap to her ass, watching how red it turns, "Such a slut for me, even when you say you're not. Your cunt always tells me how you really feel."

Soarynn lifts her face from the mattress and shoots him a look from over her shoulder, "Just fuck me!"

Coriolanus rips her panties off in seconds, throwing them onto the floor and soaking up the gorgeous view of Soarynn's cunt. So pink and wet, and all for him. "Oh how I've missed this," he murmurs, thumbing at her entrance and listening to her whine, "Please," she begs, "please, please, please."

His girl is so polite when she's begging to be fucked like the whore she is.

Coriolanus takes his cock in his other hand, stroking it a few times until it's at its fully hardened length and he slowly pushes into her cunt, both of them moaning so loudly at the intrusion.

His eyes roll back and his knees nearly buckle when he feels her tight walls wrapped around him once again.

Heaven on earth really.

Coriolanus grabs her hips and immediately starts pounding into her, listening to the sounds she makes, the moans, the gasps, the whines, and how wet her cunt is.

"Fucking missed this," he groans, watching his cock go in and out of her cunt, watching how she takes him over and over again like she should.

Soarynn's moans echo throughout their bedroom, his name leaves her lips like a prayer, "Right there," she moans, arching her back even more, "right there Coryo, please don't stop." He'd usually oblige to her request but after a month of what she's put him through, he's in the mood for some teasing.

He grabs a fistful of her hair, yanking her up until her back is flush with his chest, providing him with an entirely new angle to fuck her in. Both of them moan and his other hand slides down to her lower abdomen where he can feel the smallest bulge from his cock, "You miss me?" He asks, his voice husky and deep. Soarynn opens her mouth to speak but fails to find any words, only moans.

He smirks, "Looks like you did angel, tell me, when you were touching yourself in the bathtub, was it me you thought of? Or something else?" Coriolanus fucks her at a steady yet punishing pace, his hips slamming into her again and again. "I thought of you," Soarynn gasps, her nails digging into his thighs, "thought about...about you fucking me, and fingering me."

Coriolanus tilts his head and adopts a taunting tone, "Thought about being stuck on my cock where you belong? Because you've clearly been off of it for way too long, your attitude has gotten completely out of control these past few weeks."

Soarynn whimpers when his hand presses down on her lower stomach, making her feel every thrust, "Who owns this cunt Soarynn?"

"You," she moans, her walls fluttering around him, a sign that she's about to reach her first orgasm, "you own it."

He nods, pleased to see she hasn't forgotten, "Good girl, now cum for me, be my good girl, and cum for me Soarynn." It only takes a few more seconds until she's falling apart on his cock, her cum making it that much easier for him to fuck her. Coriolanus doesn't slow down at all, in fact, he picks up the pace, going harder and faster. "I take it you want more than one round?" He muses, letting go of her hair and pushing her back onto the bed.

Soarynn gasps and her hands claw at the sheets, the pleasure already overwhelming her after only one orgasm, "Yes please."

Perfect, he was planning on fucking her either way.

Coriolanus can feel himself reaching his first orgasm and he doesn't hold back when he finally does, coating her walls with his cum, and watching it drip down from her cunt, "You look so perfect like this," he tells her, "dumb on my cock, just taking it like you should. Do you like it, angel? Do you like being stuck on my cock like the little slut you are?"

Soarynn's always gone weak in the knees at dirty talk and tonight is no exception. "Yes," she moans, "yes I love it, love being stuck on your cock." She's such a good girl for him.

He just hopes she's ready for at least five more rounds.

꧁ ꧂

Soarynn is so beautiful.

Coriolanus watches her sleep, her face pressed against his bare chest, her naked body somewhat covered by their bedsheets while he drags his hand up and down her side, feeling how warm her skin is.

Her breathing is slow and measured, a stark comparison to how it was half an hour ago when they finally stopped fucking. She's going to be so sore tomorrow.

Soarynn mumbles something when he stops stroking her side and he chuckles, "So needy and demanding." Soarynn cracks an eye open, looking up at him, "You love it though," she says, her voice half slurred from sleep. Coriolanus nods, resuming his duty of stroking her side, "That I do."

They still have to clean up, shower, and get dressed, and he has to unpack his suitcase that they left in the hallway. But he wanted to let Soarynn rest, aftercare is just as important as everything else to him. The first few times they had sex she was so emotional after, shedding a few tears while whimpering that she never wanted him to leave her.

Funny how that girl later suggested that they start a little bet to see who could go longer without fucking the other person.

"Are you hungry? Thirsty?"

Soarynn shakes her head, nuzzling further into his chest, "I ate before you got home."

He hums, absentmindedly drumming his fingers against her skin, "I wasn't too rough with you, right? Nothing hurts?" Soarynn smiles and her hand reaches up to cup his face, her eyes still closed, "You could never hurt me Coryo."

Well isn't she just the sweetest little thing?

He presses a soft kiss to the palm of her hand and sighs, "That doesn't mean accidents can't happen my darling, so I need you to tell me if I ever do something to hurt you or that makes you uncomfortable, okay?"

Coriolanus knows one thing for certain, he'd never forgive himself if he hurt Soarynn during sex. Never.

Sure he likes to be rough and at times, degrading, but aggressive and hurtful is just unacceptable. He can't imagine ever wanting to hurt Soarynn on purpose, to see her looking at him fearfully. He'd rather die.

"Okay," she whispers, her body relaxing once again meaning she's about to fall asleep.

"Why don't we shower hmm? Then you can go to sleep."

This isn't what she wants to hear but Coriolanus is desperate to shower the day off of him, with or without Soarynn at this point. "I suppose," she says with a yawn, slowly stretching out before sitting up. She looks so gorgeous like this, with tangled hair, skin covered in love bites, and that hazy look in her eyes that she always has after they have sex.

"How was your trip by the way?"

Coriolanus shrugs, flexing his shoulders, "Quite dull, but that's to be expected from District factories. I missed you though." Her face softens and she doesn't hesitate to crawl back on top of him straddling him and pressing a soft, gentle kiss to his lips. Both of them move in sync, his hand wrapping around her waist while her hand rests on the back of his neck, "I missed you too," she whispers, her teeth gently tugging on his bottom lip, "I've missed you a lot lately."

Boy does he understand that. Even though they've been together this whole month, the bet has made it feel as if they've been oceans apart. Not touching your significant other can do wonders to the brain.

"Then lets never be apart again," he says, earning him a soft giggle from Soarynn who kisses him back so sweetly. "Okay," she agrees, "no more bets."

Music to his ears.

Coriolanus much prefers a relationship where he doesn't have to keep his hands to himself.

| tumblr oneshot/drabble |

[macbethsymphony]

The Swordsman and the Blacksmith | Chapter 8

Roronoa Zoro x Reader

Chapter wc: 2.5k

Chapter rating: SFW

Content/Warnings: NSFW, 18+, Fem!Reader, Enemies to lovers, SLOW slow burn, Eventual smut

Summary: Your skills as a blacksmith have made you desirable to both the government and pirates. You know you have to leave this island if you want to escape your fate, but that doesn't make the choice of leaving any easier. Roronoa Zoro is intrigued by your skills as a blacksmith. Your work is like nothing he's ever seen before. Unfortunately, you're hot-headed and he's rude and you both definitely hate each other.

Chapters [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

Masterlist

Slowly crossposting from AO3 Feel like binging the rest of it? it's all there!

Chapter 8: The Burden of a Creator

The soft buzz of the ship filled the infirmary as you lay on the bed, drifting in and out of consciousness. Your body still felt numb, but sensation and control were slowly returning to you. Two days had passed since the incident at the marine base, yet the memories still haunted your dreams, replaying the events over and over like a relentless nightmare.

Each time you woke, disoriented and drenched in sweat, one of the Straw Hat crew members was there, a comforting presence at your side. Whether it was Luffy keeping you entertained with stories of his childhood, or Sanji, trying to coax you into eating a bite or two of the food he’d brought, they never left you alone for long.

Today was no different. As your eyelids fluttered open, you were met with the sight of Robin sitting beside your bed, a book in her hand and a serene expression on her face. Her presence brought you a sense of calm, grounding you in the reality of the ship's familiar surroundings.

"Hey," Robin said softly, setting her book aside as she noticed you stirring. "How are you feeling?"

You managed a weak smile, your voice barely above a whisper. "Better, I think," you replied, your throat dry and scratchy.

Robin reached for the glass of water on the bedside table, holding it to your lips as you took small sips, grateful for the relief it provided. "You've been through a lot," she said, her tone gentle and understanding. "But you're safe now. We won't let anything happen to you."

You nodded, a lump forming in your throat at the reminder of the crew's kindness. You hadn’t been on the ship for long, but they had been by your side through thick and thin, offering their strength and reassurance when you needed it most.

"I'm sorry," you said, your voice barely audible as tears welled up in your eyes. "I didn't mean to put any of you in danger."

Robin reached out, gently wiping away your tears with a comforting touch. "We know," she said, her voice filled with compassion.

Her words brought you comfort but the guilt you felt for failing to control Yokubari was unbearable on your conscience.

“Were there any survivors?” You asked her after a while.

“Not that we know of.” Robin’s response weighed heavily on your heart. The burden of responsibility for the lives lost at the marine base pressed down on you like a suffocating blanket.

“I see.” You turned your back to the woman, closing your eyes in a futile attempt to forget.

“We… The crew survived so it’s not impossible” She added, a reassuring hand on your shoulder.

You didn’t answer.  It was a pointless attempt to give you hope.

When it became clear to Robin that you were not going to respond, she got up with a sigh. You listened as her footsteps carried her towards the exit of the infirmary. She stopped for a while, a hesitant hand on the doorknob. “You did the best you could.” She said voice heavy. “Sometimes, things are beyond our control. You shouldn’t blame yourself for what happened.” Her tone sounded distant, as though she was directing those kind words to someone else.

She opened the door and closed it gently behind her.

She was wrong. Yokubari was your responsibility. Deep down you had known there was the possibility you wouldn’t be able to control it in your weakened state. And yet. Yet, your fear had made you selfish. Selfish enough to endanger those around you. Selfish enough to kill, to take innocent lives away from this world.

You tossed and turned, willing yourself to go to sleep unsuccessfully. This wouldn’t do. With a groan you clumsily sat up. Your eyes landed on the sword at your feet. The blade seemed to beckon to you. With a heavy sigh, you reached for it, running your fingers along the smooth obsidian surface of the scabbard.

“I should throw you in the sea.” You mumbled at the blade.

Silence.

“I swear, you’re nothing but trouble. You’re greedy. You’re stubborn… You’re worse than a cursed blade really.” You reprimanded.

The soft hum emanating from the sword seemed satisfied, proud almost.

“You caused so much pain” you continued, your voice barely above a whisper. “And yet, I can’t bring myself to part with you.”

It was pleased with your words, pleased with itself. You can’t help the anger that filled you at its content hum.

“I should have never created you,” You whispered, your voice tinged with regret. You knew it was pointless, you hadn’t had a choice but to create it. Still, it was a necessary lie you told yourself to keep you sane. “You were supposed to be a tool for good, but all you’ve brought is pain and destruction.”

The sword remained quiet, its cold surface offering no solace or reassurance. It reveled in the chaos it caused, indifferent of the suffering it wrought.

“Having a heart-to-heart with the sword, huh?” Franky chuckled in the doorway, trying to lighten the mood. His brows were furrowed with concern, a sharp contrast with the lightness of his tone.

“An aimless argument I keep having” you said, shooting him a half smile.

Franky pulled up a chair, sitting down beside you. “Look, kid, what happened back there. None of us blame you for it. That sword… Zoro said its got a mind of its own. He didn’t explain much but it ain’t really your fault, is it? What happened that is.”

You stared at Franky, his words slowly sinking in.

“You’re wrong, I knew there was a chance I’d lose control. I gambled with all your lives.” You argued weakly. “Besides, I’m the one who created it. I brought this bastard of a sword into existence.”

Franky leaned forward, his expression earnest. He scratched his head, looking for the words he wanted to say. “Let me tell you something, kiddo. Never be ashamed of what you’ve created.” He started. “No creation is inherently evil. You made that sword with good intentions, right?” He asked.

You nodded.

“That blade, it’s a work of art. I can tell you put a lot of effort and passion into it when you forged it. A sword’s purpose may be to kill, but at the end of the day a weapon is still just a tool. It can be used as much for good than evil.” The cyborg stated, eyes not leaving yours. “What happened back there was an accident. I’m not saying you don’t hold responsibility for what you decide to create but intent matters.

Your eyes left his to look down at the sword clutched in your hands. Your vision was suddenly blurry as thick tears rolled down your cheeks.

You sniffed loudly. “Franky” you uttered between loud sobs, “I’m so sorry” your shoulders shook violently with emotion.

 “Oi, oi, oi, kiddo” Franky’s strong arms enveloped you in a comforting embrace, his voice gentle as he tried to soothe your turmoil.  “No need to apologize.”

Your fists buried themselves in his Hawaiian shirt as you finally let the tension you’d been holding out of your system.

“Is everything alright?” Chopper’s rattled voice rang through the room as he slammed the door open in panic.

“What’s going on?” Sanji appeared next, clearly frazzled. “I heard the sound of a woman’s tears falling.”

You can’t help the chuckle that escaped your lips at the cheesy line from the cook. You let go of the cyborg’s shirt and he passed you the box of tissues next to him.

“Are you alright, (Y/n)? Are you hurt somewhere? Do you need medical attention?” The small reindeer asked in a frenzy.

You blew out your nose loudly. Tears still falling on your cheeks.

“No Chopper” You said with a smile. “I think I’ll be alright!”

“That’s my firecracker!” The cyborg said proudly, giving you a pat on the back before standing up and leaving space for Chopper.

The doctor bustled over instantly, taking your vitals.

“Franky” You called out to the shipwright as he was making his way out. “Thank you.”

He turned back, his trademark grin radiated positivity. “No problem, firecracker! Besides we’re family.” He took a few steps before turning to you again. “By the way, you should join us for dinner if you have the energy. Everyone’s been worried sick over ya and it’ll do you good to get out of here.” He gestured at the small room.

You nodded gratefully, a genuine smile spreading on your face. “I think I’d like that,” you said, feeling a spark of warmth at the thought of being surrounded by your newfound family once more.

“Well, in that case, I better make a feast. We ought to celebrate.” Sanji said following the cyborg out of the infirmary.

“I wasn’t sure if we’d lose you.” Chopper spoke, bringing your attention back to him. “But you’re doing much better now,” he stated with a hint of pride in his voice. “Just make sure to take it easy, okay?”

You nodded. “Thanks, doc”, you said sincerely. “I’ll make sure to listen to your orders.” You shoot him a conspiratorial wink.

The doctor readjusted his hat shyly, happiness and relief clear in his eyes.

The galley was bustling with energy as you entered. The smell of Sanji’s cooking made your stomach grumble loudly.

“Oh! You’re finally out of bed!” Luffy’s voice boomed with enthusiasm, and before you could fully process his words, his palm landed squarely on your back with a force that nearly sent you careening forward. You stumbled a few steps, catching yourself just in time to avoid crashing into the table.

“Whoa there, Captain,” you chuckled, steadying yourself. “Good to see you too.”

Luffy grinned. You let yourself fall down in your chair, not completely trusting your legs yet. You set your sword next to you, unwilling to let it out of your sight just yet.

“How are you feeling, (Y/n)?” Usopp asked, his eyes leaving the slingshot he was tinkering with. The conversations died around you, all awaiting your answer.

“I’ll be alright.” you said. “All thanks to our amazing doctor.”

Chopper looked down shyly at the compliment, muttering something unintelligible under his breath.

Robin smiled warmly from her seat, setting her book down. “We missed your company. It’s good to have you back.”

“That’s right, you had us worried for a second there” Nami added next to you.

Sanji placed plates of food on the table. He hadn’t been lying when he’d said he’d make a feast. You watched as the rest of the crew took their places around the table.

The swordsman lowered himself into the seat across from you, his gaze intense yet guarded. For a moment, it seemed as though he was about to speak, but then he hesitated, his lips pressing together in a firm line as if wrestling with his thoughts.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Zoro broke the silence between the two of you. “Glad to see you’re up” he muttered gruffly under his breath.

“Thanks for bringing back Yokubari” you shot back at him.

He shuffled uncomfortably. “’twas nothing.”

You scoffed. Like hell it was nothing.

The swordsman began to say something else but Sanji interrupted the moment.

"Here you go, (Y/n)," he said with a charming smile, placing a heaping plate of food in front of you. "Made with extra love and care to help you get back on your feet."

You glanced down at the mouthwatering spread before you, feeling a surge of gratitude toward the cook for his kindness. "Thanks, Sanji," you said, offering him a grateful smile. "It looks delicious."

Sanji beamed at your appreciation before turning his attention to the rest of the crew, ensuring that everyone had their fill before he let Luffy dig in. The galley buzzed with conversation and laughter, the atmosphere warm and inviting as the crew shared stories and jokes with one another.

As you dug into your meal, you couldn't help but feel a sense of camaraderie wash over you. Despite the challenges you had faced and the mistakes you had made, you were surrounded by a crew who accepted you for who you were, flaws and all. You’d have to write to Mary about it, she was going to be happy.

Across the table, Nami and Usopp engaged in a spirited debate about the merits of different navigational techniques, their voices rising and falling in animated discussion. You couldn't help but smile at their enthusiasm, grateful for their friendship and the sense of normalcy they brought to your life.

Chopper, his plate piled high with food, chattered excitedly with Robin about a book they were both reading. Robin listened attentively, her quiet wisdom a steady presence amidst the exuberance of the young doctor.

And Luffy, ever the enthusiastic captain, laughed and joked with each member of the crew in turn, his infectious energy lighting up the room and drawing everyone together in a spirit of camaraderie and friendship.

You could feel Zoro’s eye on you as he still clearly battled with something in his mind.

“Well? What is it?” You asked him, tired of waiting.

He wavered for an instant. “Let me hold that sword of yours again.” He demanded.

Your mind struggled to process the meaning of his words. You couldn’t help the incredulous “huh?” that crossed your lips at the man’s idiocy.

Brook stumbled a note on his guitar, stopping the tune he’d been playing. The conversations died around you.

“Let me hold Yokubari” The swordsman demanded again.

“Are you fucking mad?” You screeched.

Zoro’s jaw clenched, he held your gaze, unwilling to back down.

“Are you suicidal or something? It almost fucking killed you!” you scowled at him.

His eye bore into you with a fiery intensity, his words dripping with stubbornness. “I need to check something, let me hold it. I can handle it.”

You both knew that last part was a blatant lie. You shot him an insolent glare. “Oh, look who thinks can handle you, Yokubari, do you agree?” You retorted, tone dripping with sarcasm as you set the sword on the table in a bold display. Your eyes traveled from the blade back to the swordsman in defiance.

His face broke into a familiar sneer. “I can fucking handle it” he reiterated leaning forward.

You scoffed, a smirk playing on your lips. “Oh I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were the expert on handling my own damned swords,” you shot back, tone dripping with condescension.

“You’re downright insufferable, witch” He shouted at you, standing up brusquely.

“Oh yeah?” Your nostrils flared with anger as you stood up, matching his stance. “Well, you’re just a fucking idiot if you think you can handle it again, swordsman.”

The crew sat back, looking amusedly at the familiar display before them.

Everything was all right after all.

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Masterlist

[magics-neptunes-things]

Lucky Clover

Hi guys!

This is a new one from a request that you can find here, here and here :)

I haven't proofread it because I'm a lazy bitch, sorry if there is some mistakes.

Please enjoy ♥

When she woke up this morning, Caitlin wasn’t feeling pretty well. She had trouble to fall asleep the night before, so she just thought it was because she was lacking some hours of sleep. Katie noticed as soon as she puts her eyes on her girlfriend that something wasn’t right. She asks several times Caitlin what was going on, but the Aussie sticks with her answers that she genuinely thought was right.

She hasn’t sleep as much as she needs, and her headache was coming from here.

Katie makes her drink more water than usual and cook her specials protein pancakes for her breakfast, in addition with bacon and avocado toasts. Even if the Matilda rolls her eyes, she eats every single bite of her plate, just to erase the concern on Katie’s face.

And, because Katie knew that they will be separated during training, the Irish woman puts a lot of cereal bars and Cailtin’s favorites Gatorade in Cait’s bag. Caitlin loves to see how much her girlfriend is concern about her health, honestly. In her opinion, it was maybe a little too much anyway.

But when she said it to Katie, the Irish captain got so mad that she changes her mind. And she got extra cuddles and kisses before leaving for training, so it was worth it after all.

They are separated today because the staff wanted for the forwards and midfielder to work together, while the goalkeepers and the defenders will have their training together. In everyday life it wouldn’t worry Katie, they made themselves the promise to keep things professional, no matter what was happening at home.

Today, anyway, Katie asked Kyra and Alessia to have a special look on Caitlin. The girl is still very pale and seems to walk in slow motion. Which can’t be very good. Alessia reassure her that everything will be alright and Katie nods without really listening to her, her eyes on Caitlin during all the time they were talking.

Katie had a hard time to be focused on what was happening on the pitch to be honest. It’s only when she received Leah’s ball right on the face that she realizes how much she was distracted.

“I’m sorry mate, you alright?” Leah asks, one hand between Katie’s shoulders.

“I’m ok”

Katie passes her hand on her nose to be sure that she’s not bleeding before standing up again. She has tears in her eyes because of the strength of the shot, but other than that she’s alright.

“I’m so sorry, I should have been sure you were looking before passing it to you” Leah says again but Katie dismissed her apologizes with a sign of her hand.

“It’s ok, don’t worry.”

“Maybe you should go check in the infirmary, just to be sure?”

It wasn’t Leah talking this time, but one of Jonas’ assistants. After several seconds of hesitation, Katie finally nods. She’s not the one to whine for nothing, never has been. But she can’t help but think that maybe she will have a chance to look at her girlfriend.

She takes the direction of the infirmary, walking quickly anyway. The other group is training on the pitch that you can watch from the infirmary. After having explain to the nurse what she’s doing here, Katie looks at the pitch. She spots Caitlin almost immediately, running way slower than their teammates.

It’s only several minutes after that Caitlin suddenly stops running and put her hand on her face. Almost two seconds later she’s falling on the ground, her fall only reduced by Lia who is able to catch Caitlin at the right time.

Without really thinking, Katie starts to run in Caitlin’s direction. She takes less than one minute to join the pitch, but during this time Lia kneeled in front of Caitlin, stroking her face or her hair. Katie can’t really see it perfectly, but she knows that the sight isn’t pleasant for her. She must take all she has not to push Lia away from her girlfriend when she’s finally here.

“What happened?” she asks, positioning herself next to Lia.

Lia still has her hand on Caitlin’s cheek, who has always her eyes closed.

“She fainted” Lia starts to explain. “I tried to catch her as best as I could, but she wasn’t next to me”

“Didn’t I asked you to have a look on her?” Katie growls to Kyra.

“I tried! But she pushed me away, saying I’m the most annoying person in the world”

Katie sighs, she knows perfectly that Caitlin probably did. Plus, Kyra isn’t really someone who can lie so easily. She just has to take a look at Alessia to know that it’s the truth.

But her attention is quickly diverted from her younger teammate, Lia is talking to her girlfriend who seems to move a little bit. Meanwhile, the medical team had made her roll on her back and was checking different things on her. Katie really tries hard no to push Lia too hard, but she nevertheless steps up between the two exes, chasing curls of hair on Caitlin’s face.

“Katie?” mumbles Caitlin without opening her eyes.

“I’m here Babe” Katie whispers back. “Everything is fine, ok? They will take you to the medical center.”

She’s glad that her girlfriend is able to recognize her only with a touch on her face. It makes her feel a sense of pride and revenge against Lia. Which is probably very stupide because Lia has a girlfriend too, but she can’t help it.

She doesn’t really like the way Caitlin is dragged like a rag doll, but she follows her very closely. She then watches while they make different tests on her girlfriend, silently thinking about the different feelings she had the minutes before.

She never has been a jealous person before Caitlin. She basically lives away of her girlfriend before, who was going out with friends and everything without her. It’s not a question of trust, she trusts Caitlin with her whole life. But she just can’t stand people touching or looking at her girlfriend in a special way.

The worse is that she knows that Lia probably wasn’t showing any interest in Caitlin, unless her health maybe. They managed to stay friends after the breakup, unlike Katie and Ruesha who hardly tolerate each other during Irish camp. Lia and Katie were friends before the McFoord couple, and they still are. Lia is mature, friendly and kind, some qualities that weren’t exactly the ones usable for Ruesha.

Katie is getting out of her mind when she realizes that Caitlin’s eyes are looking for her. She approaches slowly the bed where Caitlin is lying to take her hand.

“How are you feeling?” Katie softly asks.

“Not so good” Caitlin admits shyly.

Katie rolls her eyes but doesn’t scold her. For now. She will probably do it when her girlfriend will be recovered, but not now. She’s way too anxious about Caitlin’s health to do it.

“Ok so she basically is dehydrated and has some fever. We can keep her here or you can take her home, as long as you call us if everything’s wrong.”

“You want to go home Babe?” Katie asks Caitlin.

“Please.”

Katie nods and went quickly grab their things while the medical team is administering some meds to Caitlin. She stops to the training ground to keep the team updated, skillfully ignoring Lia’s eyes, a little ashamed about her feelings. And then she finally comes back to her girlfriend who is waiting for her, sitting on the same bed.

“Ready to go?”

Caitlin nods and gets up slowly, Katie passing immediately her arm around her waist to help her walk. Caitlin passes her arm around her shoulders, and they managed to reach Katie’s car pretty quickly. After having open the door for Caitlin and secured her, she throws their bags in the back seat and start to drive them home.

She’s relieved to see that Caitlin has her eyes open during the drive home, even if she’s not really talking. She seems pretty tired but is still up when they arrived home.

“Don’t move” Katie warns Caitlin who rolls her eyes.

But she obeys, waiting for Katie to open her door again. Deciding to grab their bags later, Katie takes her girlfriend in her arms in the bride style, surprising her in the process.

“Aren’t we supposed to pass in front of the mayor before that?” Caitlin mumbles.

“Is your fever that high?” Katie smirks.

Caitlin smiles back and hides her face in her girlfriend’s neck. They talked about it before, Caitlin knows that Katie doesn’t want to get married. She got engaged with Ruesha during their relationship and things start to be weird at this point. There is no way in the world that she loses Caitlin in that way. She probably won’t heal if their relationship comes to an end.

The Australian understood Katie’s point of view, but she can’t help but thought about being married to Katie. She loves the idea of both of them in white dresses, happy in front of their family. Lull by those ideas and the comforting smell of her girlfriend, Caitlin might have pass out a little bit, because next things she knows, Katie is putting her on their couch.

“I know you probably don’t want that for now, but a shower would probably be a good idea.”

Caitlin groans before sighing. She knows that Katie is right, but she doesn’t have the energy for it.

“I’ll help you, ok?”

Caitlin nods only, looking at her girlfriend gathering some things before she hears her phone ringing on her pocket.

“It’s my mom” she mumbles.

“Answer her while I prepare the bathroom”

Looks like her mom hear thanks to social media about Caitlin’s fainting during the training and was death worried. Caitlin managed to reassure her while Katie was away, explaining to her what happened. And she adds that Katie was taking care of her, so it will be ok.

Caitlin’s mom knows that her daughter will be. She met Katie before; she knows how much the Irish woman is protective toward Caitlin. When the call is finished, Caitlin stands up to join Katie in the bathroom, who welcomes her with a frown.

“What are you doing up?”

“I wanted a hug” Caitlin shrugs.

It wasn’t exactly the truth, but she knows how to soften Katie. The frown on her girlfriend’s face effectively disappears for a soft expression. She wraps comforting arms around Caitlin’s frame and kisses softly and several times her cheek. Just where Lia happened to touch her.

After a last kiss on Caitlin’s cheek, Katie takes the hem of her shirt to help her getting undressed.

“Up” she says softly, designating her arms with a nod.

Caitlin obliges and let her girlfriend do almost what she wants with her, sighing in relief when her skin is hit by the hot water. She realizes only now how much she was freezing. She would have stayed in there for hours, but after several minutes Katie start to wash gently her body with soap, before starting to wash her hair.

“Close your eyes, Pretty” Katie whispers softly.

Caitlin can only smile in front of the girl’s softness. She never heard her talk so softly, usually Katie was the kind of girl yapping around. She knew that Katie can be sweet and caring, of course. She is daily with her. And when Katie delicately passes a towel around her body and stroke her softly, she’s overwhelmed by the amount of love she feels for her.

“Come on, let’s go to bed now.”

Caitlin doesn’t really have her word to say, but she follows Katie in their room anyway. The Irish girl managed to put an underwear and a shirt on her and Caitlin founds the comfort of their bed with relief.

“Where are you going?” she asks when she realizes that Katie was leaving the room and not coming next to her after having kissed her head.

“You need to rest” Katie frowns.

The Matilda doesn’t say anything but pout, making Katie smiles softly.

“Just let me grab my phone, something to drink and eat and I’ll be there, ok?”

Caitlin doesn’t answer anything, she just hums and closes her eyes. Katie’s promise to come to her as soon as possible is enough for now. She’s in fact asleep pretty quickly and softly snoring when her girlfriend comes in bed next to her.

When she wakes up two hours later, feeling better, Katie is still here, watching something on her phone. Caitlin rolls on her side to snuggle against her girlfriend, melting when she feels Katie’s hand softly stroking her hair.

“I love you” Caitlin mumbles against Katie’s skin.

“I love you even more.”

Katie puts her phone away before turning her head to face Caitlin. Even if she’s still a little tired, Caitlin really feels better. And for the first time since she fainted, she looks entirely at her girlfriend. Katie must have left her several minutes because she definitively took a shower and changed her clothes. But there is something in her eyes that make her frown slightly.

“What?” Katie asks, worried that Caitlin doesn’t feel good again.

“Are you ok?”

Katie’s surprised by the question, after all she isn’t the one who faint several hours before. But when she realizes that Caitlin is looking at her with inquisition, she understands very quickly what she means. Sometimes, she hates how easily the older girl can read into her.

“I’m fine, don’t worry”

Katie flinches at her answer, she knows that if she was fine, she wouldn’t add to Caitlin that she shouldn’t be worried. It’s even harder not to say anything when Caitlin caresses her cheek the way she does.

“Talk to me?”

“It’s nothing” Katie sighs softly. “It’s stupid.”

“Come on Pudding, talk to me”

She uses her best puppy eyes, the ones she knows Katie is unable to resist. She doesn’t use it to often, scared that they stop working. They do for now though.

“It’s just… I wasn’t here when you fainted and it’s Lia who took care of you. It was a strange to see, I know she’s caring obviously but she still your ex and it feel so strange to see you like that. Which is stupid because I was here when you were together, and I know that there is nothing anymore between both of you. But I don’t know. It was very strange.”

Caitlin doesn’t say anything during Katie’s ramble, letting her girl getting out what she needs. She doesn’t move either, looking attentively at her.

“I don’t remember a lot” Caitlin admits softly. “I just know that Kyra kept annoying me –“

“She was looking at you because I asked her to” Katie rolls her eyes.

Caitlin hums in answer before continuing. She had the feeling that it was the case.

“Alessia said something to me that I hadn’t understood and then everything went black. Next thing I remember is hearing Lia’s voice but I wanted you to be here. And then you stroke my hair and I knew you were.”

“I went to the infirmary and I saw you fainted” Katie explains.

“What were you doing there?”

Oh. Katie almost forgot. She even didn’t put ice on her nose like the nurse asked her to do. She decided not to tell Caitlin this part.

“I received Leah’s ball right on the face” Katie shrugs. “But I’m good.”

Caitlin hums once again and let her heavy eyes closed this time. She was looking to fall asleep again, but it wasn’t what Katie wanted.

“You need to drink something and try to eat too, Babe. Don’t sleep now.”

“But I’m tired” Caitlin groans.

“Do you want me to make you toast with vegemite?”

After some seconds of hesitation, Caitlin opens one of her eyes.

“Grilled toast?”

“If you want to” Katie laughs.

She kisses Caitlin’s cheek softly before getting up from their bed. They have always at least one pot of vegemite in the house, Caitlin eats toast almost every day with it. She doesn’t have today obviously, because Katie was the one who made her breakfast.

When Katie comes back with toasts and a big cup of tea, Caitlin was dozing off but she opens her eyes as soon as she hears Katie coming in.

She received another call from her mother and her sister while she Katie is feeding her with mountains of toasts. She will be ok, taking care by her girlfriend and a lot of vegemite.

[moog-rt]

ɪɴ ᴀɴᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ᴜɴɪᴠᴇʀꜱᴇ [ch.4]

[Shigaraki Tomura x Fem!Reader]

Beginning: Prologue

Previous: Chapter Three

➨ Chapter Four

Next: Coming Soon...

Premise:

The multiverse theory is the idea that there is not only one universe but, instead, an infinite number of universes, parallel to one another.

You and Tenko were heroes in your universe. The war came and went, and that left only you. When you are thrown into a universe parallel to yours, you find out the hard way just how similar and different it is from your own.

A/N: My roommates and I totally got knocked tf out with the bad luck stick. This chapter already went through the first rounds of edits, and I was going to do a final round... but that was just not gonna happen today. So please excuse any typos or whatnot <3

♡

If you'd prefer to read on Ao3, here is the link:

Otherwise, enjoy!

♡ ♡ ♡

CHAPTER FOUR

Toga made an unpleasant face when you dropped your large wad of rain-soaked clothing into her open arms. She was the lucky duck that was chosen to escort you on your trip back to the hotel. It turns out she was typically the one who volunteered to run errands and shop for the boys thanks to her quirk being perfect for going out undetected.

For your brief outing, she took on the form of the woman you’d seen outside the convenience store with Shigaraki the night prior. Her pretty face was contorted in distaste as it was clear she wanted nothing more than to drop the soggy pile on the marble tiled floor. Unfortunately for her, you had to check out of the hotel first, and you needed both hands free in order to do that.

You thanked the receptionist with a friendly smile and dipped your head politely before turning to leave. Toga was quick to shove your hero suit into your belly, forcing you to take it back from her. She had enough strength behind it to make you stumble back a step or two.

“Agh! That was so not cool,” she complained as she rubbed her wet forearms off on her sweater.

You rolled your eyes. “It wasn’t even a full minute. You’re fine.”

“You could have at least warned me! That felt so gross.”

You snickered at her, receiving a childish pout in return. But then, your smile dropped, and Toga’s body stiffened as the two of you spotted a pair of police officers passing through the entrance of the hotel.

You pushed against Toga, directing her to the outskirts of the foyer, which was decorated with a generous number of potted plants that would give you cover. It was hard to feel completely hidden when your arms were full of not only your dripping clothing but also several bags from the light shopping you had done before coming here. Making a silent escape would be a feat.

Maybe you were overreacting. The officers would never be able to recognize Toga with her current disguise, and you were much older than your villainous counterpart. Surely, you looked different enough to slip by without catching anybody’s eye…

But that was probably a reach.

“They don’t know what you look like,” Toga whispered to you, tugging on your sleeve to get you walking towards the exit. She always had a knack for knowing exactly what was going through your head. It was somewhat comforting that this version of her was the same way. Then again, it could very well be that you were just easy to read.

You gave her a questioning look. You remembered seeing pictures of yourself in villain garb during your little research project this morning. They had to at least have an idea of what you looked like. Then again, you recalled that in each of them you had been wearing a mask.

You glanced back over at the cops who were walking up to the receptionist, and you allowed Toga to pull you away. You were almost out the door when you overheard a piece of their conversation.

“—card statements alerted us that she booked the night here. She’s been missing for over a week now.”

“Oh…What did you say her name was again?”

You knew you should just keep walking—you were almost out of view—but the sound of your name caused you to look back out of habit. Just then, the receptionist’s wide eyes locked onto yours. She looked confused, her mouth opening and closing as she searched for her words.

“Go,” you hissed, pushing Toga out the door and causing her to trip over her own feet. Your firm hold on her shirt kept her from falling as you hauled her out of the building and down the sidewalk. She whined and tried to wiggle out of your hold.

The hotel was supposed to be your last stop. You decided then that you would have to tack on a few extra to be sure you wouldn’t be tailed. The last thing you wanted was to lead the police straight to your villainous friends’ hideout. The two of you filed into the nearby station, and just as you reached the platform, one of the trains pulled up. You wasted no time in hopping on.

You never imagined you’d be the one running from authorities.

And now that you were, you hated it.

The way your head spun and your heart raced. How your hands were shaking so badly you were struggling to hold onto your bags. The anxiety that rushed through your veins, overwhelming and taking over your mind with dread over what was to come.

You knew you weren’t a villain, and realistically, you shouldn’t actually be in any trouble. They were looking for you because, in this world, you had a missing person’s case. If they caught you, the worst-case scenario would be an interrogation into why you disappeared. You wouldn’t be arrested for any real crime.

Still, you couldn’t help but panic. Maybe it was because you were with someone who was wanted as a villain. Even then, she was unrecognizable in her disguise. Most likely, you were so worried because never before had you been the one the authorities were after. You never imagined you’d find yourself in this type of situation—and you certainly didn’t know how to get yourself out of it.

In the end, you weren’t really the person they were looking for—rather, you were just a doppelganger of sorts—and you had no explanation for them if they did bring you in for questioning. You knew close to nothing about your past in this world. There was no way her life had been identical to yours considering the vastly different outcomes.

She had money, but how did she get it? A proper job or crime?

Who were her closest friends?

Where did she live?

Your best bet if you were ever caught was to fake amnesia, you reckoned.

Your heart rate only slowed down after seven or so stops. Toga was patient with you, but you could tell she was getting antsy and eager to get off the train. It was maybe the tenth stop when you finally stood up to leave.

The train let you off at a street full of shops and bustling people, very similar to the one you’d gone to earlier in the day. The air was full of chatter loud enough to be heard over a cacophony of music resulting from various playlists intermingling. Had you been in a mall, the music may have been a bit more in sync, but this was what happened when multiple stores wanted to create an ambiance for their customers.

Getting to the end of each block proved to be quite the chore as Toga’s attention was caught by every other window display. She whined about how she never got to buy nice things for herself anymore because she had no money. Needless to say, your soft heart would give in, and you’d walk away with her beaming and admiring her new apparel.

Your attention was caught at one point when you passed a shop selling a variety of used gaming consoles. Some of the posters taped to the front entrance were advertisements for games Tenko and Iguchi had introduced to you. Toga didn’t bat an eye, continuing on her way, but you paused to wonder, if you hadn’t died in this world, would you make similar memories with Shigaraki and Spinner?

You missed the days when the three of you would gather at one of your homes. Beanbag chairs and a plethora of pillows would be gathered in front of a TV, surrounded by a mountain of snacks to last you days. Tenko never failed to provide enough energy drinks to kill a horse. He wanted to ensure that you—in a food coma bliss—wouldn’t pass out before it even hit midnight.

The sun would be peeking over the horizon, and your bloodstream would still be saturated with caffeine, resulting in you badgering them mercilessly to prevent them from nodding off. You’d be buzzing in your seat as the three of you played on, framed by two zombies who wanted nothing more than to knock you unconscious. Once he had enough, Tenko would pull the plug and drag your whining ass to the makeshift beds Iguchi had set up earlier in the night. You’d only settle down after several minutes of Tenko’s arm latching you to the floor.

You’d like to think that your counterpart shared experiences akin to your own. Although, you wouldn’t be terribly surprised if being wanted criminals took precedence over finding the time and money to play games through the night.

You turned away from the shop to follow Toga back to the hideout.

Twice was quick to jump on you both as soon as you walked through the door. He wanted nothing more than to dig through the bags of new goodies you brought with you. Compress wasn’t so invasive, but he still hovered to catch a glimpse at whatever was pulled out. When Twice reached the plastic bag you used to carry your soaked garments, he made an alarmed noise and shoved it off on Compress who was also fairly displeased.

“What on Earth is this?” he said, aghast.

“It’s my hero suit… It was raining in my universe before I was sent here, so it got totally soaked through,” you explained, taking the clothing back from him.

“Oh, I was wondering why you looked so miserable last night!” Toga chimed. You pursed your lips.

“Anyway, I’m gonna go get changed into something a bit more palatable,” you said, digging through a large paper bag full of new clothes.

“You weren’t kidding about that hero crap?” you heard Shigaraki grumble.

You glanced over at him as he lounged across one of the battered sofas, gnawing on a candy bar. You couldn’t necessarily blame his distaste for heroes being that he was on the receiving end of their dutiful efforts. It was more understandable given you knew just who they really were—without this universe’s societal views blurring your beliefs into following them instead.

“Of course not,” you said as you pulled out a cozy pair of pants along with a soft sweatshirt.

“So, your morals align with theirs then,” he said, and you didn’t miss the mildly sinister undertone in his voice. You looked back over to see his eyes boring into you. He was waiting for your response, his body visibly tense. It was clear that the wrong answer would trigger an exchange with an unappealing outcome, and that seemed to be what he anticipated, though his deep frown suggested he preferred that not be the case.

“No…” you said softly, watching him carefully. You felt like Shigaraki wouldn’t think twice about going after you while your back was turned. You knew Tenko would never do that, but you also knew he was passionate about his world views, intense and driven to defend them. With him already being on the opposing side of the law, you weren’t sure where Shigaraki drew the line when it came to fighting for what he believed in. You’d like to think he was as sensible as you remembered.

Thankfully, you wouldn’t need to find out today. “No, the heroes here were my enemies where I come from.”

He scrutinized you, gauging whether to believe you or not, but after a moment, his narrowed eyes and tensed muscles relaxed. “Mm,” he grunted in acknowledgment before turning his attention back to his food, pretending to investigate whatever was written on the wrapper.

Your eyebrows furrowed as you looked back down at the outfit you picked out. You hadn’t noticed your heart rate was elevated until that moment, feeling it slow down.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit curious as to what we’re like as heroes,” Compress pondered, a hand tucked under his chin.

“Me, too!” Toga said and attached herself to your back, putting most of her weight onto you. “Are we, like, so awesome?”

You glanced over your shoulder at her and chuckled. “Oh, definitely, but I’m sure you’re just as awesome here.”

She giggled before pestering you to share more.

So, you did.

“Our agency’s focus was mostly on rescue. We were usually the first to respond to natural disasters or the destructive aftermath of villain activity. Sometimes we’d be given assignments to gather intel to help out other agencies,” you explained.

“I’ve got a hard time believing Dabi’s good at rescue. He should just scorch them!” Twice butted in.

“I said mostly,” you laughed. “Dabi… kind of had his own role.” Speaking of, both he and Spinner were missing from the common area. “Is he around right now?”

“No,” Shigaraki clipped with a mouthful of food, “He’s out recruiting for us.”

“What about Spinner?”

You didn’t miss the way his eyes shot over to look at you, causing a slight shiver down your spine. You couldn’t pinpoint why, but in this universe, his energy had a menacing edge to it.

“He’s sleeping.” Shigaraki swallowed his last bite and dropped the wrapper beside him. “Why were you using past tense?”

“Was I?” It hadn’t even crossed your mind. Apparently, Compress noticed it, as well, nodding along as if he would have asked about it if no one else had. Toga and Twice seemed confused, looking between you and Shigaraki.

You drew back slightly. Telling all of them about the tragedy that had struck your group felt wrong… You understood that things were different here, but you also didn’t want to put meaningless fear into their heads. They wouldn’t be playing the same roles as they did in your past, so it wouldn’t make any sense for them to face the same fate.

“I guess…I guess it’s because I’m technically from the future?” You shrugged with a shamefully false smile. Lying about this didn’t feel all that great either. What if—because of weird universal parallel laws or whatever—they will meet the same ends as they did in your world? If telling them could change that, then that’s what you would want to do.

You would do anything to change what had happened to your friends.

Spinner’s words from earlier in the day rang through your head. There was still a chance that manipulating their timeline could create a paradox, the aftermath of which could be devastating—according to the limited SciFi media you’ve consumed on that subject matter.

You wanted to rip your hair out. You hated being in this position, and you were eager to get out of it. Hopefully, it wouldn’t take too long for you to hunt down Dai Uchuu and convince him to send you home.

There was a sharp tug at your heart.

It occurred to you that home wouldn’t have all the people you cared so much about. That should have been obvious, but it was easier to forget than you’d think. Still, that’s where your life was, and you had to live with the outcome of your own battles.

You pushed past that uncomfortable feeling with a little help from Toga and Twice badgering you for more details on their lives as heroes.

You continued to tell them about Toga’s success and promotion, and how Twice was invaluable for his productivity and utility on the field, amplifying everyone else’s capabilities tenfold. Compress and Tenko were excellent at clearing debris, freeing anyone trapped or injured. There were a few people you brought up who the others were unfamiliar with, such as Minji, Sakiko, and other old classmates of yours.

You wondered if they had yet to meet.

“That sounds like so much fun,” Toga said. She was plopped down in front of you, hugging her knees to her chest as she listened to you share stories about where you came from. She stared at the ground with a blank expression. “I wonder how we ended up so different.”

“Me too,” you muttered

“I’m glad we’re not heroes,” Shigaraki spouted, kicking his legs off the couch so he could sit up. His eyes settled on you.

“What?” you asked, a bit jarred by his comment. “Why? I can’t imagine living in hiding is all that fun.”

“Because we don’t have to conform to the shallow ideals of society. Heroes like to act like they keep the peace when, in reality, they turn a blind eye to those they deem beneath them. I’m not interested in playing pretend.”

You blinked.

Some heroes could be like that sometimes, but they were the vast minority. Most of the people you knew were genuine and loved being given the opportunity to help others. You were sure Tenko felt the same as you, but Shigaraki’s opinions were the stark opposite.

You assumed that could be attributed to the fact the heroes here were just as corrupt as the villains you knew them to be. Shigaraki was their villain, and they were his enemies. If you were in his shoes, you probably wouldn’t want to join the opposing team either.

The energy in the room had changed, and you all silently agreed to drop the topic. Toga stepped into the spotlight to start showing off everything you’d bought her, which led to Twice begging you to buy stuff for him, as well. Compress tried to be subtle about it, but it was clear he wanted in on the gift-giving by the way he began listing items he lost or wished he could buy.

At some point, Dabi had returned, and Spinner had risen. Dabi made a b-line for the scarce-looking bedroom, but Spinner was eager to join in the conversation. He was a little less self-centered about the things he thought you should buy, more so concerned with what the group needed as a whole.

Shigaraki was silent from his spot on the couch, seemingly uninterested in the conversation, but his eyes were locked onto you all the while. There were a few moments where you’d look over but quickly look away when you saw he was still staring. It felt like he was in deliberation with himself regarding your presence, like he had yet to decide whether he’d let you stay or not.

You weren’t kept in suspense for too long.

Spinner was in the middle of arguing with Twice about needs versus wants when Shigaraki butted in to announce you’d be staying with Toga overnight. Then he left, you assumed to retreat to his own bedroom. Compress and Twice turned in not long after, but Spinner hung around until Toga dragged you away to give you a tour of her room.

Hers was the one that looked like a bomb had gone off inside. Her clothing was overflowing out of her wardrobe and across the majority of the carpeted floor. You could barely see her bed underneath the mountain of plushies she’d accumulated, and you had to watch your step to be sure you didn't crush any of the scattered makeup.

You were soon thankful her messiness made you more attentive of where you were walking, because you noticed the gleam of a knife peeking out from beneath her clothing. You crouched down and carefully picked it up. “Um… Toga? Why do you have this in your room?”

She gasped as her eyes widened and a gleeful smile stretched across her face. She pranced over to you. “You found it! I’ve been looking everywhere for that!” She plugged it from your hand and held it to her chest, giggling and skipping away to find a new home for it.

Okay…

You elected to ignore her absurd behavior in favor of helping her clear a spot on the ground for you to sleep. She began handing blankets and pillows off for you to arrange however you preferred.

You dodged an oversized teddy bear, covering your head for safekeeping. You lowered one of the fluffy pillows being lent to you to send a playful glare at Toga as she rifled through her stuffed animals. She began pelting you with anything she thought would be a good addition to your makeshift bed.

“This is gonna be so fun!” Toga sang as she tossed another plushie in your direction. You caught it this time. She turned around to start helping you gather everything into a somewhat bed-shaped pile. “Tomura and I just bought a bunch of snacks and stuff, too—Oh, that’s when we found you!”

“Right. You guys left some stuff behind, by the way,” you hummed with a soft smile. You tucked a blanket around your mound of a mattress to help it keep its form. “I tried to give it back, but you guys were long gone, so I returned it to the clerk.”

“Hm, I would have kept it if I were you,” she said, side-eying you. “I know where Jin’s food stash is. I’m sure he wouldn’t care if we took some.”

“He wouldn’t care if you asked? Or wouldn’t care because he wouldn’t notice?” you catch, giving her a suspicious look. She grinned wide, showing off her sharp canines.

“Jin’s a sweety. He’ll understand,” she said, waving her hand as if she was shooing away the conversation topic.

You finished working on your sleeping arrangements, and Toga dug around in her closet for anything she could use to give you a makeover. You were offended at first by the way she chose to phrase it, but you could recall all the times you’d spent with your Toga. The horrors she put your hair and skin through had long since been buried away—way more than six feet under.

Your body was stiff as she began working with your hair.

“If only Magne were here, too. The three of us were planning a girls’ night before—” Toga paused, looking off to the side as she emitted a strained hum. “She said it would be good for team building.”

You looked down at your crossed legs.

Losing Magne was hard. No one could have anticipated such an outcome. The planning that had gone into that assignment felt endlessly meticulous not only for guaranteed success but also to avoid serious casualties. Everyone believed all bases had been covered.

But reality never goes exactly as planned.

There was no plan to account for the unexpected adversaries. No plan when so many of your allies’ lives were at risk. There was no plan to prevent Magne from jumping ahead to act as a buffer. She made her own plan, and she went through with it, and she succeeded. She saved all those lives at the cost of her own.

You weren’t sure how she passed away in this timeline, and you didn’t feel it would be appropriate to ask, but you had no doubt it was for something just as noble. This world may have deemed her a villain, but you knew her as a hero. You knew her ideology and goals, and it was a shame she—like all the others—wasn’t recognized for it.

You wanted to know how the morals of this society got flipped around. How were the real villains able to pull it off?

With copious manipulation tactics, you were sure.

“Were we ever able to hang out?”

“Huh?” You blinked back to attention. To be fair, you both had gone silent for a minute, allowing your mind to wander. “Oh. The three of us?”

“Mm,” she affirmed.

“Yeah…” You began picking at your nails. “Yeah, we got to hang out a decent amount.”

Her hands, which were busy at work with your hair, slowed down. “What kind of stuff did we do?”

You weren’t sure what to say. You wouldn’t have to worry about causing any paradoxes, since your stories were in both of your pasts at this point. Still, it wasn’t good to dwell too much on the past, or on what could have been.

That probably made you a hypocrite, but you weren’t too keen on taking your own advice on such matters.

“Magne would take us shopping sometimes,” you said softly. “Our work studies didn’t pay all that well, and she felt bad, so she’d want to buy us all sorts of things while we were out.”

“Like a big sister,” Toga suggested, her hands returning to her normal pace.

“Or a cool aunt or something.” You smiled and turned slightly to look over your shoulder at her. Her eyes were focused on her hands, but she was smiling, too.

♡ ♡ ♡

taglist: @boogiemansbitch @multisstuff @local-s1mp

[galaxysupreme17]

I Can Do It With a Broken Heart

Emily Prentiss x Daughter!Reader Former Emily Prentiss x JJ Based on the song "I Can Do It with a Broke. Heart" by Taylor Swift and the scene from Gilmore Girls where Luke and Lorelai break up for the first time after the wedding. Emily Age: 37 Y/n Age: 20

Emily Prentiss sat on the edge of her bed, staring blankly at the wall. JJ's words the night before echoed in her mind, each a dagger to her heart. "I'm going back to Will," JJ had said, her eyes filled with regret. "I'm so sorry, Emily."

Emily's world had shattered at that moment. JJ was the love of her life, her anchor in a stormy sea. And now, she was gone, leaving Emily to pick up the pieces of her broken heart. The pain was unbearable, a deep, gnawing ache that seemed to grow with each passing moment.

Y/n, her 20-year-old daughter, had come home from college for the weekend. She had heard the muffled sobs through the thin walls and quietly entered her mother's room. Without a word, she wrapped her arms around Emily, offering silent comfort. Y/n didn't need to ask what had happened; she could see the devastation in her mother's eyes. It was as if the light had gone out, leaving Emily in darkness, and she didn't know how to escape.

The next morning, Y/n tried to lift her mom's spirits. She made breakfast and sat with Emily, talking about anything and everything to keep her mind off JJ. "We should bake cookies today," Y/n suggested with a small smile. "Just like we used to."

Emily managed a weak smile. "That sounds nice, sweetheart." Her voice was fragile, like a delicate glass on the verge of shattering. But Y/n's presence was a balm to her wounded heart, and the idea of doing something normal and comforting seemed like a step towards healing.

Later, Y/n ran into JJ at the grocery store. She was standing in the cereal aisle, picking out her favorite brand, when she saw JJ a few feet away. JJ looked up, her eyes meeting Y/n's with sadness and guilt. "Y/n," she began, but Y/n turned away, her expression cold.

"I don't have anything to say to you," Y/n replied, her voice tight. She grabbed her cereal and walked away, leaving JJ standing there, the weight of her choices pressing down on her. Y/n's heart ached with a mix of anger and sorrow. She had looked up to JJ and admired her strength and compassion. But now, all she saw was the woman who had broken her mother's heart.

Back home, Emily was trying to stay busy. She cleaned the house, organized her closet, and even started a new book, but nothing could fill the void left by JJ. As she found JJ's things in drawers—an old sweater, a pair of socks—she felt her heart break all over again. Each piece of forgotten clothing was a reminder of what they had lost. Emily clutched the sweater to her chest, inhaling JJ's faint scent, tears streaming down her face.

Emily stood in front of the mirror, forcing a smile. "You can handle this," she whispered to herself. "You've been through worse." She thought of all the challenges she had faced and the battles she had fought professionally and personally. She had always found a way to survive, to push through the pain. This time would be no different.

She felt the tears welling up but held them back. She had to be strong for Y/n and herself. Emily took a deep breath and tried to focus on the positive. Y/n was home, and they were baking cookies together. It was a small comfort, but it was something. The aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the air in the kitchen, a small reminder of happier times.

The next day, Emily returned to work. She walked into the BAU with her head held high, determined to keep going despite the pain. Her colleagues noticed the change in her demeanor, but no one dared to ask. They knew better than to pry. They respected her resilience, even if they didn't fully understand the depths of her sorrow.

Throughout the day, Emily maintained her professionalism, handling cases and paperwork efficiently. She was grinning like she was winning, hitting her marks perfectly. "I can do this," she thought, the words becoming her mantra. She immersed herself in the work, using it as a shield against the heartbreak threatening to consume her.

When she was alone in her office, Emily allowed herself a brief moment of vulnerability. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her emotions. "One step at a time," she reminded herself. She thought about the cases she had solved and the lives she had saved. If she could face those horrors, she could face this, too.

Emily found solace in her work, channeling her pain into productivity. She cried in the privacy of her home, but at work, she was a pillar of strength. Her colleagues watched her with concern, but Emily brushed off their worries. She knew she was good at what she did, even with a broken heart. Each day was a battle, but she fought with everything she had.

That evening, when she returned home, Y/n greeted her mom with a warm hug. "How was work?" she asked, her eyes full of concern.

Emily managed a small smile. "It was okay," she replied. "I'm getting through it." She was grateful for Y/n's unwavering support. Her daughter's presence was a reminder that she wasn't alone and had someone who loved her unconditionally.

Y/n nodded, understanding more than she let on. "We're going to be okay, Mom. We're strong."

Emily hugged her daughter tightly, grateful for her support. "Yes, we are," she said, finding strength in Y/n's unwavering love. They sat down to dinner, the familiarity of their routine bringing a sense of normalcy to the chaos in Emily's heart.

As they sat down to dinner, Emily felt a glimmer of hope. She knew it would take time to heal, but she could face anything with Y/n by her side. And so, she continued to fake it, knowing that she would make it one day. She looked across the table at Y/n, her heart swelling with pride and love. They had each other, no matter how hard things got, which was enough to keep going.

[breakfastteatime]

Comfortember Day 19 - Loved Ones

(This is a tag to 'Just Breathe' because we always need more Post-Nur content)

Eventually, Greez gets up and says he wants to put a few more jumps between them and Nur. Cere and Merrin move Cal slowly, carefully, and only once they’ve stripped off his soaked, burned and bloodied clothing. Prior to removing his innermost layers, Cere covers Cal with a blanket to protect what little dignity someone so grievously injured can be offered. Then, once he is dressed in dry clothes, Cere and Merrin get him into his bed. Cere covers him with a blanket, freeing his arms to rest atop it. That, Merrin has been told, is how he prefers it.

Cere's hands shake as she brushes Cal's hair back. Her skin remains wrinkled from the seawater, her clothes as drenched as Merrin’s.

Cal does not stir. He does not even twitch when BD hops up beside him, nudging gently. His beeping is uncharacteristically timid. Merrin stills the little droid with her hand. “Let him rest,” she says. “He will survive.”

BD slumps with a sorrowful murmur. Merrin shares his concern. Cal is not coming around. Maybe that is a blessing. He has been through a lot, deserves a rest, but not long ago he was motionless, not breathing, slipping away from them. The idea that he may never awaken, that the damage done by not breathing is somehow permanent, is a fear that lingers. Merrin knows he will likely awaken to sickness and pain, and yet she would love more than anything right now for him to open his eyes and promise he is fine…

…a fine liar, perhaps.

The sound of his breathing is unsettling, congested and crackling. Merrin does not care. It is far, far better than the silence from earlier. She shivers in her clothing. Now that they are away from Nur and its horrors, her own shock is settling in. She can see Cere is at the end of her strength, sunk as she now is at Cal’s bedside.

“Rest, Cere,” Merrin tells her. “He is with us.”

"I know." Cere stares at Cal, and Merrin cannot say for certain what it is she sees. “I can’t lose him, Merrin.”

“You have not lost him,” Merrin says. “His life energy remains with us.” She reaches for the older woman. They do not know each other well, and yet Merrin feels right as she takes Cere’s hand in her own. “See to your own needs. Leave Cal with me. He would hate to see you drive yourself to sickness.”

BD squawks.

“Yes, leave him with BD too,” she adds.

Leaning forward, Cere presses her forehead to Cal’s. Merrin senses something, some unknowable message passing from Cere to Cal. Merrin no longer feels so cold. Cere stands. Merrin releases her hand.

“Don’t leave him,” Cere says over her shoulder.

“We will not,” Merrin says.

BD beeps quietly.

Sometime later, Greez returns with a towel. Merrin startles awake. She pushes her damp, salty hair back. She is worn out, her use of magick today far greater than anything she has ever done before.

“Go on,” Greez tells her, handing the towel to her. “Get cleaned up and get some rest. Cere’s left some spare clothes for you in the ‘fresher. She’s out for the count, by the way, checked on my way through. Can’t believe it. Never thought she’d be able to sleep, but I’m so glad she is. Now it’s your turn. Oh, and make sure you put what you’re wearing in the drier. Can’t have you catching a cold. Cal will be okay, so make sure you are too.”

Merrin nods at Greez’s wisdom. She glances at Cal. “Do not die,” she orders him. “I will not forgive you if you do. Neither will Greez.”

Greez sits on the edge of Cal’s bed. “She’s right, kid, I won’t.”

Merrin slips out. She’s just going to get some sleep. When next she sees Cal, she is sure he will be awake. He will be. He is too stubborn to die this way.

[maple-seed]

Thrown - Chapter 38: A Feat of Strength

Summary: Loki tries to support you as he can and as you need.

Word Count: 1,402

Author's Notes: Short chapter this week. Giving us a little space to breathe.

Masterlist

You had no shortage of company in the days following. Thor and Valkyrie both made a point to check in on you and Loki found his way to your side during any moment he could spare. Today, in particular, was important. This would be your first day at the market without Ash. Loki arrived at your door earlier than was strictly necessary. When you greeted him he suspected you had been crying, but he thought better than to mention it. Instead, he focused on carrying out the day's tasks. He opened the stable with you, chatting idly as you scooped out feed for the ever-patient Breidr and the never-patient Goat. The two of you shared breakfast. He helped you harness the horse to the wagon and led it out the gate. When he took his place beside you on the bench seat there was a conspicuous empty space on your other side. He sat close to you as if it wasn't there. You didn't move away.

The ride was peaceful, as it usually was. He resisted the urge to fill every silence. You seemed to be handling this well, all things considered, and he needed to allow you the space to do so. He recognized that his impulse to protect you from hurt had the potential to become overbearing.

You seemed somber as you arrived at your booth. Your mouth was drawn and your eyes were distant as the two of you unloaded the wagon. You said very little. When you led Breidr away Loki stayed behind to unpack the crates. He wondered if he was taking the wrong approach to this. Was there something more he should be doing to help you? He wished he could simply take away your pain. Wished he could have prevented the heartbreak to begin with.

When you returned it seemed you had gathered yourself into a more resilient state. You finished setting up the booth and carried on with a more developed conversation. Once the task was complete the two of you leaned against crates or counters, in your usual quiet discussion. After a short while Khadija and Hani arrived at their stall.

You must have told them the news. When Hani dropped off her cart and made her way to you she wordlessly wrapped her arms around you in a hug, which you knelt to reciprocate. It was the first time Loki had ever seen her break the routine.

After a minute you pulled back and looked down at her. "Don't you have a question for me?" A smile broke across her face. "Miss Terna, how did you get that scar on your arm?"

You smiled as you began to spin a story about wrestling a crocodile. The girl was already giggling. Knowing the truth, Loki watched you with a newfound admiration. The way you could take this despicable event, this horror, and turn it into a source of joy was nothing short of miraculous. A particular class of alchemy that you had mastered. He was enraptured, watching the transmutation. He had forgotten he would be propositioned next, until the girl stood before him and asked to see his magic.

Loki brought his palms together and when they parted a scarf from her mother's stall was stretched between them. The girl grinned as he tied it around her neck. Khadija approached, glancing at the scarf and shooting Loki a mock-suspicious look before wrapping you in an embrace.

The market opened and you were much more yourself. You became engrossed in the work. The day rolled onward as it typically did, until a woman approached the the stall with a look of concern. Loki didn't know her name but had had seen her around town and knew her to be one of the food vendors. She was carrying what looked to be a piece of sausage in a little paper tray.

"Terna! I was told you were here but I haven't seen Ash this morning?" Loki watched you take a breath and brace yourself. "I'm afraid Ash passed away earlier this week." The woman's face fell, she set the paper tray on the countertop and reached to take your hands in hers. "Oh, that is terrible news! I'm so sorry." You nodded and accepted her sympathies and eventually the woman left, the sausage forgotten on the counter. It vanished before it caught your attention.

You looked a little grim, reorganizing items unnecessarily. "He lived a charmed life." Loki offered. "To be so beloved" You looked up at him with a half-smile. "That's true."

Word must have spread, throughout the day your routine was interrupted by a few other vendors who stopped by to offer condolences. You received them with a brave face, but afterward you always looked a little tired. He did his best to come behind them with a new question or comment to occupy your mind. Despite the wear it seemed to have on you, he appreciated the gestures. It was heartening to see the kindness that you put into the world being returned.

When the day came to a close a couple more friendly faces stopped you while packing to pay their respects. Loki fetched the wagon while you were occupied by the well-wishers. You were alone when he returned and the two of you loaded the wagon and set out onto the road.

You didn't seem to have the energy for much in the way of conversation. Loki sat close to you and lost himself in contemplation. He wondered again if there was something more he could be doing. He wanted to tend to your every need, but that was the very thing you didn't need. Without question, you used these everyday tasks to occupy your mind, a distraction. You would likely be miserable if he lifted every concern from your shoulders. It was frustrating, attempting to strike a balance between his impulses and your needs.

The wagon came to a stop and Loki heard you take a sharp breath. He looked up to see you staring at the closed gate, tight-lipped. Something inside you was wavering.

He reached out with a flourishing wave, the latch hopped out of its rest and the gate swung open. The hint of a smile crept across your face, along with relief. "Thanks." You urged Breidr through the gate and looked at Loki sidelong, with a smirk. "Ash had more style, though." Loki gave an offended scoff. "He had many fine qualities, to be sure, but I'll not have it said that anyone has more style than Loki of Asgard."

As the wagon passed, the gate closed with plumes of green sparks. That won a lighthearted chuckle from you.

The wagon pulled into its covered port and came to a stop. Loki felt the mood shift, here in the shade, and he watched you closely. A silent tear fell before you leaned forward with your face in your hands. He wrapped his arm around you and pulled you into him. His other hand came up to hold your head against his shoulder. "It's alright. You made it through." He said quietly.

You didn't make a sound, but he felt every shuddering breath as the weight of the day finally came down on you. In any other situation he would have appreciated the closeness, how it felt to hold you against him. Right now, however, all he could think about was how desperately he wanted to take away your pain. He wanted to pull you into his lap and cradle you against him and press you so close that there was no space left for your grief. He might have done it, if he thought it would work.

Eventually you stilled, but remained with your face buried in his shoulder for a minute or so longer. You moved back, breathing a quiet "thank you" before you tried to compose yourself, wiping away tears and trying to straighten your appearance. He took the time to climb down from the seat. When you had recovered he offered a hand to you.

You gave a weak laugh as you took it and stepped down. "Shouldn't you have some snarky quip now? Maybe something about the weakness of humans?"

"Oh, I'm certain I would," he looked down at your hand, closing it in both of his before meeting your eyes again. "but of late, I have only seen your strength."

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[gabithefanwriter]

I See You

Neytiri x Female! Avatar! Reader

Neytiri wakes up to find her new mate is completely unconscious.

Meanwhile, Jake, Norm and the reader are escaping from Quaritch (Grace is already dead here). It's a mix between the final battle, and Grace's death?

I have no idea what I did.

Neytiri woke up with a start, turning to see her mate asleep beside her. Only, something was wrong. Neytiri's ears went back as she realised how deep Y/n's breathing was, slowly shaking her awake. "Ma Y/n, wake up."

No answer.

Fear lodged into Neytiri's throat, panic visibly shown in her eyes as she tried to shake awake her mate. "Ma' Y/n! Wake up! Please!"

Running, Y/n was pushing Jake in his wheelchair forward, Norm and Trudy on either side. Grace, her adoptive mother, was dead, shot by Quaritch. Y/n held a gun at her side as Max unlocked it for them. "Max," Y/n said quickly. "We need someone on the inside, okay?"

Max nodded, giving her a hug before he watched them all leave.

Norm passed masks to Y/n, Trudy and Jake, adding his own. He and Trudy ran ahead to prepare the helicopter, Y/n helping Jake.

"I guess this wasn't how you planned to spend your morning, huh?" He asked in hopes to lighten the mood. Y/n let out a sigh. "No. I was hoping to wake up next to Neytiri today. It is the first day I would've woken up with a mate, and it would've been fun."

"I see," Jake replied. The copter about to fly off, Norm hoisted Jake on and grabbed the wheelchair, Y/n climbing up just as gunshots rang out. She turned her head to see Quaritch taking aim and jumped in the helicopter, Norm dragging her in.

Everyone cheered, except for Y/n, who groaned in pain. Looking down, scarlet liquid contrasted against her s/c hand and began staining her pants. "Shit."

Jake took notice. "Y/n's been hit. Get the trauma kit!"

Norm went to grab the trauma kit with directions from Trudy, and Jake went to put pressure on the wound. Meanwhile all Y/n could think about was her mate.

They flew somewhere safer, to a warehouse/shed where several pods were laid out. Y/n briefly explained that her stepmom had this as a backup plan. Jake and Norm quickly went into their pods, Norm waking up nearby in his avatar and running to get Y/n's human body as Jake woke up in the clan, looking for Neytiri.

"Neytiri!"

The na'vi woman's ears perked up, still afraid for her mate as Jake entered her tent. "Jake, what has happened to Y/n?"

"Her human body has been shot."

Neytiri's eyes filled with panic. She didn't wait for Jake to continue as she grabbed her bow, arrows and called on Seze. Jake tried to continue, but his efforts were proven to be pointless.

"Listen, Trudy, you need to go to Max."

"I can't leave you here alone, Y/n," Trudy said. "I won't."

Sounds of helicopters were around. Trudy frowned as she knew that Y/n was right and she had to go back to Max. No one knew it was her as the pilot. She could work alongside Max and work on the inside until the time was right. Y/n pleaded with her eyes. Trudy scrunched up her face and sighed. "Fine. But try and keep contact."

"Yes ma'am," Y/n joking replied. Trudy gave her a look and flew off, leaving Y/n alone. She limped to the shed, but she heard rapid footsteps. Y/n looked down at her leg, where a bandage had been wrapped, and ultimately decided to run the opposite direction. If they were led away from the shed, Norm and Jake still had a chance to warn the tribe.

She ran through the tall grass, looking at the tall trees in hopes of seeing someone to help.

She was alone.

Running, she dared to look back. Several men had spotted her and were chasing her. Sweat rolled down her back as the ability to breathe became harder, every breath burning her throat, to her lungs.

She heard a flapping overhead, and decided to try and imitate the call Neytiri taught her.

With all the strength she had, as she ran, she called out.

Neytiri heard the call, seeing one of the sky people who said it, and immediately knew who it was. Her mate had made that call, the one Neytiri taught her.

She pulled knocked an arrow and took aim, killing several of the sky people that had guns at her beloved.

However, she still heard a gunshot. Her eyes widened in panic as she got closer.

Y/n couldn't run far with her limp, and was tackled to the floor, a soldier digging his leg into her wounded one. "Sorry, girl, the colonel wants you dead."

Fighting back, the solider was left without a knife and gun from the thrashing and fighting of Y/n, which left him one option.

He ripped off her mask in attempt to grab the collar of her shirt, and punched her back.

Without the mask, Y/n's vision blurred with stars. The lack of oxygen in the air made it near impossible to breathe, even as she tried to reach for the mask which was thrown farther away, and from taking short, rapid breaths as she looked up at the sky, she finally felt her eyes close, and her breathing—stop.

Neytiri, meanwhile, shot down the final soldier, jumping off of Seze and running to her mate. "Ma' Y/n!"

Holding the smaller frame, Neytiri saw the outstretched arm at a mask. The Na'vi woman reached out and grabbed it, positioning it onto her mate's face.

Y/n came to, slowly, bud surely. Adjusting the mask to let in oxygen, she felt herself in the arms of her beloved. Looking up, she smiled, seeing the face of her beloved. "Oel ngati kameie."

Neytiri smiled, "I see you."

Y/n tried to stand, however her leg was bleeding through the bandage, and she was losing a lot of blood. Y/n grunted in pain even as she was gently in her beloved's arms.

Neytiri climbed on Seze, holding on tight to Y/n, "Ma' Y/n, hold on tight to me."

Y/n nodded, wrapping her arms around Neytiri's shoulders as she flew them to the clan.

Blood was trailing down on Seze's wing, and Y/n was sure by now it was either infected, and was extremely close to an artery, which, with her movements the bullets imbedded itself in.

Neytiri was tasked with changing Y/n in more suitable clothes. Norm and Jake watched as Neytiri carefully carried Y/n to the middle of the tree of souls, where her avatar lay.

"It hurts," Neytiri heard her mate mutter. The Na'vi woman's heart tore, kissing her beloved gently. "You won't feel the pain. Not anymore."

Y/n smiled softly, closing her eyes as the prayers were sent, the chanting echoing around her.

Y/n saw Eywa herself, before she felt the familiar rush of transferring her soul from one body to the other, like it had done so many times, only this would be for the final time.

Neytiri was beside her mate, caressing her cheek, and a smile was painted on her lips as her mate's eyes opened.

Y/n was alive, Y/n was breathing.

Y/n was here with Neytiri.

And that's all they wanted. To be with each other.

[stardewremixed]

First Kiss with Harvey

@nectar33n requested Harvey first so here goes. I’m not sure if you wanted canon or non-canon or if you wanted a female or male or nonbinary Farmer. I’m going with canon/female Farmer. I wrote a freakin’ novel so spoilers... haha! Once I started, I couldn’t stop. Hope you don’t mind. 

It was the morning of the surprise. Harvey set his alarm for 5am. He knew the Farmer was an early riser, but he wasn’t sure how early. The night before he tossed and turned in bed. He was nervous. Not because of the height of the hot air balloon ride, but because he hoped beyond hope that today would be the day. Today he would confess his true feelings to the Farmer, the woman who stole his whole heart. 

As a doctor, Harvey knew he could not survive without his heart. Logically. If she rejected him, he wasn’t sure how he would survive, except that he wanted her to be happy. And then it would be awkward at two thousand feet above ground if she said no. 

Argh! Harvey had been paranoid about missing his alarm, and so he woke up at a half past four. It was much too early, but he slipped his glasses onto the bridge of his nose. Laying his head back against the pillow, he tried a self-soothing technique that had worked for years. Deep breath in. Hold. One. Two. Three. Four. Exhale. 

After ten more deep breaths, his heart rate slowed. Still, when he tucked his arm behind his head, he saw only five minutes had passed. The time mocked him, the little red digital light aggravating his brain. Grunting once more, he resolved to get up, and mustered strength to swing his legs over the bed, one at a time. 

It was too late to take it back. His invitation. He scribbled a note on a piece of memo paper from his doctor’s pad, asking the Farmer to join him right before dawn for a surprise. If he went back now, he would look like an idiot. He already felt stupid staking out her place to make sure she was in for the night before he timidly slipped the note in the mailbox. 

Perhaps he should have thought it through more and used pretty stationary. Like the kind she always slipped in with her homemade jar of pickles. His heart always skipped a little beat when he saw a fresh jar waiting for him outside the Clinic in the morning. A sign she was thinking of him. 

Or when she dropped by on blustery afternoons to bring him coffee, always when he was fading the most. The little hearts she drew on the cup sleeve brightened his days and mindset. Somehow she just knew he needed a pick-me-up. It was a sixth sense. As a man of science, he didn’t always trust the mystical, what others described as “gut feelings.” And yet, Farmer made him want to believe in a deeper connection to the soul, and to a Higher Power. 

Farmer always checked the mail first thing. He liked that about her. She had her routines. He had his own. Predictable, and yet open to surprises. She shared with him once. With that same little head-tilt and charming smile that could sweep a man off his feet. Or in Harvey’s case stumble over his own two feet. He winced as he tripped into the bathroom and flicked on the light, wishing he had the sense to slid his toes into slippers before padding around in the dead of night. 

Reaching for the shower handles, he turned the water to scalding hot. The heat would relax him. He liked it to feel like a sauna. His apartment above the office was modest, small, just big enough for him. No space for a bathtub, but he didn’t mind. He was usually in a hurry. Harvey yanked his black tee shirt over his head. The mirror was already fogging. He stared into the glass after wiping away some of the steam. His eyes looked tired. His hair was wild. And he could have sworn he saw a wrinkle near his forehead. 

Perhaps he was selfish to ask her to be his girlfriend. She deserved someone younger. Someone who could keep up with her endless energy. Someone who wasn’t so preoccupied and could help out more around the farm. He wasn’t a “spring chicken.” He hoped the age gap wouldn’t bother her, and he assured himself that it never had before. She even confessed once that she was attracted to older men after one too many pale ales at the Saloon. 

Removing his pajama bottoms and boxers, Harvey stepped into the shower before he changed his mind. He was older, but he was no slouch. He worked out once a week with the ladies - good cardio at Caroline’s studio. And he took walks once a day all over the village, sometimes twice a day if he was facing a particularly challenging medical problem. Sometimes Farmer joined him, and he grew to like her company. No, he ruffled shampoo through his hair, he grew to love her company. 

Even with doctor-patient confidentiality in a tiny town where everyone knew everyone, Harvey could still vaguely discuss different issues he faced. She listened intently, engaged in the conversation, offering an encouraging head nod or smile as needed. He could tell she liked to listen to him talk, even when he felt like he was rambling. Her eyes shone. 

Harvey puffed his chest out a little with pride as he soaped up, thinking about his mother’s insistence that he take vocal lessons as a teen. Learning Latin for mass (which helped in medical school) and singing tenor (for the ladies) paid off. His patients often said he possessed a soothing voice and kind bedside manner. Or one very special lady. He smiled to himself as he stepped from the shower and wrapped himself in a towel. 

A half hour later, dressed, everything packed into a picnic basket, Harvey padded over to his kitchen to brew a pot of coffee. Even the particular brand of beans reminded him of Farmer. She grew a coffee plant just for him in her greenhouse so he could have his favorites year-round, and roasted the beans with the help of Gus at the Saloon. Her thoughtfulness knew no bounds. 

A steady rap at the door downstairs startled him. Harvey glanced at the clock. Almost 5:45 a.m. He had checked the paper so he knew the sun would rise at ten after six. Was she early? He plucked his cell phone from his shirt pocket, but it did not reveal a text message. Harvey slid into his familiar brown loafers and walked downstairs. 

“Evelyn?” 

His eyes widened with surprise to see his elderly neighbor standing on his doorstep. She was bundled up warm in her typical red coat and the pair of black leather gloves her husband George had purchased to help her poor circulation. Her smile told him he had nothing to worry about, but he couldn’t help himself. 

“Is everything okay with George?” he asked, stepping aside so she could step into the clinic. 

George was one of his most temperamental patients, and frequently didn’t listen to his advice. It had taken almost two years for George to trust Harvey as a doctor. And even then, he grumbled about asking for help. 

“Yes, yes,” Evelyn said. “He’s still sleeping like a log. The machine you suggested though does cut back on his snoring. I barely hear it anymore.” 

She removed her gloves. Harvey nodded. 

“I’m glad it was useful for him. How can I help you?” 

“I saw your light. And I was up anyhow.” 

She reached into her bag, revealing wrapped hot bread. Freshly baked. Evelyn told him she often rolled doughs when she had trouble sleeping. 

“I thought,” her blue eyes twinkled. “You and the Farm Girl would appreciate this.” 

“How?” he ran a hand through his hair. “...did you?” 

She smirked. “I’m not psychic, Doc. I just know you. And you were running all over town this past week making special preparations for a ‘special’ date with a ‘special’ someone.” 

Harvey’s face relaxed into a smile. “Oh I was that obvious?” He chuckled ruefully. “I guess, I was.”

“Relax, Doc, she’s going to say yes,” Evelyn said, reaching up to tap his shoulder. “After all, you’re quite the catch.”

At her words, Harvey felt his cheeks grow hot. Evelyn meant well. She truly was a “Granny” to the entire town. He managed a meek “thank you” and waved, watching to make sure she made it back to her home across the square. When he saw her residence light turn on, Harvey returned inside the clinic. Reaching for his coat, he buttoned up, grabbed his basket of goodies, and tucked Evelyn’s bread inside before stepping back out. 

A quick twenty minute jaunt up the hill, Harvey reached the railroad crossing in no time. His heart felt light, even if his stomach felt full of knots. Evelyn wished him well, but could she really know the Farmer would say yes? As he was twisting the toe of his shoe in the dusty ground, wondering if he would “chicken” out, Harvey heard a gentle, familiar voice calling to him. 

Instantly, he felt his shoulders relax. He turned to wave at her, then wondered if he was grinning like an idiot. If he was, she didn’t seem to mind. She walked toward him briskly, smiling brightly herself. Today she wore a soft green blouse and jean skirt, matching jacket, and her famous knee-high brown boots. As she drew close, he could even tell she had applied makeup - a little mascara, eyeshadow, and eyeliner. Perhaps even a light lip gloss. His heart skipped two beats. She always looked good, no matter what she was wearing, but he could tell she made an effort for him. 

“How’s my favorite doctor?” she asked, reaching his side. 

“Good, and you’re right on time,” he cleared his throat, hoping she couldn’t sense his nervousness. 

“Oh for what? What is this surprise?” she inquired, eagerly, rubbing her hands together. 

Without thinking, he reached over and took her hands in his own to warm them. He grimaced, almost immediately regretting it. His palms were sweaty. She would know he was anxious. 

And yet, she looked up at him, surprise registering in her eyes, but her expression was welcoming. “Oh thank you. I should’ve worn gloves.” 

“You can wear mine,” he offered, starting to remove them one at a time. 

“No,” she grinned, shaking her head. “This is better.” Her fingers interlocked with his, and she squeezed gently. 

He straightened and cleared his throat again, knowing with almost certainty that pink had breached his cheeks. “Look here it comes,” he pointed to the sky. 

His anxiety levels skyrocketed as he realized this was the moment as the hot air balloon descended into the open field. However, her excited grip around his fingers and the look of pure joy on her face made him so happy. Harvey wanted her to be happy. 

“Are you surprised?” 

“Oh my! Yes!” she exclaimed, temporarily releasing his hand to clap her own. “But aren’t you afraid of heights, Harvey?” 

YES! He wanted to scream, but he couldn’t. It wouldn’t exactly be manly. And he would never live it down. His heart pounded wildly. The way she said his name, with kindness and concern, helped him catch his breath. Harvey somehow managed to express himself, sharing about how he wanted this to be special for her as she had never ridden in a hot air balloon before. And he had seen the ad and knew he just had to surprise her. She was always doing things for him, going out of her way, and he wanted to repay her consistent kindness. 

Marcello, their guide, gave detailed instructions about where to stand, how to operate the balloon, what to do in case of emergencies. Harvey had stayed up nearly all night three nights in a row last week researching rental companies with the highest safety ratings. He muttered this, and to his dismay, the Farmer heard, but she just smiled and told him how much she appreciated his thoroughness. 

Harvey offered her a hand as they stepped into the basket. He thought his heart would leap out of his chest. Her grip was reassuring. She didn’t let go until he was securely in the basket and by her side. She flexed her fingers and he realized perhaps he had been gripping too hard. 

“Oh sorry,” he mumbled. 

“No, it’s okay,” she said. “I am happy to be here with you, and I know you’re nervous. To be honest...” she tilted her head to the side. “I am too.” 

“Really?” he hated how his voice squeaked. He cleared his throat and repeated. “Oh really!” 

“Yes, but I’m excited too, like...” she grabbed his hand again and laid it against her chest around her left breast. 

He flushed, realizing this was the closest he had ever been to them. 

“Butterflies!” 

They both said in unison, and then laughed awkwardly. He dropped his hand quickly, feeling it improper to linger, even though her heartbeat felt nice. 

“You ready?” she asked. 

He gulped and nodded. “Yeah, I’m determined not to let my fears hold me back. I want to experience this with you.” 

“Me too,” she nodded. 

As they lifted off the ground, his jaw dropped open and his eyes widened. This was really happening. They had left the safety of earth behind for the unknown expanse of the sky. He couldn’t take it back now. He coughed and rubbed his jaw a bit, hoping she thought he was trembling because of the cold and not fear. 

“I’ll... uh... try... not to get scared,” he mumbled, running a hand through his hair, and flushed hard, realizing he said the words aloud.

“Wow... you can see so far into the Valley already!” she exclaimed. 

He had squeezed his eyes shut during take-off and ascent. Nervously, he released his hands from the sides of his head. In the distance, the sky faded from black to blue to a soft purply-pink. 

“I thought I’d be scared too,” she shared. “But then I saw this view and relaxed.” 

Harvey wished that was all it took for him to calm down. He held the sides of his head, feeling like his heart might burst through his temples.  Then he remembered that he forgot the basket of breakfast... 1700 feet below. Could he be any more absent-minded? His fears... (or was it her hand?) had distracted him. He swallowed, thinking about her hand.

As if on cue, she looked up at him.

 “Here,” she reached for his hand once more and squeezed. “I promise I won’t let go.”

He could kiss her. He wanted to. So badly. But he wanted his pulse to slow down first so he wouldn't trip into her mouth. She always knew just what to do or say to make him feel at ease. A kiss wouldn’t be appropriate yet. We’re not even dating really. I need to tell her how I feel if I can bring myself to look at her. 

“Harvey?” she said, her voice sounding worried.

He squeezed his eyes open and looked down, but the terror flooded right back in. Before he could stop himself, he closed the few feet between them and dropped into her arms for a hug. A hug was okay. Right? This is okay? I’m okay. I’m okay. I’m okay. He repeated to himself.  

“You’re more than okay,” she whispered. 

He almost wondered if he actually heard her right. Did he actually say “I’m okay, okay, okay” aloud? “Wha? What? We’re up so high,” he gulped. 

He felt so dumb. A man of a his age unable to handle heights, clinging to the woman he wanted to be his girlfriend like he was a baby. She’s gonna think I’m such a wimp. He felt dismayed. He could handle blood, guts, puke, sweat, and all sorts of bodily fluids, but heights? Why did I think this was a good idea? 

“Harvey?” she lifted her arms to hug him in return. 

Whether intentional or not, she was stroking the back of his coat. 

“I wanted to impress you with this, but look at me!” he exclaimed burying his head in shame on her shoulder. “I’m a trembling coward.” 

“Harvey?” she repeated his name with such tenderness. “You’re not a coward.” 

“I’m not?” he pulled his head back, shock registering in his eyes as he connected with her gaze. 

He saw nothing but admiration there. 

“You’re definitely not. Harvey, I’ve seen you rescue injured people from rock slides and descend into unstable mines to pull out lost hikers. That’s not cowardly. That’s really brave.”

“What? I... uh...” he stammered.

“And you dove into the sea to rescue those little kids who got swept away by the waves during a sudden summer storm. You didn’t stop to think about your own safety. You just took the plunge.” 

“I... I... guess I did. You helped too. And you frequent the mines way more often than I do. You have more than enough bravery for the both of us.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, Doctor Harvey. You do a lot of things that most people wouldn’t because you care about your patients and about the safety of the lives of those around you. It’s a really admirable quality about you,” she encouraged sweetly. 

“You do such nice things for everyone too, like helping bring supplies to the Shadow People camps deep in the underground. That’s really brave. It’s part of why I like you so much,” he continued, and bit his lip, trying desperately to stay focused on the sky in front of him rather than the slowly disappearing ground below. “I’m just not sure...” 

“And today you planned this romantic surprise for me even though you are clearly terrified of heights.”

“Romantic?” he squeaked.

She furrowed her brow. “Oh am I misinterpreting?” 

Harvey squeezed her hand. “No,” he managed, his voice barely above a whisper. “Don’t let go.” 

She leaned into his shoulder, not only returning the hand squeeze, but wrapping her other arm around his from the side. Her hair smelled like jasmine. They stood side by side, and little by little, he felt his pulse slowing. He began to enjoy the peacefulness, the quiet of the air, the coolness of the breeze against his cheeks, the comfort of her presence. 

“I think I can enjoy it now,” he said after a few minutes of silence as he tried to think of what to say next. 

To tell her how he felt. He wasn’t a poet like Elliott or a songwriter like Sebastian and Sam. He didn’t have the adorable chickens she loved like Shane did, but he did enjoy a good fried egg every once in a while. And he definitely didn’t have the physique of the semi-pro athlete like Alex. He wasn’t the most eligible bachelor in Pelican Town. That alone nearly prevented him from planning this surprise for the Farmer today. He needed to stop comparing himself to others. He conquered this fear. He took the step into the basket and managed this far. Maybe he could manage the next step too. 

“Oh... this is incredible,” he laughed nervously. “I think I can even see Mayor Lewis standing in town square.” 

“Where?” she asked, leaning forward a little. 

Without thinking, Harvey yanked her back to his side. He wrapped an arm around her, and snuggled her against his chest protectively. He couldn’t see her face because he was blushing hard. Why did I do that? He opened his mouth to speak when she suddenly shushed him. He frowned, only momentarily, but then saw what captured her attention. A flock of geese flying in a V flapped in unison by their balloon. It was a majestic sight against the backdrop of the rising sun. Oh! He found the courage to speak from his heart. 

“Uh... Farm Girl?” 

“Yes, Doc?” 

He gulped. “Uh... we’ve known each other for quite a while now and uh...” 

It’s now or never, man. Times almost up! 

“I...” he could feel the sweat pouring down the sides of his face, even if it was cold at altitude. 

She gave him the sweetest smile he had ever seen. Her eyes were full of admiration, encouragement, and dare he hope? Love? She leaned forward, removing any semblance of space between them, placing her hands against his chest. He felt a lump in his throat where the words were stuck. 

“I... love... you too,” she whispered, finishing the words for him. 

With two hands firmly placed on her upper arms, he leaned down, closed his eyes, and kissed her for the first time. Her lips were sweet, slightly chapped from sun and wind, but she tasted like... strawberries. His favorite fruit. He wondered if that was intentional. His senses grew hazy as he heard her sigh “finally” and he nearly lost all control. Her hands found their way behind his back and she pressed her torso against his, and his own hands slid further down her arms and around her delicate waist. He could hardly believe this was happening. 

“I’ve... loved you... for so long,” he managed between kisses. “I... never dreamed...” 

“Neither did I,” she said sweetly, reaching up for his neck, pulling him back to her lips eagerly. “I’ve wanted to kiss you... for so long.” 

“I...” he couldn’t think clearly. 

She was showing him new heights. His kisses deepened. He nearly forgot where they were as he continued with fervor. She seemed to enthusiastically return his desire, matching his speed and intensity with her own. Her legs brushed against his, and he felt weak. It had been so long since he felt this way, if ever. His knees threatened to buckle under the fog of passion, but he pulled back first, as the gentleman in him realized he needed to do something first.

“Will you... be... my girlfriend?” Harvey wanted to make it official. 

“Yes, will you be my boyfriend?” she asked, her eyelashes fluttering happily. 

Harvey never expected to feel so touched by hearing those words. “Yes.” 

He sealed his answer with a kiss. “Yes,” he repeated. 

“I love you, Harvey,” she sighed dreamily and leaned her head against his chest once more. “I am so happy right now.”

Harvey felt tears prick the corners of his eyes. He couldn’t bring himself to swat them away, as the heights still unnerved him and he didn’t want to let go of her. He didn’t want to let go of her ever. He calmed himself with a deep breath or two before replying. After a tender kiss to the top of her head, he said, “Me too.” 

❤️