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#paternity test chapter
brown-little-robin · 4 months
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the terrible thing about having been into mp100 for several years now and rewatching and rereading it several times is I have started to rethink my first impressions of it. which is FANTASTIC except that now I need to go through and rework my character tags, hope no one new finds my old manic mp100 rambling, and probably officially abandon my old mp100 fic because the wonky characterization bugs me too much 😔
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tyrantwombat · 2 years
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Chapter 154's opening scene is certainly a thing that exists, huh
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minniesmutt · 7 months
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⚠︎ ━━━━━━ 𝟒𝐔
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“𝐢’𝐦 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞, 𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐧”
⚠︎ ━━━ I.N. X READER
⚠︎ ━━━ SYNOPSIS: A ONE NIGHT STAND WITH SOMEONE FROM A NIGHT CLUB AFTER A ROUGH BREAK UP WITH HER TOXIC EX LEAVES Y/N WITH UNEXPECTED CONSEQUENCES
⚠︎ ━━━ CW: ONE NIGHT STAND, TOXIC EX, SMUT, ANGST, FLUFF, BUSINESS AU!, NON IDOL AU, UZZLANG PHOTOS (FOR POSE REFERENCE)
⚠︎ ━━━ TAGLIST: CLOSED!!!
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⚠︎ ━━━ NEWSIS 🗞 | DADDIES 💰 + RICH KIDS
⚠︎ ━━━ CH ONE; GONE
⚠︎ ━━━ CH TWO; MORNING AFTER
⚠︎ ━━━ CH THREE; FOUND THEM
⚠︎ ━━━ CH FOUR; INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM
⚠︎ ━━━ CH FIVE; EMERGENCY
⚠︎ ━━━ CH SIX; TESTS
⚠︎ ━━━ CH SEVEN; NOT AGAIN
⚠︎ ━━━ CH EIGHT; FUCK
⚠︎ ━━━ CH NINE; LUNCH
⚠︎ ━━━ CH TEN; ADVICE
⚠︎ ━━━ CH ELEVEN; CHECK IN
⚠︎ ━━━ CH TWELVE; PLACE YOUR BETS
⚠︎ ━━━ CH THIRTEEN; OUR BABY
⚠︎ ━━━ CH FOURTEEN; SOOOOO
⚠︎ ━━━ CH FIFTEEN; MAMA HELP
⚠︎ ━━━ CH SIXTEEN; APPOITMENT
⚠︎ ━━━ CH SEVENTEEN; UHHH
⚠︎ ━━━ CH EIGHTEEN; DINNER
⚠︎ ━━━ CH NINETEEN; SPILL
⚠︎ ━━━ CH TWENTY; MATERNITY
⚠︎ ━━━ CH TWENTY ONE; HEHEHE
⚠︎ ━━━ CH TWENTY TWO; IN…
⚠︎ ━━━ CH TWENTY THREE; PATERNITY
⚠︎ ━━━ CH TWENTY FOUR; MOVING ON
⚠︎ ━━━ CH TWENTY FIVE; NOT ALLOWED FIRE
⚠︎ ━━━ CH TWENTY SIX: IT'S A ...... !!
⚠︎ ━━━ CH TWENTY SEVEN: MINE
⚠︎ ━━━ CH TWENTY EIGHT: HE LIKE LIKE
⚠︎ ━━━ CH TWENTY NINE; IT'S SELF DEFENSE
⚠︎ ━━━ CH THIRTY; SUPPORTIVE BF
⚠︎ ━━━ CH THIRTY ONE; MOVING!
⚠︎ ━━━ CH THIRTY TWO; KICKING & TALKING!
⚠︎ ━━━ CH THIRTY THREE; MATERNITY LEAVE
⚠︎ ━━━ CH THIRTY FOUR; MEETING
⚠︎ ━━━ CH THIRTY FIVE; BABY SHOWER
⚠︎ ━━━ CH THIRTY SIX ; ALMOST THERE
⚠︎ ━━━ CH THIRTY SEVEN; READY
⚠︎ ━━━ CH THIRTY EIGHT; EPILOGUE
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MINI CHAPTER W/ ESCORT; ONE
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babydin · 2 years
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Love in the Middle of a Firefight
The pregnancy is easy, despite the circumstances. The pregnancy was the easy part, Joel was supportive, he helped out, he ran around like a Retriever whenever you asked him to and Ellie asked a million questions every single day. But when the baby arrives Joel doesn't know if he remembers how to love something so fragile. - Joel Miller x f!reader - 18+, minors DNI! - (1/?) - Joel is dad, Joel is Daddy, paternal postnatal depression, pregnancy sex, oral. Not necessarily in this chapter, but for sure in this series!! Trauma references. Domesticated af. Angsty in places! - 1868 words - Comments/likes appreciated. Requests are open! - A/N: I didn't think too hard about the timeline, just vaguely after the events of S1, they go to Jackson to Tommy's place and live there and nothing bad happens. This will be in multiple parts but I haven't planned for how many! There will be time-jumps in each of the parts because I'm impatient™️
You haven’t heard him say the word ‘resources’ since the three of you were backpacking across the country trying to get to Jackson and your heart breaks at how quickly he has slipped back into survival mode.
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“Joel I–” The words catch in your throat as he looks up at you after hearing his name. He always has an expectant look on his face whenever you say his name; he’d been so attentive since the two of you had settled town in Jackson with Ellie. You didn’t dare say it out loud, or to his face, but the man was domesticated. He was tamed and you hadn’t done a thing, he’d just set his battles aside. Both of them were, Ellie had agreed to go to school, and Joel helped around the town in the mornings then returned home for a late lunch. Just to prove your point, he was doing dishes when you found him.   “Joel, I’m late.”
He set down the bowl from breakfast he was drying with a dish towel and then wiped his hands on his jeans, “Well, where d’ya need t’ be? I’ll drive you.” Your face scrunches and you shake your head, you’d smile if you weren’t so scared. You don’t want to say it out loud, saying it out loud would make it real. Maybe if the world hadn’t fallen apart and supplies weren’t limited, risks weren’t significantly higher because of all of that you’d be a little more excited, you’d have ran to the nearest drugstore to buy a home pregnancy test and taken it immediately. “Joel.” you say his name again, firmer this time, hoping he hears you. He’s halfway between grabbing the keys to his truck and the kitchen sink, those attentive eyes trying so desperately to figure out what you’re trying to say. Your fingers grip the counter and your heels push back into the ground so your head can bow down to the ground;  if you’re going to say it, you don’t want to look at him, “I haven’t missed a period since I was 14. You could set a clock on it. I should’ve had it three fuckin’ weeks ago, Joel.” His silence is deafening. There’s no elation, there isn’t any regret though either, and if you know Joel like you think you do he’s probably going through the same thought process as you are. Thinking about where the supplies are going to come from, how the baby is going to be born, babies had been born since the outbreak it wasn’t unheard of but he wasn’t exactly carrying a four leafed clover. Except you knew Joel’s history, you knew he had lost a child, you knew he had struggled to bond with Ellie when they first met, you knew how reluctant he had been to open his heart up to being a father again when he felt himself getting closer to her. But he was a dad now, her dad; they had a strange relationship and they cursed at each other and played at roughhousing in the living room, they’d zing each other and then laugh about it afterwards, but Joel tucked her in every night and he listened to her problems and helped her with homework, and hugged her so tightly when her emotions got too big for her to voice. You take a breath and it shakes in desperation, fighting to keep your shit together as you felt his gaze burning into you, “Say something Joel, for fucks sa–” “It’s going to be fine.” There was that asshole voice you thought he had given up when you had settled down in Tommy’s town, you had to pull yourself upwards to look at him because you did not believe a single syllable that came out of his mouth. Not in that flat, robotic tone. That wasn’t a reassurance that was a reaction. That was just something he was saying to make you feel better, it wasn’t something he believed. Suddenly, his jagged expression softened and he pushed his jaw out slightly, his eyes got bigger and he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. He repeats himself, “It’s going to be fine.” this time he sounds so sure. He sounds like he has a plan, he sounds like he’d walk through gunfire for you. “Let me – Let me talk to Tommy; See what kinda resources they have, maybe they got one’a those ultrasound machines,” he starts rushing, grabbing his boots and trying to put them on without sitting down which does nothing for his back, “then we’ll know for sure.” You blink hard, you haven’t heard him say the word ‘resources’ since the three of you were backpacking across the country trying to get to Jackson and your heart breaks at how quickly he has slipped back into survival mode. “I’m sorry.” you whisper the words but he doesn’t hear you.  “I’ll be back.” he kisses your cheek and then he’s gone. You picture a world before the outbreak, where Joel never endured all that trauma and you tell him you think you’re pregnant and his face lights up and he picks you up and spins you around and offers to book your first scan. You’d spend hours on the couch talking about nursery ideas and baby names, and tell him not to get his hopes up in case you’re not actually pregnant but he just scoffs. Before the outbreak, you would’ve told Joel you thought you were pregnant and he would’ve been an excitable dad of two. In the outbreak, you told Joel you thought you were pregnant and his first instinct was how to survive it.  You sit on the couch with your arms wrapped around you and wait for him to come back. A million thoughts swirling around in your mind about every possible outcome of this, you tried your hardest to focus on the ones that ended happily, but without Joel there it was hard. “Come on.” You jump at the sound of Joel’s voice, your eyes finding a clock to see how long you had been sitting in your thoughts as he pulls you up off the couch. He’d come back at least. “Put your shoes on, darlin’. The hospital has an ultrasound, they’re callin’ for a nurse to meet us there.” It wasn’t much of a hospital, it was a bakery they had used for medical supplies. There was a refrigerator and storage large enough for medicines but it was a glorified med-bay at best. Nothing bad enough happened in Jackson for them to need a full hospital, if it did they’d have to drive out of town, and if they were lucky they'd make it in time to return for them to recover at home. In the 8 months you’d lived there, the worst thing that had happened was Mr Jellinsky getting chased out of the chicken coop by a pissed off rooster. He tripped and got his ass bit right between the cheeks and Joel laughed and said, “There’s a dick joke to be said, but I ain’t gon’ be the one to say it.” and you had never heard him sound more Southern. “Joel, what–” You didn’t know how that sentence ended. What if you are pregnant? What if you died in childbirth leaving him a single father of two? What if you weren’t pregnant? What are you going to do with a baby? “Put your shoes on.” He moved to grab your shoes from the door and brought them to your feet. “Joel—” He bent down and picked your feet up off the ground one by one to slip them into your sneakers, “You ain’t gotta worry ‘bout a thing right now, okay? Let’s just let the nurses look at’cha and then we’ll talk.” “Are you scared?” Joel stood up and scoffed a little, he looked at you with those heavy brown eyes once again searching for your soul,reading you like a book. There was a time when he would’ve lied and tightened his jaw and said no, but not these days. “Sweet thing, I’m terrified. Let’s go.” It wasn’t at all far for you to walk from your little cabin-like home to the place you needed to be, Joel slipped his hand into yours half way there and you found such comfort in the way his large hands enveloped yours. You had never noticed how many babies were in Jackson until now, and the parents all seemed content with their lives here. As you laid back on the gurney and answered the nurse’s questions, you occasionally glanced over at Joel. He’s been here before and he’s trying to figure out how to be there again, his teeth are chewing on the inside of his cheek, you’re desperate to know if he’s more anxious to hear a yes or a no. “Have you had any other symptoms besides your period being late?” You shrug and shake your head, you’ve never been pregnant before so you don’t know what ‘symptoms’ means in this case. “Have you been peeing more than usual? Any nausea in the morning?” You try to remember, and shake your head but you really don’t recall. “Any cramping?” You hum and put your hand on your stomach but she bats it away softly so she can pull up your shirt and prepare it for the ultrasound, “I mean, a little but I was just expecting my period so I didn’t really think anything of it…” “Any tenderness or soreness in your breasts?” You shake your head again but Joel clicks his tongue in protest and pipes up in a voice that’s so gravely and sounds like he hasn’t spoken in a week, “You wouldn’t let me touch you last week because you said your nipples were sore.” You take a moment to consider his words and he almost has you convinced that maybe you are pregnant. A cold jelly like substance is dispensed onto your stomach and you gasp and your muscles twitch, the nurse smiles and apologizes. You turn to the screen and Joel moves closer to you. It fills with static that ebbs and flows as the nurse moves the probe around your lower stomach. Even as she explains it to you, you can’t make out what exactly you are looking at but you trust she knows. Then she stops, and Joel sinks to his knees, “This is your uterus–” she gestures on the screen, He wraps both of his hands around yours and brings your knuckles to his lips and you can feel his smile and his heavy breaths as he becomes overcome with emotions. “--- and this little thing here that looks like a peanut…” She didn’t need to finish that sentence for you to know how it ended. The way Joel had reacted, the way it looked on the screen, barely there but very much obvious. Your cargo. You look at Joel as the nurse tells you that you’re pregnant and his eyes are full of tears that he doesn’t allow himself to cry, he’s hiding his mouth behind your hand but his cheeks are dimpled and you know he’s smiling. Relief washes over you and you feel like a fool for doubting him for a second, a fraction of your anxieties lift and you realize he’s with you. When he said it was going to be fine, he meant it.
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luveline · 1 year
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𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 | 𝐣𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫
three | chapter list
Finding out you’re a princess isn’t half as intimidating as suddenly acquiring a full-time bodyguard. Especially when that bodyguard is disarmingly handsome, charming, and can’t seem to stop flirting with you. 
bodyguard!james, fem!reader, shy!reader, princess diaries au, all characters in their 20s or older, star-crossed lovers/ forbidden romance, slowburn, background wolfstar
˗ˋˏ ♡ ˎˊ˗
Julianna is a real princess. As the niece of the Queen, her title is official. She’s been a princess all her life, and it’s a detail you can’t miss. 
James’ hand is hot but amicable against your shoulder blade. He hasn’t stepped away from you since Julianna arrived, though what threat she poses has yet to be seen. She doesn’t seem particularly volatile. You can’t imagine her in all her dewy skin and fine clothing lifting a finger, let alone her fist. 
“Mama says you’re an artist,” she drawls. 
“Not really.” How her mother knows anything about you is a mystery. “It’s a hobby, is all.” 
“And you didn’t finish university?”
“No.” You don’t owe her anything. You know you don’t. But it’s not just her you want to defend yourself to, not when Remus is sitting by the window of the parlour and James is close enough to hear your heartbeat. “I tried to, obviously, but I couldn’t, uh, afford to not work.”
“Ah.”
You don’t expect her to understand it. You know most people don't. Studying and working, the majority can handle both. You’d been ashamed of yourself for failing, but you’d come to the realisation that it was sink or swim. You could sink —hate yourself for being a little more fragile than others, for needing more time, more space, more accommodation— or you could swim. Accept your ‘shortcomings’. Make the most of what you have. 
Find yourself in a foreign country surrounded by the highly educated and the ridiculously wealthy. People who might never comprehend why you’ve struggled, or how. 
In that moment, you decide to treat this heart-wrenching trip as nothing more than a holiday. James is nice to you. The food is free and apparently plentiful. The grounds… 
Fuck, the grounds. The scenery. The royals aren’t currently living in their most famous residence, Loswell Castle, but are instead mourning the Prince at the more private and more subtle Bellaverden House. Subtle, yet gorgeous. The grass is green and stretches as far as the eye can see in all directions, broken up only by the silhouette of the alps to the east and the shimmering Lake Orlo to the west. The palace itself is nothing like you’d expected, and so far from the capital city of Genovia it is no surprise to find that the royals let their personal tastes bleed into every corner. It’s tasteful, silent wealth, no crystal chandeliers hanging from the eaves but instead a Rembrandt in the hallway. No solid gold cutlery, but instead Noritake porcelain tea cups and their matching exorbitant saucers.
“Loswell is the gaudier of the two houses,” James had said, evidently pleased by your wide-eyed surprise.
A nice boy who’s being paid to spend time with you and his funny friends. All you have to do is survive the paparazzi (check!) and your suspicious possible relatives (less so).
Any hour now, the paternity test will come up negative and they’ll be shepherding you home in search of the actual princess, wherever she may be. 
If she exists at all. 
“You haven’t eaten anything today,” James says softly, for your ears only. “Should we go down to the kitchens?”
It’s hard to describe the true and daunting scale of the palace, but James’ use of ‘kitchens’ rather than ‘kitchen’ sums it up nicely. 
Julianna rolls her shoulders, reaching for a black telephone on the side table. “No need. We’ll have it brought up. What do you like? They have yards of fresh pasta prepared by now. Doesn’t matter, I’ll ask for some of everything.”
“Oh, no,” you say, stepping out of James' reach. “I don’t want to be an imposition while I’m here.”
“That ship has sailed,” she says neatly. 
Ouch. You look back to James without intending to, an automatic movement. He’s become your safety net too quickly. His job is to protect you from harm, not your catty maybe-cousin’s mild disdain. 
“Sit,” Julianna says. “James, you can take up station in the hallway. Go on.”
Her voice possesses all the snobbish airiness you’d expect it to. She’s regal, elegant, and rude. James’ hand stretches toward yours, but your skin never touches. You think it might be his silent way of saying he won’t be far.
He gives you a reassuring look, not quite smiling. “If you need me,” he says. 
“Tutor,” Julianna adds once James is at the door, “you can leave us.”
“Remus, please.” You smile at Julianna appealingly, piping up before she can steal your last lifeline. “I need him to tell me what silverware to use. If I have any hope of catching up, I’ll have to start learning about proper etiquette straight away.”
You look to your tutor to make sure he’s on board. Remus gestures for you to sit and crosses the hardwood floors between you, his soft shoes barely making a sound. Julianna sniffs, your suggestion agreeable but tiresome for her, and pulls the telephone receiver to her ear. 
Remus settles into the chair next to yours at the table. 
“Don’t worry. We won’t leave you for wolves,” he says.
You’re grateful. You nod to the book in his hands. “What are you reading?”
He turns the book around. A Comprehensive History of Contemporary Genovia. 
“I’ve never had to educate someone who didn’t already know a very specific, very intricate history of our country,” he says in his rough voice, the barest hints of his accent peaking through. He says our country like you already belong as he does, not native but citizen anyhow. “Honestly, I provide supplementary education for the well-educated, I… I’m like a second chance for rich slackers. You’re neither, and so I’m unsure how I can make this easy on you.”
You admire his thinking. You’ve been lucky to find yourself in the care of people who put your comfort first. Remus, James, Sirius, even the ambassadors of the country, and the matron you’d been introduced to upon your arrival here, they’ve all been so conscientious. 
But it won’t matter. 
“I know what you’re thinking,” he says. 
“You do?”
“You’ve made it clear how much faith you have in the current situation. I believe…” that you’re who we suspect you are, you think he might say, but he parts his legs to bump his knee into yours. “I believe we’re going to be good friends.”
That is… “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
He nods.
“So, what’s with the bruise?” Julianna asks abruptly. “And the bad makeup. Mean boyfriend back home?”
Her cavalier attitude rubs you the wrong way immediately. “I was a little too close to the door when someone opened it.”
“Ah.”
Again with the Ah. Extra syllables must be at cost. 
Positivity, you remind yourself. This is a vacation. This inane and insane need to constantly prove yourself to the people around you is going to make you crazy, especially when all of this is temporary. Who cares what princess Julianna thinks of you now when, in a day or two, she’ll remember you as nothing more than the girl who they brought by mistake? And wouldn’t it be nice to just… not care? Who cares what Julianna thinks. 
You stand and walk to the door where James is standing, because calling for him would make you feel like an entitled dick. He turns his head to you obligingly. 
“Would you come back inside?” you ask. “The painting is giving me the heebies.”
“That’s a portrait of your great great grandmother.”
“She’s scary.”
He claps your shoulder, giving it a tender squeeze. “If the test comes out negative, princess, I’ll happily commit royal espionage for you and fix the results.”
“That is not a joke you should make,” Remus calls mildly. 
“Probably not. I’ve made it now. Sit down, princess, the food’s arriving.”
The food they bring up to you is incredible. Genovian cuisine is actually mostly stolen from the Italians, and how fortunate you are for that. You have no clue where to start, surrounded by rich smells of broth and stewed vegetables, the spritely aroma of white wine and tomatoes so fresh their roasted skins split under the gentle bottom of your spoon. 
James refuses to eat with you, as he’s on the clock, but Remus sits down at the table as promised to guide you through the fascinatingly awful etiquette of a new royal. 
“That’s Cioppino,” Remus says, pointing to a dark red stew bragging large pieces of crab, smaller chunks of a white meat you’re unsure of, and the distinct dark brackets of mussel shells. “It’s actually an Italian-American dish. It’s served with sourdough or french bread, but in our case, where you can’t necessarily use your hands, we’ll go without.”
“Well, there’s nobody here I need to impress, right?” you ask quietly. 
You swear you can hear Julianna twitching. 
He ignores your comment, but his voice is riddled with amusement when he says, “It’s more common for the crab to be served in its shell, but I don’t suppose they want the royals using crab forks and crackers." He points to a second bowl. “This, from the looks of it, is a variation of stufato di capra e fagioli, Italian for ‘stew of goat meat and beans’. Self explanatory. It’s very popular here in the winter, it’s,” —his voice drops to a lower register— “Sirius’ favourite. Shoulder meat, onions, carrots, celery, white wine and white beans. I don’t suppose I have to tell you what that is.” He nods to a heaping bowl of gnocchi coated in a green, buttery sauce, and its familiar wingman — fettuccine alfredo. 
“Now there’s one I know,” you say with a smile. 
“I think they’ve gone easy on you,” Remus says. “Given you something they knew would be familiar. The head cooks, Marl and Marsha, hardly ever serve fettuccine without ragù di pollo. Chicken ragù. It’s a sacrament in Marlene’s eyes to separate the two.”
He moves so easily from English to Italian. You wonder if he speaks Genovian. Is there a Genovian language? You’re too embarrassed to ask, and instead pile some unadventurous fettuccine into your bowl. 
Julianna picks up the telephone again and you let yourself relax as her conversation begins. She picks at her food and talks in Italian down the line, staring straight at you as she says the word, ‘principessa’. You don’t have to be a linguistics expert to know she’s talking about you. Eventually, her attention fades. Remus relaxes with you. 
“This spoon,” he corrects, before opening his book and sagging into his seat.
You're famished, but now all this rich food is making you feel sick. You pick at your fettuccine alfredo and a little of the cioppino. Weirdly, you miss the ordinary smells of your kitchen. You think you might prefer a white bread sandwich and a packet of crisps.  
A figure moves behind you, James shadow shifting to cover your hands. “Unladylike it might be,” he says, “but you’ll regret it if you don’t try the bread, princess. Freshly baked, pretty much soaked in pesto, it’s what us peasant folk fight over at the end of a shift.”
You hold your hand to a beautiful sliced baguette, “This one?”
“That’s the one.”
You pull the bread apart and enter a stodgy, olive oily sort of heaven. The only thing better than how it tastes is James' happy sound when you set aside a huge slice in a napkin and usher it behind your back, as inconspicuous as you can possibly be about it. He has no choice but to take it. You don’t look, but a telltale crunch comes quickly and poorly smothered. 
Julianna excuses herself, and a maid, maybe, comes to take her plates and dirtied cutler on a silver cart. You lean toward Remus with a hand over your mouth. “What do you call them? The ladies in uniform.”
“Princess, you could call them whatever you wanted to,” James butts in. He wipes his mouth with a napkin and sits in one of the chairs facing the door and windows. He’s always on the alert.
“But what’s nicest? I don’t want to be offensive.”
“You’ll learn their names in time,” Remus says easily. “You’ll be fine. Officially, they’re ‘attendants’. Maids, cleaners. Oh, you’ll have a lady in waiting–”
“A what?” 
“A personal assistant,” James says. 
Your face heats up like an instant flush, all hot pinpricks and embarrassment, “No,” you beg, standing up, “please, that would be entirely unnecessary, it’s not like I’m some sort of–”
“Princess!” A familiar voice shouts. Sirius has weaselled inside the door and closed it tight, his back pressed against it for a moment like he’s keeping someone out. He wears an exuberant smile and a brilliant dark ensemble with fine pinstripes that mess with your eyes as he approaches. He’s practically running. “I’ve spoken to Delilah who’s spoken to Bella who’s spoken to Lily who’s been in contact with the legal team in charge of Y/N’s care here in Genovia, and they’ve heard from the medical team who have been fighting tooth and nail to be put in talks with you,” —he looks at you now, and there’s something about his expression, part wide-eyed awe, part sympathy, that freezes you to the spot— “because it’s technically your care, and–”
“Sirius, mate, just put her out of her misery,” James says. He’s looking at you in a different way. Like he’s waiting for you to fall over. 
“Your father,” Sirius says, promptly deciding to start again. “The paternity test came out positive. Your DNA is a match for the Prince, may he rest in peace. You’re a princess. You’re the princess, by blood. You’re a Thermopolis.”
There’s a stretching silence. You wrap your hand around the back of your chair and stare at the velvet upholstery of the seat. 
“Terrible last name,” he adds sympathetically. 
You don’t want to be the girl who faints. That would be ridiculous, to fall over and crack your head. So, though you hate to ask for anything, you mumble, “James?”
He wraps a shapely arm behind your back and under your armpit before you lose the feeling in your legs. 
“I think I need to sit down again,” you say. 
“Reckon you do," he agrees, as he pulls the chair out with his foot and arranges you in it efficiently, the tip of his thumb pushed into the pulse point on your neck. “We’ll get you something cold, princess. You can breathe.” He gives you a little shake, hand spreading wider as it drags down your collar. The pressure is like the safety release of a suction cup. You take in a huge breath. “Breathe. There’s a good girl.”
“I’m fine," you say meekly. 
“It’s alright,” he says, with his impossible softness. He’s unafraid to be kind, even when there are people watching. 
“I’m fine. I–” You can’t finish your sentence. You’d wanted to say you’ll be okay. That this is just some melodramatic episode, but it isn’t. This is a human reaction to unbelievable news. Because you’re a– you’re a princess. 
You cover your face with both hands and curl in toward your thighs. Silence pervades, your ears abuzz with white noise. You aren’t sure how long you sit there paralysed, but soon James’ gentle murmuring and shushing cuts through the ringing. “It’s alright,” he’s saying, his hand at your elbow, “I swear, it’s alright. You take as long as you need.”
“Mickey’s at the door,” Sirius says. 
“Good. Tell him to radio in a level two security detail and stay by the door. Who else knows, Sirius?”
“By now? Everybody in the castle. Including government officials.”
“And you’re sure?” 
Sure said severely. 
“Of course I am.”
You’re trying very hard to keep your pasta down. This can’t be happening. It can’t be right. Their test is wrong. They swabbed the inside of your mouth wrong, or got it mixed up with some other person test, or the doctors are lying. Not once in your whole life has there ever been any indication that you are more than the nothing you’ve always been. All your worst insecurities rip to the surface. Not me. Not me.
“Level two isn’t as bad as it sounds,” James says gently. He’s been talking to you again. “All it means is that I’m not at full attention, and I need someone else to watch the room. That’s all it is.”
“I’m not,” you say. 
“You’re okay.”
“I’m not a princess,” you say, peeking at him through your parted fingers. 
His hand curves around your arm. He pulls it toward him. Encouraging rather than demanding. You let him. 
“Whatever it is that you are,” he says, meeting your eyes, “I’m here to take care of you. Okay? Try to calm down for me.” He nods, hoping you’ll nod back no doubt. You worry at your lip, your teeth scratching delicate skin. 
“Sorry,” you say. 
“No one’s expecting you to feel a certain way right now,” Sirius says. The urgency in his expression has departed completely. He has an air of regret about him now, an uncomfortable set to his jaw. 
It’s not just James in the room witnessing your wobble. You cover your face again and try to become one with the furniture. 
James stands off of his knees, having seemingly decided that you aren’t in any mental peril. He stays hovering behind your chair. You think you might’ve found them all at a loss for what to do. 
The door opens. You imagine a nightmare, Julianna coming to play nice, but it’s the British ambassador Lily once again. She looks as perfect as she did when you saw her last with an immaculately straightened sheet of hair fluttering behind her, her steps hurried. Despite her speed, she doesn’t look unhappy. She’s smiling. Genovian ambassador (in particular, the ambassador that facilitated your movements between the two countries and the establishment of your dual citizenship status) Emmaline follows behind her. 
You try to straighten up. 
“We have wonderful news,” Lily says.
“You’re the princess!” Emmaline squeaks, her tiny stature no bounds for her excitement. “Welcome home!”
She begins clapping. It slows when nobody joins in. 
“What?” she asks cluelessly. “Has something bad happened?”
That’s what you’re trying to work out.
James can hear you sniffling.
He rests his shoulders against the wall by your bedroom door and sighs. You'd held it together for hours now after the announcement, but Sirius' last amendment had toppled you over. 
You have to meet your grandmother tomorrow to begin preparing for your father's funeral. 
James thinks you might have reached your breaking point. He can't imagine the grief of losing a father you didn't know you had, and the stress of being pulled out of your life so suddenly, carted across Europe and left under the judgemental eyes of royals and officials with little direction. Now that the paternity test has been conclusively positive and checked by many, many professionals, your confirmed identity should hopefully provide a more stable schedule. From James perspective, the days ahead will be easy. For you, they are going to be very, very hard. 
You'll meet the Queen tomorrow at breakfast. The plans for your permanent residency in Genovia will be decided. Your entire life is about to change, and there's nothing you can do to stop it. 
Well… James doesn't really want you to stop it, but it's not entirely true that you can't. You could reject your heritage and go home to your flat, your art, your degree equivalent classes. Maybe you're crying because you're scared you don't have options. 
James thinks about knocking on the door to talk to you. He meant it when he said he has a duty to all aspects of your health, the mental as well as the physical, but it's difficult to define the line between professionalism and being friendly. He's already crossed it. 
He sighs and rubs his weary head. He's fucking tired. Today has been the longest day ever. You'd slept for an hour in the car from the airport to Bellaverden Castle, and James had watched you half jealous and half enraptured. He won't mind looking after you no matter how you look, but your being easy on the eyes is a brilliant plus. Well, when ignoring the huge bruise staining your cheek. 
"Fuck," he says. 
He hasn't been doing very well. Honestly, his failure to keep you from harm in your flat (even if the harm had been him) and then his screw up with the paparazzi… 
He pulls out his pager. He should swap with one of the night guards now and he trusts them all, having picked them himself, but he wouldn't feel right walking away while you're crying. 
He clicks in Remus' code and waits until he hears it back. It's shorthand between them. If he wasn't awake or didn't want to see him, Remus could've ignored James' page and there'd be no hard feelings. But he answered. Tonight, once James has made sure you're okay, he'll crawl into Remus' bed like when they were kids in a cold dormitory and missing home and sleep for a glorious eight hours. He might even tell Remus how stressed he is. He knows his friend will listen. 
He'd invite Sirius, of course, (and that's assuming he isn't already there) but it's well past ten. Sirius is definitely asleep. 
James hasn't had a proper night's sleep in a week. He feels poorly. He misses his mum. He's hungry. This job is great, he loves what he does; he gets paid to take care of people. It's also too much. It eats at him. 
"Fuck," he says again. 
"James?" 
He flinches hard. 
There it is, his third mistake. He's very lucky that the chief of royal security is busy making funeral arrangements, because if Mary were here she'd gut him. 
You've crept up on him in his distraction and that is so fucking dangerous. How could he not notice your footsteps across the floor, or your door handle's heavy metallic thunking?
"Princess," he says, biting his tongue when you wince. He'll have to call you something else. "I'm sorry, I–" James squints at your sore eyes. 
"It's okay. I just wanted to ask… are you alright?" 
His shoulders hunch slightly. "Am I alright?" 
You fluster. "I just heard you and I wanted to make sure you were doing okay. You sounded… stressy." 
"You don't have to worry about me. That's my job." He frowns at the remnants of your tear stains, dampness shining at the corners of your eyes and your lashes sticking together in darkened triangles. "I was just about to come and see you, actually. I know today's been hard, and I know I haven't helped you. I'm so sorry, again, for your cheek. And at the airport, I know the scuffle with that photographer didn't help your nerves. I know," he stresses, "this is hard. I swear things will be smoother from now on. You have my word." 
You rub your elbow wordlessly. He's about to backtrack, or perhaps dig himself a bigger hole, but you look up at him and give him one of the softest smiles anyone's ever given him in all his years. 
"It's forgiven. Believe me, James, this is the least of my worries," you say, gesturing to your cheek. It only takes a second for shame to stick its hooks in you, yanking your gaze to the floor. You're wearing an expression he's seen a thousand times on the people closest to him. 
He flicks you under the chin gently. 
"Things are gonna get easier. I swear it," he says.
You plaster a smile on. James figures he can push it some more and wipes the smudgy shine of old tears off your cheek. 
"There. Looking good, angel." 
Definitely unprofessional. He keeps getting this weird feeling like you're his friend and not his charge. It's fleeting and it's making him stupid. This and the sleep deprivation. He swears to himself he'll be better tomorrow. 
You bid him goodnight. He listens to your night time motions until another guard comes to release him from duty. James rushes to his room for a shower and a cereal bar, giving his teeth a half-hearted brush before setting off for Remus' room halfway across the castle. Remus and the other scarcely employed scholars don't have to sleep in the servants' quarters like he and Sirius do. Schmuck. 
He finds the door unlatched. Mercifully, James decides to spare them both the safety related lecture. He tries to be as quiet as he can, but a head of sandy brown hair turns his way. 
"James?" Remus asks, his voice thick with fatigue. 
"Sorry. You can go back to sleep." 
"I was waiting for you. Drifted off." 
James scrubs a hand through his damp hair and knocks off the light. He can find his way in the dark. 
"Sirius isn't here?" 
"James…"
"What, are we still pretending?"
"James."
"I'm sorry. Forgive me, Moony." 
"Yeah. Don't lean on my left side. I'll move over." 
"What's wrong with your left side?" 
"I don't know. Maybe from carrying the bags. Maybe not." 
James slides into the warm space Remus has made for him and tries not to go into overprotective mode. Loving someone who's constantly in pain can be confusing. You don't know how much love you're allowed to give before it starts to look patronising.
Remus can take care of himself, but he doesn't need to. 
"Anything I can do?" James whispers. 
"Tell me what's bothering you." 
"Oh, you know… Everything. Nothing. I'm so happy we're all together again, I mean, what are the fucking odds? How long has it been since I could come and see you guys after work without making an appointment? And I didn't love the Prince, but I hate that he's dead, and I…" 
Remus turns his head to James. They're a pillow apart. When James looks at him, he can't remember what he looked like when they were young, but he can feel the years of knowing one another stretching out between them. A straining curtain of yellow light from the hallway catches the edges of Remus' features. James can see the corner of an uneven smile. 
"Go on," Remus says quietly. 
"She's nice. She's really nice. I don't want her to get hurt."
"James, you don't want anyone to get hurt." 
"I thought this was a demotion." 
"Isn't it?" 
"If it is, it's one I deserve. I deserve another one. Once Mary sees the mess I've made…" 
Remus reaches across the sheets to pinch James' bicep. "Nobody is good at their new job. Sirius didn't touch up the princess' bruise when we got off the plane, and while they're paid off for now, someone who needs the better payout is going to publish those photos, and soon. Sirius should've been doing his job, but he was too busy looking after me." 
"I tried to cover it–" 
"I know. You did a good job and I'm not blaming you, Prongs, anyway. My point is that he made a mistake. Does he deserve a demotion?" 
"Ew. Hate you." 
"And I should've better prepared her for meeting Princess Julianna. It was my fault that she felt embarrassed. I tried my best to fit in some coaching for breakfast tomorrow but the poor girl doesn't know a butter knife from a paring knife." 
"That's not true." 
"No," Remus agrees. "I'm making her seem less educated than she is to prove my own point… James, she isn't a princess. She has the blood, and soon she'll get the official title, the land and the money and the education and maybe some of the bad bits, as well. But right now, she's new to being a princess, and she's not very good at it." 
"I get it." 
"Yeah, I know." 
Remus readjusts in bed. James almost misses the pain in his friend's exhale under the sound of crunching fresh sheets. 
"Are you sure I can't do something for you?" 
"I wish," Remus says. He isn't depressed. The opposite, he sounds way too spritely for the time. "You could stop hogging the blankets, for starters." 
James feeds Remus some more blanket and sighs. The mattress is heavenly. The quilts and sheets and pillowcases are soft and thick. By all means, James should've fallen asleep the second his head touched anything mildly comfortable. 
"You've asked Mickey to look after her tomorrow, right?" Remus asks. 
James had radio'd Mikkelson after his shower to put the early morning shift and protocols in his jurisdiction temporarily. That means James will hopefully be able to sleep until his body feels like it can hold itself together again. He doesn't like leaving you to face the Queen by yourself, but it's not as if she'll hurt you, and Sirius will see you bright and early to help you get dressed. James isn't worried. 
"I have. How did you know that?" 
"You're the only one of us who knows how to properly take care of themselves," Remus explains easily. "Good. I'm glad you did. You haven't been sleeping."
"How do you know that?" 
"I love you. I know everything about you." 
James smiles at the ceiling. Beams. There is nothing quite as valuable to him than his family. He would do more to keep them all safe and healthy than he should admit on the record, so he keeps it all tucked inside and out of view. It's terrifying and freeing at once to look at someone you love and know you're going to do something awful one day if it means they'll come out on the other side of it alive. 
"Not everything," he murmurs. 
"Everything, James."
"Yeah? How many fingers am I holding up right now." 
"One." 
"Which?" 
"Middle."
"Lucky guess." James laughs at their childish squabbling. "I love you too. I'm really glad we're in the same place again."
"What did you say? What are the fucking odds?" Remus quotes, so tired now that his words are running together. "I'm not sod enough to do the maths, I think it's gotta be deep in the decimals. Lily's and Mary's involvement definitely helped, but to have someone come along who needs security detail, special education, and a lady in waiting is unfathomable." 
James laughs and feels his abdomen shaking. "I'm telling Sirius you called him a lady in waiting." 
"Sorry," Remus says, and James knows his friend is genuinely repentant, even though Sirius would've laughed himself if he'd heard the joke. "I'm not trying to put him down. He's worked so hard, he– He's working so hard. He thinks it's easy work because he's good at it. He doesn't realise it's easy because he worked very very hard to be good at it." 
James has to chew it over for a moment to understand what Remus is saying. Once he understands, he vehemently agrees. Sirius is skilled in so many areas. He can style both a model and their wardrobe spontaneously. He's a media liaison, a sleuth, a sweet talker. He understands the inner workings of Western media — Sirius can deduce the honesty of a smile from a precursory glance. He may not always trust what he's seeing, but he sees it undeniably. 
"He's the best of us," James sighs agreeably, stretching down the length of the bed until his spine pops and his calves burn. "Shit. I need to start working out properly again now we're here." 
"Tomorrow. We'll figure it all out tomorrow, James. Go to sleep." 
James is obedient. He falls asleep, and doesn’t wake until the sun is warming his cheeks. His hair is still damp and he feels awful in a new way. Better for having slept with someone close by, and catching up on the hours he’s been missing. But his back is stiff. 
He goes back to his room. His neck aches as he brushes his teeth. He does a workout in the small space of his room and stretches out his rigid limbs until he feels human again. 
The black telephone on his nightstand starts to ring. He hates them. He wishes the royals would go back to bells. 
“Hello, sir,” Lily says cheerfully down the line. James can picture her sweet smile. “I couldn’t help but notice your absence this morning.”
“How did it go?” he asks, trying to tug on a new pair of socks one handed. 
Lily hums. “It wasn’t awful. It wasn’t good, but it could’ve been worse. Her majesty liked her. Y/N was quiet, she was awkward, but we all know they prefer quiet to mouthy. The last thing they wanted was another Julianna. I felt kind of bad, really. Like I was handing her over.”
“She…” James sighs. “She didn’t seem upset, did she, Lils?”
“No, I actually think she was feeling good. Your boys took good care of her.”
“Brilliant. Oh, and to answer your unasked question, I’m being slovenly. I’ll be back on duty by noon.”
“Slovenly,” she repeats. “I’ve never known you to be any sort of lazy.” She laughs. James is happy that the sound doesn’t break his heart anymore. “Alright, James. I’ll see you later.”
He appreciates what she’s doing, letting him know you’re okay while he’s away. It’s uncanny how fast the people in charge of your care can band together. 
James gives himself a minute to wipe away yesterday and prepare for today. He closes his eyes and shakes his head ferociously, his hair flying every which way. He sorts through all his worries one by one, letting that anxiety eat at him methodically —he’s a bad bodyguard, he’s a bad friend, he doesn’t call his mum enough, he’s chicken shit scared of dying alone, the works— and then pushing it away. Today is a new day with new opportunities. He can prove to you and to himself that he’s good at his job, he can make sure his friends are doing alright, he can call his mum tonight before dinner, and dying alone? He isn’t dying today. So that one’s on the back burner. 
He makes his way from his room in the quarter and into the main building, wary that he might come upon a duke or duchess. His radio, clipped as it always is against his left shoulder, chirps with chatter. He bites back a scolding about keeping the line clear and looks out the huge glass windows at the grounds below. A marble water fountain spurts proudly at the foot of the stairs, and an elaborate hedgework stands at pruned attention. It’s a nice day. He wonders if you’ll be up for walking. 
He looks for you in the secondary parlour, the den, the library, the dining room. He swings by your room, and when you aren’t there he admits defeat and unclamps his radio, cutting through an inappropriate joke unapologetically. 
“Afternoon. Location on Princess Y/N?”
He imagines his subordinates scrambling to answer, embarrassed by their unprofessionalism, but it’s likely they just don’t know where you are. 
“If I don’t get an answer in the next five seconds, you can all expect to be running laps tonight. That includes you, Mikkelson, I don’t care how much overtime–”
“Sir, this is Daniels. Me and Roma are with the princess in the south wing.”
“Why?”
“She wanted a pencil sharpener.”
James grins to himself. The south wing (or, as James might put it, the guest wing), houses the scholars, the ambassadors, and whatever government official the royals are trying to butter up at the time. He’s feeling positively joyful when he finds you, sketching away with your face pressed to the window. The genovian mountainscapes take shape on your page one confident stroke of graphite at a time, a small leather bound sketchbook pressed flat to your knee.
“Settling in?” he asks. 
You raise your head but not your eyes. “You could say that.”
“How was meeting Her Majesty?”
You frown. 
“That bad?” he asks. 
“No, I mean. You know. She’s a queen. It was terrifying.”
Despite your unhappy mouth, you look as relaxed as you have since the moment he met you. You’re in what’s clearly a casual Genovian dress, what with the subtle but remarkable stitching a shade darker than the dress itself and the squared neckline. Your calves are out and glossy in the daylight. They’re rather distracting. 
“You look good,” James says carefully. 
“I’ll miss the fancy lotions,” you say. Your pencil scratches away. 
James’ hands falter where they’re clasped behind his back. “What?”
You meet his eyes properly. He hadn’t realised you’d been avoiding his gaze until you weren’t, your face ringed with guilt, an explanation slow to come. 
“I’m not staying. I can’t be a princess, James.” You shake your head mildly. “I’m going home.”
˗ˋˏ ♡ ˎˊ˗
thanks so much for reading! oh no, you want to go home!! rest assured, james and co aren’t letting you go too easily. i hope you enjoyed, reblogs are always appreciated, a thousand kisses for all of you either way <3<3
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midnightsnyx · 1 year
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girl at home | mat barzal | part 2
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pairing: mat barzal x fem!reader summary: you’re eighteen when you find yourself pregnant after Mat leaves for hockey. nearly eight years later, Mat finds out about your daughter and you have to deal with the consequences of not telling him about her.
warnings: mentions of pregnancy, lil bit of angst with a sprinkle of fluff and not edited im sorry lol word count: 2.1k authors note: *screams internally* thank you guys so much for the love on this story so far. I was super hesitant to post it at first but I am glad you guys like it! I'm posting this a little early but updates will be every sunday from now on. This chapter is kinda sad but happy times are on the way <3 thanks for the feedback, and if you like part 2, let me know!
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Sitting across from Mat for the first time in almost eight years, doesn’t go exactly as planned. He’s waiting for you even though you arrive fifteen minutes before the agreed time, hoping to rid yourself of the anxiety you are feeling which means he’s been here even longer. So you wipe your sweaty palms on your jeans and stride over to where he’s waiting and sit on the chair across from him. He’s staring at his phone so his head jerks up when he hears you.
The first words that come out of his mouth are: “are you sure she’s mine?”
Which, okay, that’s a fair question because you did tell everybody and their grandmother who asked that Mat was not the one who knocked you up. Of course, nobody actually believed you but there were a few people from your high school that believed it. Most girls who had always had a crush on Mat, would say that you cheated on him and obviously Nora couldn’t be his child because for some reason, they never actually accepted that you and Mat were a couple. 
So yeah, his question is fair and you did know he would ask. 
“Yeah, we can do a paternity test if you don’t believe me,” you say quietly. It’s not something you necessarily want to do, because then you’d have to come up with some reason to tell Nora why she needs to go get her cheek swabbed or blood tested. She’s as stubborn as Mat, and you would probably have to hold her down to get whatever the doctors needed unless she agreed. 
“No, I believe you.” 
His words take a huge weight off your shoulders but also replace it with a new one. You know Mat, he’s the kindest soul and has the biggest heart and he’s going to want to at least properly meet Nora and might ask to be in her life. In the first few years of her life, there wouldn’t have been anything you wanted more in the world. However, you’ve grown now and so has she. Your number one priority has to be what is best for Nora, and turning her life upside by introducing her to Mat is scary. For both you and her. 
And Mat? Despite what he might think, he’s nowhere near prepared to jump into being her dad.
“Can I ask you something?” he says, pulling you from your spiraling thoughts. 
“Sure,” you say even though you know what he’s going to ask. It’s a question you’re nowhere near ready to answer but you have no choice now.
“Why? Why didn’t you tell me about her?”
He doesn’t sound as angry as you were expecting, maybe thanks to his dad talking to him but there’s underlying hurt. You try to put yourself in his shoes, trying to think if there was anything in the world that would have stopped you from wanting Nora. You know for a fact that if Mat knew, he would have been in her life somehow but you’re not sure if he would have given up the NHL to do it, and that’s exactly why you didn’t tell him.
“I didn’t want to hold you back,” you say softly, watching his facial expression change. He just looked confused before but now he looks sad almost. His eyes close for a moment and when he opens them, you feel like you’ve been punched in the stomach. 
“I thought you knew me better than that.”
“I did! I do,” you argue. “If you knew about her, it would have kept you away from everything you worked hard for. Your dream was the NHL, Mat. If I told you about her, it would’ve crushed that dream. We didn’t want to hold you back.”
“Yeah,” he scoffs. “Who’s we? You and my parents? You shouldn’t have made that choice for me, it wasn’t right.”
“This is a child we’re talking about Mat. Were you really ready at eighteen to drop everything and raise one?” 
“Were you?”
“No,” you say truthfully. “But I didn’t have a jersey with my name on the back waiting for me.”
He doesn’t say anything and for a moment, it’s silent between the two of you with background chatter from the cafe. You’re sure that he’s just going to get up and storm out but he takes a deep breath and slowly exhales, knotting his fingers together.
“I wish you’d told me,” he mumbles before looking up at you. “I would’ve stayed.”
“I know,” you whisper but you can’t meet his gaze.
. . .
You’re picking Nora up from her day camp a couple of days later when you get a message from Mat asking if he can meet up with you. There’s been no contact since the two of you last met, having left with a short goodbye to pick up Nora. He hadn’t asked to see her and you hadn’t offered so you thought maybe he would leave it but you should’ve known better.
You fire off a sure, see you in twenty, and debate on whether to bring Nora with you or drop her off with your mom. Mat might not even want to see her, but if he’s reaching out to you again it’s probably about her. 
“Wanna go meet my friend?” you ask, looking back at her to gauge her reaction. She might just want to go home after all day at camp, but she perks up immediately when you ask.
“The one from the grocery store?” she squeals but narrows her eyes and gives you a suspicious look. “Hey, I thought you said he was a stranger.”
Shoot.
“Well, he was to you,” you try to explain. “I knew him when I was younger.”
“As young as me?”
“As young as you,” you tell her and she grins, nodding her head and shouting an excited yes, so you pull out of the parking-lot and start towards Mat’s parents house. You’re a little nervous to be around his family after dancing around them for so long after Nora was born. Meeting up with Liana wasn’t as hard as you were expecting, but you’re not so sure about his parents. Aside from the occasional awkward greeting, you haven’t properly spoken to them since before Nora and you’re starting to think maybe bringing her will just make things worse but before you can change your mind, you’re parking your car in the driveway. 
He’s sitting outside on the porch swing when you step out, and his eyes widen in surprise when Nora climbs out of the car. He definitely wasn’t expecting you to bring her but this could be a good test. If he decides he wants to be part of her life, having all their interactions scheduled wouldn’t be a good start so you decide to just jump in the deep end.
“Hey,” you call out before grabbing Nora’s hand and making your way towards him. He’s already making his way down the pathway and meets you about half way, pulling you into a surprising hug before crouching down to Nora’s level.
“Hey Nora,” he says, smiling gently and offering her his hand to shake just like last time. “Do you remember me?”
She bobs her head once, accepting his hand but tries to hide her face in your leg. Of course now, she’s practicing Stranger Danger, instead of blurting out her full name. 
“Mom made dinner, if you guys are hungry?” 
Family dinner is just about the last thing you want to do but Nora perks up at the idea of food so you agree, following Mat into the all too familiar home you spent so much time in as a kid. Not much has changed, you realize as you look around the foyer. It feels a bit like coming home but you’re not sure if you were missed. 
“Smells good,” you say, trying to make conversation and Mat smiles awkwardly. 
“Yeah, mom is making your favorite.” 
How she can remember your favorite meal is beyond you, but you’re not about to miss a peace offering and this is certainly one.
“My favorite food is spaghetti,” Nora informs him and you watch Mat nod seriously, taking in anything she says. You try not to look too deep into it because even though he knows she’s biologically his, Nora is still just a cute kid talking a mile a minute about anything and Mat has probably been trained on how to handle excited children. 
When the three of you make your way to the living room, with Nora still chatting excitedly, you stop short when you see a picture frame on the wall. 
It’s you. Well, it’s you and Mat at graduation. Arms wrapped around each other and Mat kissing your forehead. If you look close enough, you can see past your smile and see the sadness in your eyes. This was before you were pregnant but you were already grieving the loss of Mat. He left for hockey shortly after and your only reminder was the brown haired little girl still talking to Mat. 
“Is that you, mama?” Nora asks suddenly, standing on the tips of her toes so she can get a better view. Her nose scrunches up and she looks at the photo, then Mat, and then the photo again.
“Oh,” she says and you sigh. 
“Let’s go see Mat’s parents.”
Nadia and Mike are waiting in the kitchen, trying to make it seem like they weren’t listening in on the conversation. Liana is sitting at the table, reading a book casually but you know she was probably listening too.
“This is Mike, Nadia, and Liana,” you tell Nora who lights up at Nadia’s name.
“My middle name is Nadia!” She squeals and you stare at the floor, not wanting to meet any of their eyes. Someone - probably Nadia - inhales sharply and then lets out what sounds like a sob. 
“That’s a beautiful name,” Liana says and you look up to see her looking at Nora with a soft smile on her face. Mike has an arm wrapped around Nadia who’s trying, and failing, to hide tears. You’re glad Liana is trying to distract Nora because you’re about two seconds away from crying and Mat must be able to tell because you feel his hand lightly touch your back. His hand lingers for a moment until you take a deep breath and blow it out steadily. 
Then his hand is gone and you feel the loss right away.
“Hey, we have a swing outside in the backyard,” Mat tells Nora. “Wanna go check it out while dinner finishes cooking?” 
He looks at you for permission so you nod, smiling at Nora when he takes her hand and leads her outside. Liana follows shortly after and then it’s just you, Nadia and Mike. Both their eyes are red rimmed and Nadia only hesitates for a moment before striding over and pulling you into a tight hug. 
“Thank you, my girl,” she whispers and all you can manage is a nod because you’ll probably cry now if you try to talk. The two of you just stand there for a couple minutes until Mike chuckles. You pull away, wiping your eyes to see him standing in front of the patio door so you make your way over to see what he’s looking at and almost start crying again. 
Mat and Nora are playing what looks like a game of tag, Liana laughing at them while trying to film. It’s exactly the kind of thing you had sometimes allowed yourself to imagine.
“Would you look at that,” Mike says softly. 
“He’s a natural,” Nadia agrees. “Always was.”
Then she turns to you with a small smile on her face. “I know the struggles of being a mom. You have to do what’s best for your kids…” she hesitates, gazing outside before looking back at you. “He wants to try, if you’ll give him the chance. We’d all love to get to know Nora.”
You would love nothing more than to have Mat’s family in Nora’s life. For her to get to know her other grandparents but you can’t help but be scared of what could happen if you let Mat into her life. She could get attached only to have him ripped away when he has to go back to New York but you can’t have Nora in Nadia, Mike, and Liana’s life and not Mat’s. 
But maybe you owe it to Mat, to give him a chance at having a place in her life after not telling him about her all this time. You were doing what you thought was right - what was right - but if Mat really wants to be part of her life, maybe it’s time. 
You look outside and see Nora on Mat’s shoulders with Liana chasing them, before looking back at the woman in front of you and smiling softly.
“I think Nora would love that.”
tag list: @dasiysthings
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ladyrowrites · 7 months
Text
Promise Part 4
A/N: Ending may be soon.. I have so many fan fics coming up so stay tuned :)
Pairings: Gojo x Afab reader, Suguru x Afab reader
Warning: NSFW!!! Smut! Passionate love making, Lots of angst and some swearing, mentions of cheating, MDNI!!!
Wordcount: 7k+
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
CHAPTER 4: Regrets
Gojo is still haunted by what he did to you - to your relationship. The next morning, he called his secretary to find out who ‘Anika Watanabe’ is and he found out that she was the heiress of Watanabe Corporation. He was also forced to come into the office as his father ordered him because he hasn’t been coming to work the last 2 months, but what did he expect? Gojo was a mess and refused to leave the house. 
Everyone was staring and whispering when he came to the building. He nodded at his father’s secretary and she let him in. He was taken aback when he saw the woman he slept with sitting on his father’s leather couch with pursed lips and eyeing him. His mom was also in the office and came to hug him briefly while patting his shoulders. 
“So nice of you to join us.” His dad said sarcastically, “Wedding’s off and now there is a child on the way. Have you no shame, Satoru?” 
“Uhm, I’m sorry to intercept, but we both wanted this. Even though it was done the wrong way.” Anika said in a soft voice. His mom just rolled her eyes.
Gojo got irritated when he heard her response, “Bitch, I didn’t even want you. Also, that’s not my baby. Stop telling lies to people!” He sternly said. 
“BUT IT IS YOUR BABY!” Anika stood up and touched her belly.
Gojo saw red and yelled on top of his lungs, “THAT’S NOT MINE! I DIDN’T EVEN – I REMEMBER! STOP! TELLING! LIES!” While trying to contain his fists. 
“Anika, tell us the truth, who’s baby is it? Or else we’re going to conduct a paternity test.” Gojo’s mom said harshly. She had enough of this bullshit. If she wasn’t a Watanabe, she would have slapped some sense into her. 
“I…I…” She was stuttering and she didn’t know what to say.
“Even if it’s not Satoru’s child, he will take responsibility for it. Watanabe is now our partner. This will only strengthen our relationship.” His dad intercepted. Anika looked hopeful with his message.
“WHY WOULD I TAKE FUCKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR HER? I DIDN’T IMPREGNATE HER! I WANTED Y/N!” Gojo protested.
“Well, YOU FUCKED IT UP, DIDN’T YOU? YOU SLEPT WITH HER!” His dad is now pointing at Anika who was disappointed at Gojo’s response.
Gojo’s hands ran into his face and now frustratingly on his hair, “Yes, I made the biggest.. THE BIGGEST mistake of my life, but no dad, I’m not taking any shit from her.” And then he pointed at Anika, “And you! How dare you contact Y/N! This was none of her business and now she’s at the hospital!!! I don’t fucking care what happens to you. I AM NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY!”
At his words, his mom worriedly said, “What? Where’s Y/N? What the hell is happening?” Gojo just told her he doesn’t know either.
Anika quietly teared up and his dad just looked so done with this situation. Their sales are taking a hit because of what his son did and now Anika is pregnant with some other guy’s kid. 
“You don’t have the right to cry in this situation! You caused this shit by lying!”
“YOU WILLINGLY SLEPT WITH ME, S’TORU!”
“FINE, I DID!! AGAIN, BIGGEST, WORST, MISTAKE OF MY LIFE! But don’t add up any more lies, Anika! I didn’t even know who you were til today. I’m going to get a paternity test whether you like it or not —”
“OKAY! OKAY! It’s not yours! But, I already told my family, it was you and you have to take responsibility or else the merger will fail.”
“But the merger is already a done deal!”
Anika stood up and went up to Gojo’s face, “Yeah, but I don’t think you read one of the clauses right because it said in the contract that we can back away IF there is something we don’t agree with. Ooooops….”
Gojo’s dad and his face turned white. Ugh shit.
“It’s final, Satoru, you’re going to be a father.” His dad spoke with finality. Anika had the biggest grin and popped her tongue, “I will send you the schedule of my doctor’s appointments.” And touched him by his arm and left. His mom wanted to strangle that manipulative bitch – she really liked Y/N as her daughter in law.
“BUT DAD!!!!”
“Well, son, this is the consequences of your actions.”
Gojo was left stunned and called Utahime. Regrets eating him alive.
---------
You slept for at least 24 hours in the hospital and when you woke up you saw all your friends in your room with Suguru and Shoko. You were surprised when you saw them there as well but you weakly smiled at them. All of them had hopeful eyes at you – but it is “pity” and you feel a gut punch to your stomach.
“Uhm, this feels like my funeral. So what’s new with all of you?” You tried to lightly joke at them to lighten up the mood but they were not having it, “YAH! Stop saying that! You did almost die!” Miwa cries while trying to hug you. You comforted her by hugging her back and tapped her shoulders, “Don’t scare us like that again!”
“I’m sorry guys. I really am. I didn’t mean to. I’m just not in a good space right now.” You apologetically smiled at them while letting go of Miwa.
“As long as you’re okay now, that’s what’s important. We forgive you.” Utahime responded. 
The doctor gave you the okay to go home and that you slept for so long because your body was exhausted. Your prescription was to basically rest and not stress too much. All your friends helped you get home and even cooked for you so you can rest as much as you can.
Suguru and Shoko volunteered to take care of you for the night as Miwa, Mei, Utahime, and Yuki needed the rest as well. Suguru was sitting beside you when you three decided to watch a movie but Shoko dozed off. 
You can feel Suguru looking at you through your peripheral vision, “Why? Is there some dirt on my face?” You asked but still not facing him. He slowly took your left hand and cupped it with his, “I just want to say I’m sorry for all of this. You really don’t deserve any of it.”
You faced him and he had this apologetic look so you softly smiled at him and squeezed his hands with your right, “Don’t be. You’re not responsible for any of this.” You heard what happened when Suguru had that encounter with Gojo and Utahime flying back to Tokyo just to lecture him from Shoko – she left the part when Suguru talked about stealing you though. Shoko really felt guilty about knowing it first and she said that she should’ve told you right away – she was apologizing profusely but you forgave her because it’s not her fault and you wouldn’t want to know about Gojo’s infidelity through any other person. You also gave Utahime the look when you learned she did all that but she gave you the 'I’m your best friend so deal with it. look' You were thankful for all your friends because without them you could have really lost your life – and now you realize, he wasn’t even worth it. 
“I know, but, I’m really sorry my best friend is such an asshole.” Suguru responded, “I mean at least he showed me his true colours before marriage, you know? Because if he did it while we were married, the divorce would be more of a mess.” You sounded kind of positive, “But believe me, Suguru, I will be okay. Just some rough patches, but I will be okay again. Okay? Stop worrying, I won’t pull that shit again.” You reassured him, “Utahime might really kill him this time.”
He weakly smiled at your response and you made a pinky promise to him which he accepted, “Now, enough drama. Let’s finish Harry Potter!” Suguru looked at you once more and focused on the movie. 
-Leaving Gojo’s house that night-
“So were you really going to go after Y/N now?" Shoko puffed a smoke before entering Suguru’s car.
“I don’t know. I just said that because he was really an asshole. Like how do you cheat on someone like her? So dumb.”
“Did you really let Satoru take her? Or was it just to rile him up?"
-5 1/2 years ago-
Nanami was actually the first one you met from their group through work and then you saw Nanami at a bakery with Suguru so he introduced you to him. When Suguru first met you, he already knew you were a kind and confident person by how you carry yourself and how your smile was always radiating. From then on, you three would always meet up in the bakery for breakfast or lunch so Suguru asked Nanami to give him your number because he was a bit shy asking you because you were always teasing Nanami about the bakery girl and he was afraid that you might tease him too if he asked. 
As Suguru and Nanami wanted you to meet their other friends, they invited you to Korean BBQ as you said you loved it. When you came with them, all of their friends were already there and they introduced you to Shoko, Todo, Choso, and Sukuna. They all seem so friendly and so close to each other as they joke around – teasing Suguru that he was never the type to introduce a girlfriend to the friend group and he even let you sit beside him. Suguru denied that you were seeing each other that way and you just laughed at their teasing, “I just invited her today because we were having Korean BBQ and she said she likes this food.”
“Ahuh, you forced me to book this restaurant!” Shoko teasingly replied. All of his friends went “AYYYYY!” And you can see Suguru turning red, “Don’t mind them, they’re just dumb.” He whispers to you. You just nodded and said, “Don’t wor—-”
You were cut off when a voice came over to your table and yelled, “HOW’S MY FAVOURITE PEOPLE? I HAVEN’T SEEN YOU GUYS IN A WHILE!” He was a tall guy with white hair and a black glasses on – glasses inside the restaurant, weird, you thought. They all screamed his name and Sukuna scooched over so he could sit down but he sat right next to you. His glasses falling over his nose, “And who is this angel? Is God really giving me a gift right now?” Then he smirks at you.
You rolled your eyes at him and said, “I’m sorry, I’m no angel, but I guess you’d have to put down your glasses because this girl has some hidden horns.” Now, it was your time to smirk. Everyone at the table was taken aback but cheered because no one had ever put Gojo in his place. They all said you had guts and even Suguru tapped your shoulder saying you did a good job. 
Gojo did put down his glasses and wow, does he have the bluest eyes ever – like the ocean, you're most favourite place in the world. My god, why is everyone at this table so handsome? Did they all meet in a pageant or something? Gojo saw you peeked at him so he said, “Why? You like what you see?” and winked at you.
You turned to him and said, “Yes, I do and as a matter of fact, you look like my mom’s dog.” Everyone erupted in laughter and Gojo was taken aback – your mom’s dog? What the fuck? No one has ever said that to him. Almost all girls will be falling on his beck and call, but you were different. Very interesting, he thought.
Suguru placed his arms over yours and said, “Aight, that’s my girl.” Your heart jumped at what he said and chugged the beer. Everyone was cheering you again as you finished the pint. Gojo gave Suguru the look of, “Oh, she’s yours?” and as they were best friends Suguru understood what he meant and he nodded but also retracted his arms on you. Suguru thought Gojo understood what that nod meant.
Gojo extends his hands to yours, "Gojo Satoru."
You accepted, "Y/N, L/N."
After meeting you, Gojo started to look forward to meeting his friends again because you became a part of their friend group and he wasn’t fazed even though you were talking and laughing more with Suguru - a pang of jealousy, maybe, but he's Gojo Satoru.
Gojo started to talk to you more and even asked for your phone number right in Suguru’s face. You don’t know if this is a good idea but he was so straight forward to you. He began messaging you and even showing up to breakfast or lunch in the bakery with Suguru and Nanami. 
After 6 months, just all of a sudden, you were smiling more to his texts and even went out with him once with only the two of you – helping you with your groceries. Usually you would do this chore with Suguru because you felt more comfortable with him because he doesn’t really make inappropriate/flirty comments and the last time he did it was at the dinner and that was it, but getting to know Gojo more, you got used to his antics. And when Suguru actually called you that night, you said you were with Gojo because he was already on his way to do groceries as well even though he didn’t buy anything. All Suguru said was, “Oh okay. Just wanted to see what you’re doing. Have a great night then.”
After that, you haven’t heard or seen Suguru that often and the last time he texted you he said he has a big architectural project overseas that will last 3 months so you won’t be meeting him for a while. You were kind of sad because you were so used to his presence and he was a really great friend. For those 3 months though, you got to know Gojo Satoru deeply – hanging out more, having profound and serious talks with him which you didn't expect in his goofy personality.
And one night, you went over to Gojo’s house because he said he was sick and there was no one to take care of him. You told him to eff off and call Shoko instead because you were going to hang out with your best friend. He said Shoko doesn’t care about him even though she is a doctor and then he called you ‘heartless’. You gave up, canceled your plans and went to his place. It was your first time seeing his crib and it’s huge. When you entered, he was smiling weakly at you so you touched his forehead with the back of your hands to try and check if he really has a fever – he actually is super hot(THE TEMPERATURE, lol). He wasn’t wearing a shirt and his jogging pants were hanging low on his torso. You had to swallow because damn it is getting hot in here! You try to not look at his body so you just said, “Fine, you are sick, now let’s get to your bed, and I’ll make you some porridge and tea.” He then took your hand and led you to his bedroom – his house is on the penthouse and a loft inside it – the second floor was his bedroom and it also had the master’s bathroom. 
You asked where his medical kit was and then you took his temperature, it was at 38°C so you went to his bathroom, took a towel and washed it with cold water and you put it on his forehead. He was softly smirking at you – my gosh, he had the nerve to look at you like this despite being sick, so arrogant, you thought, “Yah, remove that wide grin over your face! Your fever is too high for you to be acting like that.”
“Whaaaaat? I’m just happy someone is taking care of me.”
“Ahuh…. Okay, I’m going to go now in the kitchen downstairs okay? I’m going to cook some porridge and make tea for you. Be right back.” Before you could turn, he held your hand once more and told you to sit right beside him, “Uhm, I don’t think so, mister. You need some food so you can get better right away.” He pouted on you – why is he so cute? You gently release his hand, “Don’t worry, I’ll be back okay?” Then you softly smiled and touched his hair that was currently up from the towel in his forehead, “Promise, I won’t take long.”
“Okay cause’ I’ll miss you if you’re gone too long.” You just laughed at what he said and pinched his nose – ugh, stop making me fall for you!!! 
After coming back with a porridge and ginger tea, you sat him up on the headboard and gave him the food. He was such a baby because he wanted you to spoon feed him. You just sighed and rolled your eyes and did it. You also gave him medicine for his fever. After this, you really want to go home or maybe sleepover at Utahime’s as you haven’t seen her in a while.
But lo and behold, fate has another plan for you because after feeding him, making him drink the tea and his medicine, you were about to say goodbye to him but he gave you beautiful eyes and said, “Aren’t you at least going to wait for my fever to come down?” Your conscience is too pure so you stayed with him. You dozed off on his side bed while he was holding your hand, but when you woke up, you were lying on his bed – wait, how did you get from sitting on the floor to here? You tried to get up but he had tightened his arms on you so now you’re staring at his face too closely. The towel from his forehead was gone so you traced his eyebrows, the shape of his eyes, and his nose but stopped when he spoke, “So you like what you see. Heh.” He slowly opened his eyes.
“Oh my gosh! You were awake! I knew it! Now, can you let go, mister? I wanna go home.”
“Okay, but do you like what you see?” He was so close to your face that you can feel his breath and it's making you feel things you shouldn’t, “Yes, I do.” You softly said. 
He chuckled, “Like your mom’s dog, hmm?”
“No,” You said seriously as you looked at his cerulean eyes, “You’re my type.” And as soon as you said it, you realized you fucked up because now he has the biggest grin in his face and if you think he couldn’t get closer, well he did and now he’s looking at your lips like it’s God’s greatest creation – he slowly put his lips to yours and he sensually bit your lower lips. Being caught in the moment, you open your mouth to receive his tongue and now you two are sharing a passionate kiss, “Hmm.. So I am your type huh?” He said in between kisses, “Don’t.. Be..So” You replied as he hungrily kissed you, “Don’t be so what? He breathed at your neck.
“Arrogant.” You smirked at him when he came up from the kiss to look at you. He just smiled at you and began going on top of you, “Is that so?” Gojo nibbles your neck and you start whimpering – he started to get hazy when he heard your soft moans but you snapped out and said, “Oh my god! You're still sick Gojo! What the hell, are you okay now?” You touched his forehead and he just chuckled at you, “Yes, I am okay now because you were such a good caretaker. Also, it’s Satoru to you.” He groaned in your ears and started to nibble you again because he got interrupted. Now, his hands start to roam under your shirt, but you hold his wrist, “Uhm, Satoru, we… I…”
“Tell me right now, princess, do you want me to stop? Promise, I’ll stop if you don’t want to.” FUCK! You don’t know what to do.
“Do you have feelings for Suguru?” He asks – you were surprised at his question and the truth is, you had a crush on him but it looked like it was one-sided because he never really flirts or gives hints or maybe you just don’t notice it? So you decided to let go of that ‘crush’ and you said, “It kinda went away, because…” Yes, Gojo kind of replaced him because he was giving you his undivided attention and he was such a flirt. At first, you really tried to ignore it with your every being but he was just so enticing.
“I don’t need a reason, princess. No was suffice.” and he comes back to your lips and the longer he was there, he was pressing his lips more onto yours as if it’s not close enough. You feel a bulge on his jogging pants and you were already getting hot below there because he was kissing you so passionately and you’ve been returning it, “Do you still want me to continue? If you want me—”
“Yes, I want you, Satoru.” As soon as he heard your words, he slowly put his hands on your shirt to remove it and also discarding your bra, he grunted when he saw your naked body – “goddess” is what he thought of. He removes his lips on yours and starts to kiss your neck and slowly goes down to your chest. He was sucking and kissing your hardened nipples and his other hand was groping your other bosom. You were losing it as you started to moan a bit loud. Hearing your whimpers, made him kiss your stomach and gently remove your pants. He was putting his lips all over your thighs then he stopped at your clothed wet cunt. He stared at it like taking a mental picture of it so you put your hands on your face because he was looking at your wet cunt so hungrily and you got shy all of a sudden. He groaned and removed your hand from your face, “So wet f’ me. Your pussy is so pretty, just like you angel.” Then he started kissing your cunt with your panties on. He was now using his tongue until you're soaked and then he glided your underwear to the side and starts using his fingers with his tongue, “Toru! Fuck! Ahhh.”
Hearing his name escape from your lips, he went in deeper and faster. Holy shit. No one has ever eat you out like this, “Fuck.. M’ so close, Toru!”
“Yes, angel, fuck, let go, yes, just like that. Cum f’ me.” He brought you to your high and came undone. You were sensitive but he cleaned you up with his tongue. He looked at you so lovingly because you were so beautiful at your fucked out face. Gojo licked his two fingers to taste your remaining cum and that’s where he realized –  you were the most delicious meal ever. He wanted to see you messier and fucked out so he removed his jogging pants and spit on his member. You looked at his cock and and went ‘o’ “I do like what I see, holy shit!” 
He cackled lowly with your comment but felt so proud. You got up and told him since he’s still a bit sick, you can do the work, he protested, but you made him sit by the headboard and you began touching his abs and started to kiss all over it. He was losing his mind and he started to moan so loud when you spit on his cock and started to roll your tongue on his base – collecting the precum. He wanted to cum right now but he wanted you more so he grabs your hair but you looked at him, “Not yet, Toru.” You savoured him slowly which was killing him but it was so fucking good. You bobbed your head faster – up and down and shoved all of him til his cock was hitting in the back of your throat. You were gagging a little bit but it didn’t stop you from taking him all in and massaging his balls. He was mewling your name and he can’t control it anymore so he grabs your hair again in which you let him and started to fuck your throat.
“FUCK!!! RIGHT THERE Y/N!!! OH MY GOD, YOU ARE SO FUCKING…. UGH GOOD, YES, ANGEL!” He groaned and came in your mouth, “Yes, angel, fuck, take all of it.. Ahhh.” Being a good girl you are, you swallowed all of it and opened your mouth to show to him that you did it, “That’s my fucking girl.” He was still hard from just seeing how you swallowed all of his cum without complaints so Gojo put you on his lap and started to line up his cock to your sopping cunt. 
“You’re such a good girl, there.. Fuck, so fucking tight f’ me. Shit.” He was easing into you and he was getting hazy on how your pussy is sucking him in. You tilt your head back, arched your back and were moaning so loud when he bottomed out. “Fuck yes angel, let them hear how my cock is so good to you.” He whispers in your ears. His left hand was on your waist and his right hand is groping your boobs. He slowly moved you – up and down and he was grinning from ear to ear when your boobs moved so beautifully with your ,"Toru!" whimpers. Now, he’s impatient – he fucks you so ravishingly like a starved animal who hasn’t eaten in days and moves his right hand to your waist. He is now pushing and pulling in your gummy walls, fuck your head is spinning and his cock feels so fucking good so you synched your movements with him and you were both getting undone. Loud whimpers and the squelching coming from you both is what can be heard in his loft. You take him in every position and you’ve lost count on how many times you did it. My god, his stamina was something else. You were both panting and sweating like you ran a marathon. And it was now noon. 
You faced each other and he cupped your face, “That was the best sex, I mean making love I ever did with someone.” He weakly smiled at you. It was the truth – Gojo’s sex life was just full of one night stands, fuck buddies, and quickies. It was his first time experiencing a passionate love making, “It’s like you weren’t sick though. Were you really sick or were you pretending, hmm? You were suspicious because how can he make you a fckin’ mess with a high fever like that – how is his stamina then if he wasn't sick? GOD.
“I don’t know, you healed me!” He said while drowning you with kisses in your face, “I’m hungry, tho, shall we eat?”
“Sure, I can cook something. Let’s shower first tho.”
You felt butterflies in your stomach when he back hugged you while you were cooking. You looked up at him and he sweetly smiled at you, “Mmmmm, this one looks like it taste so good.”
“Hmm, are you talking about the food or?” You both laughed and then he whispered something to you so unexpectedly that you felt your heart burst with happiness, “Please be my girlfriend. I promise, I’ll take care of you.”
You faced him, “Are you serious?”
He cupped your face – his cerulean eyes peering at your soul, “Never been this serious before. I really, really, really, really like you.” Gojo was hoping you’d say yes. PLEASE SAY YES! (Before Suguru comes home)
You were now smiling from ear to ear, “That’s a lot of reallys.”
“Because I really do like you. You're my type too, Y/N.” Ugh, the way he says your name…
“Yes, okay, I’ll be your girlfriend.” Gojo shouted YES! And starts hugging you tight, “Really?” He asks.
“Really, really.” You respond. 
After eating with now your ‘boyfriend’, you texted your friend group chat with Utahime that you have big news and you want to see them tomorrow. You all decided to eat at a Korean BBQ and sing karaoke after. Gojo said yes to all your plans because he really wants to meet all your friends. He did meet Utahime once before but just a quick “Hi, Hello” but it seemed he didn’t vibe with her – she was a bit snobbish at him.
The next day, you introduced Satoru to your friend group and they were all teasing you except Utahime. When you both went to the washroom, she whispered to you, “Are you sure you still don’t want to call this off?”
“‘Utahime!! Girlie, it’s okay. He seems decent and he promised he’ll take care of me. I mean if there are red flags, you know, I’ll break it off.” You reassured her.
“Okay, just want you to be happy and safe.” Utahime did see that he was a decent guy. Satoru was serving you food at the BBQ and making sure your water is filled at all times. He was very attentive which Utahime liked and he was vibing with the other girls – she was still skeptical, but of course it’s your best friend, she wants what’s best for you.
Satoru was down to everything you tell him – even singing some duet karaoke songs and joking with your girlfriends. You felt relieved that it was a great first meeting. 
-1 week after-
“Now it’s time to tell my friends, why am I nervous, angel?” You laughed at him, “My baby, you’re okay, it’s going to be okay, they know me already!” You console him. 
He held out his hand to lock with yours. You are at the Sushi restaurant and everyone is there – even Suguru… when did he come back? He was sitting beside Shoko and was smiling at you when he saw you but it turned upside down when he quickly looked at your hands interlocked with Satoru. He nodded to both you and Satoru.
“Oh so this is the ‘big’ announcement.” Sukuna teased.
“We were more surprised it’s not sooner.” Choso chuckled.
“Hey come on, give our Gojo-kun a break, he did change a lot. Congrats to the both of you.” Nanami comments.
Shoko just hugged you and said congrats. Everyone was cheering you both on and Suguru was just quiet the whole time. You tried to look at him but he was avoiding you. Satoru noticed it and squeezed your hand so you looked up at him and gave you a reassuring smile. You shake your thoughts off and tell yourself you'll talk to him next time – but that ‘talk’ never happened.
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“I did let him take her and that was so cowardly of me. Never again.” He told Shoko and drove off.
He regretted that day he didn't tell you how he felt. Now that Suguru has you again. He will make sure this time, no one will take you. It was 4 years of torture and you really deserve all the good love in this world. 
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
Tags: @username23356-blog @iamrgo @mandysfanfics @shartnart1
NOTE: I will be on vacation for 1 week somewhere by the beach because this girl deserves it. Work has been burning me out lately so yes, I need a rest. I will try to work on the next part of Ex-Boyfriend Nanami and the next chapter of this. Ending is very soon, and it's oh so sweet!
Writing again soon,
Lady Ro :)
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stevierogersbabygirl · 8 months
Text
What No One Sees (pt.2)
(Dark?)Professor!Steve Rogers x reader
Run-through: Steve was that one popular professor that everyone liked, and you were closest to him. You'd never predict that he'd be the father of your future child.
Chapter themes: smut, breeding, pregnancy, angst, fluff
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It's a few weeks in, and you were very sure you were carrying Steve's baby. You texted Steve about it, but for weeks he had not replied or even seen your messages. Not to mention the fact there are rumors he resigned from the campus and moved to another state.
You could not believe he'd just run away like that, and you were also in a state of denial that the perfect man you had known for a long time was in reality an ignorant coward.
You decided to keep your mind off it, to focus on your pregnancy.
You were 2 months pregnant.
Because you had the pregnancy symptoms, you've skipped so many days of college, and luckily your college allows you to make up the work that you missed while you were out. Your closest friends were also helping you out with everything.
One day, one of them suggested you to make the court order Steve to take a paternity test, to which you agreed to.
5 days later, it came back positive. Steve is indeed the father of your child.
Knowing that he somewhat communicated with you by taking the test, you'd wonder if he finally read your texts.
Your eyes widened when it says he finally read it, but there weren't any replies.
Frustrated with Steve, you decided to confront him in person, by finding his current location, through online stalking.
It was a Tuesday night and you were in your pajamas, laptop on your desk as you tried to find Steve's online profiles.
You soon got to his Facebook account, "Steven Grant Rogers" and you saw something you'd never expect.
Steve was married.
He was apparently married to this woman named Margaret Elizabeth Carter.
You were in pure shock, eyes widened and mouth gaped to the realization that you unknowingly contributed to an affair.
As you scrolled further down your mouth gaped even bigger.
Steve also has children.
You not only unknowingly contributed to an affair, but your affair partner also has children.
Steve had such a perfect persona and it made you even harder to believe all of this.
You were shocked, angry, upset, and confused, all at the same time.
He cheated on his wife, and betrayed his children to have sex with you.
Steve is a terrible man.
Despite the shocking revelation, it only fueled your curiosity even more about the entire situation, making you want to stalk him even more.
You needed answers.
He has not recently posted, making it harder for you to find his location, until you saw his friends list, hoping they recently posted him.
That's when you saw his friend, James Buchanan Barnes' story from a few minutes ago, of the two of them sitting outside of a cafe, it's full location on display.
Jackpot.
You successfully convinced one of your closest friends to take you to the location, which was in the state right next to where you lived.
Adrenaline was pumping as you prepared yourself to confront the man.
Anger, sadness, confusion were all filling your head as you mentally prepared to confront the man.
But you tried to calm yourself down because stress during pregnancy could've chronically affected your little one's health.
In 2 hours, you've arrived at the cafe and see Steve and his friend sitting at a table infront of it.
There he fucking was.
Months of anger, sadness, and confusion, it will all soon come out, he can't hide anymore.
You went up to him and Steve turned his head to look at you, his face instantly panicked.
"Where the fuck have you been?" You said loudly in anger, making the other customers sitting outside turn their heads towards you.
Steve sighed, and dragged your hand into the restaurant and into the restaurant bathroom. Everyone watched.
His face made it look like you were an annoyance to him. You didn't like his audacity to drag you like that, which fueled your anger even further.
You were both inside the bathroom now, and Steve locked the door.
At that point, your eyes were full of tears and you wanted to choke him on the wall.
He turned to face you, a hint of sadness in his eyes, a tense atmosphere was forming.
You took a deep breath and yelled out, "What is wrong with you?! You got me pregnant and you decide to just leave like that? And then I find out you have a wife and kids and you made me contribute to an affair? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?"
Steve walked forward which made you subconsciously walk backwards, and soon enough, you were trapped between him and the wall. You immediately looked down, not wanting to see that face.
"I don't like your tone, Y/N." He said, slowly raising his hand to lift your chin.
You slapped his hand away and said, "You think this shit still works, Steve? I know who you fucking are now. I know your true colors. You are just an ignorant, absent father of a man who's also a shitty person! Not just to our child, but to James and Sarah too."
Steve had a hint of sadness in his eyes as he heard those words come out of your mouth. You were still looking down.
You weren't even sure the bathroom's walls were shout-proof.
Steve said gently, "Look at me."
You lifted your head to look at him. You hated how you just obeyed him like that.
Steve took a deep breath, and started talking in his signature soft voice, "I am going through a divorce with my wife because I found out that she has been cheating with me since our marriage started, so roughly 12 years ago. I know doing the same thing does not make me any better, but sometimes bad things have to be done to get a good result, and that good result is you."
You looked into his eyes, your tense emotions disappearing greatly after hearing what he said. You then said, "Then why did you leave?"
"Because I wasn't ready to be a father to our child, Y/N. I also didn't want people to find out about us. I know it's wrong, but I felt that this wasn't good for my family's image. I also don't want our child to hate me after finding out what we did together, and how I cheated." Steve said, holding your hands.
You sighed, the tears finally going down your face as you said, "Can't we just be together, Steve? Why can't you just let her go. You can be with the woman whom you truly love, Steve."
Steve gave you his signature soft smile, and put a hair strand behind your ear. "I also wish for it to be that way. I'm going through a divorce right now, and I promise if it's all over, I'll return to you, and we will raise our child together." He put his hand on your womb, as you both turned to look at it, smiling warmingly.
"And I'm sorry for being a coward, Y/N. It was irresponsible of me. We will be together, I promise." He said, caressing your cheek.
It ended with a big hug and a deep kiss.
And he kept his promise.
Three years later, you've graduated from college and got a high-paying job, while Steve worked a new occupation which was also high-paying.
You guys were newlyweds with your toddler daughter, whom you collectively agreed on naming Stephanie.
Stephanie Anne Rogers.
The wedding day included a ceremony where both of your friends and families were invited. It took a while for both sides of family and friends to accept the fact that it all started as professor-student.
The wedding consisted of happy tears, funny photographs, and delicious food.
It was a day after the wedding, and you both reminisced about it, laughing at the memories of the wedding.
You, Steve and Stephanie were sat on the couch in comfy clothing, looking at the wedding pictures' book.
"Look at Bucky in this picture!" You said, pointing and giggling at his dancing pose. Steve turned to look at him and decided to stand up and impersonate him, making you laugh even more. Stephanie, with no clue what is happening also started laughing, way harder than you did. You and Steve looked at her with smiles as she couldn't stop. Kids being kids.
When it was finally night, you and Steve planned something intimate for the both of you, so you both dropped Stephanie at one of Steve's friends', Natasha's house to initiate it.
This was the first time you both were intimate as husband and wife.
You two were finally alone in the master bedroom. He held you tight to him as you both started kissing.
While you were kissing, you both started to undress slowly, until you were both naked.
You smirked and instantly got onto your knees and softly placed your hand on his shaft, stroking in gently. Steve moaned at the contact as he looked down at you.
You'd look up into his eyes, then placed your lips onto his tip and used your tongue to pleasure him greatly, and judging by Steve's frown of pleasure you knew you were doing something right.
You slowly started bobbing your head up and down his cock, toying with his balls, and in no time you sucked faster and Steve also thrusted his hips faster in your mouth.
You then went onto the bed and laid on it back-first, letting Steve finger you as he simultaneously stroked his cock. He'd start with one finger and gradually add more, fingering you with increasing pace and in no time, his tip would be at your entrance.
You both moaned as his cock went in, and you grasped the sheets tighter when you felt the size. He'd first go with slow thrusts, making you adjust to his size, and you'd beg more and more until he went harder and faster, as you rubbed your clitoris while doing so.
You came first, violently cumming around him, and he came next, filling your womb with his sperm.
He'd slow down his thrusting, and leaned forward to kiss you deeply, his cock not wanting to leave you.
"I love you, Y/N." He said, giving you a kiss on your forehead, then looking down to look at you with a soft smile and love in his eyes.
"I love you too, Steve." You said, also with love on your face, lifting your hands to adjust his head to kiss you deeply.
You eventually got pregnant, again.
Stephanie was going to be a big sister!
The baby was a boy, and you eventually decided named him Scott.
Scott William Rogers.
Your life has become so beautiful.
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@qalijahbydior
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thelightsandtheroses · 8 months
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2. soak up the sun
Let's Get Lost Chapter 2 | Frankie Morales x female reader
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Summary: You and Frankie aren’t together anymore but you’re in a good place. However, spending a week together for your mutual friends’ wedding on a luxury resort might challenge that slightly and realising you’re still in love with your ex is a sure-fire recipe for disaster … Tropes: it was always you, getting back with the ex, beach!Frankie (you know *that* photoshoot) miscommunication, only one bed, good parent Frankie Chapter Warnings: 18+ MDNI, refereneces to past drug addiction, discussions of food, small mentions of various insecurities and body image, passing reference to alcohol, Frankie and the reader are parents to a toddler, past break-ups. Word Count: 2807 Notes: Thank you for the lovely feedback so far - it's meant so much to me and I hope you enjoy this update. I have a lot planned for this fic. The chapter title is from Sheryl Crow's song of the same name.
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Previous | Series | Next
There’s nothing quite like a breakfast buffet. Whenever you travel, you can’t help but judge the hotel, judge the entire stay by the quality of the breakfast. If the coffee is good, if the food is fresh and tasty, if it feels welcoming … that’s the magic formula - for you, at least.
After an inauspicious start to your vacation, you’re hoping that the breakfast will be a silver lining, that you can recharge before trying to resolve the room situation.
It was hard to sleep last night. You were so aware of Frankie on the other side of the pillow barrier, so anxious over everything that had gone wrong. You couldn’t play your sleep stories or calming music and your room and bed felt so unfamiliar.
You need to relax.
You need to hold things together for Lia and Clara, because this week is about them and not the messes of your current state of mind or relationship with Frankie.
 Clara is holding Frankie’s hand and happily pulling him ahead as he tries to guide her to the right place.
When you arrive in the veranda, you can see Lia, Benny, Will and Sophie, Wil’s wife, as well as Santiago already occupying a large table. Lia waves you over with a smile.
She immediately pulls you into a hug as you approach and you’re hit with your friend’s comforting presence, her familiar scent of coconut and vanilla. “Finally,” she says, “Now we’re all here.”
You look over to see Frankie giving Santiago a one-armed hug before Santi pays attention to Clara.
“Clara, look at you,” he says, adding in Spanish, “you’re so tall now, huh?” He nods cordially to acknowledge you as you sit next to Sophie. 
“Heard your flight got delayed?” Will asks calmly, his arm casually resting on Sophie’s chair. Sophie’s intelligent and smart and incredibly pretty to boot. You do get on with her, but you can’t help remembering Will and Sophie’s wedding every time you see then. It’s an automatic, almost Pavlovian response that leaves you with a dry throat and sweaty palms. You’re sure she remembers that night too. It was a real lowlight for you and Frankie after all.
  You hope Benny’s wedding will be an improvement.
Surely it can’t be any worse than Will’s?
You break out of your reverie and look over at Will, answering his question, “Yeah, it wasn’t that bad. Only a couple of hours in the end.” You can’t mention the room debacle yet and judging by Frankie’s subtle nod to you, he’s in agreement with you on that. “How’s the coffee?” you ask, the hope palpable in your voice.
“Amazing,” Sophie says, “Really good quality and fresh.” She winks at you, clearly remembering your breakfast litmus test.
Well, that’s something then.
Fifteen minutes later, you’ve almost finished your first cup of coffee, Clara is eating her eggs under her Tio Santi’s careful supervision. It’s funny watching Santi with her; he never struck you as particularly paternal, perhaps because he never seemed to put roots down anywhere, but Clara adores him. She adores all of Frankie’s close friends. Benny is brilliant with her, so’s Will.
Despite Frankie having less and less contact with his biological family over the years, he’s given Clara the gift of his chosen family. You can’t pretend to understand the bond and brotherhood between Frankie, Will, Santi and Benny - it runs deep. It’s enough to know that they’re his brothers. They’ll always be his brothers.
You take a bite of your own breakfast, daring yourself to relax just a little. Sophie’s right - the coffee is good.
Hope loosens the tight thread around your stomach just a fraction.
“What’s your plan for today then?” Lia asks. ”Just settling in?“
“I think someone wants to go to the beach,” you say, indicating Clara.
“A beach day sounds great. We should all go, before things get hectic.”
“Thanks,” you say in a low voice. “What do you need from me over the next few days? I know I’ve been a shitty bridesmaid recently, so just tell me what you need.”
“Right now? We’re good. I’m just so glad you’re here,” Lia says.
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It’s peaceful. The steady rhythm of waves flowing and withdrawing barely conceal the soft giggles you can hear from Clara with Frankie a few meters away.
Next to you, Lia and Benny are sunbathing. Lia is lounging against him, a glossy magazine in one hand and what you suspect is a frozen strawberry daiquiri in the other hand. The two of them look like models; skin glowing in the sun, colour coordinated swimwear and sunglasses in place. They’re perfect for each other.
It hits you suddenly; you’re surrounded by couples. Even Santi is off flirting with someone by the water.
You scrunch your toes into the golden sand and exhale slowly.
It’s hard to stop your brain thinking about work for the first few days of a holiday; you find your fingers automatically twitching as they want to reach for a phone or laptop to check emails and messages.
They can cope without you. You know that. It’s just your anxiety, just the corporate machine and it shouldn’t matter. What you should be thinking about is your family, is Lia’s wedding, being a good bridesmaid, a good mother, a good friend and co-parent with Frankie.
You think back to your conversation with the hotel staff before coming to the beach. It turns out there is no alternative room for you or Frankie until the final night of your stay. The hotel is fully booked, so unless one of you stays somewhere else then you’re stuck in the same hotel room for most of the week.
It’s not fair on either of you to be somewhere else either - not when you’re both in the wedding party, both Clara’s parents.
It doesn’t feel like you have much of a choice. 
You’re not sure how to tell Frankie about the conversation you’ve just had with the hotel. It isn’t your fault, not technically, but somehow it feels like another in a long list of failures.
You watch your daughter building a sandcastle. She looks so happy; half covered in sand and clapping her hands in delight as Frankie carefully lifts the sandcastle bucket.  You hold your breath for a second in the hope that one particularly shaky looking turret holds out.
She’s having a great time at least. That’s what you really wanted.
You put your book down, standing up to go and join the two of them.
“Hey Clara, mum’s here,” Frankie says, waving you over with a smile. You can’t help but notice the way sand has slightly stuck to his thigh while he’s been building the castle with Clara and how he’s already unbuttoned his shirt by a scandalous three buttons.
“Hi sweetie,” you say, “that is an amazing sandcastle. Did you build that one all by yourself?”
Clara purses her lips, deep in thought. She looks at Frankie and then at you and for a second she nods then shakes her head. “Daddy helped.”
“Only a bit,” he says kindly.
“Yeah, I can tell someone with an engineering background has been involved,” you joke which earns you one of Frankie’s best smiles. It’s one of the dazzling ones that made you fall in love with him the first time.
“Did uh, everything go okay with -” Frankie begins as he stands up, grimacing briefly and covering it immediately.
“We can talk about it later,” you say, smiling unnaturally brightly and quickly looking at Clara and then the others.
Frankie immediately understands your implications - you watch a range of emotions dance across his eyes before he settles with a similarly bright but false smile.
“It’s not a big deal,” he says. “We’ll be fine. It’s just a week, right?”
You smile weakly and nod. There’s always the bathtub, maybe Frankie was right about that.
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You can hear music lightly playing as you and Clara walk back into the hotel room. She’s stifling a yawn, clearly already tired from the day’s events so far. There’s just enough time for you to have a quick shower before you head out for the early family dinner you have planned.
Frankie and you have discussed it in depth and spoken to the hotel babysitting service but you agreed to save that for wedding related events. There’s no reason the two of you can’t work it out between yourselves the rest of the time and ensure at least one of you is with your daughter. Plus, the whole idea’s about giving Clara that family holiday, right?
Frankie’s reading on the bed and looks up at the two of you.
“Hey guys,” he says as Clara immediately bounds towards him.
“Daddy!” she cries, as though they have been separated for weeks not a couple of hours.
He shakes his head, raising an eyebrow at you.
Your only response is a quick shrug. “Do you mind if I have a shower before we head for dinner? I’m thinking if we both use the bathroom before we put Clara to b-well, you know where -”
“Sounds like a plan. I had a shower when I got in, so it’s all yours.”
“Great.”
Frankie places his book face down on the bed and diverts his attention to your daughter.
You loiter for just a moment before heading to the bathroom; you’ve been looking forward to this shower all day. The hotel bathroom is well appointed to say the least and the fancy, rainfall shower with all the attachments and luxurious smelling shampoo has sung to your sun and sand stressed body.
You start to feel relaxed as you wrap the white fluffy towel around your body and continue your self-care routine. Why not allow yourself some small indulgences while you’re on holiday after all?
It’s then you realise that you forgot your clean clothes. You were wearing your  beach clothes when you walked into the bathroom; your costume  is now hanging up to dry after all, taunting you slightly, and your cover up is sheer and oh, you have made a definite mistake here.
You feel the heat rising as you try and think about what to do.
“Frankie, can you just shut your eyes a minute?” you ask, pursing your lips as wrap the towel tighter around yourself.
“Why?” Frankie calls from the room then you hear him make a slightly embarrassed sound as he clearly figures it out. “I mean, it’s okay. It’s fine. Just uh, just tell me when.”
It’s fine, you think, you used to date after all. He’s seen you so many times in far worse states. For a second you remember how things used to be between you and Frankie. At one point, you wondered if there was a surface in your house you hadn’t been with him on. He seemed to take that as a challenge when you asked him.
You can almost hear the echoing laughter and memories as they sweep over you, a wave of emotion, regret, sadness and then finally a sad tang of bitterness.
You take a deep breath. “Okay, now,” you say and then you open the door.
He has his eyes covered with one hand but he has a wicked smirk and you can’t help but wonder if he is peeking, if he thinks you still look … no, this isn’t healthy.
You shuffle around in the towel to try and discreetly change, almost tripping over one of Clara’s toys on the way.
The clatter makes Frankie straighten slightly.
“False alarm,” you say, voice low as an unspoken tension fills the room.
“Good,” he says, one hand still casually covering those eyes.
You finally pull your trousers up and tug the light white top over your shoulders.
“Okay, it’s safe now.”
“Great.” He looks over at you with a slight smile. “You look good, cielo.” The old nickname slips out and his eyes widen, panic filling his face.
The tension in the room thickens. Somehow it feels like you’re in two realities simultaneously; one where Frankie is still yours and this one –  the one where there’s scores of shared memories, pain and change between the last time he called you cielo.
You can’t even remember the last time he called you that.
It’s not as though you knew it was the last time after all. 
“Thanks,” you reply softly, not sure whether to acknowledge the name or not. “You’re not doing too bad yourself.”
He raises an eyebrow at that, his cheeks fiercely colouring,  then he  stands up from the bed - your bed. “We should go get some dinner, huh, Clara?”
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The early dinner serving is filled with families like your own. You take a sip of your soda and look out at the beach ahead of you. You think you can see Lia, Benny and the others in the distance, still taking full advantage of their time away from it all.
“You could have got a drink,” Frankie says suddenly and quietly. He looks down and away from you as you look over at him.
“I have a soda,” you reply, furrowing your brow.
“I saw you reading the wine list and the cocktails and - it doesn’t bother me.”
“Frankie, it’s fine.”
“I’m just saying, it won’t upset me or anything, or trigger me. I-I’m in a good place, right now.” He looks at you with his deep soulful and hopeful eyes. You believe him, even fighting against that tiny anxious voice in your mind that remembers the past year.
That doesn’t mean you feel particularly comfortable drinking around him right now though.
“I don’t want a drink tonight,” you say finally, “but thanks, Frankie, for saying that.”
He shrugs. “‘S nothing.”
“No, it’s not. It’s - I’m - we’re all really proud of you, you do know that right?”
His cheeks colour slightly. “You shouldn’t have to be,” he says finally, before turning his attention to Clara in a clear signal the conversation is over.
“I was thinking about the itinerary you sent through.”
“Okay?”
“You didn’t allow yourself much time for yourself.”
“I’m a bridesmaid, Frankie, any time I’m not with Clara, I should -”
“How many books did you bring with you?”
“That’s beside the point.”
“It really isn’t.” Frankie takes a forkful of his rice. “So, how many?”
“Four.” It had been wilfully naive. A combination of the books you kept hearing Lia and other friends talking about, books you’d wanted to read for so long but had gathered dust on your bedside table, and finally one of them was a stress induced purchase at the airport bookstore for the sheer audacity of your flight being delayed.
“Four books?”
“I  probably won’t finish any of them.”
“Why not? You’re not on your own here with Clara and Lia doesn’t need you for every moment you’re not with our kid. I’m here too, sweetheart, so read your books and do it all. Spend tie with Clara, do the wedding shi-stuff, wasn’t that the whole point of this?”
“What about you?” you ask gently, “You should - you should have the same too. I know things have been tough and trust me, if anyone deserves a vacation -”
“We both do.”
“Okay.”
You both watch Clara cheerfully spooning spaghetti and then meet each other’s gaze again.
“I’m glad we’re doing this.”
“Me too.”
“I can’t imagine it’s easy. Maybe I should have got a twin room with Santi.”
“Like he would have let you block his chances with a holiday fling,” you joke.
“That’s why there’s always a bathtub option.”
“Absolutely not. Besides, this is family, right? Benny’s your family, Lia’s as good as mine. And this one,” you indicate Clara. Your daughter who has her dad’s eyes, so many of his features, and yet, so much of yourself too. She’s a blend of the best of you both, you think. “You’re both my family.”
“Same,” he says, looking up at you carefully, “That’s never changed.”
There’s a silence.
“Sweetheart, what do you want to do tomorrow?” you ask Clara, even for her babbling to break the moment.
She takes a deep breath and places her fork down on her plate. Frankie suppresses a giggle at her serious expression. “Well,” she begins.
The two of you raise your eyebrows at each other, the tension broken. The moment’s passed.
You feel muddled on this vacation. There’s something about Frankie looking at you in his vacation clothes, glowing with sobriety and adoring your daughter that makes you feel …. something. Something you’re pretty sure you shouldn’t feel about him.
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drewharrisonwriter · 1 year
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Donor | Part 1.5 | Not Dad Enough
Part 1 | Part 1.5 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
Oh, no. I made a drabble... I think. LOL
Pairings: Bestie Henry Cavill x OFC
This was supposed to be just a short drabble for my fic Donor. But I guess this is too long, lol so this happened between chapters 1 and 2 and shows Henry and reader going through the first round of IUI.
I’m AO3, too as MoonDjarin ^_^
Part 1 | Part 1.5 | Part 2 | Part 3
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During the week of your first IUI procedure, Henry had flown back over the weekend before, having taken a break from filming his latest project for the year. The process leading up to the insemination wasn't too time-consuming; they just needed his sample, and the whole procedure could be completed within a few hours. So, you were quite surprised when he mentioned that he had taken off for the next two weeks.
"Why? Do you have plans with your family?" you asked, racking your brain to recall any upcoming birthdays or events.
He shook his head, his expression earnest. "No, not at all. I just... I want to make sure you're alright," he replied, his eyes holding a mixture of concern and determination.
You let out a small, surprised chuckle. "You really don't have to do that, you know. Besides, what could possibly go wrong after the procedure?" you teased, though a warmth spread through you at his thoughtfulness.
He chuckled softly in response. "Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. I just want to be here, at least until you have to take the first test."
His words touched your heart, and you couldn't help but smile at his earnestness. It was in these small moments that you realized just how you lucked out on having Henry as your best friend and your future child's father.  ---
As the procedure was completed, you found yourself lying on the examination table, legs up in the air as instructed, for the next 15 minutes. Henry stood by your side, holding your hand gently, his thumb tracing soothing circles on the back of your hand.
"Feeling okay?" he asked softly, concern etching his features as he looked down at you.
You gave him a reassuring smile, your fingers tightening around his. "Yeah, I'm alright. Just a little nervous, I guess."
Henry's grip on your hand tightened slightly, and he leaned in closer. "You don't have to be nervous. You got this," he said, his voice full of encouragement.
You nodded, grateful for his presence. "I know, it's just... What if it doesn't work? What if this whole process ends up being for nothing? I feel like I have wasted your time and...sperm." You grimaced at the last part and Henry laughed.
He sighed softly, his gaze never leaving yours. "Hey, there will always be another time for a next round. We can keep trying until it works, alright? But for now, let's just focus on this moment."
Your heart swelled at his words. Despite his playful demeanor, Henry's sincerity always managed to shine through, comforting you when you needed it the most. You gave him a small smile. "You're right. Thanks for being here with me, Hank... and you know, for allowing me to drag you into this."
His answering smile was soft and reassuring. "Always, Y/N."
---
After the procedure, you both returned home.
Henry suggested watching a movie to help you relax, and you settled on "Night Hunter." Despite Henry's eye roll at your choice, he acquiesced, knowing that you were set on it and not in the mood for any debates.
The film had its share of tense moments, interspersed with lighter ones that brought occasional snickers from you. 
One particular scene caught your attention—Walter Marshall, the character played by Henry, was sitting on the kitchen floor with his on-screen daughter, attempting to have a heartfelt moment. 
You couldn't help but chuckle dryly, cringing at the dialogue and the lack of genuine paternal energy emanating from Henry's portrayal.
"Wow," you commented, your voice laced with amusement, your gaze locked on the screen.
Henry glanced at you, his brows furrowing. "What's so amusing?"
"Come on," you chuckled, nudging him playfully. "If you're trying to show off your potential co-parenting skills, this movie isn't exactly boosting your case."
"Hey!" He gave you a playful mock-glare. "You're making fun of my acting skills. How dare you?"
"Just a little," you admitted, giving him another playful nudge. 
“So mean,” he muttered, his hand moving theatrically to his chest, as if nursing a wounded heart. Sooo dramatic. You laughed. 
Your gaze remained fixed on the screen. "I mean, it's just that I'm not quite getting the 'dad vibes' from you in this scene."
Henry laughed, a genuine sound that filled the room. "Fair enough. Guess I have some work to do if I want to impress as a movie dad."
You grinned, nodding in agreement. "Definitely a bit of room for improvement."
He leaned back on the couch, arm casually draped across the backrest, his eyes still on the movie. "Well, I'll consider this valuable feedback."
"I'm glad I could contribute to your acting growth," you quipped, a playful twinkle in your eye.
"Always striving for improvement," Henry replied, a hint of laughter lingering in his voice. "But in my defense, being a movie dad is a whole different ball game."
You raised an eyebrow, your tone teasing. "Oh, I see. So, you're saying real-life co-parenting would be a breeze for you?"
Henry's lips curled into a playful smile. "Well, I'd like to think I'd have a better grasp of it, but I guess there's only one way to find out."
The two of you exchanged amused glances, the easy banter between you a testament to the comfort of your friendship. As the movie continued to play, you leaned back against the couch, feeling the warmth of Henry's presence beside you.
"I guess we'll have to wait and see," you mused softly, your voice holding a touch of anticipation.
"Indeed," he agreed, his gaze briefly meeting yours before returning to the screen. And as the movie scenes unfolded, you felt yourself growing more at ease, the laughter and companionship settling any lingering nerves from the day's events.
Eventually, the familiarity of your shared space and the comfort of Henry's company began to take its toll, and you found yourself succumbing to drowsiness. Your head rested against his shoulder, a contented sigh escaping you as you closed your eyes.
He glanced down at you, a soft smile forming as he watched your peaceful expression in sleep. His heart swelled with a mix of fondness and a growing sense of longing. He carefully adjusted his position, allowing you to rest comfortably against him, his arm holding you close. As the movie continued to play in the background, he couldn't help but contemplate the possibility of a deeper connection with you, one that extended beyond the realm of co-parenting.
Part 1 | Part 1.5 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
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justmeinadaze · 3 months
Text
Take It Out On Me Part 28 (Steddie X Plus Size Reader)
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A/N: I bare you this final piece. I'm more than happy to revisit from time to time. Im gonna miss these weirdos.
Warnings: Daddy Steve/ Sir Eddie and Plus Size Fem Sub Y/N, SMUT, spanking, smacking, hair pulling, light choking, and everything in between, FLUFF, we meet Molly <3, boys are good dads and hubbys, flashbacks of their relationship, ANGST, within the flashbacks is the fight with Steve's dad where he talks negatively about Y/N appearance as well as the fight from one of the other chapters when you disappeared. Guys do get a bit jealous and I think that's it.
Word Count: 6831
Full Series here/ Donate to me :)
“Edward? It’s a school night, son. Go to sleep.”, Wayne lightly scolded when he noticed his nephew was still awake.
“Yeah, I’m almost done here.” When his uncle’s eyes scanned your blouse in his hands, Eddie chuckled. “It’s not for me. This girl I met…something happened so I offered to fix her shirt. The buttons are a little off but I think I got it.”
“Hm. This girl just a friend or…”
The metalhead smiled softly as he continued to focus on his task. 
“I don’t know to be honest. She’s very timid but there’s something about her. She seems strong but she hides it. I don’t get that especially since she’s the most beautiful fucking woman I’ve ever seen.”
“Alright now. Watch your mouth.”, Wayne laughs. “Does this ‘beautiful fucking woman’ have a name?”
Eddie beams as he folds your shirt and places it on his backpack. 
“Y/N.”
***
“Daddy…Daddy…Fuck…Sir…EDWARD AND STEVEN!”
Both boy’s shoot up in bed as you practically scream their names with a tight wince. 
“I’m up! We’re up! What’s wrong, baby?”, Eddie asks as he pets your head. 
“I think it’s time.”
“Shit, shit, shit. Ok, um, let’s…”, Steve stutters as he stumbles out of bed and begins searching for things he knows you’ll need. The metalhead’s eyes meet your pained ones with soft smile before kissing your forehead and getting up to help his friend get everything together. 
***
Eddie continued to run his fingers through your hair as you winced in your sleep. It had been almost 5 hours since Molly was born and the three of you only saw her that one time before they whisked her away to make sure she was alright and get her clean. 
The cut they made for the c-section hurt but the medication was slightly helping. Neither boy had slept yet, keeping a constant eye on you. 
“I hate that she’s in pain, man.”
“I know. I’m glad they’re both alright though. When Molly cried I was so relieved.”, Steve mumbled in a gravelly tone as his heavy eyes turned towards his friend. “She’s so beautiful.”
“Yeah and really tiny. I don’t know why I thought she’d be bigger.”
“She felt bigger.”, you teased, exhausted as your eyes flutter open and meet the metalhead’s. “Have they brought her back? Is she alright?”
“No, sweetheart, not yet. How are you feeling?”
“Heavy. I didn’t think I’d feel this worn out.”
“Your mom is on her way and so is Masie. They also swabbed our cheeks for the paternity test so we can fill out her birth certificate.” You nod as you listen to Steve speak, your eyes drooping as you fall asleep again. 
A few hours later, you awake to a nurse gently tapping your shoulder.
“Hey there, mama. Sorry to wake you but we thought you might want to meet your new little bundle.”
Your eyes widen in earnest as you push yourself up into a more sitting position and pry your hand from Eddie’s firm grip careful not to jostle him too much so he could continue to sleep. 
“She’s doing well and all her vitals look good. She may get hungry in a couple of hours so around then one of the nurses can come in and help you.”, she whispers as she gently places the baby in your arms. 
You barely even hear her leave as your eyes take in your sleeping child. 
“I hope you know you scared the bajesus out of your dads.”, your murmur with a soft giggle as your finger caresses her cheek. “When the doctor said they needed to cut you out of mommy they panicked and kind of yelled at a nurse. They are protective like that but trust me, Molly, they love you so much. I love you.”, you coo as you kiss her forehead.
A little whine left her lips as she exhaled rousing Steve from where he had been sleeping in a chair by the window. As quietly as possible, he rose to his feet, coming around to your other side and sitting by your legs.
“Is she ok?” You nod with a smile as tears begin to lightly fall down your cheeks. “Are you ok?”
“Yeah. I’m just…happy.”
Grinning, he reaches over to dry your eyes causing Eddie to jump awake and search for your hand that was no longer in his grasp. When he realized you were holding the baby, he let out a shaky sigh as he got up to sit closer to you.
Tilting her towards them, they both exchanged a nervous glance before the metalhead adjusted himself to take Molly in his arms.
“I’m sorry we called you a boy for like 4 months.”, Eddie chuckled as he rocked her carefully. “She has your nose, Y/N.”
You and Steve both ignored the weight within that one statement. That’s all anyone could say with any certainty; that your daughter at some of your features. If anyone said she had Eddie’s cheeks or Steve’s hair, there would be a 50/50 chance they were wrong. 
############
Steve stared at his phone as the line went dead in the middle of Eddie’s sentence. 
“STEVEN HARRINGTON!”
“Fuck.”, the boy breathed out anxiously as he mentally prepared for whatever may come and headed down the stairs. “Dad.”
“Don’t you dad me with that tone, Steven. What’s this?”, Bill bellowed as he flashed his son the decline letters he got from different universities. “You promised me you would get your act together and get into school! We had a deal!”
“Bill, please. Calm down.”, his mother pleaded. 
“NO! I’ve been calm enough!”, he shouted as he tossed the papers at his son’s chest. “What now, Steven?! What’s the plan because I’m not going to carry you like some pampered spoiled rich kid!”
“I don’t know.”
“What?!”
“I said I don’t know!”, Steve screamed. “All I know is that my girlfriend got into Hawkins U so I’m getting an apartment with her and Eddie.”
“Girlfriend?! What girlfriend?! And don’t even get me started on that Munson freak!!”
“Y/N Y/L/N! She’s been with me over a year and I love her, Dad!”
“Oh my god. I’m not hearing this. Are you purposely trying to upset me, Steven? Dating her is WORSE than not getting into school! She’s poor and disgusting; you’d never be able to bring her to company events. She’s not exactly camera ready!”
“Watch your fucking mouth!”
“EXCUSE ME?!”
“You heard me! She’s perfect and I love her exactly the way she is!”
“You love her, huh? You love your ugly piece of trash and your trailer trash friend? Fine!”
“BILL!”, his mother shouted after him as Steve followed pausing by the stairs. Both watched as his father started tossing his son’s clothes over the banister.
“You can leave now then! Get the fuck out of my house!”, he shouted as he threw everything on Steve’s dresser to the ground. 
“ENOUGH!” His mother’s voice finally cut through giving everyone pause. “Bill you need to cool off. Let’s go get some dinner and regroup.”
His father huffed as he walked past his son and grabbed his jacket by the door. 
“Clean up this mess.”
As soon as the door slammed, Steve went into his bedroom and his eyes scanned the destruction around him before landing on something that killed him. Picking him the sunglasses you had bought him in New York, a tear left his eye when a lens fell to the floor. 
***
Everyone you loved came to visit you and Molly, cooing and murmuring sweet affections that had you smiling as you took everything in. 
Wayne walked around the room in circles with her in his arms while both men were sleeping, regaling her with tales of how his nephew was “a little troublemaker” when he was a baby as Molly’s eyes watched his mouth move. Your parents fell in love immediately, your dad holding her finger as he told the boys stories about what you were like as an infant while your mom explained certain things that babies did and what they may need to prepare for. Acting as a surrogate parent to Steve since neither of his own could bother, your mother answered any and all questions he had, amused at the inquires they made not only about Molly but you. 
“She’s still in a lot of pain but the doctor says that’s normal. What isn’t normal? Like what should we be on the lookout for?”
“Y/N’s been a bit lethargic to. We read about like postpartum and stuff but want to do whatever we can to make sure she doesn’t have to worry.”, Eddie followed promptly after his friend making your mom giggle softly before answering.
Maze laid beside you in your bed and you leaned on her shoulder while she spoke playfully to her niece. 
“Ma’am, you are going to get away with everything with me. We’re going to have sleepovers and watch spooky movies while we drink soda and eat all the unhealthy food. Yeah? You like that idea.”, she laughs when Molly coos.
But as much as you loved your visitors, you enjoyed the quiet moments when you were alone with the three of them more than anything. When both boys thought you were sleeping they would talk out loud to her about anything that came to mind. 
“I could stare at you all day, honey. You’re so beautiful just like mommy. You’re going to have the best life, Molly. I promise. Me, Eddie, and Y/N will always be right here. We…we aren’t perfect but you’re never going to go through what we went through.”
The sound of crying jostled you as your eyes opened to see the metalhead hastily get up from his chair and lift the baby from her little bed beside your own. Pretending to go back to sleep, you listen as Eddie comforts her.
“Shhhh. It’s ok, Mol, daddy’s here. Shhhh…we don’t want to wake up mommy.”
Carefully adjusting his daughter, he lays her against his chest as he softly pats her back and gently sings. 
“I walked the world for you, babe A thousand miles with you I dried your tears of pain, babe A million times for you.”
“How are we today, Munson-Harrington gang?”, your doctor beams as she comes in with a folder tucked under her arm. “Well, everything with mommy and Molly looks good so you four can head home tomorrow. I also have the paternity test here if you guys are ready for the results.” She pauses to gauge your reactions, Steve petting your head while Eddie rocks the baby in his arms. “Ok, um, per the result of the swab it seems Mr. Harrington here is Molly’s biological father.”
Your eyes immediately flick to the metalhead whose arms slow ever so slightly before grinning widely your way. 
“Damn. Molly’s going to make all the kids jealous with her fluffy head of hair.”
That night while the pretty boy slept, Eddie slid in beside you and circled his arm around your shoulders pulling you closer to his side. 
“What are you thinking about, baby?”, he murmured with his lips pressed against the top of your head. 
“You told me once that you were jealous of Steve because he had more memories of me before we got together—”
“You’re worried I’m heartbroken because Molly isn’t biological mine.” When you nod, he kisses your forehead before moving down to your lips. “Sweetheart, I meant what I said to your family. She’s ours no matter whose genes she has. I love her so much, Y/N, it scares me a bit. I’ve never… I don’t know… I would die for that little girl there.”
“I love you, Eddie.”
“I love you to, princess.”
##################
Steve’s leg bounced under his desk as he waited for class to start. It had been 2 months since he saw you and he was dying to find you just to get at least a glimpse of your face. He had searched for you in the morning but couldn’t find you within the cafeteria or with the basketball girls. 
“Ah, Miss Y/L/N, I saw you were in my class this year…”
When he heard your name, his head shot up and he took you in. Fuck, his memory didn’t do you justice. You looked absolutely gorgeous in your skirt and boots that had him wanting you to just sit on his desk so he could constantly run his lips along your thighs while resting his head on your lap.
Eddie skidded into the classroom breaking his concentration.
The metalhead felt time stop when his eyes raked along your body. God, he missed your smell and that cute little nervous smile you got when you were around them. When he noticed you were wearing his jacket, his heart fluttered. It’s not fair that the fabric got to wrap around you for so long when he wasn’t able to.
***
Six months had passed since your daughter was born and you loved every moment of it. Molly was such a happy baby, always smiling and babbling to anyone who would listen. 
Steve and Robin were able to find an investor for their non-profit, naming it Molly’s Sanctuary after his little girl. Sometimes he would take her to business related ventures where his friend would always ask for her input. 
“Ok Mol, what do you think? Should we look into the little loft downtown or this office space close to your mommy?” 
Steve balanced her on his thigh, grinning when she bounced up and down excitedly. 
“I was thinking the same thing! Being closer to your mommy means me and your dad can bug her at work and maybe get some of the young people to help out.”, she whispers her last sentence as Molly reaches for her cheeks. 
Eddie and Garth worked hard till they had enough money to rent a studio so Corroded Coffin could finally get to work recording their first album. You went with them during their first recording session offering to get them lunch which all the boys appreciated. When you showed up with the food, you caught the man you loved holding his daughter up to the microphone as he spoke to her. 
After pushing a button on the soundboard, his soft voice flowed through. 
“Yeah, princess? Are you going to be a rockstar to? Go ahead, baby. Sing.” You smiled as she babbled baby talk into the mic and he banged his head to her voice. “Yeah! Look at you. Writing songs already. That’s going to be number one, I bet. I can see it now. ‘And the grammy award for best rock single of all time goes to… Princess Molly! Yay!’”
Before the new school year started, Mr. C advocated for you and the principal agreed to hire you as a teacher. When your parents couldn’t babysit, the guys or Masie watched her for you during the day which you greatly appreciated. The only thing you three hadn’t seemed to be able to figure out again was your sex life.
You could feel the heavy energy under the exhausted one of needing a release. Both men came and went constantly sighing at something new they were worried about. 
Truth be told, you needed them to fuck you just as bad. Between work and Molly, you felt stressed and missing the days when they would help you turn your brain off. You didn’t know how to ask for what you needed though. You felt bad especially since you understood how hard they were working to take care of you AND their daughter while accomplishing their own goals. One way or another, though, everything had to come to head but who would be the first to explode?
#################
“There she is. There’s our girl. Tell me where you are, baby. Please.” Eddie’s heart broke as he listened to you sob before the line went dead. “FUCK!”
“I can’t believe she said all that bullshit.”, Steve sighed under his breath as his head continued to hang to his chest. The metalhead growled as he punched his bedroom wall a couple of times before throwing something across the room. “I guess that’s that then.”
“No, no it’s not. I’m not giving up that easy.”
“I’m not giving up, Ed, but you heard her. She wants to spare us or some shit.”
“She’s just saying that because she’s scared. She thinks she’s doing what’s best for us.”
“How is this the best when she’s not fucking here with us?”, Steve grumbled. “Any future without her would fucking suck. May as well become bitter like my father. Where are you going?”, he asked when Eddie grabbed the keys to his van.
“I’m going to go look for her. This is a small town and I’m sure we can find the car she drove off in.”
“You mean the utterly generic station wagon that Masie Collins drives?”
“WELL, WHAT ELSE DO YOU WANT ME TO DO, STEVEN?!”, he roared as he came chest to chest with his friend who rose to his feet. “I love her! I’m not just going to sit here and wait when I know she’s out there somewhere fucking hurting!”
“I love her to, Eddie! You don’t think this is fucking killing me?! You don’t think I want to kick down every door in Hawkins till I find her, throw her over my shoulder, and bring her home to us?! I want to but I can’t… that’s not how this works. We can’t force her to stay…”
The metalhead sighs as he sits on the bed and his friend does the same.
“I at least feel like we should get a say in it…get our feelings heard…”
“Yeah.”
Their heads swivel towards the phone when it loudly begins to ring and Eddie quickly answers.
“Y/N?”
“No, Masie. She just jumped in the shower. I’m going to give you my address but I think you should wait until tomorrow to come by. She’s a mess and needs a moment to regather her thoughts and I think you both need to as well. Do I make myself clear?”
***
Eddie’s fingers tapped on the steering wheel as he angerly glared at the road ahead of him. Both men seemed annoyed as you left the party you three had attended at Masie’s apartment. You thought it would be a good idea to go since it had been so long since you went out to do something fun without the baby but the boys had been short and moody for most of the evening before suddenly shifting into disgruntled as they grabbed your wrist and guided you to the car. 
As soon as you made it home, they barged inside while Steve headed to the kitchen to fill a glass with whisky.
“So, are you going to tell me what’s been bothering you or are you going to keep pouting all night?”
Eddie chuckled sarcastically as he placed his hand on his hips. 
“First off, you can get rid of the fucking attitude and second are YOU going to tell us why you were flirting with that asshole at the party?”
“What asshole?”, you genuinely asked completely confused. 
“That tall guy with the beard kept touching your arm and making you giggle like a dumb girl.”, Steve clarified as he leaned against the wall. 
“Really? Are you fucking kidding me? What is with you guys?! This is the second time in a year and a half you’ve accused me of something like that.”
“Maybe because you’ve done it before. Or did you forget when you stuck your tongue down Billy Hargrove’s throat.”, Eddie hissed making you roll your eyes at the memory. 
“That was almost 7 years ago and I was a senior in high school trying to make you jealous because you both hurt me!”
“Oh so is that why you were flirting just now? To get our attention?”
“NO, STEVE! I was just talking to him. Masie—”
“We deal with bullshit every day. I’m sorry we can’t pamper you like a fucking princess like we used to do before.”
“Pfft, like you do anything at all.”
“Excuse me?”, the metalhead growls as he steps towards you. “Say it again, Y/N, I dare you.”
“We don’t…do anything anymore…it’s been so long since…”
As you spoke, he stepped closer till his face was inches from your own, mesmerizing you with his eyes as they heavily stared into yours. Eddie’s palm shot out and wrapped around your throat shoving you against the hallway wall. 
“I see so you forgot who you belong to.”
“NO!”
“No, Ed. Little girl wanted to get our attention remember?”
“Ugh! You’re not listening to me!”
The sound of a palm hitting your cheek echoed through the little area along with your grunt of shock before your head reared back to face them. As that familiar fog clouded your mind, you focused in on their heavy breathing to ground yourself while you stepped into that particular headspace you missed so much. 
“I-I-I’m so sorry, Sir. I swear I didn’t forget who owns me and my body. I c-c-could never forget.”, you plead with that high pitched whine that has them groaning as your palms reach up to cling to his neck. “Please…I love you and Daddy so much. I’m sorry.”
As you continued to murmur apologies, Eddie’s forehead fell on yours while he inhaled your smell, listened to your needy tone, and dark eyes scanned your beautiful face. 
“You know what, Steve? I don’t think I believe her. Do you?”
“Do I believe that she’s sorry? Yeah but I don’t know if I believe she didn’t forget. It’s been so long since we punished her so I’m not surprised.”
Ringed fingers curled in your hair and yanked you to the couch, pushing your upper half over the arm. After lifting up your skirt, you hummed gently at the feeling of his palm rubbing your panty covered behind. A tiny yelp leaves your lips when they’re abruptly ripped apart and tugged off you leaving you fully exposed. 
“Look how wet she is, Harrington? Little whore enjoyed being a bad girl and riling us up, didn’t she?”
“No, no, Sir. I’m a good girl.”
“Bullshit.”, he scolded as his hand came down hard against your bare skin. “But it’s ok, sweetheart. Sluts like you can’t help it, that’s why we need to do things like this from time to time.”
His palm came down a few more times in quick succession causing you to whine as tears fell down your cheeks. You felt the atmosphere shift as Eddie pulled down his pants and balanced on his knees in front of you as he gripped your jaw between his fingers and pressed his tip to your lips. 
Steve suddenly spanked you hard and your mouth fell open in a moan, allowing the man in front of you to shove his cock down your throat. 
“F-Fuck, that’s it. Flat tongue just like that, baby.”
When the man behind you slid his ring and middle finger into your cunt, a loud mewl rippled through you making Eddie grunt in pleasure. 
“Come on, honey. We both know you can take it deeper than that.”, Steve mocked as his free hand pushed your head forward and you gagged around the metalhead’s length.
“Atta girl. Fuck… just shut off your little brain and keep your t-throat open for me.” While he thrust his hips to fuck your face, Steve picked up his own pace inside of you as the sound of your slick filled the room. “Hang on, baby! You can do it!” 
Your head was held in place as your throat constricted around him and your eyes squeezed shut until after a few seconds you were released as the coil in your stomach snapped. While you tried to catch your breath, you were abruptly lifted into Eddie’s arms and thrown over his shoulder as he carried you to your bed. After tossing you onto your back, he hastily removes his shirt before lifting your leg over his shoulder, taking ahold of his cock and guiding it into your entrance. 
“Oh f-fuck.”, you whimper as his eyes flick up to your pleasure filled features along your face. 
As he steadily but firmly pumps into you, your shirt is roughly yanked up as Steve utilizes it to bind your wrists together above your head. Eddie’s palms effortlessly glide up your stomach till he reaches your bra, freeing your tits as throws the material blindly to the side. 
“Shit, sweetheart. You feel so fucking good. W-Who’s pussy is this?” When you only responded with repetitive ahs, his palm smacked your cheek before wrapping around your throat. “Answer me, little girl, or else we’ll fill you up without allowing y-you to cum.”
“Mmph… you and…Daddy…fuck, please.”
Dropping your leg, Eddie leaned in till his nose was pressed against your cheek.
“Say…it…corr-ect-ly!”, he growled, slamming his hips into you hard between each syllable.
“I BELONG TO MASTER AND DADDY! Fuck…M’gonna cum.”
Pushing off you, the metalhead pulls out and grips your thighs as he shoves his face between your folds, his long tongue flicking against you like a man possessed. You desperately want to cling to his hair but your wrists are restricted making you mewl as you roll your hips till your orgasm crashes over you like a wave. 
Hastily, he slid his length back into you as your pussy continued to quiver tightly around him. With a few more rough thrusts, Eddie warmed your insides as you both groaned at the feeling. 
“Fuck…good girl… g-good…girl.”
As soon as his friend rolled exhaustedly out of the way, you were tugged by your ankles to the edge of the bed and manhandled on to your stomach with your legs hanging off the side. Steve grunted in what sounded like annoyance as he grabbed your thigh and forced it back onto the mattress giving him a perfect view of your exposed behind. 
After a hard spank, he guided his cock inside of you effortlessly and set a brutal pace that had your face constantly being pushed into the sheets under you. While one hand gripped your skirt around your waist, his other tangled in your hair and pulled.
“Daddy!”
“You like that, baby? Y-y-you—fuck—you like when we’re rough? When we use you?”
“Yes, Daddy, I like it.”
The hair on his chest grazed the skin of your back as he tilted down and rolled his hips hard pushing his cock so deep inside of you, you could swear he was in your stomach. 
“What do you like?”
“Ah! I like when you and M-Master are rough with me. I-I like being used by you. Please…”
“Please what, honey?”
“I’m…I’m…feels so good. I’m gonna cum.”
Standing to his full height, Steve spanked you again and took your waist in his large palms, guiding your movements. 
“Make yourself cum then.” With his help, you pushed your hips back into his as hard as you could till you felt yourself begin to fall off the ledge and he promptly reached around to massage fast circles on your clit till you came on his length. “Goddamn it. Yes, baby.”
Tightening his grasp, Steve pounded into you till he pulled out and jumped over your body to lift your head as you opened your mouth wide knowing what he wanted. Repetitive grunts left his lips till you felt his seed hit the back of your throat and his breathing stuttered a bit when your tongue crazed the tip to take everything he had to give.
As soon as he collapsed above you and removed your shirt from your wrists, you dragged yourself up till the back of your head was resting on his stomach. When your fingers limply reached to your right, you happily sighed when lips kissed the pads before Eddie scooted to your side and laid his own head against you. 
“I don’t know if it matters or needs to be said but that guy I was talking to? Masie met him at work and has a crush on him. She wanted me to talk to him to vet him. Since I have such amazing men picking abilities.”, you smile and both men breathily laugh. 
“We knew you weren’t flirting.”
“Doesn’t mean we didn’t get jealous.”, Eddie added as he rolled to his side so he could caress your sweaty cheek. “It’s been a while since we made you giggly like that. The three of us are always kind of on the go now.”
“We need to make some more time for each other.”
“Yeah. As much as I love her, it’s nice to have some alone time away from the baby.”, Steve sighs as he runs his hand through your hair. “We really need this.”
After lightly tapping the metalhead, you began to sit up but are promptly pulled back against the bed. 
“Excuse me, princess, but what do you think you’re doing?”
“Um, well, I was going to take a shower.”
“Has it really been that long?”, Eddie asked in a teasing tone that had you blushing. 
“No, I just didn’t want to inconvenience you or anything—”
A palm came up from your side and lightly covered your mouth. 
“Uh oh. Junior year Y/N is back.”, Steve joked as he readjusted his body and his face hovered above your own. “You are never an inconvenience, honey.”
Silently, you allowed them to do what they did best; take care of you. While Steve collected the clothes that had been scattered and threw them in the hamper nearby, Eddie brought you into the bathroom and guided you under the warm water of the shower. 
Kneeling in front of you, his eyes swiftly scanned your body for any marks or bruises that needed attention. You couldn’t help but look down at him with nothing but love as you ran your fingers through his damp hair and along his cheek. He was so intimidating when you first met him. This loud, sarcastic, angry man that had very few friends and held in most if not all of his feelings. Eddie was pretty sure he would either wind up like his uncle in a trailer working a job to pay the bills or his father in and out of jail. Now he was surrounded by so many people that cared about him including his best friend, the woman he loved, and his daughter who made him smile every day. 
His lips tenderly kissed along your stomach, grazing your c-section scar they knew you were slightly self-conscious about. Rising to his feet, you wrapped your arms around his neck as he leaned his forehead against yours. 
“I love you, Eddie Munson.”
“I love you to, crybaby.”
A big grin paints his face when you giggle and his kisses your lips before finishing his task of cleaning you. When you step back into the bedroom, the other man is waiting on the edge of the bed and gestures you to stand between his legs. 
Steve had also been one to hold everything in which you later learned was part of the reason he was rough around the edges in school. He always intimidated you differently than Eddie had because of the people he spent time with. Tommy and Carol bullied you constantly and he never said a word. You learned later that he was trying to appease his father who was never around anyway and when he was, Steve could never measure up. 
If he had stayed along that path, he most likely would have ended up just like him working at a corporate job, being a dick to his subordinates and family because he hated the life he was living while pretending to be happy. Now he was growing a business with a friend who actually cared about him and wasn’t just trying to suck up to him for popularity or money. Steve had a home, his best friend, you, and a daughter he loved with every fiber of his being. 
While you balanced your hands on his shoulders as you stepped into your pajama shorts, you slid them in his hair and hugged his head against your chest. 
“I love you, Steve Harrington.”
His arms circled around you as he tilted up to kiss your lips. 
“I love you to, baby.”
When you met them, you a few months shy of a bad break up and just wanted to be left alone. You didn’t anticipate sharing a week in detention at all let alone with the King of Hawkins High and The Freak of the town but they surprised you. They helped you step into a different side of yourself out in the world that very few people got to see and intimately helped you express yourself in a way you thought no one ever would. 
You were vulnerable for them and in return they did the same for you. 
“I don’t know what we’re going to do when Molly starts eating solid food.”, Eddie announces as he enters the room with the box of leftover pizza you had stored in the fridge. “I mean, I’m pretty feisty about my junk food.”
“Thank you.”, you beam when he opens the lid and you take a slice. “We’ll just have to have enough for everyone, baby.”
“Is there such a thing?”
“Yes, there is.”, Steve chuckles as he grabs the remote and turns on the tv across the room. “What do you guys want to watch? Please for the love of God anything that’s not Scooby Doo.”
“She likes the way Scooby talks.”, you laugh before pointing at the screen. “Oh! Eddie look! It’s Evil Dead.”
“That’s what we want to watch, Stevie.”, the metalhead chuckles and lifts his arm so you can lay your head on his chest by his side.
“I shouldn’t have asked.”, he groans playfully, scooting closer to you as he rests his palm on your hip. 
###################
Both men watch you from the back wall of the auditorium obscured by darkness so you couldn’t tell anyone was there. Not that you would notice anyway since you seemed so lost in your own thoughts. 
“You said you had some classes with her?”, Eddie whispered to his friend beside him. 
“A few over the years. I have two this semester but I’m not sure she’s even realized that.”, Steve murmured back.
“She’s a fascinating girl and extremely beautiful. Why haven’t you made a move?” When the jocks eyes met his, he knows. “You can be a real dick sometimes, dude.”
“I’m King, remember? I have to impress the student body and my father.”
“Hm. People you hate. That’s fun.”
Steve huffs under his breath knowing the metalhead was right. His honey irises follow you as you bend down on your heels and pick up the last of the materials strewn out on the stage floor. 
“I hate myself for it…if it’s any consolation. I see her with her friends laughing and I wish I had to courage to be the reason. Every time I even think about talking to her, I panic because I know she’ll never care about me like that, not after everything I’ve done.”
“I wish I had seen her around. I probably would have made a fool of myself though…”, Eddie sighs. “Maybe we can give her what she wants.”
“What do you mean?”
“She wants to be told to shut the fuck up and do what she’s told, right?”
“We never got to finish our conversation because Mr. C told US to shut the fuck up.”
“Well, let’s finish it then and see what she says.”, the boy responds with a sly grin. 
As you step around the curtain and collect your things, they watch as you pause and stare at the place the two of them had been sitting. A small smile flickered across your lips and that was all the confirmation they needed.
***
1994
You and Masie sway to the music from the side lines of the dance floor as you giggle like little kids. Initially, you had no interest in going to your 10-year reunion especially since you work at the school you graduated from but your best friend insisted, dragging you and the boys along. 
“Where’s my niece?”, Maze shouts as she takes a sip from the cup in her hand.
“She’s with grandma and grandpa tonight. My mom has been showing her a lot of educational cartoons like Magic School Bus since she’s going to start Kindergarten next month.”
“Oh my god! Shut up! I still can’t believe that she’s starting school soon. I feel so old.”
“How do you think I feel!? Quick, come with me to get another bottle of water.”
As you started to turn around to head to the drink station, your body bumped into a couple of familiar faces.
“Oh, wow. Hey, Y/N.”, Carol coos with a fake smile as Tommy squares his jaw beside her. “How have you been?”
“I’ve been good, Carol. Real good. I actually teach here so I enjoy it… definitely a lot more than when I was student!” 
Your old tormentors force a laugh as you continue to grin their way. 
“We’ve been good to. I’m secretary at Tommy’s car dealership and our kids are…are just the best.”, she giggles obnoxiously as she wraps her arm around her partner. “How are Eddie and Steve? You’re not single I hope!”
You can’t help but fake laugh along with her, waiting for a pause to answer. 
“God no. No single life for me. They are doing well though. Steve and Robin just got another big investment for their foundation and have help over 50,000 teenagers and people who were either kicked out of their homes or lost them due personal things in their life like their sexuality or who they love.  And, um, oh, yeah! Eddie’s band Corroded Coffin just signed with a major label and their new single just hit number 3 on the music charts so we’re planning on moving into a bigger house soon. I’m so excited! You can ask them to tell you more. I know they’re around here somewhere.”
“Oh, uh, no. That’s alright. It was, um, nice seeing you again. Come on, Tommy.”, Carol grumbled as she pushed him away from you. 
“I heard they are on the verge of divorce.”, Maze conveyed making you grin. 
“Yeah and Tommy’s dealership isn’t doing so hot. Where are Eddie and Steve? They would have loved to be a part of what just happened.”
“They said they wanted to wonder around for a bit.”
“’Wonder around’? Uh huh.”, you giggle knowing how the men you love are. 
Excusing yourself, you walked down the hallway towards your classroom but found nothing. As you turned to head back to Masie, however, a palm reached around to cover your mouth and pull you into Mr. C’s adjacent room. 
You squeaked and struggled against the person’s grip till your eyes landed on the chocolate ones in front of you. 
“You jerks. I knew you were up to something!”, you scold playfully as Steve drops his hand and rests his chin on your shoulder. 
“Took you long enough. We’ve been here for a while.”, Eddie grins as he caresses your cheek.
“Blame Carol and Tommy.”
“Did they say something to you?”, the former jock asks with concern.
“They did but I handled it.”
“Oh?”, the metalhead jests, quirking one of his eyebrows before taking you in his arms and lifting you onto the desk. “Did you remind her that you still have an ass and she doesn’t?”
You laugh as you shake your head and kiss his lips. 
“How are you feeling, honey? Everything still alright?”
“Yes, Daddy. We’re both alright.”, you coo as your palm runs over your tummy.
“Good.”, Eddie chuckles as he leans in to kiss your neck. “Remember, don’t hesitate to use our word if you start feeling nauseas or anything, sweetheart.”
“Yes, Sir. Say Vanilla if the butthead decides to throw a rager in my belly and makes mommy sick.”
“Hey. Kid has my genes so he definitely knows how to have and or ruin a good time.”
“Shut up, Eddie Munson.”
His lips pause in place so he can lean back as his eyes can meet yours. 
“Did you just tell me to shut up?”
“Maybe.”
Fingers suddenly take hold of your neck and lightly squeeze making you moan as you tilt your head to look at Steve’s darkened expression. 
“Oh no, Eddie. It seems little girl here forgot her manners.”, he growls as he forces you down, slamming your back against the desk. 
After lifting up your dress, the metalhead takes hold of your thighs and tugs your body closer to the edge. 
“Well, Steve, we’re definitely in the right place to remind her how to use them.”
################
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makethatelevenrings · 5 months
Text
Angel by the Wing - THIRTY-FOUR
chapter warnings: swearing? but like, if you're this far in the fic, you should be aware of that
Series Masterlist (Mobile Masterlist)
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“The baby’s yours.” The words fell out of his mouth before he could rein them back in. Jake could have just taken his bag and walked out of the door, but when he walked out of the bedroom, he found Bradley seated on the arm of the couch and grinning down at you while you talked about something. Your hands had been waving in the air as you chattered on, but they froze midair at his declaration.
“What are you talking about?” Bradley stood from the couch to face Jake. You sat up, your complexion a little greener than before. Jake held up the paternity tests and tossed them at the two of you.
“It’s yours. But I bet you already knew that,” he seethed. Bradley’s eyes flickered down towards the papers that were settling on the floor and then glanced back at you.
“I hadn’t told either of you yet,” you explained. You stood, feeling at a disadvantage, and Skipper pawed at your hands. You were suddenly grateful for the cat who curled up in your arms, placing a proverbial and literal barrier between you and the two men.
“When were you going to tell us?” Bradley’s question was soft and not accusatory which is the opposite of the hard, rigid lines in Jake’s shoulders and jaw.
“I don’t…” Your voice was thick as you tried to explain. “I don’t know. I didn’t…so much was changing and happening. I was going to and I’m sorry, I-“
“We discussed this before. It’s important to know family history to protect you and the baby.” Bradley’s voice was even and sure. He balanced the emotions in the room with careful words.
“At least we know who it is now because it could have been anyone,” Jake muttered.
And all hell broke loose.
“Hey!” Bradley snapped. Your grip on Skipper tightened minutely before you gently released him to hop back onto the couch. Bradley moved to block you from moving forward as rage consumed you.
Jake paled as his words sank in and he opened his mouth to apologize but any words were met with a throw pillow from the couch colliding with his face. Bradley wound his arm around your shoulders and tugged you into his chest so you didn’t wiggle out of his arms.
“Fuck you, Jacob Seresin. Fuck you!”
“I didn’t mean that!”
A startled, bitter laugh escaped you and you reached for another throw pillow but Bradley maneuvered you away from the couch. “So what did you mean? You meant to call me a slut and not a whore? You meant to imply that I’ve slept only with the greater metro area of San Diego? Rich coming from a manwhore like you.”
A fire lit in your eyes and you yanked yourself away from Bradley. Your eyes landed on the duffle bag at Jake’s feet and you scoffed. “Of course. Of fucking course. The great Jake Seresin senses a whiff of commitment and runs the second he gets a glimpse of freedom. Now that you’re sure it isn’t yours, you’re going to take the chance to run.”
Bradley stiffened and surged forward, placing himself between you and Jake. He saw the way the blond’s jaw clenched and his fists balled up.
“Big, bad Jake Seresin is scared of some feelings,” you taunted. The gloves were off and the claws were out. You were sick and tired of being a simpering, hormonal mess. Anger settled in your veins and flooded your system as a balm to your wounded pride. “Well, looks like you’re off the hook. That’s what you’ve been looking for this whole time, right? You heard that you might be a father and you just couldn’t handle it. Guess it all works out in the end for you. Now you can go find some other girl to warm your bed before you ditch her too.”
“Hey, that’s enough,” Bradley warned.
“What, he can’t take a little heat? Thought you were better than this, Seresin, but I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
It was a low blow and you knew it. Your mouth parted with a stuttered exhale and then you swore quietly under your breath as Jake grabbed the straps of his duffle bag and stormed out of the townhome. Footsteps followed but he didn’t give a shit.
“C’mon, Hangman, this is your place.” Rooster was the one that followed him. Always so fucking noble. Good thing the kid was his because then they couldn’t attribute any problems to Jake’s fucked up family.
“I don’t care.” It doesn’t sound like him, this easy defeat. Jake tosses his bag into the cab of his truck and reaches for the driver’s side handle when Bradley grabs his wrist. Jake hates that a pulse of want rushes through him at the touch. There’s not a lot of men who are bigger than him, so Bradley’s easy confidence and casual display of strength always knocked the air out of his lungs.
“Jake.” His name sounds wrong in Rooster’s mouth. “Just stop and think this through. You’re hurt and acting irrationally and-”
“I thought you’d be happy that it’s yours. I’m out of the picture now. There’s no competition, Rooster. It’s always you. It was always going to be you.”
Bradley’s gaze sharpens and Jake has to look away from the sheer depth of his scrutiny. He notes a scratch in the paint on the door of his truck and files away a mental reminder to get that buffed out.
“Why are you doing this?” Rooster’s voice is softer than he expected and it makes Jake’s words catch on the lump in his throat.
“You said it yourself. All I’ll do is fuck it up. I’ve failed so many people. Don’t make me add you three to the list. I’ve fucked it up over and over again. I’m no good, Bradshaw. Let me make this easy for you. Let me go.”
Bradley’s grip instantly loosened around his wrist and it dawned on him what he meant. The night in the bar, that very first night, when he made that offhand comment. A bitter reminder about the past.
“I didn’t mean it like that,” Bradley argued. “I didn’t mean that you-”
“But I did. I do. I could have gotten my mom and sister out of their sooner. I could have saved Frankie. I could have stopped that fighter before it got so close to you and Mav and now you can’t fucking sleep at night. I can and I will ruin that kid’s life if you let me stay. I know you’re looking at houses so just…let me know when you get a place for her. She deserves it. I don’t.”
His fingers curled around the handle and he yanked the door open before Bradley could stop him. In fact, he didn’t even try to stop him. He just stepped back and watched in silence as the truck peeled out of the driveway.
Bradley slowly walked back into the house only to be greeted with an oppressive silence cloaking every nook and cranny in the place. It wasn’t meticulously clean like Jake typically keeps his places. It hadn’t been spotless ever since you and Bradley had taken up residence in his bed.
He peered into the living room and found it empty. The kitchen was also empty. He was about to enter the bedroom to check when Skipper approached. The cat bumped his little head against Bradley’s ankles and wound his way through his legs before padding off towards the guest bedroom.
When Bradley opened the door, he found you seated in the middle of the room and staring at the empty room. Fitting, he thought. The room certainly reflected the way the whole house felt.
“I didn’t mean to say it,” you whispered hoarsely.
“I think a lot of things were said that we didn’t mean,” he soothed. You blinked up at him with tear-filled eyes and Bradley pushed away from the doorframe to join you on the floor. He slid his arm around your shoulders and drew you close. He felt your tears more than he heard them, Jake’s words still ringing in his ears. Your body trembled as you wept and all Bradley could do was lay you both down on the floor and cradle you close.
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dfortrafalgar · 5 months
Text
I'm Losing You... (But We're Filling the Cracks)
Having a family isn't always as easy as fairy tales make it seem. But sometimes, you just need a little bit of love... and a little bit of science.
Warnings: read chapter 1 for warnings.
Taglist: @phsycochan | @mirillua | @augustanna | @chaixsherlock | @whore-of-many-hot-men | @nerdisthenewcool | @lilypadmomentum
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Chapter 24
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The first blood test was positive.  And then the second one a week after that.  So were the three at-home pregnancy tests you took.  You’d be remiss to deny the fact that your breasts had been so unbelievably sore, so painful in fact that the days you spent home from work had you completely rejecting the very idea of wearing a bra.  Still trying not to get your hopes up, you kept your symptoms to yourself and to Law (who was very disappointed at the fact that hugging you in the front had become painful).  
And now, two full weeks after your first blood test, you were sitting with Penguin at a table outside a cafe.  A large umbrella was open above you, shielding you from the sun as you anxiously tapped your fingers on the metal table, waiting for the call from your doctor.
Your anxiety was practically oozing out of you like sludge, and it was definitely affecting Penguin.  He took off his hat and rubbed the back of his palm over his forehead, crinkling his nose.  “Please don’t pass out on me, I don’t know how to do CPR.”
You rested your head in your palm, placing your phone screen-down on the table.  “I promise I won’t.  I’m sorry for being such a bummer, I know you were looking forward to lunch today.”
Your friend waved his hand in the air reassuringly after putting his hat back on his head.  His black hair had begun receding recently, and he’d been covering his hairline more than he usually had.  “Nah, don’t sweat it.  I just want to make sure you’re alright, that’s all.”  When he finished his sentence, he pushed your glass of melting ice water closer to you.  You chuckled, grabbing the glass and taking a long sip out of the straw.
“So what’s your schedule like, anyway?” he asked, poking through the small cafe menu.  “Like, if this next test comes back positive, then what?”
You resisted the urge to check your phone once more.  “If this one comes back positive, I’ll have another blood test in a week.  And then if that one shows normal signs of progression, I’ll continue to have them done weekly.  I’m not sure how long that will last, but I’m getting kinda tired of seeing my blood in tiny plastic tubes.”
Penguin snorted.  “They probably have enough of your blood to keep someone alive at this point.”
“They should give it back to me,” you joked, taking another generous sip of your water.
The man across from you closed his small paper menu, having decided what he was going to order when the waitress came back.  “So how’s Law been doing?  I feel like I haven’t talked to him in a while.”
You grinned at the question.  “He’s been alright, he’s been pretty stressed too over this, but I think he’s been able to distract himself with his shifts at the hospital.  He’s been working more since he got home from his trip, I think he’s trying to make up for being gone for a week.”
Penguin laughed.  “Sounds like him, alright.”  He rested his own head in his hand.  “If you really are pregnant, and everything is going normally, do you think he’ll take more time off?”
A sigh left your lips.  “It’s wishful thinking, but I honestly doubt it.  And it’s not his fault, he just works a really time-consuming and taxing job.  It’s hard for both of us, but when he is home he makes all the time in the world for me.  And because he has such long working days, sometimes he gets multiple days off in a row, which is nice.”
“That’ll be nice for the baby, too,” Penguin added.
Your heart swelled at the thought.  Ever since having your eggs implanted, your mind had been melting with thoughts of Law’s paternal side coming out.  You couldn’t wait to see the way he’d hold his child, kissing their forehead, cleaning them in a tiny baby bathtub, singing to them as they fell asleep even though he hated being heard singing by anyone.  The mere thoughts made your thighs clench.  Some hormonal instinct in you to see your man become a father, you guessed.
“It would be nice,” you added, your voice airy.  It was like you were floating on a blissful cloud.
Penguin laughed at the sight.  “God, you’re smitten.  It’s fucking adorable.”
You hid your face in your hands to mask your embarrassment, making your friend bark out a laugh at your sorry state.  The waitress returned in due time, taking your small orders before leaving again with your menus.  You were starting to have deja vu from your brunch with Ikkaku before your second miscarriage.
The thought of your own best friend gave you a thought.
“Hey, so I have a question for you,” you blurted, attracting his attention.
He took a sip of his own water and gazed at you through his narrow brown eyes.
“Have you told Shachi that you like him yet, or are you two ‘still just roommates’?” you asked, holding up your fingers in air quotes to punctuate your words.
The statement made Penguin groan as he pulled his hat further down onto his head, hiding his eyes with a thick shadow.  “No.  I don’t know what he’ll say.”
You smiled sympathetically at the man.  You, Law, and Ikkaku had been rooting for Penguin ever since he broke up with your best friend after your college graduation with your bachelor’s degrees, realizing he was gay the entire time.  The terms were mutual, as Ikkaku began dating a woman soon after, but Penguin moved in with Shachi and was convinced he’d never find love after finding himself so late in life.  But then he fell for Shachi… and fell hard.
“I guess I’m just worried that things will be too awkward if I tell him now that we’ve been living together as roommates for, like, five years,” he explained.  “I’m already paying half of the rent.”
“If it makes you feel any better,” you began.  “Shachi’s been talking about you a lot more.  Like, a lot.”
Penguin picked his head up, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.  “Really?”
You nodded.  “I wouldn’t lie to you about love, Pen, you know me.”
The man across from you leaned back in his chair.  “What if I tell him and he doesn’t feel the same way?”
“Then you talk it out like adults and continue being roommates,” you stated.  “Simple.  Easy-peasy.”
“You make it sound easier than it looks,” he grumbled, but a small smile lay on his lips.  “You and Law had it easy.”
“Bullshit.  Law hated me when we first met.”
The memory made the two of you chuckle.  Law’s unwillingness to open up, how it took him almost an entire year to admit that he could possibly be in love, and be in love with you, the snarky graphic design student who infiltrated his gen ed study group.
And now here you were, a wedding ring on your left hand and hoping so desperately for a child with him.
Penguin was grinning widely at you, making you falter.  “What’s got you smiling so wide?”
Your friend dropped his hand.  “Just thinking about how proud I am of you two.”
Before you had the chance to reply, or even register your heart doing somersaults in your chest, your phone began vibrating on the table.  You snatched it up with the speed of a falcon diving for a mouse, your eyes growing wide at the number on the screen.  The lab.  Penguin knew without you even having to speak.
“Hello?” you asked wearily into the receiver.
[Hello, is this Mrs. Trafalgar?  This is Nurse Nojiko from the outpatient laboratory.]
You nodded to no one in particular.  “Yes, this is her.”
[Perfect, I wanted to inform you that the results of your test have come back positive!  I have updated your patient portal with the information, and you should be receiving a call from your doctor within the next day or so.]
Your heart swelled.  “Th-Thank you so much!”
[Of course, hun, have a great rest of your day, alright?]
You promptly shared your goodbyes before you tapped the end call button, placing your device back down on the table.  Your wide eyes darted up to meet Penguin’s.  He was already smiling.
“Positive?” he asked, his voice hopeful.
“Positive,” you confirmed.
He had absolutely no care in the world if he caused a scene.  He bolted upright from his chair and dragged you out of your’s, pulling you into a bone crushing hug that made you stifle a yelp due to the pressure on your chest.  
You frantically whispered into his ear.  “Penguin, my boobs hurt like shit.”
“Crap,” he pulled away from you, holding your shoulders.  “I’m sorry!”
You were giggling as you had to resist the urge to fondle your breasts in public, trying to get the pain to die down based on willpower alone.  “It’s okay, they’ve been really sore lately.”
“Is that a symptom of pregnancy?” he asked, sitting back in his chair.
You pursed your lips for a moment.  “I think so, but I’m still trying not to get my hopes up.  The last two times, they never got as sore as they are now.”
Penguin flashed a toothy grin.  “I’m considering that a win.”
You smiled to yourself, still fighting the anxious pang in your heart.  You grabbed your phone once more to send Law a text message.  He was scheduled for a very large and very taxing surgery for the day, so you were sure he wouldn’t respond until much later, but you eagerly sent the text anyway.
Hi baby, im out for lunch with Peng.  The fifth test came back positive, i just got the call!!!  Im still going to lay low for a bit because my tits hurt for shit.  I love you, i’ll call you if anything urgent comes up but dont feel pressured to respond if youre busy!  I love you again!!!  Love you!!!!
Law’s circulating nurse had his passcode memorized at this point.  When his phone buzzed in her pocket, he simply gave her permission to check it with a curt nod, barely tearing his eyes away from the open chest cavity in front of him.
The anesthesiologist beside the patient saw the way the nurse’s eyes lit up while reading whatever message had come through.  “What does it say?”
“Doctor,” she began, her smile reaching her ears.  “Your wife’s fifth test came back positive.”
The entire operating room buzzed with muted excitement at the news, keeping their attention focused on the patient, but clearly radiating with optimism.  Law had been keeping his team up-to-date with his progress on what his nurses called ‘The Kid Conundrum,’ and seeing his entire crew quietly celebrate over the news of your latest positive test made a smile crawl to his lips below his surgical mask.
“Attention on the patient,” he stated.
The entire team could hear the broad smile in his voice.
Seven positive pregnancy tests, and almost eight weeks since your implantation day.  You and Law were in a different ultrasound room in a different clinic, due to Robin being out of office for the week with her husband (a thought that made Law cower).  You were laying on the cold, unfamiliar table as Law sat across the room from you, the usual set up.  He had the entire week off of work, which he had been spending glued to your side.  Your symptoms had been fairly taxing lately, your breasts being more tender than they had ever been.  You had even started swelling somewhat in your lower belly, but partnered with general morning discomfort, you chalked it up to regular pregnancy bloating.
Not that you were complaining about any of the symptoms.  If anything, they were relieving.  Signs that you were actually pregnant… with a living fetus.
You stared at the ceiling as the gel was smeared on your belly and as the sound of the ultrasound machine whirred to life.  The technician doing your scan was sitting on a swiveling stool as she worked, another nurse behind her to help assess your condition.
“So how many weeks along does your doctor think you are?” she asked, keeping her eyes glued to the screen as she pressed the transducer to your skin, locating your uterus.
“About eight weeks or so, I think,” you replied.
She nodded, going silent as she rubbed the wand over your belly.  She adjusted it slightly, then moved it again.  The nurse behind her appeared to lean in toward the screen, her eyes growing wide.
Their silence made your heart rate begin to pick up.
“You said you had IVF, right?” she asked.
Growing even more anxious, you nodded against the pillow behind your head.  “Yes… that’s correct.”
Law leaned over in his chair to try to get a glimpse of the monitor screen.
The wand was moved over your skin a few extra times before the nurse reached up and turned the monitor toward you.  Her finger hovered over your uterus.  “Do you see that?”
You gazed at the screen, slowly picking apart what you were viewing.
The outline of your uterus was there, clear as day, or as clear as it could be through an ultrasound image.  Inside of your uterine bubble, however, sat two black splotches, each with a tiny white speck inside.
Law stood from his chair, his eyes blown wide.
“Mrs. Trafalgar, there's two babies in there.”
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angelasscribbles · 4 months
Text
All That She Wants Chapter 6: Unvarnished Truths
Series: All That She Wants
Fandom: The Royal Romance
Pairings for this chapter: Riley x Liam, Riley x Drake
Word Count: 1,305
Rating: M
Warnings for this chapter: plenty of cursing.
A/N: Special shout out to @onmarswesail for correctly guessing not one, but two plot points for this chapter! 😆
My other stuff: Master List.
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Drake looked up from the guard schedule he was working on in surprise as the door to his office opened. He had no appointments scheduled and there were only a handful of people that could get through without one.
His eyes widened, and he stood quickly as he registered who it was. “Riley! What are you doing here?” He made his way around the desk to greet her. “Not that I’m complaining!”
She allowed herself a small smile as he engulfed her in his arms. “Sorry to just pop in like this. Is it a bad time?”
“No. It’s never a bad time for you. But…” He pulled away from her so he could look into her face. “What is it? Is everything okay? Have you told—”
“I’m fine. Liam’s fine. No, I haven’t told him anything. I mean, he knows I’m sleeping with someone, he just doesn’t know who.”
“Okay…” he responded carefully. He didn’t want to push her into anything she wasn’t ready for. They had discussed it, and he was a proponent of the truth. After all, the Cordonian Arrangement codicil that Liam has insisted be added to their marriage contract worked both ways.
Besides, Liam had never stopped sleeping with Olivia, so he couldn’t get too upset about his wife finding a distraction of her own. She had fulfilled the clause of the marriage contract that stated the first two children produced after marriage must be blood heirs to the throne. Routine paternity testing confirmed that she had held up her end of the bargain. She was legally and morally free to do what she wanted with whomever she wanted. 
If it were any other woman, he wouldn’t care what she did or didn’t tell her husband, but it seemed wrong not to tell his best friend something of this magnitude.
“I have something I want to talk to you about.”
Once again, he responded carefully. “Okay.”
“We never use a condom….”
“Oh!” He was startled but recovered quickly, stifling the thought of her with another man that wasn’t him or Liam. “I’m not sleeping with anyone but you, and I assumed you weren’t sleeping with anyone but me. However, we can start using them if you like.”
Her mouth made an o shape as she shook her head. “No! It’s not that… it’s just…. I’m not on birth control and I’m a few days late, so I took a pregnancy test. It was negative. But Liam caught me, so he knows.”
Relief surged through him that she was simply worried about getting pregnant. He gave her a reassuring smile as he drew her back into his arms. “Oh, you don’t have to worry about that either.”
Her brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“I mean—”
He was interrupted by the door to his office opening unexpectedly for the second time that day. “What the fuck?” He muttered under his breath as he turned toward the interloper.
The king of Cordonia stood in the doorway, gaping at them. “Are you fucking kidding me? It’s Drake? You’re sleeping with my best friend?”
Riley spun on him in fury. “Why do you care, Liam? You have Olivia!”
Liam’s gaze shifted to Drake. “Did you tell her that? Is that how she knows?”
Drake scoffed. “I didn’t have to tell her shit, Liam. She already knew. And no, I would not betray your confidence like that.”
“But you would sleep with my wife, right?”
Drake’s mouth fell open in incredulity. “She is in possession of a Cordonian Arrangement and you haven’t slept with her in a year and a half. How are you going to be upset by this?”
Liam’s eyes darted from one to the other and then a grin spread across his face. “Oh my God, this is fucking hilarious!” He threw his head back and chortled.
Riley’s ire spiked even higher. “What’s so goddamn funny, Liam?”
Face turning red as tears started streaming down it, Liam choked out between bellows, “Does he know why you’re sleeping with him?”
Some of the queen’s anger slipped away as confusion replaced it. “What do you mean?”
“Yeah, what do you mean?” Drake echoed her.
Liam took several heaving breaths before he could get his laughter under control. He directed his first remark to Drake. “She wants another baby.” Turning to Riley, he barely managed to get the words out before the gales of laughter were back. “He had a vasectomy six years ago.”
Both faces drained of color as they responded in unison, “What?”
Riley turned to Drake, anguish clear on her features. “Why didn’t you tell me you’d had a vasectomy?”
He shook his head in disbelief. “I would have if you’d told me that’s what this was all about! Having a baby is a massive thing, Riley! That’s something you should discuss with your partner!”
She blinked, completely taken aback. “I guess. But since we weren’t using any protection, I just assumed you were okay with the consequences…. shit!” She dropped her head into her hands, fighting the tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks.
Liam’s laughter spilled through the room again as he felt a weight lift from his chest. He’d spent the last hour worrying about a nonexistent problem. She wasn’t getting pregnant by anyone else.
At the sound of his laughter, all the anger flooded back in and Riley yelled at him. “I don’t know what’s so funny. It’s not like I can’t just find someone else!”
This time it was Liam and Drake that responded in unison. “What? No!”
With all of his laughter gone, Liam became serious as he reached an arm out toward her. “Riley. Be reasonable. Let’s discuss—”
Drake’s voice cut through the discussion, quiet and calm but resolute. “I’ll have a reversal.”
“What?” Riley felt the bottom drop out of her stomach.
Liam’s jaw clenched. “What the fuck, Drake?”
“I’m not talking to you, Your Majesty.” Drake pushed past Liam and pulled Riley back to him. He gently touched her chin and tipped her head back so he could look directly into her eyes as he told her, “I said that I’ll have the vasectomy reversed if that’s something you need. There’s no need to find anyone else. I’ll give you what you want.”
Joy surged through her as she reached up to caress his cheek, “Drake….”
“Just fucking great,” Liam muttered under his breath. Out loud, he said, “You said I had two days to decide.”
Drake glanced over her head at his best friend. “To decide what?”
“If I’m willing to give her a baby, allow someone else to, or grant her a divorce.”
Drake’s eyes flicked down to Riley’s face, then back again. “And you need two days to figure that out?”
“Spare me your judgments, Drake. Especially considering that you’re sleeping with my wife!”
“You don’t get to be outraged. You married her under false pretenses, and you’ve abandoned her emotionally. You do not have the high ground here. Especially after you promised me you’d make her happy. Remember that?”
Riley’s head swiveled between the two men. “What are you talking about?”
Drake sighed as he stepped away from her, rubbing his eyes. “After you two announced your engagement, I went to Liam and told him what happened between us and admitted I had feelings for you. But you were clearly in love with him. He promised me that you’d never regret marrying him, yet here we are.”
“You had feelings for me?”
He nodded.
“What didn’t you tell me?”
He scoffed. “What would have been the point, Riley? We all know you would have still accepted Liam’s proposal.”
“This is all very touching.” Liam cut in. “But you said two days, Riley. So no one schedules any medical procedures until this all gets sorted out.”
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dearreader · 4 months
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dear reader and the manuscript are both such poignant ends to each of their albums and say so much. like dear reader being the ending to what haunts taylor’s midnights is her fame and being to big and people not actually seeing the real her through it all and wishing people wouldn’t look up to her because she’s falling apart.
the manuscript talking about taylor’s first real heartbreak and how it affected her because before she was always treated like a child but he treated her like an adult and discussed a future and life together and then dumped her because she was so young and then as she moves through life she tries to date boys her own age but she can’t settle in because it’s not the same and she’s forever stuck on this relationship and has to write her way through it to help her close that chapter of her life and even now she’ll reread it and remember it but she knows it’s not her story anymore because she gave it away to people who have taken it and turned it into something personal for them and thus changed the meaning of that story so she’s hoping that we can change the meaning of the new album to from only focusing on paternity testing and into something we hold personally for ourselves and also heal in a way that she did from writing it.
it’s just… they’re both so poignant and feel so vulnerable, which isn’t saying much on an album full of taylor being brutally honest and being messy and ugly and showing herself, that it just ties both albums together on what the theme is and what taylor ended up doing with these records it what they became for her as she wrote the songs and the album started to come to life…
like it’s just so beautiful you know?
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yuseirra · 20 days
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Onk Chapter 159 review~
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(a small comic for starters :) either way, Ai will still kick his butt)
yes, I had been spoiled; yes, and I actually like it, as much as it leaves at a cliffhanger and leaves you in confusion(why is this comic always like this) The way it ends is indeed, quite shocking, isn't it? But I think I understand where it's coming from.
I honestly won't have a clue on just what this story is going to be unless it's not going to be like what I write here; If that's so, then I'll just sit back and just.. let the story run along after this~ I'm pretty confident, for now though!!
The development in this current episode aligns with the interpretation I initially had back when I hopped onto the series, right after 153-154. It feels like I've been reset XD
It's pretty good, right? It's entertaining and well done. There is no need to fuss whether "Kamiki is evil!!" or "He's the final boss!", at least not right now, that'd be determined in the following eps. but for now, I think I have an idea of what it's trying to convey.
He DOES look super evil in that last panel (I keep staring at it for how ridiculous he looks)but let's look into the things that are being discussed for now-
Judging by the reaction he has, Kamiki never stopped loving Ai. The reaction in chapter 154 and the current one can coexist as emotional responses.
But it seems that after Ai died, Kamiki did a lot.
It actually matches really well with the interpretation I made after reading chapter 154 for the first time! I mean this comic I drew. I thought I might have went a bit overboard with it for awhile, for Kamiki's actions after that chapter felt milder than that, but now that 159 is out, it... seems pretty similar.
Sometimes, the first answer you pick on a test is the correct one, right? I laughed...perhaps I should trust my initial feelings about things more...they may tend to be the most accurate.
He has this, "I'm already beyond hope now, I can't be saved" vibe to him. And I saw this coming all along, I kept wondering just what is it that he'd have done. It's been pretty vague except for that case with Yura, right? (To be honest, the one death that bothers me a lot is Gorou's. Did Nino and Ryosuke kill him?? Why did Gorou die?? I really hope Kamiki wasn't involved with that case because that leads to really weird sorts of conclusions... killing the doc that helped deliver his own children;;; I hope it's just Ryosuke and Nino that's played a part there)
Judging by how he reacts to Aqua, he does have paternal love, and Kamiki’s attitude towards his children is consistently kind and gentle. His way of speech is...I've been sent the leaks in another language right..; I can tell. He speaks in a really.. kind and gentle way. Even in that last panel as well. He's so tender with his way of speaking when he talks towards his kids, so much like the lyrics of Mephisto (how the song is like as it ends) I feel like he is, or at least used to be, a sweet person. Talking to his fully grown son like that.
It seems like he genuinely wants to watch his daughter's performance. I feel Kamiki cherishes and cares for Aqua and Ruby. As for whether he would go so far as to harm the children to save Ai... I think the chances of that are low. Ai’s judgment seems correct, and if Kamiki had married Ai and lived with her, he would have been a kind and gentle father to their children.
At the same time, though, he thinks it's too late to save himself now. The attitude he has feels like self-mockery or despair. He's a bit out of vigor, in my opinion(aside from that last panel).
The key is figuring out what exactly the "lies" he told was.
Judging by Aqua's reaction, Kamiki’s involvement in Ai’s death should be minimal. If it weren’t, there should be some anger connected to the mention of Ai’s name as Aqua brought it up. For example, "Ai trusted you until the end, she wanted you to help you, but you made her die!" Because it's very natural, right? If Kamiki killed the very person who wanted to help him, it's natural to bring that up as you mention the "help".
But that’s not the case. Instead, Aqua's reaction is something like, "I’m supposed to help you, as Ai said, but you’ve been telling this 'ugly lie for your own sake' so I can’t."
I think that, to evoke this kind of response, Kamiki must have done a lot after Ai’s death, thinking he was doing it for her, but deep down, he knew it was a lie he told himself all along, and Aqua is calling him out on it.
It doesn’t seem like Kamiki killed someone with the thought that "no one can outshine Ai" (that would be really stupid;;), but rather, that he made sacrifices because he wanted to save Ai or bring her back to life. In that case, what Aqua is saying here translates to: "Hey, would Ai have wanted that? That was a crazy thing you did for your own sake and pleasure, thinking 'Ai would want to live' or 'Ai would want to reunite with the kids in any way possible.' You know that's NOT what she has ever wanted, but you lied to yourself convincing it would all be okay as long as it came true. That makes you an ugly liar."
If Kamiki did kill someone, Aqua really should report him to the police instead of meeting one-on-one. Report him, for crying out loud! Why doesn't he do that in 155 and why doesn't he try to do it now, either? He just walks up to him and starts a conversation. Didn't he figure things out with Akane earlier? Can't they just turn those pieces of evidence they found to the police if they have them?
So... that's why I’m not sure if what Kamiki did actually involved killing someone... Maybe Aqua didn’t report it or he can't because there wasn’t enough evidence? Yura is dead, that's a fact, but well, we know now for sure that Kamiki did not play a part in Ryosuke's death(who cares about him but yeah), and if he isn't the one who's killed Gorou (the one who did it is Ryosuke and Nino is his acquaintance so I think there's low chance?;) Maybe he didn't kill Yura either. He says it's his fault but at this point, I don't think he's the one that's responsible for Ai's death. There is a reason I'm saying this, stay with me for a while, okay? But he's still done something that Aqua deems as a "selfish lie".. I just don't know how severe this guy can get and what he's done but I guess he's done some terrible things...
Moving on, I don't think this character would hurt Ruby or Aqua or anyone else at this point. (Although... who knows; if he feels like he has nothing to lose, he might...) It seems like he intended to end his life to offer as the final tribute, and Aqua came to stop him. (Like, Aqua came to him to "save him" on Ai''s behalf. He didn't say he's come to "punish him" for his misdeeds... so I think it's safe to say Aqua's come to save his butt) It might tie into the supernatural elements that pop up occasionally, like when Kamiki mentioned the "gods" in chapter 147 or talked about no longer needing to offer "sacrifices." There were many intriguing and important things mentioned in that chapter.
It seems like Kamiki thinks he’s done wrong, but he can’t stop himself from continuing on the path he was, so he wants his children to kill him or get revenge on him.
Nino is truly crazy... It's unhealthy to be fixated like that on just one single person... I don’t want to think too deeply about it because it’s not something I want to empathize with. I don’t wish to feel any pity. If I were to analyze it deeply, I could, but this is the kind of dark human psyche I don’t want to delve into because it takes energy and I don't feel it's that worth it. It's already been displayed so well in this chapter, and it's creepy and perfect as it is so I don't think it needs further explanation, she's just as I pictured her to be and even.. damp and scarier in eerily realistic ways.
If I were Ai, I’d grab Nino by the collar and ask, "Nino-chan, Why are you doing this to me? Why are you like this? What did I ever do to deserve this?" what the heck...poor Ai. it's too much. She's scary.
Ryosuke is out of his mind, and what has Ichigo been doing all this time if he knew something?... Perhaps he needed solid evidence and wished to catch her when she took action? But...; I really wish Ichigo did better when Ai was still alive if he knew what was going about with Nino and Ryosuke and Ai......
So, was Kamiki the one who made Ryosuke and Nino "that way"...(as in, hopelessly insane about Ai)?
No, that's not how it's going to go.
Looking at his past, there’s no big reason or motive for Kamiki to have done something like that and I don't think he could have coerced them to feel that way about Ai, they brought it upon themselves; (Honestly, I'm curious, what’s the connection between him and Nino and Ryosuke? At this point, I feel like they did not have any particular connection before Ai's death, at this point)
Kamiki clearly recognizes that Ai is just a normal girl who has cruel and selfish sides (this is a strong difference from Nino and Ryosuke). I'm not sure when he formed that idea, but he is at least aware of that, as he's doing whatever he's been doing.
That means, if Kamiki decided to take some extreme actions "for Ai", it wouldn’t have been because of some superficial motive like wanting Ai to be perfect or the best idol(Ryosuke and Nino's actions fall here) . Instead, it would have stemmed from a more practical desire, like wanting Ai to come back or get closer to her. For Kamiki, Ai isn’t a fantasy; she’s real. She’s a person he loves. That’s why the song Mephisto and Fatal suits him. Kamiki doesn’t need Ai to be an invincible idol; he just wants the person he loves to be alive.
So, tying it into the theme of this manga, I come to the conclusion that:
It wasn’t a single person like Kamiki who made Ryosuke and Nino the way they are, but rather, the public’s expectations of Ai.
This connects to the story explored in the movie arc, where people expected Ai to be the invincible idol, leading her to lie and conceal her weak self completely.
If my interpretation is correct... this is where the story is heading.
From the start, there was no such thing as an evil mastermind or anything like that. What happened to Ai was always the result of a fan’s twisted desire for their idol to be flawless, and the public's expectation of idols reinforcing such a behavior.
In reality, it’s Ryousuke and Nino who are insane, but the culture or fervor that creates such crazy people isn’t entirely absent in this world. That seems to be the point being made.
I mentioned this in a previous post: (it's paraphrased and condensed)
"But more than that, I think the main focus of this work and the message it's trying to give is: "Even celebrities are just people in the end"... Ultimately, that's it."
This is... probably it.
If you look at it that way, Kamiki is someone who was separated from the person he loved due to such malice (if Ai and Kamiki weren’t celebrities, they would have stayed together after having the kids and lived happily... What made Kamiki’s life miserable, and brought Ai to believe it'd hurt him less if she broke up with him was the dark side of the entertainment industry. After all, the pain he went through in his entertainment career was too much, and even afterward, they couldn’t reunite despite their feelings for each other because Ai was too successful as an idol. I think that’s why they couldn’t be together). In that sense, Kamiki is almost like the biggest victim of the entertainment industry in the story because not only did he suffer from it all his life, he ultimately lost the very person he loved because of it. Ai was an idol, so there was social pressure and expectations that she shouldn’t have kids or a boyfriend. That’s why they couldn’t stay together...
Kamiki, having his life destroyed by the dark side of the entertainment industry, and upon he lost the one person he loved, Ai, ended up doing a lot of things in desperation to bring her back and see her again. That’s what's going on about in the songs Fatal and Mephisto.
We haven’t seen exactly what he's been doing in the story, but I think the songs fill that narrative. "The gathering of light"... "finding things to fill in what's missing"...
Kamiki just wants to see Ai again. He wants to see her, but he doesn’t think Ai would love him or want to meet him, so he wished for her to come back to life, and when that didn’t work, he tried to get closer to her himself.
His true feelings were that he loved Ai sincerely and only had eyes for her.
But if what he did involve needing someone else’s life to achieve that goal (and the songs do suggest that...), that’s terrifying. Lol
Ai wanted Kamiki to be saved... If there really is a sliver of chance of such things to be a possibility, what he's done should not be that extreme. Kamiki does seem to think he's beyond saving, though.
I made an analysis earlier that he may be lying to appear as evil as he can be to persuade Aqua into believing he should just die there, and that he isn't worth saving... this was before I saw the actual images, but that could be the case too. if he's really planning to give himself away as a sacrifice of some sort or die to bring Ai back/reach her, then I guess it'd make sense for him to appear as menacing and horrible as possible so that his boy wouldn't have to care about him. He IS a liar and he IS a genius actor. He wants to do something for Ai, and I think that still stands. He said he'd do it in 155 - if that means it takes his life to do so, he'd still, definitely go through with it.
We’ll probably find out what he did all along within the next 10 chapters. I also think that the manga now needs to address the stars and the gods;; The idea that Ai became a star was mentioned directly, and Tsukuyomi was also brought up. The stars were beautifully shining during the B-Komachi concert, right? It feels like Ai is giving her blessing. If my guesses about this series is correct, Kamiki should mention stuff along the lines of the supernatural when talking about his motives. I think Kamiki tried to bring Ai back to life. If he hadn’t had that hope, I feel he would have followed Ai long ago. He doesn’t seem particularly attached to his own life. That means there must have been something that gave him that sort of hope. The songs imply something like it. It's made Kamiki believe Ai could come back to life...
I wonder if Kamiki can be saved. The fact that Aqua even brought the idea of helping the guy may mean there still might be a chance. Otherwise, Aqua would just throw him in jail; there’d be no point in talking to him like this, even if it's Ai's wish. Impossible things are still impossible.
But it’s true that Kamiki really fell apart after Ai died. Whether he’s just a pitiful guy or a victim who became a perpetrator (the latter seems more likely...sadly), we’ll have to wait and see.
To be continued, I guess.
That character’s life was truly miserable, but if he ruined other people’s lives, then he should still be punished for that.
Still, In the end, it seems like everything will turn out as Ai wanted, so I’m looking forward to seeing how much Aqua can fulfill Ai’s wishes.
It was a good chapter! :)
Come to think of it, in my analysis of Ai (this was written wayy back in June, when ch 152 was fresh) , I wrote something like this:
Ai didn't want to get back together with her ex because she wanted to continue being an idol. She couldn't have a public relationship. But I think she wanted to show her kids to him because she gained a little bit of courage while raising them. That she could show her real self. When you look at a Ai, you can infer she has a lot welled up. They had always hidden themselves, and now they have "secrets" that are not just their own, living, that grow with time. She's always had vicious circle that led to self-hatred from all the lies she'd been creating, which led to anger and stress…and it was this close to being let out through the movie. Maybe that's why Aqua believes making movies is for her. It's to fulfill her desire to be freed from the lies.
This might have hit the mark. The reason it has to be a movie is because of this… if it was only Kamiki, he could have just been shown the video Ai left, but-
Aqua’s “revenge” has to be fulfilled through a movie because Ai’s situation was caused by the public’s perception of her.
If people had accepted the real Ai as a person, twisted individuals like Ryosuke wouldn’t have appeared, and Ai wouldn’t have had to lie to the person she so dearly wanted to love. If… If only Ai had survived, I think Kamiki could have reunited with her after the movie was released. Because people would have understood and accepted their circumstances. Ai would never have had to die because she had children - for being imperfect and human, as she is.
This is not a story about a psychopathic murderer getting back at his ex-girlfriend or just one crazy fan attacking their idol, it's tackling a much bigger theme than that.
So no, this isn't going to be about Kamiki being the crazy mastermind, quite the contrary. He's the one who's lost his beloved due to a societal belief that idols have to be perfect and flawless. He's the one who desperately wants to get her back after having lost her.
When I think about it, it’s really heartbreaking. Ai and Kamiki could have been happy, for sure. They really could have had it weren't it for this, I feel.
The public isn’t always so cold, so I think Ai might have wanted to take that risk…
++ Oh, wow… Aqua showed up wearing the exact outfit from the Mephisto video!
Then, if my thoughts are correct, the next chapter, or at least within a few chapters, should reveal more about the Fatal/Mephisto storyline in the series. Those songs aren’t Aqua’s, they’re Kamiki’s.
+++ Didn't mention but Kamiki looks even younger than Aqua in that last panel, he looks kinda adorable in a very freaky way. Ai didn't mention his looks for nothing.. he still has it over the age of thirty...
yeah, I'll believe in him for just a little longer. I really hope the next chapter continues where it left off and just TELL US what he's been up to for once. This chapter is 159 so I guess it'd be the last ep of a volume, Yeah, that'd definitely make people wish to buy the next copy
but I really want answers at this point, stop the taunts.
If Mephisto and Fatal ain't the story of this guy then tbh, nothing would make sense to me about this guy nor the story. Aside from the fact that it matches his characteristics and lores in a perfect sense, it's just a really strong hunch I get. The moment I first heard Fatal, I knew it had to be it. I can't explain how it happens but I just know what it's supposed to imply. So there!
Till next week!
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