#perhaps I’ll be back soon to find some cool movie gifs lol

[wrenreid]

Off Limits

Content warnings: mentions of unwanted touching, classic douchebag guy

Part Nine

So perhaps my crush on Spencer has come back. Okay, my crush on Spencer has definitely come back. But it’s suppressible. It’s manageable. Which is a good thing because he’s coming over tonight.

I’m going out with CeCe and some others later tonight, and Spencer’s going to babysit Jack. Dad has decided he needs a Friday night to himself and whiskey at the bar or he’ll go insane.

Our paths will cross, even though briefly, and I need to not show him I like him. It’ll be weird. But I have some time until said crossing of paths.

It’s only 11am right now, and I’m sitting on the couch, watching Spider-man with Jack (and thirsting over Andrew Garfield.) Dad is doing some paperwork or whatever it is he does in his home office, staring down at files with an exhausted expression written all over his face.

Spring break is ending soon, but I’d rather not think about it. Honestly, I’ve been debating on finishing the semester out online. I’ve been wanting to transfer to Georgetown here in DC anyway, but I haven’t mentioned it to Dad. He’d get too excited, and I wouldn’t want to let him down if I decided to stay in New York.

I just think it could be good for him and for Jack for me to be close. And for me too. I miss them and living at home would save me a lot of money. It would keep Aunt Jessica from having to be his nanny all the time. Really, me moving back is sensible. And it’s not like I hate it here. Sure, me and Dad but heads and I hate being controlled like he tries to do, but he’s trying to change and I’ll mature even more eventually.

“It would be so cool to swing from buildings,” Jack proclaims, pulling me away from my thoughts.

“Hell no,” I say, shaking my head. “Heights are scary.”

“Not if you had spidey senses.”

“I don’t know, Jack Jack. I think I’d still be scared sh- poopless.”

My little brother laughs at my choice of words then turns his attention back to Peter Parker on the screen.

I like when he watches the live action versions of superhero movies rather than the cartoons, and not because the actors are always hot. I find them more relatable and appealing. But also because the actors are always hot. I mean have you seen Robert Downey Jr?

We continue to watch the movie, and Peter Parker’s brilliance and nerdiness remakes Spencer pop into my mind. Which makes me annoyed because since the last time I saw him, two days ago, I’ve thought about him at least 25 times. I cannot be turning back into 17 year old me.

Dad has surprisingly not lectured me about going out tonight, but it’s not like I’m going to another party to drink. Sometimes he acts like I’m this wild child that parties every night and does drugs. Which isn’t the case at all. I’ve never even smoked weed. I almost did one time then I was convinced my dad would smell it on me when I went back home, even if it was going to be another two weeks. Anyway, since his promise to chill the fuck out, he hasn’t said much of anything about me going out. I appreciate it.

I’m hoping that if I do decide to stay here in DC, that we will create a system. One where I can hang out with friends and party as long as I’m responsible and continue my school work, which there’s absolutely no chance that I would ever sacrifice my career. I’m too much like him. One where he can go out and take a break when he needs to, and I can be here for Jack.

The time finally passes, and I start getting ready for our hangout. I’m going out with CeCe and the guy she’s talking to I suppose. They’re not officially, but they’re not seeing anyone other than each other. Anyway, he’s bringing his friend he met from college. I’ve never met his friend, but CeCe introduced me to Jacob a couple of months ago.

I slip into a little green dress and chunky white heels. It’s just a casual get together, and I have no idea why I’m dressing to impress some guy I don’t even know, but here I am, applying my eyeliner carefully so that it looks perfect. Subconsciously, I know I’m trying to impress this guy so that he can help me get over Spencer. It’s wrong, and I’m not proud, but I’m not ashamed enough to not do it.

Jack is sitting in the floor of his room, playing on the rug with little roads and houses on it for him to drive his toy trucks. I check in on him a few times to make sure he’s okay while I get ready.

“Jade?” I hear from downstairs.

I recognize Spencer’s voice the millisecond my name releases his lips. I like the way it sounds…

He still has the key from when he stayed with Jack and I.

“Upstairs,” I call back.

A few minutes later, I head down the stairs to see Jack already with Spencer. He looks up from the couch, and I swear his face turns a shade of red that almost makes me melt into a puddle in front of the door.

“W- wow,” he whispers.

I blush and move my hair from my face. “What?” I play dumb, biting my lip softly.

I have no idea what’s going on here, but I can physically feel whatever it is.

“Your dress is pretty,” he says with a soft smile.

“Yeah?” I smile, looking down at myself with a little side to side twirl, my dress flowing with each movement. “I-is there anything you need before I go?”

Spencer shakes his head. “No.”

“Call me if you end up thinking of something,” I say then grab my wristlet and phone before leaving the apartment.

“Holy shit, Jade, you look gorgeous,” CeCe grins, grabbing my hips to look me up and down.

“What this?” I shrug, pretending as if I didn’t spend 45 minutes getting ready.

“Justin is going to love you,” she wiggled her eyebrows.

“So what’s the plan exactly?” I ask.

“It’s just casual. Movie and popcorn,” CeCe says, grabbing my hand and leading me into her apartment.

Jacob and his friend, Justin, are sitting on her couch, talking when we walk up to them.

“You must be Jade,” Justin stands up, offering his hand to me.

I take it, looking to CeCe with a grin that silently says “What a gentleman.”

The four of us sit down for the movie. I honestly am convinced that CeCe let them pick a boring one just for the purpose of making out because while Justin and I suffer through the plotless film, Jacob’s tongue is down her throat.

“Hey why don’t we get some drinks?” Justin asks. “Do you have any?”

“Unfortunately, no,” CeCe frowns. “But we could go get some.” She looks to me, and I nod gently.

“Sure why not,” Jacob hops up, offering to go with her.

I press my lips together, but decide it’s fine for the two of them to go grab some drinks. It’ll give me the opportunity to get to know Justin. Hell, maybe CeCe’s boy toy’s friend will end up being my boy toy… well, not boy toy in the sense that Jacob is to Ce.

My initial thought was deemed idiotic as I stand on the porch, tears streaming down my face as the phone in my hand rings twice before the voice finally answers.

“Dr. Reid speaking,” he says into the phone, and if I wasn’t in tears I would think it was kind of cute the way he picked up.

“Hey,” I say with a timid voice.

“Jade?” Spencer asks just as I was about to tell him it was me calling.

“Yeah. Can I ask you a favor? I can’t call my dad.”

His voice is hesitant and curious when he asks, “What do you need?”

I take a deep breath, closing my eyes for a moment. “I was in a bad situation, and I need a ride home.”

“Are you hurt?” Spencer asks worriedly.

“No. I’m fine. And you really don’t have to, I just didn’t know who else to-“

“I’m coming.”

A faint, small smile creeps up onto my lips. “I’ll send you the address.”

“Thank you, Spencer,” I say gratefully, buckling my seatbelt. “Dad would’ve interrogated me and flipped shit if I told him what happened. I’m thinking maybe I should start driving myself everywhere since I’ve had to make you my uber.” I laugh softly.

“I don’t mind,” he tells me and sounds like he’s being honest. “I won’t interrogate you, but if you want to talk about what happened, you can. You look like you’ve been crying.”

Well, he sure doesn’t sugarcoat his observations. I guess I shouldn’t have expected him to. He is Spencer after all.

“You promise you won’t tell my dad?”

“As long as there was no murder involved, then yes I promise,” he says. I’m not sure if he’s joking.

“It’s nothing serious like that.” I take a breath. “I was with one of my friends and this guy she’s sort of dating. He brought a friend, so we could all hang out. We went to her place, and my friend and her boyfriend - whatever he is - went to the store to get some beer. The guy kissed me after we were talking a little, and I let him. A-and it kept going until he started touching me. I didn’t pull away because I wouldn’t have anywhere to go, and we’d just sit there awkwardly if I did. He put his hand up my dress, and I finally told him to stop. I had to say it twice. And he didn’t get angry per-say, but he seemed annoyed and said he didn’t realize I “was one of those stuck up, prissy bitches.” Word for word… anyway, I just wanted to get out of there.”

Spencer takes his eyes off the road and moves them to me for a moment. “Jade, I’m so sorry. He sounds like a real douchebag. You shouldn’t have had to go through that.”

I shrug slightly, moving my hair from my face. “It’s fine I guess. It could’ve been worse.”

“That doesn’t make it okay,” Spencer states.

“You’re right,” I say with a nod. “Things like that happen sometimes. Usually it’s just kissing when I haven’t shown any interest, and they’ll stop when I say to. I just kind of freaked out when his hand touched my lower stomach. I mean, I didn’t exactly want my first time to be with some dude I’d just met. Of course, I don’t judge people who do that. It’s just not for me. Seems awkward…” My eyes widen when I realize that not only am I rambling nervously, but I also just admitted to a guy I find extremely attractive that I’m a virgin.

ten

tags: @pauline5525mgg @theintimatewriter @lilibet261 @greysviolets @jazzymariexoxoc @one-sweet-gubler @thatsonezesty13 @necromaniackat @awhoreforspencerreid @sebs-oxygen @scarredelirium @bts-sugaplum @awesomeness1679 @preciousbabypeter @yazzyu @cynbx @r3idsp3ncer @1010lizz @tiredbut-here @skulzombiw @lena-1895 <3

[alldayangst]

lovebug (Tom Holland)

GIF is from gaybuckybarnes here on Tumblr. You can access my masterlist here. This was written for @worldoftom’s lolbrosgetsicktoochallenge. The prompt I had was: ‘Tom self diagnoses himself as sick. He’s got all the symptoms. He’s speechless, over the edge and just breathless. He never thought he’d get hit by the ‘love-bug’ again’. Inspired by the song Lovebug by Jonas Brothers!

A/N: Y/N is an assistant director on Cherry in this fic. This has a lot of Cherry (the movie) references but most are explained if you haven’t seen the film. Such as, it was filmed in Cleveland and Morocco, directed by Joe and Anthony Russo. Some scenes in this fic borrow from the movie & I’ve linked clips from the film if you’d like to listen/watch along. WC: 4K.

“Yeah, Mum, I’ve just got like the sorest throat at the moment.” Nikki’s picture cuts in and out on a scrambled screen on the South side of London, her husband’s hand periodically reaching out for her, rubbing her shoulder, then leaving the frame almost as quickly as it came in. Even through the low quality, the pixels dashing about his screen, Tom can make out his mother’s brows knitting together and can’t remove the feeling of utter guilt when he sees her grow redder and redder out of anger, concern and confusion for her son. “But I’ve got Harry here with me.” Harry waves from behind his brother, his trusty mug swapped for a Phoenix Coffee Cup in his spare hand, just to get a taste of the States.

Tom reckons that's why he’s sick. He barely drinks coffee on the other side of the pond, and would bet good money that an at home PG Tips would beat America’s swankiest coffee joint any day. But now, he’s betrayed his usual routine and his body’s all out of whack and his throat is hoarse, he’s breathless even at times.

Harry shoots his mum a half smile to comfort her, but he doesn’t know what it's like to be a mother, and his and Tom’s mouth both form an ‘O’ when Nikki begins to type so hard her screen jolts and Tom swears she’s put a dent in it. “You know what? I’m going to give them a piece of my mind, Tom! They’re overworking you!” Nikki looks intensely to find her baby boy in drug-addled eyes and his jungle of curls on his newly shaven head. She guesses it becomes easier when Tom pushes his face halfway into the screen and pleads like the child he’ll always be to her, “Please, please Mum! I can’t have any days off. Under any circumstances, I need to finish this film!”

Tom turns to his younger brother for help. “Tell her, Harry!”

And as little brothers do best, Harry spills the beans as soon as Tom’s phone is in clutch. “Tom��s fallen in love with the first A.D., Y/N.”

Nikki immediately loses her frown, knowing how love can knock Tom off his feet and blow all the wind out of him. Tom’s father, Dom, re-enters the frame to match Nikki’s grin. He never misses an opportunity to tease. “Oo, caught a case of the love bug, have you?”

Harry has to whip the phone around to dodge Tom’s protesting arms reaching for it again. “Don’t listen to Harry. I’m not in love. I just like Y/N.”

“A lot.” Harry mutters. Tom’s family doesn’t budge any further, knowing how bad Tom was hurt after his last relationship. They weren't sure when the love bug would come back to bite him again. So after they all shared a knowing look, Harry handed Tom his phone back. “I’ll keep you updated. Bye, Mum.”

It all started five weeks ago. Tom, at 24, was beginning to feel like love was trudging up a high hill he couldn’t come down from, where every beat of heart was feeling like an ache on an open wound.  Tom had yet to meet a lover to prove distance makes the heart grow fonder, finding himself in six month long entanglements and illusions of love before things inevitably went sour.

He’d say, perhaps, you were the closest thing to the real deal. The problem was, he didn’t know if you liked him back.

“When life was beginning, I saw -”

“When life was-”

“When life was be-fuck!”

“When life was beginning, I saw you.”

Tom could make a picture book out of the day he first met you. He remembers how your hair looked that day, the speckles of genuinity in your eyes, how your ear-to-ear smile seemed to be a mirror because every time he saw you from then on, he brandished the same beam. He recalls how his eyes went low as he dropped his script to his lap and stared at your lips, so soft and kissable, as you repeated his words back to him: “When life was beginning, I saw you.” Then you chuckled softly as Tom waited patiently for his head and his heart to return to him.

“I’m sorry. I’m dyslexic. I have a bit of trouble reading.”

“It’s cool, I'm the first A.D. That’s what I’m here for.”

You rubbed your hands on the back of your trousers, your mic jostling in your back pocket as you attempted to rid yourself of your nervous, sweaty palms.

“I’m Y/N.” You reached out for a shake only for Tom to cough loudly into his own hand. 

“Fuck! I’m so sorry! That wasn’t me trying to get out of your handshake. I- I-.” Tom looked at his hand for it had failed him for the first time in his life. His hand that had helped him up during handstands, being his crutch through cartwheels and backflips, but had decidedly run out of luck to be on the receiving end of Tom’s monstrous cough impending a handshake with someone his eyes just couldn’t look away from.

You laugh again. Your laugh sounds like melody, Tom muses. Awestruck, he wishes he could play it again, repeat it like a radio hit and never wash himself of the feeling he got when he heard your laugh for the first time.

“It’s all good. I’ll see you around.” You disappear from his trailer, likely on a venture to your own, when Joe and Anthony block his view of you walking away.

Anthony and Joe take on the ghost of you in Tom’s room, “Tom! The man, the myth and the legend!” Joe comes behind him to rub his newly hairless head. “We’re so glad you agreed to do this movie!” 

“Bummed that you’re not coming to the Browns game tonight, though.” Anthony remarks, throwing a football at Joe who sets it in his lap.

“Harry and I, we’re British, mate. We play football with our feet.”

Joe doesn’t know it then, but his next words are the beginning of the end for Tom. He rubs on his football and looks Tom in his eye when he poses, “It’s a shame ‘cause the whole crew’s going. First day of filming celebrations.”

“The whole crew?”

Anthony mumbles an ‘mhm’ as he picks up a framed photo of Tom and RDJ sitting pretty on Tom’s dresser, posing like father and son.

Tom’s usually self assured when he’s on set, but he’s hesitant to say this next improvised line. His voice trails off as he speaks. “Including Y/N?”

“Y/N?” Joe queries, with a smile that’s half scary and half comforting, and the butterflies in Tom’s stomach are begging him not to fuck this up and suddenly every second a word is not spoken feels like hours have passed and he might have ruined things before they’ve even started, gosh he just met you and-

Tom tries to play it cool. “I don’t- they’re cool.” Tom coughs again. “I mean, I don’t really know them but Y/N seems cool I guess.”

Anthony and Joe smile at each other, scrambling to exit. “Whole crew’s going, baby!” Joe beams.

“Please don’t tell Y/N I asked!” Tom shouts before they’re out of earshot.

“Yeah, yeah. Anthony, go long!”

A few hours later, Tom was sitting next to an unamused Harry, you on his left, foam fingers pointing every which way. 

“Are you a big football fan?” Tom asked, imposter syndrome creeping up on him. He had the best seats in the house, but knew not a thing about this sport he’d come down to watch. Meanwhile, crew and crowd alike sat themselves around you guys, cheering leaving throats raw for days to come and a tussle for a foam finger between Joe and Anthony leading to hundreds of sugary popcorn shells scattered on the stadium floor.

“I mean, I wouldn’t ever turn down the option to look at Odell Beckham Jr. Are you?” you replied.

Tom looked over to his brother who sat with his chin in his hand, lips pulled into a thin straight line as his rusty curls were blown about from the wind of brown and orange flags flown from fans behind him. “We could learn to love it.” Tom flashed you a toothy grin, unsure of where to guide the conversation next. He knew for sure that he wanted to keep talking to you, but his ego began putting up a fight, eager to show himself off if you’d have him in any way. Tom sighed. “Truth is, we have no fucking clue what’s going on.” Tom could hear the commentary about a player reaching the end zone, but they were all just words that went into one ear then came straight out of the other.

You giggled. “I have no idea either. We could make up our own rules if you want.”

Tom likes the way you think. He also likes the way you speak. He loves the way you laugh.

“You have a beautiful laugh.” 

You covered your mouth. “Oh, fuck, I hate my laugh!”

“I’d make you laugh a thousand times if I could.”

You pointed to the jumbo screen as Mayfield made a touchdown, unable to stop laughing from sheer nerves as you felt Tom’s hot, burning haze on you. An advert for Cleveland’s Own Phoenix Coffee flashed on the screen as you spoke. “We’ll make our own rules. Every time we see the quarterback pick up the ball, we’ll cheer.”

By the end of the night, Tom is speechless, breathless and over the edge of his chair in faux excitement and anticipation of the quarterback receiving the ball once again. 

“Another coffee?” The service worker asked.

“Yes please!” You and Tom both say in unison, pumped as the quarterback began circling around to collect the ball in open arms.

The footage of the game is cut abruptly as the camera points to a confused, solo Harry; Anthony and Joe are seen at the edge of the frame whispering suggestively and pointing towards Tom, the camera eventually capturing the superstar who looks back up at his own reflection. Poorly green screened hearts flood the screen and the camera pans to include you in the frame too. Tom looks on in horror when he realises what’s going on and how it could be too late, and turns to you.

“I promise I didn’t know this was going on. We don’t have to.” Tom panics. 

You hear him loud and clear, that you don’t have to, but your heart and eleven thousand people are telling you to kiss him otherwise. “Oh well. We should just do it.” you murmur, the bright pink ‘KISSCAM’ logo flashing in and out.

It doesn’t take more than a moment for the gap between you and Tom to close, for your face to get lost behind his, his lips pressing against yours, eyes closed, trusting each other to share your air. This was probably the first thing that night worth cheering for, howls and whistles erupting around you. 

Tom doesn’t understand American football, but he thinks that the best seats in the house could be anywhere next to you.

Harry’s on the phone to his twin brother, Sam, when you and the rest of the crew make it back to the hotel later on. “-Yeah, and Tom spent half the night with the first A.D. cheering and screaming at fuck all.”

The Cleveland Browns lost that night, but Tom remains none the wiser. He stood in the doorway as Harry continued to relay his day to Sam. “Oh, and Tom, Mum said to give her a call, eavesdropper.” He flicks Tom’s reddening nose before closing the door.

A week and a half later, Tom reckons that's why he’s sick. He never has the time anymore to attend ‘real’ football games back home, and he actually understands the game back in Britain. But now, he’s cheered at almost every given opportunity to impress you stupidly, and his chest and voice is suffering as a consequence.

You and Tom walked onto set with your pinkies intertwined, growing closer and closer by the minute, but Tom doesn’t miss how Ciara’s boyfriend visits set every day for her, doesn’t miss how they rub their nose together in this lovey-dovey affection he wishes he could bestow upon you.

The scene wasn’t working.

The crew was beginning to grow restless and Tom silently became more frustrated as the minutes went by and he was unable to get his lines right. He remembers how a week ago, it felt so easy. You were there to correct him when he stumbled upon his lines and you picked him up so effortlessly, a twinkling smile on your face. But then? Then you were different. Your eyes were scrunched up behind the lens of the camera and you were mumbling something to Anthony about how the sun was due to go down in Ohio soon so you needed to hurry along.

“Alright.” you announced. “Take five!”

And Tom was thankful, Ciara perched upon a swing for the scene they were filming, Tom dwindling the rope of the swing under his finger as her boyfriend approached her once again. “Hey dude, are you okay?”

Ciara looked at Tom with the same concern, hands finding home in her boyfriend’s nest of hair. “Yeah, Tom, are you okay?”

Tom coughed into his hand. “Yeah, guys, I’m good.”

“I think you’re coming down with a nasty cough.” Ciara muttered.

“Yeah. It’s you guys. You’re too cute. You make me sick.” Tom laughed humourlessly for a short while, wanting to be that adorable with someone, maybe not anyone, maybe just with you someday. Then Tom shook his head, a bitter feeling in his throat as he yawned. “It’s the Browns game. I was yelling and screaming every time a quarterback got the ball. Of course I’m a little unwell. I’ll be good as new in a few days though.”

Ciara already knew Tom wasn’t playing a man with the healthiest of habits, but she worried that Tom was getting this bad this early. “Maybe you should talk to the first A.D. about reducing shoot days from five to three?”

Tom didn’t like the prospect of seeing you less. “Yeah.” Harry had a clapperboard between his hands, leading Tom’s eyebrows to furrow as his brother yelled something about it being take 13. “Maybe.” 

Harry resumed to a new position in your chair, with you taking Harry’s place right across from Tom, a coffee waiting for him when the scene was over like Harry always did. Ciara’s boyfriend left the frame to watch supportively on the sidelines.

“Lights. Camera. Action!” Anthony called. “Time is money, you guys! Let’s try to get this one right this time.” 

They’d been over this already twelve times today.

“Hey, I’m really happy you’re here.”

Ciara read her line back. “Why’s that?” 

Tom could hear whispers of the crew, the sound guy glaring at them in case they were picked up in the scene, and he knew it had something to do with the fact that he couldn’t for some reason get the next line out all day. And that reason, unbeknownst to everyone, was because Tom couldn’t say something he didn’t mean - feeling like his heart was locked in a cage for which only you had the key. He looked past his co-star, Ciara, and up at you; feeling so close but you were far away, leaving him all day without anything to say. And overcoming his speechlessness and breathlessness, even in just that moment, he ran his hand over the rope to say, “Cause I like you. A lot.”

Ciara and the rest of the crew broke into a wide smile once Tom finally spoke his next line, but the only person Tom was focused on was you, who wasn’t smiling, but mouthing his words back to him.

Ciara breathed, “Shut up.”

And Tom’s sure to look you in the eye when he says, “I really do.”

When the filming for the day is said and done, Tom makes a beeline for you across the greenery. You hand over his coffee to him, “It’s a little cold now, but a warm hand is holding it.”

Tom quirks an eyebrow. “Are you inviting me to hold your hand?”

“Don’t push your luck.”

“You swapped jobs with Harry, I saw.”

“Yeah, well. It’s good he gets to grips with the job now. You know, in case anything changes.” You pulled your phone out of your pocket. “I should probably give you my number. In case anything changes.”

“Oh no, yeah. Your number is?”

“216-XXX-XXX. Speaking of changes, I heard you’re trying to get your days reduced.”

“You were eavesdropping?” Tom looks at your face that bears no trace of guilt. “You’re just like me!” He pulls you close.

“Tom, if what happened today is because you’re working too much, I’m happy to reduce your time.”

“Nah, nah.” Tom sniffles, rubbing his nose on a jacket probably worth more than your life. “I’m just a bit sick, s’all. I’ll be fine.”

Two weeks pass and Tom’s no better. With the Cleveland game nearly a month ago, Tom has nothing to blame and as first A.D., you’re obligated to reduce his hours. Tom’s on the phone with his mother when you approach his trailer. 

“Don’t listen to Harry. I’m not in love. I just like Y/N.”

“A lot. I’ll keep you updated. Bye, Mum.” 

You’re so quick to skip happily back to your trailer that you miss Harry calling out to his brother, he’s his protector now that his mother was countries apart. “Tom?” Harry starts.

Tom mumbles an ‘mhm’, hoping Harry would make it quick as he sees you FaceTiming him. If only his mother could see him like this. He’d get to call her tomorrow and tell her he’d called you for the first time yesterday, he could hardly wait to utter, 'I've finally found the missing part of me’. Harry sighs as the FaceTime ringing is relentless. Tom’s eyebrows threaten to meet in the middle of his face as he clutches onto his phone.

“Tom.” Harry begins. “Y/N is giving up assistant director.”

Tom’s really not sure where Harry gets the source of his information from, but he’s sure this isn’t true. He thinks you’d tell him before his brother if you were leaving the film behind, leaving him behind.

The film is due to move filming to Morocco soon, and Tom’s well aware that not all film crew joins them when production moves abroad, but to Tom, you’re an extension of this movie universe. And Tom refuses to leave the memories of you in this filming cycle. “How’d you know?”

“I’m taking over.” Tom’s screen lights up with the glow of your call, and as bright as it is, as bright as you are, as bright as your smile surely is on the other end of the phone call, Tom’s in his deepest darkest feelings wondering how he fooled himself into thinking romance could go right for him this time. 

He’s going to Morocco. You’re not. You’re funny, smart, promising, beautiful. You’ll find someone good for you, a better pair by the time he’s back.

“That doesn’t mean it won’t work out, man.” Tom sulks in his bed, the light from your constant calls bleeding through his bed sheets. “I just wanted to warn you.” Tom nods, screaming into his pillow. Harry decides that’s his cue to leave, a glimmer of light from outside seeping through the crack of the door as Harry escorts himself. Tom musters all his might and courage to reluctantly answer your phone, the ear-to-ear grin he knows so well greeting him once again.

Suddenly, he forgot how to speak. Hopeless, breathless, couldn’t you see that?

“Tom?” You call out his name a few times before cutting straight to the point. “Do you like me?”

Tom shifts slightly but not enough to show that he’s alarmed. “Huh? Yeah, I like you.”

He sits up, but doesn’t reciprocate the outrageous smile you wear like a heart on your sleeve. Tom’s eyes are sunken, dark circles forming under his eyes where he and his disturbed character become one. You suddenly remember why you shouldn’t have run away so fast, perhaps Tom was overworking himself. He continues, “But I’m an emotionally unavailable hopeless romantic. So I wouldn’t waste your time on me.”

Tom can’t help the hurt in his heart when he sees your smile drop so suddenly, knowing it was earnest. “Tom, what are you saying?”

“I’m saying, life is unfair. And I’m gonna quit while I’m ahead. We wouldn’t work out. And I like our friendship now. We should stay that way.”

You’re not convincing when you nod rapidly, not letting Tom see your face as you play with your fingers to avoid his gaze. “Yeah, I agree.” You’re much less convincing when the last frame Tom caught of you was a shot of tears dripping down your face, as three rings followed you. Tom’s screen went black in your absence, and Tom falls asleep with eyes even redder from crying, and he wonders when he’s gonna shake this sickness.

It’d been a few days since Tom had got his shots to allow him to go to Morocco. He sat opposite the doctor on set, a coffee cup placed on the desk between him.

Tom reckons that's why he’s sick. Shots always have their side effects, and he’d taken multiple shots in one day. And now, he specifically asked for you to hold his hand during the process, Harry branded in a glinting jaw-drop, only for you to leave directly after. 

“I’m speechless, constantly feeling over the edge, breathless.” Tom explains his symptoms to the doctor. “At first I thought it was because of that stupid football game, then all the coffee I’m drinking, now I don’t know if it’s the shots. I feel like shit, doc.”

“I know exactly what you’re dealing with.”

“What?”

“Lovebug.”

Tom stares at the doctor in utter bewilderment. “You figured that out based on my symptoms?”

“I figured that out based on the puppy dog eyes you gave for your first A.D. when they left without a word.” The doctor begins to laugh softly, but Tom is unamused. How is he supposed to shake this illness after completely ruining your relationship? How is he supposed to mend your bond after talking so recklessly, so emotionally? “Tom, I’m not here to be a fairy godmother, I’m being strictly medical. At a certain point, what you feel in your mind affects your body. So I prescribe that you talk to Y/N and say everything you need to say.”

And while that seemed easy enough, Tom’s ego was at work again, and Tom was feeling far too bruised and wounded to speak to you first. Surely if you cared enough, if you liked him back, if you were willing to be distanced, you would reach out first.

It seems Tom’s pride had forgotten that you already did.

“I heard that this is the exact shit that happened in Cleveland, and he couldn’t get the line out.” Tom hears the whisperings from behind the camera, the amount of familiar faces in the crew dwindling after the change in location. He doesn’t respond. He waits for someone to take five. And when no one throws him a bone, he asks Harry to.

“Alright, everyone take five.”

“Someone get this kid a fucking coffee, he’s always on edge.” Joe instructs.

“And you think giving a kid in twenties coffee is taking him off edge?” Anthony chuckles.

Tom doesn’t care whether or not he gets the coffee, rocking side to side. He’s got all the motion for this role, but he feels nothing. All he felt was for you.

“Here.” Harry sets a Moroccan mint tea down next to Tom, hoping it would calm him down. When Tom takes a few sips, the look in his eyes is less pleading, and everyone’s ready to rumble, this being the last scene of the day.

Harry feeds Tom the line. “Baby, are you seeing bad things?” Tom is seeing bad things. A life without love, a life without you. Unable to contain it all, Tom turns his frustration into laughter. “Why are you calling me baby for, man?” Tom has this ear-to-ear grin but even he feels it's not as innocent, as genuine as yours. He never knew a smile so wide could be so full of pain.

“I have an idea.” Harry saunters off to collect his phone. “Don’t stop rolling the cameras.”

When Harry comes back, there’s sounds of shifting erupting from his phone. “Hi, Tom.” 

Tom didn’t know it would be so bittersweet to hear your voice again. He wasn’t sure if he should put walls up again or if twice was the charm. Even if you worked out in the short term, whose to say Tom wouldn’t get hurt again? And Tom wouldn’t want to hurt you.

“Are they taking good care of you out there? I don’t think I took good care of you.” Tom doesn’t say anything on the other side of the line, so you continue. “I’m not a good A.D. if you’re always sick and tired, and I didn’t want to see you any less, which was selfish of me, so I didn’t change your schedule.” You sigh as you admit why you left. “When you asked, though, I swear I was gonna do it, but then I heard you liked me, and I got carried away. I had to remove myself from the situation to do what’s best for you. Do you understand me? I did it for you.”

“I, uh, I got a diagnosis.” Tom stumbles.

“Oh my gosh, are you seriously sick?”

“I’m speechless. Over the edge, breathless.” Tom laughed dryly, finally feeling like he can choose an ending.

“What did they say it was?”

“Lovebug.” Harry smiles softly at his brother.

Your laugh is like nectar entering Tom’s ear.

“I might just love you way too much, Y/N.”

“Are you sure you’re doin’ okay?” Tom tries his best not to sound dejected that you didn’t say it back, knowing he’s already felt the brunt of this heartache already.

“I just miss you, that’s all.”

“I miss you too. I love you.” Joe stops recording, and Harry lowly whispers ‘take.fucking.five.’ as he and the crew creep away from Tom’s new found love scene. 

“Anthony, can I borrow your phone?” Harry begins to type Nikki’s number as soon as Anthony gives over the phone. “Mum, Tom just told the first A.D. he’s in love with them so guess who’s out of a job?”

Tom knows why he’s sick. He used to feel like love was trudging up a high hill he couldn’t come down from, where every beat of heart was feeling like an ache on an open wound. Tom had yet to meet a lover to prove distance makes the heart grow fonder, finding himself in six month long entanglements and illusions of love before things inevitably went sour. But now, Tom has found you.

[moonstruckbucky]

Say Love [one shot]

Summary: You and Bucky are at a stand-still in your relationship, all because neither of you can say three little words.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x fem!Reader

Warnings: Idiots in love, a smidge of angst, the rest is fluff.

Notes: So this is a fun fic, but it’s also a very real fic. I know I’ve had that should-I-shouldn’t-I when it comes to saying the L word in a relationship, so this is for anyone that’s had that struggle. Enjoy & let me know what you think! x

P.S. - it’s also a birthday present to @captain-kelli aka MY WIFE 💕

It’s palpable, the tension. A smothering, suffocating heavy cloud stretching between the two of you, and you almost wonder how you got here, to this hurdle in your relationship.

It builds like an avalanche - a tiny, harmless snowball that’s picked up speed as it rolls, rolls, rolls, until it’s so big you can’t be in the same room as him without feeling like you’re walking on eggshells.

Even now, on a night meant for the two of you, you feel distanced from him - despite sitting beside each other on the couch. You’re pressed up against his side, It’s a Wonderful Life playing on the screen - a favorite of Bucky’s. It’s supposed to be a bonding time for you, but you’ve never felt so far away from him.

His arm is around you, but it’s stiff, and where his fingers would normally dance across your skin, raise goosebumps in their wake, now they’re still, limp. Careless.

And despite the movie being a favorite, he looks utterly bored when you peek up at him from under your lashes. Eyes vacant, fingers of his vibranium hand holding up his head, teeth chewing on his bottom lip. 

You wonder if he feels it too, this mountain that’s suddenly erected between you.

You’ve been dating eight months - is he bored with you already? Disinterested? “Just not feeling it anymore”? Is he too afraid of hurting you, and it’s why he hasn’t said anything yet? Is he waiting for you to get fed up and leave?

Because you won’t, you can’t. Despite this emotional gap between you, you feel a connection to him you haven’t felt before. He’s level-headed where you can be chaotic - being an Avenger is probably to thank for that - and he’s soft spoken despite his large, often gruff exterior.

He’s a perfect counterbalance to who you are - how could you not fall in love with him almost as soon as you met him?

Part of you believes that if Bucky didn’t want to be with you, he wouldn’t. He’s sure of himself, thanks to the hard work he’s done for himself since being officially recruited as an Avenger. He’d told you a little of how difficult it had been - in the 30s and 40s, people didn’t openly talk about their struggles, least of all with a psychologist; they just lived with them. 

It only made you fall for him even harder, for the sheer strength he has and the determination to come to grips with what’s happened to him.

But it seems those feelings are one-sided, and the revelation sits like lead in your stomach. With pressure building behind your eyes, you fake a yawn.

“I think I should go,” you mutter, thankful that your voice doesn’t crack. Bucky turns his eyes to you, wide and - is that disappointment?

“Oh, yeah, okay. I’ll call you a cab?”

You stand up with a shake of your head. “Not necessary, I’ll get an Uber on my way down.”

He walks you to the elevator, hands in his pockets and feeling awkward. The kiss you share is quick, chaste, and stiff, much like the rest of your evening tonight. When you turn your back to him to enter the elevator, your chin wobbles.

Bucky stands in the hallway for a while after you’ve gone, his thoughts running away from him. He can’t be the only one between you who felt that distance, could he?

Have you changed your mind about him? Realized the former Winter Soldier isn’t who you want to give your heart to? Perhaps all the atrocities he’s committed are truly too much for you to handle.

He couldn’t blame you if they were and yet... You own his entire being, body and soul. If you were to leave him, a large part of him would go with you, a piece he isn’t sure he’d be able to get back. 

He knows you noticed his demeanor tonight, the way he hid behind himself in an effort of self-preservation. He nearly made himself bleed from biting his tongue so hard to keep three words he didn’t think he’d ever say from slipping out. He didn’t want to scare you, to make you run off,

but it seems he managed to do that anyways.

Bucky leans forward, bonks his head on the elevator once, twice, three times before a door opening behind him makes him pause.

“Are you done brooding yet?”

Bucky’s shoulders drop, in no mood for Sam’s ribbing. The man teases out of love and respect - it’s just how their relationship is - but tonight, he can’t bring himself to return the dig. He turns away from the elevator, shoulders up to his ears and hands still in his pockets.

Sam’s face changes when he takes in Bucky’s posture, and he sighs, leaning up against the frame of his door.

“What’s up, Tin Man?” he prods gently. 

Bucky’s eyes find a place just over Sam’s shoulder, torn between opening up to Sam about the turn his relationship has taken and remaining silent, attempt to sort through it himself.

A helpless look at Sam, and the dark-skinned man opens the door wider, turning to the side to allow Bucky entrance.

“Talk to me, man. You look like someone kicked your dog.”

Sam offers Bucky a seat on his couch, an expensive, black leather that feels as cushy as a cloud. The man leans back, crosses his arms over his chest. The black metal of his arm catches the low lighting in Sam’s room, turns the gold bronze.

“I think she’s going to break up with me,” he starts, and before he knows it he’s spilling all of his insecurities to Sam. The other man listens patiently, cocking his head curiously at some parts and pursing his lips for others.

Bucky half-expects the man to jab at him - joke about how she finally realized what a mess he is - but to his surprise (and relief; he has enough self-hatred for both of them), Sam nods sagely and looks almost empathetic. It would throw Bucky for a loop, if he and Sam haven’t come to some middle ground.

Steve would be so proud of them.

“Then she’s not worth it, Buck,” comes Sam’s response almost immediately after Bucky’s finished. The brunet’s eyes go wide. “If she can’t handle you as you are, if that’s too much for her, then it isn’t worth it. I like her, man, but I like you a lot better, and you deserve somebody who’s going to take your baggage, embrace it, accept it, and help make you better for it. And you shouldn’t have to settle for anything less.”

Bucky wants to argue, say that you are absolutely worth it, but the words get stuck in his throat. He knows Sam is right, acknowledges that yes, he has more baggage than most, but also that he does deserve someone who’ll accept him regardless of it.

But haven’t you? Eight months in and Bucky had been sure you’d accepted him for who he had been, not just who he is now. But perhaps you’d changed your mind. Perhaps you’d thought long and hard over it and realized a broken soldier wasn’t who you wanted at all.

He couldn’t blame you, but it still hurts to think about.

“I think you need to talk to her,” Sam continues, watching the emotions play out over Bucky’s face - shock, sadness, realization, and finally, utter heartbreak. Sam feels no pleasure whatsoever in telling Bucky this, but he’s never one to beat around the bush. His years as a VA counselor wouldn’t let him.

“Talk to her, and find out where her head’s at. It’s the only way you’re going to know.”

You don’t talk to Bucky for two weeks. After leaving the Avengers compound, you thought it best to distance yourself, prepare your heart for the eventuality that Bucky would break it off. But it’s even worse that he doesn’t contact you at all, and you begin to resent it.

Bitterness ekes into everything you say and do, your very being so clouded by resentment you’re not even sure who you are anymore. You don’t recognize yourself or the cynicism your attitude seems to have adopted. 

You hate it.

In a whirlwind of anger, resentment, and self-loathing, you drive to the compound. Flash the card Bucky had given you for access whenever he didn’t come pick you up himself. The gate rolls open, and your heart pounds with the notion that this might be the last time you'll ever see it.

You take the elevator up to Bucky’s floor, hands twisting together as you sort through every thought you’ve had in the past two weeks. Doing so reignites your anger, puts a scowl on your face that could curdle milk.

Bucky’s surprised to see you - even more so to see that look on your face - when he opens his door after you’ve slammed your fist against it.

“What the fuck is going on, Bucky?” you demand, and he winces, steps aside and waves you in so that the two of you don’t draw attention.

His shoulders hunch, hands sliding into his pockets - a clear sign that he’s feeling out of his element and is trying to make himself very, very small. In the space of his bedroom, your anger cools a little, fond memories of time spent in the space taking you over.

“Are we over?” you ask, outright, and Bucky’s head snaps up in alarm. “I mean, did I miss any hints you might’ve been dropping? Am I just making a fool of myself by being here, trying to fix this?”

Bucky’s mouth opens and closes like a fish, rendered speechless and dumb by your questioning. It isn’t what he’d been expecting, and it’s caught him off guard.

“I- what?” He shakes his head as your eyes turn sad and manages to connect his brain to his mouth. “Where the hell did you get that idea?”

Eyes going steely, you straighten your shoulders. “Well, considering you acted like you’d rather have been anywhere else but with me the last time we saw each other, paired with the fact I haven’t heard from you in two weeks? What am I supposed to think?”

He laughs shortly, incredulous, until your eyes flare up in anger again, and he reins it in, but only just. He just can’t believe what he’s hearing from you, how all this time he thought you were bored of him - or scared. Either way, the relief warming his chest keeps the smile on his face.

Your posture is rigid and you move to take a step back as he closes the distance, but his arms wrap around you and tug you into his chest. The kiss he lays on you is firm but warm, an outpouring of emotion that slowly destroys the wall you’ve erected just to face him.

His hands are warm, even the metal appendage, where he grasps your face to keep you close to him. He sighs when your arms wrap around his waist, hands gliding up to his shoulders to grasp his shirt, and he swallows the little whimper you let loose. 

Until he tastes the salt on your lips and he pulls away.

Your eyes are glassy, tears leaking from the corners to slide glistening tracks down your cheeks. His thumbs brush them away as he smiles softly.

“Sweetheart, don’t cry,” he coos. He kisses you again before looking you in the eye. He wants to make sure you know he means every word. “I’m sorry I was a little emotionally constipated. I- I felt it, too, that weird air the last time you were here, and I thought you - I thought you had changed your mind about me, about us, and that you were just too shy to say anything. So I gave you your space even though it nearly killed me to do it. I thought it was what you wanted, but clearly I was wrong.”

Bottom lip trembling, you sniffle and wipe your nose on your sleeve. “No, I... I could have called. I know you felt a little off that night, too. I was just. I didn’t know how much I could push, if you even wanted that conversation at all. I guess I just thought it was your way of saying you were done with me.”

He chuckles, deep and reverberating, and he shakes his head. “Never gonna happen. I love you too much.”

He enjoys the change on your face - the surprise and then the utter elation - and he grins like the cat that ate the canary.

“You what?”

Bucky isn’t sure why he’d been so scared to say it before, not when you’re looking at him like he’s the center of your universe. 

“I love you,” he repeats, punctuating it with a kiss to the corner of your mouth. “And I should’ve said it sooner, especially if you were having doubts.”

He’s entranced by the way you chew your lip thoughtfully, shrug a shoulder shyly. “I could’ve said it, too. I love you, Bucky.”

The smile that breaks upon his face is blinding, radiant. This man was born to smile like this all the time. And he’s mine, you think. He’s all mine.

You giggle, tuck your face into his neck as you shake your head. Still grinning, he holds you tight, chuckles in kind when you say, “We’re idiots.”

“Mm,” he hums in agreement. “But idiots in love.”

[iliumheightnights]

We Have A Jedi [13] | Peter Parker x Male Reader

Fandom: Star Wars and Marvel

Pairing: Peter Parker x Male Reader, Tony Stark x Son!Reader

Summary: Being on Earth was just what (M/N) needed, but the war is still raging and it seems to be getting worse. With the same vision plaquing him, he’s wondering what lay on the horizon.

Read From The Start

…

It had been a week since their arrival to Earth. In that time Sheyo’s leg had fully healed and she was back in the action. The two had trained with each other in both force techniques and lightsaber combat. It was a nice change of pace. The two of them had been able to spend time with the avengers and (M/N) got to spend lots of time with his father, which he was grateful for.

As said before, Thor did eventually return from Asgard. He broke into the biggest smile when he saw (M/N) had returned. He had asked when he had been and (M/N) gave him the same run down as before. Unlike the others, Thor was not surprised that Sheyo was a Mirialan in the slightest, instead asking her if she Mirial had been alright during the war. After a brief chat (M/N) pulled him into his room. “Is everything alright young Stark?” (M/N) sighed. “I need you to do something for me. I need you to take something back to Asgard with you.” By the look on his face Thor seemed intrigued by the idea. “What do you need me to take back?” (M/N) went to where he hid the stones and pulled out the space stone. “This.” Thor eyed him and the stone. “This is-” “An infinity stone yes. One of two that I have. The longer I have them the more of a target they become. I need you to take this one back to asgard and keep it safe. I’ll leave the other one here with the rest of the avengers. They’ll keep it safe.” Thor seemed to be thinking of something, maybe about how (M/N) had ended up with two stones. “Aye. I’ll do it. Wait- is the other stone you have the one from last time?” (M/N) nodded. “I didn’t trust the council or the republic to keep it safe. Neither did my mother. We thought they’d use it for their own efforts, just like the sith.” Thor nodded. “Well you’ve done well keeping it safe so far. It was probably a good decision. Not to worry, I shall take this stone with me back to Asgard and keep it safe within our vault.” That was all the confirmation (M/N) needed, he knew Thor would keep it safe.

…

There was a city, not like new york. More like coruscant, only cleaner and not as large. It seemed to be domed too. There were the sounds of gunfire and shouting. A battle. He could hear lightsabers clashing. Once again a flash of purple and gold. “You should have gone for the head.” Then the fighting seemed to be dying down and the air became littered with ash. The screaming had turned to cries. This wasn’t a nightmare, it was a warning.

(M/N) shot up from his bed. His breath was rapid and his heart was beating fast. Sweat could be felt all over his face. What did that mean? He had that dream ever since before he even came to Earth the first time. “Mr.(M/N). You’re heart rate is increasing rapidly. Shall I inform your father?” (M/N) had never heard the A.I so...so worried before. It was almost comforting in a way. “No. Thank you Jarvis. I’m just...just going to go for some air.” He got out of bed and put on some clothes and a jacket before leaving the tower. He just needed to keep his mind distracted for a bit. He didn’t even know what time it was, it had to be early in the morning. Even then the city was still somewhat awake. 

He had been walking for a bit, he didn’t know how far he had gone. Too far into his mind and what the dreams meant he didn’t even notice when someone walked up to him. “Give me all your money and you won’t get hurt.” That brought his attention back. “Huh? Oh, you’re trying to rob me.” The person in front of him wore a mask and had a knife out to him. “Give me your money!” (M/N) sighed and brought his hand up, waving it at the man. “You don’t want to rob me. You want to go home and rethink your life.” The man stiffened up and dropped his knife. “I don’t want to rob you. I want to go home and rethink my life.” That was all it took, the man turned and walked off. “Cool. I wonder if he sells death sticks too.” (M/N) smirked at the voice and turned to greet his friend. “Earth has death sticks?” The eyes of the spiderman mask widened. “Oh! Um no, just part of the movie.” (M/N) nodded. “Ah yes. Star Wars.”

(M/N) turned and began walking again, he heard Peter land and felt the boy walking beside him. “So...what are you doing out here so late? Early? I don’t even know what time it is anymore.” (M/N) hummed. “I’m not sure either honestly. I couldn’t sleep. Nightmares. Decided I needed some air, now here we are.” Peter Nodded. “Here we are. Here.” Peter held out his hand to (M/N) who looked at him questionably before grabbing on. Peter then shot out a web and brought him onto the roof of a building. “This way we can sit down and have some privacy.” (M/N) smirked and sat beside Peter on the edge of the roof, Peter removing his mask to reveal messy hair. “It’s a good thing I’m not afraid of heights, Spidey.” Peter blushed and covered his mouth. “I should have asked. I am so sorry.” But the other boy only waved him off. “You’re good. I’ve jumped out of ships in the air too many times to count.” Peter looked curious but wanted to hear. “Yeah?” That’s how (M/N) ended up talking with Peter about his adventures out in the galaxy. The boy never once seemed to be uninterested, instead gave all his focus on him.

Soon the sun was starting to rise over the city. “I should probably be getting back. Don’t want anyone to be worried.” (M/N) stood up, Peter doing the same. “I can take you back. You’ll get there a lot quicker, plus you won’t get stopped by other thugs.” (M/N) smiled and nodded. “I’d like that. If you wouldn’t mind of course.” Peter shook his head and held onto him. “I wouldn’t have offered if I did mind.” Then he started swinging back to the tower. (M/N) was smiling the whole time, he had travelled many different times before, but never like this. It wasn’t long before the two landed on the deck of the tower. “Thanks for the lift. Get home safely.” Peter, now with his mask on, laughed. “I will. Not looking forward to school though. See ya around (M/N)!” with that Peter went swinging away.

When (M/N) entered the tower he discovered no one was up yet. “(M/N) you’re back. I was worried something might have happened.” Jarvis spoke. “Thanks Jarvis. Was talking with a friend.” (M/N) was about to head back to his room when Jarvis spoke up again. “Your father is currently in the lab if you want to talk with him.” (M/N) smirke and headed to the elevator. “Thanks J.” Arriving in his father’s lab he heard the music blaring already. He had been in the lab a couple other times, mostly helping his dad with some projects but otherwise he didn’t really come in here. Tony was currently working over a workbench. “Morning dad. Let me guess, haven’t slept yet.” Tony looked up from his spot and smiled. “No, I got a solid five hours.” (M/N) shook his head and rolled his eyes. He looked over the table. “You need more sleep. What are you working on?” Tony just went back to work. “Some upgrades to the suit, maybe even plans for a new suit. Working on nanotechnology.” Tony pulled up the idea sketches and data, (M/N) looked it over impressed with his dad’s work. “Impressive. Think you’ll be able to get it done soon?” (M/N) didn’t ask if it would be possible, because through his dad anything is possible. “I hope so. I think I can at least get parts of a watch to form a glove in a couple months.” (M/N) nodded and sat down next to him, he figured it was a time to ask. “So...what’s going on between you and Steve?” That made his dad stop for a bit but continued on with his work. “What do you mean? Me and capsicale are doing just fine.” (M/N) hummed. “Oh I know you are, maybe TOO fine. Don’t play coy with me. I see how you look at him every now and then.” Tony continued to work but huffed. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I look at him like I do any other member of the team.” (M/N) nodded when the door opened and the man of the hour walked in. “Tony. (M/N).” Steve nodded to them both. (M/N) stood up and patted his father’s shoulder. “I’m gonna go see if Sheyo’s up. Have fun you two...but not too much fun.” He smirked at Steve who looked confused before walking out. “What was that about?” Steve asked Tony who was looking anywhere but Steve. “I have no idea. Teenage angst.”

(M/N) walked to the guest room and knocked on the door. It didn’t take long for Sheyo to answer the door and let him in. “Morning.” She smirked at him. “We need to talk. Now that my leg is better, we need to start thinking of finding a way back to Tython. Or at least to a station.” (M/N) nodded. “I agree. As much as I want to stay...I had another vision last night. The same one I’ve had for the last two years...I think it’s coming sooner than we think.” Sheyo seemed troubled by that. “That’s not good. Not at all. We need to find out what your vision means and stop it. Perhaps Master Yoda will know.

Before the conversation could continue, the alarm began to ring out. “What’s that? Are we under attack?” Sheyo asked, preparing to fight. “No. That’s just the alarm letting the avengers know to suit up. Looks like they’re needed somewhere. Good. When they’re gone we can ask fury about getting a-” Jarvis spoke up. “Excuse me Mr.(M/N), your father has requested you and Miss Wune to suit up. You two will be going with them on the mission.” (M/N) was surprised to hear that. He figured his dad wouldn’t want him along. “Alright we’re on our way. When we’re back. Come on Sheyo, let’s go see what’s going on.” (M/N) quickly ran to his room and changed back into his jedi tunic and grabbed his lightsabers. He and Sheyo made it to the quinjet which the avengers were boarding.

It wasn’t long before the jet was in the air and the briefing began. “Alright. We have reports that remnants of Hydra have taken over a shield base in colorado. They’ve put up a good fight of keeping it too.” Sheyo looked over the holotable. “What’s the strategic importance of this base sir? Why would they take it?” Steve looked troubled. “That’s the thing, this base didn’t have anything of importance. It was just a look out base, a couple artifacts are there but nothing that we’ve discovered to be important or dangerous. We’re worried we might be wrong about that. We’re not sure exactly sure why they took it...especially with how reckless they’ve been about it.” (M/N) felt a little nagging feeling in his mind. “I have a bad feeling about this. Do you feel that Sheyo?” She nodded. “Yes. I feel there is something more here than any of us know. We should be cautious with how we proceed.” The avengers nodded at that, worried about what that could mean. Tony seemed to stand a bit closer to (M/N). Steve continued the briefing and they continued their flight to the base. “Ready to get back into the fight?” (M/N) asked his friend. “You know it. You know I hate sitting around when there’s people to help save and criminals to stop.” The two laughed as someone approached from behind them. “You two seem chipper for going into battle.” (M/N) smirked at the archer. “This is an everyday occurrence Clint. We’re used to it by now.” The man frowned at that. “I don’t like that you’re used to it. You shouldn’t be used to it.” Sheyo smiled at him. “We don’t like it either. But that’s just how the universe works sometimes.”

It wasn’t long before the quinjet landed and everyone got into position. “Alright everyone, you know what to do. Keep on comms and stay safe. Especially you two.” Steve looked at (M/N) and Sheyo who only grinned at him and saluted. “Yes sir!” They said in unison. “Smart asses.” (M/N) heard his dad mutter. The doors opened and everyone went into their objectives. (M/N) and Sheyo were of course teamed up together and they were tasked with taking out the outer defenses and watch towers. It was relatively easy for them to finish seeing as both have taken part of sieges. Both however did do their best to not kill anyone, only to disarm them and knock them out.

“(M/N), Sheyo, Hydra is starting to retreat. We’re following the bulk of their forces. Can you two take the few stragglers from the main facility?” Steve said through the comms. “Absolutely! We’ll take care of them!” (M/N) said back. He and Sheyo made it back to the main facility and took care of the few stragglers that had remained. “Well...that was a blue milk run.” (M/N) joked. “Another day's work for the galaxy's best duo.” Sheyo high fived him. The two returned to the outside of the facility. As they stepped outside the sound of a lightsaber igniting was heard and a chill ran up (M/N)’s spine. He was quick to ignite his and block as a red blade came down almost hitting sheyo.

“Well, well. When my master said you would be here I thought he was letting his anger and pain confuse him. Guess he was right after all.” Another sith. This time however it was a twi'lek girl with red skin and black tattoos over her body and face. Sheyo came in with her lightsaber but was blocked as the sith ignited another lightsaber...this one however had a pure black blade with a white silverish outline. “My my...two in one? My lucky day!” (M/N) brought up his other lightsaber for a swing but the sith only jumped out of the way. “I’m guessing you’re the reason Hydra’s here?” She gave out a laugh before bringing her hands up and shooting out lightning which the two jedi blocked. “WHO ARE YOU!?” (M/N) yelled. “My master sends his regards! He wanted to kill you himself but he’s currently still licking his wounds!” It was then (M/N) knew, he had studied enough of his enemy in the jedi archives. She was Kren’s apprentice. “So...we finally meet...Talon!” The sith grinned widely. “I’m glad to see you’ve heard about me!”

The lightning was keeping it’s pace. Talon was strong, but she was too focused on the two jedi to notice as a missile launched at her. She stopped her lightning and jumped out of the way in time not to be directly hit. The sound of jet’s came into hearing range and blaster fire began being shot out. (M/N) thought that it was his father coming to the rescue, he was surprised when a mandalorian landed next to him still firing at the sith. “Well what are you waiting for!? Finish her off!” The mando shouted. (M/N) shook off his confusion and moved to attack again but watched as Talon jumped off the railing. The sound of engines got louder as Talon rose into view. She was standing on a small fighter. “Thank you for the fight! Sadly I must leave now for I have what I need. Not to worry I’ll be back!” The mandalorian shot off a rocket at her which she pushed back with the force. “Duck!” (M/N) pushed the mandalorian down while Sheyo dropped to the ground. The rocket hit into a wall the opposite side and Talon escaped in her ship.

(M/N) groaned as he looked up into the visor of the mandalorians helmet. “You mind? You’re kind of crushing me.” (M/N) quickly stood up and helped the man up. “Oh sorry.” Sheyo got up and came over to them. “You alright?” (M/N) nodded and turned back to the man. “Thanks for the help. Who are you? What’s a mandalorian doing here on Earth?” The man rose his hand. “Name’s Ven. Ven Myjal of Clan Zost. I was looking for an important heirloom, sadly she got here first.” (M/N)’s mind clicked with recognition. “That lightsaber. The one with the black blade.” Ven nodded. “It’s called the darksaber. The person who holds it leads the mandalorians. I was trying to find it before they found it, I fear they plan to use it to conquer Mandalore.” Sheyo snorted. “The sith will conquer all of their ‘allies’.” Even with a helmet on, (M/N) could tell Ven was glaring. “We want nothing to do with your war. The mandalorians that have sided with the empire are all seperatist!” Sheyo backed off but the air was tense. “So what are you going to do now?” Ven shrugged. “I’m not sure. I can’t really follow her all the way back to Dromund Kaas or Korriban. I’ll probably just return to Mandalore and prepare for whatever comes next. No matter what happens, my clan won’t listen to the empire.” (M/N) nodded. “Can I ask a favor? Can you drop my friend and I off at a republic station or planet? We’re stuck here and need to get back to warn them of events that happened before we got stuck.” The man sighed and shook his head. “I have a ship not far from here. I’ll take you as far as Alderaan but then I’ll have to head back to Mandalore.” (M/N) smirked. “That’s all we need. Thank you. I have to quickly wrap up some business but Sheyo will go with you for now. Sheyo go with Ven and I’ll go back with the avengers and finish up our business. Lead Ven and pick me up. It’s time to go.” Sheyo nodded and followed Ven to his ship.

(M/N) arrived back at the quinjet the same time the avengers were. “(M/N)! Where’s Sheyo?” Steve asked. The others looking worried, (M/N) rose his hands. “She’s fine. She’s with someone who’s going to help us get off world.” That caught the attention of everyone, his father pushed his way forward. “Off world? You’re leaving again?” (M/N) hated seeing his father look down, but he needed to go. “Yes. I’ll tell you more on the way back to the tower. I need you all to do something for me.” He didn’t wait for a response and boarded the jet. On the way back to the tower he told them everything. Talon. Ven. The darksaber.  And finally- “Remember the last time I was here? I had the infinity stone that we were going to give to the jedi council...well I still have it. I need you to hold onto it and keep it safe. I can’t trust it with anyone else.” He pleaded with the avengers but he really didn’t need to. They had all already made their decision to keep it safe. Arriving back at the tower they exited the jet and (M/N) quickly went to his room to grab the stone. However when he went to where he hid the stone he found it missing. “What...Jarvis! Did someone enter my room when we were gone?” Jarvis was silent for a while. “I’m sorry sir. It seems like part of my security feed was erased. This is...alarming.” (M/N) felt his heart race quickening, someone came and stole the stone. He raced out of his room to his father and the rest. “It’s gone! Someone took the stone.” This alarmed them all. “What? Jarvis do you have the security recording?” The ai repeated that it had been erased. “This isn’t good, not at all.” Bruce said. The sound of engines got louder and they watched as a gauntlet class ship landed on the balcony. The ramp dropped and Sheyo walked out. Tony placed a hand on his son’s shoulder. “It’ll be okay. We’ll find it. But you need to go and do what you need to do.” He could see that there were tears building in his eyes but still held a smile. 

The avengers walked him out to the ship. Each of them said their goodbyes to him. Steve reached out his hand but (M/N) pulled him into a hug. “Bye Steve. See ya in a bit...take care of my dad.” Steve seemed to understand what he meant and nodded. Finally it was time to say goodbye to his dad. “Well...at least I get to say goodbye this time.” Tony laughed and shook his head. “Not goodbye, just see ya later.” (M/N) smirked and hugged his dad. “You know it. I’ll try and be as quick as I can. I have a bad feeling things are about to get a lot more difficult.” Tony rolled his eyes, still hugging him. “Well if it’s easy it’s no fun.” (M/N) groaned. “Says you! I like it when I don’t have to constantly be worried for my life...I love you dad.” Tony hugged him just a little bit tighter. “I love you more.” With that he let go and turned to the ship. “Oh! I almost forgot. Here!” He turned back around and gave dad his comlink. “This way we can keep in some sort of contact and it’s not just static for two years.” Tony huffed out a laugh and (M/N) gave one last goodbye to everyone before turning to the ship.

Sheyo smiled as he boarded the ship. “Ready to go?” He nodded. Ven was at the controls and Sheyo sat in the co-pilot's seat, (M/N) sitting behind Ven. “About time. Let’s leave this place.” The engines roared and the ship began flying away. It was only then watching the city getting smaller did (M/N) realize he didn’t get to say goodbye to Peter. He’d have to apologize next time he came...hopefully both survived long enough. “Next stop, Alderaan.”

[sserpente]

A/N: Request from @inlovewithnovels. Tony is kind of an arsehole in this one. It just happened, I needed a culprit. & I heard strange noises in my room while writing this. Not cool. Not cool at all.

16th October: Scare pranks. 👻 | feat. Loki

Words: 1679 Warnings: demons, mentions of exorcism, blood, gore and death, panic attack

Tony called you the Prankster Queen, for you were invincible. Every single year, when Halloween was just around the corner, you scared the shit out of the Avengers, laughing to yourself every time they jumped and shrieked. It was quite the dangerous hobby, after all, most of them very skilled assassins who could accidentally kill you but still, it was way too much fun to see them flinch.

This year, fate had even given you two new victims. Thor, God of Thunder himself and his brother Loki. You had decided you would approach him with precaution only, for you knew they did not call him Trickster for no reason. Managing to scare him would prove to be quite difficult but you were determined to succeed, especially since you admired the man… or god, for that matter. He was skilled, fighting alongside you in battles—his swift and elegant movements fast and precise but what impressed you the most was how he fought with words. Silver tongue… there was a reason for that nickname too.

Most importantly, however, was that you trusted him. It was illogical and against all reason, this much the rest of the Avengers had told you but there was something about him that intrigued you.

“Shit! For Christ’s sake, (Y/N)!” Wanda screamed, a red streak of magic shooting from her hands to hit the clown doll you had hid in one of the kitchen cabinets. It was a cliché, really but it simply worked every single year for at least one of the Avengers.

“What? What is it?!” It was Loki who came storming into the kitchen, alarmed and ready to pounce on an attacker. What he found instead was you giggling quietly all the while Wanda tossed the clown out of the window before getting that glass of water.

“Nothing, Trickster. Just a scare prank,” you reassured him with a wink, wriggling your eyebrows before leaving the room. Wanda only growled angrily in response when Loki followed you.

“It’s the same shit every year.” Tony tossed in. He entered the room with a newspaper in hand and clearly, he was not amused by your mischief. Loki was enough, he didn’t need you pulling pranks all over again but his dismay didn’t bother you—in fact, it actually entertained you. It made scaring him a lot more exciting.

“What are you—“

“Shut up, Loki!” Tony yelled. It was then you realised he had talked to someone behind you. Lifting an eyebrow rather unimpressed, you turned around to see Clint wearing a Scream mask.

“Very scary, Clint, really,” you confirmed, patting his shoulder. “And thanks for the warning, Trickster. They’ve been trying to scare me ever since I moved here but thus far—no luck.” Shrugging, you giggled once more, causing the God of Mischief to tilt his head in fascination.

“I’ll be in my room then. Call me if you spot any of my monsters.” You teased right before strolling away so proudly you felt like a queen.

You stayed up late that night. Most of the horror movies you liked to watch were not broadcasted until after midnight, so, after making yourself comfortable in the living room with a cup of tea and a bowl of popcorn, you looked forward to a relaxing movie night, not expecting any disturbances at all.

Well, that was until you suddenly heard a strange noise. A demonic and eerie howling from behind the sofa, yet when you turned around to check, you saw nothing.

It didn’t scare you that in that very moment, Loki bolted into the room, his expression frightened, terrified.

“What’s the matter?” You asked with a frown, leaning forward slightly.

“Did you hear that?”

“Hear what?”

“That noise. A screeching, shrieking… a voice maybe?” He was being frantic as he stepped closer.

“Maybe. Just now. Probably just an animal outside. Why?”

“Thor and Banner just examined that box SHIELD retrieved from HYDRA, you remember it?”

Nodding, you finally stood, crossing your arms in suspicion. You did not like the direction this conversation took. That box Loki was talking about had ancient inscriptions carved into it and Wanda had quite recently confirmed she sensed something evil living within it. Whether it was a vengeful spirit or a demon of any kind, you did not know. You were only certain that you wanted to stay away from that hazardous box as best as you could. There was only one thing in the world that scared the shit out of you… and it was demons.

“They managed to open it and Wanda suspects they set free some kind of poltergeist. A demon, if you want to say so,” Loki continued, looking around the room anxiously. “She assumes that if we are not careful, it will possess one of us to—“

The God of Mischief paused, his blue eyes rolling to the back of his head, being yanked forward as if he had been hit by an invisible force, causing you to jump. No… no, this was not happening, not again!

Panicking, your breathing quickened, your limbs shaking with the sudden fear cursing through your body.

“L-Loki?”

When he looked at you again… his eyes were blood red. You screamed. You screamed in agony and dread, thrashing wildly when he tried to get ahold of you.

“Help! Help me! Somebody help me!” Your throat was burning but you did not care. You fought and punched and scratched, even bit at whatever body part of Loki was near you until finally, you managed to flee all the while bursting into tears.

Your legs had turned to jelly. It was almost impossible to make it to your room and lock it right before hiding under the blanket like you had all those years ago when you were young. You were trembling, crying, fighting your panic attack.

Soon, your pillow was soaked with hot and salty tears. It was quiet. An uncomfortable silence had spread in your room when suddenly, you heard voices right outside of it. Only mere seconds passed until you recognised Clint’s voice. He was talking to… Loki. Did he not know the Trickster was possessed? You had to warn him!

“Go talk to her and apologise or I swear to God, I’ll drive an arrow through your skull.”

“How could I have known she would react this intensely? It was supposed to scare her a little. I never intended to frighten her this much.” What? Had he planned this? Had it been… a joke?! Instantly, your fear slid away to make space for hot and spicy anger boiling in your stomach. You were still too weak for this strong emotion though. Your tears did not stop streaming down your face and tainting your reddened cheeks.

You had trusted him and now… I should have listened to them.

“A little, Loki? Do you even know… just go talk to her.”

The door opened, with Loki walking in so devotedly you doubted it was actually him. He was… sad when you peeked out from under your blanket shield, still suspicious of what had happened.

“(Y/N), I am so sorry.”

“What did you do?” You began carefully, your voice breaking. “Was this just a trick?”

The God of Mischief nodded. “Yes.”

“How could you do that?” You whispered, attempting not to sob as you spoke. Sighing, he sat down on the edge of your bed.

“When you said that no one has been able to scare you, I took it as a challenge.” He explained simply.

“There is only one thing I am afraid of. How did you even know?”

“I asked Stark and he told me it was demons. I could not know you have actually experienced…  and he did not tell me that… I am so sorry, (Y/N).”

Years ago, when you were younger, you had lived in a huge mansion with your grandmother and sister. Eerie noises, similar to what you had heard today, had disturbed you day and night until one day, your grandmother checked the attic to find out where the creepy noises were coming from, only to have a demon possess her soul.

Your sister had called an exorcist when her eyes turned blood red while she was baking cookies for you, attempting to mix poison into the dough. At the age of only eleven, you had witnessed her being torn apart by an exorcist—you had seen blood, you had seen gore and you had seen her die.

It was the reason you enjoyed horror movies so much, for somehow, they helped you deal with the trauma you had carried away. If it was unreal in movies… then maybe it had been unreal in your life as well.

You couldn’t hold back your sob this time. Crying heartbreakingly, you flung yourself into his arms, straddling him like a little child. Loki immediately wrapped you in a tight hug, holding you close and rocking back and forth, even whispering sweet nothings into your ear before resting his chin on your hair.

In this very moment, you felt protected. Loki would not let anything bad happen to you, even if he had just abused your trust.

“I am so sorry, (Y/N)…” he mumbled again and again until you finally calmed.

“Promise me that you will never do something like that again, Loki.”

“I promise. No, I swear it. I never meant to harm you. I appreciate your trust, after all, you are the only one around here who treats me decently. I am so sorry.”

Nodding, you let him press a gentle kiss on your forehead before you nuzzled into him, breathing in the alluring smell of leather and metal. You believed him. You believed he was truly sorry for what he had done and the fact that he did warmed your heart and scared away the last bits of your fear.

Perhaps his failed scare prank had done some good after all. It had helped you realise you had feelings for this unbelievable god.

You fell asleep with a serene sigh escaping your lips.

[missbemaeve]

AN IMAGE OF YOU AND OF ME AND WE’RE LAUGHING AND LOVING IT ALL - YSTLC

vi. reaction to barbara’s disappearance

but you know that there’s no where that i’d rather be, than with you here today ( hold me now ; thompson twins )

thursday, november tenth, nineteen-eighty-three

maeve stepped out of her car, pulling her cardigan tighter around her narrow shoulders. her camera was perched precariously on top of her car as she adjusted her clothes and took her backpack from the passenger seat. today she planned on getting a few shots for the yearbook upon andie’s request-- she figured that joining a group wouldn’t be so bad; she was planting roots here. maeve took her camera and gently placed it in her bag. as she walked to the school building, maeve saw a blonde mass darting towards her.

andie slowed as she got to maeve’s side and took a moment to catch her breath, “maeve, do you know what all of this whispering is about? i keep hearing barbara’s name but no one has told me anything.” she emphasized the last word, a frown creasing her forehead. she couldn’t imagine the pain andie was feeling. a child that she had cared for was dead and she didn’t yet know about a friend that was missing. she’d last left andie the night before after andie had eventually fallen in to an uneasy sleep following the news of will byers’ death.

maeve’s sad brown eyes searched andie’s and found only worry, “andie, barbara never came to school yesterday. they think she was either abducted or ran away tuesday night. i’m so sorry-- i thought you’d have heard.” she squeezed andie’s small hand as a panicked look spread across her face. hawkins, indiana wasn’t one of new york’s boroughs; people didn’t just disappear at random and without a trace but in less than three days, two people had. “maybe she just...” maeve was at a loss as she trailed off. she didn’t know barbara very well but the two had conversed in the library on several occasions and she knew the girl wouldn’t just leave without notice. “what the hell is going on?” maeve murmured, half to herself. there was no chance that her previous residence had nothing to do with these happenings.

“oh my god. we-- we need to do something.” andie stammered, brushing a stray tear from her cheek, throwing herself in to planning. andie continued talking, making plans for the two to maybe canvas and hold a vigil as they had for will. maeve understood that will’s death was hard on andie however she was nearly panicking discussing barbara’s disappearance. listening to andie, maeve half payed attention as she tried to understand her newfound, intense attention on barbara holland. andie had a huge heart but there was something in the manic way she spoke about this; it was as if she had somehow caused it. she was avoiding her feelings about the events the day before and those that lay ahead; maeve couldn’t comment on her emotional suppression, knowing she did the same. she resolved to just be as present as andie needed; their bond strengthened by the events the evening before. maeve had never had a best friend before but she was finding one in the powerhouse blonde who would one day rule the world, or at least new england.

maeve didn’t want to pressure her in to speaking, knowing that andie would tell her if anything strange had happened. as the bell rang out, maeve embraced her tightly. she had slowly become less averse to physical contact and lessened the use of her persuasion however she pushed a wave of calmness on to andie, feeling the girl was close to tears, “andie, everything will be okay. they’ll find her. it’s...not like will.” she pulled away, holding her at arm’s length by her shoulders, “take a breath and go to class and we’ll start working on the posters and plans tomorrow.”

visibly, andie relaxed, her shoulders falling as they lost some tension. “why not today after--” andie’s blue-green eyes lit up with an emotion other than worry for the first time that morning. “oh my god, your date with the police guy! it’s tonight!”

maeve started backing away, laughing. “it is tonight.” she grinned, nervously. butterflies were already flying wild in the pit of her stomach.

“you better call me as soon as you get home.” andie laughed and started walking to her class. “i want to know everything. and don’t do anything stupid!”

“got it, boss!” maeve rolled her eyes, smiling.

maeve went through the day, snapping photos when she had a chance and day dreaming about her evening that was to come. she hadn’t harbored any romantic feelings since she’d been forced from her cozy sanctuary in manhattan; maeve was unsure if she even knew how to properly interact with a guy. she drove home and kissed her mother and brother on the cheeks before going straight to her room.

looking at the clock on the wall, she counted three and a half hours until james was due to arrive. she dumped her books on to her bed and quickly began to work through her homework so she’d have nothing to worry about aside from her date as it was happening. after an hour, she closed her book and cleared off her desk before placing her makeup mirror and cosmetics in front of herself alongside copies of glamour, cosmopolitan, and seventeen magazine to attempt to emulate the appearance of the popular women that graced the covers of the magazines.

two hours, a burn from a curling iron, and three eyeliner attempts later, maeve was finally ready. zipping up her ankle boots and sliding on the large cardigan, maeve spun around in front of her mirror, running her hands down the skirt of the dress and smoothing any wrinkles. mary poked her head in, “maeve, he’s been standing outside for thirty minutes. i think he was nervous and got here early. you better go before your dad sees him and wants a word.” she smiled, only half joking. “mae...” she trailed off, her eyes filling with tears, “you look beautiful.”

“mom! no, it’s just a first date. i’m not getting married.” maeve laughed and grabbed her bag before hugging her mom tightly. “i’ll be back before eleven. i love you!” maeve took a deep breath as she walked to the front door, ensuring she had her wallet, mints, and lip gloss. exhaling, she opened the front door and stepped out on to the covered porch. “so, were you gonna stand there all night or knock eventually?” she grinned, teasingly.

the sun had set only an hour earlier but in the light of the street lamp, she could make out james leaning against the side of his car, his hands in his pockets. he looked shocked for a minute before a crooked smile crossed his face and he ran a hand through his messy hair. “well, i guess i may have been a little eager.” he walked towards her, his long distressed denim clad legs crossing the street in a few strides. james was handsome in a traditional way that made girls flock to him or to pretend their car broke down with the hope that he drove by before hopper or callahan did. he walked up the steps on to the porch, maeve looked up at the taller man, still smiling. “you ready?”

“definitely.” maeve could feel her heartbeat in her chest, the gold necklace around her neck was cool against her flushed, warm skin. he took her smaller hand in his larger, calloused one before leading her to his car. he opened the door for her and closed it before quickly getting in the driver’s seat. she pulled the seat belt across her body, holding her bag in her lap. maeve took pause, looking at him as he turned the key in the ignition, “the bruise is already going away.” the scrapes and purple color that had covered part of his face had slowly begun to fade. the evidence of his less than savory interaction the afternoon before was soon to be nonexistent.

“yeah, sorry. i guess i’m not so rugged-looking anymore.” he chuckled lightly, “so, i figured we could grab ice cream and maybe just hang out?” james was as nervous as she was; she willed herself not to calm him down as she had done with andie hours earlier.

“that sounds great to me.” they drove across town, hawkins was as quiet as ever under the cover of night. he turned on the car radio before adjusting the volume of the one on his hip. maeve gave him a quizzical look, an eyebrow raised in silent questioning.

“with all of the stuff going on in town now, hopper has us keep our radios on twenty-four-seven.” he shook his head, running a hand over his exhausted face, “it’s wild, you know? i’ve lived here my whole life and things have never been like this. what about you? i’ve never seen you around before and i know i wouldn’t forget seeing you.”

looking out the window as they pulled on to the street for james to park, maeve bit her lip in an attempt not to smile too widely, “i’m from new york originally but i just moved here recently. i...needed a change of scenery.” it wasn’t completely a lie but she could outright tell him that she had been essentially forcibly taken and experimented on-- that conversation was for any other time than a first date, perhaps a five-hundredth date.

he opened her door for her as they continued making small talk. they sat across from each other in a booth, reminiscent of the last time they’d been together but in circumstances that were much brighter. they bonded over favorite films; she found his excitement for the next rocky installment endearing and he listened attentively as she described her love for some of the classic, golden age of hollywood films. 

“have you really never heard that line? i have a hard time believing that!” placing her spoon on a napkin, maeve traced shapes absent-mindedly on the aged, linoleum table as she spoke. “it’s legendary– it’s iconic. humphrey bogart, staring ingrid bergman in the eyes and baring his soul while saying ‘here’s looking at you, kid’ is probably the most well-known movie scene of all time!” maeve gushed breathlessly, her brows drawn together. 

james let out a low chuckle, “here’s looking at you, kid.” he repeated quietly and nodded, a small smile on his lips, their eyes meeting over the melting confections that occupied the table between them. 

maeve had to swallow the lump that grew in her throat after hearing his rich, deep voice recount the line back to her. the words wrapped around her like a blanket, the warmth was comforting. breaking eye contact with him, maeve spoke once more, “you have to promise to watch it with me.” she said as she took the cherry from his banana split. “it’s beautiful and it has some history to it so it’s not all just lovey-dovey stuff!”

“i promise.” he grinned before he took a dollop of whipped cream and poked her nose with it. laughing, she wiped it away. as they finished their ice cream, the two realized neither wanted the date to end. their hands had drifted to the middle of the table on their own accord, his thumb gently rubbing against the back of her hand.

james hesitated, “do you want to go somewhere?” maeve raised an eyebrow. “i know this awesome spot out near the pumpkin patches. it’s quiet and you can see every single star. i just–”

“i’d love that.” maeve interrupted before he could start nervously babbling. she knew the spot he was talking about didn’t want to spoil his plans. maeve was smitten. she played with the hem of her dress as they drove occasionally talking about superficial topics like hobbies or favorite things.

fifteen minutes later, james parked his car and turned to look at her, a grin growing on his face, “you’ve got to see this.”

“so, this isn’t the part of the slasher film where you murder me and bury my body somewhere out here, right?” maeve teased darkly, getting out.

“it’s totally not. scout’s honor.” he half-chuckled. he kept the car idling, its radio quiet in the background. “do you trust me?”

for james, it was simple; things were black and white. to maeve, that question felt like the pressure of a loaded gun in her hands. “yes,” the word sprang from her mouth before she knew it. “i do.” he gently took her by the waist and lifted her on to the hood of his car before ducking inside to turn the radio’s volume higher, turning out the car’s lights, and climbing up beside her.

“look up.” he leaned back, propping himself up by his arms. maeve did as he said, a gasp breaking through her parted lips.

“it’s beautiful.” the lack of town lights allowed for a breathtaking visual; the stars had never seemed so bright as they twinkled as if they were winking at her. she could make out constellations she’d never been able to see from the city. 

though maeve was paying no attention, james was watching her face intently, smiling to himself, “yeah, it is.” he agreed, earnestly. looking back to the sky, “i come out here when i want to think. it’s always been really nice. i figured, you might like it too.”

“i do.” maeve looked over at james, making eye contact. he brushed a curl from her face before cupping her cheek. as the song on the radio swelled to a chorus, the two began to lean in but just before their lips could touch, a crackling sound on the radio on his hip ruptured the bubble in which they had been encapsulated.

he rested his forehead against her’s, “shit. again?” yanking the walkie-talkie from his belt, he pressed a button, “yeah, i copy.” she had never seen him so annoyed as he mouthed an apology before hopping off the car and walking a few steps away. maeve’s face burned red, embarrassment and excitement still plaguing her. hugging her knees to her chest, she saw his crestfallen look as he returned seconds later. “there’s a lead on barbara holland, i have to go check it out. maeve, i’m so sorry for--” she slid off the car, taking his hand in her’s.

“never apologize for doing what you need to. i promise, i’m not upset. this is your work and it’s important. you are doing something that matters.” she was disappointed but concealed it with ease; she presumed that this had to come with the territory of being involved with someone on the police force.

“yeah, but this was too. i promise that i will make this up to you. soon.” he squeezed her hand before embracing her tightly. “let me take you home.” he murmured, his face buried in her hair.

maeve’s arms wrapped around his waist, inhaling his peppery cologne, “okay.”

as they arrived back to her house, he pressed a kiss against her cheek. they said their goodbyes as they stood on her porch, maeve bit her lip as he began to walk away. she pulled him back by his hand, lacing their fingers loosely. “just, be safe and don’t get hurt again or let anything like that happen. okay?” she was unable to hide the worry in her eyes, “i really want that rain check.”

“i promise. i will see you tomorrow.” with one last squeeze of his hand, he descended the stairs. her eyes didn’t leave his departing car until it turned a corner. maeve couldn’t help but smile despite the circumstances. as she walked in to the foyer, a voice came from a side room.

“no goodbye kiss? i think i’ll like that kid.” robert nodded, continuing to read whatever book he was holding. maeve rolled her eyes as she walked in to her room and flopped down on to her bed giggling. maeve picked up the phone from her bedside table and quickly dialed andie’s number-- she couldn’t keep this all inside.

style inspiration: x

song inspiration: x

[senritsunotats]

You can read on AO3 if you prefer.

(X)

“Now, this game,” Bang said to Izumi. They were at his dojo, because he offered to babysit while Tatsumaki was out on yet another date with Iaian. He guessed things were going well for there to be more than one date – the fourth, if he was keeping track correctly, and he never kept track wrongly –, and now that Izzy was almost three, she could begin to understand how important martial arts was. Perhaps, he’d finally find a suitable disciple, if he started soon enough. “Is very important to exercise your memory.”

“Memory?” Izumi asked puzzled. “But the cake?”

“Charanko is baking the cake while we play. But if we don’t play, it will take forever for time to pass.”

“Oh.”

He distributed the cards on the floor of the dojo between him and her, surprised to see that she was actually waiting for his instructions. Little Izumi was certainly more patient than her mama.

“What kind of cake, Bang-sensei?” Izzy asked and Bang beamed at her. She was so polite, she would definitely fit in with his policy.

“Chocolate? With…”

“Strawberries?” she suggested.

“You betcha,” Bang guaranteed.

To be honest, he had no idea what kind of cake Charanko was baking, he just hopped it’d be something the little girl liked. She was sweet and polite, alright, but it was never a good idea to piss off an esper.

“Now, the game,” he continued, Izumi looking up at him with slightly uninterested green eyes. Her expression reminded him of someone, but he couldn’t quite place who. “I’ll flip two cards, and if they match, I can flip other two. If they don’t match, it’s your turn to flip two cards. Understand?”

“I guess.”

“Do you want to start?”

“I want to watch a movie.”

“A movie?”

“Yeah, about a princess!”

“A movie about a princess?” Bang said frowning. Izumi nodded.

“With a shiny crown!” she exclaimed. “Movies make the time pass fast, is what Genos say.”

Bang gasped.

“Is Genos putting you to watch TV instead of actually taking care of you?” he asked and she nodded. “That’s so reckless. I need to have a little chat with him.”

“It’s fine,” Izumi said. “He always have popcorn and cake and tea.”

“You really like food, huh?” he said and she nodded. “Now, shall we play?”

“What?”

“I start,” Bang offered and chose two cards at random. “You take a good look, Izzy, to know where the pairs are. Here, they don’t match.”

He flipped the cards back and pointed at her.

“My turn?” she asked and Bang nodded. “Okay.”

Izumi’s little hand hovered above the cards, and when she chose one, all of the cards flipped at once glowing in green. She looked at Bang smirking.

“I found all the pairs, Bang-sensei.”

Bang narrowed his eyes at her.

“You cheated.”

“This is boring.”

“This is cool, and important.”

Izumi glared at him; he glared back. He would not step down to a 3 years old, one of the main teachings of martial arts was to make sure the strongest had the domain of the fight!

Three hours later, when Tatsumaki came to take her kid home, she found a snoozing Charanko having his hair done in colorful hairclips, a half-eaten chocolate cake, the TV playing some pink movie; Izumi was between Bang and Charanko, and the old man looked defeated.

“Oh, thank God, Tatsumaki,” he said relieved. “That’s the third movie she’s making us watch.”

Tatsumaki chuckled.

“Blame Genos, he lets her do everything she wants,” she said. “Fine guy, but he has no way with kids.”

“I’m almost done, Mommy,” Izumi said. She suspected that the girl was trying to braid Charanko’s hair, but in reality she was just making a bunch of knots. Izzy put both hands on her hips satisfied. “There.”

“Looks great, kiddo,” Tatsumaki said trying not to laugh. “Now, how about we get out of here before he wakes up?”

“That’s probably a good idea,” Bang agreed and set to cut a large piece of cake, for he knew the esper was a fan of sweets. “Take some cake home.”

“Thanks,” Tats said accepting the plate he was offering her. “Come on, Izzy.”

Izumi got up and fixed her clothes, pushed back her hair, and then took her mother’s hand.

“I take the date went well,” he said, a soft poke and Tatsumaki rolled her eyes.

“Mind your own business, old man,” she replied heading to the door. “And thanks for today.”

“Any time,” he said sincerely. Izumi was a lot of work, but whenever he got to stay with her, it was guaranteed he’d have a lot of fun – even if it wasn’t the way he planned it. 

[twoidiotwriters1]

Starcrossed Losers 2.II (Josh Wheeler xF!Reader)

A/N: I should’ve told you this earlier lmao but the first half of this season is heavily inspired on the show’s podcast, meaning that the plot follows the podcast’s occurrences of the last episode, if you haven’t you should listen to it, pls -Danny

Words: 2,646

Warnings: Swearing

Series’ Masterlist

Previous Chapter // Next Chapter

Listen to me!

It takes me about fifteen minutes to go back to the mall, my mood has improved and it only gets better once I see the main entrance. Josh made this graffiti of a sunrise on one of the stores' windows to represent our tribe: Daybreakers. I thought it'd be cool to make a bigger version of it and hang it outside the entrance; so that's where it's proudly hanging.

"Where were you?" Alex walks up to me. "We just got a whole box of medical stuff, we need to store them!"

"Glad I didn't miss it," I grin.

As I make my way through I get a glimpse of the small little groups that have settled on the mall and that you probably wanna know about. We'll get there, don't worry. We have time. Right now I have to hurry.

'I fell in love again All things go, all things go Drove to Chicago All things know, all things know'

Wesley passes by, he sees me and hollers.

"Our Doc is back! Any good news, Y/N?"

"Take a guess," I smile brightly. "I have to go and store some things, but I'll see you in a moment, okay?" Wesley raises a brow.

"I don't see why not," He smirks. "I have my own business to attend right now, anyway..."

"What business?" I ask.

"We had this idea for a race across the mall and it's about to start. I'm supposed to be the one who gives the green light so I gotta get moving."

When he says 'we' I know he means Angelica, Josh and him, they're always doing this fun and exciting competitions, and it's been barely a week! They're supposed to make us grow closer, we're about 80 people here, which is quite a lot. A mix of cheeramazons, gamers, former jocks, and og daybreakers. But I know pretty much everyone personally, I have to, I'm their healer after all.

'We had our mindset All things know, all things know You had to find it All things go, all things go'

"Who brought all of this?" I ask Alex while we put the little boxes on each shelf.

"Leila and Tyler, they were doing their rounds when they found this a few blocks away, they're mostly from abandoned houses..."

"Good job, Leila and Tyler," I say in amazement.

"So how did your meeting go?" Alex raises a brow.

"Oh my god, I feel like the weight of the world has been lifted from my shoulders," I sigh heavily. "Sam finally accepted our offer, but there's a few things I need to talk with the others. I still think everything's fine, though."

"I'm glad, the jocks were the only tribe that was acting up, it was about time..."

"You know it was all Maya's fault. I hate her."

"Don't we all?" He snorts. "She's still living her best life?"

"Sam still has her there with her in the Queen's office, so of course."

"Y/N!" Angelica runs into the pharmacy and hugs me briefly. "Took you long enough! How did it go?"

"A total success," I grin, hugging her back. "But you know, since you're here I'd like to talk to you about some things the jocks are trying to get. I know you'll say no, but I'm still obliged to say it."

"So tell me."

"They're asking if it's on us to provide food for their movie nights."

"Fuck no! They have a full fuctioning orchard and they want us to give them more food?" Angelica frowns.

"It was Maya's idea," Alex says over his shoulder.

"Yes," I roll my eyes, "but Sam wasn't exactly against it, so I had to ask. I did tell them it wasn't likely to happen, so it's okay, we can say no, they agreed to it anyway."

"Good, because we won't agree to that."

"Done!" Alex turns around with satisfaction. "You can go and take off those skates. God, your poor feet must hate you."

"They're used to it," I laugh. "I won't say no to a well-deserved nap, though..."

"Now that we have all of those deals with the tribes, what's next?"

I'm about to answer when I see Josh approaching with his signature grin. He gets over to where I'm standing and lifts me off the ground in a swift movement. I'm aware we're being sickengly cute, but we're still in our 'honeymoon' phase, we tend to be cheesy. I laugh and put my arms around his neck before he puts me back down.

"How's your day going?" He asks me, clearly expecting to hear about the Jocks.

"Well, dearest leader," I smirk, taking off my backpack and rummaging through the papers. "I'm pleased to announce they finally accepted. They're trying to force us to provide the snacks, though. But all you have to say is no and that'll be it. Sam will understand, she's the one growing food, she can't expect us to give away ours."

"You're serious?" Josh asks. "That's awesome, Y/N! I knew you could do it!"

He leans down to kiss me, but before we even touch Angelica yells at us.

"Hey, if you guys can keep it in your pants for a moment," I hear her beside us. "KJ's looking for you at the gamers station."

"Oh," I frown. "What for?"

"I don't know, I think there's some problem with the signal, the gamers' WIFI is slower than the one in the cave so they're whiny about it."

"That's not something I can fix," I roll my eyes. "I'll go and listen to them."

"I have to go back to the Cheeramazon station," Josh comments. "I just wanted to know how it went with the Jocks."

"And here I was thinking you were glad to see me," I tease, and he chuckles. I put the notebook in my backpack. "Oh! Before I forget..."

I tell them about the Tribes book and how they'll send a jock at some point during the week to ask about the subdivisions and all. Angelica thinks is a bit silly but she agrees to receive the jock anyway, Josh agrees with it a hundred percent, he thinks this is the final step to become a real tribe. I agree, it took us a long time to find a home, we're happy.

'I was in love with the place In my mind, in my mind I made a lot of mistakes In my mind, in my mind'

When I find KJ I see that there's an actual crisis happening. Aria and her are arguing and they only stop when I arrive, both coming up to me at the same time.

"The wifi is-"

"I think someone is trying to hack-"

"–We can barely play tetris on this shit-"

"Hold on," I huff. "Aria, you said someone is trying to hack into your computer?"

"Not my computer, the whole net," Aria continues, pleased to see it was her concern the one I decided to talk about. "It's weird, and we're having comunication problems with the other tribes, the signal falls every half an hour."

"I'm no expert at tech," I frown. "Why were you wanting to see me?"

"She says it's my fault," KJ replies. "I helped Angelica with the set-up for the gamers division and the solar panels on the movie theater, she thinks I fucked up the signal."

"It's because we didn't let you join back into our lines, just admit it," Aria rolls her eyes.

"I don't want to be in your stupid tribe! I'm fine here!"

"Enough!" I interrupt them, "Aria, as much as we want to be good hosts while you're our guests, I must ask you to not start fights with the members of my tribe, the daybreakers will always be my priority. KJ, maybe try not to react so aggressively with our guests? Listen, I'll talk to Angelica so we can find a solution, I bet there's something we're missing here and I doubt it has to do with KJ's abilities. Give me two days, alright?"

Both girls nod, KJ glares at Aria one last time before leaving.

"We appreciate your efforts, Y/N," Aria tells me out of the blue. "I wasn't trying to be rude, it's just... even if Triumph is no longer a thing, there might still be threats out there, it's better to remain informed, and for that we need a strong internet connection."

"Yeah well, I'll see what I can do," I give her an awkward smile. "You think the cave's renovation's will be done anytime soon? Not that I'm kicking you guys out, I just... my kids are getting nervous about the lack of food and..."

"One more week and we'll go, I promise," Aria tells me. "We're working no it."

An hour later during lunch, after I tell the whole story to Wesley and Turbo, both seem happy that my meeting was a success.

'Is everyone alright?' Turbo asks me.

The cheeramazons and Josh have been teaching sign language to all of us, so Turbo's life is improving now that he can speak to more people than before. He's also healing, and if I manage to do things correctly, he might be able to speak again in a few months.

"The jocks are just fine," I reply happily. "Don't worry, Sam is taking good care of your boys and girls."

He nods, though I can see he's a little sad about being thrown away from his former home, I know how that feels like. Sort of.

"You know, Doc, I'm really proud of you," Wesley raises a brow. "You went for it, took a place in the community and slayed your demons, now look at you! You're a higher power in our youth!"

I laugh at his observation.

"I'm doing the bare minimum," I shrug.

"It's more than I ever did during my time with the jocks as second in command," He sighed. "But still, you should be proud, sister."

"I'll be, eventually," I say simply.

Before we can continue our chat Josh sits down next to me and offers me water, which I accept with a soft 'Thank you'.

"So what now?" He asks me.

"What do you mean?" I tilt my head.

"You made deals with every tribe there is, now what's the next thing on your list?"

"Keep them going," I reply matter-of-factly. "Just because they said yes doesn't mean it'll stay like that forever, you know? We gotta mantain our relationships healthy and strong, perhaps we could organize events for all the tribes to join us... like New Year's Eve, or another Prom night..."

"Woah, hold on there, Miss President," Wesley scoffs. "We gotta focus on our tribe first. Our food is lacking, so are our living space and medical supplies."

"Well perhaps is because you won't stop organizing dangerous competitions where half of our kids get injured, our supplies would be fine otherwise," I point out.

"Don't take away their joy, Y/N," Wesley says. "Turbo's with me in this one, right?" He turns to his boyfriend and the boy nods.

'Kids need the distraction' Turbo explains. 'So they don't start fighting each other.'

"I know that," I sigh. "We'll find a solution, okay? I'll think of something..."

"You look exhausted," Josh says worringly, he stands up and then helps me to do the same. "C'mon, let's take you to bed."

"Just don't be too loud, it's the middle of the day," Wesley yells at us from his place once we're halfway gone. Josh and I turn to him in outrage.

"Is not- we're not-" I try to say, but the words tangle in my head.

"I'm just walking her to the mattress store!" Josh replies, blushing. "I wasn't going to put my hands down-"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence," I say.

We share a look but we quickly turn away.

The thing is, Josh and I haven't had sex. We made out a couple times when we were alone, but those times are gone, more so with eighty people walking around the mall at all times. Besides, I've never had sex in my life and I'm terrified of the possibility of getting pregnant during the apocalypse, I mean, that equals to be asking for a painful, slow death.

Josh understands that, and he said he'd wait. He even said that if I never want to have sex that's okay too. But who knows if that's the truth, Josh is an eighteen-year-old. He won't be understanding all the time.

Now that Wesley killed the mood we walk in silence until we reach the mattress store, Josh puts a hand on my shoulder and looks at me, struggling to speak.

"I... uh-" He shakes his head lightly. "I..."

"I know," I say with a reassuring smile. "Wesley's joking. He knows we're not... that I'm not ready."

"I know that too," He frowns. "I... You know I care about you, right?"

"Of course," I grin. "Don't worry about it. I really want to take a nap, so is it okay if I go?"

"Yeah, totally," He removes his hand from my shoulder and gives me a shy smile.

I nod and start my way towards the nearest bed, but an arm grabs me by the waist and turns me around. Before I understand what's going on Josh's lips are on mine and he's kissing me.

It's a good kiss, firm and loving enough to relieve all the tension from my shoulders. When we part I see the softness in his eyes looking for approval. I let out a short laugh.

"What was that for?" I ask in amusement.

"Was it okay?"

"It was great."

"Good," Josh nods, still looking quite insecure. "Just making sure."

"Okay, you freak," I giggle. "See you in a while..."

When I wake up from my nap it's around 7 pm and I still feel a bit groggy. My phone rings and I pull it out to see a notification from Spotify. It's from the podcast the AV club has been doing for a while. I eagerly unlock the phone, it's a reminder that I haven't listened to the last two episodes and that last episode I heard ended in quite a confusing moment. I was afraid they'd been hurt, I'm glad to see that's not the case.

I like those kids, last time they did an episode to honor Eli's death. They also talked a bit about Hoyles but no one really ever liked Hoyles. Eli's part was sweet.

As I start listening to this episode Melissa says they're hiding from some kids in suits? And not many things make sense, why would they be following them? They also talked about their strange poly relationship but that wasn't the point.

The point is that the AV club was about to die, and there was no one listening.

I fearfully click on the next episode, waiting to hear they escape.

'I made a lot of mistakes I made a lot of mistakes I made a lot of mistakes I made a lot of mistakes'

"This isn't about spying like the germans gathering all kinds of intimate information," Melissa aka Harvard continues in a panicked voice, "and we are most definitely not being forced to do this by a tribe that has tak-"

The audio cuts there for a moment, but that's all the confirmation I need.

We have to save the AV Club.

"Josh!" I run out of the mattress store, looking everywhere. "JOSH!"

'You had to find it (I made a lot of mistakes) All things go, all things go (I made a lot of mistakes)'

"Wheeler!"

"Woah! Hey!" Josh's body crashes against me and stops with an amused smirk. "What's going on? Did you have a bad dre-?"

"We need to gather our kids now," I say quickly.

"What? Why?" He replies, stepping back from me.

I gulp, panic raising through my body and cutting my breathe.

"We're being watched."

Taglist.

@letsbe-queer​ @slythermyg​ @loving-u-3000​ @one-loud-mind​