#they once tried to convince me I’d be fine if I caught it

[unsuspectingfish]

I don’t know, man, I think it’s kind of fucked up that I have to constantly live with the fact that not even my own home is safe, because my roommate stopped caring about COVID like 5 months after they moved in, and they’re dating someone who never cared, so the one place I should be able to relax unmasked is the place most likely to kill me, but I’ll also never be able to afford to live on my own because a studio cost almost as much as our 2-bedroom.

But freedom and whatnot, I guess.

[dan-the-womans-blog]

Hey! I’d love a one-shot where Hotch is really protective over the reader, who’s been getting some unwanted attention from someone at work. Maybe she’s a bit younger and new to the team, and she’s always been close with Hotch, but lately, he’s noticed that someone’s been making her uncomfortable. I’d love to see how Hotch handles it, especially since he’s been realizing he has feelings for her. Lots of protective Hotch vibes, maybe a little angst, but definitely some fluff and maybe a confession at the end. Thanks so much!

Of course lovely!!

Title: “Shield of Silence”

Pt2

You weren’t sure when it started, but the pit in your stomach had been growing for weeks now. At first, it had just been lingering looks—nothing overtly inappropriate but just enough to make your skin crawl. You’d brush it off, thinking you were imagining things, but the feeling only intensified as time passed. It was like being watched constantly, a gaze that clung to you when you least expected it.

It was your third month with the BAU, and although you were still adjusting, you felt like you’d finally found your place among the team. Spencer had been a wealth of knowledge, always eager to share some obscure fact or statistics. JJ had quickly become like an older sister, guiding you through the maze of FBI procedures and office politics. And then there was Aaron Hotchner—your unit chief, your mentor, and more recently, the person you found yourself gravitating towards the most.

Hotch had been nothing but professional with you, but there was an unspoken understanding between the two of you. You admired his leadership, the way he commanded respect without demanding it, and his quiet but unwavering sense of justice. More than once, you’d caught yourself staring at him, wondering what it would be like to cross that line between professional and personal. But you always pushed those thoughts aside—he was your boss, after all.

Lately, however, you found yourself needing his presence more than usual. There was someone on the team who was making you uncomfortable, someone who lingered a little too close, who spoke a little too softly when he was near you. It was subtle—nothing you could report without feeling like you were making a mountain out of a molehill. But you knew it wasn’t just in your head.

The elevator ride that morning had been the final straw. You were alone, checking your phone, when you felt the presence beside you. Your stomach twisted as he moved closer, close enough that you could feel the heat of his breath on your neck. You stepped away, mumbling an excuse about needing to review a case file, and practically fled to your desk.

It wasn’t until you were safely seated that you noticed Hotch watching you, his brows furrowed with concern. He’d always been perceptive, but this time, his gaze felt like it was peeling back the layers you’d tried so hard to keep hidden.

“Y/N,” his voice was low as he approached you, leaning on the edge of your desk. “Is everything alright?”

You forced a smile, trying to mask the anxiety churning in your gut. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little tired.”

Hotch didn’t seem convinced, but he didn’t push. Instead, he nodded, his expression thoughtful. “If anything’s bothering you, you can always come to me. You know that, right?”

You nodded, grateful for his concern but unwilling to drag him into something that might just be a product of your overactive imagination. “I know, Hotch. Thank you.”

But Hotch wasn’t the kind of man to let things go easily, especially when it came to his team. Later that day, as the team gathered in the conference room for a briefing, you noticed that Hotch had positioned himself closer to you than usual. It was subtle—just a shift in his usual place—but it felt like a protective barrier, a silent assurance that he was there if you needed him.

The meeting went smoothly, but as it wrapped up, the same coworker who’d been making you uncomfortable sidled up beside you, his hand brushing against your arm in a way that made your skin crawl. Before you could step away, Hotch was there, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

“Y/N, I need you to stay back for a moment. We need to go over the details of the Montgomery case.”

The man beside you stiffened, his eyes flickering between you and Hotch, but he said nothing as he backed away. You watched him leave, your heart pounding in your chest.

When the room was finally empty, Hotch turned to you, his dark eyes filled with an intensity that made your breath hitch. “This has been going on for a while, hasn’t it?”

You swallowed, nodding reluctantly. “I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. I thought maybe I was overreacting.”

Hotch shook his head, his jaw clenched. “You’re not overreacting. If someone’s making you uncomfortable, it’s my job to protect you. I don’t take that lightly.”

There was something in his tone that made your heart ache, a protective edge that spoke of more than just professional duty. “Hotch, I—”

He stepped closer, his hand reaching out to gently brush your arm where the other man had touched you. The gesture was tender, almost reverent, and it sent a shiver down your spine.

“I can’t stand the thought of someone hurting you,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. “Not when I care about you as much as I do.”

Your breath caught in your throat, and for a moment, all you could do was stare at him, your mind racing to process what he’d just said. “You… care about me?”

Hotch’s eyes softened, the usual hardness melting away to reveal something far more vulnerable. “I care about you more than I should, given our positions. But I can’t help it. I need you to be safe, Y/N.”

The confession hung in the air between you, heavy with the weight of unspoken feelings. You didn’t know what to say, how to respond to a truth you hadn’t been ready to face. But as you looked into Hotch’s eyes, saw the sincerity there, you felt the walls you’d built around yourself begin to crumble.

Without thinking, you closed the distance between you, your hand resting on his chest. “I feel the same way,” you admitted softly. “I’ve tried to ignore it, but… I can’t anymore.”

For a moment, neither of you moved, the air thick with the tension of words left unsaid. But then, Hotch’s hand came up to cup your cheek, his thumb brushing against your skin with a tenderness that made your heart swell.

“Let me take care of this,” he said, his voice firm but gentle. “You don’t have to deal with this alone.”

You nodded, leaning into his touch. “Thank you, Hotch.”

He smiled—a rare, genuine smile that lit up his usually stoic features. “You can call me Aaron, you know.”

Your own smile mirrored his as you felt a warmth spread through you that had nothing to do with the lingering tension. “Okay… Aaron.”

The moment was perfect, the beginning of something new and fragile, but full of promise. As he pulled you into a comforting embrace, you knew that whatever happened next, you wouldn’t be facing it alone.

And for the first time in weeks, you felt safe.

[unluckilyimnot]

Hiii I’d like to request Umemiya haijime with number 14 and 17 hurt to comfort with the scenario being reader and Ume are close friends and reader has a crush on him but gets hurt at the fact that Tsubaki also likes him in that way

14 Crying in their arms + 17 "Why not me ?" + umemiya

Hurt to comfort

m.list | rules | from this

Note: hiii thank you sm for participating! I hope it's fine <3

Umemiya could tell you weren’t feeling well lately. You who were always down to stay over and have a nice meal or even just hang out suddenly seemed always busy. He had to try something, he couldn't stand the fact that you didn't trust him, or any of them, enough to talk about what was on your mind. Umemiya had a hard time simply talking a few words to you which honestly felt heavy on his shoulders.

“Is there something wrong, Ume ?” you asked, out of breath when you finally reached the top. I just sent you a message asking you to meet him. It was important. Maybe he shouldn't have added this part, but he was happy to see you.

“Come and sit with me.” He simply answered, patted the seat next to him and already poured you a glass. You whined as you walked to him, he was always like this.

You took the seat next to him, making sure to leave enough space and that caught his eyes once again. You've been like this for a few days now, he was scared he did something wrong.

“Are you mad at me ?” He asked after a long silence, making you choke on your drink but you didn't have anything after that.

At first he thought you were just composing yourself but the look in your eyes proved him wrong. There was something going on, and he was a part of it. Sitting closer to you, his arm passed around your shoulders and pulled you closer. You tried to fight back in an unsuccessful attempt to push his chest but just had to accept your faith.

“You can't do anything about it,” you started, trying to convince him it was nothing.

“You can still talk to me about it, no ?” He tried his best to appear friendly and to keep this conversation light but in fact, he couldn't take his eyes off of you – waiting for an answer.

When tears formed in your eyes, it felt like his heart just stopped. He wasn't kidding anymore, he needed to know so he could help you. But you tried to push him away once again, breaking his heart a little more.

“I know that it's stupid to feel like this, but Tsubaki's feelings make me feel like mine doesn't matter,” you confessed as tears rolled down your face. It felt oddly wrong to move closer, but at the sight of your tears, Umemiya couldn't help but hold you.

“I like you too, so why not me ? Why do I feel bad about it ?” Your speech was punctuated by hiccups and if you tried to grab his shirt, you felt like you'd definitely fall apart. “I feel like I have no chance at all.”

Umemiya scoffed, not believing what he just heard but only bridged you closer.

“You act like I like them back,” He clarified camly, now stroking your back to ease your cries. “Nobody told you that. Why wouldn't you?”

He knows it's probably not the best way to make you stop crying : he doesn't have a real answer for you and it won't help much with how you feel. Yet, he laid a small kiss on your forehead, still holding you close and for a second, you realized that you in fact still have a chance.

[xxsabitoxx]

Rengoku x Kocho Sister! Reader idea

This is just something small I’ve been toying with so… idk if I’d ever turn it into a full blown smut fic but Ehehe

Rengoku was a bit mortified when Kanae and Shinobu Kocho cornered him one afternoon while leaving Kimetsu Academy. “Rengoku-san~” Kanae’s voice was as light as air, but he could tell by the look on her face that he was in huge trouble. “Good afternoon… you two…” he shifted a bit, clutching the strap of the bag resting on his shoulder. “We’d love to have a chat with you, Rengoku-san.” Shinobu was smiling as well, but the vein protruding from her forehead gave him every reason to be scared.

“O-oh? What about?” He laughed nervously, eyes shifting between the two sisters. Typically there was a third with them… you. For you to not be present, he knew exactly where this conversation was heading. “Oh~ I think you know.” Kanae smiled, motioning for him to follow the two of them. He sighed, heart hammering as he begrudgingly followed the two sisters. They brought him around to the side of the school, the track field off in the distance with kids practising for the future track meets.

Once they were a fair distance away, where nobody would disturb them, Kanae turned to face him again. “So, Rengoku-san~ Shinobu and I just want to ask you a few things~” his eyes shift nervously to Shinobu, who’s smile has dropped, her face is stoic. “Of course, ask away.” He swallows nervously, the collar of his shirt feeling suffocatingly tight. “As you know, my little sister y/n just became the new school nurse…” he tries to still his breathing.

Though there is no point in getting overly nervous considering it’s quite obvious the two sisters are already aware of what’s happening “y-yes I.. we’ve met” Shinobu scoffs a little. “Let’s not dance around the subject, sister.” She glances at Kanae who seems a bit sad her little integration is getting cut short. “Fine, fine~” she clears her throat, smile dropping as she stares at Rengoku. “You’ve seemed to have taken something from her, Rengoku-san~”

He flinched, nodding. He was convinced they had been so careful, though it seems the Kocho sisters had eyes and ears everywhere. “Did you at least have the common sense to use protection?” His cheeks are turning red as he quickly nods. “W-we… I promise we were careful! Protection and everything…” he swallows, absolutely mortified that they had been caught. Or maybe you had told your sisters about it, either way it didn’t help his warm face.

“Good, good…” but something seems a little off. “You used a terrible brand, you know, they are notorious for failure… I’ll have to keep a close eye on my little sister.” Rengoku stiffens, realizing what is being implied. “F-failure?” Shinobu and Kanae both nod. “Geez, Rengoku, even my little sister Kanao knows those things suck ass…” He’s practically neon red now. “Oh…” his hand is coming up to hide his face. “I went by Uzui’s suggestion…” Shinobu nearly fell over at that.

“Kanae! She’s definitely pregnant if this fool is taking advice from that womanizer.” Shinobu ground out, arms crossing as Rengoku seemed to curl in on himself. “Now Shinobu, while he may be foolish to take advice from him…” Rengoku cut Kanae off, dropping to the ground before the two and bowing deeply. “I-I know it’s a stupid mistake but I promise you I truly care for your sister, y/n. She means the world to me and if it just so happens she’s pregnant I will support her in whatever she chooses to do.”

Both women looked surprised but after a moment Kanae smiled. “My my, Rengoku-san~ I believe your words are sincere.” She trailed off a bit, waiting for the man to lift his head. “But please understand, if you do anything at all that brings y/n any sort of sadness” Shinobu cleared her throat “she means anything, Rengoku.” Kanae smiled a bit “then you’ll have to face our wrath, as well as our baby sister Kanao’s.” Kanae concluded. For some reason, Rengoku felt like Kanao was the one he should fear the most of all. “Understood, ma’am.”

Both women smiled “good, good…” Kanae watched him stand, Shinobu had begun walking away as Kanae grabbed Rengoku’s collar. “Next time, take her back to your own place. I’ll give you credit, you two stayed pretty quiet but… not quiet enough.” She patted his shoulder after she let him go, turning to catch up with Shinobu. Rengoku stood there, red from his neck all the way to the tips of his ears. It took him all of three minutes to regain his composure before making his way back to the front of the school.

“Oh! There you are!” You smiled sweetly at him, waving as you exited the academy. A sense of relief washed over him seeing your sweet face. “I missed you.” Was all he could utter as he crossed the distance and hugged you. You laughed a little “I take it my sisters got a hold of you?” Rengoku nodded, mumbling out a “yes” as he hugged you tighter. “I figured they’d find you, it’s impossible to get anything past them” you let go, holding his face in your hands.

“D-did you tell them?” You shook your head. “No, they kinda figured it out on their own… I’m surprised it took them this long to say something to you.” He sighed, hands holding your waist. “The weekend break protected me” he chuckled softly, kissing your forehead. “I suppose that’s true.” You laughed, taking his hand in yours as you began to walk off of campus. “Did they give you… the talk too?” Rengoku asked cautiously. It wasn’t sure if this whole “pregnancy” idea was their own scheming or if you had given them any reason to think you were.

“Oh yeah, they told me the brand of condoms we used suck… which I’ll be honest, I knew they did. But ya know, heat of the moment and everything I didn’t really care.” You shrug, swinging your arm as you walk beside him. Rengoku blinks, surprised that you were fully aware and still decided to go through with it. You glanced over at him, chuckling softly. “Don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll be fine.” Famous last words, he was certain of it now. “If you insist”

Was all he could muster, walking you in the direction of his apartment opposed to your family home. As he walked beside you, he had a funny feeling a lot was about to change over the next year.

[rae-raewrites]

Momma bird

Oswalda cobbblepot x reader

Perhaps she keep you just a little closer while thorne is around

Needed to make something with this beautiful woman my lord they had no right to have her have such a hold on my soul. Also anyone else been in a penguin mood?

If you worked on the luxury yacht that was the iceberg lounge you were bound to run into some well known faces. Unfortunately the faces this evening you were bound to wait on. The thornes were certainly on tonight’s special guest list.

It wasn’t hard to see…..the looks on their faces. Rupert,dressed in probably one of the fanciest suits this side of Gotham had been certainly giving you looks the evening long when you eventually had to venture to their table to refill there glasses.

“Mind toppin me off sweetheart?” You couldn’t help but cringe slightly as the older man held up his glass. He certainly didn’t hide his interest in having a pretty face around. All that money couldn’t convince you to keep around the man.

You’re usual rounds led you to getting away from the man,thank whatever god had gave you the opportunity. Eventually pouring the champagne of the last of the establishment’s glass. Her gloved hand swirling it slightly before taking a sip.

“Everything alright sweetie? You’ve been looking more shaken up than an alley cat.” She asked,there was the look of the suave businesswoman you had been working for ,yet….there almost seemed to be something off.

“I’m fine Mrs cobblepot,promise.“ you tried to reassure only to have a hand held up and her mouth once again taking a sip of the champagne you had given her.

“You know I don’t like liars sweetie.”

She says matter of factly,swirling the champagne once again with an almost disappointed look on her face. Eyes briefly giving a once over.

“Rupert isn’t a good man.”

The retort almost caught you off guard.

“I know ma’am.”

“And a sweet little thing like you shouldn’t be wasting time on him.”

You could feel your fingers grip at the tablecloth a bit. The pristine white almost comforting.

“Can’t exactly move away from my shift unless someone else gives the go ahead…..ma’am”

She gave a slightly ‘hmm’ and backed herself away from the table. A hand coming down to Pat at her lap,an invitation.

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to but I’d feel slily not to ask. Especially if you feel in need of well….” She chuckled a bit. “Comfort I suppose.”

You could practically feel the heat build up in you cheeks,a warm sense of comfort filling you. Something almost made you find your way to her lap. That despite her reputation,despite the fact that she was dangerous there’s almost a peacefulness to her.

Her arm found its way across your waste pulling you just that bit closer,your fingers playing a bit with her dress coat. Fabric far finer than you had probably ever seen never mind touched. A certain relief coming over you. A certain sense of pride swelling in her.

“Now that’s a girl. You just snuggle up with momma and she’ll make sure you’re safe. Promise.”

[msschemmenti]

To Be Near You

Melissa Schemmenti x reader

Prompt: Ava decided to do some staff bonding (and content gathering) and forces the teachers to have a sleepover in the school. Melissa and the reader are in a secret established relationship and get caught together.

a/n: this idea came to me before bed yesterday because I was thinking about what barbara howard would wear to sleep

“Maybe I should go get my air mattress out of my storage unit. I don’t really wanna sleep on my rug.” Y/n mumbled as she dropped onto the plastic-covered couch next to Melissa. The TV was playing some game and it currently had all of the older woman’s attention. It was a Thursday and Y/n honestly couldn’t keep up with what sport Melissa watched on Thursdays but she was really only there for the company. 

Melissa shifted as the words Y/n uttered finally broke through her focus. “Barb and Gerald are letting me borrow their spare, you won’t need yours.”

Y/n eyed the woman curiously, trying to figure out if she’d missed something within the past 6 months that would make Melissa’s response a logical solution to her problem. “Mel darling, you do understand what a lock-in is right?”

Ava’s latest fixation has been on team bonding (apparently that’s where the money is this week). And she had the brilliant idea to have the teachers spend a night in Abbott. Obviously, no one wanted to do that, but after a few threats and incentives, the woman rallied enough teachers to participate. Everyone had discussed their sleeping plans earlier over lunch and had established that they’d all be sleeping in their own classrooms, much to Janine’s dismay. Y/n couldn’t help but feel bad for the woman as she tried to convince everyone to set up their sleeping bags in the gym for an actual sleepover. She’d been shot down faster than Y/n’d ever seen before. Between Barb and Melissa, there was no chance in hell either of the women would be participating more than necessary. 

“Of course, I know what a lock-in is. What’s the issue? You haven’t ever complained about sharing a bed before now.” Melissa grumbled turning to face Y/n as the game came to an end. 

“And I’m not complaining now. I just must have missed the part where you told our co-workers you were banging the new fifth grade teacher.” Y/n replied wiggling her eyebrows suggestively. 

“I think I’m doing more than banging you,” Melissa wiggled her brows back causing Y/n to blush in the truth of the tease. 

“Even if that is true, how do you plan to explain me sleeping in your classroom to anyone without outing us?” 

Melissa shrugged, “I think you’re giving them all too much credit. It’ll be fine. Once everyone retires to their own classrooms, you can just come down to my room. By morning everyone will just be worried about getting out of there so the sneaking out won’t be an issue. Piece of cake.” 

“Says you, you’re not doing any of the sneaking.” Y/n rolled her eyes, she’d do anything for Melissa so her complaints were only for show. “But alright, that crosses at least one thing off of my list of things I need to pack tonight when I leave here.” 

“I’ll just take my stuff we can stay at your place.” Melissa said rising from the couch to go collect her things. “Give me like 20 mins and we can leave.” Y/n went to tell Melissa it wasn’t necessary but she was already gathering all of her things to tag along. As she watched the older woman buzz around the house readying for their own little sleepover she couldn’t help but to smile at how readily Melissa was to come home with her. 

-

“This might’ve been Ava’s best idea yet.” Janine grinned as everyone gathered in the teacher’s lounge to wait for Ava to bring dinner. “I already feel so much closer to you guys. You know I’d actually feel even closer if we all put our sleeping bags in the-” 

“Shut up Janine, dinner is served.” Ava said as she hip-checked Janine out of the doorway carrying a box of takeout orders. She brought the box to the table in front of the couch and quickly grabbed her things, “Back you filthy animals. Everyone’s orders should have their name on it.” 

Y/n rose from her seat at the table by the wall and waded through the throng of teachers to retrieve her meal. Sliding under someone’s arm she was able to get her box but saw both Barb’s and Melissa’s still sitting there. Without much thought, she grabbed them both and ducked back out of the crowd and headed for their table. She slid the boxes to each woman with a smile and turned to head back for her seat at the other table. Before she could get too far, Melissa’s hand reached for her wrist and pulled her back. “Thanks hon, why don’t you eat with us?” 

Y/n eyed Melissa hesitantly, they normally kept their in school interaction to a minimum and Y/n hardly ever sat near Melissa for to long. They’d learned that one of them had a hard time keeping her hands to herself. So the invitation was like playing with fire, especially if Y/n was meant to sneak into Melissa’s classroom to cuddle later that night. She gazed at Barb briefly before letting her eyes fall onto Melissa again and seeing the silent plea behind her eyes. 

“We won’t bite sweetheart.” Barb smiled as she hit Melissa’s shoulder in a sort of scold for still holding onto Y/n’s wrist. Y/n nodded and moved to have a seat and when Barbara returned her attention to her food she shot Melissa a warning glare, nonverbally telling her to behave. The redhead grinned mischieviously and nodded. “How was your day Y/n? I didn’t see you at lunch.” Barbara asked making polite conversation like the Godly woman she is.

“Oh it was okay, I left something at home so I ran back to get it before I had to pick the kids up. How about you?” Y/n replied gazing toward the woman kindly. That morning Melissa had been on her ass about bringing her sleeping bag and she’d planned to slide it in the car without her noticing but they’d practically been joined at the hip since they’d made it to the apartment the night before. After leaving it at home, she went back to grab it and tucked it in her classroom for the day. Of course she wouldn’t be using it, but it would be nice to have some sort of cover if anyone was to look in on her that night. Melissa didn’t see it that way, but it would come in handy this evening.

“Well I woke up this morning, so I can’t complain. But I know I’ll be complaining tomorrow after sleeping on an Air Mattress.” Barbara groaned.

“Oh I know what you mean, I’ll be lucky if I can move my back after sleeping in my sleeping bag. I’m not sure this was the best idea after all.”

“Exactly, forgive me but I do not want to see any of your faces after 3:30-” As Barbara talked Y/n startled at the feeling of a hand inching up her thigh underneath the table. She kept her gaze on Barbara but her nods in agreement became more aggressive as she tried to listen. She didn’t even have to turn to know that Melissa was sporting a proud smirk as she tease her girlfriend. Y/n knew it was around the time they were alone and free to be themselves, but the location was not ideal for this kind of teasing especially if Melissa wanted to keep their secret. “But I’ll be glad when morning comes. I just hope Gerald can make it through the night. He always says he sleeps better when I’m there. He’ll probably be wide awake tonight.” 

Y/n swatted Melissa’s hand away under the table as discreetly as possible before pouting at Barbara’s words, “That’s so romantic. I guess that makes sense though, especially since you’ve been married for so long. I hope someone feels that way about me someday.” 

“I’m sure they will hon.” Melissa said finally adding something to the conversation. Y/n let her eyes fall to the red-head and tried fight the hopeful look that she knew was on her face. Melissa winked quickly and then both women turned back to their dinner. 

-

Mel <3: Coast is clear. Everyone is asleep.

With a pillow under her arm, Y/n made her great escape through the halls of the school. She was only going down one set of stair, but she’d have to tip-toe her way passed Janine’s classroom and that would be the ultimate test of her spy skills. Once she made it down the stairs she could see Melissa peaking out of her door, looking down each side of the hallway. When their eyes met, she threw her head back in a ‘come on’ motion and reached toward Y/n making grabbing motions. 

Once in the safety of the classroom Melissa seemed to pounce on the younger woman. Their lips met languidly, dancing an all too familiar dance, before they finally broke apart when air became a necessity. “God, I’ve been waiting to do that all day. We’re never doing this again.” Melissa groaned before pulling Y/n toward the airmattress in the corner of the room. 

“Can’t argue with that. I’m gonna set an alarm to head back to my room at 7. I figure, no one will be up by then.” 

“Set it for 8. I don’t want to wake up before 8.” 

“Well baby, I’ll just be quiet. You don’t have to get up with me.” Y/n said nestling into the air mattress and Melissa’s side. 

“I know I don’t have to but if you get up, I will. It’s already hard enough falling asleep the first time. If you leave I’ll never get back to sleep, even if it is for just an hour.” Melissa confessed quietly as she pulled Y/n closer.

“Are you saying you have a hard time sleeping without me? Because that would explain a lot, but also be so romantic.” Y/n asked with a slight tease in her voice. 

“I just like being near you. I feel…I don’t know. At peace or something.” Melissa said bashfully.

“Well, I like being near you too. So I guess we both win, hm?”

“I guess you’re right.” 

“I’ll set my alarm for 8. Now let’s get some sort of sleep on this thing.” 

“Alright, goodnight hon.” Melissa said placing a kiss on Y/n’s hair.

“G’night Mel.” Y/n whispered, closing her eyes in bliss.

-

Morning came and Melissa had been right, everyone was really was just trying to get out of the building as quickly as possible. The couple had shifted position a little but were still tangled in each others arms. With Y/n’s alarm vibrating away on the floor of the classroom, the women continued to sleep in ignorant bliss. As the other teachers escaped the school for the weekend, Barbara stood outside of her best friend’s classroom hoping to catch her before she left. She figured she could get the air mattress back now to solve that problem and figured her friend would be awake by now. She opened the door and entered as she normally did, but came to a stop as she saw the two bodies tangled together on the bed. The shock didn’t last long before the smile took over at the sight of the two. Despite being on an air mattress in the middle of a classroom, both women seemed to be as comfortable as comfort could get. Y/n’s mouth wide open, a bit of drool hanging from her chin. Melissa’s arms wrapped tightly around the younger woman, as if to keep her from falling off of the bed. This was a couple that was comfortable with each other and that loved each other deeply and Barbara could see it all now. 

Making her way to the side of the bed, she picked up the vibrating phone and stopped the alarm. With great displeasure she reached down to shake her friend awake gently. As Melissa’s eyes creeked open, her gaze first fell to Y/n. She seemed to mentally and physically check to make sure she was alright before she let her eyes wander the room. They quickly landed on Barb and her cheeks flamed as bright as her hair. 

“Good morning.” Barbara smiled down at the woman. 

“Morning.” Melissa answered sheepishly. She waited for Barbara admonishment or warning, but it never came. The woman smiled softly before nodding down to the mattress. 

“I’m heading home, but you can just give the mattress to me Monday. I’ll tell everyone you’ve already left on my way out.” 

Melissa nodded gratefully before watching the older woman head for the door. Barbara paused before leaving turning back to Melissa, “I’m expecting a call sometime before then to hear about all of this.” 

“I’d expect nothing less. I’ll call you tonight.” Melissa promised, causing Barbara to nod with a grin before heading out of the school.

It wasn’t long before the snoozed alarm went off again and Y/n stirred away, as her eyes adjusted to the sun peaking through the windows she looked up at Melissa with a lazy smile. “What are you doing up? What time is it?” 

“After 8 and Barb knows.” Melissa shrugged snuggling further into the covers now that they had a bit of downtime before they had to get up.

“Well, better her than Janine.” Y/n said following Melissa back to comfort.

“Yes, anyone would be better than Janine.” Melissa agreed with a smile placing a goodmorning kiss to Y/n’s forehead. “Good morning.” 

“A good morning indeed.” Y/n smiled leaning up to plant a kiss of her own on Melissa’s waiting lips.

[megsironthrone]

The Wildling and the Lady

Based on this request:  Hey! Hope i’m not too late. How about one where the reader is a Tully and she escapes the Red Wedding. She ends up travelling for a bit, she ends up at the Wall looking for Jon as they were friendly and she meets Tormund who is taken by her (maybe he likes her Tully red hair or her survival or something) and he’s surprised she’s a Lady

Here you are, lovelies! *Familiar characters are NOT mine!*

Warnings: Fluff, brief mentions of the Red Wedding (no details)

Pairings/Characters: Tormund Giantsbane x fem!Tully reader, Jon Snow, Samwell Tarly

A sigh escaped your lips as the cold began seeping into your bones once more. You'd lost track of how long you'd been traveling and you were certain you looked a fright. When you'd first fled from The Twins after what had happened with your aunt and cousin, you had no idea where to go. You'd simply wanted to get away. You'd used the only bit of gold you'd had to buy a bow. After that, you kept moving. As you traveled further and further North, the air grew colder and game grew sparser. You were near freezing and starving, but you weren't going to stop.

         Even through it all though, you couldn't fight the relief that coursed through you when you saw the Wall. Yes, you were a woman, but you had family there and maybe he could help you. You didn't despise Jon the way your aunt had. In fact, you were on pretty friendly terms with him. You only hoped he could help you now. If only for a little while.

         The gated opened and Jon ran to you with a soft smile. As soon as you slid off your horse, you wrapped your arms around him. "I thought you'd died with Robb." You shook your head. "No. I was able to escape. No one paid much attention to me. I tried to convince Robb to leave, but you knew your brother." Jon nodded sadly.

         "I know I shouldn't be here, but I had nowhere else to go. Nowhere safe anyway." Jon gave you a soft smile before gesturing to someone behind him. Two men approached you and Jon. The first was dark-haired and was a bit bigger round the middle than his companions. He looked like he would give the best hugs, honestly. But it was the second that really caught your eye. Tall, red of hair, with blue eyes that told you he was capable of mischief you never dreamed of. He looked positively wild and it intrigued you.

         You greeted them both with a smile. Then you turned back to Jon. "Where is your companion?" he asked you. You felt the tall one's eyes on you as you replied, "Since when have I ever needed a companion? Besides I have no one left. I made my way here by myself." Jon rolled his eyes, but smiled anyway. "Of course you did. You can stay in my chambers with Ghost until we can find somewhere suitable. I know you can take care of yourself, but I'd rather know you are safe." You nodded. You knew it was pointless to argue.

         "Jon?" the dark-haired man asked. "Oh, right. Sam, Tormund, this is Lady Y/N of House Tully. Lady Catelyn's niece." You scoffed a little. "Y/N is fine. I don't care much for my title." You let your gaze fall on the red-haired man once more only to find him staring at you so intensely, it made you shiver.

         You could feel his eyes on you as Jon led you inside. "Is that man a Wildling?" you asked Jon once you were inside. Jon smirked a bit and nodded. "Yes. Tormund Giantsbane. As fierce and loyal as they come, and also as wild. He's one of the Free Folk and proud of it. Looks frightening but means well." You didn't bother telling him that "frightened" was not what you felt when Tormund looked at you. Not in the slightest.

Tormund's POV

         The next morning, Tormund rose early and made his way out into the cold courtyard of Castle Black. The first thing he noticed was the sound of someone training. Confused as he was usually the only one awake this time of morning, the Wildling made his way over. The next thing he noticed was Ghost sitting just outside the sparring ring. He thought it must be Jon up then.

         To his surprise, when Tormund's gaze finally landed on the other person up so early, it wasn't Jon. It was you. You were moving with such speed and grace, Tormund couldn't help but be impressed. You certainly didn't act like any lady he'd ever met before.

         "Are you going to stand there staring? Or are you going to join me?" your voice asked, pulling Tormund from his thoughts. You had stopped moving and were watching him with a raised brow. "These practice dummies offer no challenge, but surely you could," you challenged as a smirk spread across your lips. Tormund chuckled. "Ya sure ya want to be doing that?" You shrugged a bit which only caused Tormund's own smile to grow. "Alright then. Have yer way." Without giving you a chance to retort, Tormund lunged.

         The two of you became intertwined in a dance of clashing steel. Back and forth you went, moving so quickly you were almost a blur. Tormund had to admit he'd met his match in you and he was loving every moment of it. Still, you weren't nearly as experienced as Tormund was so you found yourself on your backside. You beamed up at him as you struggled to catch your breath.

         "Thank you," you said simply once you could breathe again. Tormund offered a hand to help you up. You took it, but didn't expect him to use quite as much strength to pull up which was obvious at your gasp as your chest met his. To Tormund's delight, you didn't look uneasy or embarrassed. Instead you let out a little chuckle before saying, "I wouldn't mind if you joined me again tomorrow."

         "As the lady wishes." His tone was teasing and you seemed to know it. You rolled your eyes before backing away. "I look forward to it." You walked away while Tormund's eyes followed your form. "I like," he muttered to himself. If anyone looked at him in that moment, they would have seen the Wildling practically staring at you with hearts in his eyes.

(a/n: I hope you like it!)

Forever Tags: @fizzyxcustard​ @brewsthespirit-blog​ @line-viper​ @etherealpotter​ @frozenhuntress67​ @cd1242​ @smalltownbigheart​ @gruffle1​ @supernatural4life2022​ 

[ashironie]

I don’t have a good feeling about Celia

I tried to post this earlier but it got deleted so fuck

But from so many standpoints she just irks me

-She has the same character archetype as Alice. Many have pointed out their similarities and while this by itself isn’t much (as is everything on this list) with everything else it makes me weirded out

-She just came out of the blue. We had no warning in the episodes before no build up. We were introduced to the concept she was coming and then she came with little fanfare.

-Her introduction to the rest of the cast is a lot different than Sam’s. A lot understated. Maybe Jonny and Alex just didn’t want to do the same thing again but it felt really rushed and weird.

-I cannot see how she can possibly contribute to the plot in any meaningful way if she is just another victim coworker. She was introduced too late to have her death feel like anything but fridging (when you make a character just to kill them for momentary character drama), once again she shares a character archetype with Alice so the only thing that they could give Celia could be given to Alice perfectly fine, and she once again feels forced

-Celia was also too comfortable too quick for me. She just instantly trusted none of her coworkers would report her for talking shit about their boss. She seemed too genuine about everything even though she was in a completely new environment. And she was just so laid back with everything, like sure she might not know the full scale of things but she seems like she’s been their for as long as anyone can remember (something that might be due to the fact I associate this trait with Alice who has been there a long time)

-idk if I’m reaching or going crazy with this one but Alice seemed off. She moreso just said “I’m Alice” and and Aliced all over the place. But as soon as Celia left she said ‘yeah’ sorta suspiciously? Maybe I’m crazy. Then she’s back to herself replying to Gwen, who we can assume is only less interested in what Celia has to say due to the situation she’s found herself in during ep 4 was it? with Lena. The only time we really get to know her thoughts about Celia when she isn’t in front of her is when she’s bugging Sam about his crush on her, and also literally all conversation she has with Celia she also has with Sam and shifts the conversation (aside from just meeting Celia) to Sam (imo). The only time we get her opinions on Celia away from other characters is the little ‘yeah’.

-We don’t see Colin’s reaction to Celia either, which would mark the third episode in a row where Colin is only mentioned (to my knowledge). Though we don’t have any mention that he’s been hostile to her. The only characters that truly talk to her and that we can see their reactions to her are Alice and Sam. One who I’m convinced is suspicious of her and the other who’s ’in love’ with her (I was completely caught off guard by this due to not even thinking about any of that in the very beginnings of a horror podcast, I’m autistic and demiromantic, and because I was half listening the first time I listened. I sense it more but it still feels like a stretch to me before Alice mentions it though makes a lot of sense due to Sam’s reaction to her mentioning it)

-I feel like I’d be amiss to not mention the fact this is the episode we truly have an Avatar in it. Needles is the first avatar we tma enjoyers know as an avatar (in Norris’s statement in ep1 we have the maybe scammer but it’s unclear weather that’s an Avatar, someone being possessed, or something else entirely). Thematically, this would be a great way to establish a connection with Avatar and Celia. She was introduced exactly when Avatars were. Also the episode name could also be a reference to the fact we are having our “introductions” to Avatars thought this episode, but that’s unrelated.

-People has also pointed out Celia is in Tma, same name and same voice actress (so no Michael situation or helen and Mel’s therapist situation [I think I remember them having the same voice actress and that being a problem] here). Although I don’t know what the could mean but that’s actually the reason I decided to rewrite this mini-notsomini-rant.

I could be wrong about all of this and am prepared to be wrong but still, needed to get this out there.

[m00nc4kes]

A Chance. pt 2. (pacific rim! au)

hobie brown x gn!reader

word count: 4.2k

summary: You and Hobie drift for the first time.

warnings: me being inconsistent with hobie's accent (pls I tried), death, blood, mostly from the memories

notes: once again, reader is gn but if I gendered anything lemme know! my readers are always black coded even if its not said outright but anyone can read :3

[part 1] [part 2] (ur here lolol)

Apparently, the sparring match had been the easy part. Convincing Hobie to actually drift with you was the hard part.

Jess had approved you and Hobie to begin drifting, but he had shut it down immediately.

“No. Absolutely not. And ‘m not goin’ back ‘n forth with ya.” Was all he said before shutting himself in his room. You sat in front of his door and complained about him acting like a stubborn child.

“C’mon! Jess said that we stood a chance!”

“That means nothin’ to me,'' came the muffled reply. You sighed and leaned your head on the metal frame of the door.

“You’re not even a little curious about what goes on in my head?” You paused then grinned. “You don’t wanna know what makes me tick?”

“Coulda sworn I said I wasn’t goin’ back ‘n forth with ya.”

You kissed your teeth and rested your head on your knees. “Fine, fine. I’ll just sit here then!” you shouted then muttered, “All night. In the cold…” You allowed yourself to trail off as your dramatics continued to climb. “I’ll just be wonderin’ why my potential drift partner hates me—”

A loud click sounded behind you and the door creaked open. Hobie peered down at you with an unamused expression. “I never said I hated ya.”

“But you did say you weren’t gonna go back ‘n forth with me.” Hobie’s scoff had you climbing to your feet. You continued, “Won’t you at least give it a chance? We won’t even be going out into the field— just inside Hellion.”

“And you’ll be in my head,” he snapped, then caught himself with a grimace. “Why do ya feel the need to push it, hm? Can’t take no for an answer or somethin’?”

“No. I can’t.” You couldn’t stop your face from contorting into a scowl as you snarked, “Why are you even here if you don’t plan on drifting with anyone?”

“I already told ya—”

“Well, I don’t believe you.”

Hobie threw his hands up, signaling that he had nothing else to say, and stepped back behind his door. “Goodnight.”

Before he could completely shut the door, you pushed your hand against it. Your mind had been struggling to find an answer to why you didn’t completely believe Hobie. His reasoning didn’t fit his character. If he was truly done being a pilot, he would’ve just left. If he was concerned about his friends risking their lives, he would find a way to convince them to leave with him. 

No, this was much much more personal than that. And he had already told you his reasoning: to make sure no one else pilots Hellion Riser.

“You don’t want anyone to replace Karl.”

That stopped Hobie completely in his tracks. He stared at you as if the words slapped him in the face. You had a horrible habit of pushing people’s buttons; sometimes you did it on purpose, while other times you couldn’t stop your mouth from moving.

“I’m not trying to replace him, Hobie, I swear it. I could never erase what you guys had— what you two did. Hell, y'all set records. I just—”

Hobie put his hand up to stop you. “I’d rather not have this chat outside.” His door creaked as he motioned you inside.

When the door closed behind you, you were met with the sight of Hobie’s covered walls. There were some posters of well known rock bands from before the war and newspaper clippings of different kaiju attacks. You wondered if they had some significance to him. Though, what had caught your eye was a sticker-covered guitar leaned up against Hobie’s nightstand.

“So, d’ya have a habit of bein’ an arse or is that jus’ wit’ me?” Hobie sat himself on his bed and crossed his arms. You stared down at him with a raised eyebrow.

“An arse? Me? Never.” You trailed your eyes along the newspaper clippings until one caught your eye. “I’m just… stubborn.” You tried to keep a steady tone but your mind had already traveled somewhere far away.

In your peripheral, you could see Hobie shift to see what you were looking at. “You have a personal history with Steelcutter, mate?”

You blinked yourself back into the present and stepped away from the wall, needing to physically distance yourself from the image. As you observed the clippings, their purpose suddenly made sense.

“These are all kaijus that Hellion has taken down.” It was a statement, no question about it.

“Yep. Majority of ‘em are from the old pilots.” He tilted his head. “You dodgin’ my question?”

“Yep,” you mocked, looking him up and down. You opened your mouth to continue, but it suddenly struck you that you were in fact alone in Hobie’s room. And he was staring at you with those champagne eyes of his and— 

No, no, no. You weren’t going to entertain that anymore. You had one goal and he was actively stopping you from reaching it. Past infatuation had no place here. It hadn’t had one in a long time and it wouldn’t get one now. 

Ignoring the heat burning at your cheeks, you cleared your throat. “So about the drift—”

“You were right, y’know.”

You felt your words die on your lips. “I… what?”

“I don’t want anyone to replace Karl. They couldn’t if they tried. But that’s only part of it.”

You blinked owlishly. You hadn’t expected him to be so outright with it.

He continued, “I don’t want to watch anyone else I care about die.”

“We don’t even know each other like that—”

“Yet.” He stood up. “That’s the part ya keep overlookin’. I’ll be finding out everything about you. I’ll be in your head and you’ll be in mine. Ya won’t get out of that without at least carin’ a little. That’s the whole point of a drift partner. Ya pilot the jaeger together, ya fight together, and ya expect to die together. I won’t get outta carin’ for ya and ya won’t get outta carin’ for me. Get it?”

Hobie’s words were passionate, borderline desperate for you to understand. And you were beginning to understand. You chewed on his words for a moment, letting the air settle. “But you enjoyed having that partner, didn’t you? You enjoyed fighting alongside him and allowing someone to be that intertwined with you, right? Doesn’t that mean anything?”

“It’s not tha’ simple.”

“Of course not. But every relationship comes with the risk of an ending. Avoiding companionship altogether will make you miserable, especially when you’re itching to go back into the field.”

An indignant laugh left Hobie’s lips. “And who told ya I wanted to go back?”

“You still train— which is how you beat me during the trials; and you don’t seem like someone who lets people die in vain. Don’t you wanna show those fuckin’ kaijus where they can stick it? Don’t you want revenge for Karl?”

There had always been a muted fire behind Hobie’s eyes. The embers of the flames would dance around his irises, refusing to turn into ash. Though, under his appraisal, you could see the blazing inferno that you had sparked. 

It made you think that your insistence had pushed Hobie too far over the edge. Maybe your luck had run out.

To your surprise, Hobie backed down and released a heavy sigh as he plopped onto his bed. He dragged a hand down his face before asking, “D’ya have any confessions?”

You frowned. “Confessions?”

“Confessions, mate. Anything you’d like to tell me before I find out against your will?”

Your heart stopped in your chest. Disbelief rose in you like a climbing rollercoaster. “...you don’t mean…”

He gave you a look that told you everything you needed to know. He raised a finger. “We’ll try it once and only once. Let’s see if Jess knows wha’ she’s talkin’ about.”

The news about you drifting with Hobie spread like a wildfire. It morphed into a bigger event than you had anticipated. There were whispers about Hellion Riser finally becoming active again, while the in-your-face doubters approached you around every corner. The doubters were either shut down by some not-so-kind words or, to your complete and utter surprise, Hobie flat out telling them to shut the fuck up before there was a problem.

His reluctance to completely accept you as his partner was still present, but he didn’t seem too fond of other people sharing that same sentiment. 

The day came when Hellion was ready for you two to test your compatibility. The nerves shook you to your core; even your steadying breaths couldn’t calm your racing heart.

There were people around you helping make sure your suit fit your frame properly. Beside you, Hobie was receiving the same treatment. You watched as he opened and closed his fist with some sort of fascination. 

His eyes suddenly flicked toward you and he gave you a small grin. “You look like you’re gonna throw up.”

Your grin was strained. “I just might.” 

Before you could say another word, a helmet was being placed in your hands. You put it on while the people around you adjusted it for you.

Then, you were led into the jaeger where the workers left you and Hobie to get situated. Hobie was quieter than usual as he made his way to the right side.

“Are you nervous?” you asked. You hated how meek you sounded

“Nervous?” The laugh that came from him was curt. “‘M fuckin’ terrified.”

The simulators had nothing on the real thing. Colorful displays and illuminated buttons hovered in front of your place in the jaeger. 

Across from you, Hobie took the first step into the footholds and the machine automatically adjusted to his stature. He watched you expectantly and it made you bite the bullet.

You stepped into your foothold and several things occurred at once. The machine attached to your back to hold you in place then your wrists went through the same process, though they had more free reign than your back. 

There was sudden laughter in your ears and you whipped your head around to see Hobie with an amused smile on his face. 

“What’s so funny?” you snarked, already knowing that he was laughing at you. 

“Your boat, that’s what.”

“My boat?” 

“Your face, bruv.”

“Yeah, well, I’ve never had something attached to my spine before!” Your face cringed at the thought which made him snicker.

An automated voice cut through your banter. 

Pilots on board and ready to connect.

In your helmet, you could hear Hobie take a deep breath as he reached forward to flip a few switches.

Next, Jess’s voice came through the speaker. “Alright, you two, we’re preparing for the neural handshake.”

It was really happening. Your heart was in your throat and you wondered if you were truly ready for this. To let someone— Hobie in your head. Could you handle something like that?

“Oi, bruv. Don’t go chasin’ R.A.B.I.T.s, got it? Just let ‘em flow past you, don’t let ‘em stay.”

Right, right. Rabbits. Some long ass acronym for memories. “Okay. Okay, I can do that.”

Neural interface Drift initiated.

Flashes upon flashes of memories that didn’t belong to you flooded into your mind. Voices and unintelligible whispers whipped past your ears. 

You could see a smaller Hobie learning guitar from his mother. You felt the love and pride he had when he did something right. But then, you felt his desperation when his mother succumbed to alcohol.

You felt how he’d wondered what he did wrong to be neglected the way he was.

Then, memories that had been buried long ago were being unveiled before your eyes. Your parents cradling you as an infant, Your giggles as they made their silly faces.

You, as a toddler, wandering a desecrated city street. Ash and glass littered the street as you walked with a thumb in your mouth.

The memories clashed and overlapped with each other. Hobie’s time in the foster care system; you being taken in by an aunt; Hobie being accepted into the jaeger program— all of it. Moments you cherished like your introduction to being a jaeger technician and seeing Hobie for the first time.

You had admired him from afar. Someone who piloted your favorite jaeger and did it with pride. 

And when he spoke to you for the first time, your head had spun in circles and your mouth couldn’t keep up with it. 

Then, you saw Karl. 

You saw Hobie and Karl meeting for the first time during the trials. Saw them reading their results and becoming drift partners— becoming best friends. You could feel the love they had for one another, how much they cared about each other. They were inseparable. Hobie would throw an arm over Karl’s shoulder and they would share a joke no one but them understood.

Karl was his best friend.

With a sharp breath, you were back in reality. 

Right hemisphere calibrated.

Sharing a mind with someone was beyond jarring. You could hear the echoes of thoughts coming from Hobie, but none were coherent. Just feelings. You wondered if your mind was just about the same.

Left hemisphere calibrated.

You raised your right arm, perfectly in sync with Hobie, then raised your left. Together, Hellion Riser raised both of her fists in a battle stance.

Ready to activate the Jaeger.

A thought that didn’t belong to you streamlined through your mind and you laughed. Without a moment of hesitation, Hellion was raising two middle fingers.

A very unamused Jess cut through the speaker. “Very mature, you guys.”

Her displeasure only made your guys’ laughter bubble from your chests and echo into the cockpit.

Calibration complete. 

There was something familiar about laughing with him. Something that didn’t belong to you.

Because it didn’t.

You weren’t in the present anymore.

“Did you see how I fucking blasted him, dude?” You were Karl Morningdew. No, you were Hobie. Fuck, it didn’t matter. They were sharing a mind. You were both of them. 

“Bloke didn’t see it comin’!” Hobie had laughed, pride shining in his grin, and Karl joined him. 

They thought the job was done, but the kaiju had disappeared in the waters below them. Hobie had been the first to notice.

“Oi, where the fuck did it—”

Hellion was being slammed against, nearly toppling the jaeger over. “Fuck! How’s it still going?!”

Claws dug into the cockpit and they both screamed. You could feel their bewilderment and their fear— because jaegers weren’t supposed to be torn into like this. It wasn’t supposed to be possible. 

“We need to get it off!” Hobie had attempted to do so, but it had been too late.

With another swing, the kaiju tore into the right side and pulled Karl out.

You felt it all. Your senses were drowned with panic, panic, panic. Disbelief. And oh, the grief hit like a truck. It was hot in your hands— sent frigid chills down your spine.

And it hurt. 

Being thrown back into reality sent your mind into a flurry. It came with ringing alarms and a distressed Jess. 

“Hellion! You are out of alignment!”

You could hear Hobie apologizing— you could feel his grief clawing at him. At you. You’d felt like that before. You had. 

Then you’d heard him calling your name. Telling you not to chase the rabbit.

You were confused. 

What rabbit? 

You and Riri never had a rabbit. In fact, a rabbit never crossed your mind as you two walked down the city street.

New York City was a place. A place you called home. It was filled to the brim with people that narrowly dodged each other on the sidewalk. Cars honked at each other nonstop and music played from somewhere you didn’t care to check.

Beside you, Riri nudged your side. “Hey, cousin. Whatchu think ‘bout this move?” 

And in the middle of the sidewalk, she broke out in the butterfly dance. She moved her legs in a smooth in and out motion. Being fourteen, you were absolutely horrified that she was breaking out into a dance in public.

“Riri! Stoooppp!” you cried, shaking her arm. With her being two years your senior, she absolutely reveled in embarrassing you.

“Whaaat? I’m just dancin’!” 

You had to avert your eyes as she began to tootsie roll. “I’m gonna tell Teetee that you’re using her lessons for evil!” 

“You’re gonna tell my mom?!” She screeched. You laughed in her face as she playfully pushed you.

Everything stopped when the world started shaking. Your first thought was an earthquake, but the look on Riri’s face stopped you in your tracks. “What? What is it, cousin?” you pleaded.

The sound of screaming cut through the air then you were being pushed around by people running for their lives. You couldn’t tell what was happening but there was a dark cloud of destruction in the opposite direction.

Riri roughly yanked your arm and dragged you with the crowd. You wanted to ask what was going on, but a deep fear in your gut told you everything you needed to know. 

Jets flew overhead, shooting missiles at the kaiju that was dragging itself through the city.

Through it all, you couldn’t help but get the inkling that someone was trying to get your attention. Muffled words bounced off your mind as fear clouded it. 

The kaiju moved faster than you two could run, even with its long, slow steps that destroyed everything under its feet. You made the mistake of looking back.

The cloud of destruction couldn’t hide the grotesque thing from you any longer. It walked on all fours and was covered in a monstrous variety of spikes. It dragged itself through the street, tearing through buildings and bringing a storm of glass down upon its victims.

And it was nearly upon you. You wouldn’t be able to outrun it.

The terror took hold of your legs and you fell to your stomach. Riri tried to get you back up, but you couldn’t hear her desperate pleas over your screams. You were going to die. And there wasn’t anything you could refute that with.

What you hadn’t expected was your cousin to shield your body with hers.

The rain of glass sliced open your arms and any other part of your body it could reach. However, Riri took the full brunt of it.

The kaiju walked past you two, destroying what it could over the incessant attacks from the jets. All the while, you watched Riri’s life fade from her eyes as she collapsed on top of you.

You laid there, too scared to move. Hoping that maybe, just maybe, you’d wake up from your nightmare. But the glass that stuck itself into Riri’s body was all too real to even consider this a dream.

So you silently cried, too scared to cry any louder. Though, your weeping came to a solid halt when another pair of giant footsteps raced through the city. Was it another kaiju? Why was there another one?

Instead, a brilliant red and blue jaeger raced from the darkness and stopped the kaiju from causing any more destruction.

You couldn’t help but think: thank god. Because if the jaeger hadn’t come, you wouldn’t be able to scream and beg for Riri to—

Wake up!

The breath that you forced into your lungs dragged you back into reality. Your helmet had been discarded somewhere else and Hobie was holding you. His face was relieved when you finally looked him in the eye.

“You’re okay. It was just a memory. Just a memory,” he whispered to you. You could feel the tears burn in your eyes. Not only from the fresh memory buzzing around your head, but from the frustration of it all.

You fucked up.

And that disappointment followed you throughout the rest of the day. Everything had passed in a blur and somehow you found yourself here, sitting in the catwalk above Hellion. The base was deep into its night hours, with very few people still out and about. Unfortunately, you were one of them.

You hadn’t expected to be so shaken up, by why wouldn’t you? The last memory of Riri hadn’t been a pleasant one and it haunted your every move. Now Hobie knew it too.

You had one shot and you blew it.

There were footsteps heading in your direction. When you looked up, you saw the last person you wanted to see. Instead of greeting Hobie, you tucked your head in your arms and curled your knees close to your chest.

“That’s one way to say hello, innit.” Hobie’s voice did things to your soul that you hadn’t expected. Being in his head, knowing what made him who he was, gave you an entirely new outlook on who Hobie Brown was. 

Hobie had been right. You can’t be inside someone’s head and expect not to care about them. But you didn’t need the drift for it to be established, no, all it did was build upon the foundation that was already there. 

And you weren’t ready to deal with that yet. Nor ever.

Hobie came close to you, standing instead of sitting beside you. “Still shaken up?”

You clicked your tongue and let out a dry laugh. “Yeah, let’s go with that.”

“I don’t hold it against ya, it was your first time.”

“And my only time.” You let bitterness seep into your voice while your nails dug into your arms. 

There was a sigh above you, then Hobie was sliding down to sit next to you. You could only focus on the way the side of his body pressed against yours and it did things to your heart.

“It was unrealistic to think nothin’ would go wrong our first time.” He leaned his head against the railing. “You weren’t the only one who messed up. I messed up first.”

You moved your head to peek at him. He stared off into the distance and you watched his eyes jump from place to place until they landed on you. 

Being under his gaze made you shy and you hated that it reverted you back to your intern days. Your ears burned and you tore your eyes away. His laugh was kind and far from teasing. It only made the heat flare in your cheeks.

When his laughter died down, you two sat in a comfortable silence. Once you were able to get over Hobie’s proximity, your mind traveled back to Riri. You didn’t know if your somberness had leached into the atmosphere, but Hobie ended up nudging you.

“It’s not your fault, ya know tha’, right?”

You raised your head. “What isn’t?”

“Your cousin.”

You took in a sharp breath. “Is that so?” your voice wobbled, but you held firm. “I could’ve—”

“You did what you could.”

You wanted to get defensive, you wanted to deny him because what did he know? But he knew a lot. He’d seen it. He’d seen your moment of weakness and your failure and still said it wasn’t your fault. 

You squeezed your eyes shut, hoping you wouldn’t cry for the umpteenth time today. You did what you could. And that was nothing. You couldn’t do anything but be protected. 

Hobie placed a hand on your arm and squeezed it gently. It was a warm touch that sent your soul into a delightful spiral. 

You wanted to say something, but everything died on your tongue. You just knew that there was no use in trying to argue with Hobie. 

Instead, you smiled as you were reminded of something. “So you dream of being a rockstar?”

Hobie practically blinded you with his smile. “Everyday, mate. Gonna start a band after the war.”

“You already have people in mind?”

“Course! Got me a drummer and a few youngers lookin' to rock out.” 

You muttered to yourself, “After the war, huh.” You were glad that Hobie was looking forward to something after the war— even if you doubted that the kaijus would be defeated in your lifetime. 

“Yep. Which is why Hellion is gonna stick it to those fuckin’ kaijus.”

Your eyes widened. “Wha— You actually want to try again?”

“Second time’s a charm.”

“That’s not how the saying goes.”

“It is now. D’ya want to try or not?”

By this point, you had unfurled from your position and you were openly staring at Hobie. “I— Well, yeah! I wanna try again.”

“Good.” He rose to his feet and dragged you up with him. “We’re gonna need rest if that’s the case.”

There was something about the blaze in his eyes that told you that it was never anger. No, it was the burning desire to fight. To put an end to the war so he could live his life without fear. To be free.

He threw an arm over your shoulder and pulled you close. “Don’ worry. I won’t bring up the fact that you fancy me.” He poked your cheek and you could’ve sworn you were gonna faint from the sudden rush of blood to your face. “Not yet, at least.”

Steam could’ve risen from your cheeks and you wouldn’t have questioned it. 

Hobie openly laughed as you batted him away. There was no way you were gonna get away with hiding it. He was in your head and you were stuck with him now.

You had asked for a chance and he gave it to you.

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taglist: @hobieszeze

thanks for reading you guys ^^ i can’t say for sure if i’ll write another part but i’ll be focusing on my molotov fic !!

[winters8child]

It´s been a long, long time

Chapter 86

Sam had driven into town to grab some necessities—groceries and cleaning supplies—leaving Steve and me alone at the cabin. After watching the sunset from the pier, we headed back inside. We both sat on the couch, unsure how to pass the time.

The evening chill had set in, and I rubbed my arms to stay warm. Noticing me shivering, Steve spoke up. “I can try to get the fireplace going if you’re cold.”

“I’m fine,” I replied, though my voice was far from convincing.

“It’s no big deal. Let me take a look,” he said with a small smile, getting up to crouch in front of the fireplace. The whole exchange felt awkward—like two strangers making forced small talk.

“It should warm up any minute,” Steve said, turning to me after coaxing a small flame to life in the fireplace.

“Thanks,” I replied with a smile, pulling my leg up onto the couch. Steve stood there, hands on his hips, returning the smile.

“Sam should be back any minute,” he added, and I hoped he was right.

As the room gradually grew warmer, I tried to get comfortable, but the couch was stiff and uncomfortable, even just sitting on it. The thought crossed my mind to ask Steve if he wanted to share the room with me, but even a simple conversation felt awkward right now—never mind sharing a bed.

Finally, the front door creaked open, and Sam walked in, carrying two large bags of supplies. Steve quickly stepped forward, taking one of the bags and carrying it into the kitchen, placing it on the table. I followed behind them.

“Any issues in town?” I asked as Sam took off his cap and sunglasses.

“No, everything went smoothly,” he replied, starting to unpack the groceries. I nodded and quietly stepped in to help.

Sam had brought an assortment of fruits and vegetables, a bunch of ramen packets, pasta, various cheeses, and plenty of chicken and beef. “We can freeze the meat, but leave some out for dinner,” Sam instructed. I nodded and started dividing the cuts, sealing most in freezer bags while setting aside some chicken breasts for tonight.

This all felt strangely domestic, almost enough to forget that we were hiding out from the government. Once everything was put away, Steve began cleaning up the dust-covered cabin while Sam and I started cooking.

I was chopping potatoes when Sam broke the silence, slicing the meat as he spoke. “How are you two getting along?”

“It’s a little awkward, but... it’s okay, I guess,” I replied, placing the potatoes into a casserole dish.

“Well, you're stronger than me,” he said with a laugh. “No way I could live in a secluded cabin with my ex-girlfriend.”

I paused, confused, mid-chop. “I mean, technically we’re on a break. Does that make him my ex? Did he tell you we’re broken up?”

Sam turned around, wiping his hands on a dishtowel. “No, no, he did say you were on a break. But does that really make a difference? What would you call him if not your ex-boyfriend?” he asked.

I froze, my eyebrows knitting together in frustration. “I don’t know...” It was all too confusing. With a shrug, I resumed chopping the vegetables. “I don’t know, Sam. I really don’t,” I repeated, feeling exasperated.

I added the chopped vegetables to the casserole dish, and Sam followed with the meat before we placed it in the oven. Steve emerged from the bathroom, his hair disheveled, sleeves rolled up, and looking surprisingly good for someone who had just cleaned a toilet.

He wiped the sweat from his forehead with a grin. “Everything’s squeaky clean, so if nature calls, I suggest heading into the woods—I’d like to keep it that way,” he quipped.

“Very funny,” Sam replied, shaking his head. “Dinner will be ready in 40 minutes.” With that, he plopped down on the couch.

Steve approached me with an awkward smile as I removed my apron and hung it up. “Did you tell Sam we broke up?” I asked, my voice tense. His smile faltered, replaced by confusion as he shook his head.

“What? No, I didn’t,” he replied, clearly caught off guard.

From the living room, Sam’s voice rang out over the sound of the TV. “I can hear you guys!”

Frustrated, I huffed and grabbed Steve’s arm, pulling him into my room and shutting the door behind us. “What are we, Steve? We haven’t even been here a full day, and I already hate how things are.” I crossed my arms. “The politeness, the forced smiles—I hate it.”

He raised his eyebrows. “So, you don’t want me to be polite? Or smile?”

“Not like that,” I replied, my shoulders tense. “Not when it feels fake.”

“I wouldn’t call it fake,” Steve said softly. “Things are just complicated. I’m just trying to make things feel normal.”

I nodded, still uncertain about what we were, but I didn’t want to press the issue further. If he didn’t want to answer, then so be it.

“Your room looks nice,” Steve said, glancing around as he sat down on my freshly made bed. I had unpacked the few clothes I brought a couple of books, the Alpine plushie, and the ladybug pin on the dresser.

“You can sleep here if you want,” I said, sitting down next to him. “The couch is way too small and uncomfortable.”

Steve raised a hand in a defensive gesture. “Oh no, that’s not why I said that—”

But I cut him off. “If you want things to feel normal, then you sleeping on the couch isn’t normal. So, sleep here. I don’t mind,” I said with a smile.

“If you’re sure?” he asked softly.

I nodded. “Yeah, I’m sure. It’s fine. The bed is big enough, and there’s plenty of space between us.”

He perked up at that like a kid permitted to eat sweets before dinner, though there was still a hint of disappointment in his expression that I couldn’t quite place.

We headed back out and settled in to watch TV in silence until dinner was ready. We ate at the kitchen table, with Sam doing most of the talking. I was grateful for his chatter; it filled the space and spared us from awkward silences.

After we were full, Sam opened a small dresser in the living room, revealing a collection of old board games. I had never really played board games before, but I was up for giving it a try. We decided on Monopoly, where the goal was to become the richest player.

After Sam explained the rules, we spent hours on the living room floor, laughing and playing. The cabin was filled with the lingering aroma of our delicious dinner, and the fireplace crackled warmly. For a moment, it almost felt like I could get used to this.

The moment of ease faded as bedtime approached. Sam had already retreated to his room, and Steve was in the bathroom. I paced around my bedroom, already dressed in sleep shorts and a shirt, feeling inexplicably nervous. We were just supposed to sleep, after all.

When Steve returned, he had a shy smile on his face, dressed in grey sweatpants and a white tank top. He still looked effortlessly handsome. “What side do you want to sleep on?” he asked.

I shrugged. “I don’t mind either way.”

When he didn’t move, I walked over to the side closer to me. “The left side is fine,” I said, sitting down.

He sat down on the other side and slipped under the blanket, turning to face me. I followed, pulling the blanket over myself and breathing in the scent of freshly washed sheets.

Steve's gaze flickered to the Alpine plushie on my dresser, but he quickly looked away. “You still have it,” he said, his voice neutral.

“Of course I do. Did you expect me to throw it away?” I asked, frowning. I’d put it aside when he once shared his insecurities, but I would never get rid of it.

“No, no, of course not,” he replied, sounding sincere.

I got up, tossed the blanket off, and walked to the dresser. I picked up a small box next to Alpine and returned to the bed, handing it to him.

“I kept this too,” I said, urging him to open it. His expression softened as he recognized the box—it held the ladybug pin he’d given me on my 16th birthday. Slowly, he opened it, his smile growing at the sight.

“I remember that day like it was yesterday,” he said, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. “I was so nervous when I gave it to you.”

Back then, I had thought it was just a friendly gesture, but in hindsight, I realized it meant so much more.

“It’s lost a bit of its shine, but it’s still beautiful,” I said, smiling to myself. “It was the first gift a boy ever gave me.”

“Really?” he asked, perking up in surprise. His reaction tugged at my heart, making me a little sad. So many of my firsts had been with Bucky—maybe this was one he was glad to have for himself.

The moment felt so tender and sweet that, for a second, I forgot everything else. “You’re special to me, Steve. Never forget that,” I said with a sad smile. No matter what had happened between us, he would always have a place in my heart.

I leaned over and kissed his cheek softly before he handed the box back to me with a gentle smile.

“Good night, Steve,” I said, placing the box on my nightstand and turning away to sleep. He switched off the light, his voice soft in the darkness. “Good night.”

Next Chapter

[resowrites]

Every Breath You Take - oneshot.

Summary: Henry insists on helping his wife prepare for giving birth…

Pairings: AU!Henry Cavill x Wife!OC

Warnings: fluff, banter/British humour, language, dialogue heavy, nondescript OC body type/appearance, hastily written/lightly proofread.

WC: 1480

A/N: I know I’ve been posting like crazy lately but I reached a follower milestone yesterday and thought I’d post this little number from my drafts - enjoy!

My work must not be copied, reposted, or translated elsewhere. Likes, follows, reblogs and comments are thoroughly welcome and appreciated! Gifs/pics not my own. I hope you all enjoy and thanks for visiting!

Every Breath You Take - oneshot.

"What are you doing in here?" She opened her eyes and paused the app on her phone. 

"I thought you might like some company--"

"No, out."

"What? Why?!"

"Cos the den is a Henry-free zone for the next hour. Now, go."

"But why? I only wanna come in here and read my book!"

"You can do that in the living room, go." Henry cast a curious eye over her cross-legged form on the floor.

"... What are you getting up to in here? I didn't disrupt anything important did I?" She sighed and got to her feet. It didn't matter what she had planned, it would be impossible with him in the same room. 

"Darling, I want an hour's peace, please." Henry shot her a devious smirk.

"Fine - but first tell me why."

"No, now get out." He crossed his arms, determined to stay put. She pursed her lips but decided to give in and leave. When Henry was in those sorts of moods there was nothing else for it. "Hey, wait, don't go!" He only just caught her by the sleeve. "I promise not to be annoying, okay? Even though the den is my space and therefore you're technically the one who should be leaving." Her nostrils flared and Henry made a calming motion with both hands. "Take it easy! I'm just gunna sit on my chair and read, okay?" He waved the book in front of her face.

"Fine, but the minute you start playing up, I'm leaving - got it?" Again Henry nodded with a smirk and though she was hardly convinced, took a seat back on the floor. As agreed, he sauntered over to his Lazy Boy and opened his book. She took a deep breath and opened the app on her phone once more. Ten minutes into practising the techniques, she noticed Henry had stopped flicking the pages. If she had to hazard a guess, she'd say he was looking right at her. "Henry, find something else to do please."

"What? I was just looking at you for a few seconds! It's actually quite calming, like watching a fish tank." She gritted her teeth but immediately tried to relax. This was the whole point of her exercises. "... So what are you trying to do, levitate?" Her eyes snapped open and she jumped to her feet. She was in absolutely no mood to indulge Henry's silliness that day. "Wait, I'm sorry! I'll shut up, promise! I was just curious, that's all." 

"Fine, but that's your last warning. Any more smart-arse remarks and I'll be locking myself in the bedroom for the rest of the day - understood?" He tried to suppress a grin and she rolled her eyes. But then it occurred to her that Henry's presence might actually be useful for once. If she could learn to tune him out, she could cope with pretty much anything. She had to take it in small steps though. After all, ignoring Henry was like trying to ignore a fire alarm. Luckily, she'd bought her Airpods and quickly turned them on. Moments later a gentle white noise filled her head. In the end, she didn't know how many minutes had passed, all she knew was that he was being unusually well behaved and she sneakily opened one eye. Henry was sitting right in front of her, grinning like a madman. "Right, that's the last straw. Have a nice day Henry, I'll see you at dinner - which you'll now be making." He shrugged.

"That's fine, I'll order takeout. And stop acting like such a baby, honestly, you can never take a joke! What did you expect me to do with you sitting there like a monk?!" She felt anger rising in her chest. But instead, she stopped herself and sat back down. If Henry wanted to be annoying, he could jolly well carry on. She was determined to outlast him and what better distraction to overcome than Henry himself? That's not to say he didn't rise to the challenge. "Hey, can I join in? What are you doing, breathing exercises? Ah, so you inhale to the point where the ball fills the circle. Got it. Mind if I keep my eyes open though? I'm not as advanced as you yet..." She ignored Henry's sarcasm and began counting the length of her breaths. No mean feat considering the noise he was making just breathing in. She tried to focus. Henry was not going to get the better of her that time. "Christ, this is hard. I need a pair of bellows up my arse..."

"WILL YOU PLEASE SHUT THE FUCK UP?!"

"Well, that's not very zen-like! Here, watch the circle--" but she snatched the phone away and hurried to her feet. Again, he came between her and the door. 

"Whoa, hang on, I'm sorry. I didn't realise we were meant to stay silent. Let's see if there's an exercise we can do together where it's fine to make noise... ooh I've got one." She kicked Henry in the shin. "Ow! That bloody hurt!"

"Then focus on your breathing, arsehole." He snickered.

"Mmmm, I love it when Mama gets feisty..." 

"Take one more step towards me dickhead, and you really will need to breathe deep!" 

"Fine! Honestly, there I was just trying to suggest a way for us to spend quality time together--"

"You bending me over the couch hardly qualifies as quality time--"

"Well, what about up against the wall?" But instead of blowing her top, she smiled serenely.

"That's just fine. You can stay in here with just your hand for company, cos I'm going back to the house. Have a pleasant afternoon." But Henry stepped in line with her change of direction. 

"Okay, what if I promise to use earphones and sit here ignoring you for the rest of the day?"

"Could you do that for the rest of our lives?" He smiled.

"Now, now. Though you might want to try a different breathing exercise, the current one doesn't seem to be working..."

"No? Well, how about I kick your arse to the curb and you find a b&b for the night?" Henry swallowed, realising she was serious.

"There's no need for that! I promise that my lady shall not be vexed again until at least early this evening. Okay?" He then grabbed her Airpods, turned around, and plonked himself back on the recliner. She wanted to put his head through the nearest window but she had to be patient. Once he saw he couldn't get a rise out of her, eventually he'd get bored and vanish. She decided to rest on her knees and start the next method. If anything, it would certainly drown Henry out. But she closed her eyes again just in case. "... You know you don't need to practise, we've already got a balloon machine somewhere about." She ignored him and pushed out another breath. "Are you alright? You sound like you've got a slow puncture." She carried on and let her hand push her belly out as she exhaled. "Fine, ignore me then. I'll just listen to music." Henry scrolled through his Spotify and started singing loudly. "THAT'S GREAT IT STARTS WITH AN EARTHQUAKE! BIRDS AND SNAKES AND AEROPLANES! AND LENNY BRUCE IS NOT AFRAID!" In two three, out two three. Slowly it became easier for her to visualise a candle flame flickering on every breath out. At the next imagined contraction, she began with a sigh, relaxed, and breathed through the very real pain being caused by him, before ending with a sigh. Next, she started blowing gently, just enough to make the candle flame flicker in her head. "What are you doing now?! Practising for your next birthday?" Incredibly Henry's voice sounded further away that time. The technique was working. She could have jumped for joy. "Earth to Ollie? Oh no, has she achieved nirvana? Well, we can't be having that!" Suddenly she could hear him get up and start snapping his fingers. But she opened her eyes and sighed contentedly. "Oh God, it's worse than I thought, she's actually smiling!" She happily hopped to her feet and stretched followed by a yawn. "Ollie? Are you alright? Did I break your brain?" She smiled in Henry's direction but said nothing, and leisurely walked toward the door. "Oh no you don't! I want to know what the hell that was all about! Ollie? Ollie?!" She giggled to herself as she trotted back into the house. There were many things he could do to help her prepare for her pregnancy, but she was determined to keep her new mindfulness techniques to herself. Labour would be hard enough and besides, it would do Henry no good to learn that after all their years together, she finally had a better means of blocking out his nonsense. It wasn't perfect, but she'd take all the help she could get. 

To be updated on when I post please follow @resowrites and turn on post notifications.

@elizabetharegina @fanfictionaddiction99 @luclittlepond @caffeinatedfestivalsheep @summersong69 @ushijimbo @geralts-yenn @livesinfantasyland

[hurtmyfavsthanks]

Whumptember day 28

“I never should have let it come this far” Failed hero | Hospital stay | Begging for help

Content warning: Some of Whumpee’s dialogue could sound like suicidal ideation. Self-harm in the form of overworking. 

Whumpee couldn’t sleep. They rarely could, but it was especially bad when they were stuck in the hospital. They felt useless, desperate to claw their way from underneath the covers and get something done. More than that however, Whumpee was being kept awake by an overwhelming feeling of dread. Though they knew it was childish, they felt like a little kid waiting for a scolding.

They tried not to flinch when Caretaker walked in.

“Oh thank god–,” Caretaker rushed to their side, falling into the bedside chair and grabbing their hand. They were panting slightly, as if they’d run all the way to the hospital. “I came as soon as I could; I was so worried when they said you collapsed. What happened?!”

It was the question Whumpee had dreaded hearing. Not that it mattered, because Caretaker already knew the answer. As soon as their brain caught up, as soon as they noticed the bags under Whumpee’s eyes and the ink stains on their fingers, they’d realize. Whumpee averted their gaze.

Sure enough, Caretaker’s expression fell. “Whumpee–,”

“I know, alright? I overdid it. We don’t need to have this argument again,” Whumpee cut them off, pulling their arm away.

Caretaker didn’t look convinced. “We clearly do. You’re supposed to be in recovery Whumpee, not spending all day running yourself ragged. When was the last time you got a full night’s sleep? The last time you ate an actual meal?”

“I’m fine. I can do all that once this is over, and it won’t be until Whumper is caught.”

Caretaker sighed, some of the frustration in their expression fading. “We all want to see them caught, but we don’t know when that’s going to happen. You can’t put your recovery on hold for something that could take years.”

Whumpee squeezed their eyes shut, cursing themselves were the spike of terror that ran through them at the thought. Years. It could take years to find Whumper. What if Whumper found them first?

The beeping of Whumpee’s heart monitor sped up. Caretaker was kind enough not to mention it.

“You’re hurting yourself, and I can’t just watch you do it.” Caretaker’s voice wavered. “Do you know how scared I was when the hospital called me? Terrified. I thought,–I was so scared that something horrible had happened to you. You have to understand how much it hurts me to see you like this.”

Whumpee did understand, and they hated it. They hated making Caretaker worry, hated being the reason for their tears. It gnawed at Whumpee, making them feel guilt for something they had to do. They had to find Whumper.

Whumpee’s eyes stung, a shiver running down their spine. They bit their lip. “I should have never let it come this far. The reason I have to do this is because–,” because they’d been a coward. They’d been so terrified of Whumper, so terrified of everything, that they couldn’t bring themselves to leave the comfort of their bed. They’d wasted so much time. “--because I was being lazy. If I’d acted sooner, Whumper wouldn’t have had the chance to get so far. Now I have to catch up.”

“Lazy? Whumpee, you were recovering! You should still be recovering. You went through something horrible; nobody expects you to just be fine afterwards,” They could hear the tears in Caretaker’s voice. Caretaker grabbed their hand again, and this time Whumpee didn’t pull away. “Just–look at me.”

Whumpee did. Tears dripped down Caretaker’s face, their expression pleading. Whumpee could feel them shaking. “You’re killing yourself Whumpee, and I can’t watch it happen!” Caretaker shouted, choking back tears. “I can’t lose you again, not after everything that’s happened!”

Whumpee couldn’t stand to see them like this. “I’m right here, you’re not losing anything.

Caretaker shook their head. They held Whumpee tighter, as if terrified that they’d vanish right before them. “Please Whumpee, you have to stop this.”

But Whumpee knew they couldn’t stop. Not yet, maybe not ever.

At least if they were dead, Whumpee thought as Caretaker sobbed, they wouldn’t have to be so afraid of Whumper anymore.

[thesugarclubs-blog]

On a Night Like This - Bucky Barnes x OC

warnings: spooky season friends to lovers, truth or dare, soft confessions, "happy ending" for Bucky, 18+

word count: 9.3k

WP: https://www.wattpad.com/1389530411-on-a-night-like-this-ophelia

Masterlist

“I can’t believe Sam convinced you to wear that.” Ophelia grinned, holding back the laugh as she watched Bucky fuss with the shrimp costume for the millionth time that night. The tiny chef’s hat wobbled on the costume's large cowl only making it harder for her to contain her laughter. 

His signature scowl shot her way. “Don’t laugh at me.” 

Ophelia tried to hide the smirk on her lips and held her claws up in mock surrender. The crab costume she was wearing was bulky and weighed more than one would think but she still put it on, along with the fake plush cake headband completing her “Crab-Cake” look. “I’d never laugh.” 

Bucky narrowed his eyes, “Yeah, never.” He glanced back into the large standing mirror in her apartment again and sighed. “He didn’t convince me. He said he had the costumes taken care of, he just never said what it was.” 

“And you didn’t think to ask?” She laughed, gathering her phone and wallet before stuffing them into her pockets. Ophelia glanced back at her grump of a best friend watching him frown at himself in the mirror. “Own your shrimpness Barnes.” 

His gaze shot to hers through the mirror, a horrified look on his face. “Do not ever say those words to me again.” He warned though she didn’t miss the corners of his mouth twitch upwards. She laughed and shook her head. 

“C’mon Chef we’re gonna be late if we don’t leave now.” 

After playing tetris trying to fit both of them into the car with their costumes on and an uncomfortable thirty minute drive, Ophelia parked her car alongside a row of vehicles parked in front of Sam’s house. 

“He really went all out for this,” she said as they climbed out of the vehicle. His front lawn was decorated with skeletons in various positions, jack-o-lanterns lined his walkway and the lights in his upstairs window were all glowing red. She knew his house was older, one of the oldest ones in Delacroix and one of the oldest ones on this road. 

Bucky fought with the tiny shrimp legs that lined each side of his torso as he straightened out the costume. “This stupid,” he cursed under his breath as she came around the front of the car to him. 

She watched him fight for a moment longer before reaching out and grabbing his frantic hands, “hey,” Ophelia said softly trying to get his attention off of his costume. “The costume is fine,” she urged gently as his brows furrowed down at her. 

He let out a sigh before glancing over at the house, “there’s a lot of people here.” 

Bucky spoke so softly that she had almost missed what he had said but as they sank in she tugged on his hands. Ophelia knew he still struggled with being in close crowds and she also knew it was the reason he asked her to come with him tonight. 

“There is,” she nodded watching him process his anxieties, “you remember what to do when it gets to be too much?” 

His eyes found hers once again. “Beg you to take me home?” 

Ophelia laughed and shook her head, “You take my hand and squeeze it twice.” 

“That’s pretty much the same thing.” He finally grinned down at her, sending a wave of small butterflies through her belly. 

She opened her mouth to say something when the door to the home swung open and Sam’s boisterous laugh echoed across the lawn forcing them both to look at their friend doubling over at the sight of them both. 

“Bucky Barnes, man you’re lookin’ good,” he wheezed, wiping tear from under his eye.

Ophelia caught the moment Bucky masked his anxiety behind his usual grumpy scowl and she immediately came to his defence.

“Hey, quit it Samuel. A shrimp is far superior to a giant corn cob!” She admonished.

“Alright, alright,” Sam capitulated, his hands raised, but he still chuckled.

"No need to be so crabby Ophelia," Sam continued, laughing at his own joke as he led them out.

"You're such a child, Sam" she retorted whilst Bucky rolled his eyes. 

"Where's the hard liquor?" he asked Sam, looking round and only seeing beer in the coolers, "I'm going to need something stronger than bud to get through this."

"Come on Shrimpy, I've got some of the good stuff in especially for you."

Ophelia followed them over to the makeshift bar where a punchbowl of bright green liquid sat alongside pitchers of sangria. And then she got distracted by the iridescent flask Sam pulled out from a cooler under the table.

"Do I get some of the good stuff too?" She asked, eyeing the flask hopefully.

"Not a chance," Bucky replied, jaw tight as his narrowed eyes slid over to her as if to ask 'are you crazy?' At the same time Sam grinned, eyes lighting up. 

"If you think you can handle it, sweet thing." 

"Sam," Bucky warned and turned to Ophelia, "here, try the green stuff. Looks just as toxic." 

The next few moments were spent watching in amusement and Bucky attempted to work with his shrimp costume, fumbling for one of the fancy looking plastic goblets Sam had lined up on the table, and ladling punch without spilling it.

Ophelia took the glass from Bucky, her fingers brushing against his as she pouted comically. 

"Yeah, but it didn't come from another freaking dimension," she grumbled under her breath before taking a long sip. Her eye twitched as the strong taste of cheap vodka hit her mixed with sour green apple flavoring. "Jesus, Wilson, you do surgery with this stuff?"

Cap winked at her while he tipped the flask into Bucky's waiting goblet. 

"Hey, blame one of those kids out front. Sent them to the liquor store with some cash and they came back with a lot of change, if you know what I mean." 

Ophelia shuddered through another drink of the almost literal poison as Bucky giggled to himself before clinking his glass with hers. 

"That's my girl," he drawled.

The tone of his words made her cheeks tinge pink, she only hoped that the colorful lights strewn about every corner of the house helped conceal her reaction. 

My girl. Bucky always spoke to her sweetly. Soft, cute pet names9 thrown between conversations that Ophelia was sure meant nothing more but the butterflies in her stomach always betrayed her thinking the contrary. 

She smiled softly in response and took another swig of the neon green concoction, her face twisting as it burned it's way down her throat. 

"So, Mr. Corn Cob" she voiced clearing her throat, "is your corn buttered?"

The joke made Sam laugh obnoxiously loud, his voice bouncing off the walls before being overcome by the music. Bucky just shook his head in faux disappointment, the corner of his mouth trying very hard not to curl up as he sipped from the shining flask.

"Not yet, but I'm... All ears if you wanna give it a go." Sam quipped with a devious smile.

Ophelia choked out a laugh as she glanced around at the people milling about. Some faces she recognized but others she had no idea who they were. "Did you invite all of Delacroix?" She raised a brow glancing up at the oversized corn cob. 

Sam grinned, "I tried." 

"Seems like you succeeded." Bucky muttered, sliding himself next to her. He grinned before taking a sip from his goblet. She noticed the small tinge of pink that painted his cheeks. She knew he couldn't get drunk no matter how many beers he went through on their normal Friday night dinners but whatever Sam had given him was having the same effect that the toxic green liquid in her cup did.

“They’re only here for bragging rights,” Ophelia snickered, nudging Bucky’s arm. “They just wanna say they’ve been to a party with Captain America.”

“Yeah, OK, I’m shore it’s got nothing to do with Sarah’s amazing gumbo,” Sam grumbled.

“You’re so corn-y Sam,” she fired back, her lip trembling in an effort to hold back a laugh.

Bucky showed no such restraint. He burst out with a guffaw, wrapping his arm around her shoulder and leaning into her as he dissolved into chuckles. 

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up,” Sam muttered.

They watched as Sarah approached the small group.

"Well everyone who is anyone is here," she announced. "Time to get this party started! Over to you Captain Corncob."

Sam stepped out towards the centre of the assembled guests. "Welcome everyone, you all look amazing by the way. Thank you all for coming. I want you all to have an amazing night, so eat, drink and be merry, crank up the music and the fun and games will start shortly," raising the bottle in his hand, "Enjoy!"

"Not you big boy!" Sam pointed to Bucky has they made to go back through the house and find a quiet corner. "You're playing truth and dare!"

"Absolutely not!" He tucked behind Ophelia like she may protect him.

"Coward!" Sam laughed walking back toward them.

“Come on, Buck, it’ll be fun!” Ophelia laughed, tugging Bucky back around to her side. 

“I don’t wanna,” he groaned, hiding his face into the curve of her neck, warm breath and rough stubble over her jaw as he peered up at her with an adorable pout. 

“For me?” She murmured sweetly, pulling out the big guns and giggling as Bucky heaved a sigh, unable to say no.

"Fine." Bucky groaned.

"Oh yeah, let's grill this shrimp." Sam teased, as he manically tiptoed away from them to a quieter place to start the game.

"I'm gonna shuck him up one of these days." Bucky said with a serious face.

Ophelia simply smiled at him, taking one of the spindly arms of his costume in her hand and dragging him along.

"How come you got to ditch the claws but I can't ditch the costume?" He muttered against her ear as they all gathered around Sam's living space. Ophelia smiled up at Bucky as she planted herself on the couch tugging him down next to her. 

"Because people still know what I am without the claws." She smirked, "you take that costume off and then you're just Bucky." She mocked his scowl, "no longer the Chef Shellfish you are." 

"Shrimp are crustaceans." He grumbled making her laugh as he threw his arm over the back of the couch behind her taking a sip of his drink again. 

"Just keep drinking your special go go juice, you'll forget about the costume." 

Sam took the main chair between everyone and clapped his hands. "Alright, who's going first?" 

Ophelia felt Bucky sink further into the couch trying to hide from their friend though Sam's eyes were already glued to her grumpy companion.

“I’ll go,” Amanda called out. 

She lived a few houses away from Sarah and had two amazing kids who were, at present, raising hell in the back yard with AJ and Cass.

She chose truth, and then proceeded to dissolve into a crimson puddle of embarrassed giggles at the admission of exactly how many times she’d imagined Sam in his suit and holding his shield.

“Why would anyone wanna think about that?” Bucky muttered in Ophelia’s ear, which only served to increase her laughter, much to Bucky’s consternation.

“Phee, you’re up,” Sam announced with an evil grin.

“Dare,” Ophelia stated, folding her arms across her chest and smirking at her friend across the circle of chairs.

"Dare? Are you crazy?" Bucky turned to her in disbelief. "You do know how fucked up this crowd is? They'll have you streaking down the street in just your claws."

"Will you not give them any ideas..." Ophelia flustered.

"I don't need ideas," Sam replied, shaking his head. "I've already prepared a tonne of Halloween dares right here ready for my victims." 

With that he stood and reached for a jar of folded paper from the shelf behind his chair. "Pick one to discover your fate bahahaha," his impression of Dracula adding to the atmosphere 

Ophelia looked up at Sam as he held out the jar towards her.

"Don't say I didn't warn you," Bucky muttered under his breath. 

A low groan of annoyance left her lips as she opened the sheet of paper and read what was on it. "You have to be kidding me?" She looked at Sam with discontent. 

"Well read it out loud, pretty girl," Sam kicked her shoe with a mischievous grin on his face. 

"Spend a night at Skinner's park," Ophelia balled up the piece of paper and chucked it at him. "That place gives me the creeps, Wilson!"

"Well you can always turn it down but there is a punishment for that," he set the bowl down and crossed his arms. "But you aren't going to like it."

"What is it?" She asked with apprehension. Knowing Sam, the punishment could be worse but at least she'll know her options.

"Tell us a secret."

He offered with a shrug, the smirk on his face telling her the kind of secret he was after. Her suspicions further confirmed when Sarah's eyes bounced between her and Bucky with a barely concealed smile.

Her heart beat faster, the man beside Ophelia glanced at her with concern. His brows dipping in question when she hesitated a moment too long. She made up her mind then, better to spend a few hours at a park— haunted or not, than confess something and embarass herself.

She downed the rest of her drink in one gulp before focusing her narrowed eyes on Sam again.

"You're evil, Sam Wilson." 

She muttered before getting up from her chair. Sam's laugh echoing in their small group.

Beside her, Bucky knocked back the rest of his own drink, placing his empty cup down on the side table before swiping his hands down the front of his costume. He heaved himself up from the couch with an intake of breath, causing Ophelia to look at him sharply. 

"What are you doing?" 

"Coming with you," he replied nonchalantly, pocketing his phone and retrieving Ophelia's clutch from the floor. Across from them, Sam cleared his throat, wiggling his eyebrows when Ophelia shot him a look. 

"I'm a big girl, Buck. I'm sure I can handle a playground." 

Bucky tilted his head, stare incredulous. Ophelia hated how well he knew her sometimes.

"Abandoned playground, Sunshine. You've seen that place in daylight and said it gave you the creeps, you think I'm about to let you go there alone now?"

Ophelia couldn’t deny the swell of warmth in her chest at his words, but she could feel Sam’s eyes glued to her face. She pointedly did not look at anyone as she pushed herself off the couch to stand next to Bucky. 

“My knight in shining shrimp,” Ophelia said sarcastically, bumping her arm against Bucky’s  side with a grin. He knocked her back as Sam spoke up. 

“Alright, alright, get going you two. Here’s a flashlight and we’ll see you in the morning,” Sam winked as he ushered them out of the room to catcalls and laughter, the rest of the group continuing the game.

Ophelia took the flashlight, anxiety filling her throat as she and Bucky headed toward the car where again they struggled getting into their seats, maneuvering in every which way with their costumes on until they finally settled.

"You don't have to do this you know. We could just say we did and go home." Bucky suggested as he fished the keys out of his shrimpy attire and started the car.

"Sam will know if we didn't go." Ophelia insisted, staring straight out the window at the darkness, her hands becoming clammy as she gripped the flashlight.

"There is literally no way he would know." He pointed out but Ophelia shot him a sharp look.

"I am a crab cake, not a chicken. I'm doing this, now drive shrimp man!" She said confidently.

Bucky chuckled and threw the car into drive, "Don't say I didn't warn you." 

"How scary can it be at night?" She huffed leaning back in the seat as they made the short drive down to the end of Sam's neighborhood, "it's not like it's haunted." Ophelia glanced over at him and watched as his bottom lip took home between his teeth. "Right?" She said narrowing her eyes at him. 

"What have you heard about the park?" He said after a moment of silence. 

"Just that it was an old playground back in the early forties. That they've tried to remodel it but everytime they get a chance something goes wrong." Ophelia sighed, "sounds like bad luck to me." 

"Or," Bucky offered, "something else was at work. They gave up in the early nineties trying to fix it. They deemed it a historical site and no one's touched it since." He pulled the car up to the curb and glanced past her into the darkness. "Not even Sam will step foot out here." 

Her mouth dropped as she looked over at him, "Wilson won't even come here but he put it as a dare!?" She screeched as the nervousness she had before crept back into her bones. Bucky grinned and shook his head. 

"Should've told a secret instead." 

Her cheeks flamed at his response and she was pretty sure at this point they matched the color of her costume. "I'm not wearing this all night if I have to be stuck here." She grumbled.

“Thank God,” he muttered as he pulled over and shifted the car into park. “I really hoped you’d want to get it off…your clothes I mean. No! The costume!”

Ophelia felt her cheeks flame as bright as Bucky’s at his fumble and they both giggled awkwardly. She stepped out of the car and managed to wiggle her way out of the foam and Velcro prison as she listened to the noises of a similar struggle from the other side of the car.

“Phee?” Bucky called plaintively. “Can you help me?”

She walked around to his side of the car and had to swallow a gulp of laughter at the sight of her friend with his left arm fixed in what looked like an incredibly uncomfortable position. 

“What’s up, Buck?” She asked:

“One of the little legs is stuck in the plates of my arm,” he huffed, pulling against the fabric of the costume once more.

Ophelia couldn't contain her laughter and Bucky continued to struggle. "You look like you're fighting a giant shrimp," she howled. "Stand still," she gulped,"let me help you."

Bucky stopped struggling as she reached into the costume, running her fingers along the plates of his arm, looking for the snag.

Ophelia was still a little breathless from her bout of laughter, but when she raised her eyes to look at Bucky, her breath hitched for an entirely new reason.

As his arm popped free of the costume, the plates sliding and clicking silently back into place in the cool night air. "Thanks," his chest rose and fell slowly, their eyes still locked together. "Almost didn't make it out of that," he said, the corner of his mouth curling up. 

"It was a close one," Ophelia said back, not meaning to whisper but unsure of where her voice had gone. It was hard enough to concentrate around him but with his ocean eyes reflecting the stars back at her she seemed to lose all her senses. 

"Luckily you were here to save me," he nudged her out of the trance, breaking their eye contact and taking a full step back from her. Politely putting the space between them like he did, protecting her boundaries and keeping her at a safe distance so they could continue to be just friends.

Ophelia tried to not let the pang of dissappointmet she felt in her heart show on her face when he took that step back.

She wanted to be more than friends with Bucky Barnes, always had since the moment she'd first seen him across the street laughing while carrying a box in the place he now calls home. It was hard not to fall for him, grumpy resting face and all. 

"Come on," he broke her out of her thoughts as he took her hand in his and started toward the park, "let's get this dare over with so we can go home and watch a movie." 

"Yeah." She answered a little breathlessly.

She pointedly ignored how his touch sparked against her skin as it always did, and ignored the butterflies taking flight because of his stupidly gorgeous smile aimed at her.

Each step towards the playground was accompanied by the crunch of leaves, the wind picking up and swirling them around at their feet. 

"I hate Halloween," Ophelia murmured, her grip on Bucky's hand tightening as they got closer to the entrance. 

"I thought it was your favourite holiday?" Bucky asked, squeezing her hand in reassurance as they stopped in front of the iron gate. 

"Nope. Not anymore. Fuckin' Wilson, ruining all the fun shit for me," she grumbled, glancing up at Bucky as she sucked in a steadying breath. Ophelia placed a hand on the gate, drawing it back like she'd been burnt when an eerie creak echoed into the dark with just the slightest push. 

Bucky chuckled softly beside her, tucking her under his arm and pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head.

"Come on, brave girl. If the ghoulies come out to play, I'll protect you."

Ophelia dragged her feet through the leaves and piles of sand that littered the ground, breathing in the spicy sweet smell of his shirt. It did a little bit to quell her fear but not her irritation. 

"How you gonna punch a ghost, Sarge?" she asked sarcastically, squinting her eyes up at his amused face. "We watched Casper, it's going to go right through!" 

Bucky snickered even more and Ophelia's butterflies went batshit at the sight of his nose scrunching up. 

"Oh, come on, you know that shit isn't-" Bucky whispered. They passed through a line of worn oaks lined with moss when his expression suddenly grew serious, ocean eyes wide. "What was that noise?"

“Bucky I swear-“ Ophelia cut off as a warm hand pressed against her mouth, a quiet hiss in her ear. They stood silently before she heard a quiet rustle to her left. 

Before Bucky could do more than place himself in front of Ophelia, a baby deer burst out a tangle of bushes, startling them and running past, through the open gate and back into the woods. 

Ophelia stood still for a second before she burst into laughter, pressing her hands to her face to stifle her snickers. 

“Oh my god! You- and it was just a baby!” Giggles nearing hysteria as the shock and adrenaline mixed with relief, Ophelia grabbed Bucky’s hand and dragged him to the swings as he scowled.

She resisted the urge to skip gleefully like a child toward the swings, their familiarity giving her comfort in the dark, overgrown playground. Despite her relief at the sounds being just a deer, the place was still unnervingly spooky. It felt like the trees were judging her, laughing as they swayed in the wind, whispering to each other that they'd have her leaving that place before sun-up screaming like a crazy person.

She wouldn't let the trees or the darkness win, she would sit happily on the swings ignoring everything until the morning. Bucky didn't seem to think that was a good idea though.

"Please tell me you're not actually getting on that thing." He questioned when she let go of his hand and took hold of the dangling chains.

"I like the swings." Ophelia said mousey, a pout on her face.

"That thing is not up to code. It- it's covered in rust." He pointed out, swatting her hands from the swings.

"It's a swing." She laughed. "They're never up to code."

"Yeah, but other swings won't give you Tetanus." Bucky quipped.

"I am swinging on the swing shrimp man." She snipped playfully.

"Fine, but if we end up in the ER tonight I'm telling you I told you so." He huffed folding his arms across his chest. 

Ophelia spun around, grabbing the chains and lowered herself onto the rickety seat. The metal whined as it braced against her weight and for a moment she almost regretted sitting on them. "See, they're fine!" She said tentatively picking up her feet to sway back and forth. 

"Darlin' those swings are anything but fine." He drawled letting his arms down with a sigh. 

"Quit being an old man and come have some fun." She goaded, grinning wide and ignoring the butterflies in her belly at the name. Bucky huffed again moved to the swing next to her, carefully lowering himself down. As soon as his ass hit the seat the structure let out a loud creak and she swore it shuddered under their weight, and yet it still held them up. She noticed his feet still firmly planted in the dirt but that didn't deter her from swinging gently next to him.

As she swung, Ophelia thought aloud,"I think I've been played tonight."

"What do you mean Phee?" Bucky replied, a puzzled look passing across his features. 

"Don't try looking so innocent. You never wanted to go to the party, and I only got one drink before we ended up here Bucky. Everyone else is still at the party!"

'Hey, you chose dare, and I didn't need to come with you! How have I played you?"

The readhead jumped off the still moving swing seat and spun to face Bucky. She was just about to let rip her frustration when a movement in her peripheral vision caught her eye. She froze.

"What is it Doll?" Bucky tried to look over his shoulder in the direction she was looking.

Chills ran up her spine and licked at the tips of her fingers as her eyes scanned the tree line that bordered the park. "I could have sworn I saw something," she narrowed her eyes. 

"Like what?" Buck straightened out standing up to look with her.

The trees seemed to sway against each other, the crunchy leaves creating a chorus that tangled with the breeze. A loud whooshing noise from their left made Ophelia yelp loudly and press her back against Bucky's chest. 

His large, warm hand looped around her middle, pulling her back against his chest as he dipped his chin down and his lips brushed her skin as he spoke into her ear. "Don't move."

Ophelia couldn’t help the shiver that raced through her, pressing her back further into Bucky’s broad chest. He tightened his arm around her waist, his vibranium arm up and out in front of them. 

Suddenly everything went quiet. The playground was eerily still for a moment and Ophelia held her breath. But nothing happened, except the general noises of nature coming back. 

There was no more whooshing wind or cracking branches, and Bucky hesitantly lowered his metal arm. 

“Are you okay?” he asked Ophelia, slowly releasing his hold on her. 

Ophelia blinked, feeling oddly calm, until his arms were gone from her body, and then the panic settled back in.

She shivered at the loss of Bucky’s warmth, wishing she’d thought to layer up under her costume now that she was exposed to the chilly air. 

“It’s gotten colder,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around herself. 

“I think I left a jacket in your trunk, you want me to go—“

“Don’t you dare leave me, Bucky.” 

Bucky held up his hands in defence, biting his lip in an attempt to hold back his laughter. 

“Come here, you,” he murmured, reaching for her, “gotta do everything round here. Keep you warm, ward off ghosts… honestly.” 

He huffed, but Ophelia could feel the gentle shake of his laughter as he wrapped his arms around her, his super soldier heat rolling off him in waves as she snuggled into his chest.

"Thought you didn't believe in that stuff," she murmured into the dark.

She leaned back further into his hold, resisting the urge to wiggle with glee. The change in how she felt only occurred a few months ago and being this close was almost overwhelming. The ridiculous shrimp costume hid all the hard edges of his body; now that he didn't have it on, Ophelia thought she might melt at his feet. 

"Yeah, well, when you've fought aliens, something undead doesn't seem too unreasonable," Bucky chuckled, his hands resting gently on her stomach and his breath tickling her cheek. 

A bonechilling whisper ominously cut through the air, sounding so much like the word James that Bucky jumped. He whirled around, only a hint of panic in his eyes. Ophelia's heart pounded loudly at the sight of him actually seeming to be scared. Her fingers wrapped around his cool vibranium hand, before letting go and switching to his right one. 

"Sorry," Ophelia whispered as Bucky's eyes darted over the treelines. "Didn't wanna hold back the ghost punching arm."

"James" The whisper came again, a voice floating softly throughout the abandoned park. She felt the muscles in his arm tense, his grip on her hand becoming just a little tighter.

"James why have you forsaken me?" The voice asked and as it did, a chill ran down her spine, a faint light amongst the tree catching her eyes approaching them in a haunting glide.

Both of their brains must have malfunctioned because neither of them could move as the ghostly glowing white figure weaved through the trees toward them.

"Nope." Bucky declared, dragging her alongside him back to the car.

"OooOOOoooOOOoooo Jaaaaames!!!" Came a bloodcurdling hiss just as the wind began to pick up again sending a wave a leaves flying about blinding Ophelia momentarily.

"Oh my God, it won't let us leave!" She concluded frantically, clinging to Bucky's arm and burying her face in his shoulder.

"Never! You can never leave! For I am the ghost of Jame's love-life and I demand action!" The being laughed wickedly.

Her arm jolted as he stopped in his tracks. A familiar laugh boomed around them as Bucky's eyes frantically searched the trees around them. "Where are you?" 

"Bucky?" Ophelia tightened her hold on him. 

"Hey asshole!" He yelled as soon as whatever he was looking for caught his attention. The laughter started again as he pointed to the sky. Ophelia followed the direction his hand was pointing until she saw a tiny red flashing light within the trees. "Sam! You bring that thing closer to me I'm breaking it." 

"You wouldn't!" The voice hollered back through a crack of static. 

"Try me birdbrain!" 

The realization hit Ophelia and she couldn't help the sputter of laughter that fell out of her. "Oh my god. He really is a dick."

The tiny metal bird that Sam referred to as Redwing made itself properly visible, draped in what looked like a white sheet and hovered just out of Bucky's reach in the air. 

"You better sleep with one eye open," Bucky waved a metal finger in the air and Redwing dove toward him, pulling up at the last second and flying over their heads back toward the house. 

Ophelia tried to stifle her laughter as Bucky turned his blue eyes on her, his brows scrunched together and his lips pursed. She clapped a hand over her mouth when he saw just how mad he was. 

"I don't know if I'd classify Redwing as one of the big three," she  mumbled into her hand, the words tangled with a soft laugh.

"Ha ha ha, keep on laughing," Bucky sneered, sticking his tongue for a second before pointing a metal finger in her direction. "You were just as scared as I was!" 

"You were going to punch a ghost, Barnes!" 

"YOU WANTED ME TO," Bucky pinched the bridge of his nose while Ophelia's laughter finally erupted and tears started streaming down her face. 

"Fine," he slapped his hands on his thighs. "You wanna act all brave, how about a little bit of hide and seek? I'll go hide and you'll venture in those creepy old woods all on your own."

Ophelia's jaw dropped at his insinuation that she would either not be brave enough to go into the woods, or that she would be stupid enough to go into the woods alone. But before she could even agree, Bucky's large frame was loping towards an especially dark patch of trees and underbrush.

"What do I get for this, huh?!" she yelled at him, already overtaken by the night. 

"Whatever you want, tough guy!" His amused voice echoed through the trees and her heart hammered even louder.

Ophelia couldn’t speak for a moment, caught with indecision. In her hesitation, Bucky spoke again. 

“So, what’ll it be, Phee?” She could hear him snicker at the rhyme and her heart felt like it burst as she made up her mind, stepping into the dark, ominous opening. 

She didn’t get ten steps, screaming at a breaking branch before Bucky was right there, wrapping her in his arms and pushing her back into a tree. 

“You’re crazy, you know that?” he huffed, pinning her against the bark. “You’d willingly follow me into possible goddamn haunted woods, all for what?”

It felt like the breath had been knocked out of her feeling his arms cage her in against the tree. His scent surrounded her as those piercing blue eyes glinted in the soft moonlight. The amusement on his face made her smile, but damn he was too close again it was making it hard for her to catch her breath. "Well," Ophelia breathed, "when you offer a girl whatever she wants, it's hard not to turn that down." 

Bucky leaned in even further and rolled his tongue over his bottom lip once again, "technically I found you." He teased, "I think that means I won." 

Her brows furrowed as she frowned, "That's not how hide and seek works Barnes." 

His eyes flickered between hers before he smiled again, "alright darlin, what do you want then?" 

He asked the million dollar question as her heart rate picked up. Bucky's eyes flickered to her chest before moving back to her own and she silently cursed her thunderous heart for betraying her. She knew he heard it as soon as it picked up. 

"That's a loaded question with you this close to me." She admitted. Ophelia pressed her hand to his stomach, feeling the hard planes beneath his shirt tense and before she knew it, he was taking a step towards her, closing the distance between them. 

"Why's that?" He asked, his voice so low that it had turned to a sultry rasp that erupted goosebumps over her skin.

“Don’t…don’t make me say it Buck, please,” she whispered, her cheeks flaming crimson.

She looked away from him but his fingers hooked under her chin and lifted her face up so that she had no choice other than to meet his piercing cerulean gaze.

“You gotta tell me Phee, you just gotta, ‘cause I’m so scared I’m reading this wrong.”

Ophelia’s heart pounded even more at the tremble in his voice and the anxious vulnerability that played across his face.  She swallowed down the knot of nerves that rose in her throat and took a breath.

“I’m scared that what I want will ruin everything Bucky,” she admitted, her eyes downcast once more.

“Please Phee,” Bucky almost whined, tracing his thumb across the crease of her chin, just below her lip.

“I want you to kiss me,” she whispered, so quietly it was barely audible.

“Thank God,” Bucky groaned as he lowered his face and pressed his lips urgently against hers.

Ophelia felt her insides melt as her lips parted and Bucky deepened the kiss. His hands snaked into her hair and pulled her closer.

"You can't believe how long I've waited to do that," he whispered, leaning back to look into her eyes.

"I've been waiting longer," she murmured, pulling his lips back to hers. Her fingers worked their way under his Henley, running along the taut muscles of his back and down to his gorgeous ass, giving it a squeeze.

The answering groan coming from his mouth against her lips sent tingles down her spine. Heat was licking low in her belly at how close every inch of him was. His cologne and something purely Bucky surrounding them as they breathed each other in, lips sweeping back and forth over each other with the promise of another kiss.

"Please, kiss me again." She begged breathily against his soft lips. Her hands slipping around his waist and gripping his back, anchoring herself to him or trying to pull him closer, she didn't know. She just needed him.

Between one breath and the next, Bucky's lips closed over her top lip, sucking gently before taking the bottom one and treating it the same way, coaxing her to open up to him as he licked his way into her mouth. Their tongues tangled sweetly and Ophelia moaned into his mouth.

She felt his vibranium hand glide from her neck, down her shoulder and onto her hip where his grip tightened a little as he pulled her even closer, molding them together against the tree while his other hand wound in her hair.

"Bucky," Ophelia whined and the curve of his smile against her lips helped what remained of her fear melt away into the night. 

His knee raised slightly, spreading her thighs apart just enough that she could feel the flex of his hard muscles against where she needed him most. 

"Ophelia," he drawled, his mouth moving from her swollen lips down a path to her pounding pulse and back again. 

Every pass had her moving her hips against his leg, the edges of his teeth making her brain foggy with him. 

"I need-", she moaned, as Bucky sucked gently at the exposed skin by her collarbone. "I want you." 

Ophelia's breath hitched as his fingers brushed a bare sliver of skin, her shirt raised from their frantic  movements against the rough bark. His lips brushed her ear gently, his warm breath making her thighs tighten. 

"Phee, as much as I would love to fuck you until the sun came up," Bucky murmured into her ear, dragging his fingers teasingly along Ophelia's stomach. "The first time isn't gonna be against this creepy fuckin' tree."

Ophelia whimpered, "Please! Bucky I -"

His soft chuckle stopped her begging in its tracks, he was smirking when he pulled back slightly. "I do like the sound of your begging," he whispered. His hand dragged down her exposed skin slowly, and in spite of the cool weather making the vibranium chilly, it felt like fire spreading across her belly.

Bucky stopped, fingers just inside the band of her leggings, his soft touch was a striking opposite of the burning desire she could see in his eyes. "I like it enough I don't think I can resist giving you a treat. You're my good girl, right Phee? You'll tell me if you don't want this?"

“I want this, god I want this Bucky,” Ophelia groaned, placing one of her hands on top of his, pushing his fingers below her waistband. 

Bucky swore quietly as his vibranium hand slid against her folds. Ophelia gasped at the coolness, pressing down harder against his knee. 

“That’s it sweetheart, take what you want,” Bucky encouraged, slowly letting a second finger glide alongside the first.

"I want you," Ophelia breathed against his chest as she dipped her head forward. She felt his other arm wrap around her waist to hold her up as her hips began to rock against him. His warm body pressed against hers made her head spin as his fingers explored her. Bucky dipped his head to the crook of her neck, nipping at the spot just below her ear that always sent a fire to her core. 

"Please," She begged softly once again, only to earn herself another chuckle. 

Bucky moved his freehand to the back of her neck, tangling his fingers into the hair there as his cool hand circled her clit, once, twice before tugging her head back gently. "You have me," he breathed, ghosting his lips along hers until he pulled back once more, His eyes were dark, the ocean blue in them only sliver now as he rasped "But I want you in my bed, where I can worship you."

Ophelia let out a desperate whine at his words, her knees beginning to tremble with the intensity of the heat building between them.  Her hands grasped at his belt and then slid round to grip his ass, pulling him even closer as she ground her hips harder against him.

“Buck-“ she began but faltered with a groan as he slipped a finger inside her.

“Dreamed of hearing you make those sweet sounds Phee,” he rumbled into her neck.

He laved his tongue along her skin as his finger moved to the rhythm of her hips, the heel of his hand putting delicious pressure on her aching clit.

Phee moaned as Bucky added another digit, "Oh. My. God!"

"Just Bucky will do," he chuckled. "You really like that, huh?" 

Ophelia felt her core tightening, it had been so long since someone, anyone, had touched her there. She'd dreamt of this, of him, for so long, she knew she was close.

"Yes!" Ophelia gasped, "I d-do!" She was struggling to keep a coherent thought in her head now. His fingers were thrusting into her rapidly now, his breathing in her ear almost as heavy as her own.

"That’s it, sweet girl," he rasped, the heel of his hand grinding against her clit as he curled his fingers exactly the right way. When his teeth bit down on her earlobe, there was nothing that could stop the wail that escaped her, her body shuddering between him and the tree.

"Bucky!" 

He held her close as the orgasm faded, and then slowly pulled his fingers from her. Ophelia watched as he licked his lips, then looked at her. His fingers were glistening, wet and sticky with her arousal. Without taking his eyes off her, he popped them into his mouth, sucking them clean. 

"Fuck," he groaned, eyes sliding closed, "Better than I imagined." When he looked at her again, there was a determined look in his eyes. "Screw it. There's no way we're staying here all night. Not knowing how good you taste. Let's get out of here."

Ophelia giggled at his frantic tone as he pressed a chaste kiss to her mouth, "is that okay?" His voice was such a soft whisper against her lips she couldn't help but smile. 

"If you're asking me if I'd rather stay out here in these creepy woods versus you taking me home where it's warm...I'm going with the latter." She grinned. 

"Good," he pressed his lips to hers once more before tugging her along behind him. Ophelia's knees still felt weak and the thin sheen of sweat that covered her body made the cold night air nip at her skin even more than before. It was the last thing she could have cared about though. The idea of finally having Bucky to herself and knowing that he at least seemed like he felt the same way was enough to convince her to do anything he wanted. 

A soft whirring noise sounded from above them as they made their way through the trees and back out into the playground. "You guys aren't leaving yet!" Sam's voice filtered through the air, "it's not even midnight!" 

"Change of plans Sam!" She yelled to the air, a wide smile on her face.

They practically ran to the car with their fingers entwined until they finally had to part so they could actually sit. Bucky opened Ophelia’s door for her, making sure she was settled before climbing into the driver’s seat. He’d not even managed to get his seatbelt across his chest before Ophelia grabbed his cheeks and pulled him close for another kiss leaving them both breathless and giggling.

“Easy there Phee, or we’re not gonna make it out of the parking lot,” he laughed, kissing her palms as she reluctantly released him.

“Sorry, you’re right,” she grinned, and it was Bucky that leaned across the console this time, covering her apology with his lips.

"What about the costumes?" Phee asked him, giggling.

Bucky lowered the window, "Sam, I know you're listening! You need to come collect your seafood platter!" He yelled at Redwing. Starting the engine, he slipped the car into drive, before putting his arm around her headrest and powering along the road towards home.

"Your place or mine?" He asked.

"Yours," she breathed. Phee loved his place, his large fireplace and huge couch. She had often imagined a rough and tumble in his arms whilst innocently watching movies curled up by his side.

He shot her a brilliant smile. "As you wish."

Ophelia raised an eyebrow, wondering if he had actually just quoted The Princess Bride at her. There was no chance to ask though, since his apartment was so close by they were already pulling into his parking spot.

"Don't move." He said pointing a finger at her making her laugh as he climbed out of the car and jogged to her side and opened the door. She grinned up at him. 

"Such a gentleman." Bucky held out his hand for her and without hesitation she took it. Butterflies swarmed in her stomach and it felt like her heart was trying to escape her chest as he wrapped his arms around her after pulling her out of the car. He dipped his head and kissed her so softly and sweetly that her body melted into his.

When he finally pulled away Ophelia’s heart almost exploded at the sheer joy she saw in his eyes. She couldn’t remember ever seeing him this happy. Even the smallest amount of worry had vanished from his face. 

“Come on then Sweetheart,” he said, taking hold of her hand once more.

A giggle spilled from her lips as he led them up the stairs to the front door. He fumbled his keys, distracted as he was by her closeness.

“Come on Buck,” she laughed, playfully smacking his ass.

As Bucky swung open the door, he dipped his knees, grabbed her round the waist and tossed her over his shoulder.

He moved so fast that before Fee could squeal she was already upside down and being carried inside. 

"Slap my ass, would you?" He chuckled, "I'm already aching for you," he tipped her backwards onto the couch cushions and, without hesitation, moved to join her.

Ophelia greedily reached for Bucky as he laid down on top of her, pressing her back into the plush cushions. She could feel him, hard against her thigh and she moved, wrapping her leg around his hip, pulling him into her. 

Bucky groaned low and deep in his throat, pressing his face into Ophelia’s neck, his hands tangled in her hair and wrapping around the back of her shoulders. 

“Fuck, can already feel how warm you are,” Bucky muttered and Ophelia moaned, rocking her hips into his covered dick, feeling the drag of denim against her leggings, desperate for more, already feeling too much. 

“Bucky, I wanna- can I touch you?” Ophelia asked, one hand trailing between their closely pressed bodies to the button of Bucky’s jeans.

He dragged his tongue slowly, greedily along her jawline until their lips met and he nipped playfully at her bottom lip. Their eyes met as  he leaned back taking her in with his icy blues darkened with lust. 

“I’m all yours angel,” he drawled. “Do with me whatever you please.” 

Ophelia smiled, moving her hands up his back fingernails scratching the fabric of his shirt slightly. She lifted her lips to his as she hooked her leg between his and gripped his shoulders shifting her weight beneath him pushing against his body and rolling him onto the bed. 

Bucky huffed as his back hit the mattress and she settled atop him, straddling him. She let her hands roam along his taut chest, under his shirt, “All mine huh?” She asked.

Bucky’s eyes were wide but full of eagerness. He slid his hands up her thighs, kneading at the flesh where they met her hips. 

She pressed down onto him as she flicked open the button of his jeans, the zipper pulling down on its own, his dick hard enough to press forwards. 

Ophelia bit her lip as she slowly reached down and traced a single finger up and around the head of his covered dick, making Bucky hiss. 

“Doll, come on Phee, please. Don’t torture a guy here, huh?” he whined, and Ophelia grinned. She slid her hand inside his underwear and gently gripped his dick, tightening her hand gradually as she moved it up and down.

He squirmed beneath her, his hard body going taut as she twisted her wrist in a corkscrew motion while working his length. Ophelia watched him through heavy lids, unsure of how far he was willing to take this or where they'd land after tonight but a part of her didn't care. She had waited months for this moment and she selfishly would take every piece of him he was willing to give. 

"God, Phee," he moaned, pressing his head back into the pillow while his hands found purchase in her hair. She slowed her strokes, using her free hand to tug his jeans further down his thighs. 

"These need to come off," She said as she released him, earning herself a groan of protest as she worked his pants down his legs. He watched her, the blue in his eyes completely gone while his chest heaved in response to her crawling up his body once again and settling herself between his legs. He licked his lips watching her as she pressed her lips to his thighs, pushing the hem of his Henley up and over his chest and trailed her lips along the planes of his abs and adonis. 

"You're killing me," he growled as her fingers wrapped around his length once more and stroked him. 

"And I want to know how you taste," she moaned, wiggling her hips. Bucky raised a brow at her as she stuck out her tongue and licked the length of his shaft, sending a shudder through his body before she slowly took him in her mouth.

She looked up at him through her lashes as she circled his head with her tongue slowly before she hollowed her cheeks, relishing in the way his breaths shallowed at her movements, his lips parting slightly. 

“God you’re perfect, Ophelia.” He mused, pushing a strand of hair away from her face. 

Ophelia hummed around him, before releasing him with a pop. 

“All yours handsome,” she winked, licking a bead of precum glistening on his tip before taking him in her mouth once more.

Ophelia felt the heavy weight of him on her tongue, and slowly took more of him in until she was pressing her nose into the hairs at the base of his dick. 

“Oh jesus fuck, Ophelia! Gonna come if you do that too much,” Bucky gritted out through his teeth, one hand deep in her hair, the vibranium one stroking her cheek. 

“That’s the plan,” she rasped as she came off him again before pressing back down, licking at his balls and jacking his dick with one hand.

Bucky swore and Ophelia grinned, a satisfied moan leaving her as he came in her fist. She kissed the base of his dick, Bucky twitching as another spurt of cum landed on his abs.

She released him gently, letting him catch his breath as she climbed off the bed. 

"Where are you going?" He asked as she moved into his bathroom, coming back a moment later with a warm wet cloth. Ophelia settled between his legs again, only to find that he'd taken off his Henley while she was away. His body was perfect. Hard muscle that formed every curve and dip in his chest, the pink scars around his shoulder, everything was perfect about him. She began wiping his stomach off, his abs twitching at her touch as she cleaned him up. 

"That's supposed to be my job," he breathed as she tossed the cloth to the floor. 

"You take care of me all the time Bucky, let me take care of you for once." She said moving up his chest and pressing a kiss to his lips. His arms wrapped around her waist as she settled her weight onto his. He wrapped his fingers into her hair again, groaning against her lips as he rolled them onto their sides. Bucky pulled back, trailing one of his hands along her hairline, pushing back the mussed tendrils behind her ear. 

"What does this mean?" He asked softly after a moment of silence.

Ophelia took in a deep breath, soothing herself as she trailed her fingers slowly along the hair that adorned his navel. A million thoughts swirling around her brain only hoping that he’d be thinking the same as her.  Silently pleading the universe that this wouldn’t be just for tonight. That things wouldn’t change between them for the worse. 

“You still with me there angel?” 

“Always Buck… as long as you’ll let me of course.” She breathed, looking up at him warily. 

“You make me feel safe, Bucky in more ways than one.” she began, “And that isn’t a now feeling. Ever since you walked into this town, you’ve made me feel that way.” She finished, pressing her hand to his heart feeling it beat steadily against her palm.

His lips turned in a soft smile as her eyes met his, "I've made you feel safe?" He asked the question as if he was shocked he could be that for someone. 

She nodded without hesitation. "Since day one." 

"You've been that for me too." He admitted, "I think the days I spend without you around are the hardest." 

Ophelia blew out a breath as he ran his hand down her arm and continued, "I haven't been able to get you out of my head for a long time Ophelia, you're the calm in my life and it's addicting." His thumb traced her bottom lip, "Just like these lips." Ophelia smiled against his touch, "and that smile." 

"You know how to make a girl blush," she said softly, nipping at the tip of his thumb causing him to chuckle. 

"No, sweetheart," he cooed, "I know how to make my girl blush." 

Her stomach fluttered, searching his eyes. "Your girl?" 

"If you'll have me." He grinned. 

Ophelia smiled back, leaning into him to press a soft kiss to his lips before she pulled back, "I think I've been your girl for longer than tonight Bucky." 

He nudged his nose against her own and grazed his lips against hers, "I've been yours since the day I met you."

[taintedevesayori]

Sayo's Route: Dark 04

Sayo's Route Masterlist CGs by Rejet

Monologue

A couple days had passed since Laito had kissed me.  I was doing my best to avoid him as much as possible, but that was difficult considering he was supposed to be watching me.  The atmosphere whenever we were together was stifling. The others didn’t want to be in the same room as us most of the time.  It seemed like my silent treatment was driving him crazy, so I guess for once we were even. 

-Sayo enters her room after getting home from school, tossing her bag onto her bed

Sayo: Haah…today was exhausting…

-She unties the ribbon of her uniform with the intent of changing, but someone throws open the door of her room

Laito: Sayo-chan~ Let’s hang out!

Sayo: Ugh…Locks mean nothing in this household…

Laito: Hm~? Were you trying to change? I can help with that~

Sayo: Absolutely not. Those other vampires aren’t going to break in, you know? You can leave me alone while we’re at home.

Laito: So cruel, Sayo-chan…I’m doing my best to fix things, but you don’t want anything to do with me. 

Sayo: Kissing me was your way of fixing things?

Laito: Fine…I’ll admit that I got upset when I saw Subaru’s bite mark, but I’ve tried other things, you know?

(He was trying before that…and I’ll admit I’ve been so annoyed by what he did that I haven’t given him a real opportunity to make up for it, but he didn’t even apologize, so…)

Sayo: You neglected the one thing that’s a big start to making up for it.

-Laito stares in surprise

Laito: Which is…?

Sayo: Haah…it doesn’t mean much if I have to tell you. 

(That’s a little disappointing…if he really did say he was sorry now, I guess we could try to move on from this…)

-He narrows his eyes at her

Laito: You’re still upset, but you aren’t going to tell me what I have to do to fix things? Isn’t that a little contradictory? Seems like you just want a reason to be mad at me, Sayo-chan.

Sayo: No, but if I tell you, then it won’t be genuine.

Laito: Well, if you’re going to be mad at me anyway, I might as well do something worthwhile…Nfu~

-He suddenly pushes her so that she’s sitting on the bed before snatching the ribbon from her hands

Sayo: Laito, what the hell are you doing?!

Laito: Something fun, Sayo-chan. Just be a good girl and wait to find out~

-He uses the ribbon to tie her hands together before she can fight him off

Sayo: Hey! You’ve got a lot of nerve! 

-She struggles to get her hands out, but he has tied them too tight to break free

Laito: Nfu~ This isn’t a sight you see very often~ I could get used to it…

-He gets down on his knees, grabbing her thigh. She glares at him, attempting to knee him with her other leg, but he catches it

Sayo: You bastard…

Laito: I’ve caught you, Sayo-chan~ 

(I could throw myself but that doesn’t sound pleasant…Just one bite is fine. If he tries anything else, I’ll think of another way out of this…)

-Laito places a kiss on her inner thigh before biting down

Sayo: Tch…

Laito: Nn….Just that brief nick from your lips wasn’t enough to remind me…haah…that your blood truly is the best, Sayo-chan…nn….It’s been too long since you’ve let me have a taste…

-She rolls her eyes

Sayo: Oh, yes, because this is letting you…

Laito: Mm…You aren’t fighting very hard, are you…? Nn….do you secretly want it, Sayo-chan…?

Sayo: No. But you might leave faster this way.

Laito: So cruel~

Sayo: You say so often. If I’m so cruel, find someone else to play with. 

-Laito pulls away, licking the blood from her thigh

Laito: But you’re the one I want to play with, you know? Why is it so hard to believe that I like you, Sayo-chan? 

Sayo: Because you’re you. 

-He kisses her thigh 

Laito: How can I convince you?

Sayo: I don’t know. I don’t think you can. 

Laito: I suppose I’ll just have to keep trying~

-He pulls on the ribbon to loosen it before backing away towards the door

Laito: Now you can free yourself. I don’t want to be slapped again, so I’ll go before you get that ribbon undone.

Sayo: I’d be fast then.

-Laito leaves as Sayo unties her hands

Sayo: Haah…he’s exhausting…

[legolasghosty]

I’m still thinking about jatp zombie apocalypse au, so i’d love to hear thoughts on that if you’re feeling like it

Hello Anon!!! Yes, I am still thinking about it! Just had a rough school week and didn't have the spoons to respond! But here we are now!

To recap what I already said in the tags on this post, you have the guys as ghosts, as per canon, when the zombie apocalypse hits. One way or another, they happen across the zombie bodies of the guys. And clearly their souls are still totally fine, they're still ghosting around like they did before. This would indicate that zombies no longer contain the souls of the people they once were. Sooo... you don't have to feel weird about killing them. They're literally just killer meat sacks.

Headcanon time!

Okay starting off with a lovely idea that @innytoes had, ghosts would be super helpful in the apocalypse cause they can get in and out of places without getting attacked. Alex becomes the designated Grab and Go ghost, mostly because he's less likely to get sidetracked by random stuff that would take up more space than they have and serves no purpose. (But Julieeee, the stuffies looked so lonely!!!)

Julie ends up having to tell her whole family that the guys are ghosts, cause she's a terrible liar and fails at explaining how she knew that the last 5 pharmacies were infested before they even got close.

Carlos already knew of course. Ray is like, "....actually that makes a lot of sense. Okay." He has many followup questions once they reach a safehouse, but he kinda takes it in stride fairly well. Tia... probably would be freaking out, except she's already freaking out about the whole zombie situation. So she's just like, "Nope, not dealing with this right now." Full scale denial. She comes around eventually, but slowly. (More credit to Inny about Tia!)

Julie is definitely a screamer, but she's honestly pretty good at killing zombies. She's got good reflexes, and will fully swing a baseball bat at anything that moves when they're in an unknown area. She does end up swiping right through the guys several times though...

Reggie saves a stray dog when they're escaping a grocery store, and then freaks out when Ray tries to chase off the mutt that's 'following them'. Reggie gets Julie to convince her dad to let the dog stay with them. Ray is like, "Julie you don't even like dogs that much?" And Julie is like, "Well... sorry, but the literally puppy dog eyes plus Reggie's are too much. And Mando is growing on me." (Because yes, Reggie did name the dog after the Mandalorian). Mando becomes part of the gang. Tia claims to hate him cause he probably has fleas and stuff. She has also been caught by the ghosts(and the humans) slipping him food scrapes. So they all know she is lying.

Luke is lousy at fighting zombies, but his musician ear is pretty good at picking up both zombie mutterings and the distress of surviving humans. He's a great scout as long as he doesn't get distracted! Thank goodness for ghost magic and soul connections, cause Julie has to go way off the plan more than once to find him. Alex and Reggie are her backup usually. He's usually swept up in some abandoned music store or jotting down lyrics somewhere.

Okay Inny asked about the same AU, so this will be continued in another post shortly!

(Send me an AU and I'll give you 5+ headcanons about it!)

[ammwriting]

Bad Habits

Part 1

Angel x Jupes Assistant!Reader (Nope 2022)

Requested: Nope, kind of inspired by an offhand comment my friend made when we saw the movie about Jupe NOT having a personal assistant despite having all this shit going on? and I was like, You know what? You’re right.

A/N: I’m gonna be honest, I see Angel as a sad little Meow Meow so forgive me that I wrote him that way. I was more inspired just because I see him as that really sad retail worker that doesn’t realize how sad he is. Anyways if you enjoy let me know, if not for the love of god also let me know.

Did I think Mr. Park was insane when he first told me about his “UFO Sighting”? I’d have to say yes. I started to think that the stress of it all was getting to him. The show, the kids, the Theme Park (if you could call it that). He said he would convince me, I didn't believe him for a second obviously.

But then I was there.

He had me in the stands as a whirlwind came through like a tornado, and where a horse once stood there was nothing but the horrible sound of screeching I'd never heard from a living creature in the air...and there it remained for the next hour or so until suddenly it was gone as it if it never existed. If only it were true and I could forget the whole thing.

The next day, after i’d been converted to a believer of sorts, Mr. Park wanted me to arrange what he called the ‘Star Lasso Experience’ for a very select few fans, press, and staff members. I couldn’t believe he was going to have these people sit and watch the horrible spectacle I'd had to witness myself for entertainment. I had a quick chat with Mrs. Park where she told me to basically get over it or get lost, politely of course, and decided this was it. I was going to subject these poor people to a cosmic horror they could only hope would vanish before any permanent harm was done to their psyche or being. As it turned out no such thing would happen.

I tried to convince Mr. Park there would be other ways to stay in the spotlight, it didn’t have to be like this, he didn’t have to do it this way. But he only brushed me off with a simple:

“I am Chosen. Everything’s gonna be fine don’t you worry about it now.”

Suffice to say when that show was finally put on that was the last time I saw him. After 4 years of working for someone as a Personal Assistant of all things you get to know someone very well, and seeing them from a distance getting essentially eaten by a UFO can do horrible things to the mind. I’m embarrassed to admit I fainted on the spot, but what else could I do? I just saw the man I idolized for his trials and tribulations my whole life, then proceeded to work for closely and know his life, his family, just disappear and cease to exist within a moment.

I stayed there for a long time, at the Jupiters Landing park. I couldn’t bring myself to leave after seeing the visitors being sucked into the sky along with my boss, his family, and every guest within the immediate vicinity, including poor Miss Mary Jo Elliot. What would I do? Go to the news or the police and say a UFO stole all those poor people? I’d be institutionalized before I could finish my statement. No. i’m not to proud to say what I did at that immediate moment but after... I waited. And waited. Until sunset when someone finally showed up.

I remembered him at least. He was OJ Haywood, and I remembered he was now the owner of Haywood Hollywood Horses since his father passed...and he’d been selling Mr. Park his horses for the last six months. God, if only he knew what had happened to them. 

If only I’d have known.

I only caught a glimpse of him walking into the arena but after I saw him towards the north end of the park I started sprinting towards him. I must’ve startled him since he turned around quickly with his fist raised to swing until he saw me with tear tracks on my face, and I was sweating coming towards him from the short sprint I made. I’m ashamed to admit, but being a personal assistant wasn’t good for my cardio.

“We have to go! Like now we have to leave-”

“I came for my horse, I'm not leaving without him” He totally cut me off. Kind of rude? Yes, but he didn't know what was going on so I tried again in the small walkway under the seating arena.

“Look, I know we’ve only met in passing, I’m (Y/N) by the way, but we actually have to leave there’s something in there! Please. I’m actually begging you, it just ate my boss. Oh my god. Mr. Park. It ate Mr. Park-!”

I was cut off by seeing him calling out to the horse. Lucky? Yeah, it was named Lucky. That’s a hell of a name for the situation we’re in. 

Then I heard it. It was whirring. Clicking. Angry.

“It’s back, the Visitors, they’re back! We need to leave now!”

He wasn’t listening he was still trying to call the horse over with clicks and calls of it’s name.

“Leave the fucking thing and let’s go! It’ll be fine in the glass!” He still wasn't listening!? What is this guy’s deal? Does he not really know we could die here!?

All of a sudden I see the UFO coming towards us quickly, swirling the air like a tornado and everything goes black.

When I come to it’s dark. Really dark. How long had it been? I saw OJ in the distance walking his horse back towards the entrance of the park to load on a trailer I could only assume. 

“You were gonna just leave me here!? Really!? No, no way, unlock the door and let me in right now. You are not gonna leave me here!” I’ll admit I think I'd reached my breaking point, I was yelling at this poor guy who just wanted his horses back. What else was I supposed to do?

“...Fine, you can come, but only because you already know and saw what it is.” 

It almost felt like he was looking into my soul with the intensity of his stare, but I didn’t care though, I'll take it if it means I won’t be left at the scene of a murder essentially. Multiple murders if you wanna get technical. Just thinking about it made me queasy though so I'd rather not.

I got in the backseat to relax and just started rambling to this guy I'd just met 30 minutes ago about my life. How I only started working for Mr. Park cause I was just another sad 19 year old in LA hoping to be something worth someone's time, but all it amounted to was me coming to Jupiter’s Claim five times a week to beg for a job. Mr. Park admired my persistence and said “why not?”. I still think he just felt bad for me, and only hired me to keep me from going completely homeless. I guess it didn’t really matter now since he was gone, but it helped to rehash what I knew was real. What mattered.

If nothing else, OJ was a fantastic listener.

“I told him: ‘Sir I don’t know about this it seems kind of sketchy, I mean what if it decides not to cooperate one day and just zaps you?’, He thought I was crazy and said that would never happen, but what did happen was like, ten times worse than being zapped...I think anyway. What about you? Pretty bad right?”

“...Yeah it’s bad...” 

“Ok so it’s not just me, that’s good. Or bad. I don’t even know anymore, what the fuck is going on...”

We only drove for twenty to thirty minutes but when we started pulling up to, what I assume is, his family house the power in the truck starts to go out in the truck. 

“Oh my god it’s here. It’s fucking here. What do we do? We need to leave! Like now, oh god we’re gonna get eaten just like Mr. Park. I can’t do this, can you go first it’d make me feel better-” 

“Shhh woah, woah, it’s fine. Just relax. We’ll be fine. Don’t look up”

Don’t look up? Ok. Ok, only this once i’ll try it, and if it doesn’t work I’m coming back to haunt everyone involved in any of this shit.

I notice the rain. The heavy pour way, heavier than any sort of rain fall we were supposed to get tonight, coming down on the windshield. Then it stops. It stops?

Suddenly a fucking decoy horse that I recognized as the one from the entrance of Jupiter’s Claim that’d gone missing a few days prior, comes through the windshield, right into the passenger seat where I could’ve been sitting.

“AH-What the fuck is this!? What do we do!? Should we run? What the fuck do we do!?”

OJ proceeded to answer none of my panicked questions and looked out the door, to the sky, closed the door with a simple:

“Nope”

We proceeded to sit there for hours until the sun was slightly rising in the distance, providing hopefully some sort of safety from this fucking nightmare of a situation we were trapped in. When OJ saw it was becoming light outside he snorted himself awake from where he was leaned against the door of the truck in a fitful sleep. I hadn't slept worth a shit. Every time I closed my eyes all I could see were all those people being sucked into the sky from a safe distance. Including that suit. The beautiful red sparkly suit that took weeks to get perfectly embroidered to have the UFO design just right-

“Run to the van.”

I’m broken out of my flashback by OJ’s voice. The van? I looked around out the passenger windows and see a Fry’s Electronics work van parked a could meters away from us. I’m not sure how I missed it before, but it was pretty obvious now that I was looking at it.

When the lights inside the truck started turning on again he jumped out and quickly opening the back door for me we made our way around the horse trailer, with OJ supportively patting it for Lucky as we proceeded to make our way to the van.

He said run, but if he’s not running neither am I, I trust this guy with my life now. When we walked up to the van he ushered me in first and waited for his sister and the ‘Nerd’ who started helping them out. He didn’t say this guy was a nerd but I've met enough of them at bars and social events to know one when described to me. 

I could hear it again. They were back.

I could hear something in the distance, like a door slamming and I looked out over the center console to see OJ suddenly look down and start patting his thigh rushing them while I could hear fast footsteps as the music started to kick back on. 

Sunglasses at Night. Unfortunately fitting.

When they got to the van, his sister got in first and sat in the passenger seat quickly followed by the Nerd. When he rushed in he threw himself over the center console and landed right on me unfortunately. I know I wasn’t supposed to be there, but a little caution would’ve been appreciated I'll be honest.

Once he realized his landing pad wasn’t cords, he pushed himself up with my stomach while I groaned in pain at the impact of a surprisingly well built guy, he was rambling apologies the whole time, but also making it my fault for being there at all.

“Shit! That was my bad, if I'd have known you were there I would’ve been more careful, but I didn’t, cause I don’t know who you are, or how you got here-”

“Yeah thanks for that Asshole-!”

That’s how I met Angel Torres.