#they really need to put a tw in these chapters man so i know which to avoid i dont wanna see these dumbassery

[bastionbibi]

Detco killer: *gives a pretty understandable reason as to why they were forced to kill*

Detco protags: Hurr durr whatevaaa!! Like??? U still alive??? U bad person!!! Bad BAD! Kill no no!! Life not yours no no no!@!!

Decto killer: *depressed suicidal person who's obviously having a mental breakdown*

Detco protags: weak ass bitch u wanna take the Easy Way Out huh :/// selfish piece of shit get back here *audience claps*

[idkfitememate]

I really like your stories, especially about the Creator otter. It would be great if when the truth is known, they take the Creator otter to the "true creator" and when he tries to hurt the otter, the attack returns on its own or something happens. to prevent him from harming the beautiful otter and so it is known that he is the true creator, I imagine he would have many more pamperings than before

The Otter Chronicles Pt.3

⋘ Previous Part » ♡︎

૮꒰˶ᵔ ᗜ ᵔ˶꒱ა Pairings : GN! Otter Reader x Fontaine

૮꒰ྀི∩´ ᵕ `∩꒱ྀིა W.K. : 2.2k

໒꒰ྀིᵔ ᵕ ᵔ ꒱ྀི১ Tags/CW&TW : Angst, some fluff, many mental breakdowns

໒꒰ྀི˶˙Ⱉ˙˶꒱ྀིა Author’s note : I. Am. So. Sorry. You have been waiting for months for this but I didn’t know how to continue and then I got writers block and UGH-

But I’m here now :). And your gonna get your wish :3

Future note, this will probably be split up into at least one more chapter because I know for a fact I won’t be able to write all the idea, plus, I have an idea on how to finish it!!~~

As you snoozed peacefully, the quiet seemed to seep into the room, suffocating everyone within it.

“So… the otter sat on your lap… sleeping… that’s the creator?” Finally, Wriothesley broke the silence that had consumed the room, making Furina jump and you chitter under your breath, snuggling into her stomach.

“Do we have any proof?- I mean, besides what happened with the Primordial Sea-“ “Do you need more evidence?” Neuvillette interrupted. His face was stern and cold, hands gripping at his pants.

“Well… it’d be nice to at least know for certain?” Wirothesley sighed out, a hand pressing to his forehead. He leans forward in his seat and took a breath before speaking again. “I mean, genuinely, can’t you see where I’m coming from? Sure, you might trust your gut or whatever magical power you’re keeping from us, but this is a little hard to believe for a guy like me. I mean, who knows! Maybe it was coincidence the Primordial Sea went back into the lock!! Because I’ve personally never seen a creature besides a human jump in there, have you? Maybe it’s all just one big joke I just-“ He stopped, huffing, hands shaking.

“I… we gave our everything… to the Creator. And now I’m finding out it was all a lie? If it’s true, and they really are THE Creator… then I’ve just been lying to myself?? That everything I’ve went through, every trial I’ve faced, every man I’ve stared down as we sent him to his death, every challenged I’ve faced… that i convinced myself that I would get through for them… that it was just a test to prove my worth… my loyalty… would it be for nothing..? I’ve…” The man stood up, chair knocking back behind him as he rose, tears staining his cheeks. Neuvillette also stood, putting a hand in front of Furina. Chlorinde simply sat with hands drawn to her lap.

“I’ve devoted my LIFE to them!! I’ve given my EVERYTHING to THEM!! I thought… I THOUGHT… I THOUGHT THAT THEY WOULD SAVE ME FROM THIS DAMNNATION OF SOULS GRIPPPING TO MY CHEST, CRYING OUT THAT I COULDNT SAVE THEM!! MY SIBLINGS, MEN I KNEW COULDNT HAVE BEEN GUILTY AND AND- YOU WANT TO SAY ITS ALL BEEN FOR NOTHING?!?” “CALM YOURSELF WIROTHESLEY!-“ “NO! BECAUSE THIS IS FUCKING RIDICULOUS!”

A shouting match began between the two men, Chlorinde jumped up and wrapped herself around a now shaking Furina who was about to cry again, holding your form close to her chest. As the men screamed at each other - and teacups started being thrown - you finally stirred, opening bleary eyes at the scene unveiling before you.

Why were people screaming..? What… You looked up to see Furina shaking and silently sobbing over you, Chlorinde hushing her and whispering into her ear, though you couldn’t hear what she was saying. Wriggling around enough to face the shouting, your eyes widened at the sight of Neuvillette and Wirothesley screeching at each other, both Visions glowing wildly at the emotions of their wielders.

It was getting to a point where your ears were starting to hurt, so you leapt of Futuna’s lap, which led to her and Chlorinde whipping their heads to you, and ran over to the shouting men. You didn’t know what had come over you, seeing them both fight - something you never thought you would’ve witnessed honestly - and ran between them paws raised. Both paused for only a second, before Wirothesley started arguing again and Neuvillette followed. You tried to chitter and call over both of them, not getting anywhere with their raised voices.

You took a deep breath, focusing. This had been something you wanted to try since the beginning but just never had the time nor the energy to do so. But if there ever was a time, now was it. Your brows furrowed as you focused on any and all water in the current room, imagining the water following your command, as though alive and you its master. You grunted, catching Furina’s attention as she called for you to come back.

Cups suddenly started shaking in the room, only the Archon and Dualist taking note. It also didn’t help that the entire building was surrounded by water, though luckily you were able to mostly focus your attention on the small bits of water in the room. Neither Wriothesley or Neuvillette stopped to look at you as you raised your little paws to your head, the shouting mixed with your focus bringing on a headache.

Finally, it came to a close when Wriothesley shouted at the top of his lungs; teacups shattered and liquid swirled around the room, tea and water and otherwise swimming around the room like a raging typhoon, slamming into walls and knocking over objects. Finally the Duke and Sovereign stopped looking just as shocked as the Duelist and Archon. You pressed your paws forward, all the liquid slamming onto the arguing duo, pushing them into wall on opposite sides of the room.

Neuvillette looked remorseful while Wriothesley was shocked, eyes as wide as possible and jaw slacked. After a moment of silence you dropped your paws, allowing the two to fall to the floor drenched and standing in puddles.

“Holy… Holy Shit. They are the…” Wriothesley looked towards Neuvillette who nodded. Wriothesley fell to his knees, hands gripping at his hair and tears filling his eyes.

“All my life… was a lie?” You rushed to his side before he could spiral, rapidly chittering and crying, wishing you could speak so you could comfort him. In fear of another argument you began to cry. You sniffled and placed paws on his arm, practically begging him not to fall down that dark hole of spiraling thoughts.

Suddenly, you felt a hand on your head. Fingers gently carded through your fur, and you looked up, meeting Wriothesley’s eyes. They were still teary, filled with grief and sorrow, but there was something behind it, something bright.

“Mm… don’t cry little guy. I didn’t mean to uh… scare you?” His smile was shaky at best. You whined and climbed into his lap, paws pressed to his cheeks and small kitten-licks to the tears he evidently didn’t know about, rubbing away any others you couldn’t get. His eyes widened, quickly trying to rub away any stray tears he caught.

The others watched the scene, not daring to speak. Eventually Wriothesley picked you up to stare at you. All his life had been spent worshiping one person, they fell from the sky one day, and he figured that’d be it. He got live in the generation that saw the return of their blessed Creator. Never to have them look him in the eye or anything.

But here you were. An otter. And you had already done so much more for him than the Creator had in such a short amount of time.

It would take a while, he figured, till his mind really did say that you were, in fact, the real and true Creator, till his mind could finally let go of the notion that he’d never get to see them because here you were, in his arms, caring for him.

“… Y’know… you’re a pretty cute little otter.” Everyone’s eyes snapped over to him when he spoke, more tears falling from his eyes. You squirmed around, desperately trying to get close enough to wipe them but were caught off-guard when instead Wriothesley wiped tears out of your eyes.

You cried, squirming in his arms to wrap your own around his neck. Everyone was silent as this happened, watching as his arms gently curled around you, slowly breaking down.

Neuvillette turned away, ashamed that he had lost his cool, and watched as Furina got up from the couch and walked over to you and Wriothesley. She couched down and sat beside you both, laying a head on Wriothesley’s shoulder.

You chirped quietly into the mana chest, letting him silently sob into you.

Only the sound of moving water disrupted the calm.

૮꒰づ˶• ༝ •˶꒱づ ˚ʚ ꒰⁐⁐⁐⁐୨🍯🧁🥥୧⁐⁐⁐⁐꒱ ɞ˚

That meeting was weeks ago, and now your little group was coming up with a plan to bring this news to light before all the other nations.

It had been well established to them that creatures of Teyvat, from small bugs to the largest beast, would all listen to you under any and all circumstances.

Like now.

While they all spoke under the moonlight inside Wriothesley’s office - one of the most secretive places in all of Fontaine - you swam just outside the walls in a raft of otters, all in all just having a fun time until the inevitable.

The rebellion.

Naturally everyone in the room was pissed, especially since it had been years at this point that that false ‘Creator’ had sat on a throne that was rightfully yours. They could see the effect your presence had on Fontiane.

The sun shone brighter, the water seemed clearer, less Meka broke down, flower bloomed easier, crime even dropped. It was great.

Everyone and everything seemed and felt happier.

Much happier than with that fucking liar.

A map of the large, floating Sanctuary and Shrine that was supposed to house the Creator was laid out across a table, specific entry point circled in red.

“Next week marks the beginning of the *Creator’s Walk. Defenses will grow as this week passes but the first day of the walk, there will be no Acolytes.” Neuvillette broke the silence by pointing towards the circles on the map.

“But they’ll still be in the perimeter. I should know, I was apart of the last Creator’s Walk.” Chlorinde spoke up, adjusting her hat. “I can’t think of any entrance we may have left ungraded, even if from a distance.”

They were silent as they thought. The Creator’s walk was a Month Long holiday where the Creator would walk nation to nation - by themselves - in order to hand out blessings, push back monsters for a following month of no attacks and to retrace their original path between Nations, a show that they were all still connected.

The quiet was broken by the sounds of you chittering, the door opening and revealing you wrapped in a Melusine themed towel, Sigewinne trailing right behind you.

“Thank you Sigewinne for returning them to us, now if you would mind-“ Neuvillette started but was interrupted by the Melusine, “You’re talking about the plan right?” Everyone stared at her while you took it upon yourself to climb into Furina’s lap.

“How did-“ “Uh, duh. I’ve known all along? I would’ve figured you’d have guessed that by now, especially with all the other Melusine and Meka treating them so great? Come on Monsieur Neuvillette, you’re smarter than that!” The sentence was ended with a giggle as she skipped over to the still shocked older man.

Neuvillette shook himself from the sudden stupor, sighing and nodded, before his eyes lit up.

“That’s right. We have all the Meka of Fontaine on our side. They’d do anything for ma moitié. How in Archons name did we forget we have an entire army on our side?” Everyone stared at Neuvillette sheepishly, shrugs and mutters filling the room. Neuvillette sighs and hangs his head, but quickly rebounds.

“Well in that case, most Nations haven’t fought our Meka-“ “But they have fought Ruin Guards.” Chlorinde spoke again. Neuvillette bit his cheek, she had a point. While Meka were different, it wouldn’t take to much the Acolytes to find weaknesses due to said Ruin Guards.

Silence again.

“The Local Legends and beasts alike could be of use. I mean, I doubt anyone’s fought giant crabs before.” Furina mentioned, though most of her attention was on you, drying you off and petting you.

“That is true, Lady Furina.” Wriothesley agreed. Eyes drew back to the map, taking in every spot on the thing.

“There!” Sigewinne was the one to point to a point on the map, near the back to the left of the large estate.

“What’s the spot?” She asked, Wriothesley took one look and responded.

“That’s a window to their wine cellar. Pretty unused but still guarded, why?” Sigewinne looked up with a grin.

“Because it’s closest to a body of water.” Chlorinde looked closely at the spot, and her eyes widened a bit.

“She has a point, and on top of that, while it is still guarded it’s much more lax, especially considering it’s not to far from where the ‘Creator’ will be leaving but far enough where anyone would doubt an entry. On the other hand, it could only appear that way.”

“That’s where Meka and monsters could come in.” Wriothesley started. “When we’re protecting the place we more expect other people than monsters considering they’re all scared of the place.”

The plan started to come together, more pieces being added and who should go first and so on and so forth. Furina was too busy playing with you to really care, but looked up with a confused expression.

“When are we going to tell the others? Vision users, I mean. And… how?” Everyone looked towards her.

“…Fuck.” And a new can of worms now needed to be opened.

໒꒰ྀི˶˙Ⱉ˙˶꒱ྀིა Author’s note : IM SO FUCKING SORRY I CANT DO IT!! I swear I will be keeping this idea in mind tho because I now have a plan to map out all of the creator stories I swear it I’m just tired omg I’m sorry but I hope this suffices for now-

… This is so disappointing I’m sorry-

[boxofthings]

got any roach-centric fic recs? like idc the pairing, ghostroach/soaproach/ghostsoaporach any thats roach focused plzz

*cracks knuckles* I GOTCHU ANON this is my time to shine

If anyone wants to reply with their own pls do!

(These are in no particular order)

GhostRoach:

i left my heart in the mountains (right next to yours)

I'm going to want you 'til the stars evaporate

and here i stand (in the dirt with you)

These are all by Santihan and ugghh these were the fics that pulled me back from my near decade-long ghostroach obsession sabbatical. Well-written, emotional, they are amazing, my favs, I will rec these til I die (the first two are painful :'))

Things That Burn by abel_obel

Such a good one, I always go back to this when I'm in a ghostroach mood. Good ol' classic person A gets injured and person B freaks out

Roach Wouldn't Really Do It...

Exhaustion's a Funny Thing

Both by tinyduckies! Def read the TWs for the first one, but arghhh, I go back to these ones a lot!. I really like how the first one's more realistic/gritty when it comes to the aftermath of surviving Loose Ends

Second one's just a lovely depiction of Ghost and Roach's dynamic. Loved the banter and the second chapter ends real sweetly :)

The Barracks: Part 2

Ulterior Motives

Both by doberman, these two are much longer fics (which ghostroach is in desperate need of) and are such interesting reads!!

The first one is an AU that takes place in a pub with Ghost being his repressed, unhealthy self, and Roach coming in as the new co-worker to sweep him off his feet lol

The second one is ongoing and takes place slightly after MWII with Ghost meeting Roach outside of deployment

Sovereign by Applescone

God, this one really puts me in an introspective mood. It's so well-written and just feels so grounded and human. Takes place years after Loose Ends, with Ghost and Roach rekindling their relationship whilst dealing with the complications of Shepherd's betrayal and death

我给你早在你出生前多年的一个傍晚看到的一朵黄玫瑰的记忆 by Alex_Upshur

Ok I know this is in Chinese, but just use a translator like I did and yeah, while it won't be as accurate as the author wrote it, it's still a really lovely fic and i adore it :') A lil bittersweet look into the 141's lives and sweet moments with Ghost and Roach <3

Of Doubts and Dreams (Retold)

The Hook Up

All written by Call_Of_Booty, an og ghostroach author from wayyy back during the og trilogy (and ff.net) days. The first one's a rewrite of one of their old fics and it focuses on Roach and Ghost's dynamic up until the night before Loose Ends.

Second one's about Roach deciding to leave the SAS whilst he and Ghost have complicated feelings for eachother due to past hookups. Both great reads!

Distance Makes the Heart Pissed Off by krwaken

I'm sure every GhostRoach shipper knows this one lol. A lovely 200k word slowburn of these two <3

Fear & Delight by EpiKatt

Hornet's Nest with more GhostRoach :))

Tell Me Why This Has to End by Feral_Raccoon

ANGST :( Post-Loose Ends. Ending broke me haha

and you wrote your name / right there next to mine by cheese_n_crack

more Loose Ends angst :( A bittersweet ending with Ghost and Roach looking at the stars in their final moments

You'll Get Sick Anyways by ghostslefttit

Very short, but very cute lil fic with Ghost taking care of a sick Roach :))

If We Crash (I Hope We Do) by mintyiecat

Man I can't even begin to describe how much I love this one. Portrays Ghost and Roach's relationship post-loose ends where Roach is now a civilian. Loved how the author depicted their relationship as not flawless. Felt very human and raw. Very sweet ending :)

GhostSoapRoach

Something in the Orange by fixfoxnox

Y'all been knew this would be on here lol

Follows Roach's pov where he's been reincarnated into the reboot timeline with all his memories from his old life and him trying to make his way back to Ghost. This one makes me sad as hell. Has all the feels :')

Something in the Orange by insomniamemoirs & RandomWordsAndStormyDays

Funny how my top two GSR fics are named the same thing, but hey, they're both amazing. I was apprehensive because of the "calling Soap Roach by accident" trope, however they really diverted my expectations and made these three really feel like equals in a relationship. Really love how they made sure to establish a strong dynamic between Soap and Roach instead of pitting them against each other. And Roach isn't just some 2D character here, he's very nuanced and I love it!

Freezing Waters by AmphibianEft

Sweet fic of Roach getting injured and Soap and Ghost freaking out and taking care of him

Stress Relief by Anonymous

Just Soap and Ghost taking care of Roach after Hornet's Nest (smut) :)

SoapRoach

Leg Day by tinyduckies

Good ol' smut lol (09 soaproach mm)

Everything That Isn't Said by pajamabees

More 09 smut

Taste by fixfoxnox

Just 3.5k words of Roach wanting to kiss his captain :)

fall for me by punishervest

Just a sweet moment between 09 Soap and Roach with Soap reminiscing on his past with Price but also considering how he wants something more with Roach <3

She (Means Everything To Me) by mylareading

Just 1.9k words of Soap being down bad for Roach (super sweet)

Roanig (Roach x Konig)

I Really Like The Way You Stare At Me by turqu0ise

The fic that introduced me to roanig <3 Just a cute fic focusing on the development of their relationship

Subatomic by tinyduckies

Another nice fic focused on the development of their relationship. Loved the interactions they had in this :)

These are the ones I have so far! I'm sure later on I can add to the list, and if anyone wants to reply with their own feel free :)

I've also been made aware there are Keegan/Roach fics, but I haven't gotten around to reading them yet, but def check out their tag anon! Hope this was an adequate rec list haha

[vitzi9]

Hi there. Would you be willing to write a fic where ethan landry and the reader (female) are friends? Ethan is obsessed with the reader and wants to be more than friends. Reader doesn't know that Ethan is ghostface and she walks down an alley at night just to see Ethan killing her boyfriend. He then witnesses her freak out while trying to call the police. He then kidnaps her and shows her how much he loves and that he would continue killing for her.

He's a liar, open your eyes !

Ethan Landry x Fem!Reader

Masterlist if you want to read my other things.

CW/TW: description of a dead body, kidnapping, mention of suicide(not you), manipulation, voyeurism, insults

I feel like it's too repetitive. I don't know why my things always end up being so long. (03/07/2023) (9062 words)

Damn, why does this lesson has to be so hard ? You don't understand a thing ! Hell, that's why Ethan's here. Seriously what even is economic policies ? Did you learn that ? The teacher keep telling everyone this chapter was taught last year. How ?

Ethan comes back ten long minutes later from the bathroom, a sheepish smile on. His cheeks are red and he wears an almost stupid smile. You never saw someone so happy to use the bathroom before.

You notice something poking from his pocket. Did he really take a piss with a pen in his pocket ? He can chill, you're not going to steal it from him... Though, you smile at him fondly, softened by his nerdy behaviour.

"Did you make progress ? He asks.

-You're really asking ?"

You notice that his hair are a little disheveled. It's probably time to pack your things. You've been talking for a while now. He laughs slightly at your irony.

"You really don't know how to wash your hands, do you?"

His face flash you a deep shade of red as he looks down at his pant. You weren't really making fun of him. You just found it funny how he had a single water stain beside his zipper. Embarrassed, he hide the spot with his hands.

He quickly sits back at his place. Immediatly abandoning your lesson, you put it away. Your whole attention back onto him. You were previously gossiping about this man in your class. Rumor has it that he sleeps with his teachers for good grades. Ethan and you were trying to figure out if it was true or not.

It wasn't that important but it allowed you to talk freely. Ethan and you were close but weren't hanging out together that often. But he was really nice and an excellent friend, you liked to talk to him mindlessly like now.

"But on the other side he could juste be a good student. I can't really tell... Plus, some teachers actually don't really like him. You ever saw him be weird around a teacher?"

You noticed it but had tried not to embarrass him by asking but Ethan was acting a little different. As if in his own world, in a bliss you couldn't quite understand. He was looking at you with a fond smile and hadn't uttered a word. Differently from before.

"Are you okay ?" You decide to ask.

You almost feel bad for getting him out of his bubble. He widens his eyes, stuttering things you don't understand before sighing.

"Actually I....

-Yes ?

-I just wanted to let you know that..."

You look at Ethan, smiling to encourage him to continue. You don't quite get why he's suddenly back to his shy demeanor. He was doing pretty well until then.

"It-its... Like... We, the-the both of us, we've known each other for a really long time now and uh..."

When he was finally going to spit his thoughts, the door of your apartement open wide. Ethan stops abrutptly talking while you divert your attention from him. Your boyfriend was here. He didn't told you he was coming but you were at a stage in your relation which you didn't need to. Your boyfriend of almost one year stare nastily at Ethan seated next to you. You sigh, he knew Ethan would come today, you had told him. Why is he being so mean about it ?

You were supposed to be studying for a group project but when you started talking about a book you read, Ethan and you did nothing but study. Book talk turned into gossiping and finally nothing was done. You talked for hours about everything and anything. Then, there was a long silence before Ethan looked like he had something really big to tell you.

"Hi, didn't know he was still here. says your jaded boyfriend.

Here we go again... You clench your jaw, sensing he was going at it, for the umpteenth time.

-Do you need that many times to study? he says in a false disinterest.

-Yes, we do." you say coldly.

He was being rude and you didn't like it. Ethan was your friend. The least he deserved was respect. You invited him here. He was a guest. If anything, your boyrfriend should be rude to you.

"It's pretty dark outside, man. You should go. it was a fake advice, he wanted him to go.

Before you could lecture him about his rudeness, Ethan stands up. He gathers his things, eyes avoiding yours and cheeks red. You look disappointly at your boyfriend.

-Ethan you don't have to go, we can...

-N-no it's okay, it's late anyway, I'm... I'm gonna go. See you tomorrow ?" he tells you in a small voice.

You sigh out his name, embarrassed that your boyfriend would throw him out like that. So you decide to accompany him outside. You spent the few minutes of the route apologizing. He ketp saying it was okay, laughing lightly. But he was still meek. You were scared the bad behaviour of your boyfriend had made him distant. Bitterly, you let him walk away not without apologizing once again to him. You had to make it up to him later.

It was weird. Your boyfriend wasn't the posessive type, at all. You could go out butt naked that he'd tell that you're pretty. You could have as many friends as you wanted, male or female. He was normal, a normal man and your relationship was sane. But as soon as Ethan was mentionned, he was acting like this.

Your boyfriend thought he was playing the victim on purpose. According to him, Ethan wanted to separate you both. He was making your boyfriend the evil monster of the story when in reality, Ethan was manipulating you. You didn't know where he invented all that but it wasn't funny.

Ethan was an old friend. Old because you had known him for a long time. He wasn't exactly your bestfriend but you knew if you had some serious problem, he'd be happy to help. And vice versa. He was nice and never hurt anyone.

When you two met, his laces were undone and he fell on you. It was the 'worst day of his life'. You've know each other for years, now. But your boyfriend still wasn't trusting him.

When you enter back your apartement, nothing changed. He was stil in the middle of the livingroom, arms crossed on his chest. A scowl on the face. You slam the door shut.

"Seriously, what's wrong with you ? you immediatly start.

-I swear on my life I saw him smile. When you weren't looking he...

-Shut it, I'm tired. Don't wanna argue." you say, closing your eyes. Wanting to avoid a headache.

He says nothing, noticing your really tired expression. Compassionate, he opens his arms. Although hesitating at first, you dive right in. Angry but still loving him. You'd talk another day. Maybe understand where this hatred he hold against Ethan come from.

The next morning, everything was already forgotten. Well, not entirely. You were late and didn't have time to question your partner. You were both in a rush, grabbing breakfast to eat on the way and running to your class. Still, you knew you needed to have a talk with him. But it had to wait for now.

Frowning your brows in the bathroom, you tamper everywhere near the sink and the drawer but still can't find your toothbrush. You call out to your boyfriend in the kitchen. Asking him if he saw it or touched it recently. Though you don't understand why he would move your stuff.

"Where did you last put it? he asks, the question was silly but you appreciate his will to help. Why would you put your toothbrush anywhere else than in your damn bathroom ?

-On the sink, as usual."

It's weird though, you already lost it twice this month. Well, you got other one but if you could keep them as long as possible that'd be nice. You could've sworn you put it on the sink ! Where the hell did it go ? You really are tired.

Anyway, you think, you have to go. You and your boyfriend depart from the apartment and quickly arrive at destination. You kiss each other goodbye, and separate from each other. Thursday is usually a tough day since you can't see him much. But he promised you he was sleeping at your place tonight, too.

The day was a boring one. Nothing to entertain yourself. You went to your class, you took notes, you left class and so on. Even your friends were dying of boredom. Your boyfriend and yourself didn't get to spend much time with each other today as he was studying. But finally, you could go home. He sent you a text ten minutes ago, asking you to wait for him beside the entrance. And you did.

You only wanted one thing, go home and sleep. You stretch your muscles and sigh of tiredness. He usually is done studying at five on thursday. You juste have to wait five to ten minutes more.

You take out your phone to mindlessly scroll on it when a curly head appear in your field of view. Ethan already saw you, he's waving shyly at you. You smile happily and put your phone back in your pocket. Walking towards him, you observe how he seems so tired.

"Rough day ?" you ask him and he chuckles lightly, nodding his head. "You're okay, still ?

-Yes, don't worry. I'm fine. And you? Did you have a nice day ? It was cute how eager he was to talk to his friends, nervermind his state.

-I'm always fine when you're so kind to me. He smiles sheepishly, looking to the ground. You hope he understood you were joking and you didn't make him uneasy. Are you waiting someone ?

-Oh, yeah. I'm actually waiting for Chad to...." He trails off while looking at something behind you, his smile fading.

Worried, you furrow your brows before turning around only to see your boyfriend. Your smile instantly comes back. You would have hugged him if Ethan wasn't here. You weren't too much of a fan of PDA. Your partner's face seem closed, weird considering he's always happy when you're going home.

"Let's get home. he simply says.

Can't he see you're talking to someone ? You waited a few minutes for him, he can do the same.

-Wait a moment I'm talking to... he interrupted you, without listening to your words.

-I'm really tired, babe. Let's get home, now.

-We're all tired, I'm just asking you to wait a few...

-Just let's get home. he says coldy and you stop talking.

You look at him sternly. Since when does he give you any orders ? Since when does he forces you to listen to him? You have the right to talk to your friend, why does he deter you to do so ? You just want to talk to your friend two more minutes, is that too much to ask ?

-She doesn't want to, you can't force her... try Ethan, wanting to support you.

-Don't fucking talk to her, okay? he snap. You're not part of the damn conversation so just stay the fuck out of it. I know who the hell you are and what you're doing. Don't fucking talk to us you sociopath. you almost could see the smoke coming out of his ears.

Your heart stop seeing Ethan so humiliated and a ringing echo through your body. You were speechless. That's it, you decide. He doesn't have any right to talk to someone like that. He has to calm down because you are not staying with a violent man, whether he is towards you or someone else ! You step before Ethan to face your partner. You never saw him raise his voice at someone before but you don't like it.

-What the hell is wrong with you?

First he's rude to him when he's litteraly a guest and now he plainly insult him ? You were going to apologize to Ethan but when you searched him, you realized he disappeared. Fuck, you thought, he was that affected ? You can't blame him, you'd probably be as insulted as him in his case. But now you just feel like the worst person ever.

-Why do you hate Ethan so much?

He opens his mouth, searching his words as if not knowing where to begin. His eyes were screaming obviousness. As if for him, every reasons were easy to find to justify his hate.

-Because he's a creep. he agitates his hands to prove his point. Open your eyes, can't you see he's flirting with you ? He's trying to separate us !

-I guarantee you he's not. He's just shy! He's like that with everyone! You're seeing things ! You know what ? I won't tolerate your disrespect any longer. You ever saw me insult your friends ? No, never. Then why do you feel free to do so ? Seriously what is wrong with you ?

He is taken aback by the seriousness you take to discuss this subject. It's not even about Ethan anymore, it's simply about his rude behaviour. He needs to understand that you are not forgiving everything just because you're together.

-He's not just shy. He's really really creepy. He's constantly staring at you. He's on the verge of drooling ! He's sending me fucking death glare ! I tried to override it but it's been one year ! He did not change !

You almost laughed out loud. Ethan ? Sending death glare ? He can't even look at poeple in the eyes. Threathening them ? Just unimaginable. He's inventing things again and it's terribly annoying.

-Will you stop ?

-How can I stop ? He hates my guts ! he softens his tone. I love you, okay ? I'm incredibly in love with you and that's why this guy get me worried sick. He is not normal. If we were in a horror movie, he'd be the type to hide bodies in his basement ! I swear he hides something.

It's true that you don't know Ethan that much. But right now, he wasn't in your mind. You were only thinking about the fact that your boyfriend wanted to forbid you something. And that was the problem. He could tell you to be careful, to avoid being alone with him. But not ordering you to stay away from him. You weren't a child. And you're not stupid, you know the people your befriend. If Ethan was weird, you would have seen it by now.

-I love you too, you said heartly. Really. But Ethan is a nice guy. If he tries anything, I'll tell you right away. But I am not stopping from seeing him. You can't tell me what to do. You know that.

Your boyfriend clench his jaw but nods reluctantly. He doesn't like this deal but if he contradicts you, the argument will worsen and he didn't want that right now. You tried to share the wrongs, even if you find it difficult in your side as you don't know what you did, to ease the situation. You loved your boyfriend, you didn't want it to end on a stupid quarrel. Though, you knew you probably hurt him by doubting of him.

You'd ask him to apologize to your friend but it would be too much and you thought he'd do it himself when everything calmed down. Eventually. You came back home without him, crashing on your couch face first and breathing in it for a few minutes before getting up.

You were overthinking so much your head was hurting you. After a burning shower to ease your nerves (it didn't work), you decided to call Ethan to ensure he was okay. Guilt was eating you alive. You needed to apologize. He left before you could do so.

After the first ring, Ethan picks up. You panic. You don't really know what to say now, you hoped he wouldn't pick up so you could just leave a vocal message. You thought that a simple text wasn't enough and don't show the honesty of your words.

"Hey. he says as awkwardly as in real life.

You didn't know where to begin.

-You're okay? you ask and you hate yourself for asking that so bluntly.

He doesn't answer. You were thinking back on the face he made after being insulted, the humiliation, the utter mortification he felt. Your words are nothing, the wrong is already done. But you hope they'll help him feeling better. Even if just a little. Ethan is silent.

-Listen, I... you start.

Better apologize now before he hates you too.

-I'm sorry about my boyfriend. Like really. I... I don't know why he's acting like that. I talked to him but...

-It's okay, I'm used to it by now, you know ?

Guilt wasn't even enough to express your feelings. He's used to it ? That's not reassuring at all. In fact, you want the ground to open under you, to chew and swallow you. You were a horrible friend for letting your partner lower his self esteem like this.

-God, don't say that... It sounds horrible.

He laughs but he's not amused.

-If he does it again, and I hope he won't but just in case, you can bite back. You can insult him, too. I can give you insults he doesn't like if you want !"

This time, he truly laughed. A real chuckle and you were happy. You were happy your friend didn't hate you. You continued to talk long time after that. Eventually, you hung up, feeling tired. But with a smile nonetheless as you knew things were slowly getting better.

The next morning, you did your routine. With your new toothbrush in hand, you stare at yourself in the mirror. You had bags under your eyes. You were happy the week end was coming. Tomorrow is saturday, the week is finally completed. You felt enough stress for a whole month after that. You needed to rest.

You spit in the sink and wash your mouth with water. Raising your head again, you look if you still have toothpaste on your face when your body freeze. Are you dreaming or is there something behind your mirror ? You swear you just saw a red dot flashes.

You stop moving completly, eyes glued to the mirror. Three minutes pass wihtout anything new. Are you really that tired ?

Maybe it's just the reflection of the twinkling fire protection system ? The point is red too, after all. In any case, you're tired. You don't need others problems for today. You'll have to ask your boyfriend about it. If he stops sulking. Either way, you're curious. You'll try to take off the mirror another time. Tonight maybe, if you don't forget about it until then.

Later this day, you still hadn't talk to your boyfriend and the mirror thing had disappeared from your mind. As if life wanted to keep you occupied to avoid thinking about your problems, the morning classes were only tests. You hoped you did good because it didn't fell like it.

It was already noon and you were searching for your friends. They told you they'd be waiting for you in the cafeteria. You came out late of your last class so you needed to speed up a little. The halways are already crowded at this hour, more than usually it is. You sigh thinking about the long journey you'll have to make to join your friends. You'll have to dodge every rushing students, find your ways through everyone and hope something is good in the today's menu.

You start searching for someone you know in the crowd to mentally support you on this long day and you recognize the tall curly man named Ethan going to the bathroom in the opposite direction of yours. Damn, you sigh, you wanted to ask him if he could send you his notes for econ.

You texted your friends, saying that you'll meet up with them later. Your boyfriend still hadn't text you. He was mad at you, after all. In your opinion, you did nothing wrong. He's the one who put a target on Ethan's back. You recognize one can be jealous but damn, he can't disrespect your friend like that forever. He can't make hasty assumptions on people and then forbiding you to talk to them.

That's why you wanted someone to accompagny you to the cafeteria. Now, you're alone with your thoughts and you're overthinking. You didn't allow him to explain himself, but on the other side he didn't really try to. His reasons are unfounded. He was quite closed up on the subject.

You do not have to appreciate someone but why does he hate him ? That's another level. He even called Ethan a sociopath ! Why ? The common area wasn't so far from you anymore. You grab your phone, ready to send a text to your friends when someone suddenly rush into you. Your phone fall on the ground and you curse under your breath.

Looking up, the person already left. You grab your phone quickly and search behind you to know who pushed you this hard, only to see some curly hair, again. Wait, if you saw him going in the opposite direction, how did he end up stumbling on you ? He ran or something ?

-Ethan? you call after him and he stops in his track. you approach him. Why are you in such a rush... Oh.

And then you see it, the pink spot stuck in his hair. Gum, Ethan has gum in his hair. Obviously, it wasn't supposed to be here. You understand his embarrassment now, you wouldn't like to be seen like this too.

-Oh, Ethan...

At your change of tone, he reluctantly moves his body in your direction and lift his gaze towards you. An embarrassed expression clearly on display. You're suddenly really close to him staring at his stuck hair.

-Its... It's nothing, really ! He laughs awkwardly. I'll get it off, eventually.

-No, come here. you wanted to make it quick as to avoid him being stared at by people.

Head low in shame, Ethan follows you to the bathroom where you wetted his hair as much as you could. You thought that if you helped him, he'd understand that you're really not okay with your boyfriend's ideas of him. By helping him, you show him that you're still his friend and you're sorry for the behaviour of your partner. Acts are louder than words. Ethan's head was heavy in your hands, as if he was resting it against your palm. He probably was but your hair were a calming area for you too, so you understand. When your boyfriend scratch your head, you're out like a light.

-How did you get gum in here ?

He doesn't answer. The worst was already on your mind; is Ethan bullied ? You're not in highschool anymore but people are still mean and Ethan is a perfect target, he's a shy guy with little friends. He's usually the kind of people meanie make fun of.

-Did someone do this ? you ask while untangling his curls.

Ethan lower his face, eyes staring straight onto your phone screen where a picture of you and your boyfriend was on display. His gaze staying a little too long on your partner's face. With a bitter laugh, he shakes his head.

-You won't like the answer."

Something deep in you was telling you your boyfriend had something to do with it. After all, it was as if Ethan was giving you hints at this point. But you still believed in the kindness of your partner. He was never mean, physically at least. He wouldn't hurt a fly. But at the same time, he changed a lot recently, surprising you and not really in a good way. Could it really be him ? Ethan saw your hesitation since he smiles sympatheticly, understanding you.

"Don't be too mean on him, it's not important anyway. It's just gum."

And it was all you needed to hear before calling your boyfriend as soon as gum was out of the way. You asked him to come to your place when his classes were done.

Ethan texted you later on with all the sincerity in the world, 'is he violent with you? you can talk to me, you know? He can't force you to do anything. i'm here for you.' His words triggered certains thoughts in you, thinking that yeah, he wasn't like this when you first talked to him. And that's how every violent man start. By establishing rules in a relationship. Rules only relevant to one person in the couple. By getting angry more often.

By manipulating you with your feelings. It was too soon to really know if he was in fact getting violent but at the same time you didn't want to stay long to discover it.

When he came home this night, he knew something was off. You were seated on the couch, staring at the black screen of the TV. Your arms were crossed over your chest. Tonight was the big talk time.

As soon as the door slam shut, you start.

"Where were you at noon ?

He rises a brow, laughing nervously at your sudden question. He didn't even get the time to place down his bag.

-At my club ? You know I'm always there at this time.

You were afraid he was lying to you. One of your friend, in the same club as him, joke to you about how your arguments got to him so hard that he didn't even bother to come. Well, she said that she herself didn't stay long today but that's all you needed to know. He wasn't at the club.

-I didn't see you, that's all.

-You came to see me ? I was late. I joined the club ten or fifteen minutes later. Something happened?

You wonder if you should just spit it out. It would take a weight off your shoulders and appease your nerves. Yes, you'll just spit it out. You need answers.

-Ethan, as soon as his name leave your mouth he sighs, yeah, exactly, him, again. Someone put gum in his hair today. It was impossible to get rid off. One day after you insulted him. Crazy coincidence.

-Are you accusing me ? he asks in disbelief. You invited me over to argue ?

-I just want to hear where you were at noon today.

-It's not me, okay ? he says in a defensive tone. I don't like him but I'm not an asshole. I know he's your friend, I wouldn't do that to him.

-I know, but recently you've been acting really weird around him so I'm starting to ask questions. I'm going to ask this once and I want you to be honest with me. you take a pause, gauging his reaction. he simply waits for you to continue. Are you the one bullying Ethan ?

-I'm not ! Hell, why would I do that !

He's hurt seeing you so little convinced. He shakes his head and frown his brows. He's standing right before you now. He's panicked as if he knows your relationship depends on this discussion.

-I get it now, he says seriously. He accused me, right ? I don't blame you for listening to him, he's a good friend to you, okay. I get that. But he's sabotaging your life, he's sabotaging our relationship. You can't just believe everything he says. I don't like him, that's a fact. But I never put shit in his hair. And I never will. Don't you understand what's happening ?

He kneels before you and takes your hands in his, his warmth enveloping your body. He looks up at you with pretty sad eyes and you know you won't last long.

-Each time we argue, it's because of him. It's because he's always stuck to you, because he always does or says something.

-Or because you hold a stupid grudge toward him for no reason.

-No reason ? He gives me the creep !

-That's what I'm saying, you have no reason ! contradicting him allowed you to avoid looking into his eyes. Because if you did, you'd forgive him far too quickly.

-Baby, please, listen to me. He's not what he makes you think he is. He's a vicious manipulator. I can't prove it now with anything else than my words but I'll prove it to you. I don't know how yet but I promise. He sounded so desperate he had you doubting about everthing.

-I have to think about it."

Even though he wanted to convince you more, he understood your state of mind and decided not to push his luck. Sadly, he let go of your hand. And that was it.

He did not sleep here tonight, either.

When you woke up, you felt alone for the first time in a while. A bitter feeling lingering in your throat. All day, you stayed in bed scrolling on your phone. It was saturday, you usually go out with your friends but you were not in the mood today.

After emptying your head and forgetting your feelings on social media for hours, you decided you couldn't stay angry at your partner for an eternity. So you sent him a text offering him to come tonight to discuss. He accepted surprisingly quickly. You spent the rest of the day cleaning your apartment. As if it was your first date and you wanted to make a good first impression.

You just wanted to spend a chill night with your man.

A movie was already planned for his arrival. You had cleaned every spot of your house. You were wore and now wanted to relax. Weirdly enough, something in you was telling you that the night wouldn't be as relawing as you wanted it to be. You didn't really know why. Maybe you'd be arguing again ? Maybe he'd leave you ?

You couldn't quite pinpoint the feeling you had.

You check your phone one last time, 'i'm almost there' he texted. But his message was sent already fifteen minutes ago. And the way to your apartment clearly wasn't that long. You decided to waste time until he eventually arrives by going to the nearest store. He had your keys anyway, if you arrive after him. You'd buy snacks to eat together there. And so that's what you did. You bid bye to the cashier and went back on your path. Suddenly, you realized how late it is. The alley was really dusky. Was it that dark when you left ?

You grab your phone, still no responses. What's taking him so long ?

Walking slowly in the dead of the night, you hear nothing but car in the background. Your own feet echo in the alley, you hit a bottle that's sent against the wall and you jolt before cursing. You're paranoid. Nothing's here. You grab once again your phone, no answer. He still isn't here ? Okay, maybe you're impatient here. But twenty minutes to arrive ? It's usually fifteen at best !

Deepening yourself slowly down the alley, you start to hear muffled voices. Two people. You hope it's not creepy men who'll follow you. Though, you're sure it isn't when the voices seem to be arguing.

You stop walking, trying to understand if you were in danger or not. It would be really stupid to get involved in a gang fight or simply in a fight. You though the two men would be drunk, since people arguing in a dark alley in night isn't that common for sober people(well, in your opinion), but they were not.

Approaching slowly, you realise you understand every one of the words they're echanging. Though, it's not reassuring.

"I always knew you were a fucked up little bitch..." you hear someone hiss.

Now what's happening ? It's getting scary. The more horrific part was probably that the voice sounded familiar to you. But it was distored and far away so you weren't sure. Either way, you needed to cross this alley. Your home was just a few meters further.

Holding your breath, you look at the ground, eyes glued to the pavement below you. You have nothing to do with this and you don't want to deal with it. But when you heard a scream of pain, your body jolt. Shaking from head to toe, you stop on your track. Your heart is beating too fast for your own good, your blood is pulsing. Slowly, your head turn towards the alley. What you saw at this moment was probably the worst sight you could have encountered in your life.

On the ground, a dead body. Eyes staring straight at you. His back was against the wall, blood dripping from his neck which was cut clean. He was shirtless and even though you didn't want to look at it, you knew his chest was covered in scars. But what's finally killed you is that you recognized his face.

It was your boyfriend.

Breathing becomes hard, you tug at your shirt, pupils slowly drowning in your tears. You couldn't look away. But you had to when someone step on a piece of glass. You jolt, searching for the responsible. Your senses on high alert. Everything in you were yelling at you to run but your legs were like jelly. It was a miracle you were still standing.

And that's when you saw it. Someone. You couldn't see their face but for some reason you knew they were watching you. Without diverting your gaze from them, you grab your phone from your back pocket, stepping back to put distance between you. The person calls your name and unfortunatly you recognize his voice.

"E-Ethan?" you ask with a watery and cracked voice.

You shake your head, slowly stepping back while he comes closer. You finally see his face. There's blood splattered on his face and he own a shiny knife in hand. It's straight out of a horror movie.

"Baby, it's not safe to wander around here at such a late hour. he laughs, surprisingly brightly for the situation.

-Ethan did you..." weakly, you point at the body in the alley behind him.

He's just smiling. He tilts his head to the side, staring at you longingly. Blood was dripping from his knife. Fuck, you need to run, right now. Sensing life coming back to your body, you bolt to the opposite direction. You hear him yell your name but you don't look back to see where he is. You rush to a place you hope will be full of people. There, you coud call for help.

Your rush, feeling every one of your muscle giving the best they have. You're out of breath, you already fell on the ground twice and hurt yourself but didn't bother stopping. Ethan was still yelling your name in your back, his voice getting progressivly more angry and desperate.

You weren't stopping, you couldn't. You were running haphazardly with your blurry vision, you couldn't see much. He's dead, you think. He's freaking dead. He killed him.

A violent side stitch takes you and you whine from the pain. Your muscles are burning so do each one of your breath. You see a building nearing and accelerate one last time to reach it.

But Ethan is seemingly trained for chasing people as he jumps on you and pin you against the ground. You try to scream but he doesn't allow you to as he maintain your mouth shut with his hand. You can feel his front against your back as you struggle to escape. Ethan hold you firmly against him, his weight on you guaranteeing you stay put.

"Why are you running? It's me. It's just me." you could hear the smile in his voice even though he's out of breath.

He was far too happy ! Did he plan this all along ? A million thoughts were racing in your head. Was that what your boyfriend saw in him ? Was that real ? Were you going to die ? You're crying all the water of your body at this point but Ethan doesn't say anything about it. You know he's ravished in the imbalance of power.

"It was supposed to be for the damn parasite, but I never could stand him anyway."

You don't have time to think about who or what he's talking about that a faint sting in your neck make you wince. A burning liquid propagate in your veins. Your vision soon become watery and blurry. Your body stop struggling and everything in you is numb.

"Sleep well now." was all you heard before black out.

When you woke up, (hours, days later ?) everything was pitch black around you. Even though you knew your eyes were open. What's happening ? Last night, you were at the local store buying things for your boyfriend and now you're here. Here, but where ?

You slowly start to realise something hides your view from the light and that your hands are tied up in your back. You couldn't move them at all, they were tightly attached with both scotch and cable tie. It was a miracle blood was still flowing. Or the person who attached you knew exactly how to do it. This thought was terrifying.

Your head aches trying to remember the last event but eventually you get the answer you needed. Ethan fucking Landry. He was in that alley with you. Tears brims your eyes at the reminder of your boyfriend. Your dead boyfriend. What will happen now ?

In your desperate state, you don't hear when someone enters the room. It's when a hand is put on your thight that you jolt and struggle to move. Trying to escape, the cable tie shear your wrists.

"You're gonna hurt yourself, love. Don't do that please."

The voice stops you. It was the same tender voice Ethan used to talk to you before. Ethan, shit, you spent the last few weeks arguing with your boyfriend over him, just for him to fucking kill him. Why is he doing this ? What did you do to him ? Can't he just kill you ? Is he so twisted that he needs to torture you ? It's all your fault, you should have listened to him. Ethan is a monster.

Tears are running down your cheeks, they're salty and sting a little. Ethan sees them and dry them with his thumbs. He tries to shush you but it don't work. Then, he decides to take off the cloth hiding your view. Upon seeing him, you burst into tears. You struggle, moving your whole body, trying to move the chair on which you're on. Crying more when he tries to touch you.

-No no no babe it's me! Don't freak out ! He laughs happily. It's just me, okay ? Everything's fine.

You were going to scream if he didn't interrupt you by roughly clading his palms against your lips. Your tears are no longer staining your chin, now flowing onto his fingers. You don't really understand the situation to be honest. Yesterday, Ethan was a really nice and polite friend. Why would he be otherwise ?

"That's it, calm down. Stop crying, please. It's okay. I'm here." he slowly part his hand away from your mouth.

You are terribly tired. Your body is numb. Your eyes are sore. You have difficulty breathing since you have a stuffy nose from all the crying. You sniff, blinking trying to get rid of the blurry vision you're having. You're sure you look pitiful but Ethan is looking at you like you're a damn art piece. He's analyzing you.

Ethan smiles. Sitting comfortably in front of you. On a chair he specifically placed here for you to talk. Or him to watch. You seem to be in a kind of garage. There's tools scattered on various worktable. Ethan tilts his head to where you're watching to catch your attention, when your eyes are on him again, he smiles brightly.

"You're comfortable here ? I'm sorry the chair is a little old, I wasn't really prepared. Don't worry I'll give you an armchair, soon. So you'll feel better.

You don't say anything. What does he want from you ? You have nothing left. According to his words, he plans on keeping you here for a while. Why ? He smiles, lifting his hand towards you, you flinch and turn your head.

-Don't look at me like that. he says angrily, his tone suddenly more serious.

Your eyes are back on him. You try to keep your gaze as neural as possible as to not angry him but your real feelings talks for you.

-Like you're scared of me. Like you're angry at me. I know you're not.

Why did you bother defending him. He's dead because of you, fuck, it's your fault ! You should have listened to him ! He told you Ethan was creepy, you should have fucking listened.... Tears are coming again, you try to keep them hidden but fail miserably and start crying all over again. Ethan sighs. He archs his back and lay his elbows on his knees.

-Ok, I guess I owe you an explaination. I'll try and make it quick, I have to go back to the kitchen soon after. I made pastas. Because I don't know if you can eat a lot right now, the medicine I injected you is quite strong. he seems to realise his words as his eyes widens and he agitates his hands agitatedly. It's strong but because it wasn't for you in the first place ! You weren't supposed to be there, don't worry. I'd never hurt you. I just improvised ! But you're gonna be fine. If not, it's okay too ! I can kill myself so we'll still be together !

What was his plan ? He wanted to kidnap your boyfriend ? Why ? What would he have done to him ? What would he have done to you ?

-But uh, love aside, if you feel like you'll throw up, warn me. There's probably a basin here or something. Anyway. I did what was best for you. you burst out crying and shake your head, denying his words. Yes I fucking did ! Okay ? He was a damn loser. I didn't have a choice, you know ? You should have just stayed loyal to me in the first place !

You were terrified. He changed emotions in a fraction of seconds. He could do whatever he wanted to you and you couldn't even move. You couldn't comprehend his words. It was as if he had invented a link between you two you weren't even aware of. As if for him, you've never been friends but much more.

-Stop crying, he's dead. It's too late. Seriously, stop. You didn't even love him ! Why would you keep defending me like that otherwise ? And he humiliated me, that fucker humilated me before you ! You know I can't let that pass. It just had to end.

You were still seeing his face in the alley. He was looking into your eyes, you swear. You just know his face will haunt you untill your death. Never would you have thought Ethan Landry was a fucked up man. Never would you have thought Ethan Landry was thinking about your kidnapping and your boyfriend's death.

You didn't know what to feel. Too many emotions were in your heart. Hate, fear, disdain, grief, anger and sadness. All caused by him.

-It's not my fault, okay ? Stop looking at me like that !

He passes his hand through his hair. He's agitated. Too much for your own good. His hair, you're now sure he puts that damn gum himself. What kind of fucked up manipulator you have to be to do that ? To take your sweet time in creating arguments between two person ?

-I was supposed to come and pick him up. Thus, I would have sent you each one of his fingers in pretty pink enveloppes. I'm sure you would have loved it. But it's even better that you're here. We're always stumbling on each other, right ? Isn't that so cute ? The way we're so magnetic ? he smiles bashfully, like a schoolgirl confessing her love to her crush.

His grabs your legs, you struggle to get away from his hold. Ethan is not amused. His fist tighten considerably around your ankle and you whine from the pain. You're sure he could break it. He stops, laying simply your leg on his tight. The palm of your feet was too far from his tummy for you to hit it. He smiles in seeing you so compliant. You still feel the burning hold he previously exerced on your ankle. How strong is that man ?

He slides his fingers dreamily from your ankle to the highest part of your leg he could touch without bending in two. You were utterly disgusted by his touch knowing it was these same hands which killed your boyfriend.

-It really is fate.

And suddenly he starts using his nails instead of his digits. Not quite hurting you but it was enough to make you understand he was able to. His smile turn bitter.

-It was fate until you decided to betray me by picking someone else. his tone is dark, threatening. Like a murderer. Then it go back to his usual tone and his digits are back on your leg. But I forgive you, you know ? At first, I cried a lot. Because I thought that you didn't love me. But I soon realised that you wanted to test me. You wanted to see me jealous ! And it's okay ! You probably wanted me to make a move on you first... he smiles sheepishly, cheeks red.

What the fuck is he talking about ? You never loved him ! You never tried to test him ! Why does he keep inventing things ? Did you two have the same discussion ? Where does he gets these interpretation from? You're pratically sure it's impossible to declare your love to someone by accident so why does he thinks you're in love with him ?

-Though, I gotta admit I was really sad when you decided to fuck him. Because I understand your testing, but it didn't need to go that far, you know ? You wanted to practice ? Because it really hurt me.

You don't answer. You certainly didn't want to talk about that to him.

-For practice, right ? Tell me it was. You just wanted to practice for when we'd be together ? the death glare he sent you was enough to make you nod, even if he saw it was fake he didn't care. Good, good. I was scared for a sec ! he smiles happily, as if he didn't just threaten you. I'm still a little disappointed, though. We could've learn together but I guess I can't condamn your eagerness.

You needed to get out of here, right now. He could do so much more than just kill you and that thought was terrifying. You were helpless, stuck at his mercy.

-I'm glad you saw the camera I put in your bathroom. Felt like a creep watching you showering. But when you saw it and didn't say anything, that mean you allowed me to do it. Thanks for that. It helped me on the loneliest night.

What the fuck ? You try to remember when you ever saw a damn camera when suddenly it click. Everything click. The thing you thought was a pencil in his pocket when you invited him over, it was your toothbrush. The red point in your mirror, it was him, too.

Every time you brushed your hair, every time youu showered, every time you just lived your damn life, he was here.

You felt like a fool. He had played with you all along. You never saw anything when it was so painfully evident.

-Though once again, you didn't have to bring him in.

He was watching you from the very beginning. There wasn't a moment where you have been alone. Were others cameras in your apartment ? Probably if he knows you made love to your boyfriend.

-Ethan, you start with a shaking voice. His head snap to you, visibly excited to finally hearing you talk to him. Ethan I loved my boyfriend.

-What ? he laughed. No, silly. You do not. I'm the one you love. I'll marry you and everything, you know that.

He was smiling but you knew it wasn't genuine. You needed to talk to him calmly or this could be dangerous for you.

-I don't know you Ethan. I can't love you.

-But you do know me, sweetheart. he smiles while putting your leg back on the ground. Can I give you an advice ? he whispers then lays his hand on your cheek, his thumb caressing it. his eyes were empty of emotions while drilling into yours. You should really stop pushing me off because I'm starting to lose my fucking temper over here. Okay my love ? I'll go get you your food. I'm such a good househusband for you, right love ? You stay all pretty here, I'm coming back really quick."

With the unknow time he let you alone, you scanned your surrondings. All the tools could help you but they were too far away from you. You needed to change plan. At one point he'll have to go to sleep ? Or let you go to the bathroom ? As soon as he lets his guards down, you attack.

Ethan wasn't lying when he said he'd come back really quick as he was already here. He calmed down. Much better for you. He had a garnished plate in hand. He pushes his seat closer to you before smiling to you.

"It's gonna be fun. You'll be my beautfull wife whom I'd kill for. By the way have I told you about.. ? Wait, they haven't been discovered yet... Well, we don't care. Just a background character. he sits back down on his chair.

What ? Did he just told you he killed someone else ?

-Open your mouth, love. he says while taking a spoon full of pasta.

A spoon ? He probaby thinks you're gonna try to hurt him or yourself with a fork. He really think of you as a kid. He approaches the spoon near your mouth. You don't budge, staring at him dead in the eyes. you weren't even hungry. And if you were, you'd much rather die than to eat his food.

-Oh, I didn't even ask if you were hungry. Well, I'm putting that aside and when you need something you tell me. I won't leave your side anyway."

Him who was so nice and polite before, him who helped you with your homework. Him who killed your boyfriend, him who stalked and kidnapped you. Who was he ? Who was this man ? He sighs before your blank stare.

"Listen, I know you wanted to play that little game between us longer but he was turning violent, my love. I just... I couldn't stand to see you suffering with him. It was for your safety.

He stares at your thight on which he draws circle with his pointer. You don't even listen to the lies he tells you anymore. You're just trying to find a way out of here. Ethan sits on the ground next to you, his head now at the same level as your waist.

-He couldn't love you like I do. Nobody can. I'm going to take good care of you.

He lowers his head, his lips grazing against the clothe that separate him from the top of your thigh. You shudder. You feel his hot breath hitting your skin through the fabric. He lays his cheek flat against the fat of your thigh. He smiles. You want him to get away from you but any of your movement can angry him and you don't want that.

-I'll kill my dad after the plan, okay? So that he cannot oppose our union, our marriage.

Strangely, you wouldn't have thought someone like him had a father. Or any parent for that matter. His dad must be as fucked up as him, you're sure. You don't bother to try and understand him. A plan ? Yeah, good for him. You don't give a fuck. You just want to leave.

Though, he'd kill his dad ? He's even attacking his own family now ? Does this man have limits ? Your questionning must be visible from the outside as he laughs brightly at you.

-Why are you shocked pretty girl ? Didn't I show you how devoted I am to you ? he laughs again. And that's not even a quarter of what I'm ready to do for you.

His rub his nose against your skin covered thigh and sigh of contentement. Are you really stuck here ? No, no of course not. Someone is going to find you. Someone is going to find your boyfriend.

Your boyfriend. He tried to warn you. You hate yourself for that. It's too late now. You can simply hope he didn't suffer a lot in his death. That's all you can do. Tears are coming again, the few leaft in you anyway. You're tired. Terribly tired. You'll probably pass out soon.

Ethan kiss your thigh after taking a good sniff out of you.

-I could do so much more for you, my love. So much more. You have no idea what I could to for you."

[vee-crytraps]

Kiss Me More {Themes/TW's Masterlist}

Pairings: Dick Grayson/Reader, Jason Todd/Reader, Tim Drake/Reader, Damian Wayne/Reader Trigger Warnings: 18+, light yandere, graphic descriptions of sex, Fan-non personalities, reverse harem, unhealthy relationships, unhealthy pining, teenage hormones, (legal) age differences, fem!reader, violence, drug use, polyandry. General Themes: Sex positivity, sexual curiosity, sexual promiscuity, sexy sex sex sex, struggling with growing up, struggling with Naughty Feelings, trying to become a person, general feeling of being misunderstood, possibility of light angst in future, family death (mentioned).

Chapters: 1 | GROAN (Jason/Reader 🔞) 2 | BURNING DOWN THE HOUSE 3 | EAU D'BEDROOM DANCING (Dick/Reader 🔞) 4 | ORNAMENT 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 5 | KRIMSON (Tim/Reader 🔞) 6 | TO YOU (Damian/Reader 🔞)

Reference:

Ages: Dick 29 | Jason 23 | Tim 20 | Damian 18 | Reader 18 DICK is the ‘no man will compare to your charming big brother’ type. He is your knight in shining armor, always eager to put you first. He believes no one will be able to take care of you the way that he can, but doesn't view other men as competition- preferring to show you that he’s better. He's your childhood friend, your 'boy-(in-the-room-) next-door'. Dick's love language is...kind of all of them? But he loves spending time with you, lounging about your room while you choose outfits and recount high school drama. JASON is one of your more estranged siblings. He gets off knowing that Bruce views you as an innocent, and that your involvement with him in particular is taboo in all sorts of ways. Part of him is getting over the fact that you really aren’t as delicate as you used to be, far from the annoying brat he believed too weak for their nightly family adventures. He wants to protect you but also feels like he’s missed too many formative years to really boss you around like an older brother. Whenever he tries, it always comes out a little awkward. He’s the care-free fun sibling, letting you get away with whatever you want while simultaneously encouraging it. He is a pleasure seeker and an enabler, but will also recite some poetry after he finishes boning you on his couch. TIM is like a best friend. This relationship is more casual than truly lusty or romantic, at least at the start. Even your intimacy is playful and spontaneous. There's no pressure to be anything but yourself, in and out of the bedroom. Tim mostly adores your curiosity, a trait which you both share. You often go down wikipedia rabbit holes together, or people watch at the park outside of WayneTech during his lunch breaks. You've also started a snapchat series of him falling asleep in strange places. DAMIAN is a total dominant personality, if somewhat socially awkward. In some ways, he believes you belong to him. He views you as a pet or a toy sometimes, wishing to take care of you in his own way. His role in your life is essentially a sexual and romantic version of how Bruce sees you. Damian dresses you, enjoys bathing you and would rather watch you get off than be able to get himself off. Like Bruce, it's as much of a control thing as it is a 'I don't know how to interact with people in a genuine way' thing. He doesn’t always know what to do with reciprocation as he’s never had it, but he doesn’t need it with you. Much like the relationship between a pet and it’s human, it’s one sided care. This is important because Damian cherishes pets over humans, so the fact that he cares for you like a dog means that you’re highly valued in his mind.

Lil Notes: Feel free to suggest/request little scenarios! If they don't inspire anything for Kiss Me More, they might make a nice little one shot! No guarantee that I can get around to them, but I will try my best! I'll be re-posting my work from Ao3 onto Tumblr slowly so I don't flood the tags.

[gazsluckyhat]

Sarah's House

Four - Hawaiian Pizza *TW*

Masterlist

Hi guys! This chapter is kinda dark, Suicide ideation is listed heavily towards this end, the story is kinda dark anyway, but just heads up. Take care of yourself.

Also, I'm not very nice in this chapter, sorry in advance.

also disregard any spelling errors, fell sick today and am writing this wrapped up like a Christmas gift.- Bunny

Price knew he shouldn't take the mission. The outcome seemed obvious, or so he thought. Until he wasn't anymore.

or

Like calls to like. Or something of the sort.

  They all stand there, frozen. Eyes flying to Price, hoping he has the right words. But he doesn't. Who would? This isn't something you just explain calmly to someone, let alone a parent. Instead he motions to the hall, inviting him to follow. The boys stay back, a guarding presence as the girl sleeps. The sounds of machine beeps and call lights dull the conversation, doctors and nurses flooding by. Her father leans agaisnt a wall, focus on the captain. The captain whos struggling to find the words. So he decides not to explain. Keep him hidden from the awful bad things. Tell him the more simpler ones, if you can even call them that.

"You shouldn't have to be in this position." He looks at the older man. "This is awful and one of the worst things I've ever seen. Which is why I've decided not to tell you everything." He crosses his arms over his chest. Letting the older man process.

"What? I'm her father, you have to tell me so I can help her." He states, pushing off the wall. Price is putting his hands up, slightly pushing him back.

"Calm down, let me talk. Your daughter is one of the most strong willed and bravest soldiers I've ever met. There are grown men twice her size that wouldn't of survived what she has. Even through the worst of it she has fought, Sargent MacTavish in there, with those marks? Sarah gave them to him. Attacked him when we found her. She was starving and frail and still had that fight in her. Your girl is nothing short of a hero." There's tears in both their eyes. But Price notes the pride in her fathers, smiles a little at that. "But, she has seen the worst that humanity offers. I refuse to tell you because you do not deserve it. You deserve to see her as she is, you're beautiful and brilliant daughter. Physically you can see some of what they did. But a lot of it was mental. She refuses to touch any sort of water, offered her a shower and she was adamant on her 'no'. She doesn't trust any one. Took us some trouble to even let us help her. She's mute, but can speak. It takes a lot of effort on her part so I thinks its more of a 'can't' than a 'don't want to'. She's gonna require a lot of therapy and doctors appointments. It's gonna be the most stressful, scary, and angering thing you'll do." Her father is really crying now. Hands over his eyes and chest heaving.

"She's gonna hate you, hate the world even. You're gonna feel like you're ready to give up, can't do it anymore. But you have to. She can't be on her own right now. I believe she's still in shock, actually. The trauma that she went through is gonna play with her mind, cause her to think things that could never be more false. But you will be there. Hold her and tell her you love her, that she's okay and safe, yea'? She needs to have someone be that rock for her, because she's the ocean." Price hugged him after that, letting the man break into his shoulders. Price couldn't fathom being in his position. What he'd do if it was his daughter. He couldn't think about it. When he'd stepped back the man wiped his eyes.

"Thank you, I owe you my life. You don't know what this means to me. She's all I have left. My baby girl." He's looking at her door. Green eyes wide. Her green eyes, Price notes. "Have you done it before? Rehabilitated someone?" Price shakes his head.

"Not like that. I took care of my father, he was sick throughout my childhood. Struggled with his illness. Blamed everyone, learned how to help him. When he passed I enlisted." It was nothing. Just part of his life.

"She did too. Her mom and I divorced when she was a teenager. When she turned fifteen her mom found out she had cancer. I left soon after. She fought for years though, Sarah always by her side. Took her right after Sarah's twenty-first birthday. Always told her she'd make the best nurse." Then he's looking away again. Price can tell he's thinking about something. The whole thing was a lot to process. So much information to understand in a small amount of time.

"Would you take her?" It's asked in a solid manner. Price not expecting it at all. His back stiffening.

"What?" He must have misheard him.

"She seems to trust your team. Taken to them really. You have experience with something like this, you're a solider as well. I have no idea what I'm doing. I left when my ex-wife got sick. I know what kinda person it makes me, trust me I know. I think one of the reasons I left when I did was because I couldn't handle it. I'm not wired like she is. I love her so much it hurts but I don't think I'm the right person to help her and I refuse to put her in a facility. I'd even pay you on top of your reward." Price had forgotten about the money, decides he doesn't even want it anymore.

"You want me to take in your daughter?" The man nods.

"I understand what it sounds like. But we come from a small town in southern America, people talk. Everyone knows everyone as well, I'm afraid she won't be able to heal right, there, either. And I want her to heal and prosper. She deserves so much, and I don't think I can help her get there. It's breaking my heart. Knowing she's hurting like she is and I can't do anything." Price listens, the idea rolling in his head. The attachment clear between the team and the soldier. But would it turn into something else? Along the feelings of protectiveness and the need to help her was a nudging feeling of something else. Something she did not need right now. Wasn't even appropriate at all. But the longing, the need to touch her lips was slowly creeping in. Could he help her and push it down? The look her father was giving her pulled at his heart strings. He could and he would. Because if he didn't she would be lost.  So he nods, agrees because what else is there to do?

"Keep the money." He says pushing the check away. Her father shakes his head. Insisting he take it. "Fine. But I'm not spending it. I'll open her a account and put it in there." The man smiles, more sure that his daughter will be well cared for.

"Then I'll put money in it every month she's here, use it for her care?" Price nods, knowing that if she stays she'll want for nothing. The boys are too adopting and pretty things catch their eye often. Telling her will be the hard part though, he decides when they go to open her door. Thankfully she's still sleeping, her tiny body curled around Johnny's arm, he too asleep.

 Sarah wakes to the soft murmur of voices, her father is one. But the other two she has to open her eyes to see. Price and Gaz. Both talking with her father like they were old friends. Her chest warmed up a little bit, knowing that even though the world was ending her father could still laugh. Though she guesses he'd always been like that. Even when she was little, always found someone to talk to. About anything really. She'd been stuck in a store while he chatted about the rare blue car that was parked two cars away, and the owner just so happened to be there to chat. Or when he took her shopping for her first bra, her mom not feeling well, and he stood with another dad talking about the weather. Pink training bra in hand. Mortifying. But it's what she loved about him and she'd missed it she realized. Miss just listening to him speak. His presence. So she closes her eyes again and just listens. She doesn't know for how long, until she cant ignore the urge in her bladder at least.

"Good morning Rabbit." So used to the other accents her father's southern American drawl sounds funny. She smiles at him, though her brain is screaming. Hair on the back of her neck rising. She's not sure why, she's clearly safe. The soldiers who saved her, known only by nicknames, are in the corner. Well two of them anyway. She pushes herself up with her hands, the men standing up.

"Where you going? Everything okay?" It's the younger one, Gaz she believes his name is. He's reaching his hand out. She studies it for a second, listening to the voice in her head. It's screaming, loudly. This isn't real, it says. You'll wake up in a second and the others will be leaning over you, touching you like always. Her face falls, because it makes sense to her. The soldiers, her saviors, are all beautiful, even the masked one. And scientifically faces in dreams are morphed from people you know, the masked one could just be without a face. Right? They notice it immediately. Her eyes glazing over and the lost look falling onto her face. She steps back, away from them, closer to the bathroom. Her father stands, not sure what's going on.

"Cap?" Gaz calls lowly to the man behind him.

"Yea' I see it." Then he's right next to him. "Sarah, sweetheart, can you hear me?" She's slowly backing up, the bathroom door cracked open and seemingly inviting her in. Price moves closer, Gaz following suit, hoping to box her in and grab her before she loses it. It's gonna happen regardless of what they want. They're steps away when she darts around and into the bathroom, crying loudly. Slamming it shut they hear her lock it, exactly what they didn't want. Price is jiggingly the lock seeing if he can force it open.

"Can you pick it, Gaz?" The younger man on his knees looking at it.

"What just happened?" Her father is watching, confused as hell.

"Kinda normal for people with PTSD, flashback I'm assuming." Gaz spoke as he tried to separate the locks. "No dice Capin'." Thankfully Ghost and Johnny walk through the door with lunch at that moment. Eyes falling to the pair in a, well, quite a position. Gaz who's eye level with the Captains , um, nether regions tries to stand.

"Now 'on't tell me 've missed the fun?" Ghost smacks Johnny over the back of the head.

"Sarah is in here and the door is locked, one of you go get a doctor." Ghost sends Johnny a stare that says 'fix it' and Johnny is out the door in seconds. Lunch set on the small table, Ghost is walking towards them.

"What happened?" She was asleep when they left, hoping to surprise her with real food.

"Dunno. She woke up, stood up and seemed fine. Then just like that she was gone. Her eyes went all glassy." Ghost's seen it before. Seen it plenty actually.

"Flower? Hey, can ya' open the door? Wanna check on you." No reply. Nothing. The handle stays locked. "She's not gonna let us in. Not if she's lost somewhere in her head" Suddenly there's a flurry of people rushing into the room. Nurses and doctors, even a janitor. They're pushing the three men out of the way, trying to shut the door in their faces, which Ghost stops with a mud covered boot. The door is off it's hinges in minutes, then the sound of screaming echoes through the room. Before they can get to her she's being manhandled between two male nurses, who bully her onto the bed, pinning her wrist down while she screams and fights. Teeth gnashing at the faces. Ghost and Price are pushing their way forward, elbows connecting with noses. Price is smacking the man on the left, pulling him off of her and into Johnny's waiting arms, which drop him on accident. Johnny kicking him out the door immediately. Ghost was a different story, hands wrapping around the mans collar yanking him up to his height.

"Like bullying little girls, huh? I'll show you." And the smaller man is in the hall easily, Ghost not even breaking a sweat.  The doctor is on them in seconds, threating to have them arrested. Price laughing in his face, expressing just how much that meant to him. (zero. It meant zero to him actually) The girl is losing it, Gaz and Johnny doing what they can to calm her, her father on the phone with someone in charge. It's not until she finds the dropped syringe and is holding it to her neck that anyone shuts up. She's shaking. Having moved into the corner away from everyone. Gaz on his knees talking to her, Johnny standing to her right. There's a vase behind her, she notices it, knocks it off and like a cat slowly drags a piece to her. Throwing the syringe at Johnny she takes the shard and replaces it agaisnt her throat. Eyes wild. Fear pumping through her veins, she tries to speak.

"N-n-n-o………Hu-ur-t." Then points her free pointer at herself. It's then that it settles in everyone's bones that she has truly been to hell and back. Because her she was, lost in the halls of her mind, willing to take her own life then suffer at their hands. To her, they're the enemy. They're already caused her imaginable amounts of pain. Her hand shakes. Full on shakes to the point the tip slices into her skin, the blood dribbling down her pale skin. Johnny is on the brink of falling apart, the scene to reminiscent of a friend long forgotten. The same fear he felt then bubbling back up, the air slowly leaving his throat. He's pushing past her father in seconds, collapsing in the hall as he tries to catch his breath. Price nodding towards the hall when Gaz looks at him. IT takes the younger man a minute to pull himself away.

"I'll be in the hall, alright, doll?" She doesn’t hear it, her mind envisioning the Russian soldiers once again. Its their hands she feels sliding up her back, coming down her shoulder and wrapping around her thighs. Their voices she hears whispering to her left.

"She's hallucinating, we need to sedate her and get her strapped in." It Ghost whirling around first, eyes hard as steel.

"The fuck 'ya will." The venom in his tone would put a rattler to shame. The hand on his shoulder isn't his Captains. It's her dad's. He's pressing him back, separating him from the doctor.

"My daughter is no longer under your care." The doctor starts to speak. "Shut the fuck up before I knock your false teeth down your throat." That shuts him up. "You will not touch my child, you will not sedate her, or strap her down. You will release her into the care of Captain John Price." The doctor is staring, mouth wide open. Ghost closes it, chuckling as he walks to Sarah.

Sarah whos slowly coming out of it, the sound of her father's voice a anchor in the distance. Then there's a presence in front of her. It's the masked angel. The one with the honey'd eyes. Ghost. She thinks. It fits him. He's in front of her now. Hands on her cheeks, and she's smiling. The shard slowly slipping from her hand. Ghost slaps it away, gently pinching her cheeks. She's still smiling.

"Flower? Hey, come back okay?" Her eyes are slowly focusing. "You're safe, love, your dad is here. We're gonna take you home, yea? Sound nice." She shakes her head slightly, eyes focusing ion him. Confusion and shame filling them instantly. "There she is." She's pulling herself into him, latching on him like a baby koala. Sobs wracking her body. She sits like that until her father appears beside her, and then she's crawling into his lap.

"You used to sit like this with me when you were little." He whispers it in her hair while rocking her back and forth. "On nights where you couldn't sleep and I'd still be awake. I'd hear your tiny feet run down the hall, cheeks wet with a nightmare, and crawl into my lap. Some rerun of  Married With Children on the TV. You'd just lay there, eyes glued to the screen. Never moved a muscle. I've never told you this, but, those were my favorite moments. I'd stay up just so you'd come sit with me. You're the best thing I've ever done in my life, Sarah. Losing you was my biggest fear, but I've got you. You're safe now." He's pulling her back. Speaking to her clearer now. "I can't help you Sarah. Daddy can't help you in the way you need help. I'm gonna leave you with the Captain, okay?" She's shaking her head in disagreement, more tears running down her cheeks.

"It's alright, you're gonna be okay. He's gonna help you. I couldn't help your mother," His voice breaks. "And I can't help you. So I'm doing the best thing I can do for you." She nods, head agaisnt his chest, eyes catching Price's. Thanking him in her own way.

[kkcauseway]

Forever Chapter 2

Changed forever.

Chapter Summary I Life after moving isn't all it’s cracked up to be. Baby time happens much faster than expected, but your family rally round you in your moments of need. Chapter warnings/content I Tw- depictions of childbirth- premature baby 3weeks early. So much fluff. Making our beautiful Joel Miller a daddy again. Caring!Joel. Bill and Frank are the most amazing supporters. Word count I 7.6K

Next I Series masterlist I Main masterlist

In the days following your move Joel’s been busy constantly rearranging furniture to make each room to your liking. Not allowing you to do the most menial of tasks, which with you nesting and constantly looking for jobs to do around the house doesn’t help. He has to give in eventually, knowing you’re itching to keep your mind busy allowing you to get yourself ready for the impending arrival. You mostly stick to organising baby clothes into colours to wash, putting them away in specific orders and spaces which are labelled once dry, and cleaning, it keeps you happy and busy for long enough to not have Joel worrying about you hurting yourself whilst he deals with the big heavy tasks. And this is how it stays as you count down the days till babies arrival -or at least that’s how it’s supposed to be.

🍓🍓🍓🍓

When he’s occupied one morning you get to work on one of the jobs round the house you know he’d go mad at you for doing.

“Please explain to me what in the hell you’re doin?” He’s stood in the doorway staring at you, hands on his hips as you’re practically lying on the floor scrubbing away at the skirting board.

You look over your shoulder at him still scrubbing there’s no way to hide what you’ve been doing, “there’s just so much dust! I don’t want our child breathing it in!”

“Woman, get off your knees now” he moves towards you to lend you a hand getting up. You take it gladly, because as much as you don’t want to admit it, your back is hurting, and you think you’ve got a headache coming. “I can do that; you need to be relaxing there’s so many other jobs you could be doin’ that don’t take half as much strength as that.”

You laugh as he walks you to a dining table chair and forces you to sit.

“You’re gonna give me a heart attack if you’re not careful.” He strokes your cheek.

“Sorry” you’re still giggling.

He shakes his head before moving over to where you were. He groans as he gets to his knees and drops his hand into the bucket of water to grab the sponge. He looks over his shoulder at you “s’it just this one you want doin?”

You nod “yes please.”

“See baby all you gotta do is ask.”

“Yeah, but you’re busy.” You feel bad constantly getting him to do things for you even though you know he won’t mind.

“M’never too busy for you baby” he turns back, reaches for the skirting, and begins scrubbing away. His top lifts slightly as he leans and gets to work. Revealing the bottom of his lean back.

“Mmm, you look good like that Miller.”

“You checking me out?” He grumbles still scrubbing.

“Maybe” you giggle. “I mean you’re hot regardless, but watching you do housework increases that tenfold” you both begin chuckling at that. After a moment you rise, walking over to him “I’m gonna go get some water, do you want a coffee?”

He looks to you “now that’s why I love you, yes please” and the smile he gives you is so genuinely so full of love. He really is the most amazing man.

As he turns back to the task at hand you hear him mumble under his breath as you leave the room “gonna be the death of me” you can’t help but begin laughing again. You know you make him mad, but you can’t help it. You love him.

You return a few minutes later drinks in tow “your drink sir.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” he smiles as he takes the mug of black coffee from you and sipping. “Why are you drinkin’ water anyway, you hate it?” He quizzes as he pulls the mug away from his lips.

“Just got a bit of a headache starting” you shrug.

Concern laces his face; this is why you don’t like telling him when you don’t feel one hundred percent because he automatically worries “you okay?”

“I’ll be fine” you smile but he doesn’t seem convinced.

As the headache progressively gets worse you opt to take some of Frank’s homemade herbal pain relief in the hopes that’s all your body needs to finally get rid of it. You’re forever grateful for Frank’s wonderful medical mind and his need to learn, because he’s spent years investigating and learning about herbal remedies for all kinds of ailments.

When the headache doesn’t shift you decide an early night is what you need. It’s only about seven, but you make your way up to bed. Not having any dinner because you aren’t up to eating. You hope with sleep the pain will go and you’ll wake up refreshed.

After having been asleep for an hour or so Joel comes to check on you. Sitting down on the edge of the bed close to you as he begins stroking your cheek. He doesn’t miss how hot your skin feels.

His touch is enough to wake you and when he looks at how pale you look, he’s worried.

“How you feelin’?”

You groan as you open your eyes “my head hurts bad, and I feel a bit sick.”

“You want somethin’ to eat? You haven’t had any dinner that won’t help baby.”

“Maybe I don’t know.” You groan as you move to sit up in the bed “just don’t feel good.”

“I’ll go make you somethin’ just somethin’ small, but so you got some food in ya okay, anythin’ you want?”

“Yeah okay. Erm…” you begin giggling.

“What baby?” He smiles at you.

“Please don’t think I’m gross” you chuckle again “but can I have Strawberries and ketchup? Please beg Bill for some of his strawberries.”

“Can you what?” the disgusted look on his face has you cracking up.

“I’m serious, that’s what baby wants.” You shrug.

“Strawberries and”- he scoffs shaking his head “you’re crazy.”

“Nu uh, your daughter is the crazy one, she’s telling me she wants it!”

“Okay baby. Whatever my girls need” he kisses you before moving away.

He returns a small while later with some of Bill’s precious strawberries chopped up and some ketchup.

You can’t help but groan as you eat it “Jesus Joel this is good."

He chuckles watching in awe “whatever you say.”

“You should try it…” you smile wholeheartedly at him, you want him to have in on the fun.

“Baby you’re lovin' it n I’d never take food from you. Just eat.”

“Well, more fool you” you chuckle as you take another mouthful. You manage to eat it and keep it down, but it doesn’t make you feel any better. So, you think sleeping really is the only thing that will help. Joel decides to stay in bed with you, holding you close to him and that helps a lot. Just knowing he’s near is enough to calm you. He always knows exactly what to do to help.

You wake a few hours later still safe in Joel’s arms, but you don’t feel better yet. Carefully and quietly, you move out of his hold and make your way to the bathroom to splash your face with some water. Your headache is mostly gone, but the sick anxious feeling remains.

When you starts feeling super-hot again you make your way downstairs to go and sit out on the porch for a while. There’s a slight breeze out and that’s exactly what you need right now. The wind chime sings into the night quietly as you sit in the peace of the incredibly early morning; you can’t help but feel overwhelmed. And that’s when it hits you what’s wrong. You’re not ill, you’re stressed, almost overwhelmed by how calm life suddenly is. It’s like you’re actively seeking for something to be wrong because your life has never ran so smoothly. You’re just waiting for a really bad moment to happen. You can’t help the tears that begin to fall. You curl in on yourself on the bench as you will yourself to get all your emotions out.

When Joel wakes not long later and finds the bed empty, he’s immediately concerned. He searches the whole house for you eventually meeting you outside. You’re almost hysterical as he moves to sit next to you grabbing you close. He shushes you as he strokes your hair gently. “Baby what’s wrong?” He questions softly as you begin to calm down.

“Are we crazy” you laugh wetly looking to him the sadness evident in your eyes.

“Crazy” he laughs “for what?”

“For having a baby, for choosing to bring life into this world.

“No. Why would you think that darlin’?

“Well what sort of life will she have?”

He grabs your hands “we don’t know till it happens baby, but we are never gonna strive to give her any less than the world, are we?”

“Nu uh.”

“No, we won’t. She’s gonna have the best life possible, so stop worryin’ that pretty head o’yours. Everythin’ is gonna work out I promise baby. I know you’re worried even if you’re tryna hide it, and that’s okay havin’ a baby is a big change and it’s stressful, but we’re ready. Remember we’ve only been here three days, we’ve had three days of total calm after havin’ t’watch our backs all hours of the day for months, it’s a big change baby. It’s normal how you’re feelin’.”

You are ready to have this baby. You’ve known that from before you even made it to Bill and Frank’s, but it’s scary. Knowing you’re responsible for bringing new life into the world. That all that weight is on your shoulders, that your body is the one that has to go through it. Thankfully, Joel is the best possible support you could ask for.

“I hope you’re right.”

“Baby I am you know I am. You’re just tired and stressed out, you need to sleep. You’ve obviously been overdoin’ it t’keep your mind busy and you’ve been neglectin’ your feelings, you’re gonna make yourself sick if you keep doin’ that. So that stops now, okay? You need to take it easy.”

You know he’s right “okay, I will I promise.”

“Good” he cuddles you close kissing your temple “you ready to go back to bed?”

You nod.

When you wake the next morning cuddled up to Joel feeling one hundred percent again you think you must’ve seriously overdone it, mix that with how stressed you’ve been you genuinely were making yourself ill. So, you heed Joel’s advice to take it easier from this point forward.

🍓🍓🍓🍓

It’s only when you’re six nights into sleeping in your new home that there seems to be a bit of a life blip.

-

You wake with a gasp clasping at your lower stomach, breathing heavily. The painful wave slowly washes over your body, it’s baby time you can tell instantly. You’d been waking through the night with what you were thinking were back spasms but now you’re sure, they were contractions. Your heart pounds at the thought of it being too early, even if it is only a few weeks, it could be a whole lot worse, but even so, it’s early.

You’ve been nothing but surprised this whole pregnancy hasn’t been worse considering what you’ve been through and the world you live in now. Yet it’s like now that you have proper relaxation, a happy safe home, helpful people surrounding you, your baby is ready, your body is ready, you’re ready. It’s baby time…

Surrounded by the darkness of the room you reach to turn the bedside lamp on. Looking to Joel; he’s sleeping soundly next to you, unusually he hasn’t woken up in feeling you suddenly no longer in his grasp. It’s taken him a really long time to be this comfortable in his slumber. Fitful sleeps lessening more and more as time goes on, so you hate so much that you’re now going to have to wake him.

You eventually bring your legs over the side of the bed, your back to Joel as you take in a few deep breaths before trying to gain his attention.

“Babe”

…

You clasp your stomach again “Baby.”

…

With no response, mid catching your breath, you grab a pillow and throw it back at him. Catching him in the face.

“Joel!”

“Hmmm” he finally responds, instinctively reaching out an arm for you with his eyes still closed, realising the space next to him is empty, he opens his eyes. Catching his bearings on where he is, he sees you perched on the side of the bed. He shoots up scooting over to you. Wrapping his arms around your body, resting his chin on your shoulder. “What is it baby, what’s wrong?”

“I think it’s time. Fuck it’s too early” you let out a puff of air.

He jumps away from your body stunned. “Shit what... really, are you sure? Fuck we need t’wake Bill and Frank, we gotta get everything prepped!”

You can’t help but let out a small chuckle before turning to look at him whilst bringing a hand up to stroke his face, “I think so.” You sigh “the pain comes in waves and it’s bad, but fuck she’s coming too early, I mean I’ve got like what three weeks to go, that can’t be a good sign.”

“Baby, how many books have we read on this stuff, I know this is scary, but thirty-seven weeks onwards is classed as full term. You’re over thirty-seven weeks, plus most babies don’t come on their due dates! They’re either early or late, try not to worry too much about that.”

“I know but it’s still early babe,” your voice breaks “she could be inside growing for another three weeks at least. I’m scared… I just want her to be okay. I want to keep her safe.”

That’s your mantra ‘keep her safe’ and it’s fucking scary.

“Don’t be scared gorgeous girl, we are all gonna help you through this, okay? She’s gonna be fine and so are you we will get through all of this together baby, okay?”

“Okay yeah.”

“Now let me go get Bill and Frank” he kisses your shoulder before moving to jump out of bed.

“No baby I don’t- sigh- I don’t think it’s fair waking them yet, or Ellie. There’s no point doing it any earlier than we need to. If we wake them now, I guarantee we are all gonna be up for hours and it’s not gonna be fun for anyone… we’ll all end up tired and cranky. We know what to do to prepare and to help my body to get ready, we know how to help me get through the contractions, so let’s leave them for now.”

“Okay” he whispers. “So, what d’you wana do baby?”

You sigh “I don’t know I guess just see how we go. Wait it out.”

“Fuck… I can’t believe this is happenin’” he laughs stroking a palm over his face, still puffy with sleep.

“Me neither” you giggle. “Ugh, I need to stand my backs killing” you move groaning as you stand from the bed turning to face him. You grip the underneath of your bump as you sway your hips slightly from side to side, Joel looks to you flustered and sleepy. Eventually throwing his head back onto his pillow on what can only be perceived as a stressed huff. You can’t help but laugh at him “awh you’re so handsome” you smile crawling back on the bed leaning over his body to kiss him, “I’m sorry I had to wake you” you mumble against him.

A look of disgust appears as he parts his lips from yours and looks into your eyes, “did you really just apologise when you’re having our baby?”

“I guess I did” you laugh “force of habit, I don’t like it when you don’t sleep properly.”

“I know baby and I appreciate that” he reaches up to stroke your cheek, “but there’s more important things going on right now than making sure to get my eight hours” he laughs again.

“Yeah, I guess” you huff, gazing around the room briefly “it’s so quiet here, you know I forget sometimes what’s going on beyond those gates. I forget how”- you’re cut off as a pain overcomes you. “Fuck” you whisper softly sitting back on your heels rolling your hips. Joel sits up with you, reaching round to rub at your back as his other hand envelops yours allowing you to squeeze. “Just breathe baby, y’got this.”

“Mmm, it hurts” you moan.

“You’re doin’ good baby” he presses at your back as you breathe through it. Letting out a big sigh of relief when the pain is finally gone.

“Do you think a bath would help you Darlin’? I can go run y’one if you want.”

“Ooo, that might be quite nice actually. Will you stay with me when I’m in there though?”

“Course wasn’t plannin’ t’leave you anyways” he climbs out of bed with a groan not bothering to get dressed in any way, leaving you on the comfort of the bed. He turns on the water and adds some rose smelling bubble bath Frank had found especially for you. After checking the temperature of the water, the way, he used to do all those years ago for Sarah, he returns to you, grabbing your hands and helps you to stand gently. He looks into your eyes a second as you try to maintain your balance smiling before rubbing your stomach. Standing behind you, one hand on your hip, he helps you walk to the bathroom.

“You, okay?” he questions tying your hair out of the way, you lean against the sink whilst he does.

“Yeah, I’m okay” you smile looking to him through the mirror before focusing on your bump “hoping the bath will help me relax.”

“I’m sure it will baby, will work wonders, ‘specially for your back.”

“Yeah, I hope so.” You begin moaning as another contraction takes over, swaying your hips in an effort to help you through the pain as you take deep breaths. Joel now finished tying you hair presses at your back “just breathe baby, breathe.”

Once the contraction is over you stand tall and turn to look at your husband. You smile and cup either side of his face. “Honestly Joel, I’d be so lost without you” you press a kiss to his lips before pulling away yawning, “ugh it’s like half two in the morning, great time to choose to be born bubba” you poke at your bump.

“She’s keeping us on our toes.” He rests a palm onto your solid bump.

“Yeah… well I mean she could choose to keep us on our toes at a reasonable time, you know after a full night’s sleep” you jest.

Joel chuckles as he holds your arms tightly helping you to lower into the bath. You let out a soft moan as your stomach hits the water. Feeling instant relief from the warmth. When you’re settled down, Joel gently grips your chin and brings your face to look at him as he presses a long kiss to your lips, but when you don’t respond how he expects he pulls away in order to search your eyes for what’s wrong, but you’re keeping them firmly shut “what is it baby?”

You let out a wet shuddering sigh “fuck, I’m just scared her coming early means somethings wrong.”

He brings a hand to cup the side of your face and you lean into it wantonly as he kneels beside the bath “baby look at me please” he smiles at you as you finally open your eyes “does it feel like somethin’s wrong?”

“I don’t know, I don’t think so, -sigh- it’s weird actually because it feels right almost, like she feels safe and wants to come.”

“See, then if it’s her time, it’s her time. She’s ready to let us meet her baby and we’re more than ready t’meet her ain’t we?”

“Yeah, we are” you whisper.

“Been waitin’ a long time f’her to make an appearance” he gently strokes your stomach in the water. “So, there’s no being scared, we’re ready for this.”

His words are so relaxing to you as you lean back allowing the warm water to cover you up to your neck. You take deep breaths as you allow your mind to wonder, imagining your little family. After an hour of relaxing between contractions, when your body begins pruning you decide to get out. Joel helps taking your hands in his as you lift one leg out and to the floor before you move to take the other out, gasping when it’s halfway out. You gaze at the floor as you stand Joel looking with you, the clear fluid with hints of red that has just left you has you both startled. “Fuck my waters” the realisation makes your heart race.

“S’okay baby, it’s good means we’re gettin’ there, just breathe, let’s get you comfortable and then I’ll clean this up, okay?”

🍓🍓🍓🍓

After dressing you in a baggy shirt and leggings he leaves you on the comfort of the bed. He quickly changes into some clothes himself before stopping off at Ellie’s room knocking on the door gently before opening it and walking in. Ellie is quick to respond sitting up, grabbing her knife, flicking it open and turning on her light.

“Jeez gonna go on a stabbin’ party?”

“Shut up” she groans sleepily, eyes squinting from the brightness of her bedside light. “You know you can’t sneak up on me like that! I did the exact same thing to Riley; I literally told you about that last week! What’s wrong, it’s the middle of the fucking night Joel?”

“Baby’s comin,’ we need you to run and wake Bill and Frank up.”

“Shit!” she hops out of bed fast, desperately searching the room for shoes and socks before turning to him quizzical look on her face “wait it’s too early, isn’t it?”

“Only a couple weeks, it’ll be fine baby girl, hurry and go get Bill and Frank, okay?”

“Yeah, I will, is she okay?”

Before he can respond you’re screaming his name, begging him to come back, he doesn’t hesitate to leave Ellie’s room finding you hunched over on yourself as you moan through a pain. “Fuck Joel, they’re getting so bad, this seems really fast!”

“It takes as long as it takes baby if she’s ready to come out, then we’re ready to get her out, v’sent Ellie to get Bill and Frank they’ll be here soon. We’re ready for her baby don’t be scared.”

“I just want her to be okay, that’s all I want. Her to be healthy, I’ll never forgive myself if she isn’t, I don’t want my body to fail her” you whimper as the pain begins to deplete; Joel holds you close.

“She will be baby, she will. Your body hasn’t failed her, it will not fail her” he kisses the top of your head.

By the time Ellie returns with Bill and Frank you and Joel have made your way into the living room where Joel is laying out some things ready. You’re pacing the length of the room sucking on your water bottle as they get into action to help.

“Guessing it’s showtime!” Frank beams

“Seems that way!” you laugh.

Frank is laying out some towels along the sofa as Bill and Joel ensure everything is organised. Your pacing stops, you place the bottle down and you rest your palms on the back of the sofa as your contraction takes full throttle, the groaning that leaves you has Frank quickly at your side pushing against your back.

Joel reassures from across the room, “remember your breathin’ baby, yeah good baby that’s good.”

You can’t believe the amount of support you have in your time of need. As your gaze searches the room whilst you breathe through the contractions you can’t help but admire how these three men before you are doing everything in their power to help make this as easy a process as possible. Everyone is running on the love you all have for this baby- it’s transformed into pure energy. Everything is so organised.

“Okay?” Frank quizzes holding your waist as you stand straight again with the pain finally gone.

“All good” you smile.

With a makeshift bed made on the sofa, waterproof protective sheets topped with blankets cover it as well as the floor, leaves there with nothing left to do but wait. Joel is at your side the whole time pushing on your back as and when you need it. Helping you to breathe through the pains. Reassuring you when it gets too much, and you need help calming back down. Helping with your random bouts of shivering- where you suddenly find you’re unable to stop your whole body from shaking, but you aren’t cold. There’s no reason for you to be cold it’s the middle of the summer. “Hey Darlin’ you cold?” You shake your head no “I- j-just can’t - stop-p shaking.” Nerves and anxiety are getting the better of you, you can feel it. Your whole body is going into a kind of fight or flight response as you sit there shaking. Joel holds you close rubbing at your side to try to coax your body to calm down. “S’okay baby, all part of getting her here that’s what you gotta focus on, gets us closer to meetin’ her.”

🍓🍓🍓🍓

Hours have now passed evidently as the light is now creeping in through the sides of the curtains and the birds have begun chirping.

“Joel, I think we should go on a walk?” you decide remembering reading about how exercise helps in practically all the books you read.

“A walk really, now y’sure?”

“Yeah fresh, July dawn air, plus exercise is meant to help you progress.”

“She’s right!” Frank adds smiling at you both “walking will work wonders.”

“Okay, if that’s what you wana do baby that’s what we’ll do.”

As it’s a warm July morning despite it being so early, there’s no need for coats, instead you just slide on your shoes and begin taking a slow walk around a small section of the town.

“You, okay?” Joel questions quietly.

You take a deep breath before replying “I’m okay, I can’t believe we’re actually doin’ this.”

“I know, it’s crazy. Wasn’t anything like this when we had Sarah, we were straight in the hospital and they looked at us like we were clueless kids, I mean we were young yes, but we knew what we were doing, well as much as the next couple… They weren’t nice to Sarah’s mom one bit, and I couldn’t wait for us to get outa there! Doin’ it like this is so much nicer, it’s real, surrounded by good people who only wana help.”

“I couldn’t imagine having this baby in the QZ, or even in a normal hospital if the world hadn’t gone to shit… I love that it’s like this. I might be in fucking agony, but I love this.” You’ve only been walking for about 15 minutes not having got too far almost constantly needing to stop as you contract. “Can we go back home now? I need to sit down.”

“You sure baby ain’t been out f’long?”

“I know but I’m feelin’ a lot of pressure I just wana sit down.”

“Pressure? Like you need to push?” He startles eyes bugging.

“No” you can’t help but chuckle as you look to him “not yet, but just there’s all this pressure in my back. It hurts more being up on my feet. I kinda thought it would help but it definitely doesn’t, I think no matter what I’m gonna be uncomfortable until she gets here now.”

“Okay. We’ll get you home baby, get you comfy again.”

You slowly walk back to the house arm in arm with Joel. He hasn’t left your side, completely ignoring his own needs to ensure you’re okay. He’s been awake for hours, just as long as you but he isn’t complaining. He’s being absolutely perfect. The sort of example of how a man should treat you and you can’t wait to tell your child this story.

Once back in the house he helps to ease you back onto the sofa. The room is empty, and so much brighter with the curtains now open. You can hear chatter coming from the kitchen. “They must be eatin’ breakfast” Joel utters as he cuddles you close.

You push off him to look him in the eye “go join them you must be starving.”

“M’not leaving you baby.”

“Joel go eat, please.”

“Sure?”

“Yes, it’s not like you starving yourself is gonna make this baby come any faster” you chuckle before gently shoving at his chest “go eat now.”

“You want anythin’?”

“No thank you, I’m good I’d definitely throw up if I ate something right now.”

“Want a drink or anythin’?” he stands but is super reluctant to leave.

“Joel, we are gonna fall out in a minute! Please goooo and look after yourself for five damn minutes, I’m okay I’ve got a massive bottle of water here” you laugh as you point.

“Okay baby, holler if you need me?”

“I promise, now go and eat!”

He jokily salutes as he walks into the kitchen disappearing behind the door.

You breathe slowly through the next few contractions swaying your body from side to side to try to alleviate some of the pain in your back. They’re agonising and there’s hardly any space between them at this point, but you’re managing it as best you can. Finding ways to cope, trying not to scream the house down (too much).

You begin to shift uncomfortably as you feel a load of sudden pressure down below, vastly different from the pressure you’ve been getting in your back. You can’t help the way your body begins to squeeze and the pain that overcomes you is absolutely excruciating. Then you feel it, that sudden agonising urge to push.

“JOEL!” You scream as tears coat your cheeks. He smashes open the kitchen door and comes running to the room. Bill, Frank, and Ellie close behind. You’re in too much pain to speak to any of them your hearts beating too quick to register what they’re asking of you. It’s the only thing you can hear, the thump of your own heart echoing through your body. You feel as Joel comes to sit next to you grabbing your hand, but your entire body is tight as the pain rips through you, and you can’t help but scream. All composure lost.

As the pain slowly begins to alleviate you hear as Frank seems to address Joel “I think it’s time.”

When you stop screaming and it turns to panting your tear-filled eyes scan the faces looking back at you. Your lip quivers as you struggle to steady your breathing.

“Okay baby?” Joel softly questions “that’s it just breathe calm yourself down.”

You nod. Looking to him through glossy eyes “I need to push” you whine.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah, I really need to push I can feel her coming out!”

Joel and Frank both jump, Bill seeming to be the only adult in the room who’s still composed, and Ellie just watches from the sidelines, a nervous spectator.

“Okay baby we gotta get y’leggings off.”

You nod in response as Joel kneels at your feet “want me to cover you up?”

“I don’t care just get them off so I can get her out!” you scream again pushing at the waistband of your leggings as a pain rips through you. Bill rushes to your side sitting as he gives you one of his hands to squeeze using his free hand to rub at your back.

When the leggings are off your body Joel coaxes you to move closer to the edge of the sofa so you’re in an optimal position to give birth.

Joel looks up at you as he rests his hands over your knees “Just listen to your body baby if you need to push, push.”

“I’m scared!”

“I know baby, I know, but she’s finally comin’ n’that’s what matters.”

“Exactly Flower” Frank presses a kiss to your forehead before also kneeling before you giving you one of his hands. “You squeeze onto mine and Bill’s hands as much as you need to and let’s get this baby out. I know what I’m doing so don’t worry okay?”

Joel and Frank both kneel on the floor before you watching the progress, Bill had readied towels and hot water before coming to be your personal squeeze toy. When a pain starts, you scream and push, you can’t help but cry too. Never ever having felt pain like it. You push for the ten seconds that Frank counts, stopping with a gasp as you throw your head back panting.

“Joel come up here please” you beg.

“But I thought you wanted me here; said you wanted me to catch her?”

You move your head back looking into his eyes “hold me please” as you begin crying again.

“Okay Babygirl”

He has a quick conversation with Frank before moving to sit the other side of you taking your other hand from Frank’s. You rest your head on his shoulder as he kisses your head, much preferring it this way. “You got this baby” he whispers softly. Joel acts all composed but you know deep down he’s as scared as you are and rightfully so, he doesn’t need to be down that end stressing he should be with you helping you and enjoy seeing your baby come into the world the same way you are. Frank had already said multiple times he was happy to be the sole person to help deliver, but you always liked the idea of Joel being there too. “M’right here baby, you got this m’so proud of you” he mumbles into your hair.

“Her heads coming” Frank announces as you continue to pant heavily. “Push hard with the next pain” and so you do, giving it everything you’ve got as the contraction takes over. Feeling the head coming out further you take a quick deep breath before pushing again not waiting on another pain to get it completely out. You do this until the head it fully out gasping loud as you throw your head back. You’re about to go again when Frank interrupts “Just keep panting don’t push yet” he demands suddenly. “What, why?” He doesn’t reply but reaches to hold the baby’s head. “Frank?” You plea whispering. You can’t see what he’s doing but can feel as his fingers move.

“S’going on Frank?!” Joel growls.

“Cords wrapped round her neck just easing it off” you watch the concentration on his face and the relief that washes over once he pulls his hands back away “okay you can push when you’re ready. Give me a nice big one okay flower gotta get the shoulders out.”

You nod taking a moment to compose yourself before pushing again, panting heavily as you feel the sweat that coats your face drip, eager for it all to be over so you can meet your beautiful baby. You know you have to push a lot harder to get the shoulders out and you’re more than ready. After three more agonising pushes, screaming loudly as you grip onto the men either side of you. “Push, push, push, that’s it she’s coming!” Frank exclaims you feel as the baby slips free, crying instantly as you gasp with relief. Frank quickly places them against your chest as you lean back against the sofa. He places a towel over the tiny body as you hold them close, tiny but loud whimpers matching yours. Joel sits back with you placing a palm to his new babies head. You can’t stop crying, he can’t stop crying, emotions way too high “she’s here, oh my god she’s here!” You cry.

“You did it baby, you did so good” Joel praises kissing your forehead his own tears forming “Oh she’s so beautiful” Joel whimpers.

“Oh my god she’s so small” you utter eyes glossy as you stroke at her back, chest still heaving from what you’ve been through.

Minutes pass in what feels like seconds and when everyone’s tears have subsided, and yes everyone does include Bill. Ellie breaks the silence “well?”

“Well, what?” Joel counters looking over his shoulder at her as she moves closer to get a look at the baby.

“You’re still saying ‘she’ does that mean it’s confirmed?”

“Oh yeah, best check huh?” Joel chuckles looking back to you.

You begin to laugh too gently easing your body forward to sit straight Joel helping you to do so. When in position you cradle your baby’s body in both palms as you bring them off your chest. They squirm slightly as they’re moved, you pull them away from your chest quickly observing the tiny body and as expected; it’s a girl…

“Beautiful little angle girl” Frank whispers stroking a finger over her tiny little hand.

“She’s gorgeous Beaut” Bill praises aside you.

You look to Frank before also flicking your eyes to Bill. “Honestly thank you both so much for this, for all of this, you two gave me life, you’ve allowed me to live out my dreams in this fucked world. I love you both so much.”

Bill moves close to your side brining you in close to his body “we love you too, always.”

“Ow” you suddenly wince. Feeling a stabbing pain down below, you’re already feeling so much going on down there, but as you feel something coming away it hurts all over again.

Frank stokes at your leg “Take it easy, sit back for me Flower gotta get the placenta out, it’s not gonna be pretty” you nod carefully leaning your body back keeping your legs spread so he can work as you admire your crying daughter as you cradle her to your chest again.

“Oh, I know honey you’ve had a busy day huh?” You stroke her back softly, laughing when she doesn’t let up her cute sobbing “yeah that’s it you tell em.” You continue to hold her close willing her to calm down and then she does. Turning the noises she makes into little coos.

“Joel look at her” you whisper as you place a kiss to the top of her head.

“She’s absolutely stunnin.’ You did so amazin’ gettin’ her out.”

You breathe a much more content sigh as you really take a moment to process what you’ve just done. Exactly what it is that your body’s been through. Your heart hurts with the amount of love you’re feeling for this tiny bundle on your chest. Frank gently clamps the cord and once white Joel has the honour of cutting it.

“Joel why don’t you clean her up, get her in a nappy and some clothes before she gets cold and starts screaming again. Best to get her comfy before then huh? We know exactly what her mamas like when she’s not happy so let’s not have her getting that loud again” Frank looks up briefly with a cheeky grin on his face.

“Frank, you love me way too much to mean that” you chuckle softly before kissing your daughter’s head.

“You know I do” he winks before looking back between your legs again to focus on the matter at hand.

Joel strokes your head gently to gain your attention “you okay if I take her baby.”

“Yeah” you mumble sadly, placing another kiss to her head before he very carefully picks her up. It makes you cry again as you watch him love his new daughter; hold her for the first time and kiss her forehead gently.

“Hi, my beautiful girl, your momma and I have waited a long time for you, and we’ve picked out the cutest little outfit for you.” He utters quietly as he walks over to the changing table. You watch it awe at his ability to parent, at how natural it all is to him. He makes conversation with her the entire time he’s paying her attention, it’s obviously in his blood that he’s meant to be a daddy. And even if it has been over thirty years since he was last a daddy to a newborn, it’s as though nothings been forgotten. Down to the most minute of details, he’s amazing.

Bill kisses your forehead whilst you wait admiring Joel work from a distance “I’m so proud of you, I really am you did amazing.”

You turn to look him in the eye as tears threaten release once more. He quickly brings his thumb to wipe the escaping tears away. “No more tears now, it’s over and a new chapter of your life is starting.”

“I just still can’t get over the fact I did it and that I got to do it here, with my whole family around me, somewhere safe, so full of love.”

“Trust me when I say we’re honoured you chose to have her here, we’ve both never been so excited for something. You gave us both so much purpose in life Beaut, I know you always say we saved you, but you saved us just as much.”

As you begin sniffling, he pulls you close to his chest, stroking your arm gently as he places another kiss to your head.

“Here she is” Joel announces returning after about fifteen minutes with your clean daughter in a little pink floral baby grow. Way too big for her tiny frame. You’d picked out a blue and pink baby grow ready for when you knew what gender your gorgeous baby was.

Bill is still holding you close as Joel begins speaking “now mama, we got her all dressed up for you, but it’s a bit too big so her feet don’t go where they’re supposed to just yet, they don’t reach” he chuckles as he admires his daughter all scrunched up. Mittened hands held close to her face as she stares up at him.

“Placentas out. You wana move to lie down Flower?” Frank questions as he brings a blanket over your legs.

“No, I wana feed her first so I’ll just sit back and try that first.”

“Come on Beaut I’ll help.” Bill stands quickly helping you move into a better position propping pillows up around you so that you can feed her comfortably. He then begins helping Frank to tidy away. You quickly take your top off and Joel helps to put her back into your arms. She immediately starts fishing around for your nipple and with Joel’s help placing her in a position to take it into her mouth she latches quickly. It’s painful at first and you can’t help flinching, but you get more comfortable with every suck. Joel covers your other breast back up with a blanket, so you don’t feel as exposed and sits where Bill just was as they get to work cleaning. He doesn’t leave your side through the feed.

“I still can’t believe she’s here” you whisper stroking a finger over your daughter’s cheek as she guzzles content whilst Joel leans his head on your shoulder to be as close as he can.

“You did it baby, you did so amazin,’ and I love you so much f’giving her to me.”

“Awh” you turn to look him in the eye smiling “I love you too, so much” you lean in to kiss him, and he meets you halfway.

After about thirty minutes of feeding, an even 15 minutes on each breast she begins showing signs that she’s full. “I think she’s done baby.”

“She did good, bet she’s all nice and full now.”

You gently pull her away from your breast and Joel helps cover you back up. She scrunches her body together evidently tired. “Will you burp her I’m scared” you look to Joel.

He chuckles lightly “baby you won’t hurt her I promise.”

“But she’s so small and you’ve done it before you know what you’re doing I don’t. I don’t want to do anything wrong.” You can’t help the way your eyes begin filling with tears.

“Hey baby no, none of that” he wipes the tears from your eyes “you won’t do anythin’ wrong; you learn as you do with parenting. Trust me you can do so much preparing, so much reading, but until you do you have no idea what you’re doing. Take it from me I was young, way outa my depth, but I did it and loved every fuckin’ second just like I’m gonna again. And I’m always gonna be here to help. We will help each other we both have loads to learn. Okay?” He smiles as he reaches to take your daughter from your arms “just watch what I do okay baby, I promise you won’t hurt her.” You nod as you watch him perch your tiny daughter on his knee holding under her chin as he keeps her back straight tapping and rubbing firm but not too hard. Your daughter looks unimpressed and scrunches her face angrily as her daddy taps at her back. It doesn’t take long for her to let out a loud belch and he then brings her to his face, places a kiss to her forehead before lying her so her head sits on his shoulder.

“You’re so good with her” you stroke at your daughter’s head as he pats her bottom gently.

“You’re good with her too, a lot better than you give yourself credit for.”

“How can you know that she’s about an hour old” you chuckle.

“Trust me I know. You’re an amazing mama and m’gonna tell you every single day."

Next I Series Masterlist I Main masterlist

[freshabogados]

Wicked Fates | Lead the Willing

Summary: You didn't expect that night to change your life. But the fates had other plans. Matt Murdock aka The Devil of Hell's Kitchen shared his secret with you and now you had to guard it with your life.

Pairing: Daredevil x gn!reader

Tags: angst, TW! descriptions of panic attack, lazy day read, microscopic amount of fluff, daredevil trying to act mysterious backfires

You can read the previous chapters here.

You were stranded in the middle of Times Square. You could hear jackhammers drilling away, accompanied by the loud clamour of taxis, businessmen, tourists, street performers, and who knows what else. Or at least that’s what it felt like when you began to wake from your sleep. Your many attempts to return to the unconscious realm were spoiled by the loud noises from the streets, so you decided to get up anyway.

Who the fuck wakes up so early on a weekend?

Groaning, you turned to your bedside table, looked at your phone, and realised that it was almost lunchtime.

Welp, I the fuck didn't.

You decided to remove yourself from bed and made your way to the medicine cabinet to take care of the mini construction project inside your head. Just as you opened the medicine box, you noticed a bruise on your wrist. The events of the night before started coming back to you, again.

The Devil of Hell’s Kitchen was here. And he was blind.

You inhaled sharply as you started replaying the events, beginning with that unfortunate night on the street. How did you end up here? How did your monotonous life suddenly turn into an action-packed Netflix show? What are you going to do now?

Too many questions began piling up in your head, worsening the headache you were trying to remedy. Shrugging those thoughts away, you popped an aspirin, cursing yourself for not having eaten anything beforehand, and gulped down a glass of water.

The bruise on your hand was beginning to hurt. You noticed that the bracelet now had a few broken rhinestones. You unclipped the bracelet and set it on the counter, hoping to fix it.

You don’t bruise easily, yet here you were, running your fingers over it delicately, hoping not to apply even the slightest bit of pressure. You recalled the words of The Masked Man just as he was leaving, “Apply some ice on it.” For a guy who wouldn’t have batted an eye before putting you into a coma, he did show some remorse for causing harm.

Maybe he isn’t that dangerous?

You did as he suggested and decided that thinking about everything that led to last night wasn’t going to help you in any way. You chose to distract yourself with chores instead—you had a busy week and hadn’t done laundry or cleaned the house. What’s a better distraction than listening to a podcast and cleaning?

You spent the rest of the day cleaning and organising your kitchen and bedroom. You wanted to reorganize everything but that would make you too tired, so you decided to stop yourself and decided to make pasta for linner. You loved pasta, you could eat it any time of the day and after the day you just had that's all you needed...especially last night.

NOPE! We are not going there.

By dusk, you were exhausted, you were craving for a warm bath with lavender oil. So that’s what you did.

After your warm bath, you felt slightly more at ease. The ache in your head had dulled, and the events of the previous night, which had kept playing in an annoying loop, seemed a little less daunting. You curled up on your couch with a can of Bonbon, scrolling through your laptop, trying to find something interesting to watch but not really focusing on the contents on the screen.

The city’s noise outside your window was still a constant hum, but now it felt more like a lullaby than an intrusion. You were finally coming back down from the highs of the previous night.

But that wasn’t going to last much longer.

As the evening turned darker, an uneasy feeling began creeping back into your mind. You couldn’t shake the sense that something was off, that someone was watching you. Every creak of the rusty fire escape, every gust of wind against the windows, made your heart race a little faster. You tried to brush it off, convincing yourself that you were just being paranoid after everything that happened.

You ditched your laptop and chose to doomscroll on your phone, into the night. You needed to distract yourself from this paranoia.

You were consumed by the videos of a soap-maker, only to be brought back into reality when the lights went off.

Great! a power cut was exactly what I needed right now!

You turned on your flashlight and went into the kitchen to try and find some candles. Having no luck, you went into your bedroom to fetch the fancy candles and finally put them to use.

You lit the candle and placed it on the coffee table when a gust of wind blew the flame out. Grumbling with annoyance, you leaned in to light the candle again when a surge of awareness flooded you.

The window was closed when I left.

You froze, the matchbox slipping from your fingers and clattering onto the floor. Your body started to tremble with fear, heart pounding loud enough for you to hear it, your eyes darted to all corners of the room in hopes of finding the man who had left you with more questions than answers.

You saw a shadow move towards you from your periphery. Staggering, you turned towards the figure. Your breath caught in your throat as panic began to set in. The memories of the last encounter flooded your mind—the fear, the uncertainty, the bruise on your wrist that still throbbed under the skin. You stumbled back from the figure dressed in all black, your vision blurring as your head spun. The room seemed to tilt around you, and the walls began closing in.

Before you could think, before you could react, your body betrayed you. The world around you faded to black as you felt yourself falling, the last sound you heard being the distant, muffled voice calling your name as everything went dark.

.....

When you finally regained consciousness, you weren’t sure how much time had passed. Your body felt heavy, as if it had been through a storm. Slowly, you became aware of your surroundings—the soft cushions beneath you, the warmth of a blanket tucked around your shoulders, and the faint scent of lavender still lingering in the air.

Disoriented, you opened your eyes to find yourself lying on your couch. The flickering candle on the coffee table cast long shadows across the room. The fear that had gripped you earlier was replaced by confusion.

How did I end up here?

As you sat up, the events leading to your fainting spell replayed in your mind. The shadow, the fear, the sudden darkness—it all rushed back, but now, instead of terror, you felt a strange sense of calm. Your gaze drifted to the window, now securely closed, then to the matchbox that had been placed neatly on the table next to the candle.

He had been here.

The realisation hits you gently, like a whisper in the night. The Devil had found you at your most vulnerable. But instead of exploiting your fear, he had taken care of you. He had tucked you into the couch, ensuring you were safe and comfortable before he left.

For someone known as the devil, he had shown an unexpected kindness. A part of you wondered if this was the same man who had been instilling fear in criminals, the same man who had left you bruised and bewildered. Nonetheless here you were, wrapped in a blanket, unharmed and oddly reassured.

You glanced around the room, half-expecting to see him lurking in the shadows, but there was no one. The apartment was silent, save for the distant thrum of the sirens in the city. A note of gratitude welled up within you, mingling with the lingering questions.

Why had he returned? What did he want from me?

But as you settled back against the couch, you decided to leave those questions for the morning. For now, you were safe and knackered. You pulled the blanket tighter around you, letting the warmth soothe the last remnants of fear.

Somehow, you knew he’d be back. And when he did, you would be ready. Ready with questions.

.....

The Devil of Hell's Kitchen was perched on your building's rooftop, carefully listening to you as you carried on with your day. You hummed a song as you typed away on your laptop. He had been waiting ever since the sun had set, waiting for the right moment to enter your apartment. His thoughts seemed to be pulled in your direction. You had seen his face, and he figured it wouldn't be too long before you mustered up the courage to talk to the police. You plagued his mind, and it was driving him insane. He needed to end this madness. The night was still young, and the Devil’s shift wouldn’t start for a few more hours, but he was growing bored just sitting there, listening to you watch reel after reel.

Is this how normal people spend their weekends?

As the minutes dragged on and his patience waned, the buzz of electricity went silent.

Power cut. Exactly what I needed.

He stealthily descended the fire escape, nudging the window and finding it unlocked. Shaking his head in disapproval, he noted how easily he could slip into your apartment—you really needed a lesson in safety. He positioned himself near the wall where he had pinned you down the previous night, grimacing at the memory of your pained whimpers. As you returned from the bedroom and lit the candle, he opened his mouth to speak, but the flame flickered out.

Fuck. The window!

He listened to your heartbeat quicken, your muscles tense, and sweat beginning to bead on your forehead. He took a few steps forward, intending to assure you that he was only here to talk. But you collapsed onto the floor before he had a chance.

Dammit, Matt!

He knelt beside you, his hands trembling slightly as he held your frame. Relief washed over him when he heard your heartbeat calm down. Gently, he lifted you into his arms, carrying you to the couch. As he tucked a blanket around you, he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt. He had caused this fear, this turmoil in your life. And yet, he couldn’t stay away.

With one last glance at your direction, he turned and slipped out of your apartment as silently as he had entered, vanishing into the night. But even as he left, he knew he would return. You were now a part of his world, whether he liked it or not. And that realisation—both thrilling and terrifying—was something he couldn't escape.

Thank you for reading my work <3

Tag List: @matt-erialgirl @shedaresthedevil @star-spangled-man @mindidjarin @e-dubbc11 @1800-fight-me @alrighty-matty @elgrandeavocados @mattmurdocksdumpy @dropsofprecipitation @lovelywebber @ninacotte

[zaynmirrors]

A/N:

Hello all! New fanfic here. Let me know if you want to start a tag list. If you guys have any ideas for chapters, anything! I take requests, it just takes me a minute to upload them. Let me know what you think!

Tw: eventual smut, abuse (not from current characters), mom!reader, youngmom!reader, children, others I haven’t thought of yet.

Pairing: Eddie Munson & Mom!Reader.

Dustin Hendersons older sister

FIGURE YOU OUT:

Chapter 1

When Dustin had invited his friends over he didn’t anticipate his sister and niece falling asleep on the couch before they were supposed to arrive. 

His original plan had been to have a movie marathon but now he was unsure if they’d both be able to sleep through the noise. He’d known you were up practically all night, he’d heard the frustrated groans and heavy feet even from his room at the top of the stairs.

Normally his well behaved niece would sleep through the night and barely even fuss but the poor two year old was battling an ear infection. “Dude do you think we’ll wake them up if we just watch the movies?” Mike asked hushed as he looked over at the back of the older woman. 

“Look I don't want to wake either of them” Dustin sighs quietly, “Y/N was up all night” Lucas made a sympathetic face, and glanced over at the subtle movement of Dustin’s sister. 

When y/n graduated highschool, she had run away with her lover leaving their mom distraught. Y/N returned almost a year later, heavily pregnant, crying about how her supposed highschool sweetheart had left her. 

Y/N didn’t really like to talk about it in detail, Dustin understood that there was more to it but never pushed. He was happy his older sibling was back, and enjoyed being an uncle. 

The loud banging on the door startled the boys, all eyes looking to y/n. The banging continued, causing Dustin to scramble up and jerk the door open. “Dude” he hissed looking up to the curly headed senior. 

The smile on Eddie’s face faltered, confused at the not so friendly greeting, “that’s no way to greet a guest Henderson” even his normal speaking voice was boisterous.

“My sister’s asleep on the couch” Dustin spoke quietly causing Eddie to try and peek around the foyer to see for himself. He gave an apologetic smile and pushed past the younger boy. 

“What’s the plan, boys?” Eddie asked, trying to be quiet. They all shrugged, unsure what would be quiet enough to not wake the two fast asleep on the couch. 

Dustin spoke “y/ns usually a deep sleeper” shrugs and continues, “we can just try going ahead with the movie marathon” The rest of them nodded in agreement, Dustin went to the kitchen and began gathering snacks, the others followed in order to help. 

Y/n jolted awake, unaware of the group of teens in the kitchen, or the repeat senior who was supervising them. She looked down making sure the small child wrapped in her arms was still asleep. 

She took the opportunity to unwrap from the child and stand, stretching. Y/n took the blanket off the back of the couch covering the toddler with it. The quiet chattering of the teens had reminded her of Dustin’s plan. She felt awful as well as embarrassed. 

Y/n made her way to the kitchen and leaned against the frame, “if I ordered pizza would you boys eat any?” This caught the kids off guard causing them to jump, y/n chuckled not aware of the taller man on the other side of the room. 

They talked amongst themselves and then nodded in agreement that pizza would be good. “I’ll go order, Dustin can you-“ she didn’t even need to finish her question before he nodded understanding to keep an eye on the toddler. 

Y/n called the local pizza place putting in a decent sized order. Treating the teens was the least she could do, especially as she’d realized they had tried to be quiet and still were. 

She took the opportunity to freshen up, which just consisted of fixing the loose ponytail and brushing the sleep smell off her breath. Y/n wanted nothing more than to curl into the bed and go back to sleep, but that wouldn’t be fair to either Dustin or her child. 

The outfit that was currently being worn was fine, she was going for comfort rather than impression. When y/n came back out and glanced over at the couch her child slept on, tucked into the corner of it was a tall curly headed man. 

Dustin had mentioned Eddie before, however, the thought of him being what looked to be almost her age never crossed her mind. He looked at her child as if she was a bomb waiting to go off. Normally she wasn’t much of a worry, but there was no telling today. 

“Here let me-” Y/n  started and bent down to pick up her child to give Eddie more room, as he was frantically telling her it was okay. Jovie was picked up carefully and carried to the room she shared with her mother. 

Mike smirked and looked at Eddie, “Scared of a baby Munson?” Eddie went to say something but stopped when y/n walked back into the room and spoke, “What’re we watching?”

Dustin had no qualms against his sister joining, she was into just about the same things he was. “I think we’re going to watch a bunch of horror movies” he looked to the rest of the group to make sure they were in agreement. 

“Oh! In that case-” she held up a hand, hurrying off to her room again, this time returning with a stack of movies. “Steve dropped these off” Dustin carefully took the stack and looked through it, passing the tapes to each of the boys to get approval.

“Half of these are new releases” Mike states, in shock. Y/n shrugged unsure of what to say, though she knew the gesture was more than just friendly from her babysitter. She wouldn’t entertain the idea. 

“You guys cool with these movies then?” Dustin asked and each of them voiced an agreement. He made quick work to start up the first movie, while y/n paced waiting for the pizza afraid that the doorbell would wake up her child. 

Eddie made his way to the foyer once the smell of melted cheese wafted into the living room. “Need help?” he asked lowly, y/n gasped not expecting the voice behind her. “Sorry,” he apologized. 

Y/N shook her head, “No, you’re fine.” Said nothing else handing over two boxes of pizza. He made his way back to the living room strumming up excitement with the food. Y/n follow behind him shortly after, as she went to set her two boxes down an all too familiar cry erupted. “Fuck, I’m sorry boys” everyone but Eddie mumbled out a dismissal, not caring about the one small cry. 

She went to go check on the ill child, Jovie stood in her crib, face crumpled in a grumpy expression. “What is it grumpy butt” y/n asked as she picked up the disheveled child. “Hungry?” Jovie nodded, placing a small hand over her left ear. “I know, time for medicine.” Jovie fussed, y/n bounced her trying to soothe the child “Hey, Uncle Mike and Lucas are here” This seemed to perk the child up. 

Y/n smiled as she made her way back to the living room, “My and Lu!” Jovie shouted grabbing everyone’s attention. Making grabby hands at the two boys sitting next to one another.

“Hi Jo” Mike said just as excited, albeit fake enthusiasm. Mike also knew y/n disliked- no hated her child being called Jo. So this was his way of annoying her like any “normal” sibling would.

Jovie’s feet made contact with the floor and went to the two boys, dustin looked over them catching y/ns attention “want me to wait?” He’d been asking about the movie, she shook her head not wanting to throw more of a damper on their movie night even more than she already thought she had.

Dustin went ahead and started the tape while y/n grabbed the medicines from the kitchen. “Come in booger butt” she said sitting on the floor in front of the couch that still held an enamored Eddie.

Eddie watched as y/n expertly spooned each fruity smelling liquid into the toddlers mouth, then rewarding with small cut up bits of pizza. As if they still wouldn’t taste like the gross fruit flavored medication. As much as Eddie wanted to watch the movie, he’d be completely fine watching her all night.

Y/N barely made it through the first movie, Eddie noted when he had glanced from the screen to her. The child however was wide awake, being entertained by Dustin at least at the moment.

In between movies Dustin laid a blanket around his older sibling careful not to wake her, especially as he places a couch pillow behind her neck. It was clear to Eddie, Dustin cared deeply for his sister almost more than some siblings would. Eddie may have thought her ex or baby daddy or whatever, was just a piece of shit and left her to raise the baby on her own. Which is why Dustin cared so much.

Two more movies down and everyone decided to pause for a bathroom break. Eddie was the first back to his seat, noticing the toddler sitting in the middle of the couch as if waiting for him to return, “heydoh” she said clearly trying to say hello.

“Hi” he said, unsure what was happening. Then looked around for Dustin, “I’m Eddie” he continued holding out his giant ring clad hand.

Jovie examined his hand and took her tiny one wrapping it around his pointer finger. He’d almost melted at the gesture, never having an interaction like this before.

She tried to say something but whined placing a hand over her left ear. Eddie looked down to y/n to see if the sound had woken her up but she might as well have been dead.

“Your ear hurt?” Jovie nodded in reply to his question. He glanced around the room trying to find the medicine or grab Dustin’s attention.

Dustin who had overheard was already preparing the medications came over and handed the small measuring cup, “how do I-“ Eddie went to ask but was ignored, he swallowed down the anxiety.

Jovie instinctively opened her mouth ajar, Eddie carefully placed the rim of the cup against her lips and tipped it back. She coughed causing Eddie to curse “oh shit”

“She’s fine” Dustin stated, “she’s dramatic, aren’t you Jovie” she giggled like she knew exactly what he was saying to her. “Thanks for doing that”

Eddie mumbles a no problem as the child crawls in his lap. His arms fly up into the air unsure of where to put them. Jovie made herself comfortable in his lap, uncaring of who he was and focused on the movie. One that he wasn’t sure she should even be watching but if Dustin wasn’t concerned; He wasn’t going to be either.

Hours went on, the Hendersons’ mom had come home to a living room full of sleeping teens and her grandchild. She let them be and went on to bed herself, y/n awake, panicked as she was unable to find her daughter. She stood looking around only to find her tucked away in Eddie Munsons arms as he laid flat across the couch. She smiled softly at the sight contemplating on pulling her from his arms.

Y/n had no intention of waking him up but she’d feel safer if her daughter was asleep in her crib. As she tried to gently take Jovie from his arms, they tightened around her slightly and y/n decided to not worry about it. Her brother wouldn’t be friends with some weirdo, right? She made sure to place a blanket over the both of them, once she was satisfied that Jovie wasn’t going to roll off the couch she made her way back to her bedroom, changed her clothes and crawled back into bed.

Chapter 2

[kit-williams]

Courage and Honor

I once more am blaming the König girlies for this one

Jesus Christ I've basically channeled König into an Ultramarine

I'm finding more luck writing about civilians vs chapter serfs but if ya'll want some chapter serf loving please let me know. Now who wants an Ultramarine bf?

tw: Yandere, he's fucking delulu like holy shit what have I done

He was making your wedding palla. A customary gift to a bride was a palla made by her husband to be... to be always wrapped up in his embrace. Or if the husband did not make it there were other ways for the rule to make it count. He has used it as a pillow many times to impart himself onto it. He's made sure his essence is on it.

A palla to fit you... to wrap you up in ultramarine blues, whites, reds, and golden threads. Perhaps he was moving a bit quickly... he hasn't even started to properly court you much less free you from your indentured servitude.

But Tulio knew he would sweep you off of your delicate little feet. Those calloused hands of yours would only be working on a loom or helping bathe him in oils... no longer toiling in hard labors. He would give you so many pretty gifts that would complement your eyes. Even that small scar on your bottom lip would only be a distant memory of what hardships you had to face without him by your side.

He's known he's been missing something and he's found it! Oh have you've realized you've been missing your piece? He certainly hopes so... those warm smiles that call to him he hopes and will make sure will be only for him. He's just got to make sure everything is perfect. As he still has to approach your master and buy your contract... but it's been hard most of your skills are something an ultramarine do not need.

Sure it is not illegal for him to buy a contract but usually for his kind it is to bring them to be ultramarines and you are not a young boy, no you are a beautiful woman! His woman. But he would not want your reputation sullied so he is grateful for his companion to buy you from your master.

This way he could woo you! It wouldn't be improper at all! You wouldn't feel forced to spread your legs for him he wouldn't mind if you did willingly with him being your master it puts the power balance out of your favor though it never really will be in your favor and you might feel scared of him! He wants to show you how good of a husband he will be! Woo you and be the big hero to you! You'll certainly feel something back right?!

He would normally fear his companion to have ill intentions but he feels comfortable a gay man will not harm you. The threat has already been laid down should he hurt you. Nor would he try to woo you away from Tulio! But he hopes you enjoy an autumn marriage... it's early spring now! Which gives him plenty of time to court you over Spring and Summer. He pulls out his datapad as a message chimes on as his companion is going to head over to your master's house in the hour.

He grinned madly into the palla as thoughts of it being the only thing you wear for his homecomings dance in his mind. He tries to calm himself down but perhaps he could impart a bit more of himself upon the palla for you❣

[siconetribal]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let’s spread the self-love 💚

I have been sitting on this for so long because I just couldn't decide! (Does it matter if they're WiP?) Limiting to five is going to be tough, since I like most of my body of work. I'm working on two currently, so I guess I'll pick a mix of fandoms? Alas, without further ado and in no special order, here is my list (all links lead to chapter 1/one shot. Any and all others can be found in my master post):

Put it on My Tab (Jason Todd)

Summary: Everyone deserves time off, and the vigilantes of Gotham are no exception to the rule. The boys decide to take a weekend to let loose. Who knew a few drinks would lead to a stranger in bed? A/N: This was an idea I had sitting in my head that was planned to a few parts, now it's multiple chapters. I'm glad it's well received, I was super nervous people wouldn't like how I depicted Jason.

Coffee Shop (Ryo Bakura)

Summary: The morning rush waits for no one, and that first hit of caffeine is a must! But what can you do when you're stuck behind someone who can't settle on an order?! A/N: I know there's always a lot of Yami Bakura fics, so I wanted to a give a little shout-out to the host himself, Ryo Bakura.

Revenge (Rika)

Summary: How could her friends abandon her, forsake the paradise she had awaiting them? What could she do to right these wrongs? A/N: Please read TW. A Mystic Messenger fic written from the perspective of the antagonist. My first time ever writing one, and I'm still fairly proud of it.

Relaxing Tea (Satsuki Kitaoji)

Summary: On a street lined with fancy boutiques, there stood a quaint little place on the corner. During the day it remained closed, but come around 4 PM, the lights were on and the open sign sat in the window. Unassuming yet inviting, it attracted the people in need of something. A something that the busy world was unable to give. One evening on the way back from a busy night, a particular man stood at its threshold. Something beckoned him here. A/N: One of my first Voltage fics that I've written, and possibly one of the first fics I've ever written on here.

Plus One (Loki)

Summary: Loki debuts with the Avengers, and all the news and media outlets are dying for the latest scoop. How does one actually get the attention of a prince who once was only seen as a god from lore? A/N: This one didn't get a lot of love, which kinda hurt since I really liked it.

THIS TOOK LONGER THAN IT NEEDED TO, STILL! I battled with a fifth option, trying not to repeat any fandoms!

[fluffysucker]

Fine Line

Bucky Barnes x Reader (Mob Au)

' We'll be a fine line. We'll be alright.'

A/N: I'm so sorry for the long delay. I have been having the busiest of days but I finally have some time off which I'm hoping can get me to write more. Anyway so thank you so much for being so nice.

This is supposed to be the last chapter but I got carried away and hopefully the last one will be out soon.

Likes, comments, reblogs are VERY VERY highly appreciated. Opinions really matter to me

TW: Violence. Threats. Cursing. LMK if I forgot something,

Series Masterlist

Main Masterlist.

It was war, and you knew it. All of you did. But it was inevitable. There was no escape or an easy way out. One had to go down once and for all. You wished it would be them, but you could only pray they didn't drag you along.

A bit of time had passed. You were still staying with Bucky. Whenever you brought up leaving or finding somewhere else, he immediately turned the idea down. He never got bored of reminding you that he couldn't let you go, and it was his fight as well. He's got you now.

And he did. He took good care of you. You were well-nourished and fully rested. You didn't lift a finger. The maid and housekeepers were very happy to have you back. They didn't need Bucky to swear them to secrecy. They could tell that nobody should know you were with Bucky, and despite not being part of the mob, they understood why. And they didn't want to be the ones to compromise your safety. They liked you too much.

Along with the food and sleep, Bruce stopped by every couple of days to check on you and change the bandages on your wounds and stitches. He also kept giving you medications, which helped greatly with your recovery.

Since you got married to Rumlow, this was the longest you felt physically fine. And emotionally as well. Having Bucky within arms reach and getting to keep his company once again has been doing miracles for your mental health. You felt almost pathetic at how much you were genuinely feeling better.

The way Bucky treated you was a surprise. You expected some sort of resentment or bitterness, or at the very least, awkwardness. He tried to stop you from getting deeper into the darkness, and you didn't listen, thinking you were protecting him. Yet here you were. Dragging him further into a mess he never signed up for, seeking his protection

But all you saw were adoration in his eyes, kindness in his words, tenderness in his touch, and delicacy in his actions. It was a pleasant surprise.

You never talked about your current situation or even your history. But the love that connected the both of you was undeniable. He may not have said the words again, but Bucky's behaviour spoke louder than any words. The fact that he was risking it all for you showed his true feelings for you, which never died. The feelings that you deeply reciprocated

You couldn't help but feel a heavy feeling in your heart at how you turned his life upside down. One phone call in the middle of the night put this burden on his shoulders. No matter how much he said it was okay, you couldn't help but feel like you were an obstacle he needed to overcome.

However, he never once made you feel like you were trouble. On the contrary, Bucky provided soft, sweet feelings that you could swear you forgot they existed. It was the ease of hanging out with him. The peacefulness of his company. The compassion in his actions. The great care he put into everything for you. The comfort of falling asleep, held by arms that could never hurt you. A silent tradition the two of you developed that made sharing a bed the rule, not the exception. It wasn't shocking when your demons haunted you fearlessly at night or how your nightmares counted the seconds until attacking you in the deep darkness of the night. It wasn't unexpected or new for this to happen. However, this time, you had a knight in shining armor. Your own knight in shining armor A man your heart loved so much that your nightmares couldn't win.

You didn't need to ask. After finishing his nighttime routine, Bucky would join you in your room, getting in bed with you. You thought he was doing this out of the goodness of his heart after your breakdown on the third day here. Your terrified screams and wailing sobs had rung through the floor you shared. It was all catching up to you. The pain. The hurt. The betrayal. The fear. You were finally letting yourself feel it all. And it wasn't just the murder intention in cold blood. It was unfairness that had been your life for so long now. All the strain you had to endure. All the emotions you bottled in.

You were weeping and close to hyperventilating. Only once did you feel Bucky's arms around you were you consoled, pulling you into his lap and rubbing his hand all over your back and thighs while trying to get you to breathe slowly. Even after catching your breath, his gentle voice didn't stop whispering soothing things into your ears. You knew you should have moved once your sobs were reduced to sniffles, but you didn't find it in yourself to do so. You could only wrap yourself more tightly around him, gripping his shirt firmly in your fists. His voice and touch were grounding you, keeping you afloat away from the pain.

After that, Bucky didn't need you to vocalize it. He understood. So he came to you every night. It didn't make the terror stop. You had so much unpacked to just go away. But every time your mind betrayed you and was to throw you into panic, your tensed body would instantly relax against Bucky's strong hold, who pulled you closer to him once he felt the tension in your body. It was like he knew how to calm you down immediately. And he did. He was your safe place. Your fortified castle.

You were extremely thankful, thinking he was doing another good deed for you. The truth is, it was never just for you. Bucky felt a sense of stability and security having you in his arms, so close to him. He wanted to feel you beside him. He needed to know that he was the one taking care of you. He needed to be sure you were okay. Two years of radio silence between the two of you, then finding out what you had to go through, did this to him.

It would have been easy to let yourself get tricked by the restful atmosphere Bucky created, but you knew better. This wasn't a vacation. This was the quiet before the storm. And you knew Bucky was working on something. But he tried his hardest to keep his promise to keep you away from all this mess. Whenever you asked, he didn't give you answers. You told him you had to know at some point. Despite how much he hated it, he knew you were right.

So you embraced yourself when one of the housemaids told you that Bucky was waiting for you in his office. Pulling all your strength to knock on his door. A breath of relief escaped you once Bucky's voice reached your ear. If Bucky was there, you would be fine. That is the only thing you were so sure of.

Bucky got up from his seat after you entered the office, preferring to stay close to you as long as you were here. A smile made its way to your face when you noticed Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson sitting on the chairs in front of Bucky's desk. Being Bucky's most trusted men and his long-term bestfriends, you were familiar with them. Years ago in your dating days, when Bucky first introduced you to them—if you can call catching you cuddling on the coach with face masks and your hair in towels and watching rom-coms an introduction—you were waiting for the rudeness and unacceptance. But it never came. Instead, you got a family. Both men were so welcoming, treating you like a sister. Like you were one of them. So you were happy to see them again, feeling even more secure now.

Bucky led you to the coach, where he sat next to you. Then they started talking. Telling you everything. And you listened. They gave you all the information they were able to find, hoping you could help them connect the dots and figure out your father and husband's plan. And you didn't hesitate to offer all you knew.

It went on for days. Bucky would call you into his office every now and then. You would have long conversations, and they would ask you even general questions, trying to form a better idea out what was happening. Until Rumlow and Pierce pulled a card that exposed their whole game to Bucky. 

So when Bucky called you in this day, you couldn't hide your unease once you took in all the new people joining in. Bucky's hand never left yours, a sign that he was right here. He tried to delay this meeting as much as he could, refusing to risk your safety, even if he trusted every single person in this room. But it couldn't wait anymore. They need to move fast.

You didn't speak a word as Bucky explained everything to you. Listening and taking everything in. Everything makes so much sense now. You had been the pawn for far longer than you knew. You were played for a fool. A mixture of anger and sadness ran through your veins, making you agree to Bucky's plan right away. He reassured you that you could turn it down and they would figure something else out, but you didn't. You wanted this to be over.

You were declared dead.

It was a weird feeling. On paper, you were gone. In their minds, they had won. However, they were about to be proven wrong. It's the day you've been waiting for yet somehow dreaded the most.

Bucky kept you by his side all morning for both of your sakes. Both of you are praying for the same outcome. The only outcome you can accept You and Bucky stayed together until the last minute possible. Until you had to move.

Everyone was in position. Most of Bucky's men were out of the house or well hidden, so it would look normal. Only Bucky, Steve, Sam, and Natasha were in the house. and, just like expected, at night. Loud footsteps and angry groans were echoing around the house.

Breaking into the house, a very furious Alexander Pierce and out of his mind Brock Rumlow, along with dozens of their men, walked into the house like they owned it.

"BARNES." Rumlow shouted, looking for the man he hated the most.

Keeping his confident, cold composure, Bucky walked out of his office, followed by Steve, Sam, and Natasha.

"That's not a nice way to visit someone." Bucky came to a stop in front of them.

"I'm going to kill you." Brock moved to attack Bucky, only to be stopped by Pierce's hand on his chest.

"How long have you been planning for this?" Despite his calm voice, Pierce was fuming.

"I wasn't planning for anything." This was going to be a long conversation, and Bucky wanted them to be the ones talking the most.

"Cut the bullshit, Barnes." Rumlow tried to move towards Bucky again but was stopped by Pierce again.

"I don't know what you want." Bucky was holding his ground, sticking to the plan.

"You robbed us." Rumlow shouted, anger coating his voice.

"I don't think so." Bucky enjoyed watching the two men lose their minds.

"DROP THE ACT, BARNES." Pierce's voice rang in the house, making all eyes turn to him. Not a single noise other than the unsteady breathing.

"I have been waiting my whole life for this moment. The moment I get back what I deserve. What had always been mine. So I will be damned if I let you play me like this." Pierce moved forward to stand closer, finally digging into the real issue.

"You mean what was hers all the time?"

"It was never hers. She was nothing and deserved nothing. This is my whole life's work. She shouldn't have gotten anything from it."

"Yet her mother left her everything."

"It was a mistake. My wife's only and last mistake A mistake I have been trying to change for so long now."

The piece of information came as a shock to everybody. Alexander Pierce loved his wife so much. They were young lovers. A young, ambitious man who was willing to do anything to get his father-in-law's permission to marry his daughter. Even going so far as to put everything he owned in her name. And he did. And he never changed it. The bigger his empire became, the more his wife had under her name. He loved her enough to trust her.

His wife did love him dearly, but she loved you more. It didn't take Pierce long into the marriage to show his true colors. He was never violent with her or you. However, your mother didn't trust him with you if something were to happen to her. It was distasteful to try and protect your daughter from her own father. But she did.

When Pierce found out his wife left everything he worked so hard to achieve for you, he was raging. It didn't help that he was grieving her and their love as well. His emotions were on high drive. So he channelled them all into hating you and getting back what was his. And all you were told was that your mother left you nothing.

"And marrying her off to Rumlow was going to solve it."

"I had to do something before you would get her to run away with you."

"It has always been about the money for you, hasn't it?"

"Of course it is. Not only did I never want a daughter in the first place, but I got a weak, pathetic excuse for a daughter who could never keep my legacy. My biggest failure in life"

"A stupid bitch who handed you all my wealth"

"I should have listened to him when he said to kill her years ago."

It's infuriating to hear someone talk about you like this when you were nothing but the best. but that was their plan all along. They wanted you out of the picture as quickly as possible so they could have the money. Which is why they had their riot men in the police station to hurry your death announcement. They reported you missing a week ago, and that move exposed everything. Since when do they include the police in their work? However, the fastest way to get your money was a document confirming your passing.

But Bucky was smarter than them. He had you transfer everything to his name before the announcement, making sure to keep the dates unseen on the legal form. And you had no problem doing so. If you trusted Bucky with your life, weren't you going to trust him with money you never knew you had in the first place?

"I just want to know when. When did you get her to sign off on everything for you? I had eyes on her all the time. And she is too dumb and blind to plan something like this on her own." It was Rumlow's turn to ask questions now.

"So, how did you do, Barnes? When did you get our money?"

And that's your sign.

"When you left me to die,"

Your voice echoed through the house as you stepped out of Bucky's office, all eyes turning to you.

"When I found out you wanted me dead my whole life." You came to stop right next to Bucky, in front of your father and husband. Bucky's hand was itching to hold yours, but he knew it wasn't the right call.

"You are supposed to be dead." Rumlow couldn't hide his surprise and shock at seeing you standing in front of him, looking healthier than ever. You were glad Josh wasn't here among the others because you didn't want to put him in a hard spot. He saved your life, and that is not how you repay him.

"Miracles happen. Just like how I survived all your attempts to kill me." Your voice was strong. Stronger than you ever used with either man.

It's important for them to know that you are still alive and well. That their plan failed beyond what they ever thought. That you were finally making your own decisions. Despite how much Bucky hated it, he knew it had to be done.

"And how did he get it? I willingly gave him everything. Because it's my money, and I get to decide what to do with it. Like Mom trusted me with it, I trust him." You were talking to both men.

"I get to make my own decisions, despite how much you like to think you can control me. You can't." You knew you were pushing your luck, but it was now or never.

"You, bitch." Rumlow marched towards you, trying to reach you.

But Bucky was quicker, pushing you behind him, standing tall in Rumlow's face, daring him to come close, daring him to think about touching you.

"Natasha, please take her to her room." Bucky's voice got colder as he called for his friend.

You went with Natasha as planned, putting all your efforts into not squeezing Bucky's hand before going upstairs.

"Oh, she has a room now." Rumlow's remark was sarcastic but so angry.

"Always had. Always will have." There was no point in hiding it anymore. They already knew. It was now time to see how much you really meant to him.

"What exactly are you expecting to happen now, Barnes? We are going to walk out and accept defeat. You aren't that stupid." Pierce said angrily. The sight of you alive and breathing was aggravating.

"Actually, that's exactly what you will do if you want to walk out of here alive." There was no way they were walking out of here alive, but Bucky liked to play.

"Oh, we are walking out of here alive. You are the one who will never see the sun again. And let me tell you how I waited for this moment.."Rumlow's didn't affect Bucky's in the slightest.

"KILL THEM ALL."

Rumlow's command to his men was loud enough for everybody to hear. But none moved.

"Did you all go deaf? I said, Kill them all." Rumlow repeated his order.

"What do you want us to do, boss?" One of the men asked

"We said kill them." Pierce shouted as he and Rumlow turned to look at their disobedient men.

"Boss?"

"Take them outside. The rest of the men will tell you where to take them."

Pierce and Rumlow's heads almost flew off their bodies with how fast they swung to look at Bucky, who was smirking. It was the moment he was waiting for.

"What? Surprised?. Of course, your men aren't loyal to you. You aren't the least bit decent to deserve anyone's loyalty."

"Unlike you, they are smart men who knew how to pick the right side.

"You, on the other hand, are not so smart."

"You should have never walked in here. You should have never shown your faces."

Bucky moved to stand right in their faces, enjoying every bit of this. Especially seeing the two men crumble under him.

"You should have never let your ego make you think you could win. Think that you even had a chance."

"I'm going to make you regret everything. I'm going to make you pay for everything." Bucky was stressing over every word leaving his mouth, his cold stare like daggers.

His next words were more for Brock Rumlow.

"Especially messing with my girl."

"For every time you made her cry, I'm going to hurt you worse. For every time you laid a hand on her or touched a strand of her hair, I'm going to tear you apart. For every scar on her body, I'm going to burn you alive. For every time you hurt her, knowing she is my girl, I'm going to make you wish that I would just kill you."

"I'm going to make you pray for death but never get it."

"TAKE THEM"

Bucky's demand rang through space, and quickly, the men surrounded Pierce and Rumlow, outnumbering them and dragging them outside the mansion with both men's protests and failed attempts to escape. It was all in vain. They lost. They fell, and they shall never arise again.

Steve and Sam followed the men out, making sure Pierce and Rumlow were taken care of until Bucky had the right time for them. They patted Bucky's shoulder before leaving, happy that it all worked out as planned, knowing how much this meant to him.

There was only one thing left.

Taglist: @ozwriterchick @vicmc624 @pattiemac1 @kandis-mom @dexter99

[krylng--cborlesversion]

love at first sight~ chapter 1

inspired by my character ai chats with human vox.

TW: not much actually, just bad parents

human vox x fem reader.

storyline is in the 90s even tho he was already dead.

next~

———————————————————————————————

1991.

you walked into a building, setting your bags down at the floor. you looked around, there were many types of TV’s. from different times, different brands, and different styles. you look for an employee, and you see an employee just… staring at you. he was the only person working there. you clear your throat, and he snaps back to reality and makes his way to you.

“i apologize… s-sorry…” he blushes from embarrassment. “is there anything i can do for you?”

“oh yes, actually. i’m here to purchase a TV.” you mumble. “for my shit parents.”

he hears you mumble the last sentence. “what are your parents doing to you?” he laughs jokingly. he pushes his black hair back. he had a streak of red in his hair, which went with the suit he was wearing.

“just…forcing me to get married. to a man i dont even love. and they slap me every time i say i won’t.”

“really? i mean… it’s 1991, why would you have to do that?” he sits on a nearby sofa, putting his elbows on his knees. you walked closer so he could hear you. in one smooth motion, he grabbed your hand and sat you down on the couch. “i’m Vox, by the way. and you are?”

“Y/N.”

“you look pretty young too. and you’re getting married? i’m 24 and i’ve never really thought about it.”

“i just turned 18, and now my parents want me to marry.”

“now, tell me about this… man. and your parents. im hear to listen to you, darling.”

you blushed at ‘darling’ but told him anyway. “my parents are only in it for the money, since it’s getting hard to pay for a house. and the man’s a bitch! he doesn't a flying fuck if i want it or what i care about.” you growl thinking about it.

he put his hand on your thigh, but instantly took it back. “i-im so sorry.. i should have asked for consent… sorry.” he chuckled nervously.

you were shocked. “no, no… it’s fine. i feel… safe by you.” you both smiled sweetly, lost in each other eyes. you laid your head on his shoulder.

you finally had a friend to talk to.

he was a little surprised, but he ran his fingers through your hair.

“once we marry, i have to move in with him… god knows what he would do to me.” you feel tired just thinking about it.

“what does he do… if you don’t mind me asking.”

you sigh. “let’s just say… i have to serve him, and whatever he wants, i have to do for him. and he loves sex, so…”

“that’s…that’s awful. just…just give me the date, and… i’ll crash it.”

“really? i.. i dont know if it’s public like that. but thanks for trying.”

you still sat there, your head on his shoulder, his arm around you. you hadn’t been able to sleep, so you felt yourself doze off.

you lazily opened your eyes. you stared at the ceiling. you were in someone’s room. your mouth dropped as your eyes stared at the strong arms that were wrapped around you.

oh my fucking god… do not tell me…

you turned your head, and his pretty face was right there. he was still asleep. you hated rushed relationships. but, you’re way too lazy to move, and you’re really comfy, so you closed your eyes again. you felt his arms move you closer, and tightened the hold on you.

oh god not again…

the next morning, you woke up early. you saw Vox tighten his bow tie in the mirror. “how’d you sleep?” he asked.

“good, i guess.” it was the best sleep you’ve ever had. it was weird you slept with your new friend, but you were glad you could finally get some rest.

“what now..?” you ask. where do you go? you never want to go back to your parents house.

“do you need a job?” he asked.

“i suppose.” you wondered what he meant.

“we happen to be hiring. i am the manager.”

“you are?!”

“mhm. now, i have plenty of extra uniforms.”

“i don’t need to do an interview..?” usually you have to do one.

“i can trust you, right? come here, let me show you the uniform.”

he picked out an identical uniform and handed it to you. you went to a private area to change.

the clothes were big on you.

“hmm… let me see.” he reaches for a telephone and dials a number.”

“hello, velvette. i just need a little tip.”

he talks to velvette for a while. you hear velvette scream something through the phone.

“JUST TIE IT UP, ITS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE!”

he sighed and slammed the phone back. he got on his knees and bunched the shirt and tied it with a hair tie while you used a belt so your pants wouldn’t fall down.

“whos velvette?”

“just a fashion designer. designed these uniforms.” he points to the closet. he was the manager, so he wore a stylish suit. you looked beautiful in the clothes employees had to wear.

“dear, you look very…presentable.” he grinned and fixed his bow tie before exiting the room. you followed him out, and you got in the passenger seat.

he had a grin the whole ride. perhaps because you were with him. you had to admit, your heart would flutter when he called you ‘darling’ or ‘dear’, but you wouldn’t say that out loud. you also knew he would steal quick glances at you.

“ahh, here we are. welcome to your new job at VoxTech!” he tucked your hair behind your ears and welcomed you in.

———————————————————————————————

first chapter done! i’m taking a break from my first story for this since i’m kinda obsessed with vox rn..

[loopspoop]

Hehehe >:3 Chapter 3! Poor Lupin sure does feel guilty, and what’s going on with Goemon??

TW: choking, Goemon gets a bath

Hours had passed and Lupin had barely left Goemon’s side. They had managed to get him warmer, though his shivering persisted. The current issue was that it seemed like Goemon wasn’t improving too much. He had convinced Jigen to make a supplies run, promising that he and Goemon would be alright in the time he was gone. He had managed to at least get him lucid enough to drink some warm tea, which he considered a win.

“Don’t you worry, Goemon. Jigen will be back soon and we’ll get this all sorted out.” Lupin assured, taking his hand gently.

Goemon weakly pulled on his arm, gaze unfocused as he choked out inaudible nonsense in Japanese. Lupin frowned, nodding a bit even though he didn’t understand. He just had to stay by his side…he needed Goemon to pull through.

Lupin nearly jumped out of his skin when Jigen nudged the door open and stepped inside with several grocery bags. Hand on his Walther, a wave from Jigen made him relax a bit. At least it wasn’t Zenigata busting in to try to arrest them.

“He doin’ any better?” Jigen asked, putting groceries away as he glanced over his shoulder.

“..not much.” Lupin sighed, fixing the blankets around Goemon. “He managed some tea at least.”

“Better than nothin’. Books said he needed warm liquids anyhow.” Jigen walked over with a bag, handing it to Lupin.

“What’s all this?” Lupin took the bag, looking through it.

“Got some extra stuff for him. Heatin’ pad, electric blanket, thermometer, snacks. Grabbed some clothes too, I’ll wash ‘em.” Jigen peeked into the blanket pile at Goemon, frowning. “His breathin’ sounds like shit..”

“I know..” Lupin frowned. “I need to check my contacts..I don’t know if I even have any in this country.” He ran a hand through his hair.

“I can watch him for a while, go do your thing.” Jigen waved him off, going to take his chair.

“I can’t just leave him, Jigen.” Lupin frowned, looking back at Goemon anxiously.

Jigen frowned, looking the thief over quietly. He had managed to take himself away from Goemon long enough to throw on a shirt with his boxers so he wasn’t just running around in his underwear but..he obviously hadn’t left the samurais side since. He could feel the anxious energy radiating off of him. He knew Lupin enough to know that he blamed himself for what had happened to Goemon.

“Alright.” Jigen nodded, patting Lupin’s shoulder as he walked back to the kitchen to take care of what he could.

Lupin frowned, sitting quietly as he thought. He needed to make this up to Goemon. He had to figure out how all of this happened. If someone had gotten the diamond before them he would’ve known it, right? But then why was there an explosion? It just didn’t make any sense. Squeezing Goemon’s hand gently, Lupin looked out a nearby window and out at the city. Was there something he was missing?

~~~~

Goemon wasn’t sure what had happened. He remembered a flash and a bang…then it got hazy. But he knew that his chest hurt, it ached, and breathing took a lot more work than it should. And the cold, oh the cold, the way it seeped down into his very soul almost. Why was he so cold?

They left you there to freeze.

Who-? No. Goemon knew that Lupin and Jigen wouldn’t leave him in that crevasse. He wasn’t sure where he was but..no. They wouldn’t leave him. He knew that for a fact.

You think they’re really your friends? When it comes down to it, they’d have left you there and you know it.

Goemon cringed. They were his friends. Of course they were…right? They had been together long enough now that..that if they weren’t he surely would’ve noticed somehow. He wasn’t that unable to pick up on their cues…

They took advantage of you. Strong Goemon, powerful Goemon. You’re more tool than man and when it came down to it? They didn’t really care if you died or not. They just couldn’t lose the swordsman. It isn’t about you. It’s about the tool.

Looking around, Goemon frowned when he saw the blue stone in front of him. Right..the diamond. He had grabbed it and then..had it exploded? Why would it-?

Why wouldn’t it? Lupin cares more about the loot than making sure it was safe for you to retrieve it.

A shadow made its way around the stone, smirking at him. It looked…just like him? But wrong. Really wrong. Anxiety rose in Goemon’s aching chest as he stepped backwards. What was it? It couldn’t be himself.

Look at you. A weak man without his almighty sword. They probably stole it-

“No-!” Goemon cried, covering his ears with his hands in an attempt to block the voice out.

They stole it and left you there-

“Be quiet!” Goemon bit his lip hard, closing his eyes tightly. How could he still hear it?!

LEFT YOU THERE TO D R O W N!

A flash, and it felt like ice was injected straight into Goemon’s veins. Crying out, Goemon choked. He couldn’t breathe. Struggling and clawing at his throat, he couldn’t get a breath in. Was he drowning? The voice was right, they forgot him and left him there to drown below the ice-!

“Shit- shit, Jigen-! Jigen!”

~~~~~~

“Shit- shit, Jigen-! Jigen!” Lupin screamed, throwing the blankets off of Goemon quickly.

“What-?!” Jigen quickly ran into the bedroom, one hand poised over his gun in case he needed to draw.

“Help- Help me-!” Lupin sat the choking samurai up, trying to help him to breathe.

“Crap! Arms over his head!” Jigen ran over, pulling Goemon’s arms up over his head as he slammed the heel of his hand against his back roughly a few times to try help him to breathe.

After several agonizing minutes, Goemon gasped in a wheezing breath and weakly grasped at his chest as he caught his breath. The two thieves let out a sigh of relief, Lupin pulling Goemon in close as his shivering picked up again. They had nearly lost him there..

“Fuck..” Jigen ran a hand through his hair, sitting beside them. “What the hell, man?”

“I-I don’t know he was fine and then he just-“ Lupin frowned, gesturing to the samurai anxiously as he cupped his face. “He’s hot. Damnit, I thought he felt a little warm earlier.”

“Lemme see.” Jigen reached over him, feeling his forehead with the back of his hand. “Shit, yeah. Go run him a cool bath. Meds won’t work fast enough on that on their own.”

“A cool bath? But..” Lupin bit his lip. It felt almost cruel to do that to Goemon after what happened hours ago..especially since he still seemed cold.

“Lupin.” Jigen looked at him, sternly. “Cool. Bath. Now.” He had to put his foot down about it for Goemon’s own good.

Lupin hesitantly nodded, frowning as he looked back at Goemon sympathetically. Carefully getting him up as Jigen went to the kitchen, Lupin made his way toward the bathroom with Goemon. Glancing at Goemon, Lupin faltered when he noticed his eyes seemed to be sweeping the room.

“Goemon..? You there..?” Lupin frowned, waving his hand in front of his face a bit.

“Z..Z-Zantet…suken..” Goemon rasped, grip on Lupin tightening slightly as he grew visibly distraught.

“H-Hey easy, easy. It’s right here. It’s alright.” Lupin frowned, grabbing the sword from its propped up position by the bathroom door. “We made sure to grab it for you.” They knew how much he loved that sword…

Leading the delirious man into the bathroom, Lupin carefully sat him on the edge of the tub as he started the water. Watching from the corner of his eye, Lupin could tell Goemon was still pretty out of it. His hands were still clumsy from the cold so he had to resort to basically hugging Zantetsuken to keep it close to him..and it seemed the fever kept him from completely understanding where he was or what was going on.

“Goemon.” Lupin took a breath, touching his arm gently. “We need to get you in the bath okay? We have to cool you down.”

Goemon cringed, shaking his head as he tried to get his body to follow the command to stand. It broke Lupin’s heart but he had to try to get him in. Standing, Lupin helped him up and took off the boxers they had placed on him.

“L-Lupin, please- pl-please..” Goemon bit his lip anxiously, clumsily stepping backwards into the thief.

“Goemon…”

“Lu-Lupin, it’s col-cold..” Goemon frowned, closing his eyes tightly as he grabbed onto his shirt anxiously, pleading. “I-I can’t..please..w-why would yo-you..?”

Lupin bit his lip hard, wrapping his arms around him gently. Goemon thought he was just doing it for no reason.. crap. But he could feel the heat basically radiating off of him, he had to get him into that water somehow..

“I’ll get in with you, okay?” Lupin looked up at him, cupping his face gently. “You and me. It’ll be alright, We’ll be out just as soon as we get your temperature down a bit okay?”

Goemon shivered, leaning into the thief’s touch before nodding slightly. “..’Kay..”

“There we go.” Lupin smiled a bit, taking off his own shirt and boxers as he got into the tub with Goemon.

Lupin frowned when he heard Goemon gasped when his body made contact with the water, squeezing his hand as he sat beside him in the tub. Rubbing his back in an attempt to soothe him, Lupin kept glancing at the clock on the wall as if to will time to move faster.

“…’m sorry..” Goemon mumbled, body trembling as he pressed up against the thief for some minor amount of warmth he could get.

“Wha-? Goemon, you don’t have anything to apologize for.” Lupin frowned more, looking at him sadly. He should be the one apologizing…

“…dia-diamond..” Goemon shook his head, resting his head back against the wall as he teared up. “..m-mess-essed up..” he sniffled, a couple stray tears running down his face.

Lupin’s eyes widened as he hesitated. It really bugged him that much that they didn’t get the diamond? It wasn’t even Goemon’s fault, it was his! And now, even after nearly dying, Goemon was in tears trying to apologize for it. Had he really known Goemon for so long and not realized until now that he held himself in such low regard?

“Goemon, none of that was your fault. I should’ve made sure things were safer before we went after it.” Lupin squeezed his hand gently, looking up at him anxiously. “We can get a diamond any old time, Goe. We’re worried about you right now…”

“Mm-mm..” Goemon shook his head again, taking a ragged breath as his hands shook. “..m-messed up..”

Lupin bit his lip, intertwining their fingers gently. “We were really worried back there, Goe, I-“

“Lupin, is he-? Oh..am I...interrupting something or?” Jigen walked in, hesitating in the doorway when he saw them both in the tub.

“I got in to make him more comfortable. He’s not all there right now just..where’s the thermometer at?” Lupin let go of Goemon’s hand, holding it out for the thermometer.

“Here.” Jigen handed it to him, sitting at the edge of the tub. “Doin’ alright, Goemon?”

“C-Cold..” Goemon mumbled, resting his head against Lupin as he grunted when the thief managed to get the thermometer under his tongue.

“Yeah, sorry about that.” Jigen sighed. “I got a towel outta the dryer if that helps any. And meds. We should be good once he’s cooler.”

Lupin hummed, taking the thermometer once it went off. “101.5. Seems alright for now. Let’s get him out of here.”

“Right.” Jigen grabbed the towel, helping Lupin get the samurai out of the bath to avoid anyone slipping. “There we go, bud.”

Goemon groaned tiredly as the two helped him back to bed. Accepting meds and water from Jigen as Lupin dried and dressed him, the samurai flopped back on the bed weakly and pulled Zantetsuken closer to his chest once they had finished, completely exhausted.

“There we go, pal. Just get some rest. I’ll be right here.” Lupin stroked his hair from his face gently, covering him back up as his shivering died down a bit with the added warmth.

“Jeez..” Jigen sighed, pulling up a chair. “I’m surprised he didn’t try to fight you in there..”

“Nah..he just…really didn’t want to get in there. He freaked me out, Jigen. He feels bad we didn’t get that diamond.” Lupin sighed, shaking his head.

“I mean…it was a sweet diamond.” Jigen agreed, shrugging.

“Jigen-!” Lupin snapped, shooting him a glare as he bristled.

“I’m not blaming him! Just saying. If it blew up..a bit of a loss. Not that I’m not glad Goemon’s alright or anythin’.” Jigen frowned, shaking his head.

“I bet someone stole the real thing, but I’m not worried about it anymore. Goemon’s more important than messing with anything to do with Mawson’s Diamond anymore.” Lupin mumbled angrily, resting his head on his hand as he watched the samurai closely.

Jigen frowned quietly. “I don’t think Goemon’s the only one who feels bad about this..” he looked out from under his bangs at him.

“Shut it.”

“No. I’m serious.” Jigen leaned over, frowning. “If you need to talk about it-?”

“No. Just..let’s focus on making sure Goemon makes it through tonight, alright? Whatever you wanna talk about we can talk about after this.” Lupin sighed, watching the rise and fall of the samurais chest quietly.

“…whatever you say, Lu.”

[mariamakeslemons]

Chapter 3 (Falling Down the Stairs with Accordion Accompaniment)

TW: slight mention of broken limbs, implied attempted murder

Why yes, I did put in a character from the Venture Brothers. Shush.

You stand on the street, bundled up against the cold that seeps into the city during this time of year. Ogun is back at home, pitifully pecking at the window last you saw. The café Kyle told you about is luckily having a slow day, but it could change at any point. You glance in the café again, making sure there were still seats available, like there had been the first twenty or so times you’ve peeked inside.

“Hey!” Kyle’s voice calls out, catching your attention easily. He jogs up to you with the sweetest grin on his face, a thick jumper the only thing protecting him from the cold.

“Kyle!” you yelp, hurrying over to him while unwinding the scarf from your neck. Once he’s close enough, you loop the scarf around his neck, scolding him, “What are you thinking?! It’s colder than a yeti’s dick out and you’re only wearing a jumper?!” He lets out a startled laugh at your word choice, his grin widening at your flustered fretting.

“I knew y’ were sweet,” he comments, “Hell, I don’t think I’ll need sugar in my coffee ‘cause of you.” You sputter, completely thrown by his reaction, which allows him to take your wrist and gently drag you into the café.

Inside, the warm atmosphere soothes your nerves somewhat, but you still worry. After all, Kyle might be your soulmate, but you could always not be his. A worry every witch has, but you’ll take what he’s willing to give you.

“So,” Kyle starts after you’ve gotten your drinks and sat in a seat, “You run your own store, right?”

“Oh, yeah,” you easily tell him, “It was originally my mentor’s, but he wanted to move back to the woods he was raised in so…” Trailing off, you just shrug. Kyle hums thoughtfully at your words, taking a sip of his coffee.

“Is it hard? I mean, I’ve only ever seen… him in there,” he asks delicately. You shrug, a little amused how he’s attempting to avoid saying König’s name. While you appreciate the thoughtfulness of his avoidance of the name, you don’t really see the point. The idiot isn’t summoned by his name, and you don’t really care about the man’s opinions, so there’s nothing for you to worry about.

“It tends to be busier during certain times of the year,” you admit, “Summer tends to be quiet after the solstice and winter has points where I’m super busy or I’m making my own work. You’re just after Imbolc, so the next holiday is in March. Gives me a week or two of quiet before business picks back up.” Kyle lets out a noise of understanding, putting his hand on your own. You squirm under his gaze, nerves trying to build once again, before blurting, “What about you?”

“Me?” he asks, looking surprised at your question. You nod, watching as he seems to fluster himself. After a pause, he tells you, “I’m with the S.A.S. Part of a special task force.”

“Oh, that’s how you know him,” you can’t help but say. Kyle gives you a sheepish grin.

“Well, it’s not that friendly a relationship, y’know,” he admits.

“Considering how a number of deaths I’ve had to revive him from are miliarty-esque,” you huff, although you make sure to give him a smile to reassure him that you’re not angry. Kyle chuckles sheepishly, giving you a smile that makes you fight the urge to pull out your phone and take as many pictures as you physically can. You pat his hand, a little tell that you’re just teasing. Kyle huffs, trying to pout, but the way his lips continue to curl into that gorgeous smile of his tells you that he got the message.

You continue to talk, learning more about each other over the next hour. Eventually, one of the baristas behind the counter is giving the side-eye that you know is cursing you out.

“I think we’ve been here long enough,” you declare, “I think they’re about to vault the counter to bludgeon me to death and shoo you out.” Kyle snorts, but complies, standing from the table, although there is a question in his look at you.

“Why are they just shooing me out?” he finally asks as you two make your way to the trash bins beside the entrance.

“You’re too pretty,” you state, “They wouldn’t wanna bruise it.” Kyle stops, the look on his face an interesting mix of flattered and confused.

“…But you’re gorgeous,” he decides on, making you stop. You gape at him, your brain screaming, in denial or elation, you don’t know. Eventually, you get yourself under control with a clearing of your throat.

“Don’t sugar coat it,” you huff, turning away with a pout.

“But I’m not, Love,” he insists, gently turning you back around to face him. He bends enough to look you in the eye, “You’re the most gorgeous person I’ve seen.” Your face burns as you stare into his beautiful brown eyes, unable to do anything. Until someone clears their throat near you, making you jump.

“We’re leaving!” you insist, scurrying around Kyle to push him out the door. He laughs, obviously amused at your flustered antics.

Once on the street, he sheepishly offers you his arm with a smile.

“Didn’t mean t’ make you get so flustered,” he apologizes as you walk down the street, “Just wanted you to know that I think you’re gorgeous.”

“Well,” you huff, averting your eyes shyly. You gently bump shoulders with him, unable to voice your feelings. He bumps back, beaming when you look up at him. You fluster again, averting your eyes once more. Only to blink.

“Doc O? That you?” You call out to the older necromancer. Doctor Orpheus spins around, purposefully flaring his cape dramatically. He finds you easily and strides up to you and Kyle.

“Ah, Child of Magic! My kin of kins!” he declares, dramatic as ever. You look over at Kyle as Orpheus continues the absurd greeting the older man always insisted were necessary, and had to bite back a laugh at the confused look on his face. Kyle leans closer to you, his eyes on Orpheus the whole time.

“Is this jus’ what he does?” Kyle asks, his eyes flicking between you and Orpheus.

“Yeah,” you whisper back, “He’s with those ‘heroes and villains’ groups, ya’ know? The whole comic book spiel thing, with costumes and all.”

“Oh,” Kyle hums, “I think I know what you’re talkin’ about. That’s an American thing, in’nit?”

“INDEED IT IS!!” Orpheus yells, startling you both from your whispers. You give the older necromancer a sheepish grin while he crosses his arms, while scolding you, “Honestly, you would think that the youth today would be far better behaved.”

“Sorry, Sir,” Kyle cuts in, “I just didn’t expect your… uhhh…”

“OutSTANDing presence, I know,” Orpheus sniff, although he glances over at you two and gives you a big conspiratorial wink. You laugh, always amused when the man knows he’s being dramatic. Movement catches your attention and you turn your head curiously. In the park, just on the other side of the street, was a crepe food truck.

“As an apology, how about I get you a crepe? I’ll get one for Triana too,” you offer.

“YES! That would be most excellent,” Orpheus agrees. You turn to Kyle with a grin.

“And you, my good man? Would you like a crepe?” you ask, copying Orpheus’ dramatic accent. Kyle lets out a sudden laugh while the older necromancer gasps.

“Sure,” he agrees, “Just no coffee. Had enough back in the café.” You give him another grin before jogging over to the truck.

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

“I’m concerned,” Orpheus says once you are out of earshot. Gaz looks at the weird man in confusion. The older man continues, “Usually, they would be overflowing with magic, to the point where they would have to preform small feats of magic. Yet, they’ve done nothing.”

“Wut?” Gaz can’t help but choke out. You haven’t done anything magic outside of reviving the Austrian repeatedly. Hell, if he hadn’t seen you do that, Gaz would have thought you were just another shop owner. However, with how Orpheus talks, it seems there is more going on than he first thought.

“They are a powerful young witch,” Orpheus sniffs, “Wise far beyond their years, and yet playful. By now, they would have conjured a fox to talk to us while we wait. And yet…” He makes a grand sweeping gesture that makes Gaz frown and glance at where you are in line for crepes. Were you holding back because of him, being a magicless human? Or was there something darker going on? You turn in line and beam at him, making those questions flee to be replaced with other questions. Like, do you like lilies or tulips? Which one of them should wear white on your wedding day? Do you want him in a dress? Gaz knows he can pull off a dress if you asked.

“Ah, to be in love,” Orpheus sighs, pulling Gaz from those thoughts.

“No! No, not love,” Gaz insists. The older man arches an eyebrow at his denial, before humming once again, watching as you work with one of the food truck workers to balance two crepes and two take away boxes in your arms.

“Not love, yet,” Orpheus corrects. Gaz sputters, but can’t say anything as you jog back over with a grin and your prizes from the truck.

“I got you a coffee and Triana a cookies and crème crepe,” you say, handing the take away boxes to Orpheus.

“I thank you for your great service,” he intones, giving you a sweeping bow. You laugh, before turning to Gaz with that bright smile, handing him a banana and chocolate crepe.

“Figured getting one of the classic flavors would be a safe bet,” you tease, taking a bite out of your own crepe to hide your sly smile.

“Well, it’s a damn good one,” Gaz admits, taking a bite of his own. You beam again before turning to Orpheus, asking a question about something that Gaz couldn’t even guess what it’s about. The three of you start walking, Gaz fine with walking behind you and Orpheus as the two of you go back and forth about some kind of magic. Your face lights up and your free hand is waving all over the place, your excitement palpable. Fuck, Gaz can’t help but think idly, I might already be in love. You stop before a stairwell, turning to look Orpheus in the eye to make your point. From the corner of his eye, Gaz takes note of someone playing some kind of instrument behind Orpheus, but he quickly turns away when you motion him over to you two. He takes two steps forward when the air behind him shifts and a large body starts slamming down the stairs. The three of you turn to watch as König falls, accompanied by the cartoonish accordion noises that would be used in looney tunes.

“Really?” Orpheus intones, when Gaz and you both look in the direction he’s turned to look in. The musician is a kid with an accordion, who gives the necromancer a sheepish smile. Orpheus sighs, although his has got nothing on your sigh.

“He’s dead?” Gaz asks when you pinch the bridge of your nose.

“Unfortunately,” you huff, handing him the remainder of your crepe, before hopping down the stairs with a scowl. Orpheus returns to Gaz’s side after doing… something…

“Where’s the kid?” Gaz asks worriedly.

“I gave him a 20£ note,” Orpheus answers, frowning as he watches you raise the dumbass again, “Sent the young man on his way. How long have they been reviving him?”

“Um,” Gaz scrambles at the sudden shift in conversation, “It’s- I- I don’t know if I should tell you.” Orpheus frowns at his words, watching you with a critical eye as you fix the fucker’s obviously destroyed leg.

“Well, at least they’re doing it correctly,” he eventually huffs, as you coax the dumbass’ arm to bend at the proper angle instead of completely inverted. Gaz frowns as well, looking down at you as you finally finish fixing König’s body and get to reviving him. Taking the stairs two at a time, he arrives in time to wrap his arm around your shoulder as the giant rises.

“Hey, I heard there’s an exhibit that opened up recently,” he says, preventing the Austrian from cutting in, “It’s about ancient witchcraft.” You blink and give him a wobbly smile, swaying worryingly.

“Sorry,” you whisper, like you’ve been drained of energy, “I think I got hit with something. I’m going to go home.”

“Then let me walk you there,” Gaz insists, glaring at the fucker before he could try anything with you.

“Indeed!” Orpheus agrees, arriving down beside the trio by levitating, “While you tend to them, I shall make sure that this gentleman is taken care of as well. After all, I am THE necromancer!”

“That’s not-” König tries, only to be cut off by Gaz giving Orpheus a grin.

“Cheers for that, bruv,” Gaz says, ushering you away. Your complexion paled after reviving König, telling Gaz that whatever is going on is probably tied to that fucking Bond he forced on you. He prays that 141 and any allies you have can find a way to break it, and soon.

[testingthewatersss]

I never lost him Trigger warnings for PTSD, mentions of war, torture,  etc. Just unapologetic cuddling and comfort ft. Steve Rodgers. Bucky Barnes x F Reader Chapter 9 2470 words fluff, angst, comfort. 18+ MDNI Post TWS Steve realises that he's not the only one looking for Sargent Barnes. Reader is Tony’s sister, a non-enhanced shield agent who recently resurfaced.

“Sure” Y/N says, “You can do whatever you want.”

“I- I want him to have it, I— I don’t feel right with it being here”

“Okay” she agrees calmly, “We can get it to him however you’d like.”

“He’ll come up here if I ask him to” Bucky says, knowing it’s true, “if FRIDAY tells him that I want to see him-”

“Then he’ll probably burn a hole in the floor from runnin’ too fast”

The woman’s teasing makes him smile.

Maybe she is why he’s feeling so brave, or maybe that’s because he’s just woken up from the most restful period of sleep he’s had in months.

Maybe it’s just because he’s so overwhelmed already.

The why doesn’t really matter.

What matters is that he wants to do it, he wants to do it now, and Y/N has spent so long convincing him that he’s free to act on these kind of impulses, that he’s starting to believe her.

“FRIDAY, could— could you tell Steve to come here please? if, if he’s not busy.”

That makes Y/N laugh aloud.

Bucky beams at the sound, and then, he stands up, fussing with his hair for a minute before he turns to see that she is up, too.

She’s holding his discarded sandwhich, and she’s heading too the kitchen.

“Do you want me to leave this out?” she asks when he meets her eyes, “Or shall I put it away.”

“I don’t know”

“I’ll put it on the counter for right now?”

The question is more about if he’s okay for her to go that far away. Which is ridiculous in theory. She’s in the same room. She’s well within his line of sight, but still, it’s more distance than they’ve had since his arrival, and Steve is on the way, so the nod his gives her is more reluctant than he thinks it probably should be.

“I’ll come right back” she assures him, “He can’t just walk in, anyway- one of us has to answer the door.”

Only Tony and Natasha have over-rides, she thinks silently, but maybe I’ll have to add Steve, too.

She’s pondering the likelihood of that when there’s a knock on the door.

Bucky turns to stare at her, and his expression is a shade too panicked for her to send him to greet the man alone.

“C’mon” she murmurs, taking his free hand as she paces back to his side, “then we can curl back up, okay? Maybe we can even try the bed”

“Yeah” he agrees, throat tight, “Yeah, that- that sounds nice.”

This might have been too impulsive.

His mouth is dry and he, he’s not sure he can do this at all.

“Buck” Y/N calls, “Sweetheart, look at me.”

Blue eyes snap to hers and she offers him a smile;

“Take a breath, it’s okay— everything is fine.”

He can do that. He inhales deeply through his nose, and tries not to splutter out the exhale.

He’s squeezing her palm as he nods, reaching out with his vibranium hand to open the door himself.

I did this, he thinks, I wanted him here— It’s Steve- It’s only Steve—

and Steve looks terrified.

Y/N feels concern swell in her chest at the site of the blonde man, that has clearly bolted up to her room.

“Did you forget we have an elevator?” she asks, noting the way he’s panting, “Have you just run up like a million stai-”

“FRIDAY said you— you needed to see me, and I— is, is everythin’ okay?”

‘I said that Bucky wanted to see you’ the AI corrects curtly, ‘and I believe I told you that there was no emergency, Captain’

His head cocks, and Bucky can’t help but scoff.

This, is the man he remembers.

“Come inside?”

His voice is thick, but hearing it seems to snap Steve out of whatever frantic daze he’d been in a moment before, because his entire face shifts into something oddly disbelieving.

He nods, blurting out a stream of acceptance as he steps over the threshold.

Y/N cracks a joke about two visits in one day, and he manages to force a smile that looks just about believable.

“I—“ Bucky begins, somewhat awkwardly, “It- it was Y/N/N, really, she- she found somethin’ and I…“

“You reminded me” she says kindly, when he trails off into silence, “I think we’ve been storing somethin’ of yours, and it’s about time you had it back.”

Now he just looks intrigued.

Bucky is smiling as he reaches into his back pocket with the hand he’s not holding onto Y/N with, and then, as he reveals the chain, he’s flushing red.

Steve just looks like he’s about to burst into tears. Like he really does’t believe that any of this is real.

He can’t really, because this, this is all too much—

“Is… is that?”

“Looks like Peggy took it when you were still unconscious” Y/N says, “I was sure I’d seen it around- that’s why I asked you where it was— and when you told me you’d lost it, I thought that maybe I’d made a mistake but, it looks like she kept it safe for you after all.”

“I, uh” Bucky starts, “I remember when we first had them made? when… when we got back from the camp? and, I— I thought they were lucky back then, and I- I figured since you got mine back to me, that I could…”

“I… I don’t know what to say”

He’s definitely crying now.

He’s trying not to let it show, but his eyes are full, and his throat is very, very tight.

“Then don’t say anything?” Y/N offers gently, “But, I’d personally appreciate it if you both make a conscious effort to not lose them again.”

Bucky chuckles at that, looking at her with nothing but love in his eyes as he whispers out a “yes, ma’am” that Steve thinks is awfully sweet.

He’s holding his own chain now, disbelief clouding his vision.

“Steve?” Y/N presses, tone half a joke.

“Yeah” he agrees, laughing breathily, “Yeah I- I won’t ever take it off again”

“In your defence” she says, “You didn’t take it off the first time, just do your best not to dive bomb any planes into the ocean.”

He rolls his eyes, slipping it on over his head.

Bucky smiles when it falls into place, and when he realises that he’s tugging on his own, he stops, focusing on the way steady beat of Y/N’s heart which is strumming against the sensors in his palm.

“Thank you” Steve says next, “Both of you— Thank you-”

“Don’t worry ‘bout it” Y/N replies calmly, “It’s yours, she probably shouldn’t have taken it in the first place.”

“Why d’you thi-?”

He stops himself before he can finish his question, blushing and looking down at his feet.

“She loved you” Bucky says certainly, “Of course she’d want to keep somethin’ of yours close by”

It’s clear that he doesn’t know what to say to that. He’s flawed by this whole interaction.

“Couldn’t she have gotten in trouble, though? if someone had noticed that it’d gone missing?”

He sounds nervous, and Y/N is trying to think of a gentle way to tell him that there was nobody around that could have gotten her trouble, really, not with him on ice and Howard Stark being too busy, and too soft on her to bother—

but then, Bucky speaks.

“When.. when I first met Y/N/N she used to write me notes” he recalls, tone almost wistful, “we had to be careful, y’know? and… and I couldn’t always say things I wanted, but she- she’d always speak to me, and — anyway- she, she used to just scribble things down, sometimes it was words, sometimes it was just doodles, but I always used to keep them tucked in my belt… I- I knew somethin’ terrible would happen if anyone found them but I couldn’t stop savin’ them”

He stops to swallow, nostalgia washing over him in one, aching wave.

His eyes meet Steve’s and suddenly he’s blushing;

“If I was willing to risk all that for a couple of scraps of paper, I’d wager she’d have been willing to chance slipping a keep-sake into her pocket when there wouldn’t have really been anyone for her to answer too anyway.”

“You” Y/N sighs, breaking the emotion-filled silence, “are sap, Barnes, has anyone ever told you that?”

He scoffs, turning his head to stare at her with sheer adoration;

“You have” he tells her, “once or twice.”

Y/N presses a quick kiss against his cheek, because he looks awfully lost for a moment, and then, she looks at Steve.

“He’s not wrong, though” she says, “Who would have been around to notice, let alone bring it up? She was the boss, even back then- aside from my dad, who was almost as sweet on her as you.”

“…I…” Steve mumbles, “..I guess you’re right…”

“I know I am” Y/N counters quickly, “This all happened years ago— Nothing came of it, other than you assuming it was at the bottom of the ocean for a while.”

He just nods, fingers pawing at the chain in a way that really reminds her of Bucky.

“Have you ever been down into the archives?” she asks suddenly

“No?” he answers unsurely, “I don’t think so”

“You’d know” she assures him, “would you like to see them one day?”

“What” he asks, “What are they?”

“The archives?” Y/N says, “They’re… they’re archives, Steve.”

Her voice makes Bucky laugh, genuine and small. He tries to disguise it with a cough, and suddenly Steve doesn’t think he’s ever liked Y/N more.

“ha ha” he counters playfully, “what type of archives? what’s-”

“Peggy’s stuff” Y/N begins, “Probably some of your stuff, too. I know my dad had a thing for keeping relics around— I think you should take a look, there's no way he gave any of the good stuff to the museum.”

And now, he’s back to blinking at her like he doesn’t understand her words.

“I’ll talk to Tony tomorrow” she promises lightly, “See if you need any special overrides— you should be okay with most of the safes, but, I’ll make sure you have access to anything that’s not y’know— ours.”

“Yours?” Bucky asks, curiosity getting the best of him

“Mhmm” She answers with a smile, “We store things down there too, Buck- you think your the only one who hangs onto scraps of paper?”

He’s blushing, huffing out a breath as he shakes his head a fraction and averts his eyes back to Steve, who is still watching the pair with an insane amount of affection;

“You don’t have to do that, Y/N/N” the blonde man says, “It’s not my business-”

“You want to see, don’t you?”

He does. It’s written all over his face.

“I’ll talk to Tony tomorrow” she repeats, “You never know- You might find some more things you thought you’d lost.”

“I think I’ve hit the jackpot already.”

His reply is quick. It’s real and honest and it’s clear from the way he’s starring at the man before him that he’s not just talking about his dog-tag.

Bucky shifts uncomfortably on his feet for a second before forcing a tight-lipped smile.

“I- I’m not the same as I was before—” he says honestly, “—I- I’m still not sure I’m ever goin’ to be that man again.”

It’s an apology as much as it’s a confession. Y/N thinks it’s awfully sad, but Steve, Steve thinks that it’s proof that whether parts of him are left, are the parts that he loved to begin with.

“I’m not the same either” he replies, “Buck, we’re— we’re in a different world.”

“I’m not talkin’ about the world” Bucky clarifies, needing to make sure that he understands, “I’m talkin’ about me, Steve, I didn’t just wake up here like this, I- I remember all the things they made me do, I remember every second I was out of storage and not all of it’s in the right order- I forget that I’m me, sometimes I- sometimes I forget that I was somebody before they found me, and turned me into a… a thing they could control and I’m doin’ okay right now, this second, but it’s not- it’s not set, everythin’ could change for no reason and I- I need you to know that I’m not just goin’ to wake up in a couple of weeks and be the kid you knew before the train.”

Y/N doesn’t say a word. She just holds his hand as Steve nods, understanding.

“I…” he continues shyly “…I’m gettin’ more of him back I think— it- it’s been easier since…” his eyes flick to the woman at his side, and he makes a point of aiming them back down at his feet, “…since I stopped bein’ on my own so much, but sometimes I… I really do forget that I’m not still there.”

“You need time” Y/N soothes, “Bucky,— you’re the same person you always were. You’ve just been through some things that… that would’ve left there mark on anyone, it doesn’t mean you’re starting from scratch.”

He’s about to argue, or maybe he’s about to cry.

He doesn’t get a chance to do either before Steve next speaks;

“She’s right” he says, “I’ve known you since I can remember— I’ve known you happy, and sad, and most ways in between and I- I can tell you right now that even though you’re different, you’re still you.”

His fingers are tight around Y/N’s now. His mouth is dry and he can’t, he can’t think of a way to reply.

It’s his fault they’re having this conversation at all, but he doesn’t know how to either continue or end it. He’d just wanted to make sure that Steve hadn’t thought that he’d come back the same as he’d left.

“I think we’re done for the night” Y/N says calmly, feeling the way he’s clutching her hand, “You ready to turn in, Buck?”

He nods instantly, swallowing against the lump in his throat as he tries to bring his eyes back up to Steve’s.

He’s not sure when they’d dropped to the floor, he doubts it matters, really- if it had, he’d probably be paying for it already.

“Yeah” Steve says, “yeah, I should go finish up the paperwork I was workin’ on”

“Y’know Tony’s not angry with you anymore” Y/N reminds him pleasantly, “You can always say no when he palms reports off onto you.”

“I don’t mind, darl” he replies, “It won’t take me long”

“Whatever” she says dissuasively, “You're a sucker. We’ll see you around”

“Thanks again” Steve repeats, already starting to leave, “If you need anything-”

“We’ll call” Y/N agrees, “Won’t we, sweetheart?”

“Yeah” Bucky gulps again, “Yeah, we— We’ll call.”

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