#this is the last straw I’m really scared of what is going to happen

[yoohyeon]

I didn’t think my life could go worst than it was

[theladyofmanyfandomsfanfiction]

Imagine telling Luffy about why you don’t like Shanks…

“Why are you always so upset with Shanks?” Luffy wondered.

You brushed the young boys damp curls and twirled a finger around each strand to define the shape.

“He and I used to travel the seas, you know? We fought sea beasts and all kinds of pirates together.”

Luffy leaned forward. “Really? Was it cool?”

“Very cool and dangerous.” You reminded him with a small hair ruffle to set him back on the chair properly. “We were caught in an ambush and I was injured. Shanks brought me home, promising that we’d set off again after I was healed.”

Luffy grew excited. Maybe if Shanks came for you, he could also be taken along for the journey.

“Are you healed? Do you know when he’ll take you?” He asked.

You frowned and replied rather bitterly. “I was healed up over four years ago.”

Shanks had the audacity to pay a visit these last few months and spend time with Luffy while pretending like nothing had happened. It infuriated you and Luffy clearly caught wind of it.

There was a knock at the door. Your eyes darted up to see Makino standing there with a smile for Luffy.

“The ship has made port.” She told the boy.

Luffy jumped off the seat and ran for the exit. “Sorry Y/n, I have to go!”

You sighed at his speed hoping that he’d be careful on his way to the docks.

Makino looked at you while you put the chair away. “Are you coming as well?” She asked and when you didn’t reply she continued. “He’s been asking for you.”

You glanced over your shoulder. “Tell him I-”

“I’m not telling him you drowned again. You’ll have to face him one way or another.” Makino said and then left to resume her duties at the bar.

Honestly, you’d rather not seek out the pirate who abandoned you. Let him have his fun. Yes, you couldn’t avoid him forever but you could reduce the hours in his presence.

And so that’s what you set out to do, you walked wherever the straw hat wasn’t. If he was at Party’s Bar, you were at home. If he was at the docks, you were by the furthest windmill.

You last saw the red-haired pirate downing a bottle of booze at the bar with his little curly haired shadow on the chair beside him. While they were busy, you decided to rearrange the furniture in your home finally able to tend to things that had been long neglected thanks to Luffy always running in and out of trouble.

Fixated on stacking books by the corner of the front room, you missed the soft padding of footsteps coming to a halt by the open door.

“I heard you ‘drowned’.” A voice said, sending chills down your spine. “Imagine my surprise when Luffy told me that you did his hair this morning.”

Shanks mused at you as he stood by the threshold of your door.

Damn, when did he leave the bar? You rolled your eyes and then turned around to place a blanket into a wooden drawer near to where he stood.

“Odd.” You hummed. “I thought you would have welcomed a lie? Aren’t you filled with them or is that only when they’re directed at me?”

Shanks stepped into the room and took your hand to stop you from walking to the next task. He knew exactly what you were referring to. For months you both had avoided the topic by the way you dodged him but this was finally the opening he needed to clear the air.

“I never lied. I fully intended to come back here in three months. But each danger I faced, every terror that sailed into our path and all I could see was the risk of losing you.”

You scoffed at him. Captain Shanks of the Red-haired Pirates was scared? You were surprised his nose hadn’t grown.

Not wanting to talk further, you attempted to leave the house entirely when the man who stole your heart caught you once more.

“Hey,” Shanks took the reins and guided you to the wall, gently bracing you against it. He was tired of the anger of the anger in your eyes, only wanting you to see him like you once did. His hands settled in their rightful place on your waist.

“There are very few things that I am afraid of - but from that list, the fear of losing you is at the very top.”

As you stared in his warm eyes, you were reminded of a saying he often said aboard calmer seas and private moments.

Shanks gazed back at your face, the one he was deprived of seeing each day. He brought one hand to rest against your chest and raised your own to sit above his own. He leaned forward and pressed his lips against yours in a delicate kiss before pulling away gently.

“I’m not a selfish man by nature.” He whispered. “But for your life and your love, I can be.”

~ More imagines here ~

[anxiousnerdwritings]

I am going FERAL over this imagine:

So basically Bruce brings reader home to be his new daughter/the boys' new sibling but Uh Oh! They now want you carnally and reader is just like "you said you wanted me as a daughter/sibling, wtf is this" and being their platonic darling is better than being shared between them romantically so reader tries to come off as innocent and child/sibling coded by being like "yeah I've never actually kissed or dated anyone before aren't I just so innocent" and the boys are like :)))

So then Dick says you can call him your boyfriend "just to feel it out" and Tim starts blatantly stealing your panties and Jason says he can give you your 1st kiss so you can "practice" with him and Bruce offers to teach you how to touch yourself and (and him) and when you try to walk it back cause the boys are being Freaks they're in their delulu era so eventually you end up tied to the bed with the boys and Bruce drawing straws over who gets to take what 1sts (like 1st date, kiss, virginity, ect).

And Damien is just in the background absolutely SEETHING cause the the boys and Bruce's Horny Time keeps interrupting his Mommy Time with the reader

And reader using Damien as kind of a shield cause what are they going to do, feel you up in front of a CHILD? Like just, "Stay Platonic :))"

Just that kind of pseudo incest makes me Feel Things (*/∀＼*)(///∇///)

I'd love your thoughts/a fic based on this! Ty ❤️

TW: Brief mentions of pseudo incest(y) scenarios/behavior, manipulative tactics, yandere tendencies

(Okay so I’ll answer this with my thoughts for right now.)

I know I primarily write incest(y) related topics for my Game of Thrones/ASOIAF stuff but I have been tempted to/curious about branching it out into some of the other fandoms I write for 👀. (I’ve had a few ideas rolling around in my noggin for a bit if anyone is interested.) So I would be willing to give this a try. I’m down to experiment with some new stuff, within reason of course.

I imagine the Reader being older (probably 19-23), maybe even having been a runaway of sorts or not having a very stable home life, so when they’re given the ‘offer’ to become part of the family they’re looking to fulfill a familial void they’ve never experienced or have forgotten how it’s felt like. I definitely see Bruce and the rest of the boys keeping a very close eye on the Reader before they decide to finally bring them into their family, basically full on stalking them from the moment they caught their attention (you know how the Batfam works). It wouldn’t be a surprise if even before the Reader was with them physically that the boys developed a more carnal desire for them. At first, their intentions were completely platonic, but with all the lengthy observing and information gathering of their supposed-to-be-new-family-member eventually something changed in how they all saw their darling.

I really see the change in their obsession starting with either Dick or Tim first. Especially regarding some accidental or purposeful peeping Tom foolery. I feel like Bruce would be the last to fall victim to the change in direction or at the very least he’s the last one to admit to it. If Damian is younger than I see his obsession staying strictly platonic, but if he were much older than I could see him involving himself to the same depths as his family.

At first, I see things happening subtly. Knowing that at the very least a few of them are already in an obsessive-romantic headspace in regards to their darling before they even physically become part of the family the guys would try to be as welcoming as possible without revealing their true intentions. They don’t want to scare you off right away, they want you to walk into it semi-willingly at least. But the interactions with the Reader would show something else. The lingering touches, the being much closer to you than really necessary, the heated grazes over your clothes here and there that leave you wondering if that actually happened or not. I also kind of like the other members not being fully aware of each other’s change in obsession, everyone giving each other the side eye until it sets in and then all out war of who gets the darling to themself unfolds only to eventually end up with them working together and agreeing to share. That’s when Bruce’s heel-turn is revealed.

Once things get truly amped up, the interactions with the Reader really begin to escalate. The boys would walk around shirtless more often, all of them trying to get their darling to look at them, to really look at them. Eventually, it’s not just them being shitless but either them in nothing but their underwear or nothing at all. They start out as accidents but eventually it’s pretty loud and clear that the guys want you to see them, all of them, to even touch them and feel them to your hearts content. But thats not all, of course it’s not. The touching of their darling only gets all the more intense, to the point that you know damn well that they’re touching you and they want to leave you wanting for more. So much more. The Reader’s innocence and lack of experience would only spur them on even more. They absolutely thrive off of it. They all want to be your first, your first everything. There will be a lot of secret ‘lessons’ being given behind closed doors and telling of “Don’t tell Batdaddy or he’ll get real mad.” “Don’t let Jay know, or he’ll want to punish you for not doing this with him.” “Let this be our secret, (Name). Something just for you and me.” “Can’t tell anyone about this or they’ll ruin it for the both of us.” And they only get even worse from there.

I can’t see Alfred being okay with this in any situation, whatsoever. I think he especially would feel like Bruce and the other boys completely took advantage of the Reader and he would try his best to aid them in trying to keep up with the platonic intention of this entire fiasco. He would be a total cockblock, even going as far as helping Damian in his cockblocking endeavors. Alfred’s intention would be to play both sides so he knows how to help the Reader when it comes to Bruce and the others but it wouldn’t take too long for them to figure out that Alfred is working against them. Like, Alfred was all for the familial-platonic obsession but when things started getting more romantic he was ready to shut that shit down ASAP. You can’t tell me he hasn’t, at least a few times, locked Bruce, Dick, Jason, and Tim out of the house to give the Reader some peace and give Damian his much deserved allotted time with them.

Speaking of Damian, he is a menace (as per usual) but even more so than normal. He really doesn’t take too well to the new direction of his father’s and brothers’ obsession for the Reader. He thinks it’s pretty messed up but he sincerely likes and cares about the Reader and he wants them to stay, he wants them to continue being a part of the family forever so he’ll let some things slide. Some. He even may be willing to look the other way when it eventually comes to Bruce, Dick, Jason, and Tim baby-trapping the Reader if it means this whole ‘family’ thing becomes set in stone with the arrival of a new ‘sibling’. But for the most part, at least early on, Damian would be a huge pain in the ass for the other family members. He feels like he needs to step in to save his darling from the others and their ulterior motives. He’s all his parental/older sibling figure needs, at least at that point. He may even try to runaway with them to keep them safe from the others. Hell, he may even get his mother involved if he was desperate enough, especially if he saw the Reader as a parental figure. Or maybe even another Justice League member to either adopt him and the Reader so that he could have that family experience he was promised with the Reader. Or he would be completely content just living the rest of his life just him and the Reader, platonically of course.

It would either take Bruce or Dick to have a talk with Damian to get him to come to some agreement to allow them to continue with what they’re doing in regards to the Reader. I think Dick would get away with manipulating Damian much better than Bruce could. I think Damian would have some opinions about his father especially throughout this whole situation. Especially since I see Damian being very observant of how Dick, Jason and Tim are behaving towards the Reader early on and picking up on the fuckery taking place, even going as far as telling Bruce about it under the belief his father would be on his side (not ever fathoming the idea of his father also doing similar things to the Reader without him ever knowing). As far as Damian knew his father was completely platonic towards the Reader, as a ‘father’ should be. Right? So understandably Damian feels not only betrayed but also disgusted when he finds out that his father was and still is taking part in, acting in a similarly depraved fashion as the others.

Eventually, I could see them coming together and being one big ‘happy’ family. But it sure as hell comes at a price. (Usually the Reader’s freedom and sense of self outside of the obsession they’ve been dragged into, to drown in alongside their yandere(s).)

[kelppsstuff]

this sounds weird but could you do how adam,angel,vox etc would react if reader had a miscarriage

What could of been.

Hazbin Hotel head-cannons about miscarriage

Masterlist

Warnings: miscarriage TW

Taglist: @fandomsbookclub @adamsfavoritesinner @leathesimp @sashaphantomhive @ladyninggs @strangerthings36 @carylinflors

—

Lucifer

He would be so so heart broken.

He would find you on the floor crying with blood surrounding you and panic.

He would immediately transport you to the hospital.

You two have been trying for awhile. You were a sinner so it was obviously going to be hard.

You were told early on in the pregnancy that there may be complications. That couldn’t have prepared you for this though.

Lucifer held your hand throughout the whole thing and when the doctor came in, the look on his face broke the two of you.

You stayed in the hospital for about two weeks before you were sent home.

Lucifer carried you bridal style through the doors, and just passing the nursing room broke you more.

You knew Lucifer was hurting just as much. He was the only one who could truly share your pain.

You hug him as he cries, just as he hugs you.

For months you two would cry each other to sleep. And if you went to bed before him he would often walk outside on the balcony and stare up at heaven.

“You are Cruel!” “I thought god was supposed to be merciful!” “Why couldn’t you let me have this why?! Does my father hate me this much!”

He would yell to the heavens, yell to his father — god. You would often find him out there crying, begging someone to bring back his child. Begging someone to give him your pain.

You two were shattered. You would pick each other up, but the mirror was still cracked.

You never loved Lucifer more as he would comfort you. And him the same to you.

Alastor

I like to think this was when you two were alive.

You had became pregnant when you were alive with Alastor’s child.

The doctors wasn’t great during the Great Depression. They couldn’t help you when you felt the pain in your stomach.

The pain in your stomach was nothing compared to the pain in your heart.

You would beg the doctors. You would beg ever god known to man.

You’d often cried yourself to sleep in Alastor’s arms. While you cried going to bed, waking up Alastor would cry knowing the day before wasn’t just a nightmare.

You would wake and find him breaking. You hug him and tell him your sorry, while he would kiss you and tell you that it wasn’t your fault going to sleep.

You once heard Alastor over the radio voice break over news. It had been some family that had gotten in a car crash and the kid didn’t make it out. He was talking about how cruel this world was.

You quickly went to his broad casting station. You didn’t care he was on air, you hurried to hug him.

I’m that moment Alastor knew he had to marry you. That you two would be together forever. No matter what god threw y’all’s way.

Angel

That had been his last straw. He broke, yelling how this wasn’t fair. Not to you or him.

You’d cry for days and days. The whole hotel breaking for you two.

He wished he had the power to bring y’all’s kid back. He wished he had the power to make your eyes shine as they once did.

Surprisingly Valentino let him off work for awhile. Angel didn’t know you yelled screamed and cried to his boss. The princess of hell backing you up as well.

Angel would try and convince everyone he was fine, but he wasn’t.

You found him crying in the mirror and when he wasn’t answering you called out to him once more, “Anthony?”

He turned to you. Eyes full of despair, “I’m sorry baby, so sorry.”

Angel would also stay up with you as you cried to him, you’d often ask why this happen, and his only answer would be, “I don’t know, sugar.”

Adam

Adam didn’t believe it at first. He couldn’t.

He was so so excited for this baby. He was never really a good father. I mean one son killed another.

He was scared, but he knew this time he would be there. He would be a good dad.

This time he was ready for a kid. He wanted a kid. He was so happy when you showed him that pregnancy stick. He would often talk to your belly as well. He grew so close to it.

That was the first time you actually saw Adam cry in anguish. He tried to hold it together. He really did. But when y’all finally got home and he saw the “I love my daddy shirt.” He broke down.

He threw all the stuff around. Only calming down when you ran your fingers in his hair and whispering sweet nothings in his ear.

“I thought heaven was supposed to only be good?”

He would often check on you. Always making sure you were okay. He went into overdrive with his protectiveness with you.

When you’d cry he hug you and listen to your pleas. Wishing he could grant them.

Adam thought this was heaven, but it felt like hell. What was worse was he had to watch you go through the same pain he did.

He begged Sera for help. Begged every arch angel, every higher being. Only to he met with “I’m sorry Adam.”

He didn’t need sorries, he need his family to be alright. He need his wife to be 100% happy again. He need you to be okay.

When Adam finally accepted it, he would try his damn hardest to bring the light back in your eyes. But it was hard. Just because he accepted it, didn’t make it hurt less, if not more.

He didn’t know which was worse, the bliss of denial, or the bitterness of the truth.

Husk

Husk would immediately comfort you.

He’d also drown his sorrows in a bottle. He never drank to much however. He always was there for you, like you were there for him.

He went to Alastor, and begged, like on his knees begged him to bring his baby back.

Alastor felt sorry. He did. But that didn’t mean he could grant his wish.

Husk would cry at night. He’d often would try and cry alone, but you made it your mission to remind him that you loved him and was still there.

While physical touch was often your main sense of love, acts of services became the main one after.

You two would always try and help and do things for the other.

Husk would always rest his hands on your stomach, at night he’d rub it, reminiscent of the excitement he once had.

Vox

He would be in denial. For the first hour he’s just shake his head.

But when the hour had struck, so did the truth.

He throws anything he could find. He would also apologize just as quickly for reacting like that.

Vox would always never be far from you after that. Always with you.

When Vox would work he’d often play the babies heart beat he had on recording.

I have a head-cannon that he can’t physically cry. Cause yk tv and water?

So he just bang his hand on the table and cuss. He looked down and his feet through his fingers and would think.

How can he help you?

That would always be his first priority. You.

Why? Why me? Why you? This wasn’t fair. You two didn’t deserve this. His baby was innocent.

Those would be his main thoughts.

He would always text you, becoming more clingy after the whole ordeal. And you would welcome it. You loved the way he would check up.

He’s text every hour; check up.

You would sing him baby songs to sleep and he would play the heartbeat for you.

—

Ahhhh this was so sad! I feel so bad for all of them. Anyways I hope this seems kind of accurate 💛

[anothermansjeans]

How would youtuber reader react to Spencer getting seriously hurt at work? I'm talking hospital hurt

:(((

cw: mentions of hospitals, spencer gets shot :(, reader is SO worried

wc: 617

youtuber!reader masterlist

++

“Where is he?”

Your hair was a mess, you were in sweats with two different shoes on, and you're pretty sure you collected a traffic ticket or two. You didn't care though. Spencer was hurt.

“Y/N!”

You rushed towards Penelope, and any other time you would have minded your tone, but that was the last thing on your mind. “Where is he?” You were panicked– rightfully so.

“He’s still in surgery.”

“Do they know anything?” You didn't mean to raise your voice, especially to Penelope, but you couldn't help yourself.

“He was shot in the abdomen, I’m not sure where exactly, but they're working really hard to make sure everything is okay.”

You pulled at your hair as you fell into the closet seat near you. The team was lingering around, everyone wanting to comfort you, but knew better than to talk to someone in this state of distress.

It was a long wait. Five hours. Spencer would've been able to tell you the exact amount of time. When the doctor finally came out, they had a hopeful look. You didn't want to assume anything, you didn't want to be hurt. They told you he would make a full recovery and that he was lucky, very lucky. One inch to the left and it would've… you don't know, some medical term that scared the shit out of you that you can't seem to remember as you now sit next to his sleeping figure.

You've been there all night, refusing to leave his side. You fell asleep sitting in the crappy hospital chair pulled up by his bed, and it was around 6 a.m the next morning when he finally woke up, letting out a groan that caused you to jump up awake.

“Jesus Christ, Spence.” You got up immediately, and moved around the room to grab the cup of water a nurse left.

“Sorry,” his voice was hoarse, and he was still in the process of opening his eyes.

“Here, drink this.” You gently held the cup for him, allowing him to sip through the straw, “and don't apologize, you got shot, you're in pain. I just need you to heal.” Once he had enough water, you placed it down on the table beside him. “I need to call the nurse.”

“Don't go, please.”

You reached down and squeezed one of his hands, “I will be right back. They need to check your vitals, you know this, Spencer.”

And so you got the nurse, she checked his vitals, and got the doctor in to go over what happened with Spencer. He winced quite a bit at the words they were speaking, and when they finally left, you couldn't help the sob that erupted from your lips.

“Hey, what's wrong?” He turned his head towards you, eyebrows furrowed with worry.

You continued to cry, only able to speak in small intervals. “You–” another sob, “Spencer, you could've–”

You don't even have to finish your thought because Spencer already knew, “I know, I know.” He reached for your hand, and pulled you to sit back down beside him. You slumped over so that your forehead was lightly resting on his shoulder. “I’m right here. I’m here, I’m not going anywhere.”

You were trying to catch your breath between the sniffles and hiccups, “I just can't imagine– imagine you not here. I love you so much, Spencer.”

He hummed and brought a hand to your head, brushing your hair back. He wanted to say it was a hazard of the job, but he knew better. So, the two of you sat there, listening to the beeping of the machines, feeling lucky enough to be in each other's company.

++

youtuber!reader taglist: @im-a-ghost666 @lyd14k4y @happiestcat @hauntedtv13 @obi-wansgirl @charismatic-writer @navs-bhat @itsleilabxtch @strabarrybat

let me know if you would like to be added or removed!

[syrupfog]

AU where Sanji never actually left Germa, and Judge made him a test subject early on, successfully getting rid of his empathy after years of torture.

But like, he has those years of bullying from his brothers first, and his empathy’s gone but his anger’s still there. Also with no Zeff, he fights with his fists and doesn’t treat women Like That. Because Zeff’s the one who instilled in him to never hit a woman (and made it weird but that’s not the point).

He’s out on some mission in the Grand Line when he runs into the Straw Hats and he sees Zoro’s green hair and associates it with Yonji and he just haaaates him on sight.

The fight is super evenly matched and Zoro manages to knock him out eventually but he’s like what’s the guy’s DEAL. Wtf is his problem.

Maybe Law’s with them when it goes down and he recognizes that costume and fanboys…

Oh actually yeah— Law’s with them! And after Zoro knocks him out, Law goes into Creepy Surgeon Mode and is like for the love of god please let me get my fingers in that chest cavity

And everyone else (bar Robin ofc) is like Σ（ﾟдﾟlll）

But Law gets a room going and finds all sort of odd Germa technology literally implanted in him and starts pulling it out and messing with it and suddenly Sanji wakes UP and he’s— he’s scared. And overwhelmed. He’s in real time having to reckon with years of torturing people.

And Law’s like oh the emotional part of this is not in my pay grade this is not my job anymore and dips.

So Sanji’s there in the Sunny’s infirmary like “I’m a monster I need to be put down oh my god” and Luffy shows up like HEY you’re cool as hell join my crew.

Zoro is not a fan of this option and also it turns out neither is Sanji BUT sanji has nowhere to go so he makes a deal to sail with them until the next habitable island. So Zoro watches him like a hawk bc he’s like “you’re definitely faking this and are gonna turn evil and try to kill people again right”

But instead he just keeps finding Sanji being really pathetic and sad and looking longingly at the kitchen (Robin doubles as the cook and her food is damn near inedible but that’s just the life of a pirate innit)

Late one night Zoro comes off watch and he sees Sanji sneaking into the kitchen and he thinks OH he’s going to try to POISON US so he sneaks in after him and confronts him, swords and all. And Sanji, who knows what an awful person he’s been and knows he deserves death, just starts crying and is like “yeah you can kill me just let me cook one thing once I just want to remember what it feels like”

So Zoro lets him cook, and is like yeah I’m killing you after this, and Sanji spends a long time sniffling as he re-familiarizes himself with pots and pans and spices and knives and ends up making something garlic-y and delicious that smells strong enough to wake up the crew, and everyone traipses in enraptured by the smell. So Sanji serves them and Zoro tries it first because if it’s poisoned he’s not letting EVERYONE go down. But it’s not poisoned and it’s really good, and anyway Zoro can’t kill him now in front of everyone.

But three nights later the same thing happens— he sees Sanji sneaking into the kitchen and follows him and Sanji says “I know you should’ve killed me last time but you couldn’t, I get that, but I’m dangerous. So let me cook just one more time and then you can kill me.”

And it doesn’t happen of course. Everyone comes in and everyone eats and Zoro watches Sanji recover a little of himself.

And so it goes. At first every few nights and then every other night, and then every single night.

And whenever Zoro comes in, Sanji says, I know I deserve to die but let me cook just one more thing.

And at some point Zoro stops thinking about killing Sanji. He’s a part of the crew now. He’s proving himself, and anyway Zoro can beat him and hold him down and Law can reverse whatever it is again if needs be.

So it’s just a thing they do. Zoro lightly threatens him and Sanji begs for his life and they move on. It’s routine but it doesn’t actually MEAN anything anymore.

That is, until one really bad night where Sanji doesn’t show up in the kitchen like he always does, and Zoro goes looking and finally finds him deep in the steerage, and Sanji says, “I can’t keep living like this, please just kill me. I can’t keep living knowing I’m going to die the next day.”

And Zoro’s like ???? You’re not gonna die the next day wtf

And Sanji says, please, just get it over with.

Zoro realizes that Sanji has continued all this time assuming Zoro really is coming to kill him every night

But it’s been MONTHS at this point. Surely he wouldn’t still think—

But Sanji’s wracked with more than a decade’s worth of guilt, is so sure he deserves the worst the world possibly has to offer.

Too bad Zoro’s a little in love with him at this point. And says anyone who wants to kill Sanji will have to go through Zoro first.

Which Sanji DOESNT UNDERSTAND and he doesn’t understand the kiss Zoro follows it up with, but he returns it. Greedily.

Because as much as he knows he deserves death, he also relishes every moment of life, every chance to feel the emotions he wasn’t allowed. And Zoro goes from jailer to protector in his mind. Slowly. Hesitantly.

He spends years working through the trauma, decades really, but the simplicity with which Zoro sees the world helps. Zoro doesn’t blame him. Zoro loves him. Sanji doesn’t know much but he knows he’ll defend this ship that saved him with his life.

And he knows Zoro wouldn’t let Sanji defend HIM with his life, because Zoro views his life as precious and important.

Which is something Sanji is still learning.

He’ll get there.

[nomazee]

silly silly

sebastian (sdv) x gn reader

word count: 2.1k

content: pining (mutual...), AGGRESSIVE pining, reader is smitten and in love, stream of conciousness/ramble type of writing, romantic tension (unresolved), cute and will maybe make ur stomach hurt from anxiety (i have my ways) (i’m lying)

notes: omg hey guys so i wasn’t lying about the stardew valley delusion and now i’m so deep in that i wrote this in a haze last night and posted it to my ao3 and now im posting it here. please enjoy. my heart and soul (my rotted brain) went into this it’s the beginning of my magnum opus 

part 1 (you are here) part 2 part 3

<><><><><>

You’re gonna kiss him silly. By the end of the night, you totally are.

It’s something you decided since before you showed up at this jellyfish-festival thing. You barely even know what it’s all about, really—the note from Demetrius didn't say much other than the fact that it was happening tonight, and you should come, and it’s beautiful and all the jellyfish are going south for the winter (like they’re a flock of birds, you think absurdly), and it’s down at the beach at 10pm. You weren’t exactly up to asking him more about it, seeing as it would be awkward to do that and then kiss his step-son on the mouth right in front of him that same night.

That was the plan. Kiss Sebastian on the mouth. It was going to happen and there was kind of nothing anyone could do to stop it (except Sebastian himself, reasonably). You’d like to think you’d gotten close enough to him to let this sort of thing happen. But then again, Sebastian is a special enigma, like a specter floating around on his own path, invisible to the things around him (or at least, trying to be invisible. He’s not invisible to you, never ever ever. You’re too painfully aware of him to let go of that).

Your mind is running with too many thoughts. It’s dark on the beach, and the wood of the dock creaks faintly beneath your feet as you approach where he stands with Sam and Abigail. Vaguely, you wonder how much they’d mind if you yanked Sebastian away from them to give him a kiss. A big fat whopping breath-stealing mind-turning stomach-aching kiss.

You’re going crazy. This whole thing is crazy. You say hi to the three of them and pretend like you’re not plotting this whole thing in your head. They seem none the wiser to your conflicts, and give you amicable greetings as you shift closer to where Sebastian is standing.

He almost blends in with the rest of the night, all black hair and black clothes, but the torches on the dock light him up just enough for you to see his skin and eyes and smile as he glances at you. You greet him, no smile on your part, but a sweet sort of look in your eyes that you hope he’ll catch onto soon. (You don’t think he does.)

He makes space for you to stand next to him, between some empty box and the odd warmth of his body. You take the offer. You’re standing, next to him, so close that you can almost smell the tea tree oil of his shampoo wafting off of him. You think you’re going crazy. You’re going crazy. You look at him, and he looks at you.

Sebastian has a serious look in his eyes, eyebrows furrowed and lips downturned. “I thought I saw something moving in there… something big. Something dark.” You nearly nod along to whatever he’s saying from habit. There’s a second or two where you realize how absurd his words are, and he sees it in your face because he goes, “Just trying to scare you.”

Now he’s teasing you, a smile and a fun kind of glint in the way he does it. The thought crosses your mind to warn him, tell him that he shouldn’t play jokes with you like that because it might make you kiss him silly on this beach before the stupid jellyfish even get here. Then you wave the thought away, because really—that wouldn’t be the final straw. The final straw has been broken for days now. Even weeks. Maybe since the first day you spoke to him and he talked so incredulously about how you could’ve picked Pelican Town as a place to live, but you’d like to think you have more self control than to let a love-at-first-sight kind of deal happen like that.

“You’re funny,” you say back, and you hope it doesn’t sound too strangled. “I think I almost believed you.”

“Really? I didn't expect that. I thought you would’ve called my bluff.”

You could tell me anything and I would believe you, you want to tell him. You could tell me there’s a monster in the sea. You could tell me you made the sun and the stars and the moon and the clouds. You could tell me you’re a jellyfish. I would totally believe you.

You don't say any of that. Because that would be embarrassing. Sam says something, and then Abigail says something, and then Sebastian is turning himself around to talk to them now. Sam and Abigail are nice, and you’re close enough to them where if you joined into their conversation it wouldn’t be awkward or unwelcome.

But there’s something telling you to stay quiet. Anxiety, maybe, fear of saying something stupid and ruining every friendship you’ve made in this town. It’s a crazy hyperbolic thought but it’s enough to make you keep your mouth clamped shut. It’s fine. You listen and turn your head to them and nod along with whatever they say, something about the jellyfish being poisonous and how bad would it be if you reached your hand in and grabbed one, and—?

“It’s starting!” Someone says distantly, and your head snaps back to face the ocean just as lights glow from underneath and the forms of sea creatures illuminate themselves. It’s beautiful. It really, really is beautiful, and you think that you should’ve taken everyone’s word that this was a wonderful event, something you really shouldn’t miss out on, something gorgeous and unimaginable and isn’t it crazy we get to see this every year?

The glow pulses bright enough for you to see more of Sebastian’s face from beneath the darkness of the night. You glance to the side, slowly and subtly (or at least, you hope so). His eyes are bright, and just a little bit wider, and there’s a twitch of his mouth as if he’s holding back a smile. As if he would be embarrassed to let it show how much he likes seeing this.

He smiles, big this time, and it’s one of those downward smiles where the corners of his mouth are tucked in and his cheeks are flushed and you are going to kiss him. You are totally going to kiss him, right now, because now he’s looking at you and the smile still hasn’t left his face and you hope you’re not unsettling him by how you’re ignoring the jellyfish at this point just to stare at him.

Sebastian is not unsettled. At least, not outwardly. He’s staring back and it’s soft now. And his stupid smile is still there. It hasn’t moved, hasn’t changed the way that his gaze had, and you hope it’s not because he has the same affinity for you that he has for the jellyfish. You’d like to be more than the jellyfish, maybe.

You’d like to be more. A little more. And you think, just a little bit more time, and you could kiss him. You could kiss him tonight. You could.

You don’t. Your head turns back to the ocean and you’re shocked at the level of self control you just displayed. It’s almost unbelievable. This whole plan, this whole dream had been built up over weeks now and here you were, being patient. It’s uncharacteristic. You wonder. Wonder wonder wonder.

From beside you, Sebastian doesn't deflate, but there’s a moment of hesitation before he turns to face the same direction as you. Maybe he understands. Maybe he knows. You hope he doesn’t know. You hope this is your own secret to keep.

Minutes pass, and the ceremony ends. The rest of it is nothing short of incredible and wonderful and spectacular and every word you could possibly use to describe it. Your legs buzz from disuse as you push yourself to stand up. (You don’t notice Sebastian hesitating to stick a hand out for support before pulling it back to his side.)

“I like this place,” you say absentmindedly, and suddenly everyone is turned to you—not just Sebastian, but Abigail and Sam and maybe even Vincent from further up the dock. “This was really nice. Thank you all for letting me stay here.”

There’s a pause, and you can’t believe any of that just came out of your mouth. It was cheesy and sappy and insane. This night has rotted your mind so much it’s starting to ooze out of your mouth. You hate this town. You love it. You let them know.

“Of course, man!” Sam is exuberant, and he smiles at you. “I guess at first it was weird having someone new here, because no one new ever comes here. But you’re great. And you’ve done so much for all of us. Really.”

Abigail nods along, a firm gesture paired with this triumphant sort of smile that makes your chest warm. “Really. Like, yeah, maybe it sucked having my old hang-out place taken over by a stranger.” (Sam elbows her. She yelps indignantly.) “But you’ve kind of made it worth it. Thanks for everything, too.”

It’s sweet. It’s all so sweet it makes your teeth ache and your head ache and your stomach ache. You’re hit with a sudden need to go home, and it’s the first time you’ve really felt like you knew where home was. It’s weird. Your legs ache, now.

Your head is muffled. You think you nod to all of them and you hope the appreciation and care in your eyes is enough to make up for your stunted responses. People are packing up and going home. Sam and Abigail give some sort of look in your direction, not unkind, but unusual, and suddenly Sebastian is thanking you for the night and asking to walk you home. You want to kiss him. Kiss him. Hold his hand and kiss him and trace his palm and maybe throw him into the ocean with the possibly-poisonous jellyfish remnants.

It’s quiet as he walks you home. Faintly, you realize how out of character this is for him. But this whole night has been full of out-of-character things for you and him and everybody. This is so weird. You’re going crazy. You’re going to kiss him.

Or, you think, for sure, that you’ll kiss him even if it wasn’t in front of the docks or the jellyfish or his friends—you think, for sure, the rest of this night is going to be made up of you kissing him silly on your doorstep and then collapsing in your bed and moving back to the city in shame.

But. But but but. But. There is something. And you don’t know what it is. And you don’t know if he’d kiss you too, but maybe. But. But but but. You don’t.

You’re at your doorstep. You thank him. And now, you are both waiting expectantly at your door for something to happen. You need to make it happen. Now. You need to kiss him and you won’t move and your stomach is aching and you think maybe you have a shellfish allergy.

“I feel sick.” It’s not a lie, and you really are two steps away from throwing up on his shoes and you really, really don't want that to happen—if you throw up on his shoes, then you’ll never be able to kiss him, because every time you reach for him he’ll be struck by the memory of you splattering vomit all over his sneakers and then he’ll ask you politely to move back to Zuzu City and never look back. (You think this is accurate.)

“Get to bed,” he tells you, and you’re shocked to hear him speak after so long. “It’s been a long night.” He’s polite, he’s kind, he’s so so kind that it’s stabbing you in the chest and twisting around your insides and why couldn't you just kiss him like a normal person?!

Okay, you think you say. Okay okay okay. His brow is furrowed and his lips are downturned but not in that odd smiley way of his. He’s just worried, now, and you think you’re going to be sick, for real this time.

You don’t tell him goodnight, but the slam of the door in his face is probably enough of a signal. You’re embarrassed. You didn't even kiss him. You can’t even tell if this night is a success or not. Kitty walks across your feet and looks up at you as if she knows what kind of clusterfuck of a night you just had. What a little shit. You let her follow you to bed and sit on your chest while her deep breaths lull you to sleep.

You didn't kiss him. What a wreck. What a joke. You’ll kiss him tomorrow for sure. Kiss him silly.

[theemissuniverse]

“PLAYING WITH FIRE” RAIDEN X VILLAIN FEM!READER

SUMMARY : You’re one of the villains (you’re also obsessed with Raiden) and you want Raiden all to yourself. When you see Kitana flirting with him, it’s the last straw. (I guess you could call reader a yandre)

WARNINGS : MINORS DO NOT INTERACT! praise kink, soft!dom, dirty talk, “good boy”, some other things I probably missed

You didn’t care if you were the villain in his book. You wanted him. You needed him. And you would have him.

Flirting with Raiden was always interesting. He would stutter or simply tell you that he was not interested because YOU are the antagonist. You knew that wasn’t true. You knew he wanted you as badly as you wanted him but his morals were aligned.

You decided to give it a rest. That was until you spied on the royal family and you saw Kitana flirting with YOUR man.

Her hand brushed up against his shoulder slightly. She laughed at every joke. Every joke. Even the unfunny ones. The last straw? She kissed him on the cheek.

Oh it was over.

So, you wrote a note to Raiden saying that Kitana had been captured and for him to come alone to your location.

Raiden followed the instructions. He was tired of this cat and mouse game you two played. He couldn’t understand why you couldn’t leave their lives alone.

He walked through your mansion and went to the room. When he opened it, he saw you in your green lingerie set.

Raiden sighed, now understanding what you were doing. “Really, (Y/N)?” You didn’t say anything. You simply stood up from the bed. “So you didn’t capture Kitana?”

The crazy in you started to come out. You were a witch. So, with your emotions, you made some plates crash into the wall. Raiden jumped slightly. “Why? Do you want her to be here?”

Raiden shook his head at your crazy antics. “You’re unbelievable.” He turned to walk out the room but with your power, you slammed the door closed.

All the candles in the room lit up and some slow music started to play by itself. Raiden was not scared as he knew you wouldn’t hurt him. He was just annoyed.

He was annoyed because he did have an attraction to you and he did have very dirty thoughts about you. He didn’t want it to be known though. He didn’t want to give you the satisfaction. “Whatever you think is going to happen, (Y/N)…is not going to happen.” He said, now facing you. He walked over to you, closer to the bed. “You failed. Again.”

All you did was smile. That was scary to him because usually you would say something snarky. You just stared deep within him.

Raiden started to feel a tingly sensation. His chest started to heave up and down. It felt like someone was sucking him off even though obviously no one was. He moaned a little and that’s when he realized you were doing some spell on him.

Raiden sat on the bed, unable to stand from how much pleasure he was receiving. You bent down to his level so you could whisper in his ear. “I’m making you feel this way without even touching you. Can your precious princess do that?”

You sat on his lap. Raiden was trying to control himself but his desire for you and the pleasure he was receiving was all too much. You started to kiss his neck and Raiden moaned. “That’s all this is about? You’re jealous?” Raiden managed to let out a chuckle. “Even if you do have me, what do you think will happen afterwards?”

“If? I will.”

Raiden was about to say something but the spell started to become stronger. “Oh my…” He fell back on the bed and continued to moan in pleasure.

You watched Raiden fall apart underneath you and smirked. “Why do you enjoy playing hard to get? I understand. I’m the big bad wolf but you want me. Otherwise the spell wouldn’t be working.”

It was true. The spell could not force people that didn’t feel attraction to you. If they already wanted you then the spell would work. Maybe work too good if they wanted you badly.

Raiden didn’t want to admit it though. That would just give you the satisfaction of having him. He didn’t think he could do this for much longer.

You played with the buttons on his shirt and started to undo them: “Say the word and I’ll finally give you your wish.”

Yup, Raiden couldn’t do it anymore. He needed you. Even though he’d probably regret it afterwards. “Okay, okay. I need you. I need you, (Y/N).”

You smirked and lifted to spell. Raiden no longer felt the tightness in his chest anymore. “I’ll make you feel so good, you’ll cry.” You told him.

What surprised you was the first thing Raiden did was grab the back of your neck and kiss you. You kissed him back, wrapping your arms around his neck.

The kiss was a hunger full and sloppy. You took the hat off Raiden’s head and threw it to the side of you two so you could play in his hair.

Raiden flipped the two of you. He took off your underwear in one swift motion. Then licked his fingers before rubbing your clit.

You were already wet for him so it was easy for him to rub your clit in circles. You gasped at the sudden feeling and threw your head back.

Raiden kissed your neck as he rubbed your clit in circles. You didn’t want this foreplay. You wanted him now.

You pushed his hand away. “I want you now, Raiden.”

Raiden stuck two fingers in your pussy to check if you were ready but you were a little tight on his fingers and not wet enough. “You’re not ready.” He told you before going back to rub your clit.

I guess the upside and downside for you was that Raiden actually cared for your pleasure and if you would get hurt.

You felt him rubbing in fast motions and you decided to preform the spell again on Raiden so Raiden wouldn’t get left out.

Raiden grunted at the feeling of tightness coming back to him. “Cut it out. I’m trying to focus on you.”

You brought him to your lips and kissed him. Raiden accepted your kiss, keeping his pace on your clit.

You moaned very loudly in the kiss as Raiden was starting to already make you feel close. You tried to push his hand away. “I’m about to cum.”

Raiden ignored you pushing his hand away and kept going. You didn’t want to cum on his fingers. You wanted to cum when he was inside of you. “Raiden, okay. I want you inside of me.”

“Take the spell off and I’ll stop.”

You hurried, taking the spell off and when Raiden felt the tightness disappearing, he stopped rubbing your clit.

He stuck his fingers in your pussy again to check if you were ready and this time you were.

You helped Raiden take his shirt off. When you did, you couldn’t help but stare at his chest. His whole body was built like it belonged in an art museum:

Raiden noticed your staring and blushed a little before removing his pants and underwear.

You flipped the two of you over so you were on top. Raiden held onto your hips and guided you on him. You slowly slipped on him and moaned as he stretched you out.

Raiden grunted a little before clinging onto your hips tightly. You didn’t wait to adjust. You just started to move on him.

Moans slipped out your mouth. You rode him like you’ve been waiting forever. Raiden had to admit he had waited for this too.

Your pussy clenched good around Raiden, making him throw his head back. “By the gods, (Y/N).”

“Aw, you like it, honey? You like it when I ride you? You’re such a good boy.” Your hands were placed on his chest and you started to bounce on him harder.

Raiden moaned. He watched as your breasts started to pop out of your bra. The mere sight of that made him want to cum on the spot. “You feel so good.” Raiden made sure he had a good hold of your hips before starting to fuck up into you.

You yelled out in pleasure, not expecting that. Your pace began to slow up as Raiden continued to fuck up into you like it was no problem.

Raiden noticed you slowing your pace. He got the hint that you were actually very submissive and you liked to play you were dominant.

He flipped the two of you over so he was on top of you. Raiden gave you a kiss to talk to you on the lips. It was like he was telling you to “get ready.” He placed both hands at both sides of your head and then mercilessly started to ram into you.

Your mouth fell into an “O” shape. You had no idea that Raiden could be this rough. You shut you eyes in pure pleasure as Raiden continued to fuck you like he hated you.

Raiden wasn’t used to having sex like this but he knew you liked it so he kept going. He had to admit, he liked it too.

It was an overwhelmingly amount of pleasure. You had to place a hand on Raiden’s chest to get him to move.

Raiden took your hand and pinned it to the bed. He also made sure to pin your other hand so you couldn’t use that one to escape.

“Raiden. I can’t.”

“Can’t what?” Raiden kept going at his same pace. “This is what you wanted. You wanted this and now you got it.” You were so wet that your pussy started talking. Raiden chuckled a little and kissed the top of your breasts. He had to admit, he was enjoying himself. Usually you were the dominant one in the relationship but you were actually so submissive to him.

Raiden felt himself getting close. He was still a gentleman though and wouldn’t cum unless you came before him or at the same time. “Are you close?” You couldn’t even speak, you nodded. “Use your words.”

“Yes.” You moaned out.

“Me too. Where do you want it?”

“Inside of me. Please.”

Raiden probably was going to regret it but you looked so good that he couldn’t deny your request. He picked up your thighs and wrapped your legs around his waist so he would be forced to cum inside of you.

“You talked all that talk and you’re about to fall apart underneath me.” Raiden told you. He caressed your face lightly. He watched your eyes well up with tears. “What did you say again? You’d make me feel so good I’d cry?” He wiped some of your tears away. “Aw, don’t cry love. You’re almost there.”

Raiden talking to you made you want to cum even more. He picked up on that you liked when he talked to you so he kept doing it. “I’ve waited so long to bury myself in you and now you’re about to have all of me.”

You were about cum hard but wanted to wait for Raiden. You pressed on his chest again. “Raiden. Wait.”

Raiden did not let up on his pace. “Didn’t you want this? You wanted me to do this to you so take it.”

“I want you to cum first.”

“Too bad.” Raiden took your hand and instead of pinning it to the bed, he interlocked your fingers together and then pinned it to the bed. “Love, if you have to cum then cum already. I’m not stopping you.”

You couldn’t hold it in anymore. You started to say incoherent things and Raiden kissed your neck. He didn’t stop his fast pace and rode out as you came on him. “I know, I know. Let it all out. You got this.”

You came very hard on him. Raiden grunted as he felt your pussy clench on him. His pace started to become sloppy. “(Y/N).”

You realized he was actually talking to you, not moaning. “Yes?”

“If I cum inside of you, we’re doing this again. I don’t want to ever stop.”

You didn’t know if that was just the sex talking or if he actually meant it but you nodded. “Okay.”

“I’m cumming. Oh, (Y/N).”

Raiden came inside of you hard. You held on to him with your legs to make sure every drop got inside of you. When he was done, he pulled out and then fell beside you.

Raiden didn’t expect him to act like that during sex. I mean, he didn’t think he went overboard but it still wasn’t like him. He nervously looked up at you. “You liked it right?”

You smiled at him. Then gave him a peck on the lips. “You’re the best I ever had.”

Raiden pulled you close to him. “I meant what I said, I want to keep doing this but we can’t tell anyone. Lord Liu Kang will never forgive me.”

“Welcome to the dark side.” You tell Raiden. The two of you leaned in and kissed each other.

[writemekpop]

Get Lucky | Qian Kun

Summary: When things start to get sexy with your new date Kun, he gets scared.

Genre: Drunk!Kun, fluff

Word Count: 0.6k

“You know… I’m a teeny-weeny bit DRUNK,” Kun whispered, pressing his palms to his cheeks.

You looked at Kun’s glazed-over hazel eyes, his cheeky grin, the way his normally perfect hair was in disarray.

“No shit, Sherlock,” you said, laughing.

Kun leant down and captured his pink curly straw between his lips. He sucked long and slow on his pina colada, his eyes never leaving yours.

The way he looked at you made your entire spine tingle.

You fanned yourself. “Is it just me, or is it getting hot in here? What do you say we take this somewhere else… like my place?”

Kun stared deep into your eyes. He reached his hand forwards, and tentatively, touched your thigh.

You could have moaned in pleasure. This was your third date, and you’d only pecked him on the lips once. You were dying for more.

He smiled bashfully. “I have to admit, the thoughts I am having right now are not very... gentlemanly.”

You leaned towards him, smirking. “Good thing I don’t want a gentleman.”

Kun touched the hem of your skirt. He couldn’t meet your eyes.

“What do you say we…” he mumbled. But then a Rihanna song started playing, and the other people in the bar cheered so loud it drowned his voice out.

“What did you say?” You shouted over the thumping bass. “I can’t hear you!”

Kun looked around, as if contemplating whether to repeat himself. Then, he shook his head and stood up.

He pulled on his jacket. “I just remembered… I’ve got a very important meeting in the morning. I’ve got to go!” 

You frowned. “But tomorrow’s Sunday! Wait!”

But it was too late, because Kun had disappeared.

--

You stumbled into your apartment, alone, and even more drunk.

Your kitten, Baghira, mewled.

You knelt down and stroked her black fur.

“It’s just like my mum,” You sniffed. “Why does everybody leave me?”

Just then, you heard a knock on your door.

You pulled the door open and saw Kun. He looked handsome, with his deep dimples and plump lips. His face was tinged a deep red.

“Kun? What are you doing here?” Your heart started to pound.

Kun straightened himself up, brushing the dust from his jacket.

“Y/n, I’m sorry for running away like that. It was rude. I do want to be with you, it’s just… it’s just.” He sighed.  

Kun pulled his hand out from behind his back and gave you a bar of Twix. You looked at him quizzically.

He pouted. “I wanted to get you flowers, but the only thing open this late was the vending machine.”

You giggled, swooning internally. Then you remembered how he’d ditched you, and the feeling vanished.

“I really am sorry,” Kun said, tugging a hand through his deep black hair. “I left because… everything was happening so fast. I want us to be more than some random hook-up.” He met your eyes. “When I make love to you, I want to do it right. I want it to mean something.”

You nodded. “If we’re gonna sleep together, let’s do it properly. Girlfriend and boyfriend.”

Kun grinned. “So… can I come in?”

“I’ll give you one last chance – but only coz you’re hot,” you said, shaking your head. You stepped to the side to allow him in.

Kun walked in and pulled you towards him. He kissed your lips softly. “I promise you won’t regret this,” he whispered.

Your heart thumped. “I know I won’t.”

—

MAIN MASTERLIST

Let us know what you thought in the comments or on anon! 💋

[ohtobeleah]

Hangman would have seen you and Rooster hugging tho. Jealousy, jealousy?

For those who haven’t been following along—This is just a really fun series I’ve been concepting. The Masterlist is here.

Oh for sure he did! And he wasn't going to not bring it up the second he had a chance to either. Jake Sersin had seen his wife in the arms of Bradley Bradshaw out the front of the Hard Deck. He’d seen a few seconds of what could only be described as a friendly encounter with an acquaintance. A nice acquaintance at that. But there was never any malice intention or underlying feelings. But what did Jake know? Only what he could see and what he saw was his wife in the arms of another man. Someone other than himself.

“You know I saw you and Hawk at the Hard Deck Bradshaw.” His muscles hurt but he’d never admit it. Up, down, up, down. Right on cue every time. “Care to explain why you’re all over my wife?” Rooster cast a shadow down over Hangman. His body eclipsed the sun that beamed down on his back. Smirking, Rooster couldn’t help but to chuckle. Did he smell jealousy? Perhaps.

“Picturing me thick as thieves with your ex-wife not sitting right with you Hangman?” Rooster teased as he watched Hangman doing his push ups after Maverick had got tone on him, Phoenix and Bob. Crouching down as he let his forearms rest on his thigh. “We were just having a chat, nothing more to it man.”

“What happened between you two anyway?” Bob, the Weapon Systems Officer is questioned between his staggered push ups. “Lieutenant Commander Seresin seems nice, don’t really know why she’d go for a guy as egotistical as you to begin with Bagman.”

“You’ll never be able to love me more than you love flying.” Scrambling around the house as you threw things into the open luggage bag. You’d been called for a last minute assignment. “You're reckless and careless, you act like you don’t have someone waiting for you to come home!” Jake had only just gotten home, his first air to air kill confirmed mere minutes after he’d set foot stateside. “I can’t take this anymore, I can’t breathe Jake! I can't—“ And it was safe to say you weren’t taking the news well at all.

“It’s my job! when you married me that was the deal! A package!” Jake Seresin was missing a vital point in your argument. He couldn’t understand why you were so upset. He was home, he was alive. But it was the thought of losing him to his own selfishness that had finally eaten away at you enough to break you.

“But it’s not just a job Hangman!” You never really used his call sign, so to hear you say it with such venom made his heart break. “It’s the way you do your job!! You fly like every last training session is your last! Every mission, every task is your last. Everyone says the same damn thing too! You don’t play well with others, you don’t fit on the goddamn team so why the hell should I expect them to risk their lives to save your sorry arse if something were to happen?”

“Y/n—baby.” It was hard to have a counter argument prepared when Jake didn’t think he’d done anything wrong to begin with. Trying to keep you from leaving, his hands on either side of your shoulders. “I’m here? I’m okay! What's the problem, love?”

“The problem Jake is that they wouldn’t!” Heavy, that’s what Jake would call the atmosphere around you. He’d remember the look of hopelessness in your eyes, the love that you had for him. Immense and fierce. You loved him so much it scared you to the point where you had to leave for your own sanity. “And suddenly it’ll just be me, and I’d rather it just be me on my own accord then for you to be taken away from me because you’ve burnt all your bridges to the point no one will want to save you!”

“We just needed some time apart, and haven't really found a way back yet.” Jake really did like to downplay what he unintentionally put you through. Simply because he wasn’t ready to stop being the best of the best. He knows that confirmed air to air kill was the final straw that broke you—he could have easily let it go, but he didn’t. Unnecessarily endangering himself for the thrill of the chase. “And she is a nice person—“ Huffing as he finished his push-ups, Jake groaned as he stood to his feet. Rooster doing the same, staring each other day. “Hug my wife like that again and I’ll break every goddamn bone in your body.”

“Ex wife—Hangman, she’s your ex wife.” Bradley snickered as he pushed his aviator sunglasses up the bridge of his nose with a wicked shit eating smirk. “Hawk can do whatever, and whoever she wants.” Without so much as a glint of hesitation Jake was shoving at Roosters chest. His nostrils flaring with every intent of beating to life out of Bradley Bradshaw for even insinuating such a concept. You were his fucking wife. His.

“Hey!! Hey—!” It was only when you had come out to ask Hondo when Pete would be finishing up that you saw the confrontation going down. Jogging over, you couldn't really move all that quickly with your dress shoes on. You preferred to wear your service uniform more often than not. The tan looked good and was rather comfortable all things considered. But as you raced towards where Jake and Bradley stood puffing their chest and flaring their nostrils like baboons? A small part of you wished you’d just taken Mavericks offer on a more comfortable flight suit. Some old baggy one from the back of his collection. “Hey! Knock it off!”

At the sound of your voice, the sweet sound of fire and grace, Jake's shoulders settled a little. His anger dissipated. Stepping back and away from rooster as you caught his attention, all of it. Approaching with a huff after running across the tarmac, you took a deep breath in, hands resting on your knees as you bent over dramatically. Heart rate higher then you would have liked it to have been.

“What the hell is going on? Huh?”

“Nothing Lieutenant Commander–” It wasn't hard to catch onto the tone Jake laced your title with. It had been the same way you had called him Lieutenant not a few hours prior. With a glare unmissable and a tight jaw clenched, you turned to Rooster who stood close by. Sending him a questioning look.

“Anything to add?” It wasn't something you took pleasure in, being authoritarian. You’d much rather just keep a low profile. But sometimes, pulling the rank card was the only thing you could do to get your point across, to remind people you were still a person to take seriously. “Lieutenant Bradshaw?”

“Not a word ma'am” Rooster played into it well, bouncing off Jake's ego a little too well. “We were just discussing independence, it seems as though some of us have forgotten that free will is a thing.” It did surprise you, not in the slightest bit. Of cause they were arguing over something stupid. It was always something stupid wasnt it.

“Rooster, why don't you take a walk.” You knew from your conversation with Hondo just minutes ago he was due to be up in the air in half an hour. “Cool off, clear your head or else Mav’s gonna send you packing.” You didn't give him a chance to respond as you turned on your heels, facing Hangman once again, eyes squinting as the sun beamed down, holding your hand up to shade your eyes. “Hangman–my office.”

“Yeah I think I’m good–” Shrugging you off Jake began to walk away, the group of stunned pilots, Phoenix, bob and Rooster all let their jaws slack a little at the confrontation unfolding. You may have been his ex wife but first and foremost in this moment you were his superior. To blatantly disrespect you like he did was unheard of behavior. Watching for a brief second as Jake pushed past you, his shoulder bumping into you as he did so.

“It wasn't a suggestion, Lieutenant!” Your voice strained as you raised it to something above what you were comfortable with. “My office, now!” Pausing his trajectory without so much as looking back, Jake changed the direction he was heading. Turning as he made his way to your office. Turning back to Rooster holding the bridge of your nose. “Don’t you have better things to be doing? I’m sure Lieutenant Kazanksy is around somewhere, go annoy her!”

***~***~***~***~***~

Slouched in one of the arm chairs by your desk, Jake watched as you stepped through the threshold of your office. Anger evident on your face as you stuck your tongue against your cheek. Seething. Slamming the door behind you without even flinching. It was needless to say it was very out of the ordinary for you to lose your cool like this, you would consider yourself to be a pretty easy going, level headed person. But when it came to all things Jake Seresin? Level headedness was always the first thing to go flying out the window.

“I'm sorry–”

“Cut the shit!” It stung like venom. Sitting on the edge of your desk as you ripped in. “You don't ever get to treat me with such disrespect, of all people who I thought would’ve been okay with taking a direct order, it would be you. Mr only naval aviator on active duty with a confirmed air to air kill.”

“I'm still getting used to the idea of you being a Commander, I slipped up, Ma’am.” Jake paused for a moment as his eyes trailed your body, biting his bottom lip gently as he pictures what might be hidden under your uniform. “I promise it won't happen again.”

“You know, I really do wonder what will be your last lie.” huffing softly in defeat you let your demeanor change. Dropping the attitude you hated having. You weren't an authoritative figure, you were simply just you. “But if you promise, I guess I'll just have to take your word won't I?” Nodding, Jake stood from his place in the chair near your desk, stepping closer as you pushed yourself a little further back on top of your desk. “What were you and Rooster really fighting about?” with your legs hanging over the side, Jake slipped in easily, one of your knees on either side of his left leg.

“You.” It came out with no hesitation as Jake let his hands linger along your hips.

“Me? I haven't done anything?” Realistically you hadn't. “How am I the problem here?”

“Please–I saw you and Bradshaw out the front of the Hard Deck.” Hangman wasn't willing to admit a lot of things, but there was one thing for sure. He was a very jealous man.

“You mean you saw me interacting with a friend, Jake you can't be serious.” Jake's grip on your hips got a little tighter as you dismissed his jealousy. Clenching his jaw as he looked at the ground. “You know we aren't together right? If I wanted to see other people I very well could.”

“Are you?” Jake finally met your gaze, his eyes just slightly glazed with what you could only describe as the beginning of tears. “Are you seeing anyone?” It was a heavier question than he ever thought it would be. To ask his wife, the love of his life if she was seeing someone new. Someone else besides him. “Because if you are, I'll respect it, just–just dont lie to me, that's all I ask.” His actions weren’t matching his words. Jake's hands slowly worked their way up your body, finding their home against your cheeks as he cupped your face in his hands. Softly, ever so gently caressing your cheeks with the pads of his thumbs. “I'll wanna beat the ever living shit out of whoever gets to call you theirs but i'll respect your decision.” it made you chuckle, you couldn't help it. Deciding to just come clean, with honesty and your heart on your sleeve. Pulling out your dog tags that hid under your uniform. Your wedding band looped around the silver ball chain.

“I'm not seeing anyone you idiot, but i'm not seeing you either.” Jake couldn't hold back his smirk, pressing his lips against yours as he held you close to him in the palms of his hands. Your lips soft against his as he deepening the kiss with every passing second. Tongues dancing like they'd done this on an endless loop before. You’d missed this. This feeling. The feeling of being loved. Being needed. But as always, it was forever fleeting. “Jake–”

“I know I know–” With his eyes closed and his forehead resting against yours, Jake Seresin for a moment had you in his grasp again. “Professionalism in the workplace.” Pulling away with a sigh, Jake let his hands drop to your knees. “But off the clock, dinner?”

“You asked me last night.” Reminding Jake as he stood in front of you, straddling your leg. His eyes widening at your attitude, placing a hand over his heart as if you'd shot him.

“You said no last night?” Yeah, you did do that didnt you? Oh well.

“Oh and you expect me to say yes now that you know i'm single?” It struck another raw nerve, but in the best way it possible could have as Jake kissed you once again. This time with more lust, with more passion. Harder and more fierce than before his teeth clashed against yours and his hand slightly wrapped around your throat. With just enough pressure to have your core paulse. Fuck.

“Your aren't single, you're married. To me! And I'm asking my wife to have dinner with me which is a very normal and socially acceptable thing to do.” You let him squirm for a moment, watching through hooded eyes as you decided if it would be a good idea or not to have dinner together. Deciding maybe throwing a dog a bone once in a while would be a good thing, what could possibly go wrong?

“Fine–”

***~***~***~***~***~

Five hours, twenty minutes and forty five seconds. That’s how long Jake Seresin had left before he’d be able to confidently stand at your door and pick you up for dinner. Although the Hard Deck was nothing special and would most likely be full of naval men and women all grabbing a bite to eat and a few drinks after a day's work. It was still special because it was with you.

“Sir, if I may?” You weren't the type of person to interrupt, you took orders accordingly and spoke when you were spoken to. “I have a concept I’d like to address—while we’re all here?” Waiting for a moment, you couldn’t help but to think Admiral Beau was about to reprimand you for interrupting the debrief. The mission parameters were so important for the pilots to understand, who the hell did you think you were interrupting.

“Make it quick—“ With his arms crossed, you let a small sigh of relief escape as you nodded softly. Handing Pete Mitchell your clipboard as you worked with the interactive map that lit up before the TopGun graduates.

Jake sat a little straighter in his chair, chewing his gum with a stare that saw directly into your soul. This was odd? You weren’t normally one to step out of line like this. You followed protocol to the fucking letter. Crossed all the T’s and dotted all the i’s. For you to interrupt during the middle of a debrief? Un fucking heard off.

“I’ve been up all night thinking this could be done better.” Your eyes were still bloodshot from all the ways you’d tried to go about this at different angle. Settling on the one you were about to present. “But, if this is the carrier and this is the airbase, and this is the target point.” Drawing a line from points A B and C with your index finger. “I propose we have the pilots fly directly from point A being the carrier to point C being the target.”

“We need the super hornets to fly over the airbase in order to disarm the enemy. Missiles will be dropped from a higher altitude—“

“What if we used something else to dismantle the enemy’s airfield, sir.”

“I’m assuming you already have an idea, Lieutenant Commander?” Maverick answered with a smirk, enjoying this just a little too much. Anyone who could twist Admiral Beaus' knickers in a knot was considered a friend. He liked you—for someone well reserved and on the quiet side you had balls.

“Tomahawks Sir, we can launch them directly from the carrier a minute or so after initial take off—giving the team the advantage of time.”

“I’m sorry—what did you say you actually do?” Fanboy didn’t mean for it to sound rude, he was just genuinely intrigued. “I think I missed the part where everyone was told what your role was.” Looking his way with a soft gaze, you tried your best to puff your chest a little. Knowing you were pretty good at your job.

“I’m an analyst—“

“A bloody good one at that.” Admiral Beau approached you from his seat at the back of the room, looking at your drawn up proposal on the interactive board. “Damn, this is—this is genius, a million dollar idea but still, genius.”

Jake couldn’t keep his eyes off of you. You were brilliant in every sense of the word. For a meeting he’d forgotten just how intelligent you truly were, how you managed to make an incredibly hard job so easy. Staring as you softly swayed side to side, accepting the praise you received from your superiors. Melting inside when your eyes met his. The smile, beaming just for you, his heart beating with such love and admiration. Admiring you from his seat in the front.

“Damn— tomahawks huh?” Jake walked with you out towards the tarmac, his first run through with the new flight path set and ready for about twenty minutes' time. Bumping your hip, his way of flirting. Bumping him back—your way of flirting. “You really think that’ll work?”

“I think it’s the safest option, unnecessary diversion from what’s essentially a straight shot just doesn’t make sense to me—“ Pausing your explanation when you noticed Jake smirking to himself. “What?”

“Nothing nothing!” He chuckled. “I just, I could listen to you all day, honestly but—how about you tell me in full detail over dinner tonight.” Jake beamed as he started jogging away, turning to run backwards as he waited for you to reply. Rooster zipping past with his helmet in his hand. Catching up to where your ex husband, Hangman stood.

Feeling overly vulnerable. You hugged yourself gently. Watching as Jake sent you a wink.

“Dinner! I’ll pick you up at seven!” It made you swoon. Trying to hide your smile as you shouted after him.

“Deal.”

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~

Tags: @justanothermagicalsara @alexsisrebekah @stinkyjax @starkleila

[bravevulnerability]

would you be open to writing more? whatever you want, if so!

A/N: I'm actually doing a rewatch of Castle with a friend right now. We're on season two and just watched 2x11 (The Fifth Bullet) last night, so...

Set during 2x13 (Sucker Punch).

-

“I’m scared. I mean, what if it doesn't work out? What if it does?”

“That's the cost of living.”

“I just don't want to ruin this.”

“This is dead. You are not. Time to start making some new memories."

- Martha Rodgers & Richard Castle, 2x11.

-

She hears the crack of his skull the second before the fire of her gun, the crackle of her bullet, echoes through the air.

Castle staggers to the precinct floor, cradling the back of his head. Beckett is rooted to the spot, her shoulders tight, hands steady, heart pounding. But then he is falling, her sidekick - no, partner - collapsing beside Coonan's bloodied body, and she forces the grief back down her throat.

For a split second, she hesitates. Maybe... maybe she could keep focus her attention on keeping Coonan alive. But deep down, she knows. She knows her shot was dead center, she knows he's gone. And Castle is down.

"Castle!" she calls, holstering her gun and racing to his side, stepping over Coonan's dead body.

He's slumped against the wall, eyes closed, out cold. Her hands brace at his shoulders, steadying him as his body drifts sideways against the wall.

"Hey, Castle," she murmurs softer, an ice cold trickle of fear slivering down her back. Did he really hit Coonan that hard? Hard enough to knock himself out? "I need a bus!"

"Already on the way, Beckett."

Esposito and Ryan are at her side, Montgomery with two fingers to Coonan's neck. She doesn't let herself look long enough to see what she already knows, to watch the shake of her captain's head.

-

She sits at his bedside in the hospital. The doctor is betting on a concussion, but isn't able to make any firm conclusions until Castle is conscious again.

His mother and daughter met her at the hospital, fluttering in and out of the room like anxious birds. She abused her badge to gain access for the three of them to his room, to stay long past visiting hours. Alexis sleeps on the couch on the other side of the room now, his mother already having returned to the loft to retrieve a fresh pair of clothes for Castle.

"Are you okay, kiddo?" Martha had asked her, her voice quiet so not to wake Alexis.

"Yeah, Martha. I'm fine," she assured the other woman, forcing a smile to cross her lips.

Martha only frowned at her in return. "He's going to be okay, Katherine. I know my boy," she promised Kate with so much conviction, she wanted to believe her. "And when he sees you sitting there, he'll be even better than."

Martha had left the room with a wink, but Beckett couldn't adopt such hope. Her guilt was too busy dragging her heart down into the pit of her stomach.

It's late when his eyes flutter open, a flash of blue in the still darkness. She sits forward immediately, resisting the strange urge to grab his hand, cradle his palm in hers.

"Hey there, Chuck Norris, "she murmurs, earning the shift of his attention, the slight dip of his brow. "How's your head feeling?"

"Hurts," he rasps, wincing.

"I'm sorry," she sighs, reaching for the water beside his hospital bed. She positions the straw at his lips, watching him sip gratefully.

"Thank you," he hums, relaxing back into the pillow, but his eyes remain intense on her. "Where are we?"

"Hospital. The doctor's going to examine you again now that you're awake, but he thinks it's likely just a concussion that should heal without much issue."

"Concussion?" he echoes, confusion tugging at the corners of his mouth. "How?"

"I... you don't remember?" she asks gently. "Coonan, the precinct, the-"

"I don't remember," he interrupts with a deep frown. "I don't remember anything."

-

"Retrograde amnesia," the doctor announces. "The bump to his head, paired with the trauma of the situation... it's rare, but it happens."

Kate sits solemnly beside his mother and daughter, her hands knotted tightly together in her lap. Castle is dressed and perched on the edge of his hospital bed, his foot tapping nervously. He keeps looking at her, as if he's seeking her out.

She keeps her gaze on her knees.

"But it's not permanent, right?" Alexis inquires. "He can get his memory back?"

"It's a complex condition," the older man delivers gently. "He may have all of his memories back by tomorrow, he may never remember anything of his past ever again, or he may fall anywhere in between. It's impossible to tell. I'm so sorry."

Martha utters a soft cry of concern, Alexis grips her father's hand, murmuring reassurances at his side.

Kate stands from the plastic chair. "What can we do to make this as smooth on him as possible?"

"Not too much too soon, but it's okay to nudge reminders his way. Having his family here is a good first step," the doctor nods.

"My family," Castle speaks up, earning the attention of the room. "I know you're my mother and daughter." He nods to Martha and then Alexis, and then his eyes are settling on her once more. "And you... are my wife?"

Kate blinks before abruptly shaking her head. "No, no, we - we work together."

"What do we do?" he inquires, tilting his head in curiosity.

"Well, I'm a homicide detective-"

"I'm a cop?"

"No, you're a writer," she corrects with a twitch of her lips, but this only confuses him further.

"Then what am I doing with a cop?"

"Dad, it's kind of a long story," Alexis chimes in, shooting Beckett a nervous smile.

"But - but you and me?" He rises from the hospital bed, approaching Beckett slowly. "We're together?"

"Work together," she says carefully, but his face scrunches.

"No way," he murmurs, almost to himself, as if he's trying to work out the equation on his own. "If we're not together, we want to be?"

Her throat spasms with panic. C'mon Castle, no. Not in front of his mom and his kid.

"No, we're - we're just friends, Castle."

"Castle?" he repeats, testing the surname in his mouth. "Richard Castle? Weird name."

"No, not weird," she sighs, risking a step towards him. "It's the name of a best-selling author, who is a great asset to a homicide department of the NYPD."

The first true glimpse of him - the smile, the ripple of bright blue in his eyes - flickers before her.

"Why don't you go back to the loft with your mother, with Alexis, and see if anything sparks," she suggests, catching his daughter's eye over his shoulder.

Alexis nods eagerly. "Yeah, Dad. I think it's a great place to start. We can take a literal walk down memory lane."

Her heart eases ever so slightly when he glances to his daughter with the warmest of smiles. Somehow she knows that the large part of his brain dedicated to Alexis will return, unfurling like muscle memory through his mind.

Alexis loops her arm through his, guiding him out of the hospital room while the doctor hands Martha a stack of papers summarizing Castle's visit. They all exit the building together, prepared to go separate ways on the sidewalk, when Castle makes a sound of protest.

"Hey - I didn't get your name," he calls to her.

Something in her chest stings.

"Beckett. Kate," she adds, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Kate," he murmurs, affection, familiarity, and heat infused into the single syllable of her name. "I'll see you soon?"

"It would probably be good for him to see the Twelfth sometime," Martha quips, the smirk on his mother's lips subtle but there. "He practically spends half his time there."

"Twelfth?"

"The precinct. That's where you work with Detective Beckett, Dad," Alexis fills in, her arm still twined protectively through his.

"Oh." Castle's eyes flick back to Kate. "Until tomorrow?"

Her heart stumbles stupidly, just like it did the first time he said those words to her, the useless muscle tripping on hope.

"Yeah, Castle." She offers him the smallest hint of a smile. "See you tomorrow."

-

When Castle arrives at the precinct the next morning, it's with Alexis in tow. Everyone greets him like a hero, but he looks around clueless, a helpless attempt at a smile on his lips while his daughter guides him through the crowd of uniforms.

When he sees her across the bullpen, his eyes light up.

Her stomach turns. She doesn't know how to do this, to... to have him looking at her like that, all unguarded and vulnerable.

"Alexis walked me through my usual morning," he explains once he reaches her desk. His daughter is a few steps behind, talking with Ryan and Esposito, her red hair in a tight braid that sways as she nods along to whatever the boys are saying.

"That's good, Castle. Is it helping?"

"Not yet, but I'm hopeful," he shrugs, shoving hands into his pockets. "Do you ever call me by my first name?"

Beckett glances up from the paperwork scattered on her desk, the files she's failed to focus on since she arrived at five this morning.

"Sometimes," she muses. "It's nothing personal, just cop talk to use surnames."

"Beckett," he says. Testing it out, she realizes. "So do I only call you Kate at home?"

She forces her expression to remain neutral.

Home?

"Castle, we don't really see each other outside the precinct very often," she delivers carefully, watching his face fall.

"Ever?"

"I can't imagine how confusing this must be," she murmurs, shifting from her chair to move around her desk, move a little closer to him. Solely for the sake of keeping their conversation private. "But you and I... we're friends, partners, but not - not more."

His hand scrapes through his finely combed hair, the corners of his eyes settling into troubled lines.

"I just - I swore when I woke up this morning, you were supposed to be next to me."

Her lips part, surprise blooming on her tongue along with something else, something sweet.

"Dad?" Alexis saves her from having to answer. "I've got to get to class, but I'll be back for lunch."

"Don't worry, Pumpkin. I'll be-"

Alexis grabs his arm, her blue eyes wide. "What'd you just call me?"

Castle looks absolutely panicked. "P-pumpkin? I'm sorry, it just... came out."

"That's fantastic!" Alexis squeals, throwing her arms around his neck. "That means your memory must still be in there."

Castle hugs his daughter back, firm and relieved, his gaze flickering back to Kate with delight. So proud of himself.

"Must be," he grins.

-

His first day consists of nothing more than sitting in the chair beside Kate Beckett's desk, stealing longing glances at the woman he's convinced must have been his wife in another life. He obviously isn't sure of much right now, but for some reason, he feels certain of this.

He asks her questions about their time together, about their first meeting, the cases they've worked on together.

His brow furrows when she says they took a break over the last summer, but she bristles when he asks her why.

"I want to help, Castle, but I don't want to give you a biased history lesson," she explains. "The doctor said it's best if the memories are able to come back on their own."

He huffs at the response, but doesn't argue.

The days that follow are a lot of the same - he wakes up, has breakfast with his mother and daughter, walks with Alexis to school and then he makes his way to the Twelfth precinct to be with Kate.

It isn't until the third day that he has his first burst of memory. A burst that leads to an explosion.

Alexis.

She comes back so fast and strong, from the moment she came into his life until the day of the accident. She nearly cries when he tells her that morning, arms latched around his neck as he spins her around in the kitchen.

Bits and pieces of his mother come back next, patchy memories of his childhood, his teen years, his dream come true of becoming a bestselling author. It's all trickling back in like a stream to the river of his mind.

Everything, except for her.

It's been nearly a week and he still can't remember Kate.

"What's your memory of the day, Castle?" she asks him when he finds her in the break room that morning, fiddling with an expensive looking espresso machine.

"A book tour in Europe," he muses, approaching her with an eyebrow raised. Beckett scowls at the frother that hisses at her in return. "You're cute when you're angry."

She pierces him with a glare.

"But not with me," he mutters, coming up beside her and shooing her out of the way. "Here."

Without thinking, he prepares a latte for her, adding the two pumps of vanilla, just how she...

Glimpses of mornings spent with her - on sidewalks, parks, apartments all over the city - squeeze into his brain, pushing through the blank spaces like dripping water through cracks.

"Kate," he exhales, turning to find matching wonder in her gaze. "I bring you coffee."

She pins her bottom lip between her teeth, hazel eyes sparkling near green for him.

"Usually when we meet at crime scenes, but... but I bought this." He glances back to the espresso steaming into the waiting mug. "So you could always have good coffee here."

"Yeah," she exhales, but she's smiling at him. "You did make it a habit over the past year."

"Because it makes you smile," he adds, softer now, because part of him knows that the old him never shared this with her. But he doesn't try to stop the words. "And I love your smile."

That smile he loves so much doesn't exactly leave her face, but it falters, waning across her lips.

"I'm going to remember you," he promises - her or himself, he isn't sure.

"I'm sure you will," she answers quietly, something like sorrow bleeding into her gaze. "And when you remember everything, Rick - when you remember how you ended up in this mess, maybe you'll wish you could forget."

-

Kate avoids him for the rest of the day and he lets her, lets her have her space. He's learned enough to know that pushing her doesn't usually work in his favor.

He follows around Ryan and Esposito instead, squeezing out information, gaining small glimpses of the boys he once knew. He remembers Ryan's favorite tie, the video game Esposito's been trying to find time to play for the last two weeks - random tidbits he's grateful for. They're like little seeds and he knows if he just keeps tending to them, they'll grow.

He's not as patient with his memories of Beckett.

Esposito spills first.

"I'm only telling you this because if you get some random burst of memory in front of Beckett, you're gonna bust us both," he mutters, rubbing a hand over his jaw. "Beckett's mom was murdered, it's why she became a cop. Long story short, I let you see the file, you put your nose where it didn't belong and got involved, tried to bring your money into it to solve the case. It's how you ended up with amnesia and she ended up with another dead end."

It was my mother, not my father.

This is for the life that I saved, and this is for the life that I lost.

The crumpled woman in the alley, the stab wounds in her abdomen, the expert showing him the patterns of wounds on a dead woman's body.

You don't back down. That's what makes you extraordinary.

What if I let her down?

I didn't think you were arrogant, Castle. I thought what you did was sweet.

"Hey, hey, Castle? Are you okay, bro?"

His head is pounding. His body is sinking.

"Rick."

His eyes snap open to find Kate Beckett kneeling before him. He's on the floor, knees pulled to his chest, head cradled between the hard press of his palms.

The touch of her fingers to his arm is so careful, so comforting. He wants to tug her into his arms, bury his face in her neck, let the fantasy that's been running wild in his head since he woke up and saw her be real.

"Let me take you home."

-

He remembers her mother's case. Not everything, but the bones of it.

"I need you to let this go for tonight," she tells him. They're sitting in her cruiser outside of his loft. Hearing the flashes of his memories, the ones that spread through his brain like a decimating wildfire at the precinct, has a terrible mixture of resentment and guilt swirling through her insides.

She wants to hate him all over again for unearthing this to begin with, but she can't. She can't, because she's always known this was inevitable. A year of therapy could only keep her away from her mom's case for so long.

"You're angry with me."

"No, I'm not," she sighs, but she can't look at him. "I'm angry with myself, with the guy who killed with my mom, with the whole situation."

"But Kate-"

"But your memory - it's delicate. No more ambushing people for information."

She tears her eyes away from the window, the darkening skyline. Storm clouds roam the horizon, merging with the cloak of night.

He looks so sad in the passenger seat, his eyes down, head low. So many of his memories have come back to him, and yet his heart still looks so broken.

"And, I'm only going to say this once, but I need you to know something."

That earns the reluctant lift of his gaze, his attention.

"I have a hard job, Castle, and having you around makes it a little more fun," she admits, some of the ache of earlier draining away at the twitch of his lips. "So I need you to focus on getting better, on remembering me because - I want my partner back."

The smile he gives her has her leaning her head back against the seat, smiling back at him like an idiot.

"Your secret's safe with me, Kate."

His hand is reaching across the space between them, stealing hers, and she lets him have it.

-

The banging on her door has her jerking awake and reaching for her gun, but then she hears the familiar yet urgent calling of her name.

"Beckett! Beckett! Please be awake!"

She growls and hurries out of her bed, to her front door, before he can wake all of her neighbors.

She yanks the door open to see his fist raised and ready for another series of knocks. He's dripping wet, hair drenched and clothes soaked.

She notices then that it's raining outside, storming if the sound of the downpour and the rumble of thunder is any indication. And he's in nothing more than a t-shirt, flannel pajama pants, and a coat that's flapping open.

"Castle, what the hell are you doing?" she hisses, dragging him inside by his raised arm.

"Kate, Kate, I'm so sorry," he breathes, his chest falling heavy and fast, his teeth chattering. "I've been going through my files, trying to jog more memories and I - I found the file, my notes, all of it. The one on your mother, the one with the guy who I knocked out, who you had to-"

"Castle," she quiets him, reaching for the panicked, rain stricken face before her. God, he's freezing. "Hey, look at me - breathe."

"No, Kate, it's all my fault," he rasps, holding to her wrists, thumbs pressing at the points of her pulse. "I started all of this. And now your lead is dead and it's because of me-"

"If it wasn't for you, I would have never found my mom's killer," she cuts him off, wiping some of the moisture from his cheeks with the swipe of her thumbs.

The heaving of his chest slows, the anguish in his eyes dimming, calming.

She's never been this close to him before, able to feel the exhale of his cool breath on her lips. She should take a step back, slip her hands from his grasp, create some much needed distance between them.

But the way this version of Castle looks at her, so open and needful, so unabashed in his desire to be near her... it has her body canting towards him, her carefully crafted resistance waning.

"Was I angry at you when you opened this? Yes. But I know why you did it, okay? I know you care, and I appreciate you for it."

"I'm still sorry," he whispers, staring down at her. Raindrops from his hair drip down the slope of his nose, fall to the inches of hardwood between their feet. "I'm sorry it hurt you. I'm so sorry-"

"Shh, no more," she says, gentle but firm. "No more being sorry."

Castle sighs, resting the weight of his cheek into one of her palms, the edge of his lips grazing her skin.

"Thank you."

She nods, touching one of her thumbs to the dip in his chin.

"Did you run all the way here to tell me this, Castle?"

"I couldn't sleep anyway," he shrugs, still holding to the slim bones of her wrists. "I'm up every night, trying to remember more. Remember you."

Her gaze flicks back to his, the blue in his eyes shifting, storming like the clouds outside.

"You remember enough," she tries to placate him. "You've remembered cases, my coffee, the first time we met-"

"The details," he murmurs. "I want every detail back. I read the first Nikki Heat book."

She swallows hard, lowers her eyes to the fabric of his t-shirt plastered to his chest.

"I want to remember what I was thinking when I wrote the dedication, those interrogation scenes, page 105-"

"Stop," she whispers, but her heart is stuttering unevenly in her chest, bumping against ribs and making her feel unsteady.

"I want to remember the moment I knew I wanted more with you," he breathes.

"More?" she echoes, letting his hands glide along her arms, cupping her elbows, trailing her triceps, cradling her shoulders.

"Kate." He leans in, forehead bumping against hers. "When I woke up, I saw you."

Her body sways into his without her permission.

"And I knew it would be okay."

She shakes her head, but he's nudging his nose against hers, lips glancing over hers with such tentativeness.

"Rick."

"When you're not around, everything feels wrong."

She barely has to arch onto her toes to kiss him, barely has to lean forward to finally seal her lips to his. Castle moans softly, as if in relief, as he kisses her back, his arms wrapping around her.

She shivers when the cold, wet front of his body presses against hers, but the chill fails to stop her from rising into him, from hooking her arms around his neck, fingers in his hair.

His mouth is a caress over hers, his tongue reverent as it slips past the seam of her lips.

She's always known he would be good at this, that they would combust from chemistry the moment she finally allowed it, but she didn't prepare for the trembling need in her bones, the rabbitting of her heart, the slam of the door at his back.

"Has it - always been like this?" he gasps, the heat of his breath fanning across her lips.

"Like what?" she murmurs, feathering her fingers at the still healing bump at the base of his skull, tracing her other hand down his side, feeling the quick rise and fall of his ribcage.

"The wanting," he mumbles, sucking her bottom lip between his teeth. Kate hums, kissing him back and slipping a hand beneath the sopping fabric of his shirt. "I don't need to remember to know," he gets out, staining his lips to her jaw, searing along her bone. "I never wanted anyone like this."

He doesn't stop her from shoving the coat from his shoulders, the t-shirt over his head, letting it all hit the ground with a wet slap. He fists his hands in her oversized t-shirt, knuckles brushing the naked skin of her thighs, snagging in the lace at her hips.

Kate mewls against the nip of his teeth, dragging him from the door with her hands at his nape, walking backwards in the direction of her room.

"Me neither," she confesses into his mouth, finding that she believes it too. "It's always felt like this with us."

They stumble into her bedroom, but he's gentle as he lowers her onto the mattress, moves his body over hers, and kisses her like he wants to press every memory into her.

-

She gasps awake, her room still heavy with darkness, the storm still raging outside.

Her back is slick with sweat from that damn dream she's had every night since she shot Dick Coonan, since Castle lost his memories, since everything changed so brutally.

"Bad dream?"

Kate shifts in the sheets, finds him propped up on an elbow, watching her. Rain still spatters against the window across her room, painting splotches of moonlight and streaks of lightning across his skin. Rolling onto her back, she studies the bare expanse of his chest, the ruffled state of his hair, the clear sea of his eyes on her.

"Yeah," she murmurs, but her hand rises for his jaw, caressing the line of his throat with her fingers. "You?"

"No, just don't want to sleep."

Her fingers twine absentmindedly with the baby fine hairs at the base of his skull. "Why not? Afraid you might forget something?"

"Oh no," he grins, eyes sparking mischievously. "You were right, Kate. I had no idea."

Her lips part to make a remark when realization dawns on her.

"You remember that?"

"And a few other things," he teases, but he's smiling wide at her now, causing her heart to skip a few beats. "Not everything is there yet, still some blank spaces and pieces I can't unscramble yet, but... I'm pretty sure I remember the important parts."

She grins and snakes her arms around his neck, pulling herself up to meet him. His chest shakes with laughter against hers and then he's burying his face in her neck, kissing her shoulder.

"Even if I didn't-"

"We'd just make new ones, Castle," she promises him, drawing back and dragging him down with her when she lowers herself back to the mattress, his body draping warm and firm over hers. "I like our..."

"Story," he supplies for her, brushing stray strands of hair from her face.

"Our story," she chuckles. "But I could let go of a few pages if I can have this chapter."

"Ooh, Beckett," he grins, craning his neck to kiss her. "I didn't think you could get any hotter, but please keep using literary metaphors in bed."

She's laughing into his mouth, tangling her legs with his under the sheets.

"Wait," he gasps, tearing away from her. "I gotta ask-"

She arches an eyebrow impatiently.

"Remy's, tomorrow? I don't have a memory of us going on a first date."

Heat is radiating from his skin, his fingers twirling in her hair, and it scares the shit out of her, how much she likes him. How possible it could be to love him. She doesn't know if they would have ended up this way without the events of the last few days, but to resist it would be like fighting the tide. And she's rather enjoyed being swept up in him.

Maybe the fear is worth it, for the chance of loving him, letting him love her.

Her hands cradle his cheeks and she arches her neck to kiss him, slow and long and with desperation in the stroke of her tongue.

Castle moans and presses down, slotting into place against her.

"Yes," she breathes, stroking the bones of his cheek, letting her words caress his lips. "I'll make new memories with you, Rick."

[subskz]

hi ms. rin!! long time no see ☺️

i was always reading your works & all your amazing posts but i realize today it was a long time since i sent an ask >< i hope you’re doing great!

i wanted to ask if you’re still writing the childhood friends to lovers with lee know? ever since butterfly bandage i was craving to read another longfic from you cause you write so beautifully :< & with minho being my bias i think i’ll die if you make a story for him..! not to pressure you of course 💕

-🧸

hello hello omg it really has been a while!! it’s so nice to see you again my dear i hope you’ve been doing well and taking care since we last spoke ♡

you’re too kind thank u so much for your lovely words!! it’s so sweet that u even remember i was writing that lino fic i’m really glad you’re looking forward to it 😭 it’s still very much a wip so i’m not exactly sure when it’ll be out, but i work on it all the time! here’s a few lil sneak peeks just for u hehe

also please note that a lot of this is subject to change since i’m still working on it 😽 these snippets are still a bit barebones

ᓚᘏᗢ — snippet 1

You stared at the crumpled nest; abandoned, with what was left of it quickly being carried away by the wind. Straw by straw. You felt like crying.

Don’t be so sensitive. You told yourself. It's just a stupid bird.

“Wow,” a familiar voice, soft and brusque and not sounding very wowed at all, came from behind you. “That’s amazing, isn’t it?”

You lifted your head, whipping around to find its source. Not that you really needed to, anyway. You knew that voice better than your own, by now.

“Huh?”

“They were just babies, but they already flew away.” Minho crouched down next to you to examine the remains of the fallen nest. His small fingers brushed over it, so delicately that the grass barely shifted under his touch. “Like they know exactly where they’re supposed to go.”

You rested your hands on your knees, unconvinced, refusing to look at him. Your eyes were stinging. You didn’t want him to think you were dramatic. You didn’t want him to make fun of you. He’d put just as much care into looking after them, if not more. He’d stayed with them even longer than you had. How could he be so accepting of it?

“Birds are so cool,” he continued. A gentle breeze ruffled your hair, like it was summoned by his airy lilt. “They can go wherever they want.”

“Why do they have to go?” you muttered.

“Cause the world’s so big, dummy,” he said it like common knowledge, like he’d consulted the birds himself. “And they’re so small. So they gotta start seeing it early before they die.”

You puffed out a half-hearted laugh.

“You’re like a bird,” you decided.

“Mm?”

“You do what you wanna and go where you wanna.”

“I can’t be a bird,” Minho sniffed. “They fly too high. I'm more like a cat, ‘cause no matter where they go, they always know how to find their way home.”

“Like Soonie,” you said.

“Like Soonie,” he agreed. “Remember when he was gone for three days? But then he showed up again like nothing happened?”

“You cried a lot,” you giggled.

Minho huffed, looking away. “I knew he’d come back.” 

It had been one of the only times you’d ever seen him cry in your four years of friendship. He might’ve completely denied crying altogether if the subject were anything other than his beloved cat. His little brother.

“So you’ll always come back, too? Like Soonie?”

“Yeah,” he replied. “I'm gonna be here ‘til I'm at least 100, or else someone will take our spot under the maple tree.”

ᓚᘏᗢ — snippet 2

Minho’s hand reached for yours. It was shaking.

“If you're scared, I can stay with you,” he offered. You could tell he was trying to sound casual, but there was an undeniable tremor there. Not breezy, not carefree; thick and heavy with apprehension. It weighed down your conscience. “It’ll be embarrassing if you’re the only one in class left behind, right?”

You remembered how he’d reacted when you traveled up to the mountains last summer, how he’d turned away from the window when the car drove along the edge of the road, with nothing but a flimsy, rusting metal barrier standing between you and several thousand foot fall. You remembered how much trouble he’d had walking straight when you first arrived at the campsite, strangely quiet, muttering to himself about how high up it was. It was too high, the air was too thin, the world was too far away. 

Those were the issues, of course. The issue certainly wasn’t that he was terrified out of his mind. A cat stuck in a tree, longing to accept help without sacrificing his pride. Unsure whether to hiss at whoever came near, or leap into their arms. He’d grabbed your hand the exact same way, back then. 

“Okay,” you replied.

He perked up, features flashing with a hopefulness that was almost enough to break your facade. 

“Hm?”

It would’ve been so easy in that moment, to tease him. To call him out, gain the upper hand on him for once in six years. But looking at those eyes—round and bright and gleaming under his glasses with an innocence that effectively wiped away every annoying thing he’d ever done from your memory, you just couldn’t bring yourself to. 

“Let’s skip the rollercoaster,” you said plainly. “I’m scared.”

You weren’t, strangely enough. You wondered if Minho knew that. Of the two of you, he was undoubtedly the risk taker. His mind was too capricious to not explore every possibility there was, to not absorb everything the world had to offer until he found himself in it. It was almost exhilarating for you, to be the adventurous one, for a change. To be the one who didn’t hold yourself back.

You wanted to be bold. You wanted to be fearless. You wanted to impress him. 

But more than any of that, you wanted to stay with him. You didn’t want him to sit alone on the amusement park bench, watching his classmates have fun without him as he fumbled with the wrapping of a snack he couldn’t eat, because the anxiety had made his stomach hurt. 

“Seriously,” his grin was weak, but as he laced your fingers together properly, you could feel the quiver in his hand begin to calm. “What would you do without me?”

You simply grunted, allowing him to tug you along to the bench. You didn’t want to think about it. It was playful, not really seeking a response, but that didn’t stop his question from lingering in the back of your mind. Like a part of you knew that, sooner or later, you’d have no choice but to find the answer.

[evan4ever]

Hi, please could I request an angst story about Frat Kyle x fem reader where he opens up to her and vents about his mom? thank you.

Don’t Let Me Fool You

Kyle Spencer x reader

Warnings: angst, talk about Kyle Spencer’s mom in little detail so slight hint of SA from a parent, just a sad fic for our baby Kyle

—

You gave yourself one last look in the mirror, sliding your hands over the cute dress you had picked out to wear for the party that one of your friends, Kyle, had invited you to. You went kind above and beyond to look cute, hoping to catch Kyle’s attention in a more-that-friends kind of way. You couldn’t deny that you had feelings for him, but he was so busy with his frat and college that you couldn’t ever read him, you couldn’t tell if he felt the same or not. You had high hopes that tonight, maybe he’d see you and that was all it would take.

Deciding you liked your look, you left your bedroom and walked down the academy stairs where Madison stood waiting at the bottom, arms crossed and a dissatisfied look on her face. “Took you long enough. Is that… what you’re wearing?” You instantly looked down at your dress, it was simple, black and off the shoulder long sleeve. It hugged your curves nicely, though now you were second guessing yourself at Madison’s comment.

You cleared your throat and nodded, her only scoffing lightly and nodding to the door where she began walking to. “Let’s go. We’re already late. There’s a fine line between fashionably late and just late, we’re close to that line.”

You rolled your eyes but followed behind her, getting inside the front seat of her vehicle and bucking your seatbelt while she didn’t bother to, only starting the car and heading to the party. You were always annoyed at how invincible she thought she was, because yes Madison — your tiny fragile body could absolutely withstand a couple thousand pound vehicle clashing in you. Your eyes rolled again at the thought but stayed silent for the drive. You just wanted to see Kyle, that was where your focus was.

You exited the vehicle as soon as she parked it and began for the door hearing her call after you but choosing to ignore her and make your way inside the large, loud, people filled house. You slipped past the crowds of talking people while your eyes continued scanning each group and each passing person for Kyle. Now I’m the middle of the living room and still not seeing him, to decided a drink would be nice, hopefully tend to your nerves. You made a straight shot for the table full of liquor beer and other soft drinks to mix them with, deciding on a simple vodka cran and began pouring yourself your chosen drink, not realizing the outline of the body now next to you.

“Don’t you wanna mix it up sometimes?” You jumped as you felt them talk into your ear so you could hear them, quickly turning and letting out a sigh of relief when you noticed it was Kyle. “Sorry! Didn’t mean to scare you.” He smiled putting his hands up in defense.

You were quick to return a smile and shook your head. “I love vodka crans” you shouted over the music. His smile only grew, nodding at your statement.

“Yeah they’re good, but have you tasted crown and sprite?” He encouraged as he began pouring himself a drink of what he had just said. You watched, smiling more to yourself than him, as he finished making his drink and sticking two small straws in. Your eyebrows shot up as he moved the drink to you, offering a taste. “Come on! I promise they’re good. I’d never lie to you.”

You gazed at him a moment before giving in and taking a straw in your mouth, sipping on the drink that happened to be delicious. You looked at him in amazement and he nodded proudly. You weren’t a huge drinker so you never really knew what was good and what wasn’t, something you had shared with Kyle who always insisted on you trying his to introduce you to a “whole new world” as he put it.

“That is really good!” You shouted as he brought the drink to his mouth and took his own sip, still nodding.

“Told ya. Can’t go wrong with crown.” He grinned, your head shaking at his goofiness. He was always so happy and positive, something you really enjoyed about him. “Come on! Let’s go find somewhere that’s not so loud?” He suggested and you happily obliged and followed him through the house closely in order to not lose sight of him among the many people. You had no idea where he was taking you, but you didn’t care. Anywhere with him is where you wanted to be.

He led you up the stairs where another less crowded living room was. Only the muffled sound of the music playing downstairs was heard and slight chatter among the maybe 3 other small groups that stood somewhere in the room. You already felt better and less overwhelmed and Kyle sensed your new, less tense state. He plopped himself down on the sectional couch immediately patting the spot next to him. Your cheeks quickly heated up at the gesture but you turned and sat before he could notice.

“These parties can get pretty crazy” he admitted, setting his drink on the side table. You nodded agreeing, taking a quick large sip from your cup before handing it to him to set next to his

“Yeah, I’m definitely not used to it.” You chuckled, tucking your hair behind your ears and looking around the room while Kyle watched you with a content grin.

“I’m glad you could make it. I was getting worried you were gonna bail on me.” He raised his eyebrows, nudging your side playfully. You giggled lightly and nudged his arm away playfully in return.

“I’d never bail on you!” You squeaked, acting offended he’d ever say such a thing. His hands shot up once again in defense before dropping and shooting you a happy smile. You tilted your head so you could see him better, returning the smile. “Promise you can always count on me.”

His smile dropped slightly at your words and you wondered if you said something wrong, clearing your throat and looking away from him. “I mean.. I just..” you began stuttering for a way to save yourself wondering what you should’ve said instead. “You know, as your friend. You can always count on me.” You nodded finally looking back at him as you practically friendzoned yourself. His eyes were staring at your shoulder, eye furrowed deep in a seemingly frustrating thought. You quickly furrowed your own in concern, lowering your head to meet his eyes in an attempt to bring him back to earth. “Are you alright?” You whispered out. “I mean… did I say something wrong?” You finally asked.

His eyes flickered from your shoulder to meet your own eyes and his eyebrows shot up as he realized he had zoned out for a moment, quickly shaking his head. “No. No! Not at all” he grinned again and you took a breath in and let it out in a relieved sigh. “Sorry. I was just thinking. I have a lot going on at home.. right now.” He cleared his throat looking away from you and grabbing his drink, taking a sip from the side rather than straws, and chugging it rather than a sip. Once it was empty, he sat it back down and let out a chuckle.

You only watched with wide eyes as he finished his what was once full drink in one go, now wondering what was heavy on his mind. You had a mental argument with yourself on whether you should ask or not, worrying he’d feel uncomfortable but worrying about his own well-being.

“Are you.. is everything.. okay?” You stuttered your sentences again but held the question firmly, gazing at him while his face scrunched up and softened before smiling again.

“Yeah yeah. No everything’s fine. Great, really.” He nodded answering your question, though very unconvincing. He was no longer meeting your eyes and you couldn’t take yours off him.

“Kyle..” you sighed quietly, “hey, you can talk to me. Really. If you want. I’m here for you.” You assured him, urging him to continue if he wanted. His body tensed up at your words and you watched as he looked around scanning the few people in the room, your eyes following his in wonder.

“Not here” he sighed out, standing up and turning to you, extending a hand to help you up. You took it and he pulled you from the couch, handing you your drink and giving you a weak, noticeable nervous smile. You decided to stay silent and let him lead you where he wanted, wanting him ti be comfortable if he decided he wanted to open up to you.

He led you down the hall and into a bedroom, closing the door and locking it. Your eyebrows furrowed at the action now getting a little nervous yourself. Not at Kyle’s intentions with you but about what was on his mind that was so big that he wanted not a single soul to hear him when he told you. You stood off to the side and only kept your curious eyes on him while he leaned against the door, his eyes closed and head up towards the ceiling. He opened them a moment later and let his head fall to the side to look at you, sending you a tight lipped smile.

“I uh, I don’t know how.. I mean.. we should sit.” He pushed himself from the door and sat on the nicely made bed, you following and sitting next to him and resting your hands on your thighs, looking down at them waiting for him to start. He let out a breathless chuckle, your head turning to him and your eyes landing on his face while he looked around the room. “You probably don’t need to know this and I’d really hate to put a weight on your shoulders.” He nodded, avoiding your gaze.

“Hey.. I meant what I said back there.” Your hand reached out of instinct and rested on one of his, his eyes falling on them and holding his gaze there. “You can tell me anything. I’m here for you Kyle.” When he said nothing and you could see how nervous, scared even, he was, it only worried you further. “Please, talk to me?”

He blinked a few times to keep his tears back, finally letting out a forced cough and looking away from your hands and to the window. You stayed quiet allowing him to collect and ready himself to open up. He knew he was about to tell you the biggest secret of his life, not necessarily his, but his moms that he had to keep. It scared him to think of how you might react, but he trusted you, and he trusted that you were there for him like you had said.

“My mom…” he lets out an awkward cough again and clears his throat, “my mom does things…” he turned his face towards you, his eyes meeting yours. You instantly realized he was holding back tears and quickly moved towards him, taking him into your arms, him allowing himself to fall into your embrace and wrapping his own arms around you, his head falling into the crook of your neck. You held so much worry at this moment that whatever you decided to do you didn’t question. You knew he needed you, and he needed this. “She does things to me.” He finished his sentence and you immediately tended up at his confession, your stomach turning with the realization of what he’s meaning and making you want to throw up, though you contained yourself and held him tighter instead while your mind replayed the words he said over again in your mind. Your eyes settled on the dresser as you sat holding him and wondering how to comfort him correctly.

You heard him sniffle and shake his head against your neck.

“She.. she does whatever she wants to me and I can’t stop her.” He let out a loud uncontrolled sob, now pulling away from you. You quickly grabbed his face before he could move too far and made him look at you, not hiding the concern and worry your face held.

“Kyle…” you breathed out and shook your head. “Kyle no, no you can stop her. You can. You don’t have to allow her to do anything to you.”

“I can’t.” He shook his head and pulled away from you, standing and pacing back and forth in the room, his hands running through his hair while you sat and watched. “I can’t. She’s.. shes my mom you know?” He laughed harshly at his own words. “She loves me and I would hurt her if I made her stop. I just let her do it and wait for it to be over. I’m not a bad guy, I swear.” He defended himself and your eyes widened when you realized he was worried that you’d think he actually liked it or wanted it or engaged in it.

“No you’re not. You’re not a bad person at all Kyle but you don’t have to keep letting it happen.” You said now standing and facing him, attempting to take ahold of his shoulders but he only pulled himself a way again and moved away from you. Your eyebrows dropped at his action. “It doesn’t make you a bad person to not want someone to misuse you.” You said slowly, hoping you could gain his trust again. He looked over at you, his eyes red and his hair messy. You could tell from where you were that he was sweating from being so worked up.

“She’s my mom.” He stated again but you shook your head and took a step closer and standing in place sure not to get too close yet. He was so scared and flustered right now, the last thing he needed was you to be overbearing. He was trusting you with this information even though it scares the hell out of him.

“Doesn’t matter. She’s not allowed to hurt you. Touching you and doing inappropriate things to you is hurting you, Kyle.”

“She’s my mom!” He repeated himself louder now in her defense. You understood that he felt obligated to defend her but it was only hurting your heart more. You knew you needed to tell him in a way that wouldn’t make her a bad person either, even though she was. She was still his mom, and he loved her even though she was fucking him up.

“Okay” you put your hands up in defense now and he took notice in it, his eyes meeting yours again. “You’re right. She is your mom. But Kyle.. this isn’t normal, okay? Your mom needs help too, just like you do for her doing these things to you. A mom shouldn’t want to do them to her child, right?” You asked hopeful and he slowly nodded, you nodding with him. “Yes. Right. So you have put your foot down in order for her to get the help she needs. Or you have to go to someone to get the help for her. Is that.. I can help you, if you let me.”

He looked away from you as his mind thought over what you’d just said. He of course knew deep down that what his mother was doing to him wasn’t okay, he he didn’t know what to do. If he helped himself, it would hurt her, and he didn’t want to hurt his own mother even though she was hurting him. It was brutal battle inside his own mind that he fought every single day.

“There’s no way to do it without people finding out.” He spoke lowly still looking away from you, your head tilting wondering what he was meaning. “I’ve built a life for myself. I’m a good kid, a great student and athlete. I mean what if getting her help ruins all of that for me!” You jumped back as he grabbed the trophy that was set on the dresser and threw it hard on the ground out of anger and hurt, the trophy breaking with a loud thud. You swallowed hard and looked back up to him. He stood now with both of his hands on his face as he completely broke down, sinking to the floor.

You slowly took a few steps towards him and lowered yourself to your knees, resting a gentle hand on his back in an attempt to comfort him. He sobbed some more and you just let him, knowing he needed to feel this to get through it. Coming to terms with knowing you need to do something if you want it to stop is a hard barrier to get over, and that’s what he was doing. The best thing you could do for him was be there while he felt it.

“God this is so..” he shook his head that was in his arms that were resting on his knees, “so fucking stupid. I can’t believe she would do this to me. I can’t believe I’ve let her for so long.”

“Why have you?” You whispered out genuinely curious and hoping he didn’t take offense to your question. When he didn’t raise his head or even move, you sighed believing you weren’t going to get an answer and deciding it was best not to pry.

“I’m moving after this year of college. I was gonna leave her and hopefully never see her again and forget all about it. But it’s hard to forget what it’s been your entire life.”

You looked down at him in surprise when he answered you, blinking a few times and nodding, rubbing his back some more. “It’s never a bad thing to seek therapy. We all need it sometimes.” You spoke gently and he finally moved his head to the side to allow himself to look at you. You could tell how swollen his eyes were already, your hand moving to caress the side of his face. He smiled lightly at your kindness, his head falling into your gentle hand. “You are not weak if you go to someone who can help you heal. It’s probably the second strongest thing you could do.”

“What’s the first?” He questioned, now sitting upright so he was level with you. You didn’t bother moving, allowing yourself to be close to him so he could really see how genuine you were being. Your head tilted to the side as your hand continued caressing his cheek in comfort.

“Making sure she doesn’t hurt you anymore.”

��

@evanpetersmood @witchsbitchestime @demxnicprxncess @yes-divine-ruler @shjjpm @evanpsrealwife @iruzias @jangsuzchap

[shy4turcs]

can you write crouching to your eye level while they cup your chin, wiping your tears, "tell me what i can do for you." "stay." & "I can never get tired of you." with markkk

“Im Here” Mark Estapa

(This is me self projecting 🧍‍♂️I’ve had a shit couple of weeks)

Warning: lose of friendships? Idk Iil Angst but mostly fluff

Life had just not been going good recently, with summer just starting of course you’ve made plans with your girlfriends right? No just two week in both girls had suddenly needed “a break from you” leaving you alone for the first month of summer until tonight when your boyfriend mark was finally coming home from his boys trip.

Mark on the other hand didn’t know about any of this, he was left in the dark with you not wanting to ruin his vacation and feeling guilty as if you weren’t good enough and maybe just like your friends, mark was eventually gonna get tired of you too. Mark took notice to this instantly, he knew you to well to not know if something was up so he grab your favorite candy and flowers before driving down to your house.

Perking your head up to the sound of knocking your tiredly walk over pulling open the door, eyes shooting open at the sight of you boyfriend holding what he had gotten for you with a smile on his face

“Surprising bab-“ mark getting cut off as you jump onto his body almost knocking him over and sighing in relief that he was really there, your eyes slightly getting teary as you finally let go of all the emotions you pent up for the last month.

Mark tighten his arms around you feeling the shift in the mood as he just held you in silence before putting you down to look at you

“I missed you so much Marky” you spoke out in a hushed tone because pulling his face down for a kiss

Mark pulled back and look at you for a minute, “I miss you too lovely, are you okay baby”?

That was the last straw before you broke down leaning against the wall be eventually crumpling down. Mark stood there in shock still clueless to what been going on but then snapping out of it crouching down in front of you, cupping your chin and gently wiping your tears

“Oh baby what happened” he gently spoke

Not ready to talk about you just shook your head no and he took the hit reminding himself to bring up later

“Tell me what i can do for you” he looked at you before pulling you into his arm

“Stay please” you whispered burying your head into his chest, he kissed the top of you head then picked you up and carrying you to bed.

He left you there for a second pulling his shirt off before climbing in next to you pulling you to his chest while he rubbed you back

“If your ready to talk about it I’m ready to listen” he whispered afraid to scare you off again as he looked down at you, you just nodded you head

You spoke about what happened between you and your two friends and how you’ve been alone the passed month and how you were afraid of ruining his trip so you didn’t tell him until now

“I was afraid that just like the girls you were eventually gonna get tired of me that’s why I never said anything I thought it would be easier” you spoke out in between sniffles tears coming to you eyes again

“Oh pretty girl I’m so sorry, I wish you would’ve come to me I hate seeing so upset” he softly spoke pulling you into him even tighter now playing with the ends of your hair

“I can never get tired of you” he whispered as he lifted your face to look at him

“How could I get tired of this beautiful face and your awful dad jokes” he laughed trying to lighten the mood, knowing he succeeded when you smiled and let out a breathy laugh before looking at him funny

“What” you gasped lightly smacking your chest

“I’ll have you know my dad jokes make everyone laugh even you sometimes mister, don’t hate” you laughed out before pecking his lips and laying back down on his chest

He laughed as he gently stroked you hair making you sleepy

“Thank you” you quietly said sleep slowly taking over

Mark just smiled kissing your head and whispering he loves you before falling asleep with you.

Tags: @drysdalesv (I cannot believe your asleep rn 🧍‍♂️)

[jessicaloons]

Chapter 20.1:

Ask me what I learned from all those years…

Masterlist - Previous - Next (Part 2)

Charles POV:

"I’m scared for her, JK. I mean I could see over the past weeks that this whole shit started taking its toll on her… but today? I’ve never seen her like this… I never saw her being this lost, this devastated… this broken." I said quietly and handed him a bottle of water.

"Right now the only thing you can do is to be there for her. Support her. Show her that she’s not alone. And please stop her from reading all of this bullshit!" he sighed.

"Is she sleeping now?" Andrea asked and I nodded.

"Yeah, I just made sure that she’s all dry and put her in some warm clothes and she was gone already…" I mumbled and he patted my shoulder.

"What do we know about this guy who wrote that article? I’ve seen his blog plop up all over the internet in the last months? It’s almost like he’s on a personal vendetta against Lizzie?" JK asked, checking the blog who published the article on my iPad.

"It’s this Spanish dude, he asked some really disgusting questions in the beginning of the season… he said he met Lizzie once during her season in the WSeries and she was apparently rude to him…" I said, taking the iPad JK handed me and read through the article.

"Lizzie? Our Lizzie rude? He must’ve deserved it, otherwise it can’t be true, Lizzie is never rude!" Andrea said and I nodded.

"I know, right?" I replied as my phone rang and I picked it up "Oh wait, that’s Juergen… hi Juergen, how are you?"

"Charles, where’s Lizzie? She doesn’t answer her phone? I need to talk to her." something in his voice made me cautious.

"Umm… she’s asleep, she had a pretty bad day. What happened? Is everyone okay?" I asked, preparing for the worst as JK and Andrea both looked up.

"Umm… Charles she needs to come home… it’s Hans… he died last night." Juergen said quietly and I gasped.

"Oh god, no…" I whispered.

"If you don’t want to tell her, then I can call later when she’s awake and tell her…" he said but I shook my head.

"No, it’s okay. I’ll tell her. We will fly home tomorrow." I replied.

"Okay… thank you, Charles. Take care of her. We love you guys!" Juergen said.

"We love you too, see you tomorrow." I hung up and leaned back into the sofa, closing my eyes.

"What happened?" Andrea asked and I groaned a little, sitting back up.

"It’s Hans, Lizzie’s mentor, he died last night…" I answered and JK sighed.

"Poor girl…" Andrea whispered and JK nodded agreeing.

"I have to tell her…" I groaned.

"I’m sorry." JK said and I played with a loose thread on the sleeve of my sweater.

"This could be her final straw… after everything that’s been going on these past days? Now this?" I burried my face in my hands and leaned back.

"You’ll be by her side. You’ll be there for her! That’s all you can do now. And it will be enough." JK assured me.

"You two were always there for each other! Always by your sides. You’ll get her through this!" Andrea added.

"I have to." I sighed.

When Andrea and JK left I wanted to prepare a soup for Lizzie, she hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast and when she’ll wake up I wanted her to have something to eat, without having to cook. I wasn’t the best when it came to cooking, which was the reason why Lizzie always cooked for us, but now it was my turn to take care of her, so I did what I had to do, in order to prepare a warm meal for Lizzie.

"Charles, how are my two little love birds doing?" Maman asked and I had to smile a little.

"We’re… okay. Lizzie had a rough day, with everything that was being said and written about her these past few weeks, but especially last weekend… yeah she’s a bit down…" I sighed a little and sat down at the kitchen counter.

"Oh no, my poor girl. How is she holding up?" she sounded worried.

"We were outside and then were surprised by the rain, when we got home I just dried her up and put her in some warm clothes and now she’s sleeping for the last 2 hours. I want to cook her something…" I began but got interrupted.

"Charles, that’s a sweet thought, but you don’t want to put her through even more today, right?" Maman chuckled a little.

"That’s why I’m calling you! I want to make her a soup. Just something warm that gives her a little energy… I have to break some sad news to her…" I mumbled.

"What happened?" Maman whispered.

"Her mentor, Hans, he died last night." I said and I heard her gasp.

"Oh god! That poor little thing! She has to go through so much! You’re a good boyfriend… a soup… umm- if Lizzie did the groceries I know you must have a lot of veggies in the fridge?" Maman asked and I got up and opened the fridge.

"Carrots, broccoli, bell paper? Oh and there must be a pumpkin and some sweet potatoes somewhere. Okay. What do I do?" I asked and waited for instructions.

"Carrots, pumpkin and sweet potatoes. Do you have onions?" she asked and I looked around.

"Yeah. There are onions as well." I said and grabbed some from a net "Is it difficult? Do you think I can do that? Cook a soup?"

"It’s easy, Charles, you can’t do anything wrong here!" Maman sounded confident and began to give me instructions on how to prepare the soup. We went through everything step by step and by the time the veggies roasted in the oven and the veggie stock was simmering on the stove I was convinced that I did something wrong.

"Are you sure that’s it? Just throw it all in the blender until it has the right consistency? That sounds awfully easy… I don’t think that it works like this!" I laughed.

"Believe me Charles, it is not that difficult, you just make it difficult! You can do this! Just don’t let it all burn and you’ll be good!" Maman laughed now as well "It’s going to be fine. Just don’t put too much seasoning in, just a little bit, then wait for a while before you taste it and then you can still decide if it needs more flavour!"

"Okay… thank you, Maman! I’ll tell you how it tastes later on!" I thanked her.

"Take care of Lizzie, Charles. I love you." and with that she hung up and I stood in front of the stove, watching the veggie stock simmer away. I set a timer and sat at the counter, scrolling through Instagram and Twitter. I knew that Lizzie was getting a lot of hate online, but I didn’t know how bad it really was. People were downright tearing her apart. There were whole accounts that were against her, posting straight up lies. Disgusting things were said. Not just about Lizzie, also about her alleged relationship with every other driver on the grid, but worst of all they were saying horrible things about our family. With every new Tweet, post or comment I read I felt my blood boiling up to the point where I had to put my phone down. My hands shaking with pure rage. I cracked my knuckles. Trying to calm down. I had to stop Lizzie from reading this bullshit. I flinched when the timer went off and stood up, opening the oven. The veggies looked nicely roasted, I turned off the oven and checked the veggie stock. Then I did exactly what Mum told me, scraped the veggies off the baking tray into the blender, poured in some of the veggie stock and put the lid on. Before I started the blender I closed the door, not wanting to wake up Lizzie. I started the blender and watched how it all turned into a thick mash, then poured more of the stock in until the soup had the perfect consistency. I poured the soup back in the pot, letting it simmer and took out a spoon to taste it and for some reason it tasted good. Maybe a little more seasoning and it would be perfect. I almost couldn’t believe it. I turned off the stove and cleaned the kitchen. A loud thunder made me flinch and I was almost sure that Lizzie would be awake now. Slowly I opened the bedroom door and looked inside. It looked like she was still sleeping so I turned around.

"I’m awake…" she whispered and I walked back in "I was listening to the thunder." Lizzie loved thunderstorms, so I walked to the window and opened the curtains, to reveal the dark and cloudy sky. Lightnings chasing each other.

"How do you feel?" I asked her and sat down on the edge of the bed.

"I would feel better if you’d cuddle with me…" she smiled a little and I happily obliged, climbing right behind her, her warm back pressed against me "Mhhh much better!"

"I made you a soup… you haven’t eaten anything since breakfast!" I kissed her shoulder.

"You made a soup?" she sounded a little cautious.

"Yes, with a little help. I tasted it. It’s good." I laughed and Lizzie snuggled deeper into me.

"Thank you." she turned her head a little and kissed my nose "I would love to try your soup!"

"Alright, then come on, pretty girl." I sat up, climbed over her and pulled her out of the bed "You have to taste it first and maybe it needs more seasoning? But I thought I’m not doing too much, before I ruin it."

"I’m sure it’ll be fine!" she smiled at me as we walked into the kitchen and I was a little nervous when she stirred the soup and then tasted it "That’s really good! Maybe a little more pepper? Some chili flakes? But I’m doing that in my bowl, I like it more spicy than you."

"Alright, grab something to drink and pick a movie or something, I’ll heat up the soup and bring it to you!" I said and Lizzie gave me a little kiss before she left with our drinks. I followed her shortly after with two bowls of soup.

"Here you go." I handed her the bowl and she smiled at me.

"Thank you, mon cœur!" she ate her first spoon full and her smile got even wider "I have to say, that’s a really good soup! Maybe from now on you can cook every now and then?"

"Well, if my mum is okay with me calling her and giving me step by step instructions, then sure!" I laughed.

"I could do that! I could teach you how to cook! Like seriously! I mean not that I didn’t try it over the years…" she tilted her head a little and I thought about it.

"Yeah, maybe during summer break? When we have all the time in the world!" I agreed and Lizzie nodded. We fell into a comfortable silence, eating our soup and watching tv. As I sat down our empty bowls, I took a deep breath. I had to tell her about Hans now. I dreaded it, my palms were getting sweaty.

"Mon amour? Can we… umm- can we talk?" I looked at her and she sighed a little.

"I was wondering when you would wanted to talk about it. But Charles, I’m okay… or… I will be…" she smiled but I shook my head, gently taking her hands in mine.

"That’s not it, I mean yeah, I do want to talk about what happened earlier but… umm something happened… your Dad called earlier…" I began and swallowed hard, looking at her, her face now laced with worry "Mon amour, I’m so sorry, but Hans died last night…" Lizzie flinched and squeezed my hands, almost crushing them.

"He’s gone?" her voice barely a whisper.

"Yes…" I cupped her cheek, tears streaming down her face "I’m so, so sorry, Lizzie…" I pulled her into me, hugging her tight as she let out a heartbreaking sob, body shaking violently "I booked us a flight tomorrow morning. We’re going home." I whispered and kissed her head "I’m so sorry, mon amour."

"I couldn’t say goodbye! I thought I would be able to see him one last time…" her voice was hoarse from crying.

"I know, but he knew that you were thinking of him! Always!" I tried to soothe her pain, calm her down. I had lost every sense of time when her crying stopped and her breathing evened out, she fell asleep. I lifted her up carefully and carried her into our bedroom, where I gently laid her down, pulled the blanket over her and kissed her forehead. I began to pack our suitcases, not knowing if I would come back before Silverstone, I packed for the race weekend as well. Then I stored away the rest of the soup, texting mum to come and pick it up the next day. When I came back to the bedroom Lizzie was awake, looking at me.

"Do you really think he knew that I thought a lot about him? Whenever I was gone?" she whispered and I nodded.

"Of course! He knew how much he meant to you!" I answered and Lizzie smiled a little.

"That’s good. Can you come to bed? I don’t want to be alone…" she looked at me with pleading eyes and I nodded, pulling off my hoodie, before snuggling in next to her. She immediately scooted closer "Thank you." she whispered as she settled her head on my chest.

"Everything for you, mon amour."

I stood in front of my bed, the black dress and blazer making it all to real. I sighed and took off the bathrobe. The dress felt cold, stiff, scratchy against my skin. I walked over to the mirror, grabbed my brush and quickly brushed my hair back, tied it together to a loose bun at the back of my neck. Then I slipped into the black heels and stared at my reflection. I didn’t know how long I stood there or when the tears started falling, but when the door slowly opened and Charles walked in I flinched.

"Mon armour? We’re ready…" he said quietly and I looked at his reflection. His black suit and tie made him look older, serious. He walked up to me, hugged me from behind and rested his head on my shoulder, he gently kissed my cheek and I closed my eyes "I’m here for you… we all are." he whispered in my ear and I could feel his warm breath fanning over my skin, tickling me. I swallowed hard and nodded.

"I can’t believe that he’s gone…" I began but my voice broke.

"I know. But you know that he will always be with you. No matter what. He was so proud of you!" he said and turned me around, engulfing me into a tight hug "Now let’s go… they’re waiting for us." I nodded and Charles let go of me, grabbing my blazer and helping me into it. I grabbed a pair of sunglasses and Charles held out his hand for me to take. I smiled at him, thankful to having him by my side.

Charles held my hand throughout the whole funeral service, the burial and later on as we sat together in the little separate room of Hans’ favourite restaurant.

"Lizzie? Hi, umm can we talk for a moment?" Jens, Hans son, asked me and I nodded, getting up.

"I’ll be back in a moment." I said to Charles and he nodded, kissing my cheek. I followed Jens and he stopped outside the restaurant.

"Thank you, for your speech at the service… I know that Hans would’ve loved it!" he began and I smiled a little "Ha- dad and I, we never got along that well… when he and my mother divorced, I was 12, she moved away with me, so dad and I didn’t see each other often after that… I came back for two weeks each summer, sometimes over Christmas, but that was it… we never had anything in common. I was never interested in karting, motorsports in general. Neither are my kids…"

"He still loved you, he talked about you and your kids quiet often." I said and he smiled.

"Yeah? That’s nice to hear. We had a big fight a couple of years ago when my mum passed away. I said some ugly things. We never spoke much afterwards…" he sighed a little and I squeezed his shoulder "But when we talked, he always talked about you. He was so proud of you! You meant so much to him!"

"He was an amazing mentor, everything I achieved was because of him…" I had to swallow hard, to not cry again.

"It’s not official yet, because the testament is obviously still sealed. But he told me a couple of weeks ago, the karting track and the academy, it’s yours. He wanted you to become the new owner. Well you and your dad, as far as I know…" he explained and I was taken aback "You don’t have to keep it. You can sell it, it should be worth something, together with the business accounts, that’ll be a good amount of money." I shook my head.

"No, if he really wanted me to have it, I won’t sell it!" I said immediately.

"I’m happy that you think so, I mean I never really cared for the track, but it was his life, his legacy… it should stay like this!" he smiled and I nodded.

"It will stay like this!" I promised him, although still shocked.

"Lizzie? Where here." Charles said and I blinked "Come on sleepy head. Let’s go." he offered me his hand and helped me out of the van, a bunch of photographers and fans screaming for us, mostly Charles, but here and there my name was yelled "We can just go in. No one would say something…"

"No, it’s fine." I slipped down my sunglasses and put on a fake smile, walking past the security guys to the barriers they put around the entrance of the hotel "Hi guys!" I signed caps, shirts, flags, miniatures of my car, just about everything and posed for an undefined amount of selfies.

"You’ll win this weekend! I just know it!" a young girl said while two guys next to her snorted "I don’t care what everyone else is saying! You’ll be the winner!" I smiled at her and signed her cap "And these are for you! I made them myself!" she handed me 2 bracelets and I put them on immediately.

"Thank you so much! I will try my best to win!" I said and she beamed at me.

"Miss Doetterer, it’s getting too much. Too many people. We have to leave." one of the security guards said and I nodded, I turned to the crowd and waved one last time before I followed him inside, Charles behind me.

"Thank you." Charles said to the security guard and put his arm around me, his hand resting on my waist, as he lead us to the next elevator where dad was waiting for us, entering it with us.

"Here’s your room key. 7th floor. I’m on the 5th. I see you guys later for dinner, alright?" he said and left when the doors opened at the 5th floor.

"Yeah, we’ll see you later!" Charles nodded and we rode up to the 7th floor "Come on, cara mia. That’s our floor." he squeezed my waist a little and I looked up, then I grabbed by backpack from the suitcase and put it on "Here, take the room key, I’ll take the suitcases. Let’s go." I walked up to our room and opened it for us, holding the door for Charles. Inside I opened up my suitcase and grabbed a leggings, a hoodie and my toiletry bag.

"Okay we seriously need to talk about how many of my hoodies you’ve stolen!" Charles chuckled and looked on the bed, where indeed another one of his hoodies laid.

"I can’t even tell? A lot? They’re just so comfy! And they smell like you!" I pouted a little and he pinched my side.

"When you wash them, they don’t smell like me anymore!" he said and I laughed sheepishly "Or at least I would think so? Oh my god, am I that smelly that the scent stays on even after washing?"

"What? No! Of course not!" I said and Charles looked relieved.

"Good! But still… stop stealing my hoodies!" he grabbed me around my waist and lifted me up.

"No! Why do I have a boyfriend if not for stealing his hoodies and t-shirts?" I laughed and Charles let us fall onto the bed.

"That’s the only reason?" he asked while tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

"Hmm… let me think…" I pretended to think and he started tickling me.

"Oh come on!" he laughed and I tried to wriggle away from him "Nope pretty girl, your not getting away…" he pulled me closer into him, keeping his tickle attack going on.

"Okay, okay! Stop! I surrender!" I said out of breath and Charles stopped "There are plenty of other reasons! Not just wearing your clothes!"

"Name just one…" Charles looked at me and I thought for a second.

"Knowing that there is someone I can always come home to, who is there for me no matter what, someone who would do everything for me, without expecting anything in return… someone who just loves me the way I am… that’s a damn good reason…" I said and the words haven’t even left my mouth as Charle gently grabbed my chin and pulled me close, crushing his lips onto mine, kissing me with abandon. A searing fire rushed through my veins and I puffed out a breath when Charles pulled back and looked at me.

"Damn good reason indeed…" he whispered and kissed the tip of my nose before he sat up "Now come on. Let’s have dinner with the others and then call it a day. Tomorrow will be a long day!" he got up and pulled me up as well.

"I’m dreading tomorrow… they will ask me about Hans…" I sighed a little, eyes teary.

"I know… but when it’s getting too much, leave. You don’t owe them anything! And if you need me, call me, I try to be there for you as much as possible…" he gently wiped away the single stray tear that slipped down my cheek.

"Another damn good reason: having someone to wipe away my tears and always comforts me…" I smiled.

"Always…"

"Hi Lizzie, first of all, sincere condolences from our whole team, it must be hard coming here after such a tough week. How are you?" Natalie Pinkham asked and smiled sympathetically at me.

"Thank you guys, I really appreciate it! I mean it’s not easy… obviously. Hans is- was the one who discovered… well, me, he was the one who brought me into karting. Thanks to him I’m here today, so yeah, I’m okay… it’s all a bit overwhelming, but if Hans taught me one thing, then it is resilience and strength…" I answered and she nodded.

"We heard that you have a special helmet for this weekend? Can you tell us a little bit about it?" she asked next and I smiled.

"Yeah, I was a little scared that it might not be realisable, it was on such short notice because, I mean death is unfortunately unforeseeable, but the guys delivered and I’m more than happy with how the helmet turned out. It’s basically a replica of my very first helmet Hans gifted me when I was starting in his academy. The same colours, the same design. I added some of my favourite pictures of him along, to have him here by my side in Silverstone, which was after the Nurburgring his favourite racetrack. He drove in the 80s as a development driver for an F1 team here and loved the track." I explained, thinking about how Hans always raved about how much he loved Silverstone.

"Speaking of the track, what is possible for Audi this weekend? You brought an upgrade as we heard?"

"If the upgrade works out the way we hope it will? A lot is possible, we have to see in practice how the car will adjust to the track and how far the upgrade will be able to bring us, but I’m optimistic."

"I’m sure you’ll be doing amazing and make Hans proud this weekend!" Natalie said and I nodded.

"I will do my very best!" I said my goodbyes and Julie patted my arm.

"Come on, where done for today. That’s enough." she smiled at me and I was more than thankful to be done with the interviews.

"Tough day?" Charles asked as he walked into our hotel room and saw me splayed out on the bed.

"Hmm." I mumbled, not moving. Being asked at least a dozen times about Hans today really drained me.

"I’m sorry that I couldn’t be there for you more. We had at least 5 sponsoring events alongside the media day. I couldn’t quiet catch a break…" Charles sighed when he sat down next to me "Do you wanna talk about it?"

"No… it was okay… I mean it was exhausting being asked over and over again how I’m feeling and about Hans in general. But it’s part of the game, no?" I said, still not moving. The tension in my neck and shoulders getting worse.

"I saw it. They asked me as well, but more about you…" Charles leaned down to look at my face "You look drained. Have you eaten something?"

"Yeah, I had a little something with Dad and JK earlier. I just came back after and fell straight to bed." I groaned and slowly turned on my back, rolling my shoulder blades, face scrunching up a little.

"Are you okay?" Charles gently grabbed my chin and made me look at him "You seem a little tense?"

"I am tense, but that’s okay, nothing bad!" I answered and Charles nodded a little.

"Okay? Did you shower yet?" he asked and I shrugged my shoulders a little "And that means?"

"I hopped under the shower at the track, just a quick one." I said and Charles pecked my lips and got up.

"We should take a long, hot shower now… what do you say?" he smiled and I nodded slowly.

"Yeah, sounds good, I just need 5 minutes…" I had to suppress a yawn and Charles chuckled a little.

"Take your time, I’ll heat up the bathroom a little, make sure your towel is warm and toasty… I’ll get you when I’m done!" one last kiss on my forehead and he disappeared into the bathroom and I yawned.

"Come on, pretty girl. The bathroom is ready!" Charles gentle voice coaxed me out of my slumber and I slowly sat up.

"I dozed off a little…" I mumbled, checking the time.

"Yeah but just for 15 minutes or so… up with you." he pulled me up but my knees buckled a little, still groggy from dozing off "Ok, come here." Charles lifted me up and on instinct I wrapped my legs around his waist and my arms around his neck "Let’s go." he carried me inside the bathroom, setting me down on the vanity. I leaned against his warm body, sighing a little "Arms up." he whispered and I obliged, then he pulled my shirt over my head, next followed my sweat pants, socks and underwear. Goosebumps spread over my skin and I began to shiver a little "Almost done!" Charles shrugged out of his clothes and then lifted me up again, carrying me to the bathtub, filled with steaming water.

"You don’t like to bathe?" I asked but Charles just chuckled a little, carefully stepping into the tub, letting me down.

"I’m not the biggest fan, no, but I figured a hot bath and a nice shoulder massage would be good for you… so come on." he sat down, motioning for me to sit in between his legs and I followed suit. I snuggled into his chest, the hot water engulfing me and I felt my body relaxing.

"Mhhh that feels good." I whispered and Charles began to massage my shoulders and neck and I let out a little moan, the tension already loosening.

"Just relax, cara mia. I got you…" Charles kissed the side of my head and continued his ministrations, making me relax further into him.

"Careful, or I get used to this and expect it every night from you!" I giggled a little and as Charles chuckled I felt the vibrations of his body in my back.

"I wouldn’t mind." he simply said, kissing my shoulder "I absolutely wouldn’t mind."

After an extraordinary good FP1 I hid away with Charles for a little, trying to calm down.

"Oh my god! Look at that! Cara mia, you were flying!" Charles said as he watched the replay of my last lap in FP1 on his phone.

"The car feels amazing. The new rear wing? It stabilises the car so freaking much! It’s like I’m driving a new car!" I was more than happy. The car felt amazing. So far it looked like the upgrade worked.

"Valtteri gets it now as well?" Charles asked and I nodded.

"I have a good feeling for this weekend. I don’t like to say that, you know me, but I really have a good feeling…" I almost whispered it and he smiled putting his arm around my shoulders.

"It’s good to feel confident! You can do this! That was an amazing FP1 and if you continue like this? Cara mia, you’ll be on pole and win this weekend! I can feel it…" Charles kissed my temple.

"Oh yeah? You can feel it?" I chuckled and he nodded.

"Yup. I can feel it. Believe me!" he said and pushed himself off of the box we were sitting on behind the hospitalities "You’ll do amazing! I know it!" he leaned in and captured my lips with his and a tingling sensation ran through my body. I felt his hands gently cupping my face as he deepened the kiss, his lips moving against mine with determination, as if he wanted to put some emphasis behind his words. I got lost in his touch as someone cleared his throat and we flinched, pulling apart.

"I’m sorry. Umm- Charles, we need you in the garage…" Laurent Mekies looked at us with big eyes and I blushed.

"Yeah. I’m coming in a couple of minutes!" Charles said and Mekies nodded, then turned around and walked away "Can you please breathe?" he looked at me and I let out the breath I didn’t knew I was holding in "Hey! Lizzie! Look at me! It’s okay. I’ll talk to him!" he cupped my cheeks again and made me look at him "It’s okay! Please, cara mia, don’t worry!"

"Okay… it’s okay…" I whispered and Charles kissed my forehead "Go. Before he comes back!" I laughed a little and he hugged me tight.

"I don’t care. I’ll say goodbye to my gorgeous girl as long as I want to!" he chuckled and I pushed him off of me "Hey! Not nice!" he pinched my side a little.

"Go! Now!" I laughed and he sighed dramatically.

"Okay, okay! I leave!" he gave me one last little peck on the lips and sprinted away. I sighed and jumped off of the box, but as I wanted to walk back into my team‘s hospitality I saw him. Salva Diaz. Making his way to me. Murderous look on his face. I turned around abruptly and walked as fast as I could towards the paddock, where I bumped into Seb, who was on his way back to Aston Martin.

"Hey Lizzie! Amazing FP1!" he said and I turned around searching frantically for Diaz "Are you okay?" he followed my look and held my arm.

"I thought I saw someone…" I swallowed and looked back at Seb.

"Someone? Who? You looked panicked?" he asked and I shook my head.

"No! No, it’s all good!" I tried to appease him but he only cocked his eyebrows.

"Okay… but it’s good that I see you. I wanted to let you know, that the FIA and Co. are banning that Spanish reporter for the next 10 races. That article he wrote? He had no proof, couldn’t name his source, it was all a lie anyways, but yeah. He won’t be in the paddock for a while. I mean I haven’t seen him around a lot lately, but still." Seb smiled at me and I felt relieved, although I knew that his posts would be horrible in the next weeks "Don’t worry, he’s blacklisted now. One more step over the line and he’s out forever. They will monitor his blog now. I don’t think that he would risk that just to keep going his vendetta against you… he wouldn’t be this stupid."

"Yeah, surely not… when did they tell him about his ban? Like is he here? Did he receive an email?" I asked but Seb shrugged his shoulders.

"Honestly, I don’t know. They just told me that… probably an email? A call from a press officer? Doesn’t matter, he’s gone for the next months!" he nudged my shoulder and I forced a smile.

"Yeah! Amazing…" I said and Seb said his goodbyes and left. I turned back to the little alley between the hospitalities but no sign of Diaz. Maybe I was going crazy? He wasn’t here. He was banned. I wouldn’t have to face him for at least 10 races.

"Lizzie? We’re looking everywhere for you! Come on! FP2 starts in 45min!" Matt put his arm around my shoulder and guided me back to our garage, I turned around one last time, no Diaz, all in my head.

"Sorry, I was completely lost in my thoughts!" I muttered and Matt laughed.

"It’s okay, little one!" he said and I groaned "Stop being all grumpy! Let’s go!"

"Yeah, yeah. Whatever…" I laughed as we entered our garage, where I prepared for FP2.

"Ready? Then let’s go!" Pete gave me the thumbs up and I drove out of the garage.

"Lizzie, give us some feedback about the set-up changes." Pete radioed.

"Copy. Who’s in front?" I replied.

"Russell. Albon. Hamilton."

"Out lap?”

"Yes. Yes. No."

"Alright."

I started my flying lap, literally flying, I breezed past Russell first, 2 turns later past Albon. The new set up felt good. It gave me more straight line speed and as I crossed the finish line and looked up at the results I cheered a little, seeing myself in P1.

"Fantastic lap, Lizzie! We box now."

"Copy."

I drove into the pits, where my crew was awaiting me, rolling me back into our garage. They sat up my screens and Matt handed me my bottle, right as I watched Charles claiming P1, pushing me back on P2.

"Damn, he’s flying!" I said and Matt looked at the screen chuckling, then bending down.

"You could threat him with no sex if he’s too fast…" he laughed and I hit his arm.

"Shut it, you idiot!" I had to laugh as well.

"I’m just saying!" he shrugged his shoulders and I rolled my eyes.

"Let’s wait for the results after FP3, if I’m worried he’s snatching that pole away, I’ll reconsider it!" I said and Matt gave me the thumbs up, laughing.

"Ready?" he asked and I took one last look on my laps, where I had to improve.

"Ready!" I nodded and drove back on track.

"Come on cara mia! Your dad is waiting!" Charles said and I groaned a little.

"I need 2 minutes! That’s all!" I said and straightened my hair as good as possible "Why do we even have to go out for dinner? We could’ve just went to the bistro here in the hotel."

"Your dad wanted to have a nice dinner!" he answered and I walked out of the bathroom "You look gorgeous!"

"Oh shush!" I rolled my eyes "It’s nothing special… I didn’t really pack any fancy clothes!" I looked down at the casual and comfy black dress that I was wearing, paired with my Converse "I didn’t even bring nice shoes with me…" I grabbed my bag and Charles smiled at me.

"I don’t know how often I have to tell you, you look always perfect to me. And I really like your outfit. So come on. We don’t want to let Pops wait for too long, he stretched out his hand and I grabbed it. We left our room and met up with dad in the lobby. In the car to the restaurant dad looked at me every now and then and I cocked an eyebrow.

"What?" I asked him and he looked up.

"What?" he replied and I sighed.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked and he shrugged his shoulders.

"I don’t know? I don’t look at you?" be looked out of the window and I rolled my eyes.

"Whatever…" I mumbled and Charles chuckled a little.

"Why are you this grumpy?" Dad asked and I looked at him.

"I’m not grumpy! I’m hungry and tired and you drag me now to a fancy restaurant instead of just eating at the hotel. In my bed. With sweatpants on." I groaned and he laughed.

"Are you maybe grumpy because a certain someone was faster than you with his last lap." he wiggled his eyebrows and I kicked his shin "Ouch! I’m just joking! Gosh, you’re horrible when you’re hungry!"

"I second that!" Charles said and I shot him a glare "But it’s adorable! You’re horribly adorable when hungry!"

"Save it…" I said and looked out of the window again.

"Now she’s mad at me because of you!" Charles chuckled and Dad laughed.

"Your girlfriend. Your problem." he said simply as the car stopped "And now let’s go!" he got out, followed by Charles and then me "Oh and just so you know, that’s not a fancy restaurant, it’s actually a burger place." he winked at Charles who smiled, guiding me towards the doors, his hand on the small of my back. Dad opened up the door and held it for us, we walked through and before I could even take the place in two little humans already hugged me tight around my waist.

"SURPRISE!" a whole bunch of people shouted and I looked down, Liam and Benji smiling up at me.

"What the…" I said and looked up again. Family and friends gathered together. Mum, Sissy, Marcus, Pascale, Lorenzo, Arthur, Daniel, Shima, Joris, JK and Andrea smiling at me. Plus the little ones, still hugging me.

"What are you guys doing here?" I asked leaning down, kissing first Benji, then Liam on the cheek. Liam letting go of me to jump at Charles who immediately picked him up.

"Hey Bubba." he said and tickled Liams sides.

"Hey Charlie." he said and smiled happily.

"Hi Benji." Charles scooped him up as well and walked with them to the table, greeting everyone.

"We thought you could use some extra support this weekend…" Dad whispered to me and threw his arm around my shoulders, guiding me to my support group.

"I don’t even know what to say." I said as Mum already pulled me into her arms "Thank you guys so much for coming." I hugged everyone and we sat down. "You guys have no idea how happy I am that you’re here!"

"Happy, that you came here now?" Charles chuckled and I nodded.

"Yep. Very." I said and we sat down.

"Can we see your car tomorrow, Charlie?" Benji asked and Liam made big eyes.

"Yeah sure! You can all come to my garage!" Charles said.

"Hold your horses! I thought you’re here for me!" I said, fake pouting.

"We are! But we like Ferrari…" Liam said a little apprehensive but I just laughed.

"It’s okay, Bubba! Really!" I pinched his site a little and he leaned into Charles.

"Can you both win together?" he asked then and Charles chuckled a little.

"Unfortunately not, Bubba. Would be cool tho." he answered and Liam sighed.

"What a shame…" he said and we all laughed "But you could do a 1-2 right? One of you wins and the other one come second?"

"That we can do!" I said and Liam and Benji cheered.

"So can you do that please?" Benji asked.

"Yes please!" Liam added and Charlee looked at me.

"You heard them, cara mia! We have to do it!" he said and I smiled.

"Yeah, I guess we have to now."

I watched how Charles sat first Benji and then Liam into his car, showing them something on his steering wheel.

"He’s damn good with kids." Julie said as she stood next to me and I smiled.

"He was always amazing with kids, but especially with Liam." I said as we watched how Charles lifted Liam out of the car, hugging him and laughing together, while Benji sat on the halo and laughed with them.

"He’s a little whirlwind, I mean they both are, but Liam a little more." Julie said and I nodded.

"Yeah Liam is a little… a little special." I replied as Benji ran out of Charles garage, straight to us, Charles and Liam behind.

"Did you see that, Lizzie? We sat in the Ferrari! In Charles’ Ferrari!" Benji almost screamed excitedly.

"Yeah! How cool was that!" I said as Charles stood next to me, with Liam still in his arms "Did you have fun Bubba?"

"It was so cool! It’s Ferrari! Your car is cool too, Lizzie! But it’s Ferrari! Ferrari!" he said and I laughed.

"It’s okay Bubba!" I chuckled and kissed his cheek "But now you gotta go back to your parents. We have to prepare for quali."

"Alright kiddos, I see you later!" Charles set Liam down and leaned in but I looked at him in shock "Oh- fuck… umm- sorry, Lizzie. I don’t know why I- sorry!"

"It’s okay, nothing happened!" I chuckled and kissed his cheek, then he ruffled Benjis hair and left us.

"Come on kiddos!" I said and took their hands, leading them back into our garage, where my brother waited already.

"So, how was Charles car?" he asked and both kids started to talk enthusiastically.

"Okay, you got them, I get ready!" I said and waved them goodbye for now.

"Ready, Lizzie?" Matt asked as I climbed in the car.

"Yep! I have a very good feeling about quali! I only have to watch out for Charles, he’s flying!" I said and sat down.

"You can do it!" Pete chimed in and I nodded.

"I try my best." I closed my visor and drove out of the pits.

I warmed my tires and accelerated as I crossed the finish line and my first flying lap was solid.

"That’s P3 for now. Charles, Sainz, Hamilton, Russell behind on their fast laps."

"Alright."

I made it into Q2 on P4. I checked the data and looked to the right, where Liam and Benji cheered for me. I gave them the thumbs up before I drove out of the garage again.

"Alright Lizzie, for now you’re safe! Do another outlaw and then push, push, push!"

"Let’s go."

P2.

"Charles is flying! He sets fastest lap after lap!" I said and checked my own lap times.

"You can do it!" Pete said and I nodded.

"Try my best!"

I prepared my tires and pushed hard.

"And that’s P1 for now. Fastest sectors 2 and 3. Charles just set the fastest time in sector 1."

"Do I have time for another lap?"

"If you’re fast."

"Alright."

"Charles also fastest in sector 2."

"Copy."

"Yellow flag. Yellow flag."

"Nooo!" why now? But then I saw the red flag "FUCK!"

"That’s it Lizzie. They won’t resume the session. You’re on pole! THAT’S P1!"

"What? WHAT? But Charles?"

"The yellow flag came when he was in the last turn! He’s in P2! You’ve done it! Woooohoooo!" Pete screamed and I had to laugh.

"FUCKING HELL! Pole? Oh my god!" I couldn’t believe it. My first ever pole position in F1.

I jumped out of the car, straight into Charles arms.

"Congrats! Amazing lap!" he said and I shook my head.

"I’m so sorry! That would’ve been your pole if it wasn’t for that yellow flag or rather red flag…" I said but Charles shook his head.

"Stop it! You did amazing! You deserve it." he said and hugged me tight before he released me and gently tapped his helmet against mine, as if he wanted to lean his forehead against mine "Like I said! I have a feeling that you’ll win this weekend!"

"Oh stop it! The race is a different story!" I chuckled and he just laughed.

"You’ll see!" he said and I walked up to my team, who gave me a loud and warm welcome. Everyone cheering and congratulating me.

"Fantastic job! Your first pole!" Pete hugged me and Felix pushed him off to hug me himself.

"Amazing, Lizzie! Tomorrow you’ll show the world how much you deserve this seat!" he said and I rolled my eyes.

"Jeez! No pressure, right?" I laughed a little.

"Little pressure never killed nobody. Just saying." he chuckled and patted my shoulder.

"I guess so." I replied.

"But why did you get a penalty for that?" Benji asked as Charles poured in some water into his cup.

"Because I didn’t slow down fast enough when the yellow flag was waved. That’s a sign to slow down because there is some danger on the track. It’s a warning sign. And I didn’t do it fast enough." Charles sighed a little.

"Oh, that’s not good." Benji said quietly and Charles chuckled a little.

"Nope, it’s not. But it’s like this." he said and leaned back, watching how Liam fought with his spaghetti "I’ll do now something, you have to promise me you’ll never tell any Italian person, okay?" he said and took Liams plate, cutting the spaghetti "That’s a sin for them. So this will be our secret, okay?" Liam nodded smiling as Charles shoved his plate back into place and Liam began to eat.

"I’m really sorry, Charles." I said, poking my salad, not really hungry.

"What for? It was my fault, I was like in a tunnel and just saw it too late. My mistake." he shrugged his shoulders "Don’t worry about it."

"But you look sad…" Liam said and Charles smiled at him.

"Just a little, but now that I’m spending some time with my two favourite little lads? I feel already way better!" Charles said and Liam smiled.

"Okay, then we cheer you up now!" he said and Benji nodded.

"Yup yup!" Benji chirped and Charles ruffled both boys’ hair.

"Thank you! You’re the best!" he smiled at them and then he looked at me "I’m fine!" he mouthed to me and I nodded.

"Okay. Let’s finish and then we’ll go to the Minigolf course!" I said and held up my hand, the waiter walked up to us and smiled nervously "Hi, can we get the bill please?"

"Yeah! Sure!" he said and walked away, to return a moment later with our bill. I handed him my credit card "Can I… umm can I maybe take a selfie with you guys? I’m a huge fan! Of both of you! Amazing lap today Lizzie! And I’m really sorry for the penalty! That sucks!" he looked at us and I nodded.

"Sure!" Charles and I got up from our seats and stood on each site of our waiter.

"Thank you so much! Good luck tomorrow! I really hope that one of you wins! But both of you on the podium would be amazing!" he smiled and I laughed.

"We’ll do our best!" I said and Charles nodded along.

Liam and Benji looked at us with big eyes.

"Isn’t it weird that people always want to take pictures with you?" Benji asked and Charles chuckled a little.

"You get used to it! And now let’s go!" he said and we left the little bistro, to play a round of Minigolf with the kiddos.

Part 2 ➡️

(This chapter turned out to be too long for Tumblr so I had to split it 🤷🏻‍♀️🙈)

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Little Note:

Chapter 20.2 - one of my absolute favourite chapters! A lot is happening! A lot sad and bad things! Lizzie on pole!

Please leave a comment/ like/ reblog/ message and tell me how you liked it! I'm dying to hear your thoughts!

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Last but not least, English is not my first language and although I tried my best: please excuse any mistakes I made!

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[playertwotails]

Headcanon time, or well this could be taken as just an interesting idea that’s been floating in my head.

I like the idea that Sonic is actually, legal documentation and all, Tails’ legal guardian. But how did that happen they’re both minors?

Answer: Vanilla helped them.

I just have this idea that when they first meet Vanilla shes working as the secretary at her villages town hall. And not like a take notes and get coffee secretary but a “your name may be on the building but I run this place” kind of secretary. We see this take charge side of when she waltz’s in and just runs the show for the Team Chaotix in Sonic idw issue 31, my girl just walks in and it’s her rodeo now. Plus in issue 37 after the whole White Park chateau incident Amy and Rouge are both kinda scared of her.

Back to topic though, when she first meets them Sonic and Tails are still pretty young. (My personal idea is that they met her when Sonic was 11 and Tails was 4 and by the time they meet her they’ve already been together for a while now, like months to almost a year) And at that point a lot of people have tried to separate Sonic and Tails and put them in homes cause they are so young. Neither of them were having any of it though and really how to you stop them from leaving? One can run faster than the speed of sound, the other can fly and they have a plane.

So they save her village but the last town they helped was the final straw for Sonic with people trying to take Tails away from him. So Vanilla seems nice enough to him and she works for the government so he asks her how he can make himself legally in charge of Tails so people stop trying to take him (mostly Tails the one that let Sonic know about kids needing someone older than them in charge of them legally and Sonic takes that and is like “well I’m older so I can be in charge of Tails, but what’s this legality thing your talking about Tails?”).

Vanilla at first is hesitant to help them cause she herself is a new mom at this point and these are two homeless orphaned children, surely they need some kind of adult supervision. But then she thinks on it and yeah it may not be 100% the best idea having two children running around with no adult but they clearly are a family and can handle themselves better than most adults she knows. And they are fighting Eggman, a literal terrorist and would be dictator, that no adults are seemingly capable of going up against. (plus best not piss off the only two people who are seemingly capable of taking him down)

So she helps them. She tells them about emancipated minors and Sonic wants both of them to have that. People are hesitant to let Sonic go through with it since he is 11 but kid fights Eggman so sure why not. But no adult can sign off on Tails, the barely not a toddler child, in good consciousness becoming an emancipated minor. So she gets Sonic squared away on being an emancipated minor, then she turns around and helps him legally become Tails’ guardian instead. Those in charge still hesitated but like I said she’s in charge of the place so she finally got them to do it.

She asks two things from them for her help with this though. 1) they just check in with her every once in a while so she at least knows they’re okay, letters or a phone call will do but please just let her know they’re alive. 2) They come and have playdates with her little girl Cream when they’re nearby so she can have some friends and she can sneakily check on if they look like they’re eating right. They agree since it’s not an unreasonable request and at this point Vanilla is a friend to them so they were gonna keep in touch anyways, plus through all of this they already befriended Cream so they were gonna visit regardless.

As the years go by people trying to get Sonic and Tails put into the system stops for the most part. It mostly becomes a problem when random people find out Tails’ age but when ever that issue pops up Sonic gleefully hits them, figuratively and literally, with the adoption papers. 

Idk just a fun little idea I came up with enjoy people.