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meltingpotimagines · 3 years

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Husband!Hawks

this mans

is not husband material

but!

for the right girl? he may be willing to play the part

listen, mans may not be a simp but he is cHARMING okay? he got potential

besides he’s lowkey a simp for the right girl but whatever

was very romantic when he proposed

managed to rent out an entire park perks of being the #2 hero

decked out a gazebo with fairy lights, candles, and rose petals

considered making a heart with the rose petals but decided just scattering them around would be classier and less cheesy

set up a picnic with a basket f u l l of food

sandwiches, cheese, fruit, desserts, the works

and ofc a bottle of champagne bc tonight you two would be celebrating

or so he hoped

you wouldn’t say no right?

i mean who could say no to that gorgeous face pHEW

pulled out the ring box right as you swallowed the last of the macaron you’d been nibbling on

his heart sped up as your eyes widened, a breathless ‘keigo’ escaping your lips

“i know you might not be ready, but the more i get to know you, the more i realize that i don’t want to live the rest of my life without you. you’re the girl of my dreams, and i never want to wake up. would you marry me?”

“are you s t u p i d? ofc i will!”

his grin has never been as bright as it was at that moment

slipped the ring onto your finger and immediately pulled you into his arms and took off into the air

slowed your assent as you two soared above the clouds and spun around, unable to contain his joy

gazed at your face with those golden eyes, taking in your beauty, before giving you the sweetest, most tender kiss you’ve ever felt

oh boy the wedding

when i tell you this was an e v e n t i mean anyone who was anyone wanted to go to this wedding

but only those that were close to the two of you were invited

haha suckerrrs

somehow got all might to officiate

who knew all might could officiate weddings?

certainly neither of you

no one really knows how that decision came to be but i mean no one was complaining either so

he let you make all the decisions except for one

the flowers

he h a d to be involved in the flowers

he appreciates pretty flora and if the bouquets and floral arrangements at his wedding weren’t the prettiest possible he would n o t be satisfied

teared up as you walked down the aisle (which he will neither confirm nor deny)

not that he wasn’t lookin’ mighty fine too

just imagine: tan suit with a black button up and a gold tie, gold cufflinks with a ruby set in each

i know those are his costume colors but he looks good in them so y’all can fight me

dipped you for your first kiss as husband and wife to everyone’s amusement

best believe a few different cameras caught that

the timing of the wedding was planned out so the reception was held at night

semi-sheer white tents and custom black ten-feet tall candelabras

the soft glow from the candles combined with the moonlight made for the perfect dreamy vibe

he managed to find a florist that could dye white roses black and cover them them with a thin layer of gold glitter

was it necessary? no

did it look good? heck yeah

the gold glitter shined beautifully against the black roses

tho

the way your eyes sparkled as you danced with him was far more captivating

you two had flown up into the sky to dance your first dance together

your silhouettes against the bright moon made for a perfect picture

the only reason you ended up coming down was because neither of you had eaten much that day and a guy’s gotta eat

he gonna need stamina later *winky face*

you cannot convince me the man wouldn’t insist on fried chicken

like a whole buffet table of different flavors

but i mean fried chicken is good so can’t blame him

everyone expected him to smear some cake on your face when he fed you that first piece

instead wiped off the frosting that got on your lips with his thumb and licked it off

your best friend caught t h a t one on camera and will never stop teasing you about how flustered you got

he kept up a great image of a polite host but on the inside he was ready to g o

it had been a long day and he was ready love on his wife

heh

wife

he likes the sound of that

peppers your face with kisses on the ride home

yeah yeah i know h o n e y m o o n but where y’all were goin’ was forever away and mans just wants to shower you with affection as soon as possible (esp considering he had to keep his hands off you all day since you two never had a moment alone)

scoops you up the second you’re out of the car and carries you over the threshold

gives you a soft kiss before putting you down

and that’s the last soft kiss you’re gonna get for the night lolllll

definitely the type to make you breakfast in the morning

also the type to cook in nothing but an apron and boxers but anyway

you better be up in time to see that sight bc if not, you’re getting breakfast in bed not that i’d complain

he’s not the best cook but mans can manage some bacon and eggs

plus some fresh fruit bc it makes it more visually appealing and less like he doesn’t really know how to cook

he set the tray on your lap and climbs back into bed, pulling you into his side so your head can rest on his chest as you two munch on breakfast

there’s something so soothing about the sound of his heartbeat

a soft little rhythm that nearly puts you back the sleep

didn’t help that he was unconsciously running his fingertips along your arm, drawing random squiggles and shapes

will tilt your head up by the chin every so often to give you a little peck on the lips

if you do fall asleep, he’ll just gaze at you softly while lightly tracing your features

still can’t process that you’re married

someone actually loved him enough to marry him

there was someone that didn’t just admire or use him bc of his quirk

didn’t give him attention purely bc he’s the number 2 hero

you saw all his flaws and shortcomings and insecurities and loved him regardless

if he’s dreaming, please don’t wake him up

you cleaning him wings for him is something he loves so much

it’s such an intimate task that makes him feel cared for

loved

how much time you take in cleaning them and how tenderly you handle each wing

it’s one of his favorite ways to spend time with you

it’s nice being taken care of for once, esp when he’s always taking care of others

absolutely loves taking you on night flights

will take you in his arms and just soar above the clouds

with the clouds below you and the stars above, it feels like you two are the only people that exist

definitely dances with you during some of those flights

wraps one arm more tightly around your waist and take your hand in his and just… slowly spins in the air

it doesn’t look like much but when you’re just looking into each other’s eyes, it feels like the most romantic and intimate moment you could ask for

your life is quite literally in his hands but you’ve never felt safer

even more so when you wrap your arms around his neck and bury your face in the crook

his arms wound securely around your waist, the comforting smell of his scent, the kisses he presses to your temple every so often

it feels like home

likes startling/scaring you a lot

will sneak into the house after work just so he can tap on your shoulder from behind

the gasp you let out as you freak out for half a second never fails to amuse him the jerk

will always make it up to you with long, deep kiss

if he gets home late after a long day he’ll just crawl into bed and pull you into his arms before burying his face into your hair

no talking, just breathes in your scent before he crashes

he sleeps really well like that, but, although he won’t admit it, he sleeps best when you hold him, his face buried in your chest

he feels warm and safe, like it’s okay to be vulnerable for once

absolutely flirts with you while at work

probably definitely sends you a few spicy pics or texts

it gives him such smug satisfaction knowing the affect he has on you when he’s not even physically there

picks up take-out when he knows your too tired to or would rather not cook

like to back hug you and wrap you up with his wings

9/10 times will bury his face in your neck and nuzzle

sometimes if he spots you while on patrol, he’ll fly over and flirt with you

“how you doin’, gorgeous? the name’s hawks. what’s a pretty lil’ thing like you doin’ in a neighborhood like this?”

sir, this is one of the safest areas in the city pLS-

but if you actually a r e in danger? oh boy

no one, and i mean no one, touches his girl

honestly i’d rather fight bakugo one on one than deal with keigo’s wrath

he’s one of the chillest people you will ever meet, but when he’s that mad? s c a r y

will keep a close watch on you for a while after that

asks you to always let him know where you’ll be and to text him when you get home

definitely considered installing a tracking app on your phones

he’ll calm down eventually, but for the moment he’s extremely anxious

although he certainly tried his best to hide it

he didn’t want to stress you out too, especially if you had any anxieties from it yourself

he was just afraid to lose you

he doesn’t know what he’d do without you

after all, you’re the most precious thing in the world to him and he loves you more than he could ever put into words

#happy birthday b #hope you enjoyed this #hawks #hawks imagine #hawks headcanons #hawks x reader #keigo #keigo imagine #keigo headcanons #keigo x reader #keigo tamaki #my hero academia #mha imagine #mha headcanons #boko no hero academia #bnha imagine #bnha headcanons

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emnemz · 3 years

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hey guys! this is my first pick a card reading here. i hope you'll enjoy it!

What blessings are coming your way?

Please pick the pile of the image that resonates with you the most.

!pics are not mine!

Pile nr 1

Pile nr 1, I am seeing you guys feel neglected and you have so many responsibilities that you feel stuck. You might have trouble falling asleep or you might have noticed that recently your health wasn't as good. I am seeing that an older person will give you some advice in regards to school or work. Someone here wants to help you and be by your side. They don't like to see you suffering. For some reason I am seeing a puppy so maybe this resonates with you? You might get a new dog or if you already have one, you should spend more time with them. Your blessing is having fun, you are going to hang out with someone from your past and create some nice memories. I am feeling like you've been burdened by the fact that you didn't have such a nice childhood and now you'd like to goof around more and live your childhood years again. Do that! Do as you feel. Take some time for rest and heal your inner child. Go for a bike ride, go swimming, try painting, relax for a bit. Stop being hard on yourself. I saw that money could be a problem for you. Don't worry too much about it now. First, you need to recharge with good energy and then you can take care of that. I really feel that someone in your family will get closer to you and they will be extra nice to you. Reconnecting to nature would really help you ground more and find inner peace. I am hearing "patience will fix everything" and "soon you'll afford anything you crave right now".

Pile nr 2

Dear pile nr 2, I am seeing something big for you coming. First of all I think you learned to really love yourself and put yourself first and now the universe is blessing you with love and abundance. I am seeing a proposal, your crush might text you or interact with you more, there is something about a new love interest or a relationship improvement. Whatever the case, you are getting blessed. You are going to be treated better by people around you, I am seeing a beautiful yellow aura around you that symbolizes confidence, happiness and a strong, gifted personality. If you are applying for a new job or if you are participating to a competition of some sort, luck will be on your side. I am seeing that your aura is extending and people are naturally attracted to you because you literally glow. You are going to talk to someone you wanted to talk for a long time with. I am seeing so much potential and so many opportunities for you right now it is crazy! Whatever you have in mind right now, go for it! Your manifestation is blooming. Your doubts are slowly erasing, now it's the perfect time to try something new.

Pile nr 3

Hello pile nr 3! I am seeing here that your blessing is a new chapter in your life that is about to start. I think for some of you, you might get the opportunity to move out into a new apartment. Some of you are into art and maybe you'll join an art college/uni/school. I am seeing the initial L if that resonates with you. Also, there is a choice you have to make but I get the feeling you'll make the right decision. In the close future you are finally given the opportunity to be more independent and more financially stable as I am seeing this is something you have been looking for. A karmic cycle is ending here. The idea of power and autonomy might excite but also scare you a bit so I suggest meditating on that. You need to search inside for some answers, but the universe is saying that you are capable of overcoming this so be confident! It is very much likely you will get a job promotion or find a true passion that will heal you and bring you joy. I feel like you need more time alone since people can exhaust you sometimes. I keep seeing a lamb if that resonated with you it might be a sign.

That's it guys. I hope you enjoyed and at least one thing resonated with you. Stay blessed!

If you are interested in getting a personal reading, don't be shy, dm me for prices and details!

#tarot #pick a card #tarot reading #esoteric #magick #intuition #spirituality

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1ddiscourseoftheday · 3 years

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Tues 15 June ‘21

Venice MP filming is underway, romantic canalside walks and gondola ride are a GO, as seen in pap pics and many (many) videos from fans gathered on site! I’m sure they appreciated all the little sheer polo showing off Harry’s tits, who doesn’t love a good hiddies moment huh? GQ probably did too; they already wrote a whole article about the outfit Harry wore yesterday! But even they can’t say anything better about those shorts than that they look “presentable” LMAO. TAKE THAT corduroy shorts! What about those fans though? Well, they are certainly bringing us plenty of videos- Harry handing co-star David up out of a boat like a sweet gentleman, aww, Harry skipping about between shots, Harry with a lil purse, Harry just trying to live his life and like go eat food when not working, etc etc... maybe folks could take a few steps back? Looks like Harry is really getting hounded through the tiny Venetian streets and on set, by pretty large crowds, to the extent of disrupting filming, oh no. Harry signed a picture for a nearby school-- “stay outrageous”, again dating it (June ‘21) but possibly by the end of the day he was wishing people would not be quite so outrageous.

Meanwhile the antis stuck at home are frothing at the mouth trying to convince larries (or maybe themselves?) that we now ship David and Harry- uh sorry sweaty but having the ability to understand that holding hands for cameras does not have to mean that people are really fucking is actually a pretty major core component of the whole larrie thing?! But good luck with that! It makes sense that seeing Harry acting lovey dovey with someone that they know he isn’t actually sleeping with would throw them in a tizzy though, after all their whole identity is based on denying that’s a thing that’s possible... poor things, baby’s first cognitive dissonance! It can really make you question things huh, and that’s always rough.

But they’re not the only ones with things to say about Harry! Superstar of stage and screen Mandy Patinkin posted video of himself and his wife getting four minutes’ worth of lightning round pop culture trivia questions wrong, but he nails one of em- asked what a Harry song (WS) is about, he remains silent. Well done, that’s just what Harry would have said! And Selma Hayek told a story about Harry coming to her house where her pet owl (who Harry was enthralled with and wanted to hang out with him) regurgitated an owl pellet in his hair! LOL poor Harry; naturally she said he handled it very well and was very sweet. Yes, it’s possible Harry’s interactions with her were because she’s in Marvel’s Eternals; it’s also possible he was at her house because her husband is the head of the company that owns Gucci, or for some other reason entirely.

Liam’s Lonely Bug NFTs went on sale today!! Liam was excited and happy and all over the internet posting and chatting and watching it all happen. The auctions are still open for most of them so final news on that tomorrow! Today was just Liam being hype about it- “Fandom is working its magic thank you!” he said when his request to get LB trending got it up there worldwide in like half an hour, he said more interactive content will be added to the NFTs as time goes on, that Louis cooking was “very funny”, when asked to describe his NFT collection in one word he chose “liberating,” and his hair guy reposted comments Liam has been making in the discord talking about maybe going blond with a “hmmm”. Oooh? He did a long live talking about everything, patching in the other Lonely Bug creators and quite a few other NFT people (enough that at one point Liam jokes that there are enough of them to dress up as the band to satisfy commenters asking for 1D stuff). Anyway one of them compares this NFT to ‘the original Nirvana recordings’ hmmm I mean… that is another thing that is rare I guess yes, but that’s very specific and random sir? “I know for some of you this NFT world is slightly different than what you’re used to from me,” said Liam, “but your support so far has been amazing (as always!)”

And not only that- another new Liam song coming?! We haven’t even got the one yet! (or maybe this is the same one..?) Anyway, school pal S-X (Liam hyped his music a couple weeks ago) talked about him in an interview, saying "Liam is a good friend of mine and we've got stuff coming soon. I don't want to say too much as you know how those One Direction fans get [HEYYYY… oh wait yeah he’s totally right]- when I mention him I can't even open my Twitter. But we've got a song coming and it's a smash. It's sooner than you think and that's all I can say." OH RILLY?? INTERESTING! I was just eyeing him for the artist showcase Liam said he was gonna do on veeps but OKAY! He also said "We're both from Wolverhampton and I was in college with him at the same time, and going from that to global stardom at 17 is not normal for any person. To have toured the world, done stadium tours and everything, he is one of the most famous people in the world. So he will go through scrutiny from the media and whatever, but I can tell you he is one of the nicest people, one of the most genuine people I've ever met. He's a real good friend of mine."

And speaking of unexpected songs; another Zayn demo leak was posted! This time he’s singing You with Ellie Goulding; the song ended up being released by Troye Sivan.

And Anne Marie posted “rehearsals for #OURSONG live! I just love this song so much. I also miss your face @niallhoran” with a picture of them singing away; apparently she’s referring to the recording of the acoustic version which is out on Friday. Niall posted a picture of the Danish football player who collapsed during play the other day giving a thumbs up from the hospital; indeed it is very good to see that he’s all right.

#harry styles #liam payne #zayn #niall horan #my policeman filming #my policeman spoilers #leaving aside the thing antis can't seem to grasp which is that we don't ship harry and louis at all #shipping and thinking people are queer are literally NOT THE SAME THING #but I neither think harry and david are fucking nor ship them so that's that on that #15 jun 21

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goshikitsutomusmommy · 3 years

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Hello! I was wondering if you could do headcanons of tendou, bonito, and yaku going to the haunted house with their s/o and their s/o gets really scared?

Tendou, Bokuto, and Yaku Going To a Haunted House With Their S/O

Synopsis : You Go to a Haunted House With Your Boyfriend and This Is How It Goes

Genre : Comedy , romance , fluff , comfort

Pairing(s) : Tendou x reader , Bokuto x reader , Yaku x reader

Word Count : 0.97k

Warning(s) : None , nausea was mentioned in Bokuto’s ,

Masterlist Link : Here

— Tendou is an avid horror movie fan even though he suffers through restless nights afterward, so I no doubt think he’ll be terrified but also thrilled to go to a haunted house with you!

— That being said, he knew the best and scariest haunted houses around. Once you voiced your interest in visiting one, his plan “Scaring-His-Significant-Other-At-A-Haunted-House-Until-They-Cling-On-To-Him-For-Dear-Life” was finally a go (it’s a working title.)

— As soon as you two entered the place, he felt you tightening your grip on his forearm. Now, usually, he would have teased you for being scared, but he was too busy being flustered that you find so much comfort in him that you feel safe being close to him.

— During the first jump scare, he tried to toughen up for you but he later let go of that act; he realized you’re too terrified to notice his own fear.

— “Save me, [Name]-Chan!”

“Satori! You’re the one who’s supposed to protect me!”

“Says who?!”

“Me! Now, you better stop using me as a human shield, or else I’ll leave you behind!”

— Honestly, the staff were very amused by you and your boyfriend’s reactions so they decided to mess with you two even more specifically. “[Name]-Chan, stop moving! I don’t want the flying doll to come near me!”

— He loves you, he really does. He just won’t hesitate in using you as a human shield to protect himself from the jump scares, so by the end of the day, it’s a competition between the two of you of who’s yelling louder. You were literally carrying him just as you would for a baby, getting weird stares from all around. Some even looking at Tendou shamefully.

— It’s safe to say that you two won’t go back there— at least that’s what you believe; Tendou has other plans in mind. Just praying for both you and your sanity. “Satori, we are never going back there.” “That’s what you believe.” “Wha?!”

— It was actually you who suggested going to a haunted house together, Bokuto immediately agreed enthusiastically forgetting the fact that haunted houses are supposed to be scared.

— “[Name]-Chan, I’m so excited to go to the haunted house with you! How romantic is that!” “Kou, angel, it’s supposed to be scary.” “What?”

— He still agreed to go since it was too late now that you booked your tickets. “Kou, it’s okay! We can go to the festival and not visit the haunted house!” “No! Your boyfriend is brave and he’ll showcase his braveness for you!” “Angel, I know you’re brave, you don’t have to do this.” “I want to, though!”

— Yeah... as soon as you two enter the haunted house, he screamed because he saw his reflection and thought it was a ghost. At that moment, you knew it was a long ride.

— He realized that you were also scared so he tried his best to swallow his fear and protect you. And he did that! He was coddling you in his arms, ready to fight any force that dared take you away from him, AKA the haunted house staff.

— By the end of the whole fiasco, you were limping, visibly nauseous, still having his arms around you. It was truly a sight to see, a 6’1 giant paling, looking like his life just flashed before his eyes.

— He tried distracting himself by protecting you but that clearly didn’t work, observing his post haunted house state. He loves you and only wanted to protect you, and now he feels like going to the nearest bathroom and throwing up.

— “[Name]- Chan, you didn’t tell me it will be scary!” “Babes, I did. But you did very well! Thank you for protecting me, you’re my knight in shining armor.” “Hmm, I guess I am! I love yo—” he didn’t have the chance to complete that sentence since he did actually go throw up...

— It neither of your ideas. Kuroo just challenged him to go to the new hotspot haunted house everyone was talking about. At first, he denied his request and ignored him until Kuroo pulled the big guns, AKA taking Lev under his care instead of Yaku’s, then Yaku was more than happy to comply!

— “Mori-Kun, why was I dragged into whatever bet you and Kuroo made?” “[Name]-Chan, this is more than just a bet! One week free of Lev, that’s freedom!” “Still! Why was I dragged, what am I gaining from this?” “My love?” “Nice try, Mori.”

— Somehow, he managed to convince you to come along with him; he bribed you with food. Now that it’s your turn up, you regret not bargaining your deal more. A week’s supply of food doesn’t seem enough for what feels like going through the gates of hell.

— After the first jump scare, Yaku for the first time was glad of his short height; you were carrying him whilst he clung on to you as if he’d die any second. But, there was a really bad jump scare that made you drop him on the floor and make a run for it.

— “[Name]-Chan! Don’t leave me behind!” “You can die yourself, I have plans to live!” it truly was a comedic scene, your boyfriend running after you whilst a man in a black hair wig with a hammer ran after him.

— Miraculously, you two made it out alive, in one piece. ‘Was this worth not training Lev for a week?’ Yaku wondered for a second before shaking his head vigorously, ‘Of course it was. Anything would be worth not training Lev for a week!’

— Kuroo was there and saw you carrying Yaku out. Yaku never heard the end of it </3. Kuroo also was sure to take pics of him crying out clinging on to you!

Author’s Note : This was very fun to write! I HOPE IT’S UP TO YOUR LIKING <333

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lukealvezhimboextraordinaire · 3 years

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Prompt — wearing their lover’s clothes! (also, “can I get my shirt back? ’'no.”)

Philioise 🥰

okay so i tried to fill the bill this time! things get a bit hot at the end but nothing worth an r rating!

let's see philoise + wearing their lovers clothes.

It had taken some convincing on Eloise’s part.

Phillip was a man with a very defined style and that style didn’t involve hoddies - an absolute pity according to Eloise. He liked his cardigans, his pleated pants, and his wingtips. He liked to look good and yet be comfortable and wasn’t here to be ashamed for taking care of his appearance. And really, it was fine. Eloise loved it. The only problem was that Penelope had been bombarding her with snaps of her wearing Colin’s oversized hoodies and although she would never admit it out loud, she was starting to feel the green-eyed monster burning in her chest. Goddammit, she wanted to take cute pics clapped in one of Phillip’s extra-large hoodies and post them on every social media account she owned.

But Phillip was not having it. Not even when she went out of her way to make obvious hints as to how she wanted to steal his clothes. Or rather, how she wanted to be given his clothes.

And really? What was the problem? Eloise had full access to his closet. She could just walk into it and grab whatever she wanted and he would not protest. But he was a smart man and smart men did not engage in couple wars with their girlfriend’s siblings. Especially not with Polin. Because out of every two words Colin said, one was Penelope. And Phillip loved Eloise but he preferred to keep his displays of affection a bit more subtle and he preferred his love confessions to be for Eloise's ears only. Nothing wrong with proclaiming your love and devotion for the woman you were sharing your life with every two sentences, really. But being around Colin was, in all honesty, a bit sickening.

But even if his love language were light, casual touches or his quiet but calming presence or listening to her ramble about her day, that didn’t mean he loved her any less. Where Colin’s love was loud, grandiose, overwhelming, Phillip’s love was quiet, nurturing, gentle. It was waking up to fresh flowers resting on a vase every morning, it was coming home after a long day at work to the table set and dinner ready, it was finding little notes scattered around the house, reminding her to take her keys with her, to drink some water, to drive safely. It was a soft kiss on her cheek every morning before leaving for work, a cup of her coffee exactly like she liked it placed on her hand. It was pressed flowers under her pillow. It was a back rub while they read together in the afternoons. It was books with his favorite parts and quotes underlined showing up on her bedside table randomly - full pages circled with this reminds me of you all over it. It was gentle praise and sincere encouragement. It was words of affirmation. It was a sense of finally belonging, being taken care of, and being put first, of mattering.

Phillip loved Eloise in all the ways she had ever wanted to be loved but didn’t dare to allow herself to yearn for and even in ways she never knew a person could love another person. He understood her silences as well as her words and always seemed to know how to make her feel better. There was something in his presence that never failed to make her feel safe.

There was nothing she could complain about.

But she wanted to take a bloody picture wrapped in one of his shirts and post it, dammit.

And then a brilliant idea crossed her mind.

She would see Penelope’s hoodie and raise it. Go big or go home.

And go big she did, indeed.

Phillip had one of those botanic conferences he loved so much that weekend, which meant she would (practically) have the house for herself. Or at least she would have the house for herself once the twins went to bed. The smart woman she was, Eloise had already crafted a detailed plan to tire them out so much all through the day, that the moment they came back home they would pass out, giving her the time to put her second master plan into action. It was genius if she herself said it.

-------

The twins had drifted into a peaceful sleep as soon as their heads touched the pillows. The day had been filled with excitement, laughs, and a couple sugar highs that Eloise had made sure to schedule to last until they were on their way home. The plan had almost taken a turn for the worse on the ride home when their eyelids started to flutter. Nothing a good old banger couldn’t avoid. They ended up singing to the top of their lungs to songs Eloise had never heard before walking into those amazing kids’ lives but now she often found herself humming absent-mindedly.

She placed a sweet kiss on the top of their heads and made sure to tuck them in before closing the door quietly and making her way to the bedroom she had come to share with their father.

As much as she would have loved to take her time

Everything was ready; the lights settled to the perfect intensity, the phone resting on the tripod, and the throw pillows placed in a way that only added to the scene. All that she had to do was get in front of the lens. Surprisingly, the hardest part had been to pick the perfect garment to wear. Phillip had such a collection of nice shirts that it had taken Eloise a good twenty minutes to narrow it down to just two and then five more to come up with a winner. The soft baby blue cotton fabric looked very nice against her skin and it even made her eyes stand out so it became an easy pick. Even though the light yellow one was very nice too. Eloise took a mental note to keep it for a late date. Maybe she would have to ask Daphne to keep the twins for a night one of these days.

Eloise tried a couple poses on the mirror before settling for a suggestive yet not very explicit one. Her legs slightly parted, the hem of the shirt covering just about enough skin to allow the word tasteful to be used but to still spark the curiosity about what was (or wasn’t) behind, the first few buttons of the improvised attire open, allowing the valley of her breasts to peak over the lace brasserie, offering a glimpse of what was to come. The wicked smile adorning her features and messy hair the perfect last touches to her ravishing look. The camera snapped once, twice, thrice. Eloise studied the pictures, nodded with satisfaction, and with one last look at them hit sent.

My sunflower: A little something so you don’t forget to think about me tonight;)

Jesus, El, I almost crashed against the wall.

Just so you know, I always think about you.

My sunflower: I hope so.

Is that my shirt?

My sunflower: Maybe?

You little thief.

My sunflower: Do you want it back?

I think you ought to show me if you had stolen more of my clothes.

Like my boxers, for starters….

Eloise didn’t get much sleep that night.

The next morning she made sure to send Penelope a nerdy snap, Phillip’s shirt looking huge on her smaller frame, making her look like she was wearing an oversized dress. Judging by the dry response she got from her best friend, Colin was about to make a trip to the mall to get a couple dressing shirts. The bar had been raised. Hoodies were no longer good enough. It was pressed shirts or nothing now. Good.

Eloise surprised herself by how reluctant she was to take off his shirt. It had been only a day and she already missed him. His laugh, his hugs, his arms lazily thrown over her shoulders as they laid on the couch, the way he wrinkled up his nose with the first sip of tea… she missed having him around and the peace knowing he was close brought her. And it was funny because until that moment the realization of how used she had gotten to having Phillip by her side had not hit her. Their broken souls were two sides of the same coin, joined and twisted and embroiled until they became one.

So she threw a pair of jeans on, tucked the shirt in the pants, and went on and about with her day. The twins didn’t even bat an eye when she descended down the stairs muffled in their dad’s favorite gear. It was almost as if they had been expecting it for a while. In retrospect, they probably had not given it any thought because they were kids, smart kids, but kids and children didn’t tend to have the same worries as adults. For them, sharing clothes didn’t have a special meaning.

And Eloise realized that she should have gone digging into Phillip’s side of the closet a long time ago. Thinking about it, she couldn’t come up with the exact reason why it had gotten her so long to finally do something that had been on her mind for a while.

But Eloise didn’t have much time to dwell on the reasons behind her actions - or lack of them. Because the door sprung open, startling everyone inside, to reveal a smiling Phillip, bag hanging lazing from his shoulder.

“Daddy!” The kids rushed to his encounter, screaming happily, and attached themselves to his legs. He scooped them up, each in one arm, and when he looked up his eyes locked with Eloise’s. A knowing smile immediately overtook his features. Eloise knew that smile knew what it meant. It was the promise of something to come and it never failed to send a wave of heat down her stomach.

“Hi,” he had to lean in slightly to give her a soft kiss on the lips. The kids made disgusted noises and Phillip took it as his cue to let them run free. He watched them disappear up the stairs and only then did he turn his attention back to the brunette, his eyes burning into hers. “Is that my shirt?”

Eloise licked her lips. “Maybe.”

He grinned, closing the distance between them in two long steps, his lips brushing against her neck, tentatively running down her collarbone until they reached the valley of her breasts. The air caught in her lungs. Her eyes closed. And then he stopped. When she opened them again, he was smirking down at her. “Can I get it back?”

Somehow she managed to find the strength to talk. “N-no.”

Phillip grinned evilly. “Not even if I do this?” His fingers teased the hem of the shirt, sending a wave of electricity down her spine whenever they grazed her skin. Slowly, agonizingly slowly, he started unbuttoning the shirt, leaving a kiss on every inch of exposed skin.

“If you want your shirt. You are going to have to rip it off of me.” Eloise breathed out. And Phillip's eyes burned with desire and something that looked a lot like a promise.

Let’s just say, the shirt ended on the floor.

------------------------

When she came into their bedroom later that night, there was a bag resting on her side of the bed. She looked around for him but he was nowhere to be found. Never one able to resist the temptation of satisfying her curiosity, she looked inside. Tears filled her eyes because there, resting in the bottom of the bag was a brown hoodie. Strong arms wrapped around her from behind, the warm breath against her neck making her hair stand up. "I would give you the world, my sunflower. All you have to do is ask."

It had taken some convincing on Eloise's part. But she never needed to try so hard.

#eloise bridgerton #eloise x phillip #phillip crane #fics #mine #philoise #listen i don't write smut so that's why this sucks #i tried

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animeomegas · 3 years

Note

I haven't finished mystic messenger yet. The 14 or whatever day cycle is just too difficult when I'm often at work or working on a project and then I always end up with a bad ending for "ignoring" the route character. (Any advice for finishing so I can Finally get to V's route would be appreciated haha). The only character route I've ever finished is Zen's.

I think it would take a while for him to mature enough to be ready to have a pup. Hes pretty deliberate with all of his actions both because of his personality and because of his career choice. Just like how it is with idols irl I think he'd wait until he's a pretty well established actor before he backs out of the spotlight for a bit and then spends more time mentoring for his company and teaching trainees in the early months of the pregnancy. He'd probably enjoy dabbling in writing scripts as well.

I wonder if it would be sort of a big deal once the public realizes he's an omega? I have no idea if its normal for omegas in that world to be in such prominent positions (since we often map feminist issues to the abo universe for better or worse) (on second thought probably Zen is out as an omega. It would play into the idol sell of sex appeal and also probably be a point of additional contention between him and Jumin anyway distraction)

He'd be a very sweet and gentle Oma. Zen studied a lot so hed probably buy parenting books in like, stages so that he can read ahead on what to expect for his pup's age 😂 which i would appreciate because it doesn't make his alpha feel like they need to know everything.

I imagine him singing too and with the pup like all the time. Gotta keep that vocal tone up and also its good for the development. Alpha just stands in the doorway watching whenever they can. Zen probably know they're there unless he's really really tired so it low key becomes an intimate moment for Zen to just be Hyun, enjoying music and enjoying the moment of making a memory.

Zen was born for the stage so he'd probably go back to training and rehearsals as soon as possible, both to get his name back out there and because his own soul needs it, but omega instincts would be smashing on top of his worry about becoming an absent parent so there's probably already a plan in place for baby to come to work with Apa and stay in sensing range.

He seems like the time to keep his kids away from the media a lot, since he's seen the wildness that can come from bad fans but he'd still make time to go with pup and Apa to the ocean, and make sure that his pup has the good memories he didn't get to make as a kid.

I don't know I'm getting a lot of soft feelings all of a sudden. Imagining Zen in just black pants and a white T-shirt at the beach with a pup, posing for the camera in matching hats. I just feel like he'd be a really kind "cool type" parent in presentation but like hes way more responsible in reality. The only flaw is that he'd probably never get rid of riding a motorcycle. Which like...its hot so as a no kids couple thats scary ish but fine. With a pup, I feel like he'd be more careful and not speed anymore.

Hope you're feeling alright 🥺 thanks for letting us send sweet things to you. If I think of any soft sunny hc I'll send it your way!

(Yeah, I know the way the game works can be pretty tough to fit around a schedule. Unfortunately, I don't have any advice that I think would be helpful, because I completed all the routes while in school/during the pandemic. so I used to do chatrooms during my breaks at school and I had nothing going on during the pandemic so. I also spent quite a lot of money on the game, which I know isn't an option for everyone. Maybe look up guides with the chat times to help schedule it out? Sorry, I can't be of more help!)

I love these headcanons!! I think they're super accurate.

Yes, I think Zen waits for a fair while to have a pup, not only because of his career like you mentioned, but he wants to be married first, and before he gets married, he wants to make amends with his family, so it could take some time.

But once he was ready, he takes a little break for the pregnancy, coaching instead as you said, and he takes almost no maternity after the pup's birth because

a) he's a very quick healer

b) his work defines him and he can't bare to be away from it for too long

He keeps his pup away from the paparazzi as much as he can when they're young just like you said, but he spams the group chat with pics of course. Anyone he trusts is going to be bombarded with pics of Zen's family constantly but the paparazzi will be kept firmly at arms length.

I think your headcanons about Zen singing to his pup is adorable, and I think you're right! He sings to them constantly while he's pregnant, he sings when he puts them to bed or bathes them or calms them down from tantrums or nightmares. It's very, very cute, and it always works to cheer his pup up.

When Zen goes back to work, I think his alpha (who is his manager) works from home for a bit. It would be nice for them to be able to take the pup with them to work, but I don't think it's practical or professional unfortunately, so their pup has a nanny part time and goes to daycare part time.

The little scene by the ocean! Anon, that is beautiful! He would totally make family time a priority. Family is so, so important to Zen! It's a big part of his character.

Thanks for sending this 🥰

#mystic messenger #pup hcs #headcanons #a/b/o #alpha!reader #zen #omegaverse

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humbughana · 3 years

Text

relax

just a lil something that was sitting around.

1.2k words

warnings- um none. a little too sweet.

he looks like such a cocky little shit in this pic i love it

“I hope you’re happy.”

“Do not start.”

Rafe rubbed at his temples while taking a deep breath as Lola stared at her car that was now in a ditch on the side of the road. The couple stood outside of the car, both just staring at the dented hood that was bent into the tree.

“No, no-” Lola lifted her hand to stop him, “Really, this is great Rafe. Thank you.” She huffed and Rafe rolled his eyes, “You’re blaming me? You were the one driving.”

“You were yelling at me!”

“Yeah!” Rafe threw his hands up, “To slow down!”

“Well you know I don’t do well under pressure!”

“Clearly.” Rafe deadpanned, looking pointedly at the car before pulling out his phone to call a tow truck.

Lola watched him make the call before walking back to the car and sitting in the backseat, legs hanging outside the car. She heard him cursing before she saw him, “Well?”

“No one is coming until after the storm,”

“But we have to be at my parents by tonight,”

Rafe rubbed at his eyes, “Yes, Lo. I know. But no one is coming, they told me to find a hotel until morning.”

Lola’s heart squeezed at missing her parents and being thrown off track. To say she was a schedule oriented person would be an understatement and Rafe could read it on her face as she panicked at being late or behind. So he walked up to her with a sigh, wrapping a hand around her thigh, “It’s going to be okay, Lo. We’ll stay the night somewhere and be here as soon as they get it out.”

The girl only nodded slightly, pulling out her phone and calling her mom, relaying the bad news. Rafe called them an Uber and found a relatively close, nice hotel around them and booked a room for them quickly before Lola could complain about paying. He turned to see his girlfriend rubbing her eyes with her palms, no longer on the phone but he saw her watery eyes.

“Lola,” Rafe walked through the snow to her and saw her wet cheeks, “Are you okay? I didn’t even ask after-”

She shook her head as her lip wobbled, “I just miss my mom,” She choked out a laugh as he cracked a small smile but brushed her tears away, “I know, baby.” He pulled her in, head against his chest until she stopped sniffling.

“ ‘M sorry for blaming you.” She mumbled looking away and Rafe grinned because it wasn't usually for him to get an apology out of her willingly, “What was that?”

Lola shook her head against his chest and he laughed, “That's all you get from me, Cameron.”

Rafe saw their Uber pulling to the side of the road, “We’ll see about that, c’mon.” He nodded towards the car and wrapped an arm around her as they walked to the car and into the backseat. The ride was uneventful, Rafe kept a hand on her the whole ride as she kept her eyes on the white pines they passed until the hotel came into view.

Lola narrowed her eyes at the over the top hotel when they should have just stayed in a cheap one for the single night they'd be here, “How much was this?” Rafe rolled his eyes at her question, “Could you just enjoy something, for once?” He asked and she shook her head with a fake smile,

“No, I actually can’t-

“Get out of the car, Lo.” Rafe nudged her slightly, “And please, shut up.”

Lola shook her head slightly with a grin, their bickering always put her in a better mood and she handed him his bag from the back before grabbing her own. Lola waved at the driver before following Rafe into the luxurious hotel, and just to fuck with him, she spun in a circle looking around with a fake grin, “Wow, this is such a nice place, baby, how lucky am I?” The receptionist giggled at that and Rafe only shot Lola a stern look before grabbing the keycards from the lady with a pained smile.

Lola slid her arm around his middle as they walked to the elevator, grinning at the receptionist who stared at them in awe. Rafe’s hand slid up to the back of her neck and squeezed slightly making her jump, “What am I going to do with you?” Rafe hummed, pushing the elevator button as she still leaned into him.

Lola grinned, “Whatever you want,”

Rafe just looked up at the ceiling, a smile tugging at his lips. Lola tugged on his hand when the doors opened and pulled him into the long hallway, “Which room?”

“336” Rafe pressed a card into her hand and followed her down the hallways until finally the right room stood in front of them and clicked open with the card. Lola walked in first, taking in the massive room, laughing slightly at the king sized bed in the middle of the room before falling backwards onto the soft mattress, “I love hotels,”

Rafe took her bag from the bed and placed it with his on the table before joining her with a tired sigh, “We should shower.”

“Do you ever relax?” Lola asked, turning her head slightly to see him. Rafe eyed her as she grinned slowly before rolling on top of him, a leg on either side of his waist. Rafe swallowed, looking up at her, unsure of what she was doing.

“Lola.” Rafe cocked his head slightly.

Lola just smiled, “Rafe.” Before leaning down and kissing him, his hands running up her thighs and to her waist before tugging her off of him. She plopped down next to him with a dramatic sigh, “You’re the worst.”

“You crashed the car,”

“Too soon, Rafe. Too soon,” Lola held up a hand as Rafe grinned and kissed her cheek before sitting up, Lola stared at his back flexing as he pulled himself up and looked back at her, “We have things to do,” She rose her eyebrows and he rolled his eyes, “We need to call about the car, insurance, the tow company-

Lola pulled him down by his waist again and settled back on top of him like they once were except now she was covering his mouth with her hand, “Please, shut up.” Rafe narrowed his eyes but when his mouth opened Lola replaced her hand with her mouth kissing him deeply. When she pulled back slightly there was still a determined look in his eyes that was no good. So she kissed the place on the side of his neck near his ear that he loved, leaving a little love bite in her wake as his breath hitched, gripping her hips tightly.

“Lola,” he warned as she trailed open mouthed kisses down his neck to his chest and when she got to his stomach he looked down at her all flushed and red. Lola winked at him slyly when her fingers curled into the waistband of his pants as her lips followed, she couldn't help but notice how tense he was.

“Relax baby,” She smiled up at him, “For once in your life.”

It was safe to say his mind was nowhere near the car for the rest of the night.

#rafe cameron x oc #rafe cameron #rafe

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moonbeambucky · 4 years

Text

A Wealth of Love

Pairing: Hal Carter x Reader Word Count: 5618 Warnings: fluff, light angst

Summary: The only thing Hal Carter is wealthy in is love but will his forbidden romance last when his past comes back to haunt him?

A/N: This is my submission for @baezen The other guys writing challenge. My prompt was “Those things you said yesterday…Did you mean them?” Thank you to my love @all1e23 for beta reading 🍕❤️ pic source (x)

Bright sunlight streams in through the windows made brighter by the all white finishings of the large kitchen. This particular afternoon is a hot one, more humid than the last few days and Y/N knows that not everyone can enjoy the comforts of her family’s perfectly air conditioned home.

A quick search through the cabinets and she finds two large mason jars. Pulling open the fridge she takes out the pitcher of lemonade and in the oversized pantry she pulls out the container of muffins she made earlier that morning. She hums a tune mindlessly as she fills one jar with lemonade, nearly startled by a voice behind her.

“Is this really necessary Y/N?” her stepmother asked, with frustration laced in her tone.

Y/N is quiet as she sets the pitcher down, screwing on the lid and making sure it was tight. With a quiet roll of her eyes she resumed what she was doing.

“At least you aren’t using the good glassware.” Y/N ignored her snippy comment, having learned not to engage her in conversations like this.

She sets her items in a basket, filling the other mason jar with ice as the final step before she leaves through the backdoor, finally letting out her own frustrated huff when she was no longer in earshot of her stepmother.

Y/N walked down the freshly manicured grass of the expansive acreage to get to the large white barn where Hal Carter was hard at work. He was the stable hand and has been working for Y/N’s family for almost two years.

Hal was six feet tall, with strong arms made stronger every day by the work he does. The outline of his muscles could be seen through the plaid button downs he would wear and sometimes take off on the days when he was already overheating in thick jeans and boots. A gentle smile accompanied beautiful blue eyes and soft brown hair that would start to curl when sweat soaked his strands.

Y/N liked seeing Hal, not just because of how incredible he looks as sweat shines over his body- the image of him lifting his shirt to wipe at his brow, exposing a perfectly carved stomach will forever be seared in her mind- but because he’s kind to her and he doesn’t expect anything from her unlike the rest of the world.

Her father doesn’t understand Y/N’s silly little dream of being a teacher. She had just completed her first year of having her own class and honestly he had hoped the whole ordeal had turned her off. He doesn’t see the point of working anywhere that pays so little and she’s tired of having arguments with him about forgetting his own roots, busting his ass with two jobs and still barely making ends meet until he found success with a patent which launched his business. He would scoff at his past, ashamed of the fact that he wasn’t born into wealth like his wife.

Unlike her father who felt she should be at a job earning a lot, Y/N’s stepmother didn’t understand why she wanted to work at all. If it were up to her she would have her married off to William Archer III. He was an investment banker who also came from money like Y/N, having attended the same private school but that’s where their similarities ended.

Y/N was disgusted by his attitude and how little William cared for anyone other than himself. He was a spoiled rich kid that hasn’t worked a real day in his life and never would. His company was his father’s as it was his father’s before him, and the only thing William was actually good at was profiting off the backs of those who work ten times as hard at a fraction of what he makes.

William constantly pursued Y/N because she turned him down. He liked the challenge, thinking of her as nothing more than game to be hunted, another one of his hobbies that Y/N despises, but instead of mounting her head on the wall he’ll mount her on display around his arm as a picture perfect trophy wife.

Hal was surprised by Y/N’s refreshing demeanor from the start. He knows his role as staff but unlike the rest of her family Y/N has never made him feel less than. She was a kindhearted soul and quite frankly sometimes he doesn't believe she’s actually related to them.

The first time Hal met Y/N he was cleaning out one of the stalls in the stables. He took a moment to pause and wipe the sweat from his brow, nearly jumping out of his skin when he saw her standing there. She was beautiful, there was no doubt in his mind about that, and even more beautiful as she stood there flashing a radiant smile as she apologized for scaring him. She was coming in to check on one the horses, Percy, to see firsthand if his stomach issues had gotten better.

The smell alone in the stables was enough to keep her family away but Y/N didn’t mind at all, grabbing a manure fork of her own before Hal had the chance to protest so she could inspect the droppings herself.

“He’s doing much better now Miss Y/L/N,” Hal said. She took note of the slightest hint of a Midwest accent in his voice though it was mostly undetectable.

“I’m so happy to hear that,” she beamed, setting the fork aside and stepping forward to see the horses enjoying their day on the open lawn. She spotted Percy grazing on the grass and her heart lifted, glad to see that he was doing better. “Oh, and it’s just Y/N,” she said, looking over her shoulder back at Hal.

The formality her parents required from those they employ is not for her. Y/N knew they were privileged to have a group of people working for them, in the house and on the grounds; but Y/N always felt her parents would forget that these people were actual humans with lives that didn’t and shouldn’t revolve around their family and not robotic slaves meant to carry out all their wishes without complaint.

Hal gave a respectable nod to her, curbing his smile to a professional one as he excused himself back to work.

Their interactions increased over time, especially with Y/N spending a lot of time with her favorite horse Penelope. She liked to brush her down and bring her apples she picked from the trees on property, and whenever they went riding Hal couldn’t take his eyes off her.

When Y/N was saddled up on Penelope’s back it seemed like it was the only time she truly felt in control of her life. It was true. Riding allowed her the time to clear her mind and with the wind in her hair she let go of everything outside of that moment.

But there was one thing that she couldn’t shake from her thoughts, Hal Carter.

It didn’t take long before for their friendship to develop and quite soon after a forbidden romance. It was something they worked hard at, deleting texts right after sending them, hiding their pictures together. Y/N’s stepmother had a tendency to snoop so she did everything she could to protect their relationship.

Hal tasted the lemonade from her lips, his calloused hands wrapped around Y/N’s waist, backing her up towards the wall to steal more of the sweetness he couldn’t get enough of and he didn’t mean the drink.

Her lips were soft against his, a heavenly touch that set every part of him aflame. The idea of sneaking around made both their hearts race, every noise keeping them on edge with “what ifs” racing through their minds. If they were caught Hal would surely be fired and though they wouldn’t have to hide their relationship any more that’s not something Y/N wanted.

Hal rarely spoke to her about money; she understood and didn’t push the issue. She knew his financial situation wasn’t the best and that despite her parent’s attitude towards the staff they actually paid them surprisingly well. It wasn’t something he ever flaunted but it wasn’t something neither of them could deny.

Still, he couldn’t help but feel like all of this could slip away from him, that one day Y/N will wake up and realize what a big mistake she made. She could date anybody, someone her parents’ won’t turn their nose up to, someone who could afford to take her out. Not even to a fancy place because Hal knows she doesn’t care about that but he’s ashamed he can’t even take her anywhere.

“Darlin’, you deserve everything.” The corner of his lips sunk into a frown as he sighed, “And I can’t give you that.”

“Hal, I have everything and I don’t want it, I only want you.”

He was shocked by her admission, still finding it hard to believe. “I’m nothing Y/N. I have nothing. I’m lucky I even have this job.”

She brushed the hair away from his eyes, letting her hand move down cup the soft skin of his cheek, warm against her palm. “What do you want Hal? You don’t have to work for my family forever. Whatever’s holding you back I’ll help.”

He smiled, taking her hand off his cheek to kiss the delicate knuckles of her skin. She knows what he’s doing, changing the subject when he doesn’t want to answer. Again, she doesn’t push him.

“Follow me,” he said, letting go of her hands.

They walk along the fence of the pasture, down the slope of a small hill before they stop at a bright red maple tree. Hal adjusts Y/N to stand in the right spot, his solid frame behind her, leaning in as he points his finger up between the branches.

“Can you see?” he asked, and she tried to follow the line of sight for his finger.

She isn’t sure what she’s looking for until she sees it, the slightest movement of a robin moving its head, spying on them from her nest.

“She’s been sittin’ on those eggs for a week now,” Hal said, smiling because he knows Y/N’s love of animals is not just for horses. They’ll be hatching soon and he can’t wait to bring her to see them.

If this is what their dates are for now then Hal doesn’t mind it at all. Any time spent with her he’s grateful for but Y/N knows she’s been gone for too long and knowing her stepmother she probably set a timer the moment Y/N walked out of the door.

Back in the stables she packs up the empty mason jars and reluctantly says goodbye. Hal holds her close as they kiss, the slip of his tongue in her mouth makes her yearn for more. A soft hum bubbles in her throat before she grabs the back of his head, deepening the kiss as their tongues dance together.

They get carried away and Hal falls back into a pile of hay, protecting Y/N in his arms as she falls on top of him. With a final press to his lips she gets up, extending her hands out to Hal to pull him up. He helps wipe off any hay that may have gotten attached to her, watching her figure get smaller the further she walks away from him as she makes her way back to the main house.

With a heavy sigh Hal gets back to work, knowing for now their secret is kept by the horses, the only ones who seemed to be rooting for them.

“What took you so long?” Her stepmother scowled, throwing her a sharp accusatory glare.

Y/N rolled her eyes, opening the basket to take out the mason jars. Over her shoulder she responded, “You know how I like to spend time with Penelope.”

As she washes the glasses Y/N can’t see the disapproving shake of her stepmother’s head, especially as she sees a strand of hay stuck on the fabric of Y/N’s leg. She doesn’t say anything. The clack of her heels echo through the large home as she stomps her way out of the kitchen, not liking this one bit.

Y/N comes down the grand stairway when dinner is ready, her hand languidly gliding down the banister. It’s not that she didn’t want to eat with her parents, she didn’t mind their company as long as they didn’t pester her about the things that parents do, but she was tired of seeing them.

Going away for college had been a wonderful escape, to be Y/N Y/L/N, regular college student and not the girl with a rich family. Her father was right, teaching does not pay well but she isn’t doing it for the money. However she did need to save a bit so she could move out and finally be on her own. She had assets in a trust fund but she refused to use them, wanting to prove to her family that she didn’t need their money.

“There she is,” the somewhat familiar voice of a man called out.

Y/N lifted her head, frozen in shock to find William Archer III sitting at her dining table.

A cheshire cat smile stretched across her stepmother’s face. “Look who came by!” she feigned surprise. Y/N knew her stepmother had called him the moment she left to see Hal.

There was plenty of space at the table but most of the chairs had been removed, leaving only one open and unsurprisingly it was next to William. Y/N plastered a smile to her face and held the back of the chair, moving it as far away from him as she could before she was scolded by her stepmother. It was embarrassing, especially when her father chimed in to remind her that they don’t treat guests this way. If only they knew what he was really like. Reluctantly, she returned the chair to its spot next to him though she kept a greater distance than where it was originally.

Y/N wondered if she was the only one who noticed the way William would speak wildly with his hands, these big gestures that involved movement of his whole body giving him an excuse to adjust his chair again and somehow he had ended up right beside her. She ignored him as best as she could, moving her leg away each time his hand “just happened” to brush against her thigh.

She tries her best to be pleasant despite the very unpleasant circumstances, making small talk when William didn’t talk over her.

“Hal says the robin chicks will be born soon. I can’t wait to see them,” Y/N beamed, her smile fading as she caught the tail end of her stepmother’s eye roll.

“Oh, I didn’t know Hal was an avian expert now. Honey perhaps we should give him a raise, a man with such an extensive animal background,” her stepmother said sarcastically.

“That’s because he is one!” William chimed in, bursting out with a round of belly aching laughter, a duet with her stepmother’s own cackling.

Y/N expected that from her but she was even more disappointed to see her father snickering.

“That’s enough!” She slammed her hand against the table, the flame of the candlesticks wobbling back to a steady flicker. “I’m sick and tired of all you thinking you’re better than Hal or anyone else just because you have money. It’s disgusting.”

Her father clenched his jaw, “I know you like to forget this Y/N but you have money too. Stop acting like it’s something you’re so ashamed of. I worked hard to give us what we have.”

“Did you?” she asked accusingly. “Because it’s been so long since you had to bust your ass like Hal I think you’ve forgotten what it’s like to be a decent person!”

Her stepmother balked in disgust. “Young lady you do not speak to your father this way.”

Y/N ignored her as she got up from the table, stomping her way out of the house. The evening air was cool and she felt immediate relief on her skin that burned hot after her emotionally fueled eruption. Her stepmother has always been a snob but she hates the fact that her father has lost touch with reality.

“Hey.”

She pinched the bridge of her nose upon hearing William’s voice, the last person she wanted to ever see. Hal was in the distance, working late and she was hoping to say goodbye to him before he left. Now that William’s here she can’t.

Turning around she huffed, not hiding her contempt. William’s hands were up in a small attempt to convey that he wasn’t looking for trouble.

“Are you okay?” His tone seemed sincere but Y/N kept her guard up. “I know you don’t like me but I do care about you Y/N. I always have.”

She knows better than to trust him but something inside her breaks and she lets out a shuddering sob. Y/N didn’t want to feel the way she does about her parents but she can’t help it. She wished her parents were better people, she wished she could openly speak to them about how she feels, and not having to hide her relationship with Hal. She wishes things were different.

William hesitantly offers a hug and in desperation Y/N takes it, crying against him. “It’ll be okay,” he comforts, rubbing her back.

With her back turned she doesn’t see the smirk on William’s face as he spots Hal in the distance. He lets Y/N pull away, feeling comfortable enough to have gained his trust for a moment before he acts. Like a leech he grabs her face, forcing her lips to his, his tongue probing forcefully into her mouth.

Y/N is pushing him off with her hands as best as she could, scrunching her face and whipping her head around to get away from him. Her efforts don’t take her very far as his lips get closer again so instead she kicks him in between his legs.

William doubles over in pain. “You little bitch!” he sneered, grabbing her by the hair as she tried to run away.

His clenched hand raised to her but immediately felt his arm wrench back. He was turned around forcibly by Hal, whose own fist socked William right in the jaw. The hard punch took the coward down and while he was busy screaming expletives Hal went to Y/N.

“Darlin’, did he hurt you?” The softness of Hal’s voice brought tears to her eyes that fell down her cheeks as she shook her head. She found true comfort in Hal’s arms, apologizing for what had happened. “Shhh, you have nothin’ to apologize for,” he reassured her.

“You’ll pay for putting your hands on me y-you… dirty lowlife scum!” William threatened, walking away from them.

Hal’s jaw clenched with anger but Y/N’s gentle palm caressing his cheek made him release his tension.

“I’m sorry Hal,” she said, and once again he stopped her but this time with a soft kiss to her lips. Y/N had nothing to be sorry for but on nights like this Hal felt sorry for her, thinking she wouldn’t have to go through this if she gave her heart to a better man than him.

There’s a knocking at her door and before she can get up her stepmother has already let herself into Y/N’s room. “We need to talk about what happened...” she said, settling down on Y/N’s bed beside her. Y/N braced herself for a lecture before her stepmother finished. “...after you left.”

Relief washed over her believing the serious look on her stepmother’s face was not meant to scold her but about what happened with William.

“I hope you saw what I’ve been telling you, William is–”

“William? Y/N no, this is about Hal.”

Y/N’s brows furrowed with confusion. “Hal?”

“He assaulted William. Your father and I need to reconsider his employment.”

She stared at her stepmother in disbelief. Was she actually naive enough to believe what William told her? Y/N answered her own question as her stepmother continued to talk about “poor William” and how he had to drive home holding a bag of ice to his face.

“William is a liar. He forced himself on me! Hal was only trying to protect me. How do you not see this?”

Her stepmother took Y/N’s hand in her own, awkward and unsure if this felt right or not. She was unable to have children of her own and perhaps that’s why she treated Y/N so poorly from the start, resenting her and never truly accepting her as her daughter. Y/N was passed off to au pairs and maids to be cared for as her stepmother went shopping or to the spa. Y/N has always felt disconnected to her stepmother and even more so now.

“Sweetheart, I know men like Hal. They’re fine to look at but they can’t provide for you, not the way William can.”

“You don’t know the first thing abou–” Y/N’s cheek stung at the unexpected slap she received.

“Don’t tell me what I know because I know exactly what you’ve been up to with Hal. Stay away from him. Hal is not the one for you.”

Y/N rose from her bed, stomping as she paced in front of her stepmother, waving her finger in her face as she told her off.

“I’m leaving. I’m going to get Hal and we’re leaving and there’s nothing you can do about that!”

“He isn’t here.”

Y/N’s eyes narrowed at her stepmother, her nostrils flaring, teeth clenching together as she hissed, “What did you do?”

“Nothing! He asked for the day off, though his days are numbered. As soon as we find someone to take his position…” her stepmother said without hiding the joy in her voice. She sauntered out of Y/N’s room feeling proud, not giving a single care she broke down crying.

Her vision was clouded by tears as she texted Hal, wondering why he didn’t tell her he wouldn’t be there today. It took a few hours for him to respond, every waiting minute adding to her anxiety but when he finally did she was able to take a deep breath. Hal reassured her that he was fine and wondered if she could meet him later.

Y/N told her family she was going shopping as she headed out, instead she drove to Hal’s. They were only twenty minutes apart and yet they lived in such different worlds. The homes in Hal’s area were older, small ranch style houses on lots smaller than her home’s driveway. She had so much more than this community and yet they had everything she wanted.

She sees a dog being walked by a couple, hand in hand as they stroll down the sidewalk not worried about hiding their love. Y/N comes to a stop in the street to let the children playing move to the side. She gives a friendly smile as she slowly rolls past them, seeing their happy faces in the rear view mirror. She wonders if anyone can see how she aches behind her smile, desperate to be as happy as them one day. She parks behind his truck on the street and texts that she’s there.

When Hal came to New York he was sleeping in his truck, desperate for a place to stay. His friend Peter offered him a room which Hal helped close off and renovate into an unofficial one bedroom apartment in the back of the house. Peter needed the cash to pay his mortgage so it worked out for both of them.

Y/N had been over a dozen times but Hal was embarrassed every time she did. His place was small but he kept it as nice as he could. He didn’t have much furniture, a bed, a pretty beat up looking couch, a small table that barely fit in his small kitchen. She told him over and over how she didn’t care about material things and deep down Hal knows that but he can’t help those feelings anyway.

She runs into his arms, enveloped by his warmth as he squeezes her tight. “I missed you darlin’,” he cooed as he tips her chin with his fingers, pressing his lips to hers.

“What happened today?” Y/N can’t help the worry woven through her words.

He takes her by the hand and they sit on his bed; he never liked Y/N sitting on that dirty couch of his.

“I had something to take care of today… for our future.” She looks at him with hopeful eyes. “I had some trouble in my past, surprised it didn’t catch up to me yet to be honest. Once this is over I can work anywhere, we can live that life we want darlin’.”

Tears roll down her cheek, their path altered by the curve of her smile. Hal’s thumb brushes them away gently, bringing his lips to her forehead and after the softness of her lips. Clothes are slowly discarded and Hal takes his time making love to her, joining her passionate cries with moans of his own as they peak together to the heights of bliss.

He cradles her in his arms, his fingertips grazing soft circles over her back as they lay together for as long as they could, knowing Y/N would have to leave soon. The time comes sooner than they wanted and with reluctance they get dressed.

A knock at the door startled them both, the sound of a voice even more shocking.

“Y/N! I know you’re in there!” her stepmother taunted, banging roughly against the glass pane of the screen door.

Her jaw dropped open in shock as she could only think about what a psycho her stepmother was. “Did she follow me?” Y/N whispered to Hal, panic washing over her.

There was no point in hiding anymore, not if her parents really were firing Hal, and if that was a bluff they most certainly would now.

Hand in hand they proudly step out from his door onto the small pathway on the side of the house. It’s there when Y/N’s jaw drops in shock to see William standing beside her stepmother, the two of them standing shoulder to shoulder with two police officers.

“That’s him,” William points at Hal, a smug look plastered on his face.

A man as tall as Hal took a step towards him, roughly separating his hand from Y/N’s as he began to cuff his hands behind his back, reading him his rights as he walked Hal towards the police car parked crookedly in the driveway.

“What are you doing?” Y/N pleaded for an answer.

William answered her question, informing Y/N that Hal had a warrant out for his arrest for auto theft in Kansas. She realized that’s what Hal must have been talking about.

“I have friends everywhere Y/N and I will make this harder for him unless…” William tried to lace his fingers with hers but Y/N quickly snapped her arm away.

She watched helplessly as Hal was stuffed into the back of the car, wiping away the tears that began to fall. Her stepmother sauntered up beside her, making some comment about how appalled she was that she had a fugitive working for her, that’s when Y/N snapped.

“Enough! I don’t give a shit what you say. Fugitive or not Hal’s a better person than you’ll ever be. I love him, I love him with every piece of my heart and I’m going to do everything in my power to stop this.”

The car drove away with Hal craning his neck around, not knowing if he would ever be able to see Y/N again.

“Hal! Are you okay?” Y/N said, hugging him with all her might.

The breeze on his skin felt nice but it was nothing compared to having her in his arms again. “Much better now darlin’,” he replied, squeezing his arms around her.

Hal spent the night in jail, calling Y/N to ask for her help. He explained everything, that back in Kansas he had borrowed his friend Alan’s car to take a girl named Madge out on a date. Alan’s jealousy got the best of him and he reported the car as stolen. They haven’t spoken since.

Once Y/N got Hal’s call she contacted her attorney, sought out every Alan Seymour she could find before she narrowed it down to the one he went to college with. She spent all morning working with the attorney to have him stop the extradition proceedings and arrange for bail instead. She couldn’t think of a better thing to use the money from her trust fund on.

“I’m so sorry about all of this darlin’, I never meant for it to come out like this. Alan coulda taken it back then but he was still mad ‘nd probably worried about lyin’ to the police.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for Hal,” she assured him, cupping his cheeks with her hand. He pressed against her palm, his lips pulling into a small smile as he looked at her. “I can’t believe my stepmother had you arrested. I hate her. I hate my father. I hate what they’ve become. Let’s go away together.”

As the words fell from her lips every part of Hal’s body stiffened with worry. He was about to ask a question before Y/N interrupted him.

“I’m done with them Hal. I don’t care how hard I have to work to put this behind us. We’ll get through this together because that’s how I want to spend the rest of our lives.”

It was hard to hide the way Hal’s lips were pressed into a thin smile. He didn’t tell Y/N the full story, that Madge came with him when he left Kansas, to get away from her family too. By the time they got into Missouri she turned around, realizing she couldn’t leave them.

This was different though. Hal didn’t care if Madge came or not, he didn’t feel the same way about her as he does with Y/N, which is why this is so hard for him.

“Those things you said yesterday…Did you mean them?” Hal asked, holding her hands in his. Y/N nodded and Hal let out a sigh. “I love you too Y/N but I can’t ask you to choose between me and your family.”

Her heart skipped a beat but not in the way Hal had made it done in the past. This pain was sharp in her chest and she would have fallen down if Hal hadn’t been holding her. Those were the last words she expected.

“But you’re not asking Hal, this is my choice.”

“I know darlin’ but trust me on this, if we ran away we’d be happy but in the back of your mind I know how you’d feel, wonderin’ if your parents were okay because I know deep down you love ‘em and it would break my heart to see you tryin’ to cover that up. I can’t put that on you.”

“Hal, please…” she cried. “Don’t say this.”

This is the last thing Hal wants, Y/N is everything he’s ever wanted in life but things were always too good to be true for him. He was doing this for her even though it hurts, because Y/N deserves the best.

“I love you Y/N, more than anything in this world. I know I can’t ever repay you for gettin’ me out, and I know your parents think I’ll never be good enough for ya but–”

“You’re wrong son.”

A familiar voice has their heads turning around to find Y/N’s father standing there.

“Dad? What are you doing here?” Y/N was confused, unaware of the way she took a protective step in front of Hal.

“I came to bail out Mr. Carter but it seems you’ve already done that. I wanted to tell him that Mr. Seymour has been contacted and he will be revoking his initial claim.”

“Sir, I appreciate that but I can’t ask anything of you,” Hal began.

“You didn’t have to. I owe you an apology for my wife’s behavior. She was wrong and after I heard the truth about what happened with William I owe you a thanks as well for protecting my daughter.”

The corner of Hal’s mouth turned upwards as he replied, “You don’t have to thank me for that sir, I would take a bullet for Y/N if it meant she’d be safe.”

“I can see that. You’re a good man Mr. Carter, a hard working man that reminds me of the person I was a long time ago.” Her father shares a look with Y/N, nodding his head ever so slightly. “And I see the way you love my daughter, that makes you good enough in my eyes.”

Her father extends his hand towards Hal who is hesitant at first to shake it, waiting for the other shoe to drop but the sincerity in the eyes of the man before him sets his mind at ease. The two men shake and soon enough Y/N is back in Hal’s arms.

The weight is lifted from their shoulders knowing they have her father’s support, not only in Hal’s defense but in their relationship. Hiding is in the past and Hal couldn’t be happier. The truth is no matter what he told Y/N before Hal knew he wouldn’t have been strong enough to let her go.

As Hal held Y/N in his arms he vowed to never again feel ashamed about material things he didn’t have because Hal was rich where it counted, in his heart.

#togwc #hal carter x reader #hal carter fanfiction #hal carter fic #hal carter one shot

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wen-kexing-apologist · 4 years

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This is kind of long, so maybe check it out on ao3?

There is a lot to get used to in this immortality business, Nile thinks, as Joe guns the engine and peals away from the lab. No matter how much her brain screams at her to move on, Nile cannot tear her eyes away from the twisted hunk of metal that had been Merrick’s car. Not until Joe turns a corner and it disappears from view. Inside their vehicle, the Guard settles into silence, and at first Nile is grateful for it. No one is trying to gauge how she feels when she is still in shock. No one is trying to debrief her when she can still hear the wind whistling in her ears, when she can still remember the way her skull crawled underneath her skin to piece itself back together.

Nile feels too good for someone that had just rearranged her skeleton, and it seems wrong, in a way, to be sitting here feeling no pain, no exhaustion, no fear. The quiet in the car has a complexity to it Nile can’t quite untangle. It’s woven like a tapestry made of guilt, which roils off Booker like thunder, spun with anger that Nile can feel in the way Nicky sits, his shoulders tense, his hands balled in fists. But it’s like a mirage in the desert, holding its form until it’s looked at up close. When Nile first met the Guard they had felt like a lie, like a fantasy or a dream. She hadn’t understood, hadn’t felt the years they had lived until now. Until she was sitting in this silence; this tired, expansive, comfortable silence. Nile is not used to this kind of prolonged stagnation, the lack of desire to fill empty time with entertainment. But these people beside her are ancient and do not notice they pass full hours just sitting in this car, aware of one another and completely content in that.

Nile distracts herself from the thoughts of blood, the sound of the gunshots, and the ghost of pain that crash around in her head by watching the others. She watches Nicky’s attention flicker between the light in Joe’s curls and the movement of his shoulder, takes note of the small smile that turns Nicky’s lip when he looks in the rearview mirror and finds Joe’s eyes meeting his. Nile watches Booker playing with his rings, his fingers fumbling and trembling. Notices he keeps his sunglasses on even as the sunlight starts to dip below the horizon. Nile inspects the way Andy’s jaw is set, watches her close her eyes, and hears how deliberately she breathes. Nile sees Andy flinch when Joe takes her hand, sees her shoulder slump a little when he turns his head for just a moment, and gives a gentle squeeze. Sees the smile spread briefly across Andy’s face as she nods softly and responds in kind. Nile watches Joe press a soft kiss to Andy’s knuckles, pat the top of her hand, and return his grip to the gear shift.

Nile stretches, uncomfortable and itchy with the blood still caked against her skin. They’d been driving for hours by this point in unfamiliar terrain. She feels a hand press quickly, tentatively against her elbow, and meets Nicky’s gaze. It’s piercing, studious, full of questions, and Nile blinks away the stinging in her eyes. It has been a long time since Nile cried, especially in front of others, and she was not about to start today, in a car full of people she barely knew. Nicolo softens, opens his arms a little in an offer Nile takes. She leans against his side, lets him hold her weight; Nicky wraps an arm around her and kisses the top of her head like her father used to. “We’re almost there,” he says, and Nile is equal parts surprised and not to find the man she read as the most quiet and contemplative of the group is the one to finally break the silence.

“Good,” Nile replies “Cause I’ve had to pee for about an hour now and I was starting to get worried,” The car is filled with laughter like fireworks, explosive but brief. Nile notices how Joe laughs with his whole body, how Andy chuckles under her breath, a timid thing. She sees that Nicky smiles and Booker doesn’t.

“It’s not another mine is it?” Nile asks as she sits back up, Nicolo returning his arm to his side. “Because I don’t know about ya’ll but I need a stiff drink, a soft bed, and a shower,”

“I can solve the drink problem,” Booker pulls his flask out of his jacket pocket, wiggles it in Nile’s direction. Nile takes a swig, tries to stifle a cough as the whiskey hits her tongue.

“No,” Andy says, biting back a smile “It’s not a mine,”

Ten minutes later, Joe turns down a dirt road. The cottage that sits at the end of the driveway looks straight out of a storybook. It’s roof thatched and slanting, the garden overgrown, Nile half expects a witch to pop out of the front door and welcome them in. Booker is the first out of the car, rushing towards the building before Joe has even finished parking.

“Guess he had to pee too,” Joe remarks bitterly as he jods to the side of the car to open the door for Nile and Nicky, offering his hand to help them stand.

“Such a gentleman,” Nicky says as he untangles himself from the middle seat, takes Joe’s hand, and pulls him in for a quick kiss. Their fingers are the last thing to part, Nile notices, as Joe heads towards the passenger seat to open Andy’s door. Nicky moves towards the trunk to grab their go-bags and carry them into the house.

“Joe,” Andy scoffs light-heartedly when Joe dips into a bow and extends his hand. Nile pretends not to notice how long it takes Andy to get out of the car, the way her face twists and her breath catches in her throat. Whatever weight had been lifted upon their arrival, upon the promise of sleep comes crashing back down.

“You okay, boss?” Joe asks, but the joy Nile usually recognizes in his voice is not there.

“Yes,” Andy pats his cheek twice with a smile that does not reach her eyes. “Just need to stretch my legs a bit. I thought when we invented cars they’d eliminate some of the more unpleasant aspects of riding horseback. But as it turns out, sitting in the same position for extended periods of time makes my joints stiff whether I’m in stirrups or in shotgun,” Nile knows just as well as Joe that Andy’s giving a bullshit excuse, but she understands Andy’s need for strength in this. “Why don’t you give Nile the tour? I’ll check the perimeter,”

Joe nods and Nile watches the frown fall across his lips as soon as Andy turns away.

“She’s good,” Nile cannot stop herself from saying. “She’ll be fine,”

Joe’s shoulders fold, his hands massage his neck, and when he turns to look at Nile, his eyes shining, she is struck for the first time by how easily, how readily these people choose kindness and honesty. She’s seen the way they tear through a siege, the ruthlessness and the precision of their actions. Yet when Joe looks at her, a man she’s only known for two days, a man she watched a few hours before pop Keane’s spine out of his neck, he seems so worn, so weary, so...vulnerable. So separate from his capabilities in battle.

“You did good today,” Joe kicks the dirt beneath his feet, sending a couple rocks scattering in different directions. “Thank you for everything. I don’t know how we would have gotten ourselves out of that one if you hadn’t been there,”

Nile smiles “All I did was untie Andy and jump out a window,”

“You and I both know that’s not true,” Joe holds the front door open, and Nile steps through into the bright, inviting warmth of the cottage. “You’ve done a lot for us, for Andy, already. I look forward to getting to know you better. You’re going to make one hell of an addition to the team,”

“Thank you, Joe,”

Joe grins “I’m always here if you want to talk. But for now, let me show you around,”

After a quick pit stop to the bathroom, Joe and Nile walk together through the cottage, and as she listens to Joe, Nile finds it a little easier to accept the new conditions of her life. She watches the way he gestures when he speaks, makes a mental note of all the little details he shares with her, the dates of when the cottage was built and what missions they’d stayed here for. The excitement Nile hears in his voice falters and then falls away all together when Nicky walks by, arms crossed and standing in front of the bathroom door, where the shower has been running for the past few minutes. Joe’s brow furrows and his eyes focus, trained on the back of Nicky’s head, hair matted with his own blood.

“Quel bastardo prenderà tutta l'acqua calda.” Nicky mutters.

Nile bites back a smile as she watches Joe unconsciously turn his body to face Nicky, struggling to find the words he needs to finish his conversation with her. Joe runs his thumb across the ridges of his ring and shakes out his hand.

“Go,” Nile says gently, nods her head towards Nicolo.

“Are you sure?”

“Joe,” Nile gives him a knowing look “Go get your man,”

Joe chuckles, squeezes Nile’s shoulder, and heads toward Nicky. Nile watches the two of them wrap their arms around each other and press their foreheads together, breathing each other in. The intimacy of the action makes Nile worry she’s impeding on their privacy so she pretends to focus on the painting in front of her. They speak to one another, chatting in languages that Nile doesn’t know until she hears Joe say bitterly:

“I’ll kill him,”

“Joe, please.” Nicky pulls away, cups Joe’s face in his hands “He doesn’t deserve to see your anger. He doesn’t deserve anything from you at all.”

“Nicky he-”

“I know what he did,” Nicky shuts the conversation down “He is our family and I love him, but for the time being he has no right to my life, or yours. Booker is young and foolish and desperate still, he does not understand the depth of what he’s done. We will figure out his penance and he will serve it, and then we can move on from this.”

“Nicolo-”

“Che cosa?”

Joe begins to say something, but shakes his head and instead says “Ti amo,”

“ uhibbuka aydan ”

Joe and Nicky separate at the sound of the front door opening. “Who let Booker shower first?” Andy asks, running her fingers through her hair with a sigh. She opens the door to the bathroom, and bends over to pick up Booker’s bloody clothing “Time’s up, Book,” she calls. Andy wordlessly hands Booker a towel, and Nile averts her eyes in embarrassment as Booker, water still running, steps out of the shower stark naked and wraps the towel around himself. Andy places the bundle of his clothes in his hand, “Burn whatever you can’t salvage,” Booker does not meet Andy’s eye, but he nods. “Joe, Nicky, anything you want Booker to get rid of?”

Joe and Nicky head towards the shower, tugging their shirts off over their heads and tossing them to Booker. Booker leaves Nile and Andy alone in the living room. An awkward silence begins to settle between them, but Nile has spent most of the day without words and she’s starting to get tired of it.

“So,” she begins, “How much you spend on clothes?”

Andy raises an eyebrow, “Depends. We buy shirts for our missions in bulk, because it’s cheaper. Dark clothes help with blood stains, because if we don’t get shot we can just...wash them. It’s not always like this,” Andy sighs, cracks her knuckles, and massages her shoulders.

“You know, that’s not the first time I’ve heard that this week,”

Andy sighs “You arrived at a uniquely...complicated time and I apologize for that,”

“I don’t think you need to apologize for what happened today. I figured my life was gonna get complicated the minute I was pistol whipped in Afghanistan and woke up in the trunk of some white lady’s armored vehicle, driving through the desert.”

“Yeah, can’t say after all these years that I’m the subtle type,”

“No shit.” Nile smiles, picks dust from under her fingernails. “Were you friends with Heinsberg or something?”

Andy’s eyes are bright and her grin energetic and genuine in a way Nile hadn’t Andy was still capable of. “No, I just likes to sow chaos,”

They chat for a few minutes about nothing in particular. Nile asks about the sculptures on the table, Andy asks about her friends back in Afghanistan. Nile is struck by how natural it seems for her to exist in this space. Andy seems more relaxed than she has in days, Nile can see it in the way she stands, the ease at which conversation flows. The sound of the shower quiets, and the door to the bathroom opens.

“Nile, would you like to go next?” Nicky asks.

“Sure,”

“We left a towel in there for you,” Joe adds.

“Thanks,”

There is a sound of a door opening and closing, and all eyes in the room turn to look at Booker. “I brought you some clothes,” he hands the pile to Nile, and one to Andy, and for a moment Nile cannot help but think that he looks small.

“Joe and I are going to change, and I’ll have dinner started by the time you’re done,” Nicky says, his back to Booker.

Nile nods and closes the door, wipes the steam clinging to the bathroom mirror away, and strips herself down. She takes a moment to look at herself, touches the blood caked to the side of her head, runs a finger down her arm where her bone had been sticking out just a few days before. She looks at her foot, no evidence of an entry or exit wound from the bullet she’d shot into it a few hours ago. She presses a hand to her neck, traces a line down the carotid. The first wound that should have killed her and no scar to prove it. She forces herself to think about something else, singing songs in her head to drive off the existential crisis she can feel brewing. Just a few hours ago she had jumped from 15 stories, felt the blood rush to her head, felt the pain shudder through her body like lightning as a car bent itself beneath her. She had taken lives, and in doing so committed herself to an eternity of slaughter.

She turns the shower on, waits for it to run warm. Within a minute she can hear the muffled sounds of shouting, an argument she wouldn’t have been able to understand even if she had wanted to. She sticks her head beneath the stream, watches as the water turns pink beneath her feet. She massages shampoo into each cornrow, making a mental note to pick up some supplies the next time they were anywhere near civilization. This bathroom was not stocked with her hair texture or skin type in mind. She scrubs herself down with the washcloth they had left her by the sink. Wonders to herself as she hangs the cloth up to dry how many gallons of bleach the Guard must go through after missions. Free of blood, Nile conditions her hair, turns off the shower, and pats herself dry. She finds no moisturizers, no lotions, no oils or gels in the bathroom cabinets, slips into the clothing Booker has given her, and steps into the living room.

“You could have just volunteered yourself,” Joe is standing in the kitchen when Nile returns. “There was absolutely no need to sell us all out,”

“I wasn’t trying to sell you out,” Booker exclaims, and Nile realizes there are advantages to the lack of questioning she’s been subjected to. Mostly that she hasn’t had time to tell anyone she grew up speaking French. “If he could get your DNA then it’s possible he could have figured out a way to-”

“Sebastian,” Andy sighs “stop,”

It is a testament to her command, the respect and reverence these old friends have for one another that Andy need not raise her voice to be heard over shouting. Booker deflates, unscrews the top of his flask and takes a swig “Oh. No need to stop on my account.” Nile’s voice fills the sudden silence “I can hang out somewhere else. I was just looking for a plastic bag. I’ve got conditioner in that has to sit for twenty minutes and need to wrap my head,”

“I’m not. You’re a member of this team now, Nile,” Andy responds, “You should be a part of every conversation that we have. I’m just...tired, and hungry, and covered in blood, I want to shower, and honestly, I don’t care what Booker has to say about his choices right this very minute. I think we should just eat dinner and pick this particular conversation up in the morning,”

“Sure, boss,” Booker and Joe speak together, and Nile watches Nicky whisper low to Joe, slip something into his hand, and push him out of the kitchen. He wipes his fingers on the hand towel sitting on his shoulder, and stirs whatever canned good he’d put on the stove to warm.

“Here’s that bag,” Joe places it gently on her head, it feels familiar, familial in a way that almost knocks Nile off her feet with homesickness.

“Thanks,”

“Okay, I’m going to get cleaned up,” Andy inches towards the bathroom. “Nicky and Joe, finish cooking and set the table. Booker, get the rooms ready. Nile, put your feet up, watch some TV, decompress a little, you’ve earned it,”

Before she can fully process the request, Nile finds herself alone in the foyer. While she’s searching for the remote, Nile realizes that the shower has not started up. She knocks softly on the bathroom door and looks over her shoulder to make sure no one else is paying attention. Nicky and Joe are bickering with one another about the addition of salt to the dish they are preparing, and Booker is nowhere to be seen so she asks a question.

“Andy, you okay in there?”

It takes a moment for her to respond, “I’m fine,” a comment she punctuates with a sharp inhale of breath.

“You sure about that?” Nile pries “Do you wanna give me your dirty laundry?”

“I’ll take care of it,” Andy replies, which she follows rather quickly with a quiet “fuck,”

“Andy, do you need help?”

“I–” Andy stops herself “No,”

Nile doesn’t believe her. “Andy, I know everything hurts. I know you’re worried about what we’re all going to think, but let me make it clear. I don’t care, I don’t pity you, and I won’t judge. I’ve been immortal for like...four days. If you’re bleeding or bruised I’m not gonna freak or feel bad about it. I’d honestly be more creeped out if you were completely fine.” Nile puts a hand on the doorknob and lowers her voice. “It just, sounds like you need help, and there is no point in causing yourself potential harm for the sake of appearances,”

The door opens and Andy drags Nile into the bathroom, closing the door quickly behind them. “I just don’t want the guys to worry.” Andy says.

“I know,”

“I kind of wish Booker had just killed me with that gunshot.” Andy winces as she tries to remove her shirt. Nile helps Andy untangle her arms from the sleeves, tosses the shirt onto the floor. “This whole mortality thing is kind of a pain in the ass.”

“Sounds like a you problem,” Nile teases.

Andy smirks “You’re so kind,”

“I’m sorry...did you want sympathy?” she asks, Andy kicks off her shoes and her pants, grabbing Nile’s arm to steady herself.

“No,” Andy laughs “No I did not,”

“I think we should get that looked at,” Nile moves on, pointing to the bandage on Andy’s abdomen, soaked with blood. “Looks like you re-opened the bullet wound.”

“I’m not going to the hospital,”

“Okay well, let’s just get the blood off of you first, and go from there. I feel like we should try not to get it wet though.”

“Fine, just...help me into the tub,” Nile holds Andy’s weight, pretends not to see the way Andy grits her teeth when she steps over the rim. She lowers herself down until she is sitting in the bottom of the tub, and reaches for a washcloth and some soap. Andy’s body is riddled with cuts and bruises, and Nile understands why Andy was hesitant to ask for help. It’s a pretty gruesome sight, even for someone who was expecting injury.

Andy sighs, a deep, exhausting thing, and leans against the back of the tub. She dips the washcloth in the water, lathers it up with soap and starts to scrub at the parts of her skin that are not tender. Nile closes the toilet seat and sits herself down.

“So…while you have me trapped here, in pain and unable to stand, do you have any other pressing questions about immortality, or...anything really?”

Nile chews her lip, feels her cheeks get warm “I’ll be this age forever, right?”

“Yup,”

“Does that mean....okay this is gonna sound stupid,” Nile closes her eyes so she won’t have to see Andy’s face when she asks “Will I still get my period?”

“Oh no,” Andy chuckles “God no. Your body heals itself, so there is no tissue to shed. If I still got my period I probably would have tried harder to end my immortality. Can you imagine thousands of years of that shit?”

“I was hoping I wouldn’t have to,”

Andy wrings out the blood and dirt from her washcloth, and tries to reach behind her to scrub at her back. She bites back a cry of pain, the water rushing through the tub spout drowns out whatever sound escapes her lips. Nile takes the cloth wordlessly, begins to wipe the grime away from Andy’s skin “How many times have you died?”

“Lost count,” Andy stares at her feet. “At least two thousand, probably more,”

“How many times have you blown yourself up?”

“Five,”

“Only five?”

“Blown myself up or been blown up?”

“Blown up,”

“Then probably...forty,”

“What is the weirdest way you’ve died?”

“I ate mercury,”

“What?”

“Joe dared me too,”

“Most embarrassing way you’ve ever died?”

“Are all your questions going to be about my deaths?”

“How old are you?”

“Around sixty-five hundred. My foot got tangled in the sling of a trebuchet as I was helping place the payload and I got hurtled into the sky,”

“Have you ever tried to figure out why this is happening?”

“How would I do that?”

“I don’t know, but...aren’t you curious?”

“No,” Andy’s voice isn’t dismissive when she replies.

“Why don’t you believe in God?”

“I told you before, there was a time that I was worshipped as a God, but I’m just a person who has a hard time making death stick to her. I can’t shape the world, I can’t heal the sick, I can only kill,”

“And save,”

Andy looks at Nile and there is something in her eyes Nile doesn’t know how to decipher. “Regardless, having been a God to some sorry fuckers thousands of years ago, I have a hard time thinking that any part of it is real. As old as I am and as travelled as I’ve been, I’ve seen many religions rise and fall around all different types of Gods. And while I understand the comfort of prayer, community, and worship, it just hard for me to think that God exists when I see something so many people have believed in and have devoted themselves to disappear within a few decades. But you can believe whatever you want, I’m sorry if I was harsh about your religion before,”

“I appreciate that,” Nile’s hand freezes as she goes to scrub the dirt from Andy’s shoulders and finds a stab wound sitting there instead, cut deep and oozing. “Where did you get this?”

“Goussainville,”

“Its bleeding,”

“Is it?”

“Okay Andy, first of all, you can’t keep shit like this from anyone anymore. Secondly– and I can’t believe I have to ask this question –do you have bandages here? A first aid kit?”

“Yes, in my bag. I bought some the other night,”

“I’ll go grab it,” Nile hands Andy the shampoo and conditioner and slips out of the bathroom to go in search of medical equipment. Joe and Nicky look up from their work and raise their eyebrows quizzically. Nile pretends she doesn’t see them.

Booker is precariously balancing a stack of bedsheets when Nile comes into the room. “Have you seen Andy’s bag?” she asks him. Booker’s eyes are red when he looks up at her.

“Um, yeah,” he throws the sheets down, roots through the pile of bags on the floor. “Here,”

“Thanks,” Nile’s replies, her voice hesitant. She looks Booker over as she sifts through the bag. “How are you?”

“I didn’t mean to…” Booker seems desperate “I didn’t know,”

“She knows,”

“I thought I- it doesn’t matter,” Booker shakes his head. “I should have realized they would lie,”

“I know you think you were doing something good,” Nile says carefully. “But that wasn’t a choice you made with everyone, it’s a choice you made for everyone. Booker, if you have to kidnap your friends to get them to do something, maybe it wasn’t a good idea in the first place,”

“You’re right…” Booker plays with the edge of the folded bed sheets, not meeting her eyes. “We’ve all done things to piss each other off before, but this is really bad. I don’t know what I’m gonna do...what they’re gonna do,”

“I don’t either,” Nile finds the first aid kit, and leaves Booker alone. Andy is washing the suds out of her hair when Nile returns. “Anyone have medical training?”

“Nicky,”

“Are you okay with having him look at you? You have to be more careful now,”

“I know,”

“You think you know, but you haven’t been mortal in...over six thousand years. You can push yourself an awful lot, but you can’t ignore your injuries. When was the last time you had an infection? Or had to take medication?”

“Fine,” Andy sighs “Let me put on some pants.” Nile helps Andy out of the tub, turns the water cold and rinses the conditioner out of her hair as Andy dries herself off, struggles into her underwear and sweatpants.

“Nicolo,” Andy pokes her head out of the door “Vieni qui per favore,”

Without hesitation, Nicky joins them in the bathroom, “Everything okay, Andy?”

“Nile is worried I may need medical attention. She hasn’t taken any bandages off but she said there was blood on them and is concerned that I may have ripped my stitches, or whatever the hell it was they did to me,”

“Also she has a stab wound she didn’t tell anyone about on her shoulder,”

Nicky turns to look at Nile, then back to Andy, he raises his eyebrow slightly, and shakes his head when Andy shrugs. “I’m assuming it is okay for me to examine you?”

“Yeah,”

Nile watches Nicky work, how delicately he removes her bandages, the intensity of his stare as he analyzes the damage. “The stitches have definitely slipped,” he presses his hand to Andy’s stomach, rolling his palm slightly around her abdomen and then close to where her bruises have started to bloom. “You don’t have a rigid abdomen, so there’s probably not internal bleeding. Let me see the others,” Andy complies, resting her chin upon her hands, rolling her neck until it cracks. “The back seems to have slipped as well, and the shoulder one is a little too old for stitches. I don’t have sutures here, but I could glue it if you want,”

“Do you still need me?” Nile asks, a little woozy.

“I’ve got her,” Nicky replies.

Nile leaves the room and nearly jumps out of her skin when Booker and Joe rush to her “Everything okay?”

“Yeah,” Nile pours herself a glass of wine. “It’s all good,”

Booker and Joe finish setting the table and they all prepare themselves for dinner. Nicky and Andy join them soon after they have sat down to eat. Over dinner, the attention turns to Nile, she is attacked from all sides with all the burning questions the immortals have about her life. Joe learns of Nile’s interest in art history and spends the rest of the meal excitedly telling her fun facts about every famous artist they’d ever met. Nile sits on the kitchen counter while the others wash the dishes. She listens to them hum snippets of long forgotten songs, and marvels at the way they move around one another without needing to speak. They are more than just a team, more than just a family, Nile realizes as Joe starts up a gramophone. When they are all together they are a single living organism.

Booker tries to offer her more wine and Joe tries to pull her, gently, off the countertop so he can teach her how to swing dance. Nile is not exactly shy, and under different circumstances she knows she would have participated more in the evening's festivities. But for tonight, Nile stays rooted in place, as a casual observer of their joy. Nile feels happier than she has in months, as she watches them drink, as Joe prays, and as the old friends dance together. A promise of what this life could be. The evening begins to calm and Andy, skin flushed and pupils dilated, and Booker head to bed.

“You coming?” Joe asks Nicky, who has been sitting at the dining room table, propping his head up with his hand, reading a book.

“Later,” Nicky looks up from the page “I’d like to read for a bit,”

“Okay,” Joe presses a kiss to Nicky’s temple “Goodnight,”

“Night, love,”

Nile moves to sit on the living room couch, rests her arms on her knees, hangs her head so she can focus on the floor. She finally lets herself breathe, lets herself think about everything that she just went through. The burning pinch of the bullets that riddled her, the way her bones felt moving underneath her skin, the smell of blood and dust. She thinks of the man that killed her, the way life had left his eyes, how Andy had a similar look in her eye when the two of them peered out the broken window in Merrick’s penthouse. She runs her hands across her head, rubs the tears from her eyes. She needs to think, to make a decision. The longer she stays here the harder it is for her to justify leaving. This is a family, not hers, not yet, but she knows how easily it could be. She pulls out her phone, spends too long staring, blurry eyed at photos of her family. She thinks about her brother, his passion, his joy, and his sadness. She thinks of her mother, how hard she had worked to provide them a life they could be proud of, how determined she was to be happy despite the wrongs the world had handed her. She thinks of the emptiness that consumed their family when her father died, how badly her mother’s hand had shaken when she’d closed the door behind the officers that had delivered the news. Could she put her family through that again? Could she put her mother through that?

“I made you some hot chocolate,” Nicky places a steaming mug down on the coffee table. Nile blinks up at Nicky, so wrapped up in her own head she hadn’t fully processed what he’d said to her.

“Oh.” Nile sits up a little straighter “Thank you,”

“Could I join you?”

“Sure,” Nile holds the mug between her hands and lets the heat spread across her fingers.

“I’m not sure that it tastes very good, but sometimes all you need is a little warmth,”

“Thank you, Nicky,”

“Of course,” he takes a sip of his own drink. “How are you feeling about all of this, Nile?”

Nile sighs “Honestly? I have no idea,”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“I’m not sure what I want, I’m not sure what to do,”

“Do about what?”

“Any of it– All of it.” Nile watches the ceiling fan circle, searching for the right words “I’m not sure how to feel about this immortality business. I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet, it still feels like a dream. I keep pinching myself just to see if I’ll wake up. I’ve died four times in the last week, I keep having nightmares, and I just,” Nile’s lip trembles “I just want my Mom, you know?”

“I do,” he admits “They don’t tell you when you train for battle how many people will die crying out for their mothers. In times of strife, in times of fear, we want that which will bring us comfort. I’ve lived for nine-hundred years, and time has eaten away at a lot of my memories. I can’t remember what my mother looks like, but some days I am hit with an overpowering wave of melancholy knowing that I will never see her again. I can still remember how it felt, the first couple of times. How terrifying it was, how isolating, and every time I came back to life I thought of her, I wanted her to be there to tell me it was okay. But at the time I thought there was a devil in me, so I never let myself go back.” Nicky turns the full force of his attention towards Nile, and though every action he performs is gentle and controlled, Nile shrinks under the pressure of his gaze. “You’re an incredibly strong person, Nile,”

“Sometimes I wish I didn’t have to be,”

“You don’t always,”

Nile stifles a laugh, because Nicky means well, but he just doesn’t get it. He doesn’t know what it is like to wear her skin, to grow up where she did. And while she has no doubt he’s faced trials and tribulations, and had his fair share of hate spewed at him, no amount of time on Earth will ever let him understand what she means. “I think I want to go home,”

“Why?”

“I want a better goodbye. I want to hear my mother’s voice again, I want to hug her one last time,”

“And what purpose does that serve?”

“I don’t know…” Nile shrugs, she looks to Nicky with lost eyes. “I don’t want them to suffer, I don’t want them to have to mourn me,”

“What happens if they start to realize you aren’t aging?”

“I leave,”

“And cause them pain,” under different circumstances, Nile would have thought this point was cruel, but to Nicky it’s a matter of fact. It is not a question, it is not a hypothetical, it’s merely...truth.

“I know what it was like, after my Dad died. I don’t know that I can put them through that,”

“You’ll have to do it eventually. You just have to decide whether you cause them misery now, or later,”

“I don’t think I’m ready to say goodbye,” Nile’s voice cracks.

“Nile,” Nicky takes her hand, brushes a tear from her cheek, “No one ever is,”

“Ugh sorry,” Nile takes a raggedy breath, sniffles, and forces herself to smile, though it falters for a moment. “I don’t normally cry,”

“Why not?”

“It makes me feel weak, it makes me feel vulnerable,”

“But neither of those things are true,” Nicky takes a sip of his drink, “could I ask you a question?”

“Shoot,”

“Why did you come back?”

“What?”

Nicky’s eyebrows furrow as he tries to find the words. “When Andromache and Booker were brought into the lab, we asked after you, wanting to make sure you were okay, you were safe. I don’t think any of us would have forgiven ourselves if you had been captured too. Andy said that you had left, that you wanted to get as much time as you could with your family before the immortality caught up to you. We didn’t know if we’d ever see you again....until you came bursting through that door,” Nile feels her cheeks go warm “So...why? What caused you to come back?”

Nile examines the contents of the mug between her fingers, takes a sip to wash the tremble out of her voice. “Right before I left, Andy handed me her pistol and told me to get rid of the weapons before I got on a train. When I went to toss them, I noticed the clip was empty. Booker was the one that prepped that gun for her, so I knew something was up,”

“Ok,” Nicky surveys Nile’s face “But that doesn’t answer my question,”

“It doesn’t?”

“No,” Nicky’s lips turn up in the ghost of a smile “Just seeing that gun doesn’t mean you have to come back for us. We basically kidnapped you to get you to come here. You’ve only known us for a few days, you have no obligation to us. You could have looked at that gun, thought something was wrong, and then gone back to your family anyway. But instead...you chose to save us, even after our broken promises. Andy told you we’d keep you safe, and we left you alone, exposed, and in the open,”

“It’s not your fault,”

“I know,” Nicky runs a hand through his hair.

“How did you know about what Andy said to me anyway?”

“She was beating herself up about it in the lab,” Nicky states. “You don’t have to tell me if you do not wish too, Nile. I was just curious,”

“No,I–” Nile stares straight ahead of her when she says it, focusing her attention on the front door. “It was Quynh,”

“Quynh?” Nicky asks, and Nile nods, forcing herself to face this kind man who asked hard questions.

“And you,”

“Me?”

“You were right. When I first saw the gun I thought about just leaving, figured that whatever was happening you’d have the time to get out of it on your own. But then I thought of Quynh, of feeling her drown over and over; the wildness of it, the insanity. And I thought of what you told me the other night, your fear of capture, of spending an eternity in a box. Feeling what Quynh felt– feels,” Nile corrects herself “I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. I knew I couldn’t leave you all to that potential future.”

Nicky sizes Nile up and though he smiles warmly at her, she feels like he is staring right into her soul. It’s not uncomfortable, just unexpected, Nile takes another sip of her hot chocolate to break the eye contact. When Nile looks at him again his body seems heavy, he’s staring at nothing in particular and rubbing his wrist absentmindedly.

“How ‘bout you? Are you okay?”

Nicky shakes his head and it takes him a minute to say anything at all “I don’t think so,”

“Were you scared?”

“Only for a moment, when they injected me and Joe with something and I thought they might separate us.”

“But they didn’t,”

“No. I did have to watch him tortured though,”

“I’m so sorry,”

“I’d throw myself in front of every danger to keep him from being hurt,” Nicky admits “And I couldn’t spare him from the pain,”

“Is that why you haven’t said a word to Booker since we left the lab?”

“We had some time to question him,” Nicky says after a moment of contemplation “when they got into the lab. Joe was pretty busy yelling at him, but Booker told us he hadn’t meant for it to go like this. He’d been promised answers to his existence, a potential cure to his immortality, a way to die before his time. He thought that we could all get some answers, that we would all want a way to end this cursed existence.” Nicky runs his hand over his face, looking to Nile with tired eyes. “I have never had a child, so I do not know what it is like to lose one. Much less three. I know Booker is hurt and lonely, and I cannot begin to understand the pain he must have felt having watched his children fade away, without being able to stop it. But he is wrong about us.

Nicky turns to look behind him to the doorway where Joe is sleeping. “I’ve always had Joe, and Joe has always had me. For Booker, who has seen it all slip away from him, that seems like a blessing, and I don’t disagree. But,” Nicky scratches the back of his head “we have watched each other die over and over again for 900 years. And every time I see him die, I have to wait with grief spreading through my chest before I can reign it in, and hope that he moves again, that I can see him breathe. I throw myself in front of danger to protect Joe all the time, and I do it so that he does not have to suffer the wounds, but there is a part of me that does it because I am selfish. I hope that I will die before him so I do not have to bear losing him forever. I get a taste of what my life would be like without him by my side every time I watch him die, and I know I would be lost. Booker thinks the weight of immortality does not fall upon our shoulders, thinks that because Joe and I have always had each other that we walk on air, oblivious to the harsh realities, the objective truths of living as long as we have. He believes we do not know the loneliness, but Joe and I have lived every day with Death’s scythe above our heads. Booker and Andy do not have a monopoly on the tragedy, self-pity, or loathing that comes with what we do or...what we are. I am just as angry and tired as the rest of them, and there are times I wish I would just die, same as them. But, I make an active choice every single day to not succumb to the pressure. I choose to believe there is a reason for this, that this life has purpose, that we are doing good. I believe Joe makes this life worth it, but so does Andy, so does Booker, Quynh, and Lykon would have too had he lived long enough for us to know him. Booker thinks he is alone, because he does not see all of the wonderful people around him for the gift they are.

“What’s that advice people like to tell children? ‘If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all?’ I haven’t said anything to Booker since the lab because I’m angry. I am angry that we were captured, I’m angry at the fear I felt, however brief, over what could have happened had you not been the incredibly kind and compassionate young woman you are. I’m angry that Joe and I bore most of the consequences of Booker’s lapse in judgement. And it’s not anger he deserves, because I believe it was a mistake, I don’t think he would have done it had he known the extent of Merrick’s masochism. I don’t even think I would be mad if it had just been me. But it was Joe the guards beat in the van, it was Joe that Merrick stabbed. Booker never had to suffer the consequences of his own suicide attempt. Perhaps I am being too harsh, but for the moment I have other things to worry about.” Nicky clears his throat, holds his mug between his hands.

“Andy?”

Nicky’s sigh carries centuries on it “Andromache has lived a long life, longer than I can even fathom. She’s done a lot of good in this world, and she deserves the rest. I want to keep her around as long as possible, but I’m happy for her that sometime within the next sixty years or so she will finally know peace. It just….hurts,” Nicky stands, offers to take Nile’s cup “But these are the tired musings of an old man, I probably should not have offered you so much of my burden,”

“I asked,”

“You are a good person, Nile. I’m very glad to know you,”

“So are you,”

“Nile,” Nicky puts the mugs down to dry and says in a voice so low Nile isn’t quite certain she heard it correctly. “Could I give you a hug?”

“I guess?”

Nicky’s arms are strong, and certain when he pulls her in, and while he holds her the ground seems sturdy beneath her feet for the first time since she woke up in that hospital bed. “Thank you,” he whispers, squeezing her tighter “for saving my family,”

“Nicolo,” Joe is standing in the doorway, squinting against the light in the living room. His curls are messy, his beard is ruffled, and Nile has to keep herself from laughing at how adorable he looks.

“Trouble sleeping?” Nicky asks, he says it like it’s a joke, but Nile knows it isn’t.

“I was just thinking how cute I looked laying in that bed, and I would hate to deny you the opportunity to watch me sleep,” Joe winks, his face lighting up in a smile.

“I’ll be in in just a moment, Yusuf, va bene?”

“nem,” Joe disappears back into the bedroom.

Nicky turns back to Nile, and much like Joe’s earlier, when his eyes meet hers, they shine. “Are you feeling any better?”

“I think so, are you?”

“I am,” Nicky squeezes Nile’s arm, his right lip pulling upwards “Goodnight, Nile,”

“Night,” she replies as Nicky follows Joe into the other room. While Nile is tired her mind is still working too quickly to settle for the evening, so instead she spends some time pacing the living room. She thinks about the days, about the Guard. Though they live forever, Nile has seen the way they come alive around each other, has seen the love they share. This is a family, she has no doubt, and one she will be lucky to one day feel a part of. When she plugs her phone in to charge, she feels the need to study her mother’s face, to try to commit it to her memory. She leans against the doorframe to the bedroom the others are all sharing, a bed made beautifully at the end, just for her. If Nile hadn’t just spent the last few years sleeping next to a dozen fellow soldiers she’d think that it was weird they always seemed to share a room. She looks at Booker, snoring lightly in his bed, even asleep his face is full of sorrow. At Andy, who is curled up on her right side, eyes flickering rapidly beneath her eyelids, face peaceful. She cannot tell where Joe ends and Nicky begins, the two of them a pile of legs and arms, nestled together warm and close. Nile turns off the lights, fumbles her way in the darkness to the bed, it’s a little lumpy, but much more comfortable than the cot she’s been sleeping in recently. She stares up at the ceiling, listens to the others breathe until she slips into unconsciousness.

That night she does not dream of Quynh, nor the men that she has killed. Instead, she dreams of her father’s combat boots, of the folded flag that hangs above the front door. She dreams of her brother, of the music he’s been working on. She dreams of her father, and feels like she is flying when he lifts her and places her on his shoulders. She dreams of shag carpet against her skin as she sits between her mother’s legs, as her mother braids her hair and calls her beautiful, and reminds her that there is so much life to be lived outside Chicago. “Look,” her mother says, and holds up a mirror. Inside it Nile sees Afghanistan, sees Gousainville, and London. “You have so many more adventures ahead of you,” her mother says, leaning forward so Nile’s cheek is pressed against her own. “Go find them,”

Nile wakes up in the morning to the sound of muffled laughter and makes her choice.

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jaehyunsuh · 4 years

Text

hey, I’m back

credits to the rightful pic owners

MASTERLIST

—pairing: Jeno x reader

—genre: father! au/ romance/ idol! jeno/ dad! jeno/ angst (really slightly)/ ex to lovers?/secret relationship

—words count: 5.1k

—warnings: mentios of abortion/single parent

author’s note: Jeno’s reaction at the beginning of this is obviously fictional, this is just for entertainment, not saying that he would react likes this in real life. Enjoy!

REQUESTS ARE: OPEN

please go to the ask box to send your requests, opinion or questions♡ you can interact as much as you want, i love talking lol

Jeno and you have been in a secret relationship for two years now. At the beginning it felt crazy and unreal for you to even go on a date with and idol, Jeno is really well known and people can recognize him everywhere anytime, even though of that your love was so strong and beautiful that you wouldn’t choose anyone else to be in love with and to experience this.

Jeno is one the most amazing people that you’ve met in your life, he is so loving, caring, he makes you feel safe, he knows how to take care of you, he makes you happy, he makes you feel safe, you can’t imagine your life without him, he is the best that has happened to you.

Of course dating an idol in secret wasn’t a complete fairytale, but you don’t regret anything and you don’t get tired because you have him, and he is the best.

Two weeks ago you started feeling sick, your stomach felt like it was going in circles, you felt constantly nauseous, you couldn’t eat or smell a lot of things because it felt weird, you would feel dizzy out of nowhere, you really didn’t know what was going on. At the begging you thought it was the flu but after a week you started to get worried.

You decide to go to the doctor and see if you are having some problems with your digestive system or something. He starts with an echocardiogram that let’s him see if there’s anything wrong.

“Miss, I think I can see what’s going on.” He says while looking at the machine.

“Really? great! Tell me, I really want to get better.” You say kinda excited because you just want to get back to normal.

“Miss Y/L/N, congratulations, you are pregnant.” He says excited.

You stare at him with a blank shocked expression in your face. You don’t even know what you are feeling right, what are you supposed to do? how should you react? you have never been a mother, what is happening?

“Well, everything looks good, you and the baby are really healthy. Everything that you are feeling is completely normal either way I will recommend you to go see a gynecologist and they will help you with anything. Once again, congrats.” He says all of that like in 10 seconds and everything is happening so fast that you brain can assimilate how to react at all.

You get out of the doctor’s office and drive straight at home. During the whole ride and while staring at the ceiling in bed all you could think about was ‘how were you going to tell Jeno?’, wow you really messed up. Jeno is an idol, everyone knows that whatever an idol does becomes an scandal, and an young idol, from a big company, super popular, in a secret relationship of two years, is not married and his girlfriend is pregnant is definitely something that would affect him hard!

You aren’t sure if you should cry or what, genuinely you wanted to have this baby, yes, you are going to collage, you are young, but wouldn’t feel bad about being a mother right now, also the thought of having a baby with Jeno doesn’t sound wrong for you. You have thought about having a family with him countless times, Jeno is the kindest and most caring people, he would be an amazing dad and also he loves kids.

It would be a dream to have a family with someone who you love as much a Jeno, but everything depends on how is he going to react, you believe in him and you believe that he would do anything to make you happy.

You sit and look at him in the eyes. “Jeno, I need to tell you something.” You say with a serious tone, trying to contain yourself.

“Okay, what’s going on?” Jeno sounds worried.

“I’m pregnant.” You finally let this let out, feeling better and much relaxed.

“What? Are you kidding.” Jeno says with a confused yet frustrated look on his face.

“No, I was feeling bad for two weeks so I decided to go to the doctor, and he checked me and turns out I was pregnant, but I didn’t knew how to tell you, but know i’m here telling.” You say this so fast, with a mix of emotions, most of these being fear and excitement. You let smirk out of your lips, because you were actually feeling happy of telling this to your boyfriend.

“Y/n, no, we can’t.” Jeno says looking away from you with a serious tone.

“W-what do you mean?” You feel the tears form in your eyes.

“Y/n, you can’t have this baby, you know how much this would affect me and my job? what if they make me leave the group and the company!?” Jeno sounds so frustrated, you have never seen him like this and it’s starting to break your heart.

“Jeno, but we can find a solution, maybe we can get married and have it in secret until a couple of years pass, people have done it before so can we.” You say while getting up and trying to reach him.

“NO!” He says as soon as you finish talking. “Y/n, I’m 24 and you are 22; we just simply can, that isn’t gonna work.” He says placing his hands in his hips and having a serious look on his face.

“Jeno, but please, let’s try.” You are now crying, feeling so much pain by what you are hearing him say.

“Y/n, we need to get rid of this baby.” He finally says looking down.

You start crying, you feel you knees getting weaker and you sit on the couch again letting all the sadness get out through your tears.

“I’m not going to. I’m sorry Jeno but this is my baby too and I want to have it!.” You say firm drying your tears.

Jeno looks at you with disappointment. “Y/n, but please understand.” He sits next to you and holds your hands.

“You know I love you but we can’t do this now.” He stares at your eyes, while you avoid eye contact.

“Okay, i’ll think about it, I just need to calm down.” You fake to agree, but you already made your decision, you were going to have this baby with or without Jeno, even if it hurt you so much.

Jeno leaves your place and you acted normal, but right after that all you did was cry the while night. You packed your bags, quickly called your parents and explained all to them, same with your best friend Rina, they ended up supporting you and told you they would help as much a they could.

You booked your flight to England that night, you had a couple of friends there who offered to move multiple times and you were finally agreeing, you were leaving at 6am the next day. You deactivated every social media that Jeno had of yours for now, until you felt like coming back. It was really hard for you to do this but there wasn’t going to be other way to do it, if you stayed and had the baby it was gonna a big issue to Jeno and you loved, you didn’t want him to go through that, he broke your heart tonight, but you still lived him and that wasn’t gonna change.

Jeno’s pov

It was already 6pm and he hasn’t heard anything from y/n, she usually gets out of work around 4pm and it’s constantly texting Jeno but, what happened today?. ‘Was it because of what happened last night?’ Jeno thought, yesterday was really stressing for him, it would be crazy if he has a baby right now right on the highest of his career.

He starts panicking and calls Y/n multiple times but it doesn’t even ring saying that the number is out of service, he checks and you are gone from every social media. He proceeds to call your friend Rina who finally tells him that you are gone, that she doesn’t know where you went. He hangs up immediately at feels frustrated at himself, for being so stupid and letting you go, he could have find a solution and have you here but he choose wrong and now he lost you.

He thought about Y/n every time, everyday, wondering how you looked, how you felt, how you were doing, and how lost he felt without you. He wasn’t able to start going on dates after two years passed, but she was still going through his mind frequently. He had to accept that you left and that you weren’t going to comeback but it’s hard.

5 years later...

Jeno went to the park for a rum, he usually comes a couple times a week at 8am, it’s the perfect timing because this early in the morning the only people around are elders, people with dogs and people training, every other person it’s at school or working, so no one would focus on if he is an idol or not. After 30 mins running he decides to sit on a bench to rest before walking back to bis car and go back home. While in here he can admire the plants, trees and flowers that are in the park, the view to the Han River and breath the fresh air.

He keep enjoying the view when he sees a ball flying right next to the bench he is sitting, he get startled and starts looking everywhere to see who could be looking for the ball. While he keeps watching this little kid around 4-5? years old comes running towards him.

“Hi sir, have you seen my ball?” The little kids saya in a broken korean and keeping the word ‘ball’ in english.

He faces the kid and gets completely shocked, feeling shivers running all around his body. The kid standing in front of him looks exactly like him, all he sees is the 5 year old Jeno that filmed all of those commercials and did all of those publicity campaigns. He keeps blinking, trying to go back to reality and figure out if he is dreaming or not.

“Oh, here it is.” The kid says pick up the ball located next to Jeno’s bench.

“Daniel, I told you to stay next to me!” A familiar voice Jeno hears, and he sees a hand holding the kid.

He looks up and looks at the owner of the voice, and it’s her, it’s y/n, the only girl that he has considered the love of his life, probably the best woman he has ever dated, also the one that he let go and didn’t treat right that one night.

“Y/n?” Jeno says confused, with a knot forming on his throat.

You hear his voice and immediately recognize it, you feel you heart pounding really fast, you feel your hands sweet, and feel like you are about to throw up, also controlling your eyes so they won’t form any tears.

“Uhm, hi, jeno.” You say in the calmest tone you can, looking at the man that you have loved the most and that also hurt you the most, but was never able to erase from your memory, and your heart.

Jeno stands up quickly with his eyes wide open. “So, how have you been, what are you doing here?” You could feel the nervous in his voice.

“Oh, I decided to come back, Rina’s family offered me a really good job here and I couldn’t say no.” You have never felt so uncomfortable ever, while in a conversation. You try to avoid eye contact and pray that you can leave soon.

“Mommy, who is he?” Your 5 year old asks in a innocent way.

‘Mommy’!? Jeno thinks, is this his baby? is this his child? the one that he told you not to have?. Jeno could feel his heart flinch, and go all over the place, his knees get weaker and some way he feels dizzy too. He tries to recover and get back on his senses.

“Yes baby, he is an old friend.” You smile at your son and pat his head. “Oh, okay.” Your son answers and thank god that he didn’t do more questions because he tends to talk a lot.

“Y/n, I think we need to talk.” Jeno says in a serious tone. You swallow and take a deep breath.

“Talk about what?” You say trying to sound calm. Jeno looks at you with a intense gaze and points at your child with his head.

“What? why? I have nothing to tell you.”You start getting frustrated but try not to take ir further.

“Y/n, this child looks exactly like me, I think we definitely need to talk.” Jeno says almost whispering, so your son can’t hear him.

“Jeno no, I don’t want to. Don’t you remember when you told me not to have him, you made it really clear, we won’t bother you.” You say in a low tone but still mad because obviously what Jeno made you feel is something that you’re never going to forget.

“Daniel, let’s go.” Your kid looks at you and you gran his hand but Jeno holds your arm and stops you.

“Y/n please, it’s been years, I really want to talk and clear things up, please.” You can feel the sincerity in his eyes that are staring directly at you.

“You can come to my apartment, he can order something to eat and we can talk in peace.” He says. You look at him and sigh.

“Okay, it’s okay.” You tell him

“Great, give me your number and i’ll text you.” You hand him your phone and saves his numbers.

“We will be free tomorrow around 4pm, does that work for you?” You ask him.

“Yes perfect, i’ll see you them.” He smiles, and for the first time in 5 years you finally see again that smile that used to make your day better ams your heart flutter.

“Bye.” You say giving a soft smile.

“Bye, sir.” Your son says while holding your hand and leaving that spot.

Y/n’s pov

When you saw Jeno at time, out of nowhere, never wondering you would find him there. When you saw that your son was standing next to him you were about to faint right there, but a bigger force gave you the strength not to. You fought so hard not to think about Jeno and to get over him for years, but you just simply couldn’t, also the fact that your baby looked just like him, the same eye shale, the same eye smile, laugh, face, everything was just like him, didn’t help either

you definitely didn’t knew how to react when Jeno said he wanted to talk to you, that’s when you remembered everything that happened and how you literally ran away to raise this baby by yourself, your mother instinct came out, you are definitely not ready to have this conversation, you don’t even know if you are ready to let Jeno get into Daniel’s life, but when Jeno asked you, you could see the sincerity in his eyes and you had no option but to say yes.

You think about how are you gonna be able to have this conversation with Jeno once you get to his apartment, the feelings for him haven’t disappeared and the thoughts of him being a dad makes you even happier but you don’t want to dream to much and just wait until you finally met.

Jeno’s pov

Seeing y/n after years and knowing that things didn’t ens up well, just makes him so upset and frustrated. His mind and his heart are a mess right now, when he saw this kid that looked exactly like him and them finding out his mother was y/n, how was he supposed feel. Then coming back to his apartment and realizing that from the time that y/n was pregnant until now everything fits, that kid is his son, a son that he didn’t wanted to have years.

He lays in bed and tries to organize himself, after seeing that small child, so pretty, with the same face features that him, made him feel so touch, also the fact that it has a part of him and a part of y/n, isn’t that kid the best thing ever? He keeps thinking about that one night and how much he regrets everything he said and letting y/n go, but was so young back then, he didn’t knew what to do or how to react, but now he feels like doing the right thing.

Y/n is finally back in the city and back in his life, with his son, he definitely wants to be part of his life, everyone knows that growing up without a parent is hard, and Jeno really wants the best for him, Jeno really loves kids, and always loved the idea of having a family but right when y/n told him she was pregnant he didn’t knew what to do, he wasn’t ready. Now he is ready to fix things up, for the love of his life and his son.

He spent the rest of the day, noon and even the middle of the night thinking about all, he wasn’t able to sleep even a bit at night.

the next day...

Jeno’s pov

He went to the gym to release some stress, he was feeling so nervous about today. He wasn’t even able to eat well, watch tv, or do anything, he would just stare at his phone every 2 minutes to see what time it was.

He cleaned the apartment, went to the grocery store and got of all your favorite drinks and snacks, and things that probably a kid would like, he even went to to a toy shop to get a couple of gifts for his son? ‘is that how i should call him?’ he thought. He studied menus from restaurants so when you were hungry he would already know what to order.

He was planning for everything to be perfect and be able to spend a nice evening.

Y/n’s pov

You woke up really tired, you could barely sleep last night so now your head and your whole body hurts. The day passed and all you felt were constant nauseas, you still loved Jeno so much but you have to accept what happened and move on, you don’t even know if he is even dating someone.

You tried to calm down but now you find yourself pulling out your whole closet to figure out what to wear, it’s crazy to see yourself like this, you are always so cool, but today is different.

You call Jeno and let him know that you were almost there. You inhale and exhale multiple times to calm yourself down. Finally you arrive at find you and your son in front of Jeno’s apartment door. You knock and a seconds the door opens showing the guy with the beautiful eye smile, you felt like your eyes were transforming into heart shapes.

“Hi, welcome to my house.” He says smiling brightly hiding his nerves with his smile.

You smile back and proceed to enter with your cute son. A couple of hours passed and you’ve just have chatted about the most boring things ever, constantly trying to avoid eye contact and feeling the big awkwardness between you two.

“You know? I’m actually hungry, we should order now.” You say

“Oh yeah, sure. I found this chicken restaurant and it also has a menu for kids, is that okay.” He says while standing up and looking for the phone.

“Yes, perfect.” You give him a soft smile. You feel you heart pound fast, the fact that he looked for a place that has a kids menu already made you happy, you really need to calm down, you came to have a serious talk and we don’t even know if it’s gonna end up well.

The food arrives and you eat in silence, just making comments about the food and looking at Daniel who is really enjoying watching tv while eating chicken, which was one of his favorite food.

“Daniel! I actually have a couple of gifts for you.” Jeno leaves to his room and comes back revealing the items behind his back.

“Cha chan!” He shows a big car toy and a really big dog teddy.

Daniel’s eyes open in shook and smiles, he runs to the toys and hugs them.

“Thank you Sir Jeno.” He says with a big smile.

You are all done eating and after a while of playing with his toys Daniel starts yawning.

“Honey, are you sleepy?” You say caressing your son’s cheek.

“Yeah, I want to sleep.”He says yawning again.

“Maybe we should go.” You look at Jeno.

“Oh no, but he can sleep in my room. You know? so we can talk.” Jeno says with a little of nerves in his voice.

“Well, Umh, yes. Let’s do that.” You don’t try to go against it because you know you need to have this talk. You walk your som to Jeno’s room and a couple of minutes later he is already asleep.

You go back to the living room and sit in the couch, next to Jeno.

“So, why are you back in town?” Jeno takes a sip of his drinks.

“Well, like I told you before Rina’s family actually have been insisting me to come back and now they offered me a job here, and honestly I wanted to come back, I had lot of friends here and I missed them, also I love the city, so I thought it was time to come back.” You give him a soft smile.

“Oh that’s great, and how’s the job?” He asks.

“It’s great, i’m actually one of the managers, and they let me take some work home so I don’t have to go to the office everyday, and I can spend more time with Daniel.” You smile remembering how much you love your little boy.

“So now, where were you living?” He says with a more serious tone.

“I was living in England, I met a couple of friends from there in high school and they always told me to move and talked to me about the scholarships, so I went there.” You leave a sigh.

“And how did you manage to study and take care of the baby?” He asks.

“I studied until I gave birth, then I took a break for 6 months and maintained us with money I saved, what my friends helped me with and the money that my parents sent me.” You take a sip of your drink.

“And who helped you take of the baby?”He looks at you.

“My mom stayed for a couple of months, later my friend’s mom offered me to take care of him and she ended up doing for all of these years.” You smile remembering how grateful you were with all the people who helped you so much.

“Wow you really went through a lot.” He looks at the floor and touches his head.

“Yep.” You say in an awkward way.

“I’m sorry. I’m really sorry that you had to go through all of that by yourself. I was such an idiot for not taking care of you and the baby, knowing that I was capable of keeping comfortable and safe. Y/n, I’m really really sorry for everything. I know I told you to get rid of the baby but I was stupid.” Jeno closes his eyes and takes his head im between his hands.

“Jeno, I know.” You say trying to make him feel calm.

“No, Y/n, I was so blind and I was scared. I didn’t even try to help you and the find a solution I didn’t do anything.” You hear Jeno’s voice break and your heart starts to beat fast.

“Hey, I know that you are being honest, I forgive you. I’m not gonna tell you I didn’t felt bad, you broke my heart and made me sad, and of course, the whole pregnancy and those 5 years haven’t been easy at all. But I appreciate that you are now talking about this with me, really.” You pat his back while smiling.

“Thank you, Y/n.” He stares at your eyes.

“It’s okay.” You smile.

“Now, I wanted to tell you something else.” He says.

“Yeah, tell me.” You say positioning yourself on the couch.

“You are Daniel’s mom, and you are the only parental figure he’s had and I have to respect that. I was really thinking hard about this and I want to be part of his life, I want to be his dad, I’m here, I’m present, I can help you with all the expenses I don’t care. I can take care of him, I’ll anything I should do as a dad if you let me be part of his life.” He says practically begging.

This really made you think, you’ve never had anyone to be part of Daniel’s life like this. You are the only one he had since day one, it was so delicate for you to take a decision like this. You don’t care about anything in the world but your son, you would end up sad if Jeno ever leaves him, so this wasn’t a easy choice to make.

“Wow, that was unexpected.” You give an awkward laugh.

“Yeah, I know, I know it’s hard but believes me, i’ll do anything.” Jeno takes your hands and stares right into your eyes.

“Okay.” You say

“Okay? like it’s okay? are you gonna let me?” He sounds excited.

“Yes, but please promise you’ll be with him no matter what, this isn’t a game, if you make him sad and gonna be furious.” You say in a serious tone.

“No, no, of course i’ll do the best for him.” He smiles.

“But wait, how are you gonna say in public that you have a 5 year old son?” You say nervous.

“Y/n, I’m 29, i’ll find the way and I don’t care what people have to say, this is my child not theirs.” You heart jumps everywhere when you hear him say that, making you flutter.

You spend the rest of the night chatting and catching up.

“And are you dating anyone?” Jeno says shy.

“A young mom, with a kid? I’ve just gone on dates, maybe some kissing and something else but nothing more, it doesn’t even happen that much. Men won’t commit to raising a child.” You take a sip of your drink. Jeno realizes how every aspect of your life has been so hard.

“What about you?” You look at the tv.

“Oh, not much either. After you left I didn’t go on dates for two years, after that just datings but nothing serious.” He says.

“Oh cool, so we are the same.” You laugh.

“Yes, I guess.” He laughs back

“But tell me.” He says taking your attention.

“Yes?” You answer.

“What’s gonna happen between you and I, aren’t mommy and daddy supposed to be together?” He leans closer to your face and you look at him in shook.

“Because I have never stopped thinking about you.” He stare at your eyes.

“Yes, I guess we could try.” You say playfully.

He grabs your waist and connects your lips together. His lips feel so soft and warm, you taste heaven when you kiss him. You have been waiting for this moment for so long and it’s finally happening. You are so thankful that Jeno decided to talk to you, you have always love him so much and now you know it’s the same for him too.

1 year later

It’s been a year since you let Jeno enter Daniel’s and you life’s. Honestly it’s the beat decision you’ve ever made, he is the most caring, loving and supportive dad ever. He surprises you everyday on how great of a dad he is to Daniel, and when it comes to Daniel, it just took him a week to start trusting Jeno fully and after a mont he was already calling him daddy. You are so thankful for having the two boys the you love the most in your life together.

“Mommy! Daddy! let’s go to the playground.” Your son says.

“Okay honey, but don’t run so fast.” You tell him.

You sit on a bench and look at your kid who is playing happily.

“He has grown a lot in just a year hasn’t he?” Jeno says placing his arm around your shoulder.

“Yes, he is so big now.” You say feeling nostalgic.

“And as beautiful as his dad.” Jeno says while winking.

“Idiot.” You laugh and give him a peck on the lips.

“I can’t wait until we make another one.” He giggles his eyebrows and laughs. You laugh back and give him another kiss.

“Daddy! stop kissing, come play with me.” You cute 6 year old says while standing his hand to his dad.

“I’m coming champ.” He gets up and kiss your lips once again again, to what your so makes a disgusting face. You both laugh and you watch him hold your son’s hand.

They start playing with the ball and you look at them filled with joy and loved, you look at you hand and admire the beautiful engagement ring that Jeno gave you 3 months ago. The proposal was simple but beautiful, you were walking around Jeju Island when out of nowhere he asked you to marry him and you obviously said yes. The plans for the wedding have been going well, you are taking things slow so you can have time. Daniel is the most excited about the wedding and always wants to be involved in everything. You are so thankful that everything has been going

so well, Jeno and Daniel have the most beautiful bond ever and you are lucky to have the most caring dad to your kid and future husband on your side.

101 notes · View notes

fweasleyswhore · 4 years

Text

Who We Are - F.W.

Chapter Five: Your Facade

Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three, Chapter Four

a/n: its really outta pocket how late this is, but, i am sorry depression been hittin hard lately im going to try and upload around every three days now !

word count: 2.2k sorry short

warnings: none! just fluff and a tad of uncomfy a lot of ground work for next chapter also this is a series specific taglist just as fyi

tags: @you-make-children-cry @bohemianspacebabe @levylovegood @louist-pics @rochellestark @hufflepuffzutara @weasleybeb @whoreforfredweasley @fortheloveofthecharacter @ayesha-mae @ma0422

“Darling! How I am so excited to meet you!” Before I could reply I was pulled into a bone-crushing hug by Mrs. Weasley. I was quickly pulled out of the train by the twins, barely able to tell Lee goodbye before I was being surrounded by redheads. If I didn’t know who they were I would have felt like I was being circled by vultures. Placing names to the faces I saw wasn’t so difficult, I knew all of the family from my time at Hogwarts, the only thing I didn’t know was who the two taller men behind Mrs. Weasley were. I only got a glance at them, they were both redheads, obviously of the Weasley clan. One had a dangly earring with longer hair that reached his jaw, the other was slightly taller and stockier, his hair wasn’t as long as the others but had more of a curl to it. They were engaged in a conversation I couldn’t hear or focus on as I was being pushed out of Mrs. Weasley’s arm’s. She held me at arms length smiling.

“Thank you so much for letting me stay with you, it really means a lot to me,” I spoke softly, bringing one of my hands up to squeeze hers that rested on my shoulder. She nodded enthusiastically. She opened her mouth to reply but was cut off by Mr. Weasley. “No problem, not at all.” He said nodding down at me. He extended his hand which I shook gladly. “Oi stop coddling Y/N!” George spoke up from behind me pushing next to me. “Yeah we want to spend time with her too.” Fred said linking his arm around my shoulders. George let out a chortle that pulled my and Fred’s attention toward him. “I meant for mum to coddle us, you know, because we are her kids.” I felt Fred’s arm drop from around me and I glared at George who smiled wide and looked between us. “Alright children let's get going.” Mrs. Weasley clapped, pulling all of our attention towards her. I let out a short sigh and grabbed my trunk. The ride to the burrow was uncomfortable. I sat in between the twins in the backseat with some extra luggage. Fred started to rest his head on my shoulder around the halfway point which would have been cute if I could relax into it, instead it just made me feel more cramped. I shut my eyes, trying to relax my breathing as my nerves took over me, counting my breaths until we were there. Getting into the Burrow was a flash, moving bodies tumbling up the winding stairs. The house truly was a beauty to behold, seemingly stacked and held together by magic, the outside was remarkable. The inside felt like an ever present hug, little nooks filled with cushions and blankets could be found in nearly every room. It truly was cozy and everything I longed to feel in my own home. Home was void, it was a place where I stayed but it never made me feel the way the Burrow made me feel. “Now Y/N, go put your stuff in Ginny’s room, you and her will be staying together and with Hermione later when she joins us.” Nodding along to Mrs. Weasley’s words I followed Ginny to her bedroom. It was cute there were posters on the wall for quidditch and on her dresser she had a few stuffed animals, they had their fair share of tears and missing buttons but I’m sure that was just from use. “So what’s it like?” She asked as I set my bag down on the cot set up opposite her bed. “Being Fred’s girlfriend of course! Mum’s ecstatic, this is the first time one of the boys have brought someone they are dating home.” I felt heat and embarrassment crawl up my neck like a ferocious fire breathing dragon until my entire body felt hot head to toe. “No, we are just friends.” “Are you sure?” “Very.” “But George said-” “Kids! Dinner is ready!” Mrs. Weasley’s voice flooded the house and I let out a breath I didn’t realize I had been holding in. “Go ahead, I’m going to change.” Ginny nodded and left, shutting the door lightly behind her. Did the family think me and Fred were dating? Did Fred think we were dating? Multiple questions raced through my mind, each one making me grow hotter, but I couldn’t quite place why. I decided against my winter apparel, opting for sleep shorts and an oversized shirt. It wasn’t the cutest but it was the coolest thing I packed and knowing how many people were down stairs I could only assume how much hotter the air would get. Winding my way down the stairs and through the rooms I finally found the one filled with people. The family was surrounding a table where it looked like there was a feast right out of the Great Hall spread out.

“Ah! Y/N, come! Sit sit, um here.” She pointed to a chair on the far end of the table, on each side were the two men I saw from before but didn’t know. Feeling nervous I nodded and went to take my seat. Luckily Fred and George were across from me and that calmed me a bit knowing the meal wouldn’t be met with awkwardness. Soon my plate was full and the entire family seemed to be going in between a big conversation and small ones on the side.

“You must be Y/N.” Said the man on the left of me.

“Yes and you are?” He chuckled and sent a confused look to the twins, I followed his gaze and saw Fred looking rather displeased, sending him a glare.

“Charlie, and that’s Bill.” He pointed around my shoulder to the man on my right. I smiled warmly and waved and he nodded with a sly wink.

“I’ve heard about you two, you’re the oldest ones right? And you are in Egypt most of the time?” I asked Charlie in between bites of beans.

“No I’m usually in Romania with Dragons, Bill is in Egypt working with his voodoo.” Placing my attention on Bill, silently asking him for confirmation.

“I don’t do voodoo, Charlie is just being an ass, it's his specialty.” He was cut off by Charlie laughing, rolling his eyes he started again. “I’m a curse breaker, I work for Gringotts.” My eyes widened as I felt curiosity bubble up within me. If I had to guess I would have assumed that Bill was the one working with dragons, his hair pulled back into a ponytail, his tooth earring, leather boots, it just felt more fitting. Charlie's build definitely proved his occupation; I just would not have guessed it.

“What does a curse breaker do exactly?” I asked. “Well obviously, you know, but are there any cool perks?”

“Yeah Bill what are the cool perks?” George asked with a sly smirk, his eyes danced between Fred’s hostile gaze and his older brother, chuckling to himself.

“Yeah other than getting sunburnt.” Fred groaned. I sent him a look but he missed it too busy prodding around with his food angrily. George had an amused look on his face, obviously directed at his twins behavior but I couldn’t place why.

“He knows nothing about burns, trust me.” Charlie piped up. He rolled up his left sleeve which held a scar that curved and danced up his forearm and around his elbow.

“Baby Chinese firebolt, I was trying to put it into the incubator when it realized I wasn’t mama.”

Dinner went on, Fred didn’t utter a word for the rest of dinner, just poked his food with a grimace on his face. I didn’t let his sour mood ruin mine, I was divested in conversation with Bill and Charlie, learning all about their jobs and travels. Bill told me about an old woman who made jewelry in the center of the town in Egypt where he stayed, he told me about how she imbued each item with a different magical property, some were protection charms and others were sister pieces used to send messages between their owners. Charlie taught me about the different types of dragons and what it was like to work with them. They were both so kind, answering each question I had with a smile on their face. I was so divested in whatever Bill was telling me I didn’t notice everyone had left the table at that point.

“Why don’t we move into the living room?” He asked looking around, I followed his eyes, noting the once lively table empty. In a weird way it made me feel cold, a shiver tore through me.

“If you don’t mind I am going to find the twins.” I spoke getting up. He smiled understandingly. “I think Fred might be in their room, second level first door on your left.” I nodded, sending him a small smile as thanks.

“Wait I said twins, not Fred.” I looked back to him, his smile evident as if he had just caught me.

“I know.” He said, cheeky grin never leaving his features. I felt my cheeks heat up, turning on my heel I left and found my way to the stairs. Harry was watching Ginny and Ron play wizards chess in the kitchen, Charlie and Percy were arguing in the living room about the ethical uses of dragons as means of labor while their parents were both reading. I didn’t see George or Fred and took Bill's advice and bounded up the stairs.

Knocking lightly on the door I was met with no response, tried again, nothing. Despite my better judgement I pushed the door open. The room is exactly how you would expect it, slightly messy with blueprints and products strewn about. On each side was a twin bed, one with green covers and the other with blue. On the right side Fred was laying on his stomach, head facing his wall and limbs falling off the sides. George wasn’t in sight.

I tiptoed around the things on the floor and found his side, sitting down gently in case he was sleeping. There was a tension in the air that made me uneasy and I wanted it gone. I just wanted to spend time with him, I didn’t want to feel like I had to hold my breath.

I ran my fingers through his hair, unable to hold myself back. I felt him let out a sigh under my touch. He began to shift, picking his head up and adjusting himself so he was facing me.

“Hey stranger.” I said softly, sending him a smile. His face was unreadable, part way between smiling and frowning like he was fighting himself inside. He scanned me, up and down like he was trying to read my intentions by a quick look.

“What are you doing up here?” He asked. His voice held no emotion and it stung slightly to see him be so blank with me.

“I want to see you, we haven’t been able to hang out all day and I missed you.” I kept my head down as I spoke. A beat of silence rang throughout the room. I looked at him for an answer, my eyes met his and I watched the resolve fade away, like a barrier breaking beneath his exterior, his eyes lost their cool touch and they warmed up, returning to their familiar honey pools I know.

“Get in here.” He wrapped an arm around me, pulling me down to his level. I helped him, situating myself around him, tangling my legs with his and putting my hands on his chest. Both of his arms were around me, pulling me into him like he hadn’t seen me in months, he buried his head in my neck, his hair fell across my face making my giggle at the feeling, realization struck through me as I evaluated his movements in his head.

“Freddie are you ok?” I asked, my voice was more serious now but his behavior was just hard to read, it felt like since I met his family he had pulled back, the back of my brain was telling me it was because I did something wrong.

“Yeah I just,” He paused holding his breath. “Please don’t let me go.” His words vibrated against my neck. I felt his arms tighten around me as he spoke, like he was in a dream he didn’t want to wake up from.

“I wouldn’t dream of it Freddie.” I whispered back, deciding not to push it. Leaning down I placed a small peck to his ginger locks. I felt his mouth curve into a smile against my skin and it made butterflies erupt in my stomach. I felt giddy and drunk, being wrapped up in his arms, smelling, holding, being held by Fred. It was intoxicating and I couldn’t possibly wish for more.

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