#well i’m okay and i’ll eventually settle in it’s just hard at first. and i have therapy in a few days so it’s all good.

[aardvaark]

i’m back ‘home’ for the holidays so i’m almost certainly about to go through a horrific depressive episode! great! that’ll either mean that i’m on tumblr way way more, or way way less, idk yet lol.

[inthedoghousern]

i miss you, i'm sorry

pairing: lando norris x reader

summary: you and lando break up and a few months later he wants to talk. inspired by "i miss you, i'm sorry" by gracie abrams.

contains: angst

1.9k words

from: lando (1 new message) december 4, 11:07pm

hey, i'm back in uk for a bit.

You stare at the text for who knows how long. A lump forming in your throat. You had spent hours crying over him. You had spent hours moving back to the UK from the Monaco flat you shared. A text from your ex was the last thing you needed right now.

to: lando december 4, 11:31pm

okay.

A few minutes go by and you get no response. But then your phone lights up with an incoming call, it’s Lando. You stare at it for a few seconds, letting it ring. But you do pick up.

“What do you want.”

Your ex was quiet for a few seconds before he simply replied “I’m just calling to ask how you’re doing.” After this, he was silent for yet another short moment.

“I miss you.”

“Lando…” you trail off. “This isn’t fair.” He was the one who broke things off in the first place. You've been destroyed for weeks, and now just starting to get yourself together.

“I know, I know this is my fault… but just hear me out…” Lando began, but there was a hitch in his voice. He remained silent after this and you could hear his quickening breaths.

“Please… I want us to work this out.”

You're silent for a few moments. “What, you want to just pretend nothing happened? Lando, I don’t think you understand what you’ve been putting me through.”

Lando was silent once more. There was no way he could expect you to instantly forgive him. Your trust in him was shattered and your heart was stomped on.

“No, I don’t want to pretend like everything is fine, it’s not and I know that… please, I just need some time with you so we can talk, that’s all I ask.”

You bite the inside of your lip. This is a bad idea. Hearing his voice is already breaking your heart over and over again. Seeing him might just break you entirely. “I don’t know…”

Lando was still quiet, seemingly thinking about your response. After several seconds, he spoke again.

“Can I come over?”

Again, you're silent for a few moments.

“Fine.”

“I’ll be there soon…” Lando tells you and hangs up.

-

You hear the doorbell ring. You walk over and open the door.

Lando was standing before you dressed in a black hoodie. His curls were messy and you could tell from the way he had his hands shoved into his jacket pockets, that he was nervous.

You open the door wider and move to the side. Not saying anything out loud, but telling him to come in.

Lando stepped into the house and the silence between you two was deafening. He removed his hands from his pockets and glanced around, he had never been inside your new place before. Eventually, his eyes settle on you.

You two don't say anything for several seconds, but the tension in the air is suffocating. This is the first time you have seen each other since the day he broke up with you.

-

Past: August 8th, Monaco.

“Lando, what are you talking about?” Tears are welling up in your eyes and you're trying your best to keep your voice steady.

“This just isn’t working,” he responds. He won’t even look at you.

“Lando,” you plead. “This is out of nowhere, you have to see that.” You take another step towards him, he’s still not making eye contact with you and he doesn’t respond.

“Please just tell me what’s wrong. What can I do?” You're grasping at anything. “Lando look at me.” You gently grab the sides of his face and try to meet his eyes.

Lando finally met your gaze but he wouldn’t hold it for long.

“Neither of us is happy.” Lando’s voice had a hard edge to it, it was clear that he was struggling to keep his voice from breaking.

You let go of him and pull back. His response sends you over the edge, your tears are uncontrollable now.

“What are you talking about?” you sob. “Lando, what is this really about? Don't do this.”

Just the other day you were smiling, tangled up with one another. He was whispering sweet nothings in your ear, you did the same back. Everything was perfect. Everything has been perfect for days, weeks, months, years. He said himself everything is perfect. He said himself that he loved you.

“It has to be like this okay?” Lando replied, his voice cracked with emotion. He was clearly trying to keep himself from crying.

“Then explain! Tell me why. Lando, please we can work this out.” Your voice is shaking and tears are still pouring out of your eyes.

The look on his face is blank, he doesn't know what to say. He couldn’t keep looking at you, it was clear he was trying to keep his composure.

The two of you stand opposite of one another, not moving until Lando finally speaks.

“I’m sorry.”

He says nothing else. You both stand in silence, tears streaming silently from your eyes. They start to fall from his too. “I’m sorry? That’s it?” you finally say in a low voice, with a small hint of anger.

“3 years you’re destroying just like that, and the only thing you can give me is an I’m sorry?”

Lando looks down at the floor, avoiding eye contact with you.

You shake your head and rub your eyes. This can’t be real. “Oh my god,” you choke out with a laugh. A scoff? You're in disbelief. You're pissed. You're devastated.

Lando remained silent. He can't bring himself to respond to you as he knows nothing he can say would make this situation any better. He was a mess of emotions himself, he could feel his head spinning.

You just stand and look at him. Eventually, you turn away and start grabbing your stuff. Essential items at least. You don’t want to start thinking about getting the rest of your stuff out of this flat. Your life that’s accumulated in this space over the past 3 years.

Lando remained silent, he was lost in his thoughts, thinking about what he had just done.

-

Present: Glastonbury, December.

Lando stands in front of you, feeling overwhelmed with guilt and remorse for what he had done.

He broke your trust, he crushed your heart, and now, he's shown up at your doorstep, wanting to talk to you.

You walk into the kitchen and lean against the counter. He follows you, standing in the doorway, watching you.

He knows he shouldn't have come here. He knows he doesn't deserve a second chance with you after how he treated you.

Lando looks at you, his heart aching, wishing he could simply hold you close right now.

“So?” you finally ask.

Lando was silent for a few seconds, looking into your eyes with deep sorrow.

“I…” Lando stumbles over his words momentarily, trying to find the right thing to say.

You don't wait for him to find it.

“Am I ever going to get an explanation? Why you did it.” You can feel tears forming and you're trying your best to hold them back. He’s been here for all of 5 minutes.

The two of you stand in silence, with neither of you wanting to speak. Finally, Lando takes a deep breath.

“I was a mess,” Lando began slowly. He looks at you, his gaze fixed on yours. You could see the sadness in his eyes, he was clearly struggling with his emotions again.

“Racing was pulling me in all different directions. I was losing grip on that balance we had." Lando’s voice was shaky. He couldn’t help but feel like he had made a horrible mistake by ending things and letting you walk out of his life.

“I was overwhelmed, I don't know. Everything just fell apart and I had to choose. You were never anything but supportive. It’s my fault.”

You bite the inside of your lip again. You're really trying to stop yourself from crying. “That’s not good enough.” You cross your arms across your chest. “We-“ your voice breaks. "...We could've talked about it. If that's how you were feeling, we should've talked about it."

“I know that’s not enough…” Lando begins, “There’s so much I want to say… please, just hear me out. I know you must hate me right now but… I still love you.”

You break. The tears start flowing from your eyes because of his last statement. You quickly bring one of your hands to your face, trying to brush the tears away.

Seeing the tears stream down your cheeks immediately makes Lando take a step towards you. He doesn’t hesitate. He takes your hand in his, removing it from your face and wiping the tears off for you.

Finally, his eyes meet yours again, and without saying more, Lando pulls you into a close embrace.

You start sobbing into his shoulder. You've missed him so much. It's like you've had an unhealable wound ever since the day he completely ripped himself out of your life.

Lando holds you tightly, pressing his cheek against your head, and wrapping his arms around you. He could feel your body shaking with your sobs, he had never felt so much guilt before.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered.

You don’t know how long it's been when you pull away. Your eyes meet once again as Lando grabs your face, his thumb running across your jawline.

“I ruined us. I know that. But please, it’s the biggest mistake I’ve ever made,” he says low.

You don’t know what to say. He’s holding you the way you tried to hold him that day. But now you're the one with no words.

You should get more of an explanation. You deserve more of an explanation. But his hands are cradling your face, and you look into his eyes and you want to get lost in them. You want to cry even more.

“I’ve missed you so much,” you finally get out.

Lando could see the emotion in your eyes, your voice was cracking, your entire body seemed on edge. He wanted nothing more than to simply hold you close.

Before any words leave his mouth, Lando presses his lips against yours. The kiss was passionate and deep, he didn’t care that this wasn’t exactly the right moment, he wanted to finally feel you again.

The kiss tastes salty from your tears. But you kiss him back. Maybe you shouldn’t.

You continue to kiss, neither of you wanting to stop, letting your emotions take over as you feel a familiar level of comfort with one another. You both feel a sense of relief at this moment like a weight has been lifted off of you.

You could feel Lando’s heart beating against yours as he continued, one hand on your face, the other on your back, pulling you closer.

When you break the kiss, Lando pulls away slightly, just enough so that the two of you could lock eyes. You both seem to be in an emotional daze as Lando’s hand runs from your face to the back of your neck.

“Can I stay?” he whispers to you, his voice sounding shaky, but you could hear the pleading in it.

You nod as your eyes travel all over his face. You don't want to look away, you're scared if you do he'll disappear again.

Lando kisses your forehead and pulls your body closer, the two of you still in an embrace.

You feel the weight of his body against yours and you sink into him, feeling all of the comfort you missed. Lando was feeling the same thing, not wanting to let you go, not wanting to let this moment end.

You know there's so much more to talk about. So much more he needs to explain. But right now it can wait. Right now, you just want to be with Lando. Right now, he just wants to be with you.

[zepskies]

Smoke Eater - Part 16

Pairing: Firefighter!Dean Winchester x F. Reader 

Summary: Dean Winchester is the cocky, but well-respected Lieutenant at Firehouse 25. He leads by example, but he’s also known to break a few hearts. He’s starting to crave something he’s never had, though. Something stable. Something real. 

That’s when he meets you, on a truly terrible day, trapped in a rickety old elevator.   

🔥 Series Masterlist

Song Inspo: “Run to You” by the Pentatonix

Word Count: 6,200 Tags/Warnings: Physical altercation, perilous situations, fire hazards, injuries, angst, Nick and Azazel being evil psychos. 

Part 16: “Break Down the Gates”

The holiday couldn’t last forever. Eventually, you had to go back to work.

Dean didn’t like it, and neither did you. Hell, even Sam had tried to find an opening in the district attorney’s office for you. Unfortunately, all of the positions you were remotely qualified for were filled.

And as your bills had to get paid, it meant you had to take Betsy all the way up to the 22nd floor of the Savage & Co. building on a Monday morning.

Dean was already calling you.

You couldn’t answer until you got off the elevator and away from its shitty reception, but you let out a sigh before you called him back.

“Hey,” you greeted.

“Hey, sweetheart. How you doin’?” Dean asked.

“I’m good. I just got to my office,” you replied. I was also fine 20 minutes ago on the road.

You had to be patient though. You knew he was worried about you, now for more than one good reason.

“Good. Got your taser all charged up?”

“Yep, it’s in my purse,” you said. You closed the door to your office and locked it. “Which is going in my desk. You’re at the station?”

“Yeah, having my coffee right now.”

“Okay, tell the guys I said hi.”

“Will do,” said Dean. “You need anything, just call me. If you can’t get ahold of me, call Cas, or Sam, or even my dad.”

“I promise I will,” you replied. “I have to get to work here, but I hope you have a good day. And be safe.”

“That I will,” he promised in turn. “You too, baby.”

You smiled.

Once you hung up with Dean and got settled at your desk, you started by powering through your work emails. All too soon, however, there was a knock at your door. You fought against the tremor of unease that ran up your spine.

“Who is it?” you asked.

“It’s Marv,” replied your coworker, through the door. “Since when do you lock yourself in your office?”

You let out a breath and smiled. You got up and went to let him in. “I’ve found that people are less likely to interrupt me when they can’t get in.”

When the door opened, Marv gave you a look of begrudging acceptance.

“I hear ya,” he said. The man was a hermit himself, so if anyone was going to understand your self-barricading, it was Marv.

He handed you a hard-copy manilla envelope containing his monthly report, because he also had a disdain for email. 

“Why don’t you give this to Nick yourself?” you asked with a frown.

Marv held up placating hands. “Because he’s an ass, and I can only deal with so much idiocy in my life.”

“Then give it to Josh! He’s the new Senior Manager,” you pointed out.

“Josh kisses Nick’s ass. Therefore, he’s become an even bigger idiot,” Marv replied. “I’m telling you, my constitution just can’t bear it.”

You rolled your eyes and took the folder from him. “All right, get outta here. I’ll deal with this.”

“Thank you,” he said, inclining his head. He soon left to return to his hole of an office. You’d only been in there once. It had been stacked to high heaven with books and loose papers. You didn’t know how the man functioned, but you assumed it was equal parts caffeine and Prozac.

So you took the report, and you went up to the 30th floor for the first time in months.

You went down the hall to Josh’s office first, but you could hear from the other side of the closed door that he was locked in a meeting with one of the more difficult clients.

You could come back later, or just drop the folder off with Nick’s assistant.

You went back down the hall and found that Nick’s office door was cracked open, but you weren’t about to go in, even just to deliver a simple report. You didn’t want to speak to him, let alone enter his office.

His assistant was out on a break, it seemed, so you couldn’t just give it to her. You contemplated leaving it on her desk with a note. But that’s when you heard the voices coming from within the office.

“As you know, my father’s back in town,” you heard Nick say. You inched closer to the door and cautiously peeked through the three inches of space in the doorway. There was another man inside, slightly taller than Nick, but leaner. He was dressed casually, in jeans and a plaid shirt. His long arms were crossed as he listened.

You could tell by the way he stood, however, that this wasn’t an associate from one of their accounts. He didn’t look like a businessman or a lawyer. The way he stood was sharper, more calculated even in his laxness.

Your brain caught up with the conversation as Nick continued to speak.

“We’re working together on this,” he said. “Keep an eye on the cop. Wait for an opportunity.”

“Together, huh? Azazel has his orders. You trying to take his place?” the other man replied. His voice was thin and nasal. You saw his profile, however. His eyes were dangerous.

Your gaze widened at the implications of his words though. Azazel?!

“Dad agrees with me. The guy’s not getting the hint, so we’ll need to remind him who really makes the rules,” Nick said.

You blinked in shock. Holy shit…Nick’s father is Azazel.

You clasped a hand over your mouth before the gasp could escape. A sharp breath still echoed through the hall. The men’s heads began to turn, but you did as well—away from the door and booking it down the hall as quietly and quickly as you could.

Your heart pounded while you searched for a way out of the hallway, out of plain sight. You found the nearest bathroom and went into the women’s. It seemed empty, at least.

There you rushed into one of the stalls and locked it. You realized that you had your phone in your pocket, and you took it out with trembling hands. Your thumb hovered over Dean’s name as panicked breaths escaped you.

But the more you thought about what you’d heard, and Nick’s ominous threat about a cop, you found yourself scrolling lower in your contacts. You called John Winchester.

It rang a few times, and all the while you made silent, fervent prayers. Pick up, damn it! You could hear your own heartbeat in your ears.

“Winchester,” he answered.

“John, it’s me,” you whispered. “Azazel’s here. Or, he’s not here, here, but I know who he is. Well, I mean kind of—”

“Okay, wait. Slow down,” he said. “What about Azazel? You know who he is?”

“He’s Nick’s father,” you hissed. Trying to contain yourself and speak quietly was not easy. “I met him once at a company networking event, like a month after I got hired. Daniel Savage. He built Savage & Co. from the ground up. But he handed off the reigns to Nick years ago.”

It seemed to take John a moment to compute on that one, but he eventually replied.

“You’re at the office now?” John asked.

“Uh, yeah!” you replied testily. “I’m hiding out in a bathroom stall.”

“Okay, take it slow, all right?” he said. “You’re gonna go back to your office, calm. Like you didn’t just hear what you heard. You’re gonna take an early lunch, and you’re gonna come straight to the precinct for me. We’ll make sure you’re safe.”

You took a deep breath to steady yourself as you nodded, even though he couldn’t see it.

“Okay. I need to call Dean,” you said.

“I’ll fill him in. Just focus on getting out of there,” John said.

You agreed, but you still felt shaky when you ended the call. No one had entered the bathroom, and it had been a few minutes already, so you chanced stepping out of the stall and into the hallway. That too was empty.

You sucked in another steadying breath. This time you went down the stairs to get back to your office. It felt unusually warm in the stairwell. Hot enough that you actually started to sweat on the way down to the 22nd floor.

Damn, did the AC break or something?

You made it back to your office, though when you opened the door, you were unable to be relieved. Nick sat in your chair at your desk. He gave you a smile.

“Good morning,” he said.

“You’re not supposed to be in here. Get out,” you snapped. You had no patience for another tête-à-tête with him today; especially after what you just saw.

And it hit you then. You were a witness.

You eyed Nick more warily. He had one of his gold golf clubs in his hand, and he leaned on it as he stood. He set up a putter’s stance next to your desk and hit a golf ball with a gentle swing. The ball rolled into your flat shoe.

“I want to go over that report you brought upstairs,” he said.

You shook your head and went cautiously over to your desk. Your purse was inside (you were kicking yourself for not taking it with you upstairs). Nick was too close to your desk for comfort, until he moved to retrieve his golf ball. It allowed you to move farther into the room.

“Anything you want to discuss can be done via email. Right now, I’m meeting a friend for lunch,” you lied. Your gaze was off the man for maybe a few seconds while you grabbed your purse from inside the desk. Another realization hit you in that moment.

How did he know it was me who brought the report?

By the time you looked up, Nick was shutting the door to your office. He tilted his head at you with a darker edge to his smile.

“You saw something you weren’t supposed to. Didn’t you, sweetheart?” he said.

You steeled yourself with a breath. You felt inside your purse, and your hand wrapped around your taser. You pulled it out and switched it on, pointing it towards him.

“Step away from the door or I’ll fry your ass,” you threatened. It lost its effect somewhat, with the way your hand was shaking, but it was a threat, nonetheless.

Nick raised his brows at you. He still had his golf club in hand. His movements were slow as he stepped away from the door, and closer towards you.

“Sure you know how to work that thing?” he teased with a shrug of his shoulders. “If I were you, I’d take a breath. Relax a bit. Come sit on my knee.”

That last bit was teasing, despite the way he eyed you, even now with a shade of desire. The kind that claimed and stole in its taking. It made you want to spit in his face.

“You’re a bastard,” you replied. “Turns out, the bastard apple doesn’t fall far from the bastard tree.”

“Watch it,” Nick warned. You saw the dangerous edge in his blue eyes. “That’s my dad you’re talking about.”

He swung the club at your head.

You managed to duck, yelping as it crashed into a lamp instead. You tried to run for the door, but that was when Nick grabbed you by the hair and nearly yanked the hairclip right out.

A short scream escaped your lips as you grabbed for his wrist. He shoved you hard into the wall, where you lost your footing and fell. Your head cracked against the accent table that once held the lamp, and your vision blurred on the way down. Glass crackled under your arm and bit into your cheek.

A strong hand grabbed you and hefted you up. You felt a trickle of wetness rolling down the side of your face as you stared up into his. It must’ve been blood, but all you could focus on was the satisfaction in Nick’s eyes. Finally, they seemed to say.

But then he paused. Confusion was written across his face.

“Do you smell smoke?” he asked. You both saw it climbing under the door of your office.

It was a distraction that broke you out of your frozen fear.

On pure instinct, you jabbed at Nick’s ribs with your taser. His hands fell away from you and he went down like an elephant, jolting and writhing on the ground. You gasped for breath above him while you realized what you’d just done. You tilted your head down at him.

No, you weren’t done.

You grabbed his golf club with your free hand. When he tried to reach for your ankle, you jammed the heavy club into his hand until he shouted in pain. For every moment of frustration, anxiety, and fear this man had caused you, you gave it back to him with one heavy swing of that club into his stomach. (And maybe one more for good measure.) 

He doubled over, groaning, coughing a bit of blood. You tossed the golf club and grabbed your purse with a shaking hand. You left him where he laid.

As soon as you open the door, however, you were pushed back by the cloud of incoming smoke. You coughed and squinted against it, but your eyes widened again when you realized what was happening.

The building was on fire.

For some reason the alarms weren’t going off, but it was clear to see what was in front of you. Smoke was clogging the halls. People were rushing out of their offices for the stairwell. You couldn’t help glancing back at Nick; he was slowly pulling himself to his feet.

Part of you knew he might not make it if you left him, but when he looked up at you, with pure hatred, your fear overrode any mercy that might’ve made you turn around.

So you fled for the stairwell behind the small crowd. There were flames making their way down along with the smoke. That was all right, because you all were running in the opposite direction.

You had to blink a drop of blood out of your eyes, and you raised a shaky hand to a cut above your brow, which was also tender to the touch. You were bleeding, clearly, but you couldn’t think about that right now. You were just trying your best not to get pushed or trampled while you hastened down several floors.

The signs pointed to Floor 10 when you felt a buzzing in your pocket. It was your phone, you realized. You were about to fish it out of your pocket, but you were forced to stop short on the stairs, along with everyone else. 

The flames were coming from the floor below as well, blocking your exit.

Once again, Dean frowned while checking his phone. You still hadn’t answered his text from an hour ago. Benny came to sit beside him on the couch in the firehouse common room.

“What’s got you spacin’ out?” Benny asked, noting his friend’s mood.

“I don’t know,” Dean admitted. “But I’ve got a bad feeling, Benny.”

Benny’s brows furrowed. “Why, what’s wrong?”

Before Dean could answer, his phone rang in his hand. He perked up to answer it, until he realized it was his dad calling. He accepted the call and brought the phone to his ear.

“Hey, what’s up?” Dean greeted.

“Thanks to your girl, we know who Azazel is,” John said. “Daniel Savage. Nick is his son.”

Dean’s heart dropped into his stomach; his shock was followed swiftly by worry.

“What? How’d she find that out?”

“She called me this morning. I told her to come straight to the precinct, but she’s not here yet. That was an hour ago,” John said gravely.

Dean’s eyes widened.

And then the alarm sounded overhead. Over the intercom the dispatcher reported a working fire at a commercial building. The address was the same as your work building: Savage & Co.

“Is that you?” John asked, once the intercom message was finished.

“Yeah,” Dean said. He was already up and out of the firehouse, getting his turnout gear on with the phone pressed to his ear. His heart was hammering in his chest, but his tone was rock steady.

“If she’s still in that building, I’m gonna find her.”

Firehouses 18 and 20 had already arrived by the time Firehouse 25 got to the scene of the Savage & Co. building. The flames were sky-high, consuming from the top and the bottom. Just by looking at it, Dean thought there had to have been at least two points of origin (where the fire was started). He doubted this was an accident.

“Okay, 25,” Chief Singer said to the entire Truck 79 and Rescue Squad crew. “House 20 got here first, so Chief Sanderson’s calling the shots. He requested our help in clearing the first five floors. Their crew is already on floors 30 through 20. House 18 has the middle.”

Dean went up to Bobby and spoke just loud enough for him to hear. He filled him in on what John had just told him about Azazel, and that you were most likely somewhere in the building.

“She’s in there, Chief. I have to find her,” Dean said.

Bobby saw the desperation in the younger man’s eyes, and he sympathized. “Have you tried calling her again?”

“She’s not answering,” Dean replied. “If he found out what she knows, he could be after her. That means she could be somewhere near the top.”

“Or she’s in the middle. Or she’s already out of the building,” Bobby reasoned. He quelled Dean’s protest with a raised hand. It then fell on the younger man’s shoulder. “I understand, son. But I’ve got a protocol to follow, and so do you, Lieutenant.”

Dean’s lips pressed together. He knew his rank and his responsibility, but you were in danger. You could already be hurt, or trapped, or…

Dean rounded up Truck 79 with swift, barking orders. After donning their helmets and masks, his and Benny’s team made their way inside. The first floor was wall to wall rolling flames. The heat was nearly overwhelming, like entering the gates of hell.

There was no moving safely through the first floor, so they had to move on to the closest stairwell and try to make it up to the second. Dean held Benny back for a moment.

“I’m going up! Stick with the guys,” Dean said. He had to raise his voice to be heard over the cacophony inside the stairwell.

Benny frowned. “What’re you doin’? You heard the Chief!”

Dean shook his head. He knew he was about to defy a direct order, but he couldn’t shake the gut feeling that you were still in the building somewhere.

“I’ve gotta find her,” he said.

“You think I don’t want to find Andréa?” Benny said. “She hasn’t answered my calls either. They could be anywhere, Dean!”

Dean clasped his friend’s shoulder. “You’re making my point, man.”

And he took off up the stairs before Benny could stop him.

“Damn it, Dean!” Benny shouted after him.

“Where’s he going?” Jack asked. He and Gordon were the only ones to hang back while the rest of their crew followed their orders and searched the second floor, not realizing that their Lieutenant was no longer with them.

“To go be an idiot,” Benny growled. But he wasted no more time. He followed Dean up the stairwell.

Gordon shared a quick look with Jack before he started his own climb up the stairs.

“You can follow protocol, or you can back up the Lieutenant,” Gordon called down.

In that moment, Jack made a decision. He followed Gordon and Benny.

You had to follow the rest of the crowd after you all couldn’t make it down the rest of the stairs safely. It landed you somewhere on the 10th floor, where the group scattered. Your head was aching, your heart pounded in your ears, and you didn’t know where to go.

You fled for the stairwell on the other side of the building, and in turning a corner, you smacked right into Andréa. You gasped when you caught hold of each other.

“Oh my God!” she cried, and she grabbed you into a hug. “Are you okay? Why’re you bleeding?”

“Catch up later,” you choked out. It was so hard to breathe; you were coughing every few moments.

She looked on you worriedly and let out a cough herself. “Come on.”

She pulled you along with her by the arm. You joined a smaller group that were heading for the opposite stairwell. Unfortunately, not all of you would make it there.

A piece of the weakened ceiling crumbled and fell in a fiery heap. Andréa had been just a couple steps in front of you, and it meant you saw it before she did. You pushed her forward so she would make it across. You were forced to stop short and protect your face from the embers.

You nearly tripped and fell back, but you used the wall to steady yourself. You looked up at the sound of Andréa calling your name. You found her terrified face. There was now a wall of fire separating you from her and the rest of the group.

“Keep going!” you coughed. “I’ll find another way.”

“No, I’m not leaving you!” she called back. She pushed away the man that tried to urge her on towards the stairwell.

“Go!” you shouted, even though it raked across your throat. You forced yourself to straighten up and turn away from her. The only chance you had was if there was a way around this hallway that still led to the stairs.

Oh shit, you gasped when you turned the corner. The fire was only getting worse. The building was being consumed, and you almost couldn’t see past a few feet in front of you with all the smoke. It stung in your eyes and clogged your throat.

You stumbled along until you found a room that you could escape into. It was another restroom. The fire hadn’t yet reached inside the women’s bathroom on this floor; maybe you could wait it out like you would a tornado.

Okay, clearly I’m fucking delirious, you thought. You huddled in a corner under the sink and tried and failed to take even breaths without coughing or panicking. You pulled out your phone with shaking hands and tried once again to call Dean. The reception was absolute shit in the entire building now.

It rang, and rang, and rang. Tears slipped down your cheeks.

But despite your dismayed thoughts, he actually answered.

“Hey! Baby, are you there?!”

Your mouth fell open in shock. You clutched at the phone. “Dean!”

You coughed, and you realized smoke was rising under the bathroom door now. The fire would spread here soon enough.

“Where are you? I’m here at your building!”

“Bathroom, 10th floor!” you managed to reply. “I couldn’t get out.”

“It’s okay. I’m coming right now,” he said. “Stay put for me.”

“Yeah,” you said, with a shaky breath. You couldn’t exactly leave. “Dean, don’t hang up.”

“I won’t,” he promised. “Where’s…r—oom?”

He was glitching in and out. You gripped the phone tighter in panic. “Dean?”

“Can…ear m…”

“Dean!” Your tears fell anew. You had another reason to struggle for breath as you tried to reach him.

You slid out from under the sink to try and get better reception, but it was no use. The call failed.

“Shit!” You nearly tossed your cell across the room out of sheer frustration.

Then you paced back and forth, trying to think of what to do. Should you leave your momentary shelter to go and find him, or would that just run the risk of him never finding you.

You didn’t know. You didn’t know what to do.

God, I’m so fucking screwed…

You slumped against the wall and tried to stifle your coughing, all while you also tried (and failed) to form some kind of a plan.

Until the bathroom door bursting open startled a scream out of you. Was the fire coming in?!

The move did allow more smoke to infiltrate the bathroom, but instead of the fire, you saw a firefighter in all his gear. This time, it did include the helmet.

“Fire Department!” he called out.

You would know that voice anywhere. And even through the mask, you recognized the man’s eyes when he went to you.

“Dean,” you sobbed. It was halted only by a series of lung-wracking coughs and wheezing. He quickly took his helmet and mask off so he could fit the mask over your soot-covered face.

“It’s okay, deep breaths. I gotcha, baby, just breathe,” Dean encouraged. His arm was around your waist, holding you close while the oxygen finally allowed you to take in slower breaths and relax against him.

“Okay, let’s get out of here, huh?” he said. He put his helmet back on.

You grabbed the front of his jacket. “Don’t you need the mask?”

You were still having trouble breathing, coughing on every other word. Dean shook his head.

“You need it more right now,” he said.

You realized that Benny was holding the bathroom door open.

“We gotta go!” he said.

“Benny, Andréa was here,” you said. His eyes widened behind his mask. “She got out, I think. She made it to the west stairwell.”

“Okay, yeah, because no one’s getting out the east wing,” Gordon said. You noted him standing just behind Benny, with Jack in tow.

“There’s a block,” you said, pointing just ahead where you saw the pile of debris. More parts of the ceiling had crumbled around it, making it a fiery minefield. There was no other way around it at this point—only through it.

Gordon and Jack went through first, followed by Benny. With their jackets and protective gear, they were able to jump through like a flaming hoop. And they would be able to help catch you and Dean from the other side.

“Okay, you ready?” Dean asked.

“If I say no?” you said, holding onto him tighter. His hand soothed over your hair. You’d lost your clip a long time ago (along with your purse), so your hair was probably wild and frizzy and covered in soot, along with the rest of you.

Dean grinned down at you. “Then I’d say, don’t you worry. I’m not gonna let you fall.”

Even now, through your fear, he could make you smile. You steeled yourself and took a breath. You could hear it so clearly with the mask on. That, and your own heartbeat.

He counted down to three, and on the last beat, Dean covered your head and shoulders and ran with you under the flame-covered ceiling. He managed to help you jump over the fiery debris on the ground. On both of your heavy landings, a wooden support beam fell.

There was a shout from Benny, but it was too late. All Dean could do was cover you. The beam broke over his back and knocked his helmet clean off. He took you with him when he fell.

Your scream rang out—half at the fall, but mostly for Dean. It was Benny who dragged you and Dean out first. Gordon and Jack took over hefting an unconscious Dean, while Benny hauled you up onto your feet and led you to the west stairwell.

You passed out just as you felt fresh air hit the mask.

You woke to bright, fluorescent lighting that made you wince. An oxygen mask covered your mouth and nose and was strapped around your head. You made a sound of discomfort and tried to take it off, but a hand stilled yours.

“Don’t.”

Eileen’s concerned face came into view. You were confused, though happy to see her.

“You’re in the hospital,” she said. When you tried to speak, she held up a finger to you. Wait, said her eyes.

She took out her phone from her jean pocket to text someone.

“Sam is coming,” she told you, before she drew closer to sooth a hand up and down your arm. You felt tears in your eyes at just that small comfort.

They fell in earnest when Sam entered your hospital room. His eyes held the concern of a friend and a brother as he approached on your other side.

“Hey, how do you feel?” he asked, laying a hand on your shoulder.

You wheezed a breath and rasped, “Water.”

Sam nodded and grabbed you a plastic cup filled with cold water. It felt like literal heaven once the mask was off and you were able to drink. He helped you while Eileen held the mask away from your face.

After you’d had all you could drink, he took the cup and Eileen placed the mask back over your face.

“Where’s Dean?” you asked, after clearing your throat. You still sounded like a chain smoker, and your head was pounding. “Is he okay?”

“He’s stable,” Sam said, with a sigh. But when he didn’t offer anything more, you raised expectant brows at him.

“What else?” you said. Your tone told him not to skimp on any more details.

Sam’s gaze met yours. “The beam burned through his jacket, on his back. It hit his head. They…had to perform a minor surgery to relieve the pressure in his brain, but he’s stable in recovery now.”

He was quick to add on that last bit when you began to crumble. Eileen encouraged you to breathe through your tears. The oxygen could only do half the battle if you didn’t breathe properly.

“I want to see him,” you said.

Sam frowned and held up a placating hand. “I don’t think that’s—”

You ignored him and tried to sit up. With or without his approval, you were getting out of this bed.

“Okay, you’re not listening,” Sam sighed, though he immediately went to help you. He shot Eileen an imploring look over your head.

She got the hint and helped you on her side. Together they helped you stand while you removed the mask, then the heart monitor and other wires taped to your torso.

The Emergency Department team had left your pants on, thank goodness, but they’d clipped through your blouse and bra. So the paper gown was mostly to cover your top half like a light blue poncho. It was a bit airy in the back, but Eileen held it closed for you. Right now, you didn’t care much about your modesty. You were also walking around the hospital barefooted.

At least Dean was on the same floor. It was just a long walk down the hall.

“Can you call Benny and ask how Andréa’s doing?” you asked, coughing a bit.

Sam eyed you in thinly veiled concern, but he agreed. The last he’d heard from Benny was that Andréa had been cleared by the paramedics with minor smoke inhalation. You were clearly worse.

Sam held you upright when you finally saw Dean. He had to guide you into a chair beside Dean’s bed, where he slept on his side. On his back was a large stretch of white gauze across his upper back, from nearly shoulder to side at an angle.

“The doctor said they’re only second-degree burns. It looks worse than it is,” Sam said quietly.

Eileen rubbed your back in the hopes that you’d stop crying.

You could only focus on the gauze, the smaller nicks and burns around Dean’s face, the bandage and thick gauze near his temple where they’d apparently had to drill into his skull. He also wore an oxygen mask, because if all that wasn’t enough, you were sure “smoke inhalation” was on the list, thanks to the way he’d given you his SCBA mask.

Gently, very gently, you took his hand. Your thumb swept over the back of it, over each knuckle.

“Did they say when he’d wake up?” you asked. You rubbed at your aching stomach. Does smoke inhalation cause nausea too?

Your chest was also tight. You’d head back to your room sooner or later and get the oxygen mask back on.

Before Sam could reply, you heard a groan below. You looked down at Dean with wide-eyed hope. It took a moment, but his eyes slid open. They were unfocused and dark, until they found your face.

You smiled tearfully. “Hey, baby.”

Your free hand caressed his cheek. His eyes briefly closed at your touch. When he realized you were holding his hand, he squeezed a bit. That was enough for you.

Just then, however, you had to let go of his hand. Whatever was left in your stomach from this morning seemed to be revolting. You turned your head quick to throw up onto the hospital floor.

Both Sam and Eileen called your name when you slid out of your chair and onto the floor. You blinked tears out of your eyes…or actually, it was black spots encroaching on your vision.

Sam pushed the chair out of his way to get to you. He gathered you into his arms and shouted for a doctor while Eileen went for the emergency button on Dean’s hospital bed.

The last thing you saw was Dean’s worried face out of the corner of your eye, before the blackness took you.

Dean could barely speak behind his oxygen mask, but Sam saw his worry as the nurses carried you away in a stretcher with Eileen following close behind. Sam crouched in front of his brother and clasped his hand.

“She’ll be okay, I promise. I’m gonna look out for both of you,” Sam said. “Right now, you need to sleep.”

Dean’s brows furrowed. In that small gesture, Sam also saw his stubbornness. He almost smiled. You and Dean were a match made.

“Just rest, Dean. I’m going now to check on her, but not until you close your eyes,” Sam said. It took another stubborn minute, but Dean eventually relaxed as well as he was able. His eyes closed as he fell back under the pull of medication and painkillers.

“How’s he doing?” came the voice of their father in the doorway. Sam’s expression morphed from gentle to austere. His head turned towards his father.

“How does he look like he’s doing?” Sam asked. “He had a burning ceiling fall on him. He has the mother of all concussions, and he just saw his girlfriend collapse.”

John was quiet, in contrast to his youngest son’s ire. He stepped into the room and watched his eldest. Sam saw the man’s age in the lines around his eyes, in his slow gait when he raised a gentle hand to comb through Dean’s greasy hair, mindful of his injuries.

“This shouldn’t have fucking happened,” said John. His voice was tired and gruff. Sam knew what the weight of guilt looked like, but what he didn’t yet see was regret. If John hadn’t kept digging, digging, Azazel wouldn’t have taken it this far.

Okay, Sam didn’t yet have proof that Azazel burned down the Savage & Co. building…but he didn’t believe in coincidences.

“No,” Sam said. “It shouldn’t have.”

“What the fuck was that?!” Nick shouted.

He was still dusted with soot and sporting some cracked ribs from the day’s activities. He’d stumbled into his father’s house, taken a bottle of bourbon from the man’s shelf and started drinking straight from the crystal glass.

Daniel eyed him coolly from the balcony, smoking a cigar. “Whatever do you mean, son?”

Nick was furious. He stomped over, not caring how expensive liquor was splashing on him.

“Why’d you burn the whole damn building?” he demanded to know. “I could’ve died!”

“Alistair got you out, didn’t he?” Daniel pointed towards his son with the hand that held his cigar. “See, unlike you, I think ahead.”

“I’m serious,” Nick hissed. “Our company is still important—”

“My company,” Daniel interjected, “is not that building. However, the building itself was a liability.”

Nick’s brows knit together in confusion and anger. “What the hell’re you talking about?”

Daniel took a long drag of his cigar, puffing in Nick’s face. The latter coughed. As if he hadn’t had enough smoke in his lungs today.

“Don’t you see?” Daniel asked, with a sigh that also said he wondered how he could’ve produced such a moron. “It puts distance between you and ‘Azazel’ if you’re also a victim of his threats. It destroys any physical evidence of me having been there, along with any files you would’ve eventually had to turn over to the police and the FBI.”

Nick let that idea sink into his brain. He realized that it did make sense…but he deflated as something else occurred to him.

“Uh…see, that would’ve worked, but, we have a problem,” Nick scratched his head. “Someone knows who you really are.”

By the time Nick finished explaining about you, and what you’d overheard, Daniel’s sharp gaze managed to strike fear into Nick’s heart.

Yet to his surprise, the other man’s temper didn’t blow. Daniel kept it all inside as he continued to smoke. Cigars tended to pacify him better than cigarettes.

His lips twitched at a humorless smile. “Well, that is a problem.”

“But she probably died in the fire, so we’re good,” Nick shrugged.

“No, I doubt she did,” Daniel sighed. “You’re not that lucky.”

He rolled his shoulders. Then he grabbed Nick’s arm and twisted, until his was crying out and pinned to the nearest wall. Daniel threatened to put out his cigar in the soft underbelly of the arm he held.

Nick looked up at his father with wide, pleading eyes.

“Like everything else, that girl is a problem I’m going to fix,” Daniel said. “Along with the whole Winchester brood.” 

AN: 🫣 Don't hate me lol. It gets better for them, I promise. But we have a few more chapters left to go and a few more twists in store!

Next Time:

The first time Dean was awake for longer than a few minutes, he asked about you.

Sam wasn’t surprised. He was frankly relieved that he had an answer for his brother.

Keep Reading: PART 17

Dean Winchester Masterlist

Main Masterlist

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[saturnznct]

he holds the baby for the first time | nct dream

➸ note; hehe bit of a long one bc i love my dreamies <3

➸ word count; 4313 words

➸ lucas, tengfei, moonbyeol, dalgun, chaeyeon, caihong & chunae; aged newborn

➸ warning(s); breastfeeding? labour, c-sections, stitches, injection mention, blood mention

nct masterlist

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ⋆✦⋆ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

mark

Mark’s entire world had been turned upside down in a matter of a few hours. Just four hours ago, he was working hard at dance practice, and now he was a father. He felt so many things, shock being the most prominent, shared with complete awe and love for you and your new son. The fact that he hadn’t held your newborn yet hadn’t even crossed his mind, he was far more concerned with both of your health and wellbeing, considering you’d had no pre-natal care. The hours dragged on, the amount of nurses and doctors coming in finally beginning to thin out. Your son had been laying on your chest for quite some time, having eaten and been burped already. You were so exhausted, a mixture of the birth and the late hour, but Mark was still wide awake, mind racing. However, managers and staff keep disappearing and reappearing, talking to Mark and whoever was on the phone in rapid speech. Mark could see the way it was affecting you, the way you move to almost protect your baby from the outsiders.  

‘You should get some sleep,’ he murmurs, noticing your eyes dropping closed and then opening again.

‘I can’t look away from him,’ you admit, ‘he’s so perfect.’

‘I know, baby, but you need to rest,’ Mark reaches out a hand and brushes your hair from your face, ‘besides, I haven’t held him yet.’

Your eyes widen a little, ‘oh, of course not, I’m sorry.’

Mark chuckles, ‘it’s okay, it’s important he gets to know his mama. I’ll keep an eye on him while you nap, okay? I’ll wake you if he needs anything.’

‘Okay,’ you sit up slightly. The handover is awkward, it being the first time you’d done it, but eventually Mark has the tiny baby in his arms, kissing your forehead before murmuring a ‘goodnight, I love you,’ and settling into the armchair beside your bed.

‘Love you. Please keep him here,’ you mumble, turning onto your side and closing your eyes.

‘I will, don’t worry sweetheart.’

Mark is quiet for a few minutes, gently yet stiffly rocking the baby back and forth, examining his face and all the details. The baby looked so much like him, and he knew it, feeling an enormous sense of pride at the boy’s identical nose and eyes, that he’d seen in baby photos of his own over the years. Once he’s sure you’re asleep, he begins to talk to his son, wishing the infant to get used to his voice.

‘Hey, baby boy,’ Mark begins, lightly shushing the baby when he fusses, ‘it’s okay, everything is just fine.’

You were just on the verge of falling asleep when you hear Mark’s voice, heart warming at the sound of the love of your life talking to your firstborn.

‘I didn’t even know you existed a few hours ago, but God, I love you. More than anything. You’re so perfect, such a beautiful baby, all from your mama. She did so well, didn’t she? Carried you for all that time… I promise I’ll be here for you, always. Everything I do from now on is for you and your mummy/mommy.’

You still lay awake, eyes filled with hot tears at the pure love that overcomes you. 

Mark is silent for a few moments, staring back into his son’s deep brown eyes, ‘I promise I won’t let you down. I love you, son.’

renjun

This was the moment Renjun had been anticipating since the moment you found out you were pregnant. He’d been terrified at the time, the pregnancy was unexpected and Renjun wasn’t sure he was ready or capable of being a father. At the same time, Renjun’s thoughts were filled with questions and worries about your baby. What would the baby look like? How big would the baby be? Would they come during the day or the night? But his biggest fear of all, was that your baby wouldn’t like him. He didn’t have the best luck with other member’s babies; generally they would cry and protest in his arms. He tried to prevent this, doing any and every bonding exercise with your bump that he could think or read about, hoping that when your son arrived he would feel comfortable and safe with him.

‘Jun?’ You’d been holding the baby for over an hour, having some skin to skin and your first feed. Renjun froze a little at the expectant look on your face, like he knew what you were about to ask.

‘You should hold him.’

Renjun blinks, ‘are you sure? you’re bonding with hi-‘

‘Jun,’ you repeat, softly, ‘he’s your son. He’s not going to hate you. Besides, I want to see my boys together.’

‘Okay,’ Renjun reaches down for the baby on your chest, cringing when the baby whines and fusses, ‘hey, don’t cry, please don’t cry.’

Renjun rocks and bounces him awkwardly but to no avail, and he sends you a look screaming for help.

‘It’s ok, Jun,’ you smile, ‘keep talking to him.’

‘He doesn’t like me,’ Renjun begins to panic, ‘he was happy with you, maybe you should-‘

‘Junie,’ you retort softly, ‘he just doesn’t like that he’s been moved. Keep talking to him, he’ll know your voice.’

Renjun gives himself a mental pep talk, slightly relaxing when he looks at the face of his baby boy.

‘It’s okay, it’s just me, I’m your daddy.’

You give Renjun an encouraging smile, and so he continues, ‘I really hope you like me from now on. Most babies don’t.’

The baby is gradually calming down at his father’s voice, so Renjun keeps talking.

‘Good boy, do you know my voice? I tried to talk to you as much as possible while you were in there so I hope you recognise it.’

The baby is now settled, staring up at his father with big brown eyes. Your heart melts at Renjun’s wide, toothy grin.

‘He likes me,’ he says to you, before turning back to the baby, ‘I think you look like a Tengfei.’

‘I like that name,’ you hum, ‘Huang Tengfei it is.’

Renjun’s smile gets impossibly wider, pride filling his chest knowing he’d just named his firstborn baby boy.

‘I love you so much, Huang Tengfei.’

jeno

You had never felt so at peace. You had just given birth to your first child, a daughter Moonbyeol in your bedroom at home a few hours earlier. Already, Moonbyeol was a very chilled baby, rarely fussing or crying. She was perfectly happy just laying on your chest, staring back at you. Jeno had been laying beside you for several hours now, engaging in hushed conversation with you about your newborn, all while unable to take his eyes off her. It hadn’t even crossed his mind that he hadn’t properly held his daughter, as you’d been snuggled together so close. As time passed, you grew more and more exhausted, the energy you had spent during the birth beginning to weigh you down. 

‘How long has it been since she fed?’ you wonder aloud, ‘the midwife said every three hours..’

‘I think it was at six,’ Jeno says, ’so three and a bit hours ago.’

‘She needs more,’ you mumble, sighing deeply, already pulling your top down to give Moonbyeol access. Jeno helps you guide her head to your chest.

‘Agh,’ the pain is sharp when she latches, and Jeno kisses and rubs your hair in encouragement.

‘You’re doing so well, look at how well she eats.’

‘It hurts so much Jen,’ Jeno’s heart hurts at the look on your face.

‘I know, I know,’ Jeno frowns, ‘it’ll get better, with time.’

‘I hope so,’ you say, ‘I feel sore all over.’

‘You’ve been so incredible,’ Jeno praises, ‘we did so well with her.’

‘Yeah, we did,’ you grin, the and the two of you settle into small talk while Moonbyeol eats. After some time, she pulls away, ready to be burped.

‘I don’t want to move,’ you admit, ‘too tired.’

‘Hey, I’ll take her,’ Jeno offers, ‘you can stay in bed. Plus, I.. I haven’t got to hold her yet.’

‘Oh. I’m sorry.’

‘It’s okay, don’t be silly,’ Jeno presses a kiss to your cheek, ‘I’ve been so close this whole time. You should get some rest.’

You suddenly realise how drained and exhausted you truly were, eyes and body heavy with fatigue.

‘I think I probably should,’ you mumble tiredly, ‘Moonie, daddy’s going to get all that horrible air up for you.’

It takes perhaps a little longer than it should have, but eventually the baby is successfully passed into Jeno’s arms.

‘Hey, Moonie,’ Jeno rests her on his shoulder, gently patting her back, ‘you’re so tiny.’

You move to lay down on your side and rest your eyes as Jeno talks to your daughter in a hushed voice.

‘You’re so beautiful,’ Jeno meets his daughters eyes, seeing his own staring back at him, ‘look at those brown eyes! So pretty. No boy will ever be good enough for such a beautiful girl.’

Jeno slowly wanders out of your room and into Moonbyeol’s nursery, wanting to give you some peace to sleep.

‘This is your room,’ Jeno turns the baby in his arms so that she’s facing the majority of the room, ‘this is where you’ll sleep, where you’ll play… I hope you like the way we decorated. If you don’t, we can change it later.’

Moonbyeol’s eyes flicker around the room, although her expression is blank.

‘Look, Moonie,’ he walks towards her unused crib, looking at the silver mobile that hangs over it, white and yellow moon and stars hanging down, ‘it’s like you! You’re our little moon star.’

Moonbyeol burps at that exact moment, and Jeno chuckles, not sure whether he should be offended or not.

‘Well, that says what you think of that.’

haechan

Donghyuck naturally comes across as a conceited and cocky person, you know that’s just his humour. He’s cheeky and bold, but at the same time down to earth and a total sweetheart. He acted quite similarly when it came to his impending fatherhood, on the outside appearing as though he was completely confident, that he would take being a father in his stride. But on the inside, he was terrified. Sometimes he would catch sight of you, his pregnant wife, and would feel a deep sense of dread alongside the rush of love that would bubble up in his chest. When you went into labour while eating dinner together, he thought he was going to be sick, the crashing realisation that this was it. You’d done so well, going through hours of contractions before your son began to struggle, and you were taken into an emergency c-section. You were crying softly as they prepared you for the surgery. Donghyuck emerged from the bathroom in his scrubs to see you laying there, and you immediately you’d reached out for him. In that moment, he knew how much you needed him, how much both of you needed him. In that moment he knew he’d do anything to be the best father and husband.

Your son Dalgun was eventually delivered through the C-section, laying on your chest for quite some time as you were stitched up and wheeled back to your hospital room. Donghyuck hates the look of discomfort on your face as you try to move around on the bed and feed. You’re exhausted, in pain and in need of a good rest, but you had to stay awake for your son.

Donghyuck tries to make himself useful, keeping the hospital room tidy and making sure your water cup was filled and you hadn’t bled too heavily onto the pad beneath you.

Part of him aches to hold his baby boy. He so desperately wants to just reach out and take the baby into his arms, shower him in all of the love he had to give. But at the same time, he didn’t want to. He was frightened that his son would be unsettled with him, that he would do something astronomically wrong like drop him. After some time, the nurse knocks softly on the door, coming to check on your surgery site.

‘Donghyuck,’ you croak, his heart hurting when he sees you laying there, exhausted and in pain with your son on your chest, ‘will you take him?’

‘I-‘ 

‘Hyuck,’ you notice the way he freezes, but he melts and relaxes at your tone, ‘its okay. You’re his daddy. You did so well at the classes.’

Donghyuck shakes himself. You’re vulnerable, you’ve just had invasive surgery and you need him. And he’s terrified of holding his own baby.

‘Okay.’

The nurse helps with the handover as it pains you to lean too far, and suddenly there’s a seven pound baby wriggling around in his arms. Dalgun cries shrilly at being moved, Donghyuck cringing as he wails.

‘Dalgun-ah,’ he clumsily rocks the baby, ‘won’t you be a good boy while mummy/mommy gets looked after? I’m not a stranger, I’m your daddy.’

Donghyuck sways on his feet, soothing Dalgun, ‘your mummy/mommy is so so brave. She is so incredible, Dalgun-ah, she’ll be the best mummy/mommy in the whole world to you, I just know it. And I’ll try my absolute hardest to be the best daddy. I love you.’

jaemin

Jaemin thinks that his daughter’s birth was nothing short of perfect. You had given birth to Chaeyeon in a birthing centre, early in the morning in a birthing pool.

Jaemin had sat right behind you, in his swim shorts, with you between his legs, not even wincing when you near crushed his hands while you pushed. Jaemin had been the one to cut the cord, before the baby was taken away to be weighed and given her first injection.

Jaemin had felt new foreign feeling of resentment towards the nurse, who he knows deep down is just doing her job and ultimately protecting your daughter from disease, but at the same time, she made his baby girl cry.

Chaeyeon is bought back to you, now with a band-aid covering her injection site. Jaemin holds you in his arms, resting his chin on your shoulder and just soaking in your daughters face. For some time, the two of you get used to Chaeyeon, taking in her appearance and mannerisms and sounds. Jaemin doesn’t even really care how dirty the water is.

‘Y/N? Why don’t we get you cleaned up a little?’ the nurse suggests, and you’re more than happy to be helped out of the pool and herded into the shower in the conjoining bathroom. Another nurse had held Chaeyeon as Jaemin carried you bridal style into the bathroom and gently setting you down on the shower seat. He hangs around for a few minutes, eyes darting between you and Chaeyeon’s general direction, clearly conflicted as to who to stay with.

‘Go and be with her Jaem,’ you hum.

’Do you need me?’

‘I’m all good here,’ you answer honestly, ‘I think this may be quite gross, anyway.’

‘Okay,’ Jaemin leans over to kiss your cheek, ‘I’ll look after her.’

‘Oh!’ The nurse left in the delivery room is holding the little bundle in her arms, ‘lets go to daddy, shall we?’

Jaemin beams as his baby girl is handed to him for the very first time. His heart feels like it may burst out of his chest as she gurgles, tiny fists waving around above the pink blankets.

‘Oh, angel,’ Jaemin coos, ‘you’re killing me.’

Jaemin knew that this baby in his arms officially completely owned his heart. He knew it was over for him, that there was nothing he would not do for his little girl.

‘You’re such a pretty girl, Chaeyeon,’ his heart aches at her glistening eyes and nose that mirrors his own.

‘You’ll have so much love in your life. You already do. You have so many uncles who are just dying to meet you, you have a godfather who would do anything for you. I.. I would die for you, I love you more than anything in this world.’

Chaeyeon waves her arm around, peeling back the blanket slightly.

‘Oh, you don’t have any clothes on,’ Jaemin brings her over to the changing table, lowering her down as slowly as he possibly can.

‘Which should be your first ever outfit?’ Jaemin sifts through the folded up baby-grows in the small suitcase you’d brought along. He picks out a white one, patterned with little brown teddy bears.

‘Uncle Mark bought you this one,’ Jaemin buttons up the onesie, ‘like I told you, everyone loves you Chae. But not as much as I do!’

Jaemin nuzzles their noses together, before cradling Chaeyeon in his chest, pressing a kiss on top of her head.

‘I love you, angel. I’ll be here for you always.’

chenle

Chenle was the best partner throughout your entire pregnancy. He did absolutely everything for you and your baby’s comfort, fulfilling your every need and wish, whether monetary, physical or emotional. 

It seemed everything had to be perfect, the quality of your care, your baby’s nursery, your birth plans, everything. If you showed any slight indication of discomfort at any point in your pregnancy, Chenle was instantly at your side, going out of his way to somehow alleviate your pain. He was almost jumpy in that sense.

He was strangely calmer than you thought he would be when you went into labour. You had been taken to the hospital where Chenle and his family had naturally made sure you would receive the best treatment, with a spacious private room and a dedicated team of familiar doctors and nurses. You laboured for hours on end. For nearly twenty hours, you’d suffered through some of the most immense pain imaginable, completely supported by Chenle who fusses over you and holds your hand through it all. Frustratingly, you had been dilating excruciatingly slowly, and eventually the doctors decide a c-section would be best for both you and your baby. 

Your beautiful baby girl joined you in the early evening. Chenle was so overcome with love for his daughter. You both knew that she would be his little princess, that he would spoil her rotten and that nobody would ever lay a hand on her. He came up with the name Caihong, meaning rainbow. She was the rainbow that brightened up his life.

When Caihong came out, they had taken her away briefly to be weighed and checked over, before returning her to you.

‘You did so so well,’ Chenle stands as close to you as he can get, still in his scrubs as they stitch you back up, ’she’s beautiful. I can’t believe it.’

‘I’m so tired,’ you laugh, having been awake for the entirety of your labour, ‘she’s ruined me.’

Chenle chuckles, ‘they’re going to wheel you back into the room once they’re done. We’ll turn the lights down. You can nap soon.’

‘M’kay,’ you roll your head back down to look at your baby, ‘she’s perfect.’

’She is,’ Chenle nods, leaning down and pressing kisses into your hair, ‘I love you both so much.’

The first hour with your daughter is so precious. You are taken back to your private room in your bed, Caihong resting on your chest the whole time. You’d done your first feed, burping her while sitting up in your bed. Once you’d finished, the nurses left, and the three of you were alone together for the first time.

‘Are you tired?’ Chenle asks, running a hand through your hair, fussing over you.

‘I’m exhausted,’ you murmur, ‘never been so tired.’

‘Why don’t I take her?’ he suggests, ‘you can lay down and have a nap.’

‘Are you sure?’ the offer is so unbelievably tempting, ‘I don’t want to just leave you on your own.’

‘I’ll be just fine,’ Chenle reassures you, ‘you just fed her. I can change her myself, if she needs you I’ll wake you.’

‘Okay,’ you nod, moving your arms so that Chenle can easily take Caihong from you.

He grunts dramatically as he raises her up, as though he was lifting some massive weight, ‘hi baby girl.’

Chenle holds Caihong in one arm as he helps you lay down comfortably, reclining your bed back down with the remote so you were laying down.

‘Comfortable?’ Chenle checks, rubbing your upper arm with his spare hand.

‘Yes,’ your eyes are already closed, ‘love you, Lele.’

Chenle grins, ‘I love you too.’

As you fall asleep, Chenle slowly does a few laps of the hospital room, rocking Caihong in his arms. Once he’s sure you’re mostly asleep, and that talking won’t disturb you, he speaks to Caihong in a hushed voice.

‘Hi my little angel,’ he stares into her shining brown eyes, absolutely entranced by her, ‘we’ve waited for so long for you. Ever since your uncle had your cousins, I’ve wanted a baby of my own. And now you’re finally here. You’re already so loved, Caihong. I’ll do anything for you.’

Caihong looks at him almost as if she’s listening and understands what he’s saying. Chenle’s heart seizes and threatens to break out of his chest, he loves her so much. 

‘You own my heart, Caihong. Daddy loves you so much.’

jisung

Jisung was the first to hold his baby girl, and although it wasn’t for long, it was a fact he took great pride in. Jisung had completely frozen up when your midwife had asked him if he wanted to deliver the baby. His mouth had dried up, completely unsure of what to say, until he caught your gaze, face slightly screwed up in discomfort, but still encouraging him to say yes. He had taken the midwife’s offer, and under her guidance, caught your baby girl as she came out. Jisung had worried that he would drop her, due to the baby being covered in blood and various bodily fluids, but thankfully he manages to keep her in his grip, holding her up for a few moments before placing her on your chest.

Jisung didn’t get her back for another hour or so, not that he minded. You handled your first hour of motherhood expertly, Chunae was an extremely calm baby who fed easily. She was so intrigued by the both of you, as you both were with her, her brown eyes studying your faces. Jisung had never felt so many overpowering emotions at once. Firstly the feeling of pride that he’d been the one to bring Chunae into the world, and the fact he had a part in creating what he believed to be the most beautiful baby in the whole world. And of course, he felt such an overwhelming and intense love for both you and your baby, after watching you go through hours and hours of labour and delivery in his family home. You had been giving skin to skin for over an hour before you offered the baby to Jisung.

‘Hey, Jisungie,’ he is immediately by your side.

‘Do you need something? Water? Another pillow? The pad changed? Are you in a lot of pain?’

You smile at how flustered and caring he is, shaking your head, ‘no, I’m alright. I just thought you might want to hold her.’

Jisung softens, heart suddenly hammering in his chest, ‘oh, y-yeah. Yeah, of course I’d love to.’

Jisung leans down and gently picks Chunae from your chest, taking a few moments to get her into a good position.

‘Hi baby girl,’ he murmurs, strangely nervous, as though it was somebody else’s child.

‘Ah, good timing,’ Jisung’s mother suddenly enters the room, ‘I made soup for you Y/N.’

‘Oh, amazing, I’m starving,’ you welcome the bowl of hot soup with both hands.

Jisung wanders the room, rocking the slightly gurgling Chunae in his arms as he approaches the bedroom window. He doesn’t really notice you watching him, his thoughts all consumed by Chunae. His mother even points it out, catching your eyes and nodding towards him. 

‘Hi,’ Jisung shakily removes a hand from underneath her to play with her own tiny hand, melting when she curls her hand around his finger.

‘You’re so small,’ he whispered, ‘like a doll. And so well behaved too, you didn’t cry one bit when I picked you up.’

Chunae just looks back up at him, and Jisung gently wipes at the spit collecting at her mouth with a cloth.

‘I promise I’ll look after you angel,’ he nuzzles his nose against hers, ‘no one will ever hurt you. They’ll have to go through me first.’

Jisung suddenly can’t get the image of his baby girl as a teenager out of his head, his getting her heart broken by some worthless teenage boy. He imagines comforting her, giving her encouraging talks and building her confidence back up, utilising the skills he would have learned as a father to his little girl over the years. But for now, he knows nothing, only what he has read in pregnancy and parenting books.

‘I don’t know much,’ Jisung rubs his thumb up and down on her face, ‘but I promise I’ll be the best father I can possibly be for you. I’ll try so hard to do everything that’s right for you. I already love you more than anything in this world.’

Chunae yawns, tiny fists flailing weakly as she does.

‘Am I boring you?’ Jisung chuckles, ’you can’t be tired, not when I’ve just got you.’

‘You should sit down with her,’ you suggest, taking a short break from your soup, ’she’ll fall asleep on you.’

‘I think I may fall asleep also,’ Jisung chuckles, although settling into the armchair near your bed. 

‘Group nap?’ You suggest, your own eyes feeling heavy.

The group nap very quickly ends in Jisung’s mother removing the sleeping Chunae from a sleeping Jisung’s chest to lay in her crib. 

[miirohs]

collide [p.s.h/k.h.j]

pairing: Vampire!Park Seonghwa x Human!Reader x Vampire!Kim Hongjoong wc: 1.2k cw: biting, mentions of blood (as in feeding), the vampire equivalent of a tranq? an: i nearly threw up and cried bc why is this lowkey suggestive. THAT WASN'T SUPPOSE TO BE THE CASE. There is implied ot8 poly btw.

You tried to curl impossibly small into Seonghwas’ arms as he held you, one hand holding your thigh as the other rubbed your stomach gently in an attempt to calm you while Hongjoong sat between your thighs, leaving small kisses behind as he sunk his teeth into the flesh. 

He’d been too gone in his own pleasure to notice your twisting and turning, leaving Seonghwa to ensure that you were as comfortable as you could be sitting in their grasp. He whispered sweet nothings into your ear, trying to sooth you over.

Seonghwa eventually followed suit, kissing along your collarbone and pausing right over the crook of your neck, giving it a little lick to let you know he was about to do.

“You’ve been such a good girl, but I have a question to ask you,” he whispered in your ear, “do you think i can feed off you with or without me having to haze you, doll?”

“Need…ngh…” You trailed off, mind going blank as Hongjoong seemed to suck a little harder on the skin of your thighs, “h-hurts.”

“Oh, it hurts, doesn’t it sweet thing?” Seonghwa cooed, sweetly sick voice further unsettling you in his grip. You nodded, trying to wriggle out, but you were sure his hands had left marks from the way he held you down.

“I thought I warned him not to go hard on you, but I suppose the leader-” He gave Hongjoong a quick nudge to the side with his dangling foot, earning a faint snarl from him as he broke his concentration to glare at Seonghwa and you, “-always does as he wants. Apparently he doesn’t know the meaning of sharing is caring.”

“Hey! I’m still hungry-“ He grumbled, stopped by a quick glare from Seonghwa himself, shutting his mouth. “She’s clearly getting tired and hurting from your… behavior. If you’re still hungry, feel free to go find another human to feed on.” 

Hongjoong furrowed his brow and sat back down in between your legs quietly, earning a quiet look of approval from Seonghwa and a whine from you.

“Alright, alright doll. I’ll give you what you want, but you’re going to have to sit still, okay? Otherwise it’s going to hurt a lot.” He said placidly as you nodded, panting slightly as he scraped his teeth against the spot he had picked out earlier.

“Hongjoong?”

Nodding, Hongjoong slipped a hand into yours as an apology of sorts and you clutched it tight, eyes screwed shut as Seonghwa bit down.

At first the pain was instantaneous, circuiting through you like lightning volts as tears you’d been holding down escaped. You shrieked into Seonghwas hand until your cries fizzled out into mere whimpers as he took his hand off your mouth, the burning sensation fading away.

His fangs being buried layers deep into your neck was a feeling you weren’t accustomed to, and even as you clutched Hongjoongs hand to distract yourself, you could start to feel your head spinning.

Looking at Hongjoong, you were all too aware of how his pupils seemed to dilate at the sight of blood soaking into your shirt. Yet he still held onto your hand, running his thumb over your knuckles.

As you settled from the shock, a wave of warmth seemed to seep through your veins as Seonghwa pulled his teeth out. Your bones slowly felt like jelly, slumping against him as he lapped at your neck, occasionally kissing it softly.

“Joong,” you whined as he withdrew his hand from yours, the pleasant feeling of his cold hands gone away from your burning skin. 

“You’re doing so well for your first time double feeding for us,” He murmured softly, leaning up against the thigh he bit into, “i'm sorry if i hurt you baby, i was just a little… caught up. Your blood tastes good.”

You didn’t respond, trying to slide down against Seonghwa as he pushed you up once again. 

As the warmth seemed to spread from your neck through your body, the pain seemed to ebb away and you sighed in content at gentle lapping of Seonghwa at the wound.

“You’d think she was enjoying having her blood sucked from the sound of that,” snickered Hongjoong teasingly, leaning into your touch as you ran your free hands through his hair tiredly, “little minx.”

“Don’t be like that. She may be out of it but what I put in her isn’t strong enough to make her forget anything happening right now,” Seonghwa chortled, earning a scandalous look from Hongjoong.

“She couldn’t do anything to me, I'm the coven leader! Isn’t that right?” Seonghwa huffed. “Yes, and somehow I'm older than you but you still can’t control me, can you?” 

As the both of them bickered loudly, you weaved in and out, barely realizing that Seonghwa had basically stopped sucking to give you a couple kitten licks on the wound.

As he gave you kisses up the column of your throat, you closed your eyes, succumbing to the pull of sleep.

You weren’t entirely gone though, weaving in and out as you listened to low murmurs and felt fingers running through your hair.

You awoke to vibrations tickling your head, the smell of some expensive cologne you couldn’t seem to place filling your nose. You nuzzled your nose into the fabric of the shirt, eyes squeezed shut as fingers drew shapes all over your back.

“Oh, the rest of them aren’t going to like what we’ve done with the poor thing. We’ve put them through the wringer haven’t we?” 

“Put through the wringer is an understatement. Being asleep for a whole 12 hours straight is a lot by human standards.”

You groaned, trying to block out the lights as they seemed to get brighter.

“Hwa? ‘S that you?”

“Nope, it’s Hongjoong. How are you feeling?” He murmured, the sound of sheets moving closer to you than you had thought.

“I think that it’s all worn off now, hm? You might be a little sore.” Seonghwa added, closer now to you than he was before.

“I feel like crap,” You yawed, nuzzling back into Hongjoongs stomach, “I just wanna go back to sleep.”

“I know its comfy baby, but you gotta get off me,” Hongjoong laughed, trying to push you away from him, “the elders haven’t stopped bothering the staff about where me and Hwa are.”

You didn’t move regardless, trying to wrap your arms around his waist to no avail.

“Doll,” Seonghwa sing sang, pulling you away from Hongjoong with his cold hands, who grinned amused at your tired defenseless state, “let the man go. He has work to do.”

“Why?” You whined, cracking one eye to glare at Hongjoong as he walked out the room, shooting you one last grin before the big wooden doors.

“Me and Hongjoong are trying to keep you a little longer,” He whispered as he pulled you into his lap, “you’re not fit to feed anyone for another week at least.”

You yawned against his skin, smelling the scent of febreze on the black shirt he wore.

“It’s fine… I’ll be okay,” you murmured, trying to recover the warmth you had lost.

He continued to run his fingers through your hair, lulling you to sleep once again.

“I don’t doubt you will be. Sleep again, I’ll be here when you wake.”

And with that, you drifted off once more.

[too-much-tma-stuff]

As Weak as You are Strong

Part 2 of Mutually Assured Disaster, as usual this isn’t edited so if you see any errors let me know!

-----------

Training Danny did not go the way that Hood had expected it too. First off it started way sooner then he had expected or wanted, he had wanted Danny to rest and fully heal before they started anything, maybe settle in fully to Gotham. But by the end of the first week he had realized that keeping the boy still was a fucking impossible task, he was so fucking restless! Jason attempted it for another four days before realizing that he had to give Danny something controlled and safe to do before sitting still drove him crazy and he did something stupid.

The easiest way to do that just then was to start training Danny, he was able to put it off a few more days by telling Danny he wouldn’t start training until he was signed up for school because the teen didn’t want to go back to school. But it was only a couple days before he seemed to decide that even school would be better then nothing.

Danny accepted being given a new identity, Danny Nightingale and let Hood forge paperwork to have legal guardianship and then enroll him in a decent school. Though he wouldn’t be starting till next semester to give him a chance to settle in to his new home. Jason wasn��t entirely sure when he’d decided Danny belonged with him, but he had, and was looking into bigger apartments for him and his new ward. After all it was official now.

“Okay the first step will be for you to show me what you can do to get a baseline, so we’ll go to gym I usually use after breakfast,” Jason finally said one morning as pulled a bottle of milk out of the fridge. Usually he cooked breakfast for them but it was a bad idea to eat to heavily before a work out, he’d take Danny out for lunch afterwards instead.

He heard Danny pause from where he was digging around in the cupboard grumbling about how healthy Jason’s cereal options were, as if he wasn’t the one who’d already eaten the box of sugary shit Tim had left here. The silence went on for too long and Jason scowled, turning to put the milk down on the counter and stare ad Danny hard.

“What’s the issue Wisp?” Jason asked sounding more annoyed then he actually was.

“Well, it’s just, I’m really strong and I have, like, a lot of powers? A Lot, I don’t even remember all of them half the time! I think it might be better of we leave town for me to show you? Like, if you want to see my most powerful ability that’s my Ghostly Wail, which is a pretty powerful sonic thing I don’t have great control of and I’m worried if I tried to do it inside I might bring down the building.” Danny rambled as casually as he could while he went back to digging for cereal and brought them over to the table.

Jason blinked as he processed that and then nodded slowly. “Okay, we haven’t talked about this much, what powers do you have?”

“Well, the sonic scream I mentioned, super strength, flight, intangibility, I can make and control ice, I have enhanced senses, I can shock people though that’s a hands on attack… Oh, I can sort of hypnotize people, I can possess people as well but I don’t like doing it… I can shape shift a bit though I’m not very good at it yet.” Danny said, counting them out on his fingers and looking a bit unsure as if he might have forgotten some.

“Damn Spooks what Can’t you do?” Jason asked, making light of how genuinely shocking Danny’s power level was.

“I think eventually I’ll learn how to shoot lasers.. Oh! I forgot my ecto beams! I can shoot ecto from my hands with some force, it’s corrosive to humans. And I can’t duplicate yet, the one older member of my species I met could so I assume I’ll learn eventually? I’m not really in a rush to learn though, I already kind of scare myself,” Danny admitted, looking away and rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.

“Alright, can you show me everything accept the wail inside?” Jason asked tapping his fingers absently against the table, before Danny shoved the box of cereal across the table to him and he remembered they were supposed to be eating.

“I think so, as long as I’m careful. But if I break anything you’re paying for it,” Danny joked around a mouthful of cereal, pointing his spoon at Jason.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full,” Jason said automatically, forcing himself to power through the realization he was fucking parenting this kid. “If I have to pay for anything you’re grounded.”

“You can’t ground me, you’re not my dad,” Danny shot back with an exaggerated pout, at least his mouth wasn’t full this time.

“So you’re not living under my roof, eating all my food, and asking me to train you?” Jason asked, raising his eyebrows, Danny stayed silent, pouting and poking at his cereal, steering the last few bits around the bowl. “If you have so little control of your power that you would break something you might seriously hurt a human in the field even if they don’t deserve it, and we don’t want that so if you break anything you’ll be grounded and it’ll be longer before you get into the field. Until we’re both confident in your control,” Jason explained firmly, he watched Danny consider that then deflate and nod.

“Fine,” He mumbled, drinking his cereal milk and bringing his bowl to the sink, washing it quickly.

Jason let it go, he knew Danny didn’t want to hurt anyone, he was a good kid, he was just disappointed. It wasn’t like he hadn’t had a shit attitude when he was Danny’s age as well. Jason finished his breakfast quickly, cleaning up before he grabbed the keys to his bike. “Alright let’s get to the gym, I already made sure it would be kept empty for the morning, so no one will see what we do.” He had been going to this place for ages and no one had found out he was Red Hood after all, in Gotham businesses that catered to vigilantes and rogues were deeply valued.

Danny nodded and grabbed the helmet Jason had bought for him in the first couple days. He left the apartment and went down the stairs ahead of Jason as he locked up. Danny bounded down, jumping a flight of stairs at the time and waiting on the landing for Jason to catch up before leaping down the next one. Jason didn’t understand why he was doing but he had learned gravity didn’t affect Danny the same way as most people did so jumping that way wouldn’t hurt the kid. And if it made him happy Jason didn’t give a shit, he just hurried to keep up.

Danny sat on the back of Jason’s bike, making him think about how he should really look into getting a sidecar or something, even though Danny seemed to enjoy riding on the back. Actually, it was the first time Jason was genuinely considering switching to a car for regular use, that would be safer right? And what if Danny wanted to have a friend over once he started school? Jason couldn’t bring both Danny And a friend home like this. Ya, he should definitely get a car.

God fucking damn it, he was a dad.

They reached the gym no problem and Jason lead the way this time, Danny hanging back just a little, clearly nervous. Jason marched on ahead, leading by example that there was nothing to be afraid of, and Danny hurried to keep up. There were a few people there still there so Jason whistled loudly and reminded the room at large the gym was privately booked out for the next couple hours and it was time to clear out. There was some grumbling but everyone went, it wasn’t exactly the first time this had happened.

“Okay the first thing is a test of strength, help me move all this shit out of the way,” Jason said, he was joking really but Danny didn’t seem to notice. He nodded firmly and went and grabbed one of the pieces of exercise equipment, lifting it and all the weights attached with no trouble at all. Jason had to pause to process that, watching as Danny moved it off to the side. “How much exactly can you lift?”

“I don’t know, I lifted a bus once and it wasn’t to hard,” Danny told Jason casually, as if that was fucking normal! Jason really had his work cut out for him with this kid. He sighed at Danny and then went to grab some targets since Danny had mentioned some sort of blast.

“Alright now that we have a clear patch show me what else you can do,” Jason said once he’d set up the targets. Danny nodded with a determined set to his jaw and in a flash of light that made Jason blink Danny had changed, his hair turning white and his eyes a green that would have made Jason’s stomach turn if he wasn’t already half used to Danny’s eyes flashing that colour randomly.

Over the next hour he watched as Danny blasted the targets with green beams that seemed to melt through what they hit and then eat through the rest, shock, freeze, and fight. When Jason told him to hit a punching bag as hard as he could Danny fucking broke it! The chain snapped and the bag flew across the room.

“I’m so sorry!” Danny yelped as soon as he realized what he’d done, before Jason had fully processed it. “You told me to hit as hard as I could! I should have known to hold back a bit but-“ Danny cut off on his justifications, ducking his head and biting his lip.

Jason took a deep breath, watching the sand that spilled from the split in the punching bag and trying not to think about what that force could do to a human body. “It’s alright, I did say to hit it as hard as you could. Now I need to see if you can punch just hard enough to drop a person without hurting them badly,” he said, ushering Danny over to a bag that wasn’t broken. He wanted to spar with Danny but he needed to make sure it wasn’t overly dangerous to his health first.

“I can do it in my human form,” Danny offered, eager to be helpful. “I have some access to my powers when I am but they’re much weaker when I am so it might be safer.”

“Safer for others but what about for you? You’re more vulnerable when you’re in your human form right?” Jason demanded and Danny winced, nodding reluctantly. “Alright then we’re going to work on you being able to control and restrain your strength in this form. You should be able to do that anyway, pulling a punch takes just as much strength as following it through and the control is even more impressive.”

“This is going to take forever,” Danny groaned.

“Well then we’d better get started then shouldn’t we?” Jason said, repressing his smile in case Danny thought he was making fun of him.

Danny groaned dramatically again, wallowing but only for a moment before the determined set to his jaw returned and he nodded. “Good, do you think you can spar with me without throwing me into a wall?” Jason joked, Danny wouldn’t want to hurt Jason so it really was the best way to help him practice.

Danny barked a startled laugh and grinned. “Oh ya! Don’t worry I’ll go easy on you~” Danny teased making Jason laugh in return, the kid really liked to banter.

“Don’t hold back to much, I’m plenty strong,” Jason shot back as he lead the way to the mat. “After this though I’m taking you to the shooting range. A gun with rubber bullets will be a good way for you to have a ranged attack without shooting fucking acid, and it’s a lot gentler then you can hit. The last thing we need is for you to get worked up or spooked in the field and really hurting someone by accident.”

“Turns out I’m not a gun, I’m much, much worse,” Danny joked and Jason rolled his eyes at the movie reference.

He dropped into a fighting stance once he reached the mat. “I’m on the attack now, I just want you to show me how well you can dodge and block Without using your powers.” Once he had Danny’s confirmation and the younger man was in his stance Jason lunged without a count in.

Danny wasn’t bad for someone who didn’t have any actual training, he was quick and his reflexes were good but he was clearly used to relying more heavily on his powers and took a couple pretty hard hits. Just as importantly though he took those hits, stumbled, recovered, and kept going. They could never avoid every hit, being able to keep going in spite of it was a crucial skill in this line of work.

Jason pushed it until he could see Danny starting to get frustrated so Jason had a good measure of both his abilities and his capacity and then backed off. “Alright we need to work on that, and your patience,” Jason said as he left the mat for a moment to grab their water bottles.

“Why?” Danny asked, maybe a little petulantly, he was eager to get out on patrol and he had always been able to rely on his powers before. Still Jason chose to answer the question in good faith.

“What if your attacked as a civilian and need to hide your powers? What if some day you’re up against something who Can actually hurt and hit you? They obviously exist given how you found me. What if some day you lose your abilities?” Jason pointed out. “Your life is the most important thing so if you have to use them so be it but we need to make sure you can handle yourself decently without them.” He handed Danny his water bottle and they both drank while Danny processed and valiantly attempted not to sulk, he was still a teenager after all and a bit immature.

“As for your patience, you don’t have anger issues like mine but if you lost your temper you could do a lot more damage.” Jason noted the way that made Danny flinch, he’s ask about that later.

“Alright now your turn to attack, show me how you fight without those powers of yours. You can turn back now if you want to, though I think you should patrol in this form so you should learn to control your strength like this. It’ll help keep your identity secret too. Though if the people in this city haven’t figured out who Nightwing is their obviously fucking idiots,” Jason told Danny as he put down his bottle and returned to the mat.

“I don’t have a lot of practice fighting humans, just other ghosts, so until I get a better feel for that I think I’d rather spar as a human as well. I mean, I’m still strong like this,” the same flash of white light around Danny and he once again had black hair and blue eyes. “But not as strong so it’ll be a good way to ease into it right?”

“Sure that makes sense, come on,” Jason said beckoning for Danny to come at him. Which he did, sloppily. He was fast, but he was untrained, his strikes were wide and telegraphed, Jason dodged and grabbed Danny’s arm, flipping him and putting his back on the ground before letting him up. Danny stood up again, looking a little more wary this time, he took a moment to consider Jason before attacking again, his attacks a little more considered and precise, but still pretty damn obvious.

Jason blocked and dodged mostly, letting Danny land at least one hit to see how hard it would be, he pulled it pretty well actually, it might leave a bit of a bruise but it didn’t even knock Jason over. Jason took Danny’s moment of triumph for landing a hit as an opening to put Danny on the ground again with a chuckle, he had to keep the kid humble after all right? He offered Danny his hand to help the boy up giving him a warm smile.

“Alright, not bad but there’s a lot you could learn. I think we’ve got a good baseline of what your capable of, and I’ll start training you in MMA and other fighting styles tomorrow, and shooting lessons this afternoon. First lunch, what do you want to eat?”

[cacoetheswriting]

pearl: august 1986 [drabble]

pairing: eddie munson x fem!reader word count: approx. 900 summary: finally you embark on the adventure of a lifetime with your best friend turned boyfriend, eddie.

content warnings: best friends to lovers, idiots in love, adult language - if i missed anything, pls let me know!

pearl masterlist

a/n: wanted to wrap this series up completely with a final little drabble. thank you to everyone that’s been reading and showing support, it really means more than you can imagine! ily <3

“And here’s a whole bag filled with crackers, salted peanuts, and Oreos, “ Robin explains the last of the random stuff she’s packed for you and slides her arm around your waist. She tilts her head and you meet her gaze. “Still can’t believe you’re leaving me behind, you bitch. Just promise you’ll call every single day.”

“Every day,” you repeat and squeeze her gently, “As long as I’m near a pay phone, that is.”

Robin proceeds to pinch your arm, a squeal escaping your mouth as a result. 

“Then you better make damn sure you find yourself near a pay phone or I’m following you out there and dragging your ass home.”

You chuckle. “Okay, okay. I promise… mom.”

“Bitch,” she exhales.

“I’ll miss you too, Buckley.”

Her hold on you lasts only a few minutes more. After letting out a soft sigh, Robin walks back inside the house and you’re trying to remain strong, not let your emotions show because you know the second you’d let the tears fall, you’d reconsider leaving her behind.

After you made the decision to leave Hawkins with Eddie, embark on this adventure together, you both told your mom and Wayne first. They were quick to agree that it’s a great idea. Not only that, they decided to join — at least for a portion of the trip.

The plan was for them to keep you company until New Orleans. There, after some sightseeing, mom and Wayne would take a flight to San Diego. Luckily, you still had some relatives from your dad’s side of the family living in the area; family who after seeing on the news of what happened to most of Hawkins was very quick to offer help. So while mom and Wayne got settled in California, you and Eddie would finish your trip, eventually meeting them there.

Goodbye Hawkins, hello San Diego.

It was a good plan. Everyone agreed there was nothing left for you or Eddie here, but as the date of your move approached, you couldn’t help feeling sad. Robin was staying here, as was Steve. They were going to remain in Hawkins with Dustin, Eleven, and their group friends. Wistful, the thought of moving onto better things while they remained.

Eddie finds you staring blankly at the boot of the car. You hear him sneak up behind you, but you don’t turn around. His arms manoeuvres under yours and wraps around your waist, holding you in place while gently placing his chin atop your left shoulder. 

“It’s all so bittersweet,” you say quietly, not looking at him.

“But it’s also for the best,” Eddie’s tone is encouraging, “With Wayne and your mom also coming, and this plan for a new chapter in San Diego, aside from our friends, Hawkins is overshadowed with bad memories.”

As you turn on your heel to face him, Eddie’s arms wrap around your waist.

“This dingy old town gave me you. I’ll be eternally grateful for that.”

“Me too,” he pecks your lips before pressing his forehead to yours, “But you also almost lost me here, forever, and shit it might be selfish to say, I don’t want that happening again. This place is cursed. We’ll be happy in California.”

He’s right. You know he’s right.

Though it still doesn’t make it any easier because goodbyes suck. You knew that all too well. They’re hard, filled with sorrow and sometimes even regret. And as the group gathers outside for the last goodbye, you can’t hold in the tears anymore.

They first break when you hug Eleven. Then her friends, whom you’ve gotten to know in the worst of times, especially Dustin who holds onto you a little longer than everyone else, muttering: “Take care of him, please”. 

The seal breaks completely when Robin approaches with a sullen look on her face. She wraps her arms around you tentatively and you return the embrace instantly. You’ve always felt safe around her and by the way she sniffles into me, you know the feeling is mutual.

“What’s crazy about all this is that you finally kissed Munson,” Robin jokes after a few moments of silence. “Thought you’d never grow the balls.”

You roll your eyes at her comment then pull away slowly, although not fully letting go. Instead you hold her by her forearms. “I’ll miss you, Buckley.”

“Just be safe, okay? And if he hurts you in any way, you call straight away. I will gladly kick his ass.” Robin says, loud enough for Eddie to hear, then walks towards him to also give him a hug.

Your last goodbye is with Steve. His hold on you is strong and the tears that stream down your face as a result are salty. He’s crying too, you can hear him trying to catch his breath. He’d been there for you in the worst of times and because of that, you’re forever bonded. Although the hug doesn’t feel like a complete goodbye. You’re certain you’ll see him again and when you eventually break apart, he promises to visit as soon as you get settled in San Diego.

The whole group stands hand-in-hand, watching you and Eddie get settled in the car — mom and Wayne are already waiting in the backseat. The metalhead looks at you while buckling his seatbelt. There’s a smile on his face and despite your tears, you can’t help but return the expression.

No more sorrow, is all you think as you look at the boy in front of you.

And as if he knows what you’re thinking, Eddie leans across from the driver's seat and captures your lips in a gentle kiss before muttering, “Here’s to our next adventure, my pearl.”

pearl masterlist

& tagging some cool people that expressed interest in this lil series: @cactusangie , @spenciesprincess , @capitanostella , @ashlynnkennedy , @ms1oftheboys , @kurdtbean

[spidermans-l-o-v-e-r]

Strawberries and Cream

Pairing: Eddie Diaz x Reader

Word count: LITERALLY 8K

Masterlist

Notes: Why am I obsessed with the idea of Eddie dancing with reader to “My boo” like I heard it for da first time in a MINUTE and I was like FISJDJSJSKSNSKS and immediately wrote this so you know what good work me. I’m back like six days later (not really) and I want the song to be “Don’t get much better”, you know the one from the fast movies? So you know what YOU DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT IT TO BE

Episode 3: Why You so Obsessed with Me?

Waking up to you the next morning is nice. Eddie stretches carefully trying not to jostle you too much. He’s got a long shift coming up and he just wants to enjoy this little moment with you as long as he can. He runs his fingers down your bare arm, biting his lip at the way you shiver and snuggle deeper into his side 

He kisses your head gently, burying his nose in your hair. You smell like strawberries, vanilla… and he could lose his mind over the way you smell just the slightest bit like him after spending all night in his arms. 

He watches the way your back falls slightly as you breathe, revels in the soft breaths on his chest. Even the occasional cute little noises you make. God this is nice, too nice. He can already feel in…places the way you’re making him feel right now. He turns a bit awkwardly, trying to shift his hips away from you… but your body follows his, your leg coming up and laying over his torso 

“Well shit,” he says quietly, his heart starting to beat faster in his chest. He can feel every part of you, every part. He starts to sweat a little. He shouldn’t be thinking about you like this. How easy it would be to just push you back down and wake you up with his head between your legs. Or how he could just hear your soft moans as he woke you up with something else between your legs. 

These thoughts are not helping his situation in the least. He starts to think about other things, anything to make it go away. Lacrosse? he doesn’t know anything about Lacrosse. Basketball? He likes basketball… and you know what? why do men always think about sports? Why not like baking a cake or like the latest episode of Pasión de Gavilanes?

“Eddie?” Your voice is soft and sleepy as he looks down at you, your chin on his chest 

“Hey sugar cube,” he says softly, running his fingers over your hair “Sleep okay?” 

You nod at him, but your cheeks are flushed… Pasión de Gavilanes did not help in time. 

“U-um yeah… it was nice. You’re uh, pretty warm you know. Very snuggly” you’re awkwardly rambling as he finally shifts, reluctantly pulling away from you 

“I-I’m sorry about that” He apologizes sheepishly and you bite your lip 

“N-no it’s uh- it’s n-natural! You know you can’t… help that.” 

He groans loudly into your shoulder and you can’t help but burst into giggles 

“You’re making it like ten times worse oh my god. It’s “natural”?! Really??” 

You’re wheezing laughing now as he keeps whining, hiding his face in your shoulder

“It is! I thought it would make you feel better!”

“You sound like a mom!” He rolls away from you and you cover your face, trying to stifle your laughing. He whacks you over the head with a pillow and you gasp loudly. 

“Oh, you wanna go there?! Let’s go!” You take the other pillow from his bed and attack him immediately. There is nothing cute about the way you two are whacking each other in an all-out war. You eventually tackle Eddie over, straddling his hips and beating him over the head 

“Okay! Alright, alright I give!!” He holds his hands in front of his face, laughing hard. He yanks the pillow from your hand and tosses it away. 

“Sucker” he snickers as he holds your wrists in place. 

“You wanna play dirty? I’ll play dirty” you purr as you let your body settle on top of his, your hot core brushing up against his cock. You grind down against him, and he gasps, his hands flying down to your hips to steady you 

“That’s- fuck, Y/N.” He moans it, he actually moans and even if he wasn’t holding you steady you would have frozen anyway. He holds your hips there, and you can practically feel your heartbeat between your legs, egging you to do it again. If only  to hear that sweet sound again 

His alarm breaks the stare off and you scramble off of him. He sits up and grabs his phone, turning off the alarm.

“I- I have to go get ready” 

“I’m gonna go make breakfast!” 

“Okay”

“Okay!”

Eddie gets out of bed quickly, practically running to the bathroom and you get off the bed, going back to the spare room to get changed. 

Breakfast is quiet as hell. You made eggs and toast with bacon. You’re sitting at the kitchen table when Eddie walks in, he pours himself a cup of coffee and comes over to the table where you’ve set a place for him. He sits down awkwardly, still gripping his cup

“I’m-“

“I’m-“

“Please, you first,” Eddie says, taking the strawberry preserves and smearing it on his toast 

“T-that was inappropriate” you sigh softly “I’m sorry about that” 

Eddie’s cheeks flush “I mean…No we were totally messing around it was a good… amount of inappropriate” he chuckles “You won…and had the tables been turned… I would have done the same”

He wiggles his eyebrows at you as he takes a bite of his toast and your head falls on the table in pure embarrassment. 

“I can’t believe I did that”

“Oh but it’s natural, “ he says with a shit-eating grin and you reach out, stabbing blindly with your fork. 

“Shut up!!” 

Eddie drops you off at Maddie’s house after breakfast, kissing you on the cheek before you leave. He arrives at work just a teeny bit late. Buck is already there and practically vibrating with energy. He doesn’t know how he does it, the man must run on energy drinks. He watches Buck sprint upstairs and chuckles to himself as he goes to settle in for the workday. 

“You’re not gonna tell her right?” Buck is talking to Hen and Bobby. He is making sure no one invites you to the picnic this weekend so Eddie has the chance to bring you as his date. He’s even extensively stressed this to Maddie not to let it slip. 

“For the last time,” Bobby groans, rubbing his hands over his face 

“No one- not a single damn person. Is going to invite Y/N to the picnic so Eddie can do it himself.

Buck sighs, flexing his fingers as he sits at the table. 

“Am I being sneaky? I’m being sneaky. What if he doesn’t ask her? What if he chickens out” 

“I’m 90% sure he’s going to ask her,” Hen says as she eats her lunch “I heard him talking to Chim about the picnic earlier” 

“We’ll make sure he does it, Buck don’t worry. You seem excited for them to be together. What's that about?” Bobby asks, getting himself a drink. 

“It’s… not that necessarily, I don’t know. I’m just really happy to see Eddie happy you know? And I’m really happy to see Y/N happy too. She’s been through it when it comes to her love life and I just… I know Eddie is the one for her… and I know she’s the one for him.”

“That’s a whole lotta knowing for you and not enough for them,” Bobby says, looking at Buck “Maybe you should just support them where you can and not shove them together, just let them grow for now”

“Even if they’re painfully oblivious to the fact that they’re falling for each other” Hen points with her fork. 

“Okay, but they are aren’t they?!” Buck flails “They’re clearly super into each other!” 

Hen laughs at him, shaking her head completely agreeing and Bobby rolls his eyes  

“Don’t encourage him”

“What do you mean, when you say she’s gone through it? Because damn have I had my fair share of trouble in dating maybe she and I could trade stories” Hen chuckles, she stops when she notices Buck seeming a bit uneasy 

“Buck?” She asks, and Bobby pays better attention now too. 

“Uh… well” He starts “It’s not my place to tell. It’s not. Just…know that she’s had it rough and I’d like to leave it at that. But she has had hilariously horrible first dates and I know she likes to talk about those! Just, be careful with it”

Hen looks at Buck solemnly and Bobby sighs, shaking his head. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring it up,” She says kindly and Buck leans down and hugs her, resting his head on hers. They know now how protective Buck can be, especially after what happened with Maddie. 

“Aw man, it’s okay, you couldn’t have known” he reassures her 

“If she ever needs to know, we’re here for her, no matter what,” Bobby tells him, patting him on the arm. 

You and Eddie don’t see each other for three days. It’s not that you didn’t want to it’s just that there was no time. You’re helping Maddie full-time with the nursery as her due date draws closer and closer, the boys are at work, it’s not like they can just take off. They’ve even got 24 hours today so you’re not going to see either of them. 

“So how long are you staying?” Maddie asks you as you’re hanging the mobile above the crib 

“I’m not sure… Buck says I can stay forever” You giggle, screwing in a piece to the ceiling  “but come on, he doesn’t want his cousin hanging around forever” 

“He loves you to death, I’m pretty sure he wants that” She smiles as she holds the ladder steady for you “Chim and I agreed there’s always space here for you too. We want you to stay in L.A honey… really.” 

“I can’t impose on you two, you’re married first of all. And second of all you’re about to have a baby Mads, I’ll just be in the way”

“Um more like a built-in babysitter” She jokes “Well…. What about with-“ 

“Don’t even say it. In fact! Don’t even think it” 

“You have no idea what I’m gonna say!!” Maddie’s mouth falls open in protest and you flick her off before screwing in another piece

“Eddie Diaz” is all you say and you can hear her laughing over the drill.

Maddie orders Chipotle for lunch, she sets it on the table and you sit down next to her, sinking into the chair

“Who knew putting together a nursery was so much work? Isn’t the stork supposed to be handling all of this? 

Maddie laughs and puts a fork in your bowl “Sorry, he just drops the baby off. Besides, it's been good for my “nesting” phase. I’ve made Chim change that room around at least seven times” 

“Well, we screwed in the mobile so you’re stuck with that placement at least” You tease her before digging into your bowl. She watches you eating for a moment, playing with her fork in her hands

“So I called Uncle Josh. Or at least I tried to, figured I haven’t talked to him since we were teenagers” 

You stop eating, freezing for a minute before lowering your fork 

“Oh?” 

A long time ago, the family kind of… dispersed so to say and you happened to move to the same state as “ Great Uncle Josh” which meant you definitely got the short end of the stick. When he got sick, you were met with “family is everything” and “family is all you have” and you were eventually forced to move in and take care of him. He was a miserable old man, who loved to make everyone else’s lives suck too. There wasn’t a day he wasn’t fighting with someone over something stupid. Not to mention fully ignoring his doctors. 

“Yeah his number was disconnected…thought that was weird.” 

“Yeah maybe he just didn’t pay the phone bill or something” you laugh awkwardly, shrugging your shoulders 

“Why are you here? Y/N. Not that I don’t want you here because I do. We want you here” 

“Uncle Josh died, and…left a mountain of bills that he just didn’t freaking want to pay? I guess? Figured his time was coming… they took everything. Maddie. And I got tasked with watching that miserable bastard because I was the only one who was left there. I swear I’m not trying to mooch off you guys I just wanted to be here with you! So… I packed up and here I am. It was a very… very long two years. 

It’s not that you weren’t going to tell them… it’s not much of a loss, no one really liked Uncle Josh. But it still feels like you’ve been lying this entire time anyway. It feels good to tell “the truth” at least. 

“So you’re staying here, like actually staying?” Maddie asks as if she hadn’t just heard anything else you’d said, she reaches out and squeezes your hand

“I- I don’t know, Maddie,” You tell her truthfully 

She takes her phone out, holding it up to her ear, and leans back in her chair. You stir your food around in your bowl, definitely having lost your appetite a bit 

“Hey babe… yeah everything’s okay with the baby don’t worry. Remember what we talked about? No- no..oh my god not that. The other thing is " she pushes your food towards you and nods, narrowing her eyes. 

“Yes Mother” you mumble as you start eating again. She sneaks away from the table for a moment and you’re left there just…thinking. It was good to finally get that off your chest but it still freaking sucked. Maddie comes back in with a wiggle in her hips and a pep in her step

“We’re done with the nursery today, you and I are going shopping,” She says excitedly. You look at her confused, squinting. 

“Oh? Do you need more stuff for the baby? I’m down” 

“Not for the baby- for you. You’re moving in with us!!”

“I’m sorry- what?!?!” Your mouth gapes wide open and she squeals 

“You’re moving in! We’ve already discussed this, we’ve even talked to Buck about it. So if you want to stay with him you can do that too. You’re absolutely not changing anyone’s mind on this so I don’t want to hear you fighting about it. This is all Buck and I have ever wanted, you’re staying” 

What the hell do you even say to that? A lot of problems have just been solved in one phone call. 

“Just don’t tell Eddie. I want to tell him” 

Sleep is for the weak, and you wish you were weak right now. No matter how much you toss and turn and fluff you just can’t get comfy in Buck’s bed, though it is better than a hotel bed. It’s just not your bed…or you know... someone else’s. 

You throw back the covers and stomp down the stairs to the kitchen, flipping on the lights. You’ve never been more grateful for your cousin's sweet tooth. He has everything you need for chocolate chip cookies. He even has good chocolate chips. You connect your phone to the speakers and turn on your DJ. He seems to be in a little mood tonight because tonight’s vibe is “Romance” cool. Just what you needed. 

You set to work making the cookie dough, Buck’s kitchen is beautiful and he should use it way more than he does. You watch the stand mixer cream the butter and sugar together, you wonder if Eddie likes chocolate chip cookies… you wonder if he likes baking or cooking. 

You carefully pour the flour in, dreaming about his arms around you, booping your nose and leaving a little floury fingerprint on it. You daydream about him way too much. He’s just a friend! 

Yeah sure. Just a friend. 

You shut off the machine and start scooping little balls onto the tray, you squish them down just a teeny bit and then put them in the oven. 

Walking over to Buck’s couch you flop down and start scrolling through Netflix. Bridgerton it is. 

Yawning, you stretch your limbs as the smell of cookies floods your senses. You drag yourself from the couch, rubbing your eyes as you walk over. Eddie is standing in the kitchen, taking them from the oven 

“Oh? Hey, I thought you had a 24-hour” you say as you walk up to him. He takes off the oven mitts and wraps his arms around your waist.

“I do, but I’m on break and I just needed to see you” He nuzzles his head into your neck before kissing it softly. He leaves wet open-mouthed kisses down your neck and across your collarbone. Your heart goes into overdrive, pounding out of your chest as he lifts you onto the counter to get a better angle. He pushes your thighs apart, standing between them before running his hands under your oversized shirt and pulling it off 

“Fuck, you’re beautiful” He breathes, before attacking your neck again 

“Oh god, Eddie” You moan his name, putting your hands on his thick biceps and feeling him up, your hands flow over his strong shoulders and he pulls his shirt off over his head 

“Say my name just like that baby I wanna hear it again, over and over while I’m pounding into your tight little cu-“

Your alarm for the cookies blares, jolting you awake. You toss your phone from hand to hand before dropping it to the floor. Simon is going to town with Daphne on screen. You groan loudly and swipe your phone off the floor, shutting off the alarm. 

“Thank you. Thank you, Simon, for that. Really” You flick the TV off sarcastically before going to the kitchen.

You let the cookies cool while you search for something to wear to the fire station. You just grab a random hoodie from the hall closet and zip it up over your pajamas. It smells oddly familiar. Eh, Buck must have just tried a new cologne. You pack up your bag and the cookies before shutting off the TV. 

“You don’t know how to ride a horse” You flick Simon off one more time before heading to the fire station. 

Once you get there you unzip the hoodie, it’s getting kinda hot. Plus no one will probably be around, just a quick in and out with a little note. 

“Hey…what’re you doing here?” 

It’s close to one in the morning, the station is pretty quiet as you walk in. 

“Couldn’t sleep… so I made cookies! They’re still warm, You should probably get them before Buck finds out” You giggle as Eddie walks next to you and takes the container from your hands. He gives you a once over, taking in the tiny sleep shorts, the low-cut tank top, and especially that hoodie. 

“Yeah, can’t keep anything sweet around the guy…” he starts up the stairs and you follow him 

“Is that my hoodie?” He asks as he walks over and sets the glass container, covered in little hearts down on the table. 

“What? No, I don't think so. It was in Buck’s hall closet” You say, looking at the fabric. He walks over, holding a cookie in his mouth, and pulls back the tag 

“Says Diaz” he smirks, taking a bite of the chocolaty goodness. His eyes roll back and he sighs dreamily, winking at you.

God if you could just see him do that in a different way entirely… 

“Oh- well, shit I’m sorry do you-“ you’re taking it off as you realize you were staring, he holds his hand up and finishes the cookie. 

“No, no. Keep it. You look good in it, I uh… I like it. Or whatever.”

Your cheeks flush and you shrug “Oh thanks… and you know also thanks? I’ll probably end up giving it back anyway. Probably. 

“You want me to spray it with cologne and give it back?” He teases and grabs another cookie 

“Oh yeah, totally that’s exactly what I want,” you say sarcastically as he hands you one. He walks over and tugs at the hoodie, pulling it from your body before going downstairs. You follow after him curiously, nervously nibbling your cookie. He hands you the cookie he was eating and takes out his cologne from his locker, taking a few steps back he sprays it down and shakes it out before putting his cologne back down in his locker and shutting it. 

“One Eddie Diaz special for the lady,” he says, helping you back into the hoodie before taking his cookie back. 

You can’t help the way you gather it up in your hands, inhaling softly. God it’s so overwhelming and warm, it makes you feel safe and kind of sleepy now. You look up at him, he’s leaning against the lockers watching you. 

“I say thanks a lot” your voice is muffled by the hoodie 

“I know you mean it,” He says, his eyes trailing down your body. He steps closer, the way he towers over you is delicious. 

“You look tired now,” He says, cupping your face in his hands “Can you get home okay?” 

“I-I’ll be o-“ you yawn before you can even finish the sentence and he smirks, bringing you into his chest. 

“Wanna try that again?” 

“I’ll be okay” You sigh softly against his chest, your eyes closing slowly. 

“You know it’s my job to keep you off the road right?” You feel his arm come under your legs and he scoops you up. That jolts you awake and you look up at him 

“H-hey! Put me down! My ass is way too-“

“Don’t even start with that” He cuts you off, carrying you back to the sleeping quarters “In case you forgot, I carried your ass to safety at the zoo? So just shut up and accept it”

“So just shut up and accept it” you mock him, your voice high-pitched 

“I could have made you walk you know” He sets you down and pulls the blanket back on his bed. He nods to you and you roll your eyes at him before getting in. He tucks you in just like he had before and kisses your forehead 

“I totally shouldn’t be doing this and Bobby is going to kill me but sleep tight okay? Just long enough to make it home. Or when our shift ends and I can drive you, whichever comes first”

“Okay... Thanks, Eddie” You frown and he snickers, rubbing your side gently. He sits on the edge of the bed like he’s going to stay there until you fall asleep

“Anything for you sugar cube”

You’re startled awake by alarms blaring, you sit upright when Eddie pokes his head in the room “Stay here until I get back, I’ll take you home. Go back to sleep” It’s fast, just as he was running past to get to his stuff. But he still took the time to do it and that’s sweet. You shrug, turning over and curling up back under the blanket. 

Unsurprisingly Buck is the last one in as they pull out and he gets scolded and teased for it. He rolls his eyes and turns to Eddie 

“Did I see my jeep here?” Buck asks as he buckles in 

“Yeah, Y/N came to drop off cookies and said she couldn’t sleep” Eddie checks over his gear 

“Oh? She didn’t text me to say she was coming” he frowns a little, Chim turns around in his seat to listen to the conversation 

“Maybe she didn’t think we’d be there,” He tells Buck 

“Yeah I don’t think she did, I think she was just planning on leaving fast” Eddie mumbles, distracted by fixing his gloves 

“Well don’t you know so much” Buck narrows his eyes and Eddie finally looks up from what he is doing

“I ran into her” he holds his hands up in defense “That’s all” 

“I’m pretty sure you’ve spent more time with my cousin than I have” He sighs, letting his head fall back on the wall behind him. Eddie feels…sort of bad when he says that. He didn’t mean to monopolize all of her time, he didn’t even realize he was. 

“Why didn’t you say something?” Hen asks, just as interested as Chim is 

“Because I didn’t realize until now how little time I’ve spent with her. Even Maddie has had time with her. And like, I don’t want to cut in on your time Eddie you two are clearly hitting it off”

Eddie’s cheeks flush, he laughs awkwardly and shakes his head “No man come on we’re, we’re just hanging out. I don’t think she knows how long she’s staying for anyway. I can cool it with her”

“No. No god, no don’t do that! I’m not cockblocking her, just let me take her home and spend today with her” Buck offers

“Okay first of all there’s no cock to block” Eddie laughs that off, and he’s convincing no one. “Second of all, yeah man sure. And I’m sorry you have to ask for time with your cousin, I promise we’ll both be more mindful of that” 

Bobby, who’s been quiet through most of this looks in the mirror at them 

“You know it wouldn’t be a bad thing if you two were hitting it off right? It would be okay if you were falling for someone” 

“We just want you happy man,” Chim says as he turns back around 

“And she seems like a really great girl” Hen adds 

“Okay, can we stop discussing my love life?” Eddie groans and Buck perks up 

“Scratch that, my lack of a love life because we’re just friends” He pointedly tells them and Buck rolls his eyes

“Yeah. Sure. Friends.”

The call is a relatively short one, just a false alarm in a building. The truck rolls into the station, hissing as they turn it off. Chim gets out and pulls Buck aside 

“Let Eddie take her home” 

Buck frowns as he takes off his gear “What? Why?” 

“Because she can tell Eddie she’s staying??” He says it like it’s obvious. Buck stops for a minute, putting his hat away

“Oh yeahhh she can, can’t she?” He nodded slowly. “But I still get her for the rest of the day!” 

Chim rolls his eyes “Yeah sure, go tell him!” 

Buck makes up a completely bullshit excuse as to why he can’t bring you home, Eddie gives him a weird look but just goes along with it anyway. At least he gets to spend time with you. He comes into the sleeping quarters and you’re snuggled up in his bed, snoring softly. He rubs your side, squeezing softly 

“Hey pretty girl,” he says softly as your eyes flutter open. You feel the butterflies in your stomach as he leans over you 

“Are you ready to head home? I’ll take you to Buck’s place. He’s demanding to spend the whole day with you after he gets some sleep” 

You giggle and push up from the bed, stretching your body“Sounds good to me”

Eddie takes your hand as he leads you out to his car, you swing your hands together, enjoying the soft early morning.

“So um- there’s something I wanted to tell you” 

“Yeah? what’s that?” He asks as he opens the car door for you. You get in and he leans against the open door 

“Um. I- well” you say shyly “I’m staying in L.A. at Maddie and Chim’s place”

His mouth drops open in surprise and he reaches out for you, yanking you against his chest, you squeak and wrap your arms around his neck quickly 

“Oh my god, you’re staying?? Seriously?!” He pulls you from the car, spinning in a circle and you laugh while holding onto him tightly

“Oh my god- does Buck know?? He’s gonna lose his mind” He sets you down, his hands firmly on your hips now, squeezing them. His hands are always on your hips when he holds you, they’re one of his favorite things about you, to be honest

“Yeah he knows, he’s trying to convince me to move in with him instead” You giggle as your hands stay clasped around his neck, you’re on your toes a bit 

“Well add me to that list” He nuzzles your neck before lifting you and putting you in the car. He shuts the door and comes around, getting in himself

“I won’t pester you, but I mean it. My door is open and that’s all I’ll say about that” 

She’s everything to him, He’s watching her dancing, her hands flowing down her body, her body moving fluidly to the song. He can’t take his eyes off her and maybe he’s just the littlest bit obsessed with her…but after she had slept over that night he couldn’t help it.

He was delusional and he knew it.

“You’re staring again,” Buck says while licking his ice cream. This was the fourth time he had to break Eddie out of a death stare. 

Inviting you to station 118’s picnic was a great idea until the probies thought you were just as enticing as he did. He watched you dance (completely innocently) with a couple of them and it drove him crazy. The way their hands would slip down just a bit too low, which you know what? Why were their hands even on you in the first place? Who gave them permission to touch what was his 

Or you know, kind of his… friend? His. 

He was a bit nervous to invite you in the first place, would you think it was a date? Would you want it to be a date?? Did he want it to be a date? The text conversation was so easy and he’d read it over and over way too many times

Triple C: Hey are you doing anything this weekend?

Sugar cube: I mean I have nothing to do ever, so no, I’m not what’s up?

Triple C: 118s picnic is this weekend. Do you want to go with me? I mean like I can pick you up or you can just ride with Buck if you’d rather not go with me. 

Sugar cube: There’s a picnic?? Of course, I’ll go with you ❤️ what time did you want to come get me? 

That little heart had him kicking his feet for days

Triple C: If you want to help set up, around 10 am? If not probably at like 2

Sugar cube: 10 am sounds good to me, what should I wear? 

Triple C: Anything you’re comfortable in ❤️❤️ it’s not like it’s anything fancy lol 

Was two hearts a bit much? He doesn't know but it felt right in the moment. He was just being reassuring! That’s all! Nice and reassuring. 

Sugar cube: I’ll ask Buck to help me pick something lmao. See you later bestie ❤️

Eddie looked back at you again and he knew Buck had a hand in the way you were dressed. That stupid crop top had been bothering him, the way it showed off your midriff. Something he just wanted to run his tongue down. Those stupid shorts… with the stupid rips and the stupid red bandanna tying your hair back. Even the flannel tied around your waist was stupid. You looked good dressed like that and he liked it. God did he like it. 

“Fuck this,” Eddie says, knocking back his lemonade before tossing the cup at Buck. He comes up behind you just as the next song starts playing, his hands find their way to your hips and you laugh lightly, knowing exactly who those hands belong to. He runs his hands up your sides and takes your hands, putting them around his neck. He holds you to him, his face buried in your neck as he sings the song to you, and goddamn if that isn’t a power move, because you are his boo. Buck is frantically snapping pictures of the two of you, because he’s not stupid, you get those pics for your bestie. 

“Keep it PG, Diaz” Bobby warns as he dances by with Athena. She gives you a knowing wink and you feel your cheeks flush. Eddie squeezes your waist as you giggle and put your hands over his 

“Got it Cap” He blushes against your neck and pulls away, taking your hand and leading you over to the picnic tables. He sits down and pulls you in between his legs making you sit on his thigh 

“Are you having a nice time?” He asks as he wraps his arms around your waist 

“Yeah actually! This is a lot of fun! Thanks for inviting me” You lay your head on his shoulder and smile into his neck. Buck is standing behind a tree, getting this picture too. Eddie rolls his eyes and flicks him off but he feels his pocket buzz, knowing he just sent him the pictures 

“Yeah, no problem… I’m kind of surprised Buck and Maddie didn’t say anything” He leans against the table holding onto you. 

“Yeah I know, Maddie has been so busy with the nursery that I think she just forgot. And Buck’s an idiot so-“ 

Eddie laughs, you can feel his chest vibrating as he pulls you closer 

“Are we mean to him?” He chuckles and you shake your head 

“Nah. Especially since I think he’s been “sneaking” around taking pictures of us together all afternoon” 

“Oh has he? I hadn’t noticed” Eddie jokes, taking your legs and putting them over his other leg so you’re sitting properly in his lap. 

“Didn’t Cap say keep it PG?” You taunt him, wiggling your eyebrows 

“I think you can sit in my lap” he rolls his eyes playfully “Unless you’re planning on making this not PG we should be fine… though I wouldn’t be opposed to that” 

Your cheeks flush and you scoff “I am the picture of innocence, you’re the one who decided to get all handsy when we were dancing” 

“Handsy? You call that handsy? I’ll show you handsy” He looks around for a second before his hands slide over your bare midriff, his fingers flowing up under your shirt towards your chest. Your face immediately flushes as his fingertips brush over your bra. Your body starts feeling hot and not just from the sun.

Suddenly you’re ripped from his lap and Buck is yanking you towards the ice cream truck “Cap is coming, Cap is coming!!” He says as you stumble behind him. 

Bobby plops down on the bench next to Eddie, a beer in hand. He sighs, stretching his legs out in front of him and propping his elbows back on the table. 

“So how are things with Y/N”

Eddie shrugs and blushes from totally being caught. How are things with you? If things were a thing and that thing?? Meant some…thing 

“Good” he decides “They’re good, I’m happy to have a new friend you know? And she’s a fun girl to be around and she just- makes me happy”

God Eddie could gush about you for hours, his cheeks practically hurt from how much he’s smiling. How much he’s always smiling when you’re around or when it comes to you. Bobby looks him over, a knowing smirk on his face 

“I’m not going to try and convince you to ask her out, you’ve got enough of that from literally everyone. But it’s really good to see you smiling like that these days… I’m glad you’re happy Eddie”

Bobby pats Eddie on the knee before getting up “Just watch those hands or you’ll be using them for dish duty for the next two months”

The after-party is at Bobby and Athena’s house. It’s a quiet, intimate affair. The fire fam is there… their significant others… and you. You’re sitting back in Eddie’s lap, he’s got a beer in his hand and one arm around your waist. You’re laughing at some story Hen is telling about the boys and Eddie…he’s watching you. Your smile is so pretty honestly, your eyes shining with tears as you laugh hard. Your body is shaking in his arms and he holds you just a bit tighter so you don’t fall off his lap. 

You wipe your eyes, wheezing and giggling as you fully lean into Eddie, trying to catch your breath

“You guys are wild” You’re still giggling as he finishes his beer

“You laugh all you want, but Buck’s got stories on you I’m sure he’d just love to share”

Buck perks up from his seat, he’d been slowly slouching more and more as he got sleepier “Oh have I got stories. Have I ever told you about the time Y/N peed her pants at a concert??” 

Your mouth drops wide open and you scramble up from Eddie’s lap “Evan Buckley you promised we’d never speak of that!!” 

Everyone is kind of tipsy at this point as you stumble over to Buck and slap your hands over his mouth. He licks all over your palm and you squeal, yanking your hand away

“Oh my god! You’re disgusting!” You yell at him and he laughs pulling you into a bone-crushing hug 

“Oh you don’t mean that baby cakes” he’s squeezing you more “Go get me another soda and I promise I won’t tell!” You whine and get up from him, ripping yourself from his grip. 

“Fine, but I swear to god if you tell I’m going to bury you” You squint your eyes, doing a little “I’m watching you” motion before backing slowly into the kitchen. 

You’re wiggling your hips and humming a little song as you rifle through the cooler on the floor when a voice breaks your concentration. You jump and spin around, looking up at Athena. 

“Looking for something in particular?” 

“Yeah Buck just asked me to get him a Fanta” You stutter a little, standing up and brushing off your knees 

“I’m pretty sure he drank the last of them like an hour ago” She chuckles as she looks in the fridge 

“So, you’re uh- Eddie’s girl huh?” She asks casually, pretending to look through the other cooler on the floor 

Your cheeks flush deeply and you wave your hands “N-no nooo. No, I’m not- I’m not his girl we’re just friends!” 

“Just friends?” Athena looks up at you, her eyebrow raised 

“I don’t sit on my friend's laps like that, or dance with them like that” 

“I- I swear we’re just friends,” You tell her, wringing your hands. 

“Kinda sounds like I’m not the one you’re trying to convince” She stands up, handing you the last orange Fanta 

“Life is too short to deny yourself the simple pleasure of loving, sweetheart. And besides…Eddie’s girl has a little ring to it doesn’t it?” 

You could deny it up and down, left and right, side to side- whatever.  But… it does sound just a teeny bit nice. Maybe. You bite your lip, taking the drink. You know there’s no bullshitting this woman. She invented it. 

“Yeah, it kinda does”

You walk back into the living room and toss the can at Buck, he yelps and catches it, flicking you off before opening it.

“Hey, you ready to head out?” Eddie asks you, walking up to you and nuzzling your neck, you feel your cheeks flush. 

“Yeah I think so”

You say your goodbyes and he takes your hand, leading you to his vehicle and helping you in. 

“Hey, you wanna go somewhere real quick?” He asks as he starts up the car, you perk up a bit now

“Sure! Where did you have in mind?”

Buck is right, Eddie can’t drive for shit. But it’s fun the way he speeds and jerks the car occasionally, the way you’re bouncing in the seat as you go over bumps, your laughs filling the air as he turns the radio up. You feel like teenagers again, like you’re ready to do something stupid and run away laughing. He pulls up to the beach, or rather down the road from the beach, in a bit of a hidden spot. You can’t see the car from the road. He pulls you from the car and hurries down to the beach with you. You’re both stumbling over branches and laughing as he almost eats shit and slips through the bushes. You finally come out at the beach, it’s nothing but ocean and sand for miles

“Oh my god…” you gasp softly, it’s the first time you’ve ever seen it. You walk forward, pulling your sandals off and carrying them in one hand, tugging him with the other “Eddie look! It’s the ocean!” You squeal as you run up to it. He lets go of your hand and you run right into it letting the freezing water wash up to your thighs. You scream and run back up the beach, tossing your shoes down. He laughs at you, tossing his down too as he picks you up, throwing you into the ocean and falling into it with you. The waves wash you back up onto the shore and he pulls you into him, pulling you further back on the beach and holding onto you tightly so you don’t get swept too far out.

Eddie falls into the sand, making you fall with him. You roll over away from him and lay there, staring up at the stars, panting heavily. 

“This is the coolest thing I’ve ever done,” you tell him, giggling wildly

“Really?” He’s panting just as heavily “I thought the tiger breaking out was the coolest” 

“Guess it’s a good thing I’m staying in L.A, cool things keep happening” Your teeth are chattering now but you’re still smiling as you feel the sand under your body. Your senses are overwhelmed by the beach, the sky… Eddie. You look over at him again, he’s staring at the sky, and he’s pretty when he does. He’s your own Greek God, he finally looks over at you, a shy smile on his face. 

“Are we gonna kiss?” He asks, his hand finding yours in the sand 

“I don’t know” You admit, squeezing his hand nervously 

“Do you want to?” 

“I mean…y-yeah kinda. Do you?” It sounds so juvenile the way you’re asking each other like this, but you’re both just so…shy right now. 

“Yeah. Have for a while now actually” 

You can barely hear his voice over the ocean, the water lapping at your toes. But you hear it enough and you know…

You sit up and look at him, he sits up and scoots closer to you, your thigh against his. Your teeth are still chattering 

“So…?” 

You say softly, he looks you over, his hand coming up to cup your cheek. He lays his forehead against yours, your noses touching, his breath mingling with yours. His head tilts and he nuzzles against you

“Your lips are blue” He whispers with a chuckle at the end of his sentence.

“So warm them up,” You tell him, your lips are practically ghosting over his you’re both so close.

“I need to get you home before you freeze to death” He pulls away, getting up and taking your hands, pulling you up with him. He bends down and grabs the shoes, leading you back to the car. It’s quiet the whole way back, you’re not saying a single word. Why didn’t he do it? Did he not want to anymore? He just said 10 seconds ago he wanted to. You get in and he blasts the heat, waiting for a bit for you to stop chattering. He pulls off his shirt and tosses it on the floor in the back 

“Come on, you too,” He says, tugging on the hem of your shirt. You do as he says, tossing it in the back with his shirt. He watches you as you turn towards the window, not wanting him to see the little tear that slides down your face 

“Y/N?…come on look at me..” His voice is soft as he reaches over and turns your face back towards him. He frowns at the little tears in your eyes. He wipes one away gently, looking into your eyes before leaning over and connecting his lips with yours. He holds your chin gently as he kisses you, he gives your lip a little bite and you squeak, making the perfect space for his tongue to slide in against your own. He kisses you passionately, thoroughly enjoying the little sounds you’re making. 

He pulls away and you whimper“You should take your shorts off” he pants, his body hot as it leans into yours. 

“I swear I’m not being a perv, your shorts are soaked too.” 

He chuckles as he kisses you again, you gasp softly against his lips as he lifts your hips, helping you out of them. He tosses them in the backseat and his hands go right to your bare hips, feeling your soft skin as he pulls you across the car and into his lap.

Your hands reach down and start to fumble with his belt buckle. He pulls it off with one hand and you sit back for a second 

“Well damn, that was impressive,” you say and he bites his bottom lip, snickering 

“I’m gonna be so real with you I learned that from TikTok” 

You both laugh as he shimmies out of his pants, it’s graceless and he’ll be honest a little embarrassing but he tosses them away anyway. You settle in his lap properly, your hands on his neck as you kiss him again. 

“You feel good,” he says against your lips as his hands travel up your sides, squeezing you and touching you 

“Yeah, 'cause I know what lotion is” You sass him, pulling his head back gently by his hair as you start to kiss down his jaw. He moans softly, adjusting his hold on you. You can feel the way he very slowly moves your hips, just to tease you a little, show you what could absolutely be yours if you ever just asked…

“Why didn’t you kiss me on the beach?” You ask, looking into his eyes before falling back into your seat. Your heart is pounding in your ears, and as much as you desperately want to continue, both of you know you shouldn’t. 

“I needed to get you back to the car. You were turning blue I thought it was pretty evident” He sasses you now, laughing at your mouth dropping open. 

“Eddie Diaz! I know your ass did not go all medical on me!” You scold him, punching him in the arm. He groans and holds his arm, rubbing at it 

“I’m sorry! That was my first priority!” 

“You literally were centimeters from kissing me, Eddie!!!” You go to punch him again and he catches your wrist, kissing you again. 

“I’m a firefighter Y/N. Your safety is my number one priority” he mumbles against your lips, he slowly puts your hand down on his shoulder and you slide it across his body and tug on the back of his hair, pushing his lips against yours more firmly. It’s a heated kiss, one that flows through your very being down to your toes. They curl in pleasure, matching the way that tight coil keeps wrapping itself round and round in your gut. 

Eddie’s hands slide down over your ass, squeezing it lightly before patting it and pulling you right back into his lap. He pulls away breathlessly and you can feel him between your legs. You settle down on him for a moment, letting him feel how soaked your core is, and how the way he played with you made you feel. You nuzzle into his neck, kissing it softly before finally climbing out of his lap and flopping down into your seat once again.

“You gonna tell me friends kiss like this too?” His voice is haughty as you’re fixing your hair up in the mirror. He’s panting softly, his eyes full of desire for you. 

“Maybe they do” You flick him off playfully, looking at him through the mirror, your eyes just as dark and lustful. 

“Uh huh, I bet. So…friends? Right? We’re still on the same page” He grabs your hand, kissing your middle finger. The way he says it. You both know “friends” is just a stupid word now. 

“Yeah, yeah, We’re on the same page” You blush at him, a silly grin on your face.

[ugotcooneycrossed]

apple juice and peaches

laura wienroither x reader

w/c: ~1.3k

laura and you are best friends- best friends that send longing looks to each other, best friends who are totally 100% infatuated with each other

based off this lovely request

a/n: LAURA AND SHE BY DODIE??? I THINK IVE ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN

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

You sit in your car outside Arsenal’s training ground- your new home for the next few years.

You can feel your heart beating out of your chest- and you think to yourself that maybe this was a bad idea. That perhaps moving across the country to play at a football club was a mistake- what if you didn’t fit in, what if no one liked you, what if you sudden forgot how to play football, what if you weren’t good enough to be on this team.

You spiral for a few more moments- eventually gathering yourself enough and walking through the doors. You’re met with a loud booming voice, and you curl the slightest bit more into yourself.

Katie McCabe stands in front of you- hand extended and a bright smile of her face.

“You must be (y/n)!”

You smile softly at her- nodding your head.

You can see her lips falter at your non-vocal reply, and suddenly you feel like you’re 12 again- standing awkwardly in front of the class introducing yourself. You can almost hear the giggles of the other kids, and you curse internally and gather up the courage to say something back to her, when a new voice grabs your attention.

“Girls out on the pitch for warmup!”

There’s a sudden rush of noise and you look helplessly around as the team all move out onto the pitch- and you look down at yourself, you’re still in your sneakers.

You panic when you can’t find an empty cubby to use and your grip on your bag tightens nervously- you see Leah sitting still, talking to Lia, and you swallow nervously- stepping forward to ask them. Before you can though, a hand gently grips your elbow and you swivel around to see who it is.

“Hey! I’m Laura- there’s an empty cubby next to mine that’s yours. If you want of course.”

Laura- who you only sort-of know through friends of friends, smiles at you and your heartrate settles just a bit more.

“Thank you.”

You speak so soft that you see Laura tilt her head at you, before she smiles at you- a beaming bubbly smile that has your own lips tugging upwards.

“No worries! I get it- being new and all, I’m here if you need.”

You see the rest of the girls all leave for the pitch and you see her hesitate- lingering near you. You smile at her, nodding your head to the door.

“I’ll be okay.”

She smiles at you again- leaving you and running off to join the others.

-

“Do you want to be my partner for drills?”

The question catches you off guard and a smiling Laura stands in front of you- she twirls a ball in her hands and you nod.

“Of course- I’d love too.”

Talking to Laura comes easy- and it catches you off guard, just how easy talking to her becomes.

Conversation flows freely between you two and you blush hard when the trainers have to tell you off twice.

You’re in the middle of running a drill when your foot slips and you faceplant over the ball- you sit up dazed and you could cry from the sheer embarrassment. Laura rushes to your side and you can see her holding back her laugh.

“Are you okay?”

For once, you don’t mind if someone laughs at your clumsiness- well provided that person is Laura.

“Yeah- just a bruised ego I guess.”

Laura laughs loudly and helps you stand up again- her hands linger on your waist before someone calls out to her. Her hands leave you quickly and you watch her run after Katie- whatever the Irishwoman said has Laura running after her throwing whatever she can find on the ground at her, and you smile at the scene.

-

After your first day- you seem to stick to Laura’s side like glue.

You’re still too shy to interact with most of the other girls, so you rely on her to speak for you. It’s during training one day that you over hear a conversation between them.

“What’s that.”

You poke your head around the corner in time to see Leah pointing at the polaroid of Laura and you that she has hanging up in her cubby.

“Oh, we went out for dinner a couple weeks ago, and she brought her camera.”

“You guys are cute.”

Laura beams at the compliment- and her smile get impossibly brighter when you enter the room, she excitedly sits up- calling you over to her, and dragging you down into her lap and holding onto your waist when you get close enough.

Leah shares a knowing smile with Lia and nudges Katie next to her- eyebrows raising teasingly.

The two of you remain oblivious to them though.

-

You curse at yourself for being so clumsy- the protein shake, which was once full and, in a cup, is now empty and spilt over your clothes.

You rummage through your bag praying that past you had thought to pack a sweatshirt- you didn’t.

“Are you okay? Bus is going to leave soon.”

Laura finds you panicking- she always does.

You turn to her and smile sheepishly- rubbing the back of your neck nervously. Laura- who stifles her laughter, smiles sympathetically at you.

“You’re just so clumsy- what would you do without me.”

She takes off her sweatshirt and throws it at you, and you catch the soft material in your hands.

“Thanks, Laur.”

You slip off your soaked shirt and slip on Laura’s sweatshirt- you breathe in deep, it smells just like her.

When you get on the bus- some jaws drop at the 26 sweatshirt you’re wearing- you pay them no mind though, just padding along and falling into the seat next to her.

Without a word- Laura holds one of her earbuds out to you- and you happily accept, cuddling into her side.

You’re distracted by the movie she’s put on that you miss the looks she sends you.

And when she falls asleep- she misses the looks you send her.

-

“Do you want this?”

Laura holds apple juice out to you, and you smile- nodding your head.

“I’ll trade you for this peach- I know you like them.”

You trade with her- and you both let your hands linger on each other for a bit longer.

-

Laura’s hosting a team dinner at hers- and you offered your services to her- and have since been helping her all day.

The team walk into the kitchen to see both of you busy with dinner- too caught up in conversation that you barely notice them filing in.

“How long have you guys been dating?”

It’s Wally who asks.

You and Laura start to splutter- dropping what you’re doing and gesturing between each other.

“We aren’t- I mean we’re not- we are not dating!”

Leah interjects.

“What?! No way! I thought you were together since you met.”

“No! we’re just friends.”

Laura and you don’t speak much the rest of the night- you turn multiple times to ask her something, only to see her halfway across the room.

A pit forms in your stomach at the thought of loosing her.

-

It’s much later when everyone leaves that gives you and Laura a moment alone.

“Laur?”

She hums- looking at you.

In a rare moment of confidence, you spill to her what has been eating at you.

“About earlier- I don’t want to be your friend- I mean I don’t just want to be your friend. I love you- more than a friend, and I- I just really, really want to take you on a date.”

Laura beams at you- dropping the dishes and grabbing your shirt to kiss you- soaking wet gloves on and all.

[strangersatellites]

ask and you shall receive !! part two of tarot-verse !! read part one here !!

⛓️🪄🔮

“Robs, do you really think this is going to work?”

“Well normally I would say yes. It's pretty straight-forward and I don’t think you’re leaving a lot of room for misinterpretation. But at the same time, Eddie has been demonstrating some particularly impressive levels of obliviousness when it comes to the way you go all goo-goo eyes at him.”

Steve opens his mouth to dispute her claim, he does not go all goo-goo eyes at him, but gets cut off.

“That and the fact that he’s all in his head over a scenario he literally made up. So I don't know, it might be hopeless.”

Steve just blinks for a second.

“Wow. Thank you, Robin, for that very motivating pep talk.” He runs a hand through his hair. “I am feeling much more confident now, that's really great.”

She huffs on the other end of the line. “Well, I just mean that-”

He holds up a hand even though she can’t see him. “No, no. I got it.” He perks up at the sound of a door slamming in the driveway. “Hey, he’s here Robbie. I gotta go.”

Robin's screech has him pulling the phone away from his ear. “Good luck, dingus!”

“Thanks Robs. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

He hangs up and wipes his, now clammy, hands on the front of his jeans and psychs himself up.

“Come on Steve. Be cool.”

A musical knock that Steve would know anywhere sounds through the foyer and he has to tamp down the smile threatening to split his face. This is serious.

He swings open the door just as Eddie’s hand is poised to knock again and cuts him off before he can even start to speak.

“Okay. I know I asked you to come over so we could smoke and watch that movie you like but can I show you something first?”

Eddie’s eyebrows furrow but his smile doesn’t drop.

“Course, Stevie. Why so serious? What did you do, rob a bank?” He asks, shouldering his way past and making his way to the living room and hopping over the back of the couch.

Steve knows the moment Eddie sees them. His shoulders stiffen up and his breath catches. Steve hurries to placate.

“Hey, I know. I’m sorry just-” If he runs his hand through his hair again it's going to go flat but he can't break the habit. “Just let me show you?”

Eddie settles back into the couch and gives Steve a quick nod.

Steve takes a breath and grabs his stack of cards from the coffee table and settles on the other end of the couch.

Okay, Steve. Just like you rehearsed.

Another deep breath.

“Two summers ago Robin told me she wanted to learn how to read tarot. She bought a deck and tried to learn on her own, but she had a hard time memorizing what all of them meant.”

Eddie huffs a quiet laugh. “No shit. Shit’s hard.”

Steve laughs too. “Yeah, I know that now. But, she had a hard time with it so I told her I would learn and help her practice. And I did. And she got really good at it and she brought them everywhere and she did readings for people constantly. But then she eventually got bored and stopped.”

Eddie shifts and uncrosses his arms. Finally looks less like he’s ready to bolt.

“What, do you just have like a rolodex of stuff you’ve learned for Robin that she doesn’t care about anymore?”

“I think of it more like an old toybox.” This gets a laugh out of Eddie. “But this one– this one stuck with me. I forgot about it for a while but a while back, a few days pre-vecna oddly enough, I pulled a reading for myself and I wanted to show you.”

Eddie’s eyes dart between his own for a beat. He tilts his head a bit.

“I would love to see it, Stevie. But I’m not understanding what was so urgent about this. I thought it was gonna be about the whole,” he waves his hand around while he talks, “you watching me make myself look stupid the other day.”

Steve hates the dejected tone his voice has taken on behind his false bravado.

“It is! I mean, I’ve never thought you looked stupid. But, I mean I kind of goaded you into it, just– just let me talk you through this and I promise it’ll all make sense.”

Eddie sits back again. “Okay sweetheart. Wow me.”

Steve takes a deep breath because this part is a bit like baring his soul to Eddie.

“So when I pulled this reading. I was feeling really confused about what was in store for me. I decided to dust off my cards and see what happened.”

He pulls four cards right off the top of the deck and lays them out face down. Flips the first one.

Judgement.

“I got judgement first. Now, I know you know what it means, but I’m going to tell you my interpretation.”

When Steve looks back up at him, Eddie’s got his chin propped in his hand and the stars back in his eyes.

“Judgement told me to stop looking for things in the same places I’d always looked. That I should look somewhere different. Now granted I didn’t know what that meant yet, but it was just the start.”

Flips the second card.

The Moon.

“You would think that maybe I would’ve taken the hint with this one. It’s the one that tells you, ‘Hey! Stop lying to yourself! Listen to your intuition!’ But still I didn’t know what that was supposed to mean either.”

He skips ahead and flips the last card and Eddie looks confused and goes to flip the third card himself.

“Call me crazy, Stevie, but I think you skipped one.”

Steve bats his hand away.

“Shut up. I know that, but there’s an order to this story.”

Eddie puts his hands up in a gesture of innocence and Steve taps the fourth card.

The Lovers.

“This one made me finally start to piece this one together. Maybe I needed to start looking for a different type of girl, ya know? Clearly I was gonna fall in love and I needed to start looking in new places for whoever it was.”

He brings his eyes up to meet Eddie’s.

“Maybe a farmer’s market.”

Eddie throws his head back in a laugh.

“But this last card had me so confused because it didn’t fit into this lineup at all. In my experience, when a card doesn’t really fit, it might need to be read more literally. And I found out later that this one was meant to be taken very literally. Like, very.”

He flips the final card.

The Devil.

“Because a few days later, I met you.”

Eddie squints at him, but he's smiling.

“That feels like an insult, babe.”

Steve can literally feel his cheeks flush at Eddie’s effortless flirting.

“Okay, well I can only think of one person who was accused of devil-worship in this town, so.”

“That’s fair,” Eddie nods.

“And I had this stupid big crush on you before I even remembered the reading. When I did it got so much worse. And then, last weekend, I saw your cards and I thought it would be fun to see what kind of reading you would pull for me. Thought maybe that would be my chance to tell you how I felt. I was going to wait for you to tell me about whatever you pulled and then tell you I knew that already.”

Eddie shifts to sling an arm around Steve’s shoulder and lets him finish.

“But then I saw those cards and I knew you were making stuff up and I thought it was because you didn't want it to be you.”

Eddie’s face falls for a second before Steve bumps their noses together.

“But then you were being so weird at the farmer’s market so I talked to Robs about it and she told me we're both stupid.”

Steve feels more than he hears Eddie’s laugh.

“I would have to agree with Birdie on that one. Steve, has anybody ever told you you have an insane poker face?”

Steve hides his face and laughs.

“No, that's a new one.”

Eddie puts on his most dramatic voice again.

“Well allow me to be the first. Because that was a phenomenal performance. I had no idea that you knew I was talking out of my ass.”

“Well you do that a lot anyway, so.”

Eddie squawks and shoves Steve to fall backwards until he’s in his space, looking down with a blinding smile.

“So, cards tell you anything about a first date?”

Steve’s hands settle around Eddie’s waist and his eyes dart around his face.

“We could ask. But I can think of a better way to spend our time.”

Eddie bends down and nips at the side of Steve’s jaw, hums.

“Yeah? Hm. I think it might be worth an ask.”

Steve huffs and brings his his hands to either side of his face to tug him down.

“Shut up.”

Eddie’s laughing the first time their lips meet.

He bites and tugs at Steve’s bottom lip to get his attention.

“I can’t believe you called me the devil.”

Steve’s eyes are hazy and his smile lazy.

“Yeah but you’re my devil.”

Eddie laughs and leans down to peck at the corner of his mouth.

“And you’re my magician.”

⛓️🪄🔮

tag list: @henderdads, @mightbeasleep, @gothbat99, @hotluncheddie, @steddie-there, @thefreakandthehair, @steddieasitgoes, @gayngerthings, @grapefruitgalaxy, @orangeandthefairroadkill, @hardboiledleggs, @corrodedcoughin, @punkharringtxn, @mackdaddyofheimlichcountyy, @ottokajiyehett, @toobluebrunette, @e0509, @booksandsience, @lohthus, @chaoticlovingdreamer, @4nemo1egend, @goodolefashionedloverboi, @adelicioustragedy, @wearelosersyoudumbfuck, @lightwoodbanethings, @trikigirl271, @initforthereadz, @dontwasteyourchances (if you got skipped or added, my apologies🫶🏼)

[hyunfilms]

blue side of the sky (lmh) | five.

♡ spotify playlist | series masterlist

—summary: waking up after 3 months with no recollection of your past, your friends do what they can to help you remember. except, they omit an important piece to the puzzle - afraid you would remember the heartbreak and hurt all over again.

—pairing: lee know x f. reader

—genre: (18+) exes to lovers, bestfriends to lovers au | fluff, angst, (eventual) smut

—word count: 5.3k

—chapter warning: cussing, jisung being his worried and overprotective self, small argument between minho & jisung, another deep look into minho's feelings about everything, minho dance session which should be a warning itself, smut but not super descriptive smut (implied oral - m. receiving, doggy style), also a look into minho and kat, flashback scene at the end highlighting a core, painful moment for minho, crying, oc is in a coma during flashback

"Hi." You answer the phone call coming in as you make your way to your first pottery class.

"Cielo! Are you at class now?" You chuckle.

"About to be."

"You didn't answer my text." You can hear the pout through Jisung's tone.

"Sorry, pachi. I was gonna get to it as soon as I got inside the store. What's up?"

"I asked if you found anything to wear yet. For Yuna's?"

"Oh, no."

"Wanna go look after class? I'll meet you."

"I'm, um—" You pause a bit as you enter the store and greet the boy re-stocking items at the front.

"You're.. what?"

"I'm actually hanging out with San afterwards. He said he'd go with me to check out some dresses."

"You're.. hanging out with San?"

"Yes?" You let out a small sigh due to the unexpected response from your bestfriend. You felt nervous, and even more scared. Maybe you shouldn't have agreed to hang out with San. "Pachi, you told me to go for it. Should I just cancel and go with you—"

"No, no. I know I said that. I'm sorry, cielo. I didn't mean it in a bad way. I'm glad you're hanging out with him and stuff! Seriously. I just didn't expect that day to be today."

"I don't exactly have much time to find a dress."

"Yeah, I know. You'll find something and you'll look great in it, though! Is he gonna meet you after class?"

"Mhm."

"Okay, good. Well, enjoy yourself, okay? Don't think too much and just go with the flow."

"I know, I know."

"Well wait, let me back track." Jisung lets out a sigh. "I'm sorry. Are you ready to hang out with him? I hope I didn't pressure you too much."

"No it's not that. I think I'm ready. I mean, it's casual and super harmless, right?"

"Of course. He seems cool. But if he does try anything that you aren't ready for, just call me."

"I'll be fine. Thanks, Ji."

"Alright. Send pics of what you find!"

"I will." Your bottom lip pokes out as you end the call and tuck your phone back into your bag. This morning, you felt your confidence growing. You had been confident enough to agree to a hang out with San, even though he reassured you that there was no pressure. But the call with Jisung had you second-guessing everything.

Were you really ready for this?

You know Jisung meant no harm behind anything he said, but it was hard for you to not overthink. The only thing getting you by is the reminder that you have to experience these things to continue learning and settling back into the world; to continue living.

You couldn't be stuck in one place forever.

"Are you okay, miss?" You look over to your right and see the same boy from the front stocking up some of the shelves near the pottery classroom. You hadn't realized you zoned out and stopped in your tracks before entering the room.

"Oh. Yeah, I am." You chuckle shyly. "Sorry. Was lost in thought."

"No worries, just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"Thank you." You give him a small smile before finally entering the classroom. It's only supposed to be for 6 people, and you only see one other person already sitting at a wheel. You take the seat opposite from her, giving her a small smile when she glances up to look at you. She returns the smile, but her attention shifts back to her phone.

It doesn't take long before the rest of the wheels are filled and class is starting. You feel incredibly shy, but everyone in your class seems to be down to earth and just as eager to get their hands dirty. At first, you feel shy. You're barely working on the clay as much as the others are, but you remind yourself that you work at your own pace. When it's time to throw, it's a bit of a struggle before you finally find your own rhythm; receiving small praises from your instructor as she comes to your aid every now and then.

You're making a basic pot. Something to start off with, something easy.

It's fun.

You're happy you decided to move forward with class, paying some money for a membership to use the classroom during open hours. Class takes an hour and a half today, but the classroom remains open for anyone who is interested in doing another piece before the kiln gets loaded in a class or two. You wish you could, but as soon as you let your pot sit on the rack to completely dry, you catch wind of San walking around nearby aisles. He sees you looking over and he waves, a huge smile plastered on his face while you continue to clean up your space. When you've finally gotten through the last items and tidied up, you quickly wash your hands and grab your things to meet San in the store.

"Hey!" He waves enthusiastically. "How was class?" He digs his hands into his pocket while he waits for your response.

"It was good! Fun to get back into it." San nods.

"I'm glad. It's always satisfying to get back into things you've enjoyed." He nods towards the entrance. "It's beautiful outside. Ready to shop for dresses? You can tell me more about class while we walk."

"Sure." You chuckle. "What have you been up to today?"

"Well, I started off my day super early. Went to the gym before work. Got lots of things done. Now I'm here." He gives you a small smile. Over the course of texting San, you find out a few key details about him:

One, he has a younger sister and a cat that he adores. He's very family-oriented and takes everything family-related very seriously. He met JJ and their friend group in college, and they've stayed close ever since then. He also adores his friends to bits; it's quite cute. He says their personalities are all different, but they mesh so well.

Two, he was the definition of someone who took every single opportunity [especially in college] and ran with it. He aced his classes, participated in campus-wide activities and student government, volunteered, took internship after internship— that being what lead him to a huge opportunity overseas right after graduation to learn side by side from a principal architect. Years of doing so led him to a full-time position with their office back here at home.

Three, he is handsome, and he is incredibly sweet. He's laid back and caring; it's very easy to see why he gets along with people.

It's easy to talk to him.

So easy, that time flies by when you're with him. After a long, ongoing conversation about how the days have been, you've already popped into a few shops; slowly pulling hangers apart from each other to get a better view of the dresses— no particular dress catching your eyes just yet.

You eventually do find two dresses in the back of a new store you popped into that look fantastic on the mannequin, however, you feel like it'll be a different story when you try it on. Jisung says the wedding is at a hotel near the oceanside two hours away. The colors are hues of sage, green, browns and pale golds, and you're already excited to see how everything will turn out.

One dress is a taupe satin dress with a high slit, spaghetti straps and a cowl neck-line. The other is a sage satin dress with an asymmetrical high slit. They're almost similar in style— you're just not sure which color [or fit] would look better on you. San can tell you're unsure as you look at both dresses side by side, hands trailing down the fabric.

"Those are really pretty. You should try them on. You'll look great in either of those." San smiles.

"They're not too.. simple?" San shrugs.

"No. I think they're perfect for the wedding." You give him a small smile and nod, walking off to dressing room. San finds a little cushion to sit and wait on, scrolling through his phone while he patiently waits for you to be ready. He's not expecting you to show him the dresses, and quite frankly, he hopes he didn't come off that way. He does believe you'll look good in whatever option you choose, and his opinion doesn't matter much at the end of the day— it's truly whatever you feel good and comfortable in. Of course, San thinks you're gorgeous. He really couldn't help himself that day he walked into the café and saw you. Of course, his end goal would be to take you on a date and see where thing goes. But, the thing about San is that he knows about your accident. He knows the overall gist of things that have happened, but he doesn't know the fine details like your friends or JJ might know. It's not his business anyway, and he'd rather not go back to that moment in your life. So, he doesn't ask. He'll let you open up to him about it once [and if] you're ready. But, he knows. And he knows this isn't a priority for you right now, which is completely understandable.

If things happen, things happen. If it takes time, it takes time. Until then, he will continue to get to know you and be a friend.

"San?" San is pulled out of his thoughts when he hears you softly call his name behind the dressing room door.

"Yeah? You okay?"

"Yeah, I just.. is it okay if I show you the first dress?"

"Of course, whatever you're comfortable with, Y/N."

"I just need you to see them and give me your honest opinion, okay?"

"Always." He hears the door handle jiggle before you swing the door open. You've tried on the taupe dress and you shyly come forward, hands fidgeting with the fabric of the dress. San sits up a bit as his eyes light up, nodding in acknowledgement with a small smile. "That color looks great on you."

"Is the dress okay? It feels a little too much." You fiddle with your fingers. "I feel like I can't comfortably move with how high this slit goes."

"The angle too, hm?" He nods. "It looks great, but if you're not comfortable, then maybe the next dress will feel better?" You nod.

"Yeah, maybe."

"It's fine Y/N, don't force yourself if you aren't 100% on it." You give him a small smile before walking back into the dressing room to try on the other dress. You also aren't expecting much with this dress, but as soon as you slip it on, you smile at yourself in the mirror and take it in for a moment.

It feels perfect.

The slit is also pretty high, but it's not asymmetrical and at a weird angle so you can still move around comfortably. It fits nicely on your body, your figure, and the fabric isn't too heavy. Taupe color is beautiful under the light, and it's easy to pair.

"I really like this one." You say softly and San lets out a small chuckle.

"That's good. I'm glad you do." He watches as you walk out and nods in agreement when he sees how much more relaxed you look in the dress. "You look beautiful. That dress is the one!" You shyly chuckle at him.

"Yeah, I think it is, too."

"Are you set on it, or do you still wanna look some more?"

"No, I'm pretty set on this." San stands with a smile.

"Nice, it's perfect. We can go eat somewhere after, if you'd like?"

"Oh yes, please. I'm starving. I'm sorry I dragged you along on this." You say as you shut the door and start to get changed.

"No, don't apologize. I meant it when I said I didn't mind. I'm happy to accompany you." San scratches at his temple and nervously laughs. "I honestly thought we'd take much longer, so I'm a little relieved we can eat now." You laugh and gather your things, handing the other dress to the staff member before walking to the cashier.

Afterwards, San takes you to a bbq spot out of the central downtown area, roughly a 15 minute drive out. You get seated pretty quickly even though the restaurant is becoming packed by the minute. It's not too loud, but it is bustling; with busy workers and people engaging in fun conversation over beer and soju. In the middle of grilling the meat and telling you his Spain experience, you get a call from Jisung— the constant vibration on the table pulling you away from San's story.

"Sorry. It's Jisung." San chuckles and shakes his head, placing a few pieces of samgyeopsal onto your plate.

"No, please. Go for it." You give him a small apologetic smile before picking up the call. Jisung is at home, bored out of his mind and a bit worried. He knew he needed to give you time to do your thing, but as dinner time was approaching, he couldn't help but check in. He just needed to know that you were okay and at least enjoying yourself.

"Pachi."

"Hi, sorry." He says. "I didn't hear from you for awhile so I just wanted to call." You chuckle a bit.

"I'm okay."

"Yeah? That's good to hear." He furrows his brows at the background noise. "It's kinda.. loud? Where are you?"

"Eating with San."

"Oh, okay. Did you find a dress?"

"Sure did. Oops, I'll send pictures to you after." You did remember to snap a few photos of the dresses you tried on earlier.

"No worries. It's not too crazy there, right?"

"No. I'll be okay. We'll be done soon."

"Okay. Please text me when you get home."

"I will."

"Love you."

"Love you too." You softly set the phone down and look at San. "I really am sorry about him."

"No, it's okay." San shrugs. "I get it. He's your bestfriend and he cares about you alot."

"Too much sometimes." You tease, though you try to hint at the fact that you are very grateful for Jisung no matter what.

Meanwhile, Jisung finds himself getting hungrier by the minute, finalizing his delivery order that shouldn't arrive too long from now. He's home alone while his roommates are all out, so he tries to pick up where he left off in God of War: Ragnarok to make time fly by. The delivery food actually comes a half hour later, with Jisung shutting off the game before darting down the stairs to grab his food. Just as he's bringing it in, he sees Minho pull up and park— leaving the door slightly ajar for when he walks in.

"Yo." Jisung quickly looks over his shoulder as he continues to unbox his delivery food, quickly greeting Minho as he walks into the kitchen. "Surprised you're home early."

"Surprised you're home since you're usually taking all the food at Y/N's and Uncle Adrian's."

"That's not true at all and you know it." Jisung looks at Minho while he chuckles at him and grabs a glass for some water. "Seriously, why are you home early?"

"I just wanted to come home early and not do something for once. Catch up on sleep. Be lazy."

"We can play, if you want?"

"Eh." Minho shrugs after drinking some water. "Maybe later."

"I'm also surprised—" Jisung shakes his head. "Nevermind."

"Say it."

"No, you'll kill me and Y/N isn't around to save me."

"What, she's still in class?" Minho asks with a chuckle, confused at how long your pottery class actually was.

"No, she's out shopping for a dress."

"Alone? Shouldn't someone be with her if she's gonna be out for a bit?"

"Someone is with her." Jisung mumbles as he pours some of his soup appetizer into a bowl.

"And it's not you?" Jisung shakes his head. "Chan?" Jisung shakes his head again. "Seungmin? Why on earth would you leave her with Seungmin, though?"

"I didn't leave her with Seungmin. I didn't leave her anywhere, she just had other plans." Jisung grabs his food and tries to head up to his room. Which, he successfully does, but Minho is following closely behind. "Gonna watch some streams since you don't wanna play, see ya—" Minho kicks his foot out to stop his door from closing.

"Why are you acting so weird?" Minho nods at him and furrows his brows. "You're the one who told me to stop being weird when it comes to Y/N, you little hypocrite."

"I'm not being weird!"

"You are!"

"She's in good hands, alright? It's fine."

"She's with San, isn't she?"

"I never even said anything. "

"See, you're being fucking weird for no reason."

"Well, I don't know? It's kinda weird to tell you!"

"This was your idea in the first place, remember?" Minho sighs and crosses his arms. "I just wanted to know if she was okay. Besides, how do you know if she's in good hands with San? He doesn't even know anything about her like that."

"You really think JJ wouldn't have said anything to him?"

"I don't think so?"

"He's one of JJ's really good friends, I think he might know some portion of it."

"Then, he's not any better than you and I, is he?" Minho cocks his head to the side and looks at him.

"Please don't do that." Jisung sighs. "She's fine, okay? He seems cool. I think we can give him a little more than that."

"What's your plan behind this one?"

"Don't even say it like that, dude. For real." Jisung's brow is slightly furrowed, though this is something he fully expects from Minho. "I just thought it'd be cool for her to hang out with other people too. It doesn't hurt."

"Hm." Minho hums as he turns on his heel and walks towards his room.

"Where are you going?"

"Change of plans. Gonna head to the studio and work on some stuff."

"Wait, you're not upset, are you?" Jisung pouts a bit. He really didn't mean to make Minho upset even though he knows you're still a very sensitive subject to him. Plus, Jisung doesn't want this to spiral out of control. He'll give you some time, but he will tell you everything. He will.

"Upset?" Minho slings his bag over his shoulder and gives him a tiny pursed smile. "No. Can't be." There's a drip of sarcasm in his tone because of course he can't be. There's so many truths, feelings, opinions, clinging onto that statement alone. He's trying to convince himself that he can't be, but also, he knows this is the response he'd immediately get from everyone around him. And he hates that.

Because no matter what, they will never understand you two. They will never understand the thoughts, the feelings, that occupy his mind day in and day out— especially since the accident happened.

He feels.

No one seems to know that.

But to simply answer Jisung's question, yes. He is upset. He really hopes you're okay and that San is taking care of you. It's the least he can fucking do after charming you the way he did. He's upset because of many other things, he's upset because he finds himself dwelling on the past much longer than he needs to. He finds himself sinking into all the 'what if's' — finding it hard to focus on his present, to look forward to his future.

He's constantly sinking, with nothing in reach.

He heads to the studio just like he tells Jisung, but he doesn't have class. There's nothing scheduled at the studio, so there shouldn't be anyone around.

It's fine.

That's what he needs right now, anyway. Space to do his own thing, space to dance out all the frustrations. Space to shake off all this shit.

When he gets to the studio, he parks his car and unlocks the door with his own key; tossing his bag off to the side as he steps into the room. He instantly connects his phone to the speakers, blasting his more upbeat playlist throughout the room. He stretches as the mirrors vibrate to the beat of the song currently playing, lights dim and barely illuminating the space.

He lets everything go.

He just needs to, momentarily.

He lets the vibration sink through his body, letting it flow through in waves— just like with everything that's been happening. It's the only way he's been able to process. He has some choreography he needs to finish up before next class but that's the last thing on his mind right now.

The first wave, Minho felt numb. He couldn't believe how everything happened so quickly. You were just in front of him— only to be snatched away hours later. He wasn't sure what to do, how to gain power to change time, didn't know what life would be like with you. It was all too much to process knowing you were almost taken from him completely.

The second wave, Minho was angry, upset, frustrated; all the time. He had no outlet, and as fucked up as it sounds, this is how he brought Kat closer. He felt empty, he felt angry with himself, he felt like he needed some validation. Something to tell him he wasn't entirely at fault, that he was still a person who could be needed, wanted; that he wasn't a bad person although he did need to take ownership for some things at some point.

The third wave that he's currently riding, Minho has nothing else to give. Nothing else to process. He feels useless, powerless— he can't change time or bring anything back. There is simply nothing there and he doesn't know how to work with that in order to move forward. What can he change, how can he do better, when no one believes he can change and do better for you? No one wants to give him that. And quite frankly, they're slowly convincing him that he can't even give himself that.

Maybe it'll go back to the first wave and he'll go back to being numb. But Minho doesn't know what's worse— being numb because it's too much to process, or being numb because there is nothing else to process; nothing else to change, nothing to hang onto.

He doesn't know if he'll ever bounce back from this.

Minho is so into his thoughts as he dances without a strict choreo in mind, sweat dripping down his face as he takes a moment to catch his breath. He sits with his back against the mirror, regulating his breathing after consistently moving his body. He takes a quick sip of water, eyes darting to his phone lighting up on the counter. The vibration is cutting through the music, making Minho groan in annoyance at the interruption.

kat: roommates are gone

kat: lonely af

kat: can you come over? )):

He thinks about this, and to be honest, he still feels pretty shitty. It's a terrible excuse, but who else can he run to right now? Kat makes him feel good. Kat makes him feel better, at least, enough to push him through in the meantime.

minho: be over in a bit. at the studio.

Kat, however, will never be you. She temporarily fills the void, but she will never be you.

From before, from now.

kat: can u stop by for some food?

minho: i'm only coming by for a bit. i have to be up early tomorrow.

kat: yeah ofc whats new

Minho rolls his eyes as he sets his phone aside and continues to dance around the empty studio for a bit until he feels somewhat content. He drags his duffle bag to the separate staff locker room, quickly using the shower before changing into a fresh pair of sweats and a hoodie. He ruffles his damp hair a bit as he walks out into the fresh night air, tossing his bag into the trunk before making his journey to Kat's apartment.

At this point, he's not entirely in the mood to see her. But, he's here just like he says— and he only plans to stay for a quick minute before he's rushing home.

Just like he says.

"Oh, you really didn't stop by for food." Kat snickers a bit before stepping aside to let him in.

"Why would I when I said no?" Minho confusingly chuckles a bit. "Told you I was only coming for a bit. I'm beat."

"Uh huh." She says. "I missed you." She pouts. "I barely heard from you today." He watches her as she wraps her arms around his neck, kissing him on the lips even though he barely returns the effort.

"I was busy."

"You could at least tell me that." She whines as she laces her hand with his.

"Sorry." Is all he can say even though he doesn't really mean it. She is not you; from before, from now. "I'll let you know next time." He follows up and uses it as leverage to kiss her again. "I'm here now, aren't I?" He says in between kisses, sinking into her touch and her lips when she lets out soft moans against him.

This is right where he needs her to be. This is the release he needs, the temporary void he needs filled.

She knows what this is, for the most part. She knows Minho could never be serious with her, though she tries. Hoping one day, he will. Hoping one day, he'll finally move past you and give her a shot.

But, he won't. He never will. And if the accident taught him one thing, it's the fact that he will never, ever give you up again.

She takes the lead and rushes him to the room, clothes flying in all directions until they're decorating the floor. She pushes him onto the bed, legs dangling off the edge while she crouches down and wraps her lips around his length. He hisses a bit, fingers laced in her hair as he pushes her down more, and more.

More;

'Till she takes all of him.

He can't deny that it feels amazing, but he doesn't wanna leave it at that. He's not always a taker, only if Kat reassures that she wants to please him and him only. So, before he feels himself reaching his peak, Minho gently tugs her head off— praising her as he gets her on all fours. He's not wasting any time, no. He enters her and bottoms out quick, finding the perfect rhythm in no time.

He needs to get out.

He doesn't necessarily take his time as much as Kat wants him to. She's screaming his name like a mantra, head pushed against her pillow while Minho continues to do his work behind her. It doesn't take long before she's like putty in his hands and he's stupidly pulling out to spill his seed all over her ass, back.

He needs to get out. Now.

So, he comes back down from his high, regulates his breathing and hops off her bed. He's quickly throwing his clothes back on while Kat is confusingly doing the same. She's asking him why he's been doing this lately, and he doesn't really know how to explain to her that he's just feeling more and more disconnected to this whole thing— to her. She's still continuing though; arms crossed tightly against her chest as she follows Minho out to the door, tears threatening to spill over her bottom lid. He's not focused on her, to be honest, and he's exhausted. Not much is registering for him besides his lazy 'I'm sorry's' and 'I'll spend more time with you the next time I'm over.' But the one thing that does snap him out of everything is when Kat asks—

"It's because of Y/N isn't it?" He stops in his tracks right as he's about to swing the door open and turns over his shoulder to glare at her. "Ever since she woke up—"

"Don't." He says sternly. "You don't get to do that." His jaw clenches. "Do me a favor and don't bring Y/N up again." He swings the door and slams it shut, suddenly feeling emptier than he did before he got here.

Maybe this wave would be the hardest.

☁︎ FLASHBACK | HOSPITAL

"Are you going to come with us to the hospital to visit Y/N tomorrow?" Minho shakes his head at Seungmin.

"Probably not. You guys can go without me." He says softly as he scribbles some notes into his notepad for the small, upcoming café renovations.

"You sure?" Seungmin softly asks and all Minho can do is nod without meeting his eyes. Seungmin lets out a soft sigh before he grabs his keys sitting on the dining room table. "Gotta head back into the office really quickly to drop something off. See you later?"

"Yeah." Is all Minho says, still avoiding contact until Seungmin is out of the door. He lets out a deep sigh, dropping his pen onto the notepad.

He doesn't even remember what he needed to write.

He checks the time on his watch, hand close to hitting 4 o'clock. He groans to himself, shutting his notebook before grabbing his own keys from the other end of the kitchen table.

He hopes he doesn't regret this.

Though, he kinda does when he slaps the visitor tag on his sweater and proceeds to your room. Then, it grows when he stands at your doorway and sees you lying perfectly still on your bed. He digs his hands into his pockets and remains there for a moment, afraid to move closer, yet his feet aren't taking him away from your room. He musters up the courage about a min later, slowly walking towards your bed side.

Even through all the pain and hurt you've been through, you still looked so, so angelic.

"Hey." He says, close to a whisper— voice slightly cracking because he doesn't know what he's feeling right now as he looks at you. Is he angry at himself for coming here when things were't changing anytime soon? Is he angry he could've done better? Is he angry for the way the universe is playing such a sick fucking joke on him right now?

Because you're in reach and out of reach at the same time.

Minho gains more courage to pull his chair closer to your bedside so that he doesn't have to lean too far to get a good look at you. The only sounds filling the room are the beeping machines and the people passing in the hallway outside.

"Y/N." He calls your name as he gently brushes the hair back and away from your face. "Hope you're doing okay." He feels so stupid. Why would he say that? His thumb caresses your cheek before it slides down to your hand. It isn't too cold, but the warmth in your body has subsided.

The warmth in your body is fighting to stay.

"I-I—" He pauses to lick his lips. "I miss you." No response. "God, I miss you." He feels the tears welling up and his head drops. He holds your hand tightly and squeezes, hoping he can feel anything on your end.

But, nothing.

"I'm so sorry." He whispers just as he's remembering every detail about you, the moments he's shared with you, the feelings, your touch—

The way you smile, the way you laugh.

The way you always kiss his fingers and look at him in pure adoration.

The way you bring the sun and blue skies into every room.

"I fucked up and I'm so, so sorry." He continues to whisper as he cries harder, head falling near your lap as he continues hold your hand. "I'm so sorry." He repeats.

He should've kept his word.

He should've done better.

He should've protected you.

"I should've done better. I shouldn't have let you go, and I'll never forgive myself for being so fucking stupid." He looks up at you through his teary eyes before returning his head back near your lap. "I get it. I would never want you to be in pain. Or, to hurt. All I want is for you to be okay. But, if you can at least hear me right now—" He pauses as his crying intensifies. "Please don't give up on me. I know I fucked up and I know I have no right to ask you for this, but please don't leave me." It's barely audible through his crying, but he's hoping it will somehow reach you. "Please don't leave me."

☁︎ END

♡ taglist: @lotus-dly​ @jihanlovic​ @meloncremesoda​ @hoes4lino​ @skzddicted​ @skzho @edgaralienpoe​ @harui-zen​ @bestleeknowstan​ @havenwithleeknow​ @septicrebel​ @heesdazed​ @borahae-reads​ @yoontaethings​ @pearbunny​ @bintificreads​ @lukeys-giggle​ @ajxreads @everglowdaisies​ @allaboutsan​ @endzii23​ @leeknowsramen @heres-your-ramen2000​ @morningstardada​ @mal-lunar-28​ @downbadreading​ @lilysophie @feelikecinderella​ @urmomma0324​ @ddazed-lhs​ @djeniryuu​ @melanctton​ @i8rsie​ @maru-matt​ @sleepyleeji​ @taerifin​ @nattisbored​

[iomoru]

❆☕︎ Cozy Winter Cuddles ☕︎❆

A/n: this is my first time writing so sorry if it's lowkey bad 🧍‍♀️

Genre: Modern Au!, Fluff, College Au, Gn! Reader, Tall! Reader (not really mentioned tho lmao), Second Person, Kazuha x Reader, Kazuha might be a little ooc, Proofread

Summmary: You and Kazuha are cuddling in your cozy,shared apartment in early December, with snow lightly falling outside the window.

You and Kazuha had been dating for almost two years now, and as the two of you faced the final stretch of your college journey, the pressure of finals loomed over your heads. The cold of early December seeped into the apartment, making the air crisp, so both of you had decided to take a well-deserved break from studying. Bundled up under a soft blanket, you held Kazuha close on the couch, his head resting comfortably on your chest as you were the big spoon. The quietness of the room was only disturbed by the sound of the heater humming faintly in the background.

“I think I’ll go make us some hot chocolate.” you said, attempting to shift from beneath him, but the warmth of your embrace made him cling to you even tighter, his soft groan muffled as he buried his face deeper into your chest.

“Nooo… just stay here. It’s too cold without you.” Kazuha whined, his voice laced with a sleepy vulnerability that made you chuckle softly.

“Alright, alright” you sighed with a small smile, resigning yourself to the cozy prison he’d created. “But if we freeze to death here, I’m blaming you.”

“We won’t.” he murmured. “Not if we keep cuddling.” There was a softness in his tone that made the moment feel even more intimate, as if the world outside didn’t exist as long as you two stayed wrapped up in each other.

The warmth you shared was more than just physical, it was a comfort, an unspoken reassurance. Kazuha’s heartbeat was steady beneath your fingers, and the rhythm of his breathing had a calming effect on you. Time passed lazily as the two of you enjoyed the rare moment of peace in the midst of the chaos of exams.

Eventually, the lingering silence began to weigh on you, and your thoughts drifted to the finals. “Kazuha…” you began, voice quieter now, more vulnerable. “I’m kind of stressed about the final exam. I know we’ve studied together and all, but what if I still fail? What if all my hard work just… disappears, like it never mattered?”

Kazuha shifted slightly, tilting his head to look up at you, his gaze warm and full of understanding. He reached up, his fingers brushing softly against your cheek before leaning in to press a comforting kiss to your forehead. The gesture was tender, filled with the kind of affection that always made you feel safe, no matter the storm swirling in your mind.

“You don’t need to worry, my love,” he said softly, his voice like a gentle breeze. “You’ve worked hard, and I’ve seen it firsthand. I know you’re going to pass. And even if things feel overwhelming, I’ll be here. Always. You don’t have to face anything alone, okay? We’ll figure it out, no matter what.”

His words settled your restless heart, filling the cold air with warmth you couldn’t find anywhere else. You let out a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding, feeling lighter. “Thank you, Kaz” you whispered, resting your forehead against his.

“Always, dearest.” he smiled, his hand tracing small, soothing patterns on your back.

For the rest of the night, neither of you worried about exams or deadlines. Wrapped up in each other’s warmth, the world felt softer, and soon, the quiet lull of your shared breaths led you both into a peaceful sleep.

A/n: I was screaming and giggling while writing this ngl. (I'm feeding my own delusions, I am NOT sane.)

© ²⁰²⁴ ɪᴏᴍᴏʀᴜ

[dutifullyshamelessearthquake]

ITS TIME

ok okay okaaay, thinking about slow build stomach flus. With Cyno ofc. And I won’t apologize. But I’m thinking like, the kind where pain and nausea come and go. But like across the span of a whole day and a half. There be a pang of discomfort and maybe an uncomfortable roll of the stomach…and then it’ll pass and the character is fine again for a good few hours. And for cyno i feel like just because it’s stomach pain and no other symptoms and the nausea comes and goes with a fair amount of time in between he’s like….it’s probably fine? But what I love about a slow build flu is that the other stuff just kinda settles in..I love the idea of a Cyno who (this kinda goes back to the whole getting sick on the night that everyone is out but nari prompt too!!) where all day he’s just like a tiny bit off. He’s getting ready to go out and doing his hair but stops cuz it’s suddenly too much energy. He grabs a drink of water but doesn’t finish it cuz it’s just..not sitting right? But like not even that it’s vaguer. And ofc he’s finding himself dreading nari not being there at first just a little more than normal? Idk the internal feeling of malaise is so interesting to me cuz you’re just sort of dragging… but with the flu it’s unavoidable..

so eventually the pains come more often, and it’s more specifically in the stomach and the nausea kicks up and the dizzy ness too. Maybe it’s by now he’s asking nari to go home, he feels bad and it’s almost like…he can’t escape the gross icky feeling slowly filling him up. His discomfort is just seeping into all parts of him and it’s hard to process why everything (his clothes the lights the room even his favorite card game) feels *bad* que the whole kaveh and alhaitham summoning Tighnari to come get his man cuz he looks likes either gonna puke pass out or cry (or all ??) and they are scared cuz somehow he also looks close to biting one of them…

I ALSO like the idea of a Cyno where they get home and he’s just falling apart (emotional maybe? Frustrated? Overtired?) idk cranky icky baby. His stomach hurts pretty bad now but it still hasn’t reached the point of it being an issue- until the next day. Because there’s something so soul crushing about hoping you’re gonna feel better in the morning and waking up feeling *way worse* and then ofc, the vomiting begins and there’s no way out but through.

ALSO unrelated but related light head Cyno dealing with bad food poisoning and passing out in front of Tighnari for the first time. Idk if I said this before so it so I’m so sorry!! Feel free to ignore if that’s the case lol. But Tighnari calling someone like kaveh or collie or anyone to talk too after Cyno is asleep and confirmed not dying and just breaking down? Yes. But!! Follow it by Cyno calling out to nari from the room, which totally embarrasses him. And Tighnari goes running cuz he’s worried sick but it turns out Cyno wants to comfort HIM! And nari is all no you need sleep but Cyno insists and talks with him until he literally can’t keep his eyes open or maybe the nausea starts to kick up. I just think it would be sweet…Cyno agreeing to not get up with out tighnari there in case he falls and tighnari allowing himself to get some much needed comfort too cuz whole shit that was wild.

I feel like I have more but I’ll chill for now 😂😂 if I remember I’ll speak up FEAR NOT

Oh my word YES!! All this is simply brilliant. And it's so fitting considering I have a Cyno stomach flu prompt to fill next 👀 I might just have to use some of these ideas, if that's alright with you!

I absolutely adore slow build up as well, if it's done right it's just ARGH! I love it! I think it's one of the reasons I enjoyed writing Through the Snow so much. Having a character be primarily fine, but those tiny little hints that something is wrong start to rear their heads. And it's so vague and far between that the character just can't put a finger on something being actually wrong, until things are really wrong.

Ahh all those ideas are so good. I love things just slowly building up the way you described- his arms just starting to feel heavy as he's doing his hair and he just wants to sit for a moment. Deciding to get a glass of water but he can't quite bring himself to finish it. Dreading going out and spending time with friends when that's something he usually loves. Longing for Tighnari's presence in a way that's much too vulnerable-feeling for Cyno's comfort.

AND don't get me started on the going to bed, hoping to sleep it off, waking up feeling worse trope, I freaking love that! Like you said, that absolutely soul-crushing realisation of realising you're not feeling any better, actually no, you feel worse.

It somewhat ties into this vague idea I've been chewing on, I love the idea of a character coming home, (let's go with Tighnari and Cyno, they're the center of attention right now after all) Tighnari coming home, either from a class he couldn't skip or from getting some necessities from the store. And he comes home knowing Cyno isn't feeling well - he's been off for a while now and maybe that morning was the morning he woke up and realised okay he's not feeling good and told Tighnari. And I'm just picturing Tighnari looking for him and finding Cyno looking so vulnerable. The type of vulnerability he usually shows only when he's alone. There are classics like finding him lying on the bathroom floor, or just miserable sitting with his head over the toilet, but the scene I have in head is him just lying on the bed. Curled in on himself, knees drawn up to his stomach, arms close to his chest. His back is to the door and he just looks so small and defeated.

That scene has a very high likelihood of appearing in a fic soon ahh.

And back to what were saying, YES! I remember I had a long ramble a while back about the scenario of Cyno passing out for the first time around Tighnari, and argh, it's another scenario I really want to bring to life in a fic at some point when the story is right for it. I don't want to risk repeating anything I already said in that post (it's late and I'm planning on heading to bed right after I finish typing this out, so my brain definitely isn't at its sharpest) so I'll keep my rambles brief, but I'm so in love with this scenario. And especially Nari in this situation, like he was rattled after that (how couldn't he be??) And I just have this feeling that, even though he's the sick one and this is all entirely outside of his control, Cyno would just have so much immense guilt for 'putting Nari through this.'

ALSO before I wrap up! I did read your follow up ask, and I have thoughts, BUT I'm going to hold off on answering it, just because some of the rambles I wish to ramble relate to my coming fic, and I don't want to spoil anything 👀

[mushupork4u]

Reyes OC x Reyes Brothers

Prompt: Carmen brings a boy home before going out on a date, Ezekiel and Angel threaten the no good candidate

•Threatening a minors well being

•Talk of drugs/Alcohol

•Talk of crashing cars

____________________________________________

Carmen had been a pretty normal girl throughout High school, but now as a Junior, she finally had that disturbing feeling of being alone. Watching people hold hands in the hallways and girls getting taken out on dates by their boyfriends…it hurt.

So she did something about it.

A pretty average looking boy in her grade, Leo, had never dated anyone either, so one fateful afternoon of her walking up to him at lunch led to many study dates at the school library and finally, it led to here.

“Lemme take you out.”

And she basically squealed a ‘YES’ before the two had began heading to her home. Even though she knew the boys wouldn’t be home, her legs felt like jelly, and her heart slammed in her chest, though that could’ve been because of the fact she was on the back of Leo’s street bike.

Her arms were pressed against his sides and locked around his waist, giggles escaping her lips as he picked up speed. It ended too soon as her house came into view, and she almost let go of Leo when she saw the two Harley’s outside.

Groaning as he pulled into her driveway, his helmet clad head turned as his motor shut off. “What’s wrong?”

“My brothers.” The girl groaned, messy hair covering her face as her helmet came off.

Leo had then got off the bike too, placing his helmet down gently before smiling at her. “I’m gunna have to meet them eventually. Might as well be now since it’s our first date.”

His words didn’t settle the feeling of unease that crept into her stomach, but she pushed the dread down anyway and took his hand as she began walking to the front door.

Heading inside, her eyes wandered around, hoping that it was just Ezekiel and Angel in here and not Angel and Coco.

That dual would be deadly.

At least with Ezekiel, Leo had a speaking chance.

“Carmen? Is that you?” Her older brothers voice called out, and she recognized the gruffness to be Angel.

“It’s me.” She replied awkwardly, shooting a look over her shoulder at Leo before walking into the kitchen to see Angel and Ezekiel at the table.

As the men looked up, both had indifferent looks to their expressions, but their eyes told the whole story.

‘Can I kill him?’

‘Not yet.’

“Leo, these are my brothers Angel and Ezekiel.” She motioned, and despite the glares on their faces, Angel nodded and Ezekiel raised two fingers as a greeting.

Carmen almost coughed from the cotton mouth she had. “Angel, Ezekiel, this is Leo, the guy I’ve been dating.”

“Hi.” Leo had lifted a simple hand towards them, a nervous glint in his eye and a timid smile as he saw just how well protected Carmen’s house was.

She was right, they didn’t need a guard dog, there was two already.

With the tense awkwardness, Carmen whistled, her brown eyes trailing from her brothers to Leo. “Okay, so I have to change and grab a jacket, I’ll be right back. Why don’t y’all talk, have some boy time.”

With that anxiety riddle statement, she hurried her ass upstairs, hoping that by the time she got back, her hopefully soon to be boyfriend was still in one piece.

The three males stood awkwardly in the room, Angel eyeing Ezekiel with a raised brow as Leo checked his phone nervously.

They knew him, maybe Angel did at least.

He may of had a hard time learning how to use the new phone Carmen got him, but he had Instagram and he saw all the Crazy shit some kids did. And by Some Kids he means the one standing in his kitchen.

Planning the best way to confront Leo without Carmen getting set off. The boys did what they do best.

Fuck shit up.

“Leo? That’s your name right? You’re Miguel’s boy?” At Angel’s question, Leo looked up, a stunned look in his eye as his phone got tucked in his pocket quickly.

“I am.”

Ezekiel wanted to laugh so bad, it looked like the kid was about to shit his pants. But when it came to their sister, neither Reyes played around.

Angel nodded at the confirmation, a grimace on his face but his eyebrows quirked in curiosity. “So I do know you.”

“You do?” Leo asked, a slightly fearful tap in his foot, and it was only getting faster.

‘He’s scared.’ Ezekiel smiled.

‘Good.’ Angel shrugged.

The bigger male stood up, the kutte on his shoulders tight as he unconsciously flexed, dark eyes falling on his sisters pathetic attempt of a first boyfriend. “Yeah, the videos you post online, drinking, crashing cars, doing drugs…pretty hardcore shit for my baby sister.”

Leo looked like he was silently praying for God, or for Carmen to show up. In the Reyes brothers eyes, they were the same thing.

“I didn’t mean—“

“Shut the fuck up.” The rough voice was knew, but Leo recognized it as he flinched to see that Ezekiel had finally spoken.

He was still sitting, but it was a terrifying sight to see as his dark eyes looks like a black void, completely empty and unforgiving.

Angel put his hand up, almost like a temporary pause button for the younger brother.

Leo watched as Ezekiel’s puffed out shoulders shrunk.

Though Angel’s next flurry of words made the teen want to drop dead.

“You’re gunna go on that date tonight, and you’re going to be a fucking gentleman. And when your done on that date, you’re gunna bring her back home, tell her that you’re a piece of shit, and leave.”

The teen didn’t want to, of course he didn’t want to. Carmen was beautiful, she was smart, and Leo wouldn’t give her up for anything.

If this was a test, he would’ve passed.

Sadly it was not. “But—“

A chair screeched, and an Angel in heaven screamed out for Ezekiel to show the boy mercy. The Angel in this case was Carmen’s footsteps above him getting lighter.

With a warning tone, Ezekiel pointed a finger at Leo. “You’re gunna listen, and you’re gunna get away from her before I break every bone in your body."

With a swollen throat from anxiety and his heart slamming in his chest, Leo fought the urge to start balling his eyes out as Carmen’s footsteps sounded down the stairs.

“Okay.”

“Leo? You ready to go?” The brunette girl turned the corner, happy to see that the boys seemed better than when she left them.

Smiles on Angels and Ezekiel’s faces, Leo gave her a look before beginning to nod. “Let’s go.”

“Bye Angel, bye Ezekiel.” She called and behind the front door slamming shut carried silence as the brothers glanced at each other over their plates of food.

“If she finds out we did that—“

“—we’re so fucked.”

[fairylightsinthemist]

Please do a Tyson fanfic!! Maybe he has a crush on her and he genuinely can’t believe she has the same feeling! Nobody ever writes for Tyson and I’m craving it!

Thanks for this unique request! I am a Tyson stan first and human second 😤

I’ll see you tomorrow - Tyson x Fem! Reader (pjo)

- - -

Camp Half-Blood was in full swing once again. Another year of absolutely crushing every game and every training is what awaited you as you arrived.

Once you settled in and reconnected with all your friends, you decided on a whim to try something different to do on the first day. You never really made your own weapon by choice; as welding kind of seemed daunting to you. But, it was finally time to try it.

As you walked in, you noticed only one person sitting, focused on the task at hand, mask over his face. He looked super tall, even as he was sitting there. Well, he seemed like he knew what he was doing.

You tapped the shoulder of the guy, and he jumped, nearly destroying his sword. “AHHHH!” He screamed, his protective gear falling off his face. You yelped fell on your bottom from being frightened of his reaction. Then you realized, it was Tyson, Percy’s brother.

You grinned and couldn’t help laughing. Tyson, realizing it was only you, kind of let out a nervous laugh, and went to pick you up. Only, he sort of launched you into his chest due to his major strength, and quickly let you go. “Sorry!” He said clumsily.

Stepping back and taking him in, you smiled. “It’s good to see you again, Tyson. How’s it been going?” You asked, dusting off your pants. “It’s been a fun summer! Mostly in here.” He said, looking a little red and disheveled from all of the chaos that just occurred. You nodded. “Why are you here?” Tyson asked sort of bluntly. Your eyes widened, and then you realized why you came here in the first place: “I wanted to try welding since I never really have done it before.” You said, looking around at all the materials.

Tyson looked so happy to have heard you say that. “Really?! Oh, this will be fun. You know, I’m really good at this because fire doesn’t hurt me. See?” Tyson said, putting his bare hand on the hot metal of the sword.

“Tyson!” You yelled and began frantically waving your hands and eventually grabbing his arm, trying to yank it off. You didn’t see it, due to the panic, but Tyson blushed. He’d never really had a pretty girl care this much about his interest, or touch him for that matter.

He threw his head back and laughed, gently removing your hand. “Immunity, Y/n. I’m okay.” Tyson chuckled. You realized that he was okay as he showed his hand, a little sooty, but unharmed. You sighed and felt your cheeks redden. You felt awkward for having put your hands on him like that. “Sorry, about the- shoving your arm…” You stuttered, flustered. “No, you can put your hands on me anytime, Y/n.” Tyson said, staring blankly at you. You blushed even harder at the delivery of that, but tried you tried your best to shrug it off.

What had you come here for again? It was kind of hard to remember when Tyson was being so funny and sweet. Oh yeah! “So, can you teach me how to do this? Only, I can’t palm hot metal like you can. So I need you.” You asked, looking determined. Tyson nodded. A girl saying she needed him? An excuse to spend more time making swords and with a pretty girl? Perfect. He started gathering up materials and placing them on the next working area beside him.

You weren’t aware, but Tyson had been crushing on you for awhile now. Percy tried to introduce him to you, but Tyson was far too shy. How could a person like you fall for a guy like him? But, he didn’t know this either, but you didn’t care about his past or his looks. Tyson was adorable to you and so respectful.

So, as you two welded away, many moments were shared where hands would touch, eyes would meet, and nice conversations were shared between you two as you learned how to make your own sword.

“You’re a good student.” Tyson announced, gently placing your sword on the table to cool. You smiled, a warm feeling in your heart becoming prominent. “And you’re a good teacher.” You said back, lightly pushing his shoulder. He touched where you pushed him and looked starstruck. “So, same time tomorrow? I wanna do this again, but only if you’re here. No one can top the master!” You said, praying he would say yes.

If you were to have looked in Tyson’s brain at that moment, fireworks were going off. “Uh, yeah.” Tyson said, a big grin on his face. He couldn’t wait to tell Percy about this. You walked off, turning around to smile and wave at Tyson. He waved back, in a daze.

You couldn’t wait until the next day to do it all over again.

- - -

AN: my good lord, I am really sorry if I butchered this. The last time I read the first pjo series was in 2020-2021, so I kind forget how Tyson acted. It’s time to reread the books, I know. I hope this was good and I hope I did Tyson justice. 🩵

[the--blackdahlia]

Split Chapter 1

Split Chapter 1

Summary: Lucy Blair met FBI Agent Scott Hall one fateful day at her work. After hitting it off, pretty quickly, Lucy and Scott fell in love. But then Lucy meets Razor Ramon. Is Scott undercover? Or is something more at play, something that will drag her into a dangerous world of the war of drug lords in 1980's Florida?

Warnings: Language, violence, drug use, more to be added as the fic goes on

AN: Hey guys! I'm testing the waters with this one. Please let me know what you think!

The sun was slowly covering Florida when Lucy Blair finally decided it was time to get out of bed. Somedays, it still threw her for a loop, hearing the sounds of the coast when she was used to farmland for as far as the eye could see. It was her day off, and she hadn’t planned on getting up early, but here she was. That’s when the ringing of the phone told her why she had been woken up at her normal wake-up time. Just ignore it and it will go away. She thought to herself. But eventually, that phone grated on her nerves. With a groan, she rolled over and snagged the phone.

“Somebody better be dead, or something’s on fire?” Lucy mumbled as she answered the phone.

“Well, no death. But Lori is bringing life into the world early,” Dr. Carol Pierce, Lucy’s boss, was on the other end of the line. Lucy groaned a little. Why didn’t she just let the machine get it?

“Carol, it’s my day off…”

“I know, I know. And I’m really sorry, but Lori went on maternity leave early, and Kelly has school today. Please?” Lucy signed and threw the blankets off of her. It was such a beautiful day in Clearwater, and Lucy had wanted to spend her day at the beach. “What if I buy you lunch?”

“Anything I want?”

“Anything you want. I promise. And you can have Monday off. Kelly doesn’t have school.”

“Okay. Fine. I’ll be in.”

“Lucy, I owe you big time. You are a lifesaver.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Lucy laughed. “See you in a few.”

Lucy hung up the phone and stared at the ceiling. Why didn’t she just screen her calls? She finally got up and got ready, pulling on her uniform before heading out to her Jeep. The sun was going to mock her today, but something in the air felt like there was a change coming.

****

Lucy walked into the office, smiling at her friend Janice as she settled down behind the receptionist's desk. Janice was looking over a chart for the first patient of the day.

“Can’t believe they dragged you in here,” Janice laughed.

“Carol promised me lunch,” Lucy settled in her chair. “Been busy yet?”

“Nope. Strangely quiet. Which means we’ll get hit hard.”

“Lucy, you are a saint,” Carol came from the back of the office.

“Remember that when raise time comes around,” Lucy gave her a cheeky grin.

“I will, believe me,” Carol looked at her watch. “There is a detective that is going to be stopping by sometime this morning. When he gets here, let me know. I need to talk to him about the files I’m giving him.”

“Aye aye Captain,” Lucy saluted. Carol rolled her eyes, but smiled before she headed back into her office. Janice leaned against the receptionist's desk.

“Did you hear what happened?” She asked.

“No, what?” “Girl, you’ve got to start watching the news,” Janice laughed as she sat down the file she was holding. “I guess there was an explosion in the USSR. In the Ukraine area.” “Yeah? I mean, we have been at war with them since before I was born.” “I don’t think it was us. The explosion was at a nuclear power plant. Like, they had to evacuate a whole city and everything. And the Reds are actually admitting to it, so you know it’s bad.”

“Nuclear power. It’s a brilliant device. Too bad we’re all too stupid to know how to properly use it.” Lucy picked up the handset on her phone to untangle the cord. Lori always left it tangled when she left for the day, and Lucy was convinced she did it just to annoy her. “And just so you know, I do watch the news sometimes.” “MTV news doesn’t count,” Janice shook her head. “Okay, yes, I mainly watch MTV. But, I did hear about rich kid from Canada.” “Oh yeah! The Hart kid. Dad is like, what, a Prime Minister or something, right?”

“Hell if I know. I just know that one of the kids, Bret I think, got arrested for streaking during the President’s speech a few years ago. At the reflecting pool.”

“God, I should really get into politics.” Janice sighed dreamily, thinking of watching a drunk Canadian running through the shallow water buck naked.

“They tried to say he was protesting to get disarmament. But just like, based on the mugshot, I really think he was just drunk as fuck.” “Sometimes drunk idiots are political. That’s why our country is the pits at times,” Janice watched Lucy get her work computer set up. Lucy had helped Carol upgrade her office, starting to move towards a digital world where there would be no need for all the paper they went through. “You know, I think you’re wasting your talents trying to go to nursing school. Take it from me, a nurse.” “What do you mean?”

“Lucy, I mean this in the nicest way possible, but you are a nerd,” Janice gave her a smile. “And you should embrace the nerdiness and go work for Apple or something. While the medical field would love to have you, I think you could do great things on the tech end.”

“Well if you ask my mother, I should be married with at least one kid by now.”

That’s when the door chimed, signaling someone had come in. Lucy and Janice looked up, both shocked as they saw a man in a suit walk in.

“Is that Tom Selleck?” Janice whispered. The man flashed both ladies a smile, but his eyes seemed drawn to Lucy.

“Hey there,” He said, leaning on the counter in front of Lucy. “I’m Agent Scott Hall.” He pulled out his badge to show her, but she couldn’t stop staring at him. A gorgeous smile nestled under a thick mustache, thick brown hair that curled and framed his head, and piercing deep brown eyes and Lucy swore looked right into her soul. Thankfully, Janice pulled her attention back to the here-and-now.

“Oh, yes. I’ll let Dr. Pierce know you’re here,” Lucy could feel that her cheeks were pink as she picked up the phone and called back to Carol. “Dr. Pierce, your appointment is here.” Lucy was trying to sound as professional as she could in front of the agent. “She’ll be here shortly.” “Thanks, uh…” “Lucy! I mean, uh, my name’s Lucy.” “Nice to meet you, Lucy.” The smile that he gave her made her heart race. She felt like a teenager meeting her celebrity crush. Thankfully, she didn’t have to talk anymore, because Carol came to save the day. He gave Lucy a wink as he followed Carol back to her office, allowing Lucy to finally breathe.

***

“Thanks for meeting with me Dr. Pierce,” Scott settled down in the chair across from Carol’s.

“Please, call me Carol,” She opened her filing cabinet and pulled four files out of the cabinet. “I’m just glad I can maybe help with this drug problem. It’s getting really bad.”

“So these are the autopsy files, right?” Scott picked up the stack of files Carol had set on her desk.

“Yeah. Three were strictly drug overdoses that stand out among the others we’ve had. The fourth died of a gunshot wound to the gut but also had high amounts of drugs in their system.”

“This looks different than the stuff we’ve been seeing in the lab,” Scott commented, flipping through the pages.

“It’s different than I’ve seen before,” Carol commented. “I almost feel like it’s a new type of cocaine. It’s not quite crack, but it sure as hell isn’t what we’re used to seeing. More and more of these cases popping up not just in Pinellas County, but all over Florida.” “It’s not just Florida, but we think that it’s originating from here.” Scott closed the files. “Are these my copies?” “Yes, I just need you to sign a release form. And can you leave your card with Lucy, so if I find any more weird things I can give you a call?” She slid the release to him, and he scribbled his signature on it.

“No problem,” He shook her hand and headed back out the way he came. Lucy was checking in an elderly couple for their appointment while Janice pulled their file. Once the couple sat down, Scott approached the desk.

“Hey again,” He smiled at Lucy, and she felt her cheeks lighting up again.

“Hey. Did you get everything you need?” “Well, almost. I just need your number.” Scott chuckled a little when Lucy squeaked.

“Here you go,” Lucy wrote her number on a sticky note, and against her common sense, drew a little heart on it as well. Scott smiled as he took the note, sliding her his card.

“This is for Dr. Pierce, but feel free to call for anything. And I mean anything.” He left then and Janice quickly made her way back over to Lucy.

“Girl!” She was practically bouncing. “He’s just your type and you barely had to say anything! Tell me your secret!” “He’s not my type. I don’t have a type.”

“Oh yes, you do. You love Magnum PI.”

“Well, that’s Tom Selleck. Everyone loves Tom Selleck,” Lucy shrugged.

“What’s that other detective show? The brothers? Oh! Rick Simon. You love him.” Lucy glared at Janice. “I’m right, aren’t I?”

“Don’t you have nurse things to do?” Lucy asked. Janice just laughed before heading to get a room set up for the first patients of the day, while Lucy looked at the business card she had been given.