#you've been on my mind (running thousands and thousands of miles)

[neoplatinum]

morning beauty | myoui 'mina' minari

summary: has mina always looked this beautiful?

pairing: mina x 10th-member!reader

themes: fluff, major major fluff, minor 2yeon, rest of twice

wc: 3.9k

you had something to confess, a little guilty pleasure of yours, well guilty as in you didn't want the other members to find out. but it was truly something you enjoyed for yourself and kept hidden away from the rest of the girls.

you always chose to room with mina, because you liked waking up to her. it started when it was something jeongyeon commented on during the 2022 once day fanmeeting.

when jeongyeon explained that she would like to be reborn married to mina, she explained it was because she wanted to wake up to mina's face everyday. while chaeyoung and nayeon were playfully laying their claim on their women.

you realized you never actually slept in the same bed with mina, so you don't know what jeongyeon means by it. mina's gorgeous, you could never deny that, but wow does jeongyeon sound like she has a crush. you laughed at the sight of a jealous chaeyoung and nayeon.

letting the thought slip into the back of your mind for a while.

--

until twice's 5th word tour: ready to be was starting up. after the grueling work and practice that came with preparing for a seven leg tour, also was the need of having partners for hotel rooms. the first foreign show was kicked off in sydney, australia.

the beautiful warm city with bright lights shining in to the hotel lobby. while you were still trying to adjust to the time difference. just as you were about to yawn, body sinking into the hotel couch, mina walks up to you.

"hi, we're going to be rooming together." in that quiet, calm voice of hers, handing you a second key card. you nod and continue to yawn and rub at your eyes, ready to get settled in the hotel room before soundcheck. stuffing the keycard into your pocket, and rolling the luggage towards the elevators.

the room was gorgeous, facing the beautiful sun shining in, but you felt like a heavy log in water. the time difference was really messing with your energy levels, so you begrudgingly rolled your luggage inside. flopping onto the bed immediately.

mina's quietly humming a song as she gets settled. tucking her luggage away on her side of the room, and then getting ready to play on her switch.

you watched her, with your body laying flat on your stomach, but your head turned towards her. hearing the low sounds of her game, she doesn't say much, but it's comfortable being around her.

she’s always brought you a comforting sense of home even if you are thousands of miles away from korea.

mina's a nice contrast from constantly rooming with nayeon.

nayeon always flings her outfit all over the bed, even landing them on your bed. chargers and phone misplaced all the time, begging you to call her number and to find her chargers. this is a much different change of pace.

you wake up to the sight of mina, wearing cute jeans and a plain tee, long hair running down her back, her face away from you. rummaging through her toiletries bag for something. then she gets up to go wash her face. her face half turned towards you when she realizes you are awake.

you let out a small gasp, has her side profile always been this pretty? your eyes go wide, trailing down her face, from the sharp eyebrows to the beauty mark above her lip and her defined jawline. it's all too much for your heart to handle while still waking up.

"i'm going to go wash my face before soundcheck." she says quietly, nodding at you before disappearing into the bathroom. you begin to wonder what's in the sydney water.

--

the rest of the soundcheck and concert, you've been in a daze: a mina daze. constantly eyeing her from across the stage, side glances and unfocused. has she always looked this good?

you try and snap out of it before the concert starts, but as you watch mina perform 7 rings from behind the stage, your jaw drops naturally. eyes glued to the screen, watching her turn around to drop her ass. you nearly drop your mic.

jeongyeon stares at the performance, cheering mina on, but her eyes fall on you, watching you watch mina. she keeps that in mind.

the rest of the concert goes off without a hitch, the crowd's shouting and the energy in the sydney night is beautiful. you're enjoying a break as the group takes a quick break to chat with fans. you lean down to grab water bottles, handing some to the other members.

then the big screen shifts to mina, and you hear her voice reverberate around the stadium. you try and watch her across the stage, but she's blocked by tzuyu so you turn to watch the 4k big screen instead.

and as she shares her feelings for the sydney onces, you get entranced by her speaking. watching the way her eyes shine under the fluorescent lights and the gorgeous outfit she has on. the second time that day you ask yourself, has she always looked this good? mina continues to talk until you notice yourself being shown on screen, eyes glued to the screen.

you completely miss the timing for your turn to speak, and then nayeon and jeongyeon are making a big deal about you staring at mina. pushing and shoving you playfully as you try and play it off coolly. it's too late though because the internet's already circulating with videos of you staring down the screen with mina's face blown up.

onces all over the internet are making memes over it, the sight of your face, jaw dropped and just in awe of mina on the big screen.

by the time you are focused on the concert again, and interacting with fans. you begin waving and doing requests off of once's posters.

laughing at one that's asking for sana's hand in marriage, you tug her towards the excited fan and watching sana offer her hand out, laughing and running away. as if she didn't just kill that poor fangirl.

--

the walk out of the van into the hotel lobby is tiring, you can feel the adrenaline finally wearing off. the intensity of having to perform for so long taking a toll on you, you keep massaging your shoulder as you follow the girls up the elevator. jihyo and jeongyeon happily chatting about being in australia. and looking forward to exploring local spots.

mina taps you lightly, and you turn your body towards her.

"i brought massage oils." she says quietly, pointing towards the hand thats been rubbing your shoulders. you thank her quietly, letting her walk you to the hotel room, too tired to even talk.

you fall into a chair, watching mina take out another toiletry bag. grabbing some massage oil, taking the time to work the muscle aches and the tension in your shoulder. a nice relaxing feeling with her pressing the buildup away.

"thank you mina." you offer as she leaves to go wash off the massage oil. your cheeks dusted light pink at the attentive care she has for you, even if she's bone tired from her own performance.

after doing your nightly routine, you get ready to sleep off the exhaustion, dreaming of soft hands and long jet black hair. dreaming of the girl in the other bed in the room.

--

waking up you feel like you've been transported into a different world. eyes watching mina do her morning routine so gently and quietly. moving around to collect her outfit for the day, and to put on light makeup.

you try and concentrate on your own morning routine, but you keep glancing over at mina through the wall mirror as she fixes her eyeliner by the other sink. with your face dripping in water, you forget what you were supposed to be doing. that warm yellow light bringing a gorgeous hue to her skin.

walking out to join the other girls for breakfast didn't help either as mina was seated next to you, taking the edge seat closest to the window. the sun bouncing off her skin, glowing even more than in the bathroom. dahyun had to tap on you five times to get you to pass her the syrup bottle.

you try and snap back into the real world, but with a face like mina's, how can you?

--

the melbourne concert was amazing, the synergy in the air making you forget about your little dilemma. you playfully tugged chaeyoung along, running around the stage and making half hearts with her at every corner. hearing the shouts of fans at the sight at every pose. you nearly run into mina at one point, not noticing her in your peripheral until it's too late.

at the last second, you pull her body towards you, arms circling her waist in a protective hold, making sure she didn't fall backwards off the stage. in the stress of the moment, you don't realize how close you are to her face, until you look up. her eyes staring into yours, and your eyes go wide at the closeness.

trying to play it off, taking your arm away from her waist and asking if she's okay. but the video is circling the internet that night, fans squealing at the near kiss.

you try and avoid the topic as you and mina get ready for bed, mina wouldn't confront you about it, you know that much. she's quietly humming another song as she cleans up her make up bag. sorting it and tucking it away.

you try and think about anything else other than her, this mina fixation is slowly eating up your attention.

--

with the osaka and tokyo shows, you begin to get closer to mina, her taking time to bring you around to her favorite spots when she was younger. she's in her home country, and her parents are friendly, familiar faces.

they offer nice gifts to all the members, even asking you how your shoulder is doing. you reply that it's doing well, all thanks to mina's massage oils. they smile at that, glad their daughter is so nice and thoughtful to the other girls.

mina brings all the members over to the myoui residence for a sleepover.

you get a real feel for pre-debut mina. the game obsession is still obvious, but you also discover her childhood memories. photos littered in her room and a giant wall dedicated to the group. you try not to tear up at the sight of everyone as the final lineup from sixteen, but the memories are coming back.

she walks in with a box in her hand.

"this is for you, from my parents." and you look down and see massage oils, top of the line and very very expensive. your eyes widen at the sight, you would never justify buying this for yourself.

"oh mina, you don't have to." you push the box away.

"my parents insisted. i told them about your shoulder, and they ordered it right away." you smile at that, the myoui's are always so thoughtful. you begrudgingly take the box, and thanking her parents for the wonderful gift. promising to always look after mina.

that night as you get ready for a sleepover at the myoui's with all the girls huddled up in her living room floor, you think that you would love to live with mina.

--

then came the US leg of the tour, and with it came more moments spent with mina. you nearly had a heart attack when you found out mina was experiencing back pain the whole concert. she didn't even mention it, just pulled out a back brace from her luggage and wrapped it over her shirt.

mina had to calm you down from calling your manager, your frantic voice demanding a doctor visit immediately. she managed to convince you to let it go, with the promise of much-needed rest and letting you take care of her.

so you use the massage oils her parents bought to massage her back every night. attentively rubbing her lower back and then to her upper back. removing the knots in her shoulder, mina falls asleep at one point, so you tuck her in. pulling the comforter up and washing your hands before getting ready for bed.

with her back pain having flair-ups, you always carry her luggage, insisting that she doesn't carry heavy things. you insist even if she rolls her eyes because you'd rather have an unhappy mina who feels coddled than a mina in pain and aching from carrying around her luggage.

you start to question why you do all this for mina.

--

you've developed a routine since rooming with mina at every hotel. always tucking away mina's luggage by the side of the bed that is closer to the bathroom. in that corner that she always likes, always setting her makeup brushes from biggest to smallest, left to right on her vanity. you always make sure the water you brought to her was warm, not too hot but also not too cold.

when mina is feeling a little under the weather from being in the rain for the atlanta concert, you urge jeongyeon to come with you to buy medicine for her.

you stroll into the target, looking around for cough drops and cough medicine, going up to the cashier and through the use of your translator app, you successfully are directed to the right row. getting cough drops for mina.

while you are busy debating between two brands, with jeongyeon holding a basket full of remedies, jeongyeon asks you this.

"who is mina to you?"

"mina? she's our member." you laugh, what a silly question jeongyeon.

"no, who is mina to YOU?" jeongyeon asks again, as you shove one bag back into the display. then reaching into the back of a different row to get a bag of cough drops that hopefully no one has touched.

"she's my..." you stop, hand on the bag. a little confused by what jeongyeon means. "why are you asking this question?"

jeongyeon keeps shuffling her feet, peering on the other side and picking up a box of travel toothpaste for herself. "you've just been really close with her, and now you're even out here buying medicine and little things that she likes."

"well of course i would, it's what you would do for nayeon." you roll your eyes at the obvious.

"exactly, nayeon and i are together, and when she was sick you didn't rush me out here to buy her medicine. so what does that make mina to you?"

you grab the bag, placing it into the basket and briskly walking away.

"hey! you can't avoid the question!" jeongyeon catches up to you, while you continue to ignore her, and then you see a row of red. the nintendo switch display aisle.

bingo.

you begin searching through the rows of game cartridges for pikmin 4.

the game that mina's been raving about the release for. talking to you animatedly about how she excited she is to get her hands on it, talking about her obsession with the previous games. you kept that in mind to buy it for her when it releases.

with the chaotic schedule, mina never had the time to buy the game, so you took it upon yourself to buy it for her.

"oh you are so in love with her, dodging my question only to buy mina a switch game?" jeongyeon smirks at you placing the game into her basket.

"am not!" you shout back, and jeongyeon cackles because you're lying through your teeth. your cheeks are flushed, and you're throwing the worst temper tantrum ever.

"yeah, sure." jeongyeon continues to cackle as you take the basket out of her hand, rushing forward to pay for the stuff, ignoring the way jeongyeon is just waiting for you to look at her with that knowing smirk of hers.

you are not giving her the satisfaction.

you return to your hotel room after shoving jeongyeon to her room. begging nayeon to take her girlfriend away so she can stop asking you if you're in love with mina.

obviously you are not.

you walk into your own room, seeing mina laying like she was before you left, switch in hand and looking pale. you immediately press your hand to her forehead, oh good, she doesn't have a fever.

you start taking things out of the shopping bag. cough drops, and bottle of cough medicine in case she needed something stronger. pedialyte to rehydrate herself, chicken soup that won't hurt her stomach. and tylenol medicine in case she gets a fever. at the display of all the items on her nightstand, you scratch the back of your head. did you really buy that much?

"thank you, you really didn't have to get me so much. it was only a cough." she says quietly, taking the bag of cough drops and ripping it to throw one in her mouth. you realize you have definitely overreacted, but how could you not when mina was coughing?

then you remembered the gift in your hand.

"i also bought something for you." you hand her the physical copy of pikmin 4. watching the ways her eyes go wide, excitement coursing through her, she leans forward, offering you a hug, that has you frozen. and she turns to open the game. you sit by her side the rest of the night letting her explain the game to you.

oh god, maybe you are in love with mina.

--

it becomes a habit, watching mina play her games every night, no matter how hard or confusing the game was, you alway sat by her to watch her. sometimes she caught you watching her instead of the game and would just redirect your focus back to the game.

then it becomes a habit of sleeping in the same bed. you wake up to the sight of mina, always waking up before her, sometimes you liked tucking her hair out of her face if you were bold. or plugging her switch into the outlets when she falls asleep playing it. you don't question it when she gets closer to you, and you lay your arm over her protectively.

today, mina didn't even want to wake up, so here you are, arranging breakfast in a tray from the lobby, bringing it up to her. with jeongyeon following you, you forget about how this isn't normal behavior for you. so dedicated and attentive to mina's wellbeing.

you walk in and gently place the tray by the counter. then you sit down to wake up mina, tapping her shoulder in a way you know won't spook her. as she slowly gets up, you brush her hair away, you also unwrap utensils for her to eat the breakfast you have for her.

she's enjoying her meal, with you making sure each bite isn't hot, blowing on it if it's too hot. and then you hear it.

"oh. my. god." your head snaps towards the hallway, the sight of jeongyeon and nayeon peering in, with jeongyeon filming the whole interaction. nayeon giggling like an idiot and hitting jeongyeon on the arm. then you get up ready to chase them out the room, them both turning on their heel rushing out the room.

you grow embarrassed, cheeks and ears flushed red and you look at mina, who also seems embarrassed being caught like this.

"let me go talk to them." you say, needing an out from this awkward moment. mina nods and continues eating her meal, letting you walk out, with your hands in your pockets and a nervous shiver down your spine.

you spot the two girls, eyeing jeongyeon's phone, and you can see it even if their back is turned to you. nayeon's snickering and jeongyeon's loud gasps. the video of you hand-feeding mina playing through the speakers.

"jeongyeon!" you shout as you get ready to snatch the phone out of her hand. she's quick, tucking the phone into her shirt. if it had been literally any two other members, you would not have to lose your head like this.

"so...mind explaining to us what's going on?" nayeon looks at you amusedly, pointing at the hotel door. you shake your head no, adamantly.

"oh also, just so you know, jeongyeon sent the video into the groupchat." nayeon says to you, and jeongyeon chases after her girlfriend down the hallway. you get ready for the confrontation that's going to happen when everyone in the group chat sees the video.

--

jihyo has you and mina in two chairs, watching you two closely. eyes boring into your and then into mina's, it keeps going on until you finally snap.

"jihyo please, can you just say what you want to say?" you sigh.

"okay, i had to do this to jeongyeon and nayeon when i found out they were sleeping together." she explains, you gag at the information, while mina looks away. "are you two together?"

"we're..." you trail off at the end. you haven't asked mina at all, you barely know if she feels anything towards you. mina taps her foot rhythmically. a nervous tick she's developed over the years, you hold her hand, and she stops tapping her foot.

"ooookay, i'll let you guys talk it out." jihyo slips out of the room, closing the door behind her.

you look at mina, she's not looking at you either. but the urge to confess was too much to handle, and you realize words are tumbling out of your mouth, before you had the time to think it through.

"i like you mina, i realized it through this tour, with how beautiful you are, i mean that inside and out. you were so attentive about my shoulder and you always offered to give me a massage even if you were tired from the concert."

you continue to word vomit in front of her.

"i mean i always knew you were gorgeous, but wow you take my breath away. seriously, all those videos circulating the internet was actually because you took my breath away. i want to wake up to your face, every. single. day. i don't know if you like me back, but i really do like you."

her face is beet red, hands rubbing one another as she listens to you talk, and then without another word, she gives you a quick peck on the lips, and returns to her seat. even more embarrassed than before.

"mina?" you gasp out. feeling for your lips, ones that she just kissed. she shakes her head no, but her feeling are betraying her. her body sinking into herself.

you giggle at it; it's cute that she can't even say it. "i'm going to assume you like me back because you kissed me."

she nods her head shyly, and then you let out a laugh.

--

at the very last concert of the ready to be tour. you're busy trying to tease tzuyu with momo. a wonderful encore stage to wrap up the amazing 49 concert tour. you continue to circulate the stage, often chasing jeongyeon and nayeon, when you spot a sign, "mina, will you marry me?"

you squint a bit at it, a little hard to read in the night, but when you get it, you immediately bring the mic to your lips, accidentally speaking into it.

"you can't marry mina, i'm marrying her."

the video breaks the internet.

--

a/n: this is a birthday gift to minari!! thank you to @im--yoong who messaged me requesting this fic, this is the video that inspired this fic!!

ALSO HUGE HUGE HUGE SHOUTOUT to @cry4mina who helped me move this story along, frfr saved me. bare-faced mina could save me, i believe it. stay safe and stay healthy everyone!

[qlossytbh]

𝐨𝐜𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 - 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐱 𝐟𝐞𝐦!𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬 you and conrad had established no strings attached, that is until valentines fold up and conrad suddenly seeks more out of you.

𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 implications of sex, fwb, lots of fluff towards the end

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭 3.1k by

𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞 back at it lol. i’m taking request!! feel free to send in any requests for any of the characters on my masterlist

𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐫𝐚𝐝 𝐟𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 | 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

Valentines day. 

Some people are apprehensive when it comes to deciding what to spend the day doing on this particular holiday. For the lucky, it might be spending the day with their significant other or sitting around, basking in the simplicity of spending time with the person you love. For others, it was spending the day watching sappy rom-cons or moping around about the very fact of being single.

For you, Valentine's Day was the perfect excuse to show everyone how much you loved and cared for them. You were an overall extremely affectionate person, giving intricate gifts was a part of who you were. It was an extreme love language of yours— the feeling of running around, planning and buying different parts and pieces for each gift was something you found loads of fun in doing. 

For example, you had just finished baking and packing up your usual valentine themed cookie boxes to send out to all of your coworkers who worked with you at the local dog shelter. You had also sent out all of the small valentine themed envelopes to your family, who lived down the street from Susannah’s house here in Cousins, which reminded you not to forget her and Laurel's bouquets. You also put together the little treat bags with the group's favorite candy and other small things; one for Jeremiah, one for Steven, one for Belly, and one for Conrad.

It maybe was a lot, but you couldn't help yourself. You loved Valentine's Day. 

It was currently around four in the afternoon, and you were rushing around the kitchen of the Fisher household, scrolling through your tablet, checking off a few of the things you had left to do. 

Jeremiah walked into the room along with Belly, Steven, and Conrad.

"Hello Jeremiah." You looked up from your tablet and caught Jeremiah reaching for a cookie from one of the batches you were going to give out to your neighbours later on. His face twisted, laughing in embarrassment. You shook your head, looking down at the screen with a smile. 

"I left a batch of red velvet cupcakes near the fridge," Jeremiah and Stevens faces lit up. 

"You are the best person to step foot on this planet," Steven praised as they rounded the corner in attempts to get their hands on one of the cupcakes. 

"Seem's like you've been busy," Belly said, scanning the room as you set the tablet down on the counter. "I'll never get how you do it."

You shrugged, pulling your hand back and letting down the messy bun you had whipped up a few hours ago. "What can I say? Its Valentine’s Day."

"Not a valid answer, you don't see me running around gifting people random lovey shit, huh?" Conrad butted in as he leaned against the wall. You shot a glare at him.

"Well, you don't do lovey shit anyways," You teased with a smile, looking at your feet. "I dont know, I like seeing people happy, thats really all there is to it."

Belly looked at you with a smile. "That and your mind works at like, a thousand miles per hour."

It was true, you had a tendency to always need to be moving around. You barely sat still, not being able to stand the feeling of not being productive. You were always doing something, or you always had something to do. It was the main reason why you always ended burnt out. You loved doing things constantly, but it came with the heavy price of not knowing when you should stop doing things and rest. 

"People only usually do this stuff when they have boyfriends and shit like that," Belly insinuated. 

"You trying to tell us something, Y/n?" She said, gesturing towards her and Conrad. 

You cleared your throat, feeling a heat wave spread itself against your cheeks. You looked down only momentarily before shooting the pair a smile. "I do this every year Belly, if I had a special someone, you'd be able to tell."

It had been half true, given how you and Conrad weren't necessarily dating. 

It was complicated, at least if you explained it to others. You and Conrad had been best friends since you started coming to Cousins, which was since you were a baby. You loved Belly and Steven, and you loved Jeremiah, but things always felt different with Conrad. 

People had told you that Conrad was never an open book, and it surprised you at first, because he had always been more than open with you. It took very little, if not nothing, to guess with just a glance at what was going on in his head.

Many of the words that people used to describe Conrad Fisher, were the complete opposite of what you knew him to be. Conrad had a side of him that was reserved for only you, and you eventually started noticing it throughout your friendship. 

The two of you had many things that you preferred to leave unspoken. It had always worked like that with the two of you. When it came to how you felt about him, you couldn't put much into words. Words didn't do it justice most of the time.

But you and Conrad had been involved in this, thing, for about a year now. It started last summer, the two of you having one too many drinks at a party and hooking up accidentally. Or so you'd like to say it like that, because no one hooks up with their best friend drunk and says it was an accident. The two of you, not being able to communicate properly, ignored what happened that night for weeks.

But then it happened again

and again, 

and then again.

And none of the following times included alcohol. But for some reason, each time you saw each other after any sexual rendezvous, things would go completely back to normal. You guessed that was just your relationship with Conrad, it never got awkward or weird. 

You did however end up talking about it with him. 

"Can we talk?" You said, knocking on Conrad's door softly. He was lying down in his bed, book in hand. He sat up, placing it on the nightstand beside his bed. You looked at each other before he shook his head and ran a hand through his hair

"Sure," You walked in, feeling the cool air of the air conditioning hit your legs. You closed the door behind you, swallowing thickly as you could sense this conversation was going somewhere. You couldn't decipher if it was for the better or for the worse. 

You sat on the edge of his bed and looked into his eyes in silence. His gaze was just as locked on you as you were on him. That was before smiles started to grow on each of your faces before you threw your head back, laughing at the ridicule the situation presented. 

"I really don't know why we should talk about this," You said, turning to the side. 

Conrad sighed. "No, we probably should."

You looked at Conrad and focused on the blue in his eyes. "I dont regret what happened."

"Neither do I."

 "Is there a particular reason as to why it happened again after the first time?" You shifted your body and fiddled with your fingers. "And the second and third..

Conrad sighed heavily through his nose. He didn't get what was happening to him at all. He knew he cared about you; he knew he loved being near you and spending time with you. And he enjoyed what had happened between you two, 

A lot. 

But he didn't feel the need to put a title on what the two of you were. At this point, he was definitely opposed to the idea of dating, but he wasn't opposed to the idea of you. Maybe in the future? He didnt know, he was truly lost. 

And so were you. Which you hated. You couldn't stand not knowing what you wanted or what you were feeling. You needed to put titles onto everything—every feeling, every emotion, every situation—thats how your mind worked. But you knew you didn't want a relationship at this point in your life, but you loved spending time with Conrad the way you have recently.

"I don't know," He settled. "I don't see myself in a relationship, but I do love doing all the things we've been doing. 

You look at him and see a glint of something flashes through his eyes. "A lot."

You felt a rush of adrenaline pump through your veins as your cheeks went hot. You reached up, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. "I do too."

"I say," He pushed his body closer to yours, his knees lightly grazing against yours. You watched his movements with a sharp intensity. "Let's just be the friends we’ve been since we could talk, and ocacionally thing."

He placed a hand on your thigh. "Things have been normal so far, would you want to keep doing things?"

You nodded and smiled as he leaned forward. You said in a whisper, "What things are we talking about specifically?"

"Should I say it?" His breath fanned over your own. He then pressed a chaste kiss onto your lips, allowing your eyes to flutter close in delight as you smiled through the kiss. "Or do you want me to show you,"

With that you pressed your lips onto his, hungry for whatever you could have of him. 

For the rest of the summer it continued. The two of your manadged to keep it a secret, not wanting any complications of anyone else trying to put a name to whatever it was the two of you had. 

You didn't even know what it was. Friends with benefits? It was more than that, given how you two cuddled occasionally, kissed occasionally, and went on occasional dates. It stressed you out more to try to figure out what it was than just enjoying it. 

Plus, you knew Conrad cared for you, and you cared for him. That was all that really mattered to you anyway. 

Even when summer ended, you two talked all the time, which was not out of the norm for the two of you. The only difference was the occasional sexting. 

Things were occasional between the two of you, if you couldn't tell by now.

Winter break in Cousin's was your favorite, and when your college gave the students a week off, you were ecstatic. Every year, you never manadged to catch the Conklin and Fisher family, given how they were always given a few weeks off in January instead of February. You grabbed your keys, packed a bag, and headed straight for Cousin's.

Things with Conrad this week had been amazing, but you could tell things were a bit more romatic. Before it was easy to difirenciate when you were only friends and when you were in need of physical touch or intimacy, but now things were all fused and mixed together. 

It didnt bother you enough to talk about it though and neither did he, so you left it at that

You put the last bits of the dishes into the dryer before brushing your hands against the fabric of your cotton shorts. Jeremiah walked into the room with his keys in his hand. "Were headed out."

You looked over at him, grabing your phone and scanning it for any new messages. "Sounds okay,"

"We'll probably be back late, you and Conrad going to be okay?" You deadpanned at the boy.

"We'll be fine," You walked over to him, grabbing him by the shoulders and leading him towards the front door, where Steven and Belly stood. "You go have fun with Steven and Belly, god knows you need to take the poor girl out."

"Thank you," Belly said, agreeing with you. "Mom said she'd be back with Susanah in a few hours." 

You nodded, feeling the breeze of the cold air hit your bare shoulders as Steven opened the front door. Steven jumped. "Oh shit! Almost forgot." 

"That monstrousity came for you today," Steven said, pointing over to your left. "It had a small card, some sappy bullshit on it." 

"For me?" You looked over to the side, letting your jaw slack slightly. Placed perfectly in the middle of the table was a huge bouquet full of red roses and white tulips, both of your favorite flowers. They were carefully wrapped in white and silver paper, adorned almost perfectly with a pink satin bow. 

You never got much on Valentine's Day; you were used to giving the presents, not receiving them. You looked at the group aprehensively once more before walking carefully over to the table. You picked up the small card, reading it carefully: 'Happy Valentines Day pretty girl'

You felt your heart thump against your chest. You let out a small chuckle as your cheeks turned red, knowing exactly who these were from. "Dumbass.."

"What was that about not having a boyfriend?" Belly butted in, causing you to snap out of your lovesick trance. You turned to the three of them, who were eyeing you as you stumbled on your words. 

"Just- uhm, some guy thats been bothering me," You nervously chuckled, rubbing the back of your neck. The three of them looked at each other. 

"Conrad's gonna be pissed." Steven whispered before closing the door and heading out. You laughed to yourself and looked up the stairs, shaking your head. If only they knew. You placed the card down, looking back at the flowers once more before heading upstairs. 

You turned the corner, knocking softly on Conrad's door. With a hum on his side, you pushed the door open. He was standing near his bed with his shirt in his hand, and off of his body.

"Hey," He said, tossing the shirt into his already open closet. "I was just heading to bed." 

You smiled to yourself while crossing your arms, leaning against the door frame. "I thought you didn't do that lovey valentines day shit" 

He paused, looking at you with a perplexed look on his face. You rolled your eyes, walking into the room and closing the door behind you. Conrad eyed you carefully as you made your way to him. "Are you talking about the flowers?"

"Yes Conrad, I'm talking about the flowers," You said, placing a kiss onto his lips. He smiled into the kiss, letting his hands reach your waist, giving you the space your wrap your arms around his neck. You smiled widely into the kiss, not being able to contain your giddiness. 

Your heart was beating wrapidly in your chest, a feeling only Conrad gave you. You pushed into the kiss, deepening it as you directed his body towards his bed. The back of his knees hit the matress, forcing him to sit on the matress, which gave you the space to crawl onto his lap. 

You pulled away, looking down at the blonde boy whom you were currently straddling. "I'm guessing you liked them?”

"How'd you know roses and tulips were my favorite?" You said, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear as you admired the facial features you had grown to love. 

"I pay attention," He leaned forward, kissing the spot on your jaw just below your ear, causing a small giggle to erupt from your chest. 

"Thank you," You whispered, pulling away from him and looking into his eyes deeply. "You didn't have to, really."

He stared back at you, heart fluttering wildly. A feeling he was used to feeling around you, something only you brought out in him. It seemed that no matter how many girls would pop into his life or would come up to him at any frat party, you were always the first one on his mind. You were the only one on his mind.

"Of course I did," He kissed your cheek. "Its not even a quarter of what you deserve."

There it was again. He His your jaw again, trsiling soft delicate kissing up your neck. They were affectionate, none trying to iniciate something. Just soft pecks adorned with love and adoration. You let your hands enravel themselves into his hair, sighing in contentment. 

"Things have changed haven’t they?" You whispered as you pulled his body closer to yours. 

"Mhm," He agreed. You looked at the wall in front of you.

"Can we talk about it?" 

Conrad pulled away, looking at you with a look on his face. You stared back in silence. "Talk to me,"

You sighed, not really knowing what to say. Your heart fluttered at the sight of his attention, listening closely to what you had to say. 

The thing is you didnt know what to say. All you knew is that you cared about the boy in front of you a lot, and this ocassional thing has been going on for so long now. You knew you didnt want to end anything, fuck no. But you wanted more and you were scared it was a one paged thing. 

"Whyd you sent me the flowers?" You asked, paying close attention to his features. He smiled to himself, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. 

"Becuase," He started. "You love Valentines day, and you love recieving gifts, giving them as well, but not a lot of people know you like recieving them as well."

He continued. "You hate the color orange, you say it makes you squirmy and uncomfortable. Your favorite movies Rapunzel, great choice by the way,"

"You give so much to the people you love and I can vouch for that." He grabbed your hands, carresing them softly in his own. 

You looked at him in silence. "I don't want to do this thing occasionally anymore, I want it always.”

You and Conrad had always had a strong relationship, and its been a long time since it stopped being just platonic. You knew everything about him and so did he. Hell, it probably stopped being platonic before you even had sex with him for the first time.

Both of you could’ve saved yourselves months of time if you’d let yourself feel what you were meant to feel for each other sooner.

“So this mean what exactly? That you’re officially asking me to be your ‘girlfriend’” You asked, saying the word that felt so foreign. You knitted your eyebrows, waiting for an answer.

“If that’s something you want,” He said, hope and anxiety flooding his gaze. You stared down at him, smiling softly. You leaned in.

“I’d like that.” You closed the gap between the two of you, sighing deeply into the kiss.

Something inside you felt satisfied. As if your body had been longing for a confirmation that Conrad really was just yours.

He had always been.

You pulled away, hands resting at his bare shoulders as your foreheads rested against each other.

“Can we watch Tangled now?” You asked, voice laced with excitement. He rolled his eyes, pecking your lips softly.

“Duh.”

[railingsofsorrow]

loving you is all I know

[klaus mikaelson x reader]

summary: all you could smell was blood. your skin was stained with it. your clothes drenched. what you needed was the silence and him. but he didn't seem to trust you on that.

pairing: klaus mikaelson x fem!supernatural!reader

w.c: 2K

warnings/content: graphic descriptions of violence; blood; injuries; mentions of dissociation during a specific moment; self-blame; fear of abandonment and not being enough for one to stay; lots of hurt/the comfort; murder talk; there's fluff (if you trust me); mentions of biting (lovebites!).

A/N: this turned darker than I expected it to. it was supposed to be a soft blurb but it became a lot more serious and complex. so go ahead, I hope you enjoy my view of klaus mikaelson <;3

✭°。°。✭°。°。✭°。°。

“May I help?”

Klaus peaked through the bedroom door. you noticed his voice wasn't as assertive as it had been before, it never was when it was directed at you. His tone never carrying an edge or a hint at something other than care.

When the killing spree happened the wolf could be seen inside his eyes, anger radiating off of every limb of his body as he tore off arms, legs and heads. You watched quietly as a smile spread on his lips when all was done. The blood was spilled and he was satisfied.

You weren't mad. You weren't horrified. You were used to it— unfazed by now. Klaus has never been a monster in your eyes, you've seen it yourself how kind his heart could be. How deeply he cared.

After a thousand years of being alive, your way of reacting to things may change. His were just a little bit... Unconventional.

Your eyes caught your reflection through the mirror. Blood. In your shirt. In your hands. In your face. You could smell the iron and you bet that anyone — vampire or not — could also smell it from thirty miles away.

Fuck.

You shouldn't be that affected by it. You've been bloodied before. You've entered situations like that before. Why were you so frozen now?

“Love.”

A knock on the bathroom door made you flinch, wrapping your arms around yourself in a form of protection. I'm home. I'm safe.

“I'm just going to take a bath,” you let out softly, unbuttoning your stained t-shirt. You didn't remember which color it was anymore, it was just deep red now.

“May I help?” the door creaked open, his hesitation to come in was clear. And you couldn't judge, you did looked like a wounded animal that would run away at any approach. “I can prepare the water the way you like it.” He bargained.

You heard the guilt in his voice and your heart clenched. None of that had been his fault. And still, he blamed himself for how you felt. You knew he did.

“Klaus,” you said, lifting a hand to touch the door handle. “I'm fine.”

“You're not." He paused. “And that's completely understandable.”

You wanted to be mad at him. Why had he give that affirmation with such certainty? But he wasn't wrong, was he? He just knew you too well.

“If you'd like to be alone, I can leave. Just know that I'm here whenever you need me.”

You might as well have lunged towards the door, fully opening it and grabbing his wrist, stopping him from leaving. “No,” you retorted, the other hand wrapping around his arm to bring him closer. It's you. It's you that I need. “Stay.” The words left your mouth in a whisper. “Please?”

He didn't need to be told twice.

“Okay.”

His touch was gentle as he helped you take off your clothes. You knew he was afraid to hurt you, more than you already was hurt — barely any physical wounds though. Those would heal quickly.

You don't know how long you spent immersed on the bath, after taking a shower to clean yourself from the all the blood. Your lashes laid shut in your cheeks as your mind finally seemed to give you some rest. Not only that, but Klaus's fingers massaging your scalp while he washed your hair was what made you drift off.

“Love.”

He brushed some of your wet strands away from your face, leaning down to kiss your temple. “Let's dry you up.” You hummed, leaning into his touch unconsciouslly.

“I want to stay here,” You retorted, raising a hand until it reached the back of his head, you started playing with his baby hairs. “Forever. May I?”

“You may do whatever you wish, my darling,” his breath grazed the back of your ear. “I'm only here to make it come true.”

The corner of your lips lifted slightly. A while later you turned to look at him, a silent request. pressing his lips to your cheek softly, he cupped you up in his arms, gaining a loud protest about ruining his shirt. He didn't care, he had plenty of those to spare.

“Is this one good?”

“Mhm.”

One of Klaus's shirt covered your upper body as you buried yourself in the sheets, sighing in delight. Oh, I'm home.

But something's missing — You thought, running a hand on the empty side of the bed.

Before you could call out for him, he arrived at your side, hands roaming over your the small of your back, pulling your body towards his. You went willingly, breathing into his familiar scent. A mix of cashmere wood and after-shave. There you are. you wrapped your arms around his middle, head tucked into his shoulder.

But before you let your body and mind rest for the day, you needed to say something. Or rather, he needed to hear something from you.

“It wasn't your fault,” you begin, tracing random patterns in his shaved jaw. The skin was smooth and he looked so young when he did it. “I know what's happening inside your head right now. I can see the cogs turning.” You let out the last part in a low voice, tapping the side of his head playfully. He looked down at you, studying your features with an unreadable expression. You didn't like because that meant he did not agreed with your statement. However, you'd take it because it also meant he was willing to listen to what you had to say. “You didn't hurt me, Klaus. If you hadn't gotten there, I'd be worse than I was. You saved me.” You inhale deeply. “There's nothing that you could do that would drive me away. I knew who you were before I met you. I chose you and I'd choose you again and again for as long as you allow me to.”

He interrupted you by cupping your face and bringing your lips to his. The kiss was warm and inviting at the same time. But it didn't gave indication to anything else, he just wanted you to know that he believed in your claim — or at least, he was trying to.

“The blood, it— it scared me,” you said, choosing to be sincere as well. That's what he always asked of you after all. That's what you asked of each other. “You know, when I'm fighting back, my brain shuts off. It works more like a... robotic reaction if you know what I mean.”

He nodded, encouraging to carry on.

“It sort of turns off during it and when the adrenaline wears off I'm just... Knackered.” you pause. “I'm working on it. It's a process. The point is: I don't blame you for what happened.”

“Sometimes, I think you should. You are allowed to.” Klaus argued. “My last name puts a target on your back. Everywhere you go. Haven't you ever considered how easier it was to live your life before I walked into it?”

“I have considered it. Yes,” You admit. The pace of his heartbeat quickening slightly. “But that is just a fact. And in the past. A past where I'd never go back to because you weren't in it. Precisely because you weren't in it. Klaus,” you said almost pleadingly. “I would've took off the moment I heard your name if I wanted to. Your reputation precedes you, darling.” He let out a scoff and you smirked. “But you have never been what people said. Not to me. You are kind, despite your stubborness in believing in that. You are protective, god forbid a threat to your family. And most of all, you are loveable.” You could see his jaw clench as he looked away. That wouldn't stop you. “You deserve love and you deserve to be cared for. You also deserve me even if you keep telling yourself otherwise.” You had to tilt your head to meet his dark blue eyes, he was too busy acting like a toddler avoiding your gaze. Your grin widened when you succeeded.

“I love you, Klaus Mikaelson.” You said, pecking his left cheek. “My life is exactly the way I'd want it to be,” then his right one. “...I don't want easier. I want you. I hope someday you get that through your thick thousanth-year skull.”

“Are you calling me old?” He poked your hip, making you squirm and slap his chest in response. A hoarse chuckle reverberated through the room.

“I saw you blush. Tickling me isn't going to change that.”

“You saw no such thing.”

“I did.”

“Did not.”

“You sound like a child—” a sound of surprise let your mouth as he switched you over. His arms supporting his weight as he kissed down your neck passionately, lowering to your torso. Your shirt lifted slightly.

“There's something you need to know.” he said gravelly, mouth working on your skin with diligence. You shivered at the soft bite on your stomach, he marked you there twice, fingers grazing the lovebites. When he looked back at you, he didn't have that haunting look in his eyes anymore. Something softer laid there. Conviction. “I love you,” he said, laying back at your side. “And you're brave. You're strong. There's situations we can't control how we feel or what we do. You said that I saved you. But you save me every single day just by being here. By choosing me.”

You blink up at him, not expecting those words. Communication was something essential in your relationship. That's why you were having this conversation in the first place, but hearing him say that you saved him was just— you didn't expect it. You didn't imagine he felt like that.

“I'm not letting you go anywhere. don't fool yourself.” He gave you a smug smile and you shook in laughter by the abrupt change. From love confession to murderous threat. “You are too involved.” You are half of me. You have half of me. Who would I be if you left? What part of me would survive? “i'd have to kill you.” He watched fondly as your face twitched with joy.

“Oh?” You lifted your head, chin resting against the back of your hands on his chest. “Really? That'd be a dilemma.” Your eyes glinted wickedly. “Better start now, Mikaelson. But have it mind that I'm always a step ahead of you.”

He couldn't even deny that.

“Are you?” He teased, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. You grinned up at him, eyes wrinkling at the edges. Bloody hell. I'm done for. His brain screamed. “You're so bloody beautiful,” his eyes softened, a finger touching your lower lip. “I couldn't imagine my life without you in it.” Even if you decide to go one day. And it will destroy me. It will wreck every barrier I've ever build. “I love you. Always and forever.”

You laid your lips on his, kissing him slowly, gently. The world around you becoming dust while the only real palpable thing was his body and your touch.

And there it is. his mind flaring with you without his control, a dangerous combination but he was too far gone to be able to fight it.

“I love you too,” you breathed into his mouth, your grip on each side of his neck tightening as if you feared he'd slip away. Your body relaxing on his. “Always and forever.”

[kriffingstars]

Johnny MacTavish; found out

pairing: Johnny MacTavish x Price!Reader summary: you and Johnny get rumbled. Uncle John is not a happy camper warnings: verrrrrry slight age gap (I imagine reader to be around 20, Johnny is 26), canon typical violence, swearing a/n: i wrote this running off of 4 hours sleep on an 8 hour flight, i can only apologise for any typos/sentences that don’t make sense. i did try and check before posting

It's careless really, the way your Uncle finds out about the two of you.

After two months away, he calls you to let you know he'll be home at the end of the week. You get a similar call from Johnny after, letting you know that he'll be all yours for the next few weeks.

At your beck and call, is how he phrases it.

You hadn't forgotten about the letter stuck to the front of the fridge with one of the magnets your Uncle had bought you whilst he was away a few months ago.

On the contrary, you adore it. It's on the fridge because you see it every time you walk into the kitchen. Reading the tentative words in the first love letter you have ever received.

Sweets,

Being away from you is killing me, I'm being safe like I promised, keeping my head in the game, but I can't get you out of my head.

All I'm thinking about is coming home to you, you're going to have to pry me off you when I'm back.

I haven't said it yet but I love you. No one will ever come close to the way I feel about you. You bring me peace, make all the stuff in my head quiet and it's just you.

I can't believe you've been hidden away from me all this time.

When I'm home I'm going to take you out, I'll whisk you away somewhere nice and it'll be just us. No work, no worries and we'll figure it all out.

I hope you're not working too hard like I know you do. You're too smart for any of us, me especially. I could listen to you talk for days. Missing your voice, I'm sorry we can't call, but figured you'd enjoy a letter all the same.

Love your Johnny x

You cried like a baby when it arrived. Even when you're thousands of miles apart he's still thinking about ways to make you happy, and you're more than sure that he is it for you.

No one else could ever compete with the way that he has completely and utterly captured your heart.

Price feels his blood boil as he holds the letter in his hands, eyes flitting over a few of the stand-out phrases in it, written in Johnny's unmistakable handwriting. He's seen it enough on reports he's had to sign off to know it's his without having to even check the last line.

Seething is an understatement as he climbs back into his car, racing back to base to confront the man who has blatantly ignored all the warnings he's given.

It's not even the disrespect that angers him the most, it's the trust that Soap has completely broken. All the assurances, joking that you're a nicer version of him. How it's all just friendly, how he'd never make a move on you.

His thoughts flit back to you, you've got no clue what you've done to yourself. What you've opened yourself up to because if you realised, he's certain you would never have done this to him.

You're out at the moment, god knows where. He was expecting you to be at home considering it's the summer holiday for you. He'll deal with you later, probably more softly and with a bit more tact than the way he knows he's going to deal with Soap when he gets his bloody hands on him.

He's never driven so quickly back to base, even when he's been called in for emergencies.

He doesn't care for the speeding fine he's most likely going to cop, all that's on his mind is tearing Soap limb to fucking limb.

"MacTavish," is all he bellows as he spots the Scotsman, laughing with Ghost about who knows what.

"What the fuck is this?!" he bellows, slapping the letter down on the table in front of the cursed man.

Everything about the action causing the Scotsman in front of him to jump out of his skin.

"You're a dead man, MacTavish. Going to fucking bury you," he shouts as he leaps towards Soap, who's backed away from the table and the letter that's tossed on top of it.

Ghost has never seen the Captain so red, the veins in his neck stand up with rage as a vein down his forehead pulses with anger.

He doesn't waste any time putting himself between the two men, holding Soap back, his t-shirt screwed in his fist, and a flat palm again Price's chest.

It doesn't matter that he's the aggressor in this instance, he's not manhandling his Captain, no matter the issue.

"I told you to stay away, let you be her friend and you ignore everything."

Right. This needs to go somewhere private because this is definitely a personal issue, and there are a lot of eyes on the three of them currently, listening in to everything.

"Not here," is all Ghost needs to say before Price is storming off to his office, not even checking to see if Soap is following. He doesn't need to, Soap knows he'll only make things even worse if he runs now.

"What did you do, mate?" is all he says as he releases the man, pushing him in front, not before grabbing the letter left on the table, as they both march to Price's office.

When they get there papers are strewn, furniture is out of place and Price is pacing and mumbling incoherent threats.

Neither man has ever seen him so riled up, even on the battlefield. It's jarring. Usually, their Captain is so precise with his anger, it's carefully controlled and this is nothing like that.

He doesn't acknowledge them when they come in, he lets them stew in the tension. Waiting to pounce.

"Sit down."

Soap's in the chair in seconds, and for the second time today Ghost sees something new, this time it's Soap moving the fastest he ever has.

"I'm going to ask you questions and you're going to answer them."

Ghost feels like he really shouldn't be here, but if he leaves now he's not certain both men are coming out of this room alive.

Soap's looking absolutely terrified, he's pale and shaking harder than ever. His heart is beating at a rate that's completely unsustainable, he's either going to pass out or go over with a clutcher.

"How long."

Soap is stumbling over his words as he eventually spurts out "Six months,"

"Sir. Six months, sir," Price corrects, as he squares his shoulder, the tension not easing.

"Yes sir, sorry sir," Soap apologises as he bows his head not risking making eye contact.

"You've been lying to me and directly disobeying order for six fucking months!" he spits, as he advances on the man in the chair, before slamming his hand down on the desk next to Soap.

The sound rips through the office and once again Soap is jumping out of his skin at the blistering noise.

"Do you realise what you've done?" is the next thing that comes from Price's mouth. It's barely audible as he gets up in the younger man's face.

Ghost's seen Price interrogate the worst of the worst, and still, nothing could compare to this. The venom in his voice, or the malice in his eyes.

It's personal this time.

"Tell me why I shouldn't gut you from head to toe?" he spits, as he leans back again, waiting for Soap's answer.

"Because I love her, sir."

It's the first time he lifts his gaze the entire interaction.

"You love her?" Price scoffs, as he mocks the man shrinking under his gaze.

"That makes it okay then, why didn't you say so?" he mocks.

Ghost isn't sure what's going to happen next, it certainly isn't what Soap says next.

"I want to marry her, sir. She's the best thing that's ever happened to me, sir."

That was definitely not the right response, and it sends Price reeling.

"Oh, that makes it okay then, should have just said so!" he's seething now. Ghost really didn't think he could get more riled up than he already is, but once again he's surprised which doesn't happen very easily.

"Not only have you disrespected my orders. You've dragged her into your life and now you plan on marrying her now," his voice is steady and now filled with a deeply unsettling calmness.

"Get out of my sight," is the next thing to come out of his mouth before turning his back to the men in the room.

"And don't you ever think of contacting her again."

[cablecar-s]

to love and self loathe

part 1 part 2 part 3 part 4 part 5

Insert Clown Music Take Two

Its been a few weeks already since news and sightings of Spider-Woman being in Gotham had come out. People were theorizing as to why she was in Gotham. Some badmouthing her for leaving New Yorkers to fend for themselves, while others were saying how it was good that she was gone, and she was now Gotham's problem.

The talked-about-vigilante was currently pacing around her apartment, practically pulling her hair out at the fact everyone now knows that she's back, but not in New York.

She should have known that the press would be there at the party. It was Bruce Wayne's party for that matter! Gotham's infamous billionaire playboy! What was she thinking!?

Obviously she wasn't!

And as if to make matters even worse, last night, because of how tired she was, she ended up transferring photos of herself as Spider-Woman into the USB instead of photos of Gotham's vigilantes. She may as well yell at the top of her lungs at Wayne Tower that she was Spider-Woman.

She let out an exasperated groan and flopped down onto her couch. Just thinking about it made her want to jump in front of the subways of Gotham.

"I want you to take pictures of Spider-Woman."

The photographer stumbled a bit when making her way to her boss's desk.

"Pardon?" She blinked incredulously, thinking she had heard wrong.

"With Gotham's vigilantes to be more precise."

The vigilante in question watched as the other woman turned the screen towards her employee as she watched with wide eyes, a shaky video of her, Red Hood, and Nightwing fighting against Black Mask's men.

She felt her mouth become dry and the way her heart practically dropped down to her feet. 

Of course there were reporters at the party.

"Ma'am, I don't think it's necessary to try and capture pictures of Spider-Woman." The photographer quickly tried to dissuade. "I mean, for all we know, she might have already left!" 

"Nonsense." The older woman waved her employee's unnoticed pleas away. Turning her computer back towards her, the Spider could see a newfound glint in her boss' eyes. 

"It's obvious she's here for a reason." Looking away from her screen, she stared at the Spider. "You've taken plenty of pictures of her back in New York, I'm sure this'll be easy work for you. Maybe you can even get Spider-Woman to do an interview with you."

"With all due respect—"

The office phone on the woman's desk began to ring, cutting the vigilante off. She watched the woman quickly pick it up, beginning to converse with the person on the other side.

All the while, the vigilante continued to stand there, her mind running thousands of miles a minute, trying to figure out how she can get herself out of this situation. It's not until the yell of her name brought her out of her slight state of panic.

Looking up, she saw her boss, face annoyed, office phone still in hand and pressed against her ear. Her hand was held out, her face showing obvious impatience. 

Quickly, the photographer took out her USB drive from her camera bag and gave it to her boss who swiftly plugged it into her computer, her file opening. 

She watched as her demon of a boss' eyes began to skim through the photos, a grin plastering itself onto her face. The Spider's stomach churned in anxiousness, her hands beginning to fidget with her camera bag.

Shit, what did she do?

"Honestly, you're just pulling at my leg at this point." Her boss started. "Jameson did say you were full of surprises though." She hummed. Looking back at her employee she was full of content now. "These pictures of Spider-Woman will do nicely."

Her heart practically dropped.

"What..?" She croaked out.

"They're from New York but thank god we have photo editors. Keep up the good work." She dismissed the photographer who could only stand there, wide-eyed and speechless.

Her boss all the while continued to talk to the person on the other side of the phone, not paying any attention to her employee anymore.

Coming back to the present, the 'retired' vigilante dragged her hands across her face, silently beating herself up for being so reckless.

Maybe it's not too late to change companies again? She could always try Metropolis. Or maybe head over to Washington in Starling City, she's heard that the views are beautiful over there. 

Taking a glance at her phone, she noticed that she still had a full day ahead of her. Turning her head, she stared out her window for a long minute. Maybe going out could help calm her a bit.

With a sigh, she forced herself back onto her feet and put her shoes on, leaving her apartment and letting her feet take her wherever it decided to take her.

---

Her feet ended up taking her to a small coffee shop just a few ways away from her apartment. A different one this time. She didn't think she'd be able to handle the stress if she ended up going back to the same one where she got chased by the two lackeys of Black Mask, and then proceeded to get chased, again.

In the small coffee shop, the Spider found herself a comfy little spot in a corner booth by the window. In front of her was a small cup of coffee, the steam slowly rising from the liquid and dissipating into the slightly colder air. 

Staring at the brown liquid, she grimaced while taking a small sip of the hot drink. Gently setting it down, she stared out the window, watching people pass by, cars driving through the streets. 

God what was she going to do?

Stay? Go? Make amends with the bats and hope they take her heartfelt apology for even stepping foot into their territory?

Closing her eyes for a moment, she tried thinking of what she was going to do now that she pretty much messed up her chances of starting anew. Her brows furrowed, the sound of the quiet chatter of people in the coffee shop, the honking of cars outside, and the AC in the coffee shop buzzing beginning to slightly distract her.

And then—

"You're not making me do this project all by myself are you?"

Her eyes quickly opened.

"What?"

The woman stared at her boyfriend who had an amused look to his face. Her eyes flitted about. She was in his bedroom, the two of them sitting on the floor. He sat across from her as there was a pile of art and craft supplies between them.

"Everything okay?"

She looked up at the boy, who now looked worried. He reached over, hand gently cupping the side of her face, thumb slightly caressing her cheek.

She blinked a few times. "Uh, yeah, I just.." Her brows furrowed.

She just..?

Huh..

Seems like she's forgotten.

She shook her head, her hand gently pulling his hand away from her face while simultaneously giving it a small squeeze.

"Never mind." She smiled.

He stared at her for a moment, studying her expression before his own eased into a gentle smile.

"If you say so." He hums. "Anyways, we better start on this project. Wanna go grab the glue gun? It's on my desk." He motioned his head to his desk, the glue gun laying there.

Letting out a hum of her own, she got up and walked over to her boyfriend's desk.

"You think Ms. Henderson will notice if we add googly eyes to our..."

When she turns back around, she's no longer in his room. Her casual clothes no longer on her body and instead her Spider-Woman suit.

The glue gun now substituted for a metal beam that was raised over her head.

And in front of her?

"What are you waiting for?" His voice made a chill go down her spine as she stared at him. His malicious grin causing her fight or flight instincts to kick in.

"Aren't you going to kill me?!" The man lunged at her.

A scream of surprise and the sound of glass shattering made the woman quickly open her eyes. Her heart pounded against her chest, breath stuttering. Her eyes flitted about her surroundings, trying to ground herself of where she was at.

"Ma'am." A voice weakly called out to her.

Turning her head, she looked at a female employee who looked scared out of her mind. The Spider's eyes trailed down, her hand tightly gripping at the poor girl's arm.

"Oh..!" Quickly, she let go of the younger woman. Looking up, she saw as everyone's eyes were on her.

Standing up, she opened her mouth to apologize, but the sound of glass crunching beneath her shoes caused her to look down.

Her cup of coffee now broken and splattered all over the ground.

Could her day get any worse?

Embarrassed, she apologized once more, paying for both her coffee and the broken cup. She left a generous tip to the employee before quickly leaving the small shop.

Ducking her head down, she made her way back to her apartment, the sound of his laughter quietly haunting her with each step she took.

———

B A M ! !

W H A C K ! !

"Alright smart-ass, last chance." Jason shoved the barrel of his gun into the goon's jaw, his other hand tight around the collar of his suit.

"Tell me where Sionis is, I'll even make it less painful when I knock you out." He bargained.

"Fine I'll talk! I'll talk!" The goon was quick to give in, putting his hands up in surrender. "He's going to meet up with Penguin at one of his warehouses! On the Southside!"

Jason practically pushed his gun closer to the man's jaw, making it more uncomfortably painful for the henchman.

"This better not be another trick like last time." He snarled.

"It's not! I swear!"

"Good."

Jason hit the man's temple with the butt of his gun. He watched as the man fell, his hand going up and pressing a button on the side of his helmet.

"Found Sionis' location. Heading there now."

"Copy that. Let us know if you need backup." Oracle responded.

"Won't be needing it."

Pulling out his grappling gun, Jason left the building. Swinging from a few buildings, not far, hidden behind a few trash cans, he pulled out his motorcycle.

With a rev of the engine, Jason sped through the streets.

"You think she'll show up tonight?" Stephanie questioned through the comms.

"Who? Spider-Woman?" Dick questioned.

"Not with how Jason intimidated her." Tim snorted.

"Yeah Jason, why'd you have to scare her off?" Steph adds.

Jason rolled his eyes under his helmet. "She doesn't need to be in Gotham. If she wants to save people from thugs, she can go back to New York."

"You sound a lot like someone I know." Tim mocked.

Jason frowned. "Shut it Drake. I'll shove your pole up your—"

Bruce quickly intervened before anything else could happen between his children. "Enough. Focus on patrolling."

"Tt. You all are pathetic." Damian said.

Always had to have the last word.

Jason rolled his eyes once more. Pressing the same button, he turned his comms off, not wanting anyone else to bother him while he dealt with Sionis.

As he got closer to the warehouse, he cruised along the streets before turning into another alleyway. Turning off his bike, he made his way up onto the rooftops, grappling from building to building before landing gracefully on the roof of the warehouse.

Turning his detective vision on, he walked around a bit before finding himself a vent. Ripping it off with ease, a small grunt left him as he barely squeezed through the air vents.

Getting himself deeper into the building, his helmet began to pick up two familiar voices talking: Penguin and Black Mask.

"What? Don't believe me Sionis?" Penguin questioned.

"It's not that I don't believe you Cobblepot. I've just had a few rats lie to me these past few days with some recent deals."

The two crime lords stood face to face, a wooden crate opened with guns in them. Standing behind them respectfully were their multiple goons.

A stock difference between the group of men. Penguin's men looking rugged, donning wife beaters with a few jackets to protect them from the Gotham cold, some of them even wearing random masks and face paint. Sionis' men on the other hand all had suits on, all of them wearing a black mask just like the man they worked under.

There was a good number of them. 20 in total, not counting the two crime lords.

"Ah come on Sionis! You really think I'd backstab you? That'd be bad for business. I even got packed some good ones. See?" Penguin led Sionis over to the wooden crate, making the crime lords let out a low whistle.

"Not bad Cobblepot. How much?"

"How about–"

And then Red Hood could see a bit of movement from the corner of his eye. With a frown, he turned the bioscanner on, and just by their movements he was not pleased.

They slowly climbed down the wall, unnoticed by the other goons as they looked at one of the opened crates

"Just my fucking luck." He hissed, getting himself ready to grab Sionis before she could possibly mess anything else up.

"Woah, that's a lot of guns."

What the hell was she doing here?

Just what the hell was she doing here?

She was only supposed to be taking pictures! Not stopping an illegal gun dealing!

She was just trying to get home, catch a few Z's and then head out to take pictures.

But while getting dressed.. Oh lookie here! She had caught herself putting her spider suit on...

. . .

Okay so maybe she was partly at fault. But it was just out of habit! Wouldn't someone who has been dressing as a hero for years pick it back up after going on a hiatus?

It's not like she missed it or anything...

Also! It was good for her job! Might as well start taking pictures of Spider-Woman again like old times! 

. . .

Right..?

..God she hated herself.

She wouldn't let this become a habit again. She swore to stop this hero thing. But then stopping a small burglary turned to stopping a robbery at a shop, to catching lowly criminals spray painting a building, only to then come across a supposed empty warehouse.

And what did she find? An illegal gun dealership between Sionis and some small guy who, oddly enough, reminded her of a penguin.

Sneaking herself inside one of the windows, she set up her camera. Quietly, she swings from a metal beam before quietly dropping down on the unsuspecting men.

Going towards one of the boxes, she gave a small whistle.

"Woah, that's a lot of guns."

Everyone turned towards her while she picked one of them up.

"Oi! Don't touch those!" The short man yelled.

"And they're real?" She weighs the weapon in her hands. "Hey, you guys have a permit for these right?" She looked up at them, only to see they were all pointing the guns at her. "I'll take that as a no."

"Kill her!" Sionis yelled.

Quickly, she jumped in the air as they began to spray bullets at her. Jumping from beam to beam, she shot her webs out at the men, pulling the guns out from their hands and yanking it to hit another goon in the head.

Landing in front of a man, with a fwip of her web, she pulled it out of his hands, waving it around a bit.

"Don't you guys know these are dangerous to use? Could really hurt someone. Woah!" She dodged as another man shot at her.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Sionis and the Penguin guy trying to make a break for it.

"Hey! Leaving so soon!" She called, her webs sticking their feet to the ground. "Don't tell me you're getting cold feet!"

The back of her head slightly tingled, making her quickly jump up in the air as more of both Black Mask's and Penguin's men shot at her. 

"Argh! Watch it you idiots!" Penguin yelled.

"Uh, sorry boss!" 

They continued to shoot at the Spider, but she continued to jump and weave between them all, making the men have to dodge their own bullets.

Landing in the middle of three men, they pointed their guns at her, about to shoot at her until she jumped up.

"Woah friendly fire you guys!" She exclaimed. Webbing the barrels of their guns to a singular string, she yanked it, causing all three of the men to crash into each other in the middle. 

Swinging down as bullets flew at her on one of the beams, she swung down, kicking the same man into the chest. Letting out a yell, the man crashed into another man that was behind him, causing the two to fall back onto the concrete floor.

With a small front flip, Spider-Woman landed on her feet with ease and raised her hands like a gymnast would after finishing their routine.

"What do you guys think? I think that deserves a ten." She looked over at the remaining men who aimed to shoot at her, making her quickly dodge the bullets. "Come on guys, it couldn't be that bad! Yeah I'm rusty but-"

"Would you shut the fuck up!" One of them yelled, pointing his gun and shooting at her more.

Shooting a web, she pulls herself up into the air. "Yeesh.. Tough crowd." 

Making a U-turn, she swings back towards the men, but it wasn't until her skull tingled. With wide eyes, she saw Red Hood swinging over to Black Mask and the short guy.

"Hey watch out!" She yelled, but with how fast the two were swinging, she wasn't able to avoid him in time.

Their bodies clashed mid-air, knocking the air out of both of them, mainly Spider-Woman, Red Hood was built like a fridge, and yet she felt like she got hit by a truck. 

Grunts coming out of both of them, Red Hood's grip on his grappler slackened a bit, and out of the adrenaline rush, the Spider was able to grab Hood with a web before pulling him towards her.

"Let go..!" He grunts.

"Wait wait wait!!" She panics as her brain began to buzz to life. With a quick glance she can see the goons point their guns at the both of them.

Her mind running hundreds of miles a minute, with her free hand, she tries to swing off in a different direction. While doing so though, one of the bullets had grazed her web shooter, causing the fluid to spring everywhere onto the two vigilantes.

"Ah shit..!" 

In an effort to save the two, she took advantage of the fact that the two were already stuck together from the webs and used her other web shooter to shoot out a web to the ceiling of the warehouse, though.. That proved to be fruitless.

The two now hung upside down from the ceiling, chest to chest. The white glowing eyes stared straight back at her white lenses. With a nervous chuckle, she looked at the most likely irritated vigilante.

"You uh.. Come here often?"

W H A C K ! !

Red Hood grunts as one of Sionis' men hits him in the head with the butt of his gun. They all snicker as the two crime lords, finally able to get free from the webbing, walked over to them.

"Some team you two make." Penguin snickers, looking at the two vigilantes.

"We're not a team." Red Hood snarls, before grunting again with another whack to the head.

"Do we kill 'em?" One of Black Mask's looked at his boss.

Black Mask simply shook his head, laughing a bit. "Nah, leave 'em. I'm sure this is a hit to Hood's ego. Better than killing him." 

"Grab everything, we're leaving." Penguin orders.

The two criminals and their goons are quick to the leave the warehouse and the two hanging vigilantes as they slowly spun.

The silence between the two was both awkward and tense. Red Hood had a slight crack to his helmet now. Spider-Woman looked anywhere but the large man, a bit afraid of his wrath she might face.

But of course, as every Spider does, they can't help but break silence with a bit of humor.

"So uh.. Nice weath-"

"Don't."

"Sorry."

The two continued to spin in complete silence until Red Hood finally spoke.

"What were you doing here?" 

She looked at him, raising a brow, even though he couldn't see her face. "Uh...Stopping an illegal gun deal..?" She answered as if it was the obvious.

"No, what are you still doing here in Gotham." He hissed, looking at her. "I told you, you're not welcomed here. If you want to stop crime, go back to New York." 

The Spider opened her mouth, about to respond, but four faces back at New York flashed in her mind, causing her to stop from saying anything. Blinking a bit, she cleared her throat.

"Yeah, well, I can't exactly do that." She said quietly.

Red Hood raised a brow, but stayed quiet. He wasn't about to be someone's therapist. 

Someone was able to break the slightly now solemn atmosphere. 

"You know, I had a bit of a bad night, but I think this definitely made it one hundred times better."

Red Hood cursed under his breath as the two looked over, seeing Red Robin and Spoiler walking towards him.

"No- Don't-"

"Too late!" Spoiler snickered, phone already out as she snaps a photo. 

"I'm going to kill you two." Red Hood seethes. 

The two vigilantes looked at each other before shrugging.

"Worth it." 

Red Robin took out a birdarang and threw it at the single string that held them up. Both Spider-Woman and Red Hood grunted as they fell to the ground. Walking towards them, Red Robin took out another birdarang and sliced the webs, letting the other two vigilantes to stand up and brush away any remaining strands of the webs stuck to them. 

"So, Black Mask and Penguin got away?" Red Robin hummed, a smirk on his lips.

"Shut it." Red Hood looked to him, and even though he was wearing a helmet, they all knew he was glaring at him. With a huff, he crosses his arms, looking at the two. "What you are two even doing here?"

"Oracle realized you were too quiet on your comms. Should've finished a few minutes ago, so she had me and Red Robin come check on you." Spoiler placed her hands on her hips, looking between Red Hood and the Spider. "You're welcome by the way. If we didn't, you two would've probably been hanging from the ceiling for the whole night until we were done with patrol." 

While the two continued to talk, Spider-Woman was off in her own world. Looking at her wrist, she lets out a sad sigh at the sight of her broken web shooter. 

Great. This was going to take her forever to remake. She might need to have Aunt May send her a package of her old web shooters.

"Are you hurt?"

Her head shot up, now face to face with Red Robin.

"Oh! Uh, no. Just checking the damage of my web shooter. Looks like it'll be out of commission for a while." She holds out her wrist with a small chuckle.

With a hum, Red Robin walks to her, taking her wrist and looking at the small invention.

Spider-Woman stood there awkwardly as he looked at it before looking back up at her.

"These are pretty well made, considering these are made of scraps. Are you an engineer?" He looks up at her.

Scraps!?

She doesn't know whether to take his comment as a compliment or an insult. She spent her blood, sweat, and tears to make these web slingers!

She bit her tongue though, giving a slight shrug. "Something like that." She pulls her hand back. Red Robin raises a brow but doesn't question.

"You can probably get that patched up back at the batcave if you want!" Spoiler jumps into the conversation.

Both Red Robin and Red Hood look at her.

"Uh, no."

"I don't think that's necessary."

Both men answered.

Spoiler simply waved them off. "Ah don't listen to them, they're just paranoid like B." Her eyes crease up as she smiles behind her mask that hid the bottom half of her face.

"Oh no, I don't think-" Spider-Woman puts her hands up, but Spoiler was quick to wrap an arm around her shoulders.

"Nonsense! It's the least we can do for you for saving Bru- Er, Bruce Wayne! We couldn't have our playboy billionaire or his son dead." She lets out a slight nervous chuckle while the two men gave her knowing looks.

"Well I wouldn't want to intrude-" Was the Spider's last words as Spoiler began to gently push her out of the warehouse.

"Ah don't worry about it! Batman won't mind!"

Batman minded, a lot. 

Spider-Woman's shoulders were shrugged up to her ears as she looked up at Batman who towered over her, staring her down before looking back at Spoiler.

"Spoiler, what is this?"

This was it.

This was how Spider-Woman dies.

part 1 part 2 part 3 part 4 part 5

next chapter ->

[suuuupernovaaa]

Green | Hobie Brown x f!Spider!Reader

"And you are... green, everywhere?" "I am. Are you pierced everywhere?"

Based on this request.

My chest is heaving as the dust settles. Whatever they've got going on in this dimension, it's bigger than anything I've ever dealt with in mine. I handle mostly... petty crime, the occasional super boss, sometimes even a bad guy with powers but, none of them have really proven a match for me.

It helps that I can read their minds, but still, my dimension is pretty relaxed, as far as dimensions go. I've got it easier than other spider-people.

Feeling a little cramped up in my suit, I pull my mask off and take in a breath of clean, crisp air. No matter what I do, I can't make the mask breathable enough. If I'm fighting, I can put off thinking about it for long enough, but I'm always ready to get the mask off the moment the fighting is done.

"Whoa," someone says just behind me, the word quiet and heavy, let out on a puff of air.

I turn to see Gwen standing by one of her other Spider-friends, the one with the guitar and the studded vest. Please, take off your mask, I think. Are you as handsome as I'm thinking?

Gwen pulls hers off first, grinning at me with her gap-toothed smile. "Y/N!" she shouts, running over and wrapping me into a hug. "Thank you! Ohmigod, we could not have done that without you."

Leather-vest spider-man pulls his mask off next, and I have never been less disappointed in my life. Piercing brown eyes, full pierced lips, high sharp cheekbones, and a gorgeous head of voluminous hair shooting in every direction.

"Wow," I whisper, looking past Gwen, who giggles a little bit. I focus back on her, a little embarrassed. "Happy to help!"

She reaches up, taking a strand of braided hair between her fingers. "I like this! And seriously, thank you. It always gives us an edge when you help."

I wave my hand in the air and shrug. "It's usually such an annoying, uh, talent. I'm glad it helped."

"You read minds, right?" leather-vest spider-man says, coming up behind Gwen.

"Y/N, this is Hobie. Hobie, this is Y/N. And that's Miles over there, and Pavitr." Gwen does a round of introductions, and I wonder how many names I will remember. Miles and Pavitr are cute, to be sure, but Hobie...

"I do, but it doesn't work on Spider-People. That used to really piss Miguel off," I reply with a chuckle. "Probably why he didn't mind when I left his band."

Hobie raises an eyebrow. "Did you now?"

"Yeah. I didn't like being told what to do. I like my simple little universe."

He reaches out, grabbing my arm and turning it over, examining the suit. "And you are... green, everywhere?"

"I am. Are you pierced everywhere?"

"Jesus," Gwen hisses under her breath, and turns to join Miles and the other guy, who's name I have already forgotten.

"That came out much more suggestive than I meant it to. But yes, I am green all over and I read minds. But that's kind of it. It's the usual Spider stuff besides that. And you - someone said Spider-Punk?"

He shrugs, hands in the vest he wears over his spider suit. "Yeah. I didn't choose it. Kind of stuck."

"I like it. Mine is just Spider-Woman. Very basic."

"Yeah, but you can fuckin' read minds," Hobie replies, leaning forward, a very serious look on his face. "What's the best thing you've ever heard?"

I stop, pursing my lips as I think back over the hundreds of thousands of thoughts I've unwittingly heard. Before I could control my powers, it was loud all the time, like the volume was dialed all the way up on the entire world, and I could hardly filter of focus on one single thought.

"Honestly, usually the people I'm fighting, hearing their thoughts makes it hard. They usually aren't psychopaths or totally unfeeling. They have, y'know, internal conflict, the same as anyone else. Sometimes they've seen some really awful stuff, or something just, unimaginable has happened to them. And I feel kind of bad, kicking their ass, right? It gives me an advantage but... it makes it hard, to just see them as the enemy."

Hobie's face softens and he leans back, as if he is very carefully considering what I've just said.

"Shit. You're very interesting. I'm glad you can't read my thoughts."

I throw my head back laughing. "Me too. Maybe."

"Can I take you out, sometime? A show or, dinner, whatever?" he asks, and my laughter is stopped in its tracks.

A date?

We just met.

We're from different universes. He's not green. They'll notice him, if he comes to mine... they'll notice me, if I go to his. It wouldn't be sustainable.

But maybe it would be fun?

He bites his lip, rocking back and forth on the heels of his shoes as he waits for an answer.

It's not a very good idea. It probably couldn't go further than one date. It's not like either of us can leave our dimensions. They need us.

God, he's tall. He's lean but his muscles are firm, and his jawline makes me feel absolutely feral.

It's good he can't read my thoughts, either.

"I'm free tomorrow night. Gwen can tell you how to get ahold of me."

He smiles, a wide smile, nearly stretching ear to ear, and my heart speeds up in my chest.

"Brilliant," he says.

I know I'm making a mistake - but it won't be the first time, or the last.

[so-long-soldier-writes]

Dating in Your 20s

kai parker x reader

summary: it's been a while since you've been on a date, but after months of swiping right, you finally think you've found the one. or, so you thought.

tags: college au (ish), online dating, the scull bar, alcohol, use of date rape drugs / roofies, protective!kai, slightly less sociopathic!kai

word count: 2.2k

a/n: so i've been overly critical of my work lately, and haven't posted a few things i've written because i haven't thought they were good enough. but then i realized that no matter how dumb or cheesy they might be, someone might still enjoy them, so i'm going to post them anyway, especially while i get back into the swing of things. so these next few posts might not be my favorites, but i hope they still make some of you smile <3

It feels like forever since you’ve last been on a date. Ever since the tumultuous relationship with your ex, you’ve been afraid to re-enter the dating pool. It isn’t easy to find people you match with; either your hobbies align, but they’re too cocky, or the conversation’s okay, but you share nothing in common. You’ve been scouring the popular apps for months after realizing you’re ready to try again, but it hasn’t been easy. 

That is, until you finally find the perfect match for you. 

Two nights ago, you started talking. He’s just your type, and a great conversationalist. There’s a picture with him and his dog in his bio - a plus, and he’s void of any pictures of him holding fish - a bigger plus. The only downside is that his name starts with, “J”, but that’s the only red flag you see. 

So, when he asks you on a date after a well-recovered cheesy pick-up line, you agree.

The Scull Bar. Seven o’clock. 

To your own surprise, you find yourself excited. 

~~~

Conversation flows in person as well as it did on the app. He has a cute smile, and gentle wrinkles on the sides of his eyes that only appear when he laughs. He’s about a year older than you, but once you hit your twenties, that doesn’t matter too much. You talk for about an hour, sharing some details about your personal lives. School life, work life, any hobbies not previously mentioned, and some about family and friends. He mentions a crazy ex-girlfriend, which is where you reply, “same, but with my ex-boyfriend.” And while that topic made you a little uneasy, you’re still enjoying yourself, so you try not to linger on it. 

As the time on your phone nears nine o’clock, you both agree to get a drink before you part ways. It is a Friday, after all, and the town is small enough that the bar is somewhat a walking distance to your dorm. Of course, you won’t tell him where you live on the first date, but you assure him you won’t be drinking and driving.

With a laugh, he nods, then you both order a round. 

“I’m going to hit the bathroom real quick,” you say, needing to pee after all the water you anxiously drank before you left your house. 

“Alright, no worries.”

On the opposite side of the bar, a curious eye watches the interaction. In fact, he’s been watching you the whole time, suspicious of your date. Kai thought it was weird for the man to sit at the bar, rather than an actual table. You seemed to shrug it off quickly, but the young witch has kept his sights on you just in case. 

For years, Kai has learned to read people through their body language. He can smell out bad intentions from a mile away, and even though he’s never seen this man in his life, he gets them from him. Kai doesn’t know you well, either, but has seen you in the background of vampire collateral. You live in Elena, Caroline, and Bonnie’s dorm building, and every time you accidentally walk into something you shouldn’t see, Stefan or Damon have to compel it from your mind. Kai admits he feels a bit bad for all the students at Whitmore who’ve had their minds wiped a thousand times because the stupid Salvatores are always running a muck around their school. 

Of course, he doesn’t usually care too much about anyone, but there’s something he likes about you. Somehow, you’ve managed to be at the scene of every crime. And while you don’t remember it, the two of you have made eye contact each time it’s happened. Then, after you’re compelled to forget, you give him the cutest quizzical look that makes his breath catch in his throat. 

Kai doesn’t know enough about you to know you’d be on a date tonight, but he’s listened and observed enough to know this is your first one with this guy. And shit, as much as he doesn’t want to care, he can’t help but feel a strange protectiveness over you. 

So, he’s been watching. And listening. And through your words and body, he’s learned a lot about you. But, he’s also learned a lot about your date. As you go to the bathroom for a moment, he learns a little bit more. 

The man occupies himself with his phone while awaiting your return. He laughs and scrolls, laughs and scrolls, then double taps to like something, and all the while, Kai cringes. Not one minute have you been gone, and he already needs his phone to entertain him. The witch rolls his eyes and sips his own drink. As he does, the bartender slides yours and his to your date, who then thanks him with a passing glance. Kai watches him put his phone down. His hand retreats to his pocket, and his eyes search for the bathroom door. His leg bounces with slight nervousness as he discreetly pulls something out and drops it in your drink. Kai pulls his mouth off his straw, suspicious. Your date brushes off his hands and picks his phone back up. His leg continues to bounce. 

In an instant, Kai slides into the seat beside him. It’s a silent and ominous trick he loves; he’d used it on Damon and Bonnie a thousand times in the prison world. 

“Hey,” he taps the man once on the shoulder. 

Your date spins around and jumps, hand to his heart. “Fuck! Dude, you scared me. What the hell?”

“What are you doing over here?”

“What do you mean, ‘what am I doing?’ I’m on a date, fuck off.”

“Yeah, but you’re-”

“Hey, sorry,” you return, “there was a bit of a line.”

“That’s fine. This jackass here-”

“Who is this?” You accidentally interrupt, spotting Kai. He was strangely familiar, yet not at all recognizable, as if you’d seen him in a dream. 

“Yeah, that’s what I’m saying. This jackass just slid over here and prodded me. Go away, dude.”

Kai nods to you. “Can’t do that. Hey, you said you’re on a date? That’s fun. Is it your first?”

You narrow your eyes. “What’s it matter to you?”

“Just curious.” He jabs his thumb to his old seat. An abandoned blue cocktail sits, half drunk, on the bar. “I was just sitting over there just a minute ago and happened to see your date, out of the corner of my eye, fumbling with some pill or powder type of thing. Curious thing is that he put one in your drink, but not his own.”

“What?”

“You’re full of shit,” your date grumbles, turning red, “you’re making that up.”

“Why would I make that up? I saw something, and reported it. Isn’t that the new slogan, ‘see something, say something’?”

“Did you put something in my drink while I was gone?”

“Of course not! Why would you think that? Believe this stranger over me?! Thought this date was going well, now you’re accusing me of roofies?”

“I’m not accusing, I’m just asking! Why would he say that if he didn’t suspect-?”

“God, you are turning out to be just like my ex!”

“Hey, excuse me!? It’s just a question, I didn’t mean to upset you.”

The man sighs dramatically. His mood changes on a dime. “I’m not upset, I’m just… hurt that you’d suggest that. I don’t want to hurt you, Y/N. I would never hurt you.”

You blink, confused by the sudden sulkiness. “Wha-?”

“Here’s this, alright?” Kai starts. “My sister’s a bartender here, so I know they have those little strips that you can put in drinks to test if they’ve been drugged. They’re behind the counter.” Kai reaches over the bar without asking, and pulls a box of them from god-knows-where.

“How do we know you didn’t drug it?” Your date asks Kai.

“I was over there. And why would I do that? I’m not the one on a date with the pretty girl.”

“But you sure seem to know your way around the bar.”

“Are you suggesting the bartenders spike the drinks?”

“I-”

“Right. Purple means spiked. Blue means it’s clear.” He carelessly drops a stick in and lets it float around the surface. The three of you watch curiously, but interest turns to horror as it fades into purple in a matter of seconds. “Hm.”

Suddenly, your ex fishes the paper out and flicks it onto a napkin. “This is stupid! You set me up!”

“I’m still failing to see the point where I would do that on purpose.”

“Shut the hell up, jackass. Maybe you’re just a sociopath that likes to ruin dates for fun, because you have some stupid vendetta against people that are happy.”

“Actually, I’m just looking out for her,” he looks at you, “I’ve seen my fair share of men spiking drinks around here. It’s rather pathetic, actually, that you guys are so lame that you have to hurt girls to get any attention.”

“Fuck you, man. I could have you arrested for accusing me of this bullshit.”

“On the contrary, I could have you arrested.”

He scoffs, turning to you. “You don’t believe this guy, do you?”

You bite your lip. “I don’t know. I don’t- I don’t want to.”

“You don’t. Because it’s completely ridiculous!”

“J-”

“Oh! A ‘J’ name! That should’ve been your first red flag, princess.”

He rolls his eyes again. “Fuck you. You know, I’m out. This is bullshit. Screw you both.” With that, he grabs his jacket and leaves. 

You stare straight ahead, still processing what happened. After a moment, you slouch down in your chair and plant your face into the bar counter. “What the hell.”

“Sorry I ruined your date.”

You glance up at the stranger. “Did he really spike it? You saw it?”

“I wouldn’t have gotten involved if he didn’t. I’ve seen it too many times around here. A lot of the time, bartenders catch it, but they’re pretty busy today.”

“Well… thank you for noticing.” You shake your head. “Just when I was feeling comfortable enough to start dating again, someone has to go and be weird.”

Kai chuckles. “Let me buy you a drink for your troubles. Promise I won’t spike it.”

You hesitate, tempted, but a little embarrassed by the whole situation. Part of you just wants to go home and bury yourself under blankets for the rest of the night, but another part of you wants to repay the guy for his kindness. You eye him as the two plans battle in your mind, but ultimately, you sigh and nod an approval. He obviously feels bad for how your night ended and wants to help. The cute dimples are a plus. 

“Same drink?”

“Nah, it’s ruined for me now. Maybe that blue thing you’re drinking over there.”

“Coming right up.”

“So I never got your name…” you ask, curious. 

“Kai. You?”

“Y/N.”

“Ah, nice. Suits you.”

“Thank you. You said you have a sister who works here?”

“Yeah, the curly-haired blonde over there. To be honest, we don’t get along too well, but we have a deal. I can hang around as long as I help her and her staff stay on top of mother-disappointing college boys and their date rape drugs.”

“Really?”

“Unfortunately, this bar is full of them.”

“Well on behalf of girls everywhere, thank you.”

He half smiles. “To be honest, I had a rocky start to life. Did some bad things that landed me nowhere good; that’s why my sister and I aren’t on the best of terms. But I’m trying to be better now, and this, I think, is one good step in that direction.”

“I can get down with that. Admitting your wrongs and wanting to do better. Doubt even half the guys in here would admit their missteps.”

Your drinks arrive - Kai got a second of the one he hadn’t finished - and you both take a sip before nodding. 

“Good?”

“Much needed. Thank you, again.”

“Of course. And hey, if you ever need me again, I’m usually here.”

“To be honest, I hope I don’t.” You chuckle playfully. “But, maybe I can see you anyway?” Kai’s surprised expression rattles your confidence. You stutter out the next few words, “not like, on a date or anything. Unless you’d want to. But I’m totally just cool hanging out. It’s just… it’s not everyday a cute guy saves you from a date gone-wrong. Gotta at least ask.”

The man smiles, pulling out his phone. He hands it to you to add your number. “I’d love to, whether on a date or just hanging out.”

“Really?” 

“‘Course. Next Friday?”

“Works for me.”

 “I have to warn you, though, I haven’t been on a date in a long time.”

“Oh before this, I haven’t either.”

“Good. I feel better already.”

You giggle, smacking his arm playfully.

The two of you stay there as you finish your drinks. Around eleven, you wrap up to go home. Kai offers to drive you, but you promise you have a short walk and a small knife in your back pocket, and he nods. 

“So, see you Friday?”

He winks. “It’s a date.”

[perspectivestarters]

Perspective's Sentence Starters; The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess by Chappell Roan (Part II)

MY KINK IS KARMA

We broke up on a Tuesday.

Who knew that we'd let it get this bad when it ended.

Karma's real.

Hope it's your turn.

I heard from *Name*, you're losing it lately.

It's hot when you have a meltdown.

It's hot when you're drinking downtown.

You're getting called out 'cause you're running your mouth.

It's coming around.

People say I'm jealous but my kink is watching you ruining your life.

People say I'm jealous but my kink is karma.

Wishing you the best, in the worst way.

Using your distress as foreplay.

Six months since April and I'm doing better.

No need to be hateful in your fake Gucci sweater.

It's hot when you're going through hell.

I'm feeling myself.

It's hot when you know that you're caught and you're getting pissed off.

It's getting me off.

PICTURE YOU

Draw the blinds.

Slip off my pretty dress down my chest.

It's ritualistic.

Counting lipstick stains where you should be.

I need you around.

I'm getting close now.

Do you picture me like I picture you?

Am I in the frame from your point of view?

Do you feel the same?

I'm too scared to say half of the things I do when I picture you.

So, tell me now all your perversions.

KALEIDOSCOPE

Here we go again.

Everything is fine.

I guess we could pretend we didn't cross a line.

Ever since that day, everything has changed.

The way I write your name

If you really wanna leave, I'll never make you stay.

Whatever you decide, I will understand.

It will all be fine.

Love is a kaleidoscope.

How it works, I'll never know.

It's somehow all the same

It's beautiful somehow.

It's never just a shape alone.

Well, I'd love to see them try.

There's no one else who could.

The only one is you.

If you change your mind, I will understand.

It'll just take time to go back to being friends.

Don't be afraid to hold it close.

PINK PONY CLUB

I know you wanted me to stay.

I can't ignore the crazy visions of me in *Place*.

I heard that there's a special place where boys and girls can all be queens every single day.

I'm having wicked dreams of leaving.

I swear it's calling me.

Won't make my mama proud.

It's gonna cause a scene.

I know she's gonna scream.

God, what have you done?

I'm just having fun.

It's where I belong.

I'm gonna keep on dancing.

Every night's another reason why I left it all.

I thank my wicked dreams.

You've been too good to me.

Don't think I've left you all behind.

You're always on my mind.

I can hear your southern drawl a thousand miles away.

NAKED IN MANHATTAN

I know you just landed.

I know you're probably busy but I would love to see you.

Call me when you can.

I'll never cross the line.

I pushed you down a million times.

I'd love if you knew you were on my mind.

Boys suck and girls I've never tried.

We both know we're getting drunk tonight.

Touch me, baby.

Put your lips on mine

Could go to hell but we'll probably be fine.

I know you want it.

You can have it.

I've never done it.

Let's make it cinematic

I wanna know, baby, what is it like?

An inch away from more than just friends.

If I don't try, then it's my loss.

Won't you fucking touch me?

I just want to touch you.

I want all of your love.

CALIFORNIA

I stretched myself across four states.

I trade amber clay roads for the sea foam and the endless sun rays.

I was never told that I wasn't gonna get the things I want the most.

If it hasn't happened yet, then maybe you should go.

Come get me out.

Thought I'd be cool in here.

I'd make you proud

To think I almost had it going, but I let you down.

Too hard to find reasons to stay.

GUILTY PLEASURES

Learned it on the internet.

Wild thoughts that make me melt.

Sometimes I scare myself.

I can't help what I can't help.

So shame on me, and shame on you.

I fantasize what we would do.

How would it taste?

Some good girls do bad things too.

I want this like a cigarette.

Can we drag it out and never quit?

Oh my god, you are heaven sent.

You give me guilty plеasure.

You're a pothead.

You're a cinephile.

It's been awhile since you turned up the dial.

[highqueenofelfhame]

a/n: if you've been here for awhile or read through my masterlist, you might remember this one. it became a fan favorite but it was written when i first entered the fandom and there have been things i wanted done differently. things i wanted to rewrite or write better. so i'm doing it. it'll be the same story you love, if you love it, just better, longer, more thought out. a lot will stay the same but alot will change. if yu're wondering what the fuck i'm talking about, a rough version of this story exits on my masterlist titled "all i ask of you." anyway. i hope you enjoy this.

rowaelin // 5.8k words // masterlist

Sweat trickled in little streams down his back, gluing the tan, standard-issue shirt he wore to every dip and curve of his torso. On most assignments, Rowan Whitethorn didn't mind his uniform. Generally speaking, the material was lightweight enough in most climates that they stayed comfortable. The boots were heavy, sure, but they were comfortable. 

In the middle of the desert, he hated all of it. The best time of the day was when he took it off to duck under a cold shower, then crawled into bed in nothing but his undershorts. Unfortunately for him, that was a long way off. The sun scorched them to the bone, and the slight breeze did nothing but send sand whirling through the air. 

When Rowan got out of the Red Desert, he never wanted to see a single grain of sand ever again. 

He walked down the street to the two small houses they used as a base. If anything, they were more akin to rundown shacks in a shanty town, but it worked. One was used for communications, and all their tech was set up throughout various rooms. They took turns on night watch, monitoring the cameras and comms for anything that looked amiss. 

The other house was where they ate, bathed, and slept. Nobody had a semblance of privacy here, save for the shitty little bathroom. All the men but Lorcan doubled up in the rooms and slept on glorified cots every night, often mumbling to their roommates to stop tossing and turning. Their beds tended to creak and groan with every subtle movement. On bad days, tension soared until they inevitably went outside to beat each other senseless in the form of hand-to-hand combat practice.

The houses were on the outskirts of an impoverished chunk of land that couldn't even be considered a village at this point, though once upon a time, it had been a well-populated township. Now there were just rundown buildings and dilapidated houses that people crammed into for shelter. Less than two thousand people remained living in the desolate stretch of desert. All of them were skin and bones, the malnourished ghosts of who they used to be. 

Over their last few months of being abandoned in the Red Desert, they learned that the breadwinners of the family, usually men, pedaled bicycles to the surrounding towns for work. A few of them were forced to walk, which was a feat in itself– the closest town was ten miles away and would take them well over two hours to arrive. Rowan had also learned, mainly from the children, that the ones that walked stayed in cheap inns during the week if they could afford it. Everything else was funneled into food and any other necessities they required, including running water that they really only used to cook and bathe.

Most of the women homeschooled their children to the best of their ability. Generally, they could read, write, and perform basic math. Much else was lost due to the lack of accessible tools for anything beyond that. Rowan had an intense respect for the people that dwelled here and did their best with what they had. 

On the other hand, he could kill every government official who continued to leave these people behind. There was no excuse for such an extreme display of poverty in this day and age. It was made worse by how kind the people were. They lived in the worst conditions they had ever seen, yet still found joy in the little things.

Case in point: a few of the kids that Rowan gave the candy from his MREs to were chasing a soccer ball around the makeshift pitch Fenrys had built for them. He and his twin brother, Connall, were playing with the gaggle of teenage boys and girls, their bright laughter chipping away at his frozen heart. It had been long since anything had threatened to thaw his frozen core, but those children whooping and hollering got to him.

Rowan lifted a hand in greeting, shaking his head but offering a tight smile when they shouted for him to join them. If Lorcan hadn't summoned him, he probably would have. They had done a fat lot of nothing today besides trying to stay out of the sun. Rowan had only left the communications house less than an hour ago to stretch his legs. 

Once inside, he found Lorcan sitting at the desk in the room they considered their office. It wasn't much more than a couple of chairs and a folding table, but it got the job done. Rowan rapped his knuckles against the door frame as he entered and leaned against it, folding his arms across his chest. 

"You wanted to see me?" There was no point in bothering with formalities unless people outside the Cadre were around. They rarely pulled rank amongst themselves. Rowan was second in command, but they usually viewed it as a partnership more than anything else.

"Yep," Lorcan exhaled, putting his pen down and bracing his arms on the edge of the table. Every muscle in his face was tense, down to the feathering of his jaw as he eyed Rowan. This didn't bode well. Whatever he was about to say wasn't good. There was no light hiding in the shadows of his dark eyes. Lorcan had a shit poker face when it came to bad news. With a jerk of his chin, he added, "Sit down." 

"What happened?" Rowan slid into one of the folding chairs across from him and braced his hands on his knees. 

 "We're going to be a team of six again, starting tomorrow morning." That was all? That didn't seem like the tragedy he looked ready to drop on Rowan's head. 

They used to be a group of six until Gavriel retired last year, and they still weren't used to being down to five men. While each of them brought forth their strengths and balanced out their weaknesses, an even number of people made things easier on missions because everyone could be paired off into two teams. During their last few, they had all wished for that extra body. Having another person would be great, especially if he was skilled enough to keep up with the rest of them. 

Though several special ops units existed in the Terrasen Navy, Rowan's was the most elite and the smallest. Every other team had at least a dozen men assigned to it, but it wasn't necessary with the Cadre, the name Rowan's ex bestowed upon them. All of them were over six feet tall and corded with muscle. What they lacked in numbers, they made up for in skill. There was a reason they didn't push to replace Gavriel when he retired. Nobody else was a match for them in any capacity and would have been in the way more than anything else. 

"Why don't you look happy about it?" Rowan asked, relaxing a bit and leaning back in his chair. Lorcan looked like he was grinding his teeth to dust and savoring the pain that came with it.

 "Because I'm not."

"You had to approve it. He must be good enough to hold his own with the rest of us." His commander wouldn't accept anyone unless he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he could do his job with expert precision. 

Lorcan scratched his jaw, nails scraping against the stubble he hadn't bothered to shave away that morning as he said, "It’s not a he.”

Rowan’s blood turned to ice in his veins so quickly that he shivered for the first time in several months. Every hair on his body stood at attention, skin pebbling down his arms, shaking his head in a single sharp movement as he ground out, “You have got to be fucking kidding me.”

It wouldn’t take a rocket scientist to know who she was. Her name had been whispered up and down the grapevine over the last few years as she quickly climbed the ranks. At this point, she was almost as decorated as he was, and he had been at it for three years longer. Thousands of women served in the various military branches, but only one had ever been good enough to break the glass ceiling and become a Ghost Leopard. 

The Ghost Leopards were Terrasen’s most elite special operations unit. No other military group came close to the skill and drive they had. Most people didn’t even try to join— the physical, mental, and emotional strength demanded was too much for many to handle. Rowan’s unit was the best the Ghost Leopards had to offer. 

Rowan knew she had been part of two different ops teams, but never in a million years did he think she would join his own. Not because she wasn’t good enough. There was no question in his mind that she didn’t belong. Lorcan disliked the woman on a good day, yet he had approved her joining the Cadre after putting personal bias aside. 

No, she had definitely earned it; he could admit that much. Rowan had just doubted that she would ever want to share any amount of oxygen with him ever again. Her assignment to the Cadre likely hadn’t been her own idea. Whoever initiated it must well and truly detest Rowan, though. The gods were playing a cruel, sick joke on him. 

Lorcan’s features were frozen with tension, lips curling at the corners in distaste as he said, “Aelin Galathynius arrives tomorrow.” 

~*~

All five men stood in a straight line, feet shoulder-width apart and hands clasped behind their backs. They had decided on the dressed-down version of their uniform, foregoing the over shirts with patches, ranks, and names on them. They each wore the same tan t-shirt tucked into pants in a multi camouflage pattern in shades of brown. It perfectly matched the sandy ocean they were trapped in. 

Heavy black boots anchored Rowan to the ground while they watched the helicopter land a few hundred yards away, kicking up enough dust that they were all happy about the sunglasses and camouflage balaclavas they wore. Without them, the sand would be in every fucking orifice for days on end. 

The newest member of their team finally hopped out, landing with feline grace. To anyone else, she would have been unrecognizable with her face and eyes covered. Not even her hair peeked out as she walked toward them, heaving her bags higher on her shoulder. Rowan would know her anywhere, though.

It wasn’t until the helicopter returned to the skies and the dust settled that she finally pulled her balaclava down around her neck to expose her face. The aviator-style sunglasses stayed perched on her nose, and though her hair was slicked back into a bun at the nape of her neck, the golden strands still shimmered in the sun. The only difference in her uniform was that she wore her blouse with the sleeves rolled up and over her elbows.  Seeing her like this made his vision cloudy at the edges, the memory of their first meeting creeping to the forefront of his mind. He forcefully shoved it away.

The sixty seconds it took her to be within ten feet of them seemed to happen too quickly and in slow motion all at the same time. No emotion flickered over her face, not even her mouth, which usually wore a smirk. Aelin Galathynius was all business.

Hearing her name multiple times in the last twenty-four hours had his mind twisted around itself in a tight knot he couldn’t unwind. Typically, everyone avoided bringing her up when they could, yet now he was seeing her in the flesh for the first time in years. With his heart trying to break his ribs, he was surprised that he heard Lorcan call her by her last name when she stopped before him. 

It probably killed her to do it, but she saluted him the way she would any other commander. Lorcan gave her a nod in return, and her body relaxed. Aelin’s bags slid from her shoulders and landed with a thud on the ground at her feet. Rowan heard her sigh for the first time in ages as her hands dropped to her hips, and she gave them all a once-over.

Light and mischief danced in her fiery blue gaze until she looked at him. Any semblance of emotion flickered out like he’d extinguished the fire that burned within. It wasn’t the first time he had seen her eyes look so damn empty when turned on him. Her dead gaze yanked him two and half years in the past, holding him at gunpoint as he remembered the first time she had ever looked at him that way. 

“I promise. Okay?” Rowan’s hands held Aelin’s cheeks like she was the most precious thing in the world to him because she was. It didn’t matter what he said or did, though. That heavy sadness wouldn’t dissipate, and she wouldn’t look at him. 

“Rowan, I told you–” 

“Baby, it’s the last one, and then I’ll take a job in the city, and it won’t be like this anymore. It’s going to get better, and we’re going to be okay.” He only had minutes left with her, and he hated wasting it like this. It would have been better spent sharing kisses or with him exploring her body to prove how much he loved her. Instead, when they woke up, Aelin had retreated so deeply within herself that he didn’t feel like he could reach her.

“You’ve said twice now that it was going to be the last time. When is it actually going to be the last time, Rowan?” Gods, he really didn’t want to fight with her before he left.

“This is the last deployment I’m going to make,” he swore, and he meant it. He’d already told his commander, and as much as he had hated it, at the end of the day, Lorcan understood. “I don’t want to fight with you right now.”

“I wanted you to stay and pick me for once, so I guess neither of us is getting what we want, are we?” The look in her eyes wasn’t one he’d ever received from her. There was no warmth of love, just a distant chill that felt so tangible goosebumps crawled along his skin. 

 “Aelin,” he sighed, tugging her until he could wrap his arms around her even though she tried to resist. At complete odds with her expressions and words, her arms tightened around his waist, and she fisted his jacket in her hands. Like this was their hardest goodbye yet, she refused to let him go. 

They stood like that for several minutes, Rowan’s lips pressed to the top of her head while he breathed in her scent one more time. Nothing ever came close to how much he missed her when he was gone. Every deployment, he took something of hers with him, falling asleep to the faint scent of jasmine until time washed away any sign of its owner. 

“You’re going to be late,” she finally said, pulling back and wiping her face with the back of her wrist. 

“This is the last time,” he swore for a final time, taking her face between his palms and wiping at her cheeks. Aelin nodded, eyes fixed somewhere over his shoulder. 

“Yeah. Okay.” The goodbyes were always hard, but this time was different. A warning bell was chiming in the back of his head, but he pushed it aside. They made it through everything else over the last five years, and they would pull through this, too. 

“I love you.” Rowan kissed her, his heart shattering at the feel of her quivering mouth against his. A sob slipped out of her lips, her shoulders caving in. Aelin shook her head, letting it fall to read against his chest. “Hey. We’re okay.”

They were. It was an argument they’d had over and over for the last few years. While Aelin loved active duty, she had taken a desk job a few months ago when they had agreed that when Rowan got back from his last deployment, it was his last. Lorcan had begged him for one more tour because Gavriel was talking about retiring, and he didn’t want to lose them both at the same time. The day Rowan returned and told his girlfriend he was doing one last twelve month deployment, it immediately became a fight that wouldn’t end.

Aelin was twenty-six and genuinely loved her job, but she had wanted to start planning their future. Rowan was twenty-nine, and while he did want those things, he still wanted to keep building his legacy and rake in every ounce of glory while he still could. He wanted nothing more than Aelin, and he knew they could stick it out for one more year. They were strong enough to handle anything thrown at them. Of that, he was absolutely certain. 

While the fighting had led to a lot of high tension in their house, they still loved each other at the end of the day. Even when it was hard, and they went months without hearing each other’s voices or seeing one another, they shared such a rare, blinding love that nothing could fracture it.  

“I love you,” he said once more, kissing her trembling lips and wiping her tears away. 

“I love you, too.” But her eyes didn’t meet his, and it was the image of her crying in the foyer that chased him into fitful sleep every night after.

 ~*~

“Aelin Galathynius,” Fenrys drawled, shaking his head as he took her in. Over the formalities of the situation, Aelin pulled off her sunglasses and dropped into a low bow with her arms spread wide. As soon as she pulled her eyes from Rowan and looked at their mutual best friend, she grinned. 

“At your service,” she crooned with a wink. Down the line, Rowan snorted and turned on his heel,  just about stomping the entire way back to the house. Aelin’s eyes rolled, and Fenrys held his arms open for a hug. With a squeal and a joyous giggle, she ran for him and leaped into his waiting arms. 

 “As soon as Salvaterre said we were getting a sixth again, I fucking knew it was you.” His voice was low in her ear as he spun them in a circle, finally putting her feet back on land so she could hug Connall and Vaughan. Aelin made no effort to further engage in conversation with Lorcan. They tolerated each other on a good day, and he was still watching Rowan as he disappeared into what she assumed was their living quarters.

 “I missed you the most out of everyone,” she told Fen as he hefted her bags over one shoulder and threw his other arm around her to lead her toward the house.

 “Even more than you missed Whitethorn?” It was a joke, one that wasn’t rewarded with laughter but by a swift jab to his ribs. He winced, lips pulling into a harsh frown. Aelin couldn’t help it. She smiled.

 “Is he still being a bitter asshole?”

 “Worse, if you can believe it,” Connall chimed in. A sigh was desperate to creep out of her lips, but she swallowed it down. She knew when she got the assignment that it wouldn’t be easy for her, Rowan, or anyone that had to be in close proximity to them. Aelin also knew that she could check the baggage at the door when it came down to doing their jobs. In their downtime, however… She was making no promises. 

“We cleared out a room for you. Fenrys can show you which one,” Lorcan shot over his shoulder as he walked past them, headed toward the house next to the one Rowan had entered. 

“I don’t need special treatment just because I’m a woman!” Lorcan merely waved dismissively over his shoulder and slammed the front door behind him.

“I promise there is no special treatment here in Hela’s fucking armpit,” Vaughan mumbled, nudging her with his shoulder as he brushed past. Indeed, it seemed their living quarters were a far cry from her house in Orynth. Not that the barracks or living situations on special missions were ever anything to write home about, but this was particularly shoddy. 

Fenrys led her inside, gesturing to each fixture in the common areas and trying to sell them for far more than their worth. It wasn’t the worst place Aelin had ever lived in her decade-long career in the military, but his jokes had her in stitches by the time he led her to her ‘bedroom.’

Really, it was more of an oversized closet with a cot, a chair for a nightstand, and a single light operated by a cord that dangled from the ceiling. Someone had put a small fan on top of the chair that she turned on to test the airflow. Beneath the cot was just enough space for her to slide her bags, and the door shut almost all the way. It refused to latch, but you win some and lose some. It wasn’t the worst and definitely beat sleeping outside or sharing a room with any of the boys. Aelin had spent enough time with military men to know they smelled horrible. 

Not that she smelled like jasmine at all hours of the day, but the women tended to try a little harder than the men did. It didn’t matter that she knew all of them personally. Maybe it was a little sexist, but she stood firm in the idea that women cared a little more about body odor than men.

After the grand tour was finished and she’d peeked into the guys' rooms, they walked back toward the kitchen. Aelin had arrived much later than planned, and Rowan was already preparing his MRE for dinner. The others quickly followed suit, and Fenrys knelt on the ground to dig through the box.

“Alright, we’ve got spaghetti with meat sauce, chili mac, a chicken stew, regular mac and cheese, and lemon pepper tuna.” 

“Chili mac,” she said, firm in her decision. It was one of the best ones, and with their supplies looking a little low, she didn’t know how it was even an option. 

Fenrys handed her the dinner, and she quickly removed all the contents. Along with the main entree, it held a few other snack items ranging from a beef jerky stick to a packet of Sour Patch Kids and a few things in between. She hummed contentedly at the fruit punch powder packet that she would most definitely add to her water. 

Aelin was forced to sidle up next to Rowan to fill her pouch with water to activate the one-time-use heater that came with the meals. He said nothing as their shoulders brushed until she was finished, folding her pouch over to avoid spillage. Aelin handed her food off to Fenrys while she relocated everything else to the small table that would barely hold them all. By the time she retrieved it and took her seat, Rowan was already in his chair. 

Because she simply couldn’t pass up on the opportunity, she sat next to him, not bothering to avoid their knees knocking or shoulders bumping as she settled. Again, he said nothing. Just stabbed at his own pouch of beef and barbecue and pretended she wasn’t there. 

“Are you going to give me the silent treatment?” Aelin nudged his elbow with hers, tilting her head to look at him. Rowan finally relented and gave her a sidelong glance. 

The others, including Lorcan, were claiming their seats. To their credit, it seemed that they were trying not to eavesdrop, but that was impossible in this house. Lorcan, however, looked ready to jump between them and dispel a fight that would leave two of his incredible assets licking their wounds.  

“I was thinking about it,” Rowan replied tersely, not looking up as he shoved a bite into his mouth. “Isn’t that what you’ve been doing for the last few years?”

“Ah, so Connall was right then.” Bitter asshole to his very core, apparently. Fenrys snickered at her remark beside her while Rowan tensed. Aelin could have been sitting up against a concrete wall and wouldn’t have known the difference. 

“What are you missing most about civilian life?” Fen asked, likely an attempt to prevent a verbal sparring match. He popped a skittle into his mouth and settled back in his rickety chair.  

“I barely remember what it’s like at this point, to be honest.” It was the truth. Aelin had thrown herself so thoroughly into work that she was only home for a few days at a time. The longest she’d been home was for a month last summer. There were days when she didn’t know what to do with herself and days when her mattress felt too soft, or the food too indulgent. Aelin pondered, mouth twisting to the side. “Usually, I would say long, hot showers. But I don’t think I’ll be craving any sort of heat while we’re here. Probably my nightgowns. I can handle everything else, but sleeping in silk is wildly underrated.”

“Can you not share intimate details while we’re eating?” Rowan grumbled. Aelin whipped her head around to look at him, her brow furrowed.

“Intimate details, my ass. You’ve literally been inside me. I don’t think it gets more intimate than that.” Had she chosen nightgowns specifically to wiggle her way under Rowan’s skin? Maybe. But it didn’t make his reaction any less stupid. “How the hell is sleepwear an intimate detail?” 

Rowan opened his mouth to respond, but Lorcan beat him to the punch, looking for all the world like he should have told them to put Aelin in someone else’s company as he said, “On the topic of civilian life–”

 “Please tell me we’re leaving this godsforsaken place,” Fenrys cut in, eyes wide and pleading. 

 “I just flew halfway around the world, and we’re leaving?” Aelin felt as exasperated as she sounded. It was a long way to travel to just turn around and head right back. She wasn’t eager to be cooped back up on any sort of aircraft so soon. 

“In three days,” Lorcan confirmed, shifting in his seat to pull a roll of paper from his back pocket that he dropped into the middle of the table. Six pairs of eyes peered down, scanning the words even though it was upside down for Fenrys, Aelin, and Rowan. “I didn’t find out until this morning, or we would have waited for you to join us then.”

 “What’s going on?”

 “Since we’ve been monitoring the border here for months and nothing is happening, we’re more useful elsewhere. Another unit will be stationed here while we go to Rifthold.”

“What’s happening in Rifthold?” Rowan asked, leaning back in his chair. Aelin did the same while taking a swig of fruit punch, eyeing the unused drink packet from Rowan’s meal kit. It was grape, and she knew he wouldn’t drink it because it was too sweet. Maybe she could steal it when he wasn’t paying attention.

 “A threat on the Crown Prince of Adarlan’s  life.” Lorcan’s tone lacked inflection. He could have been talking about the weather.

“I’m all for preventing an assassination, but we’re the Terrasen military. Why are we getting sent in for this?” Vaughan had a point. A good one, too. Not that any of them were really complaining. Going back to civilization would be a damn vacation for them, the boys more than Aelin. She hadn’t been hiding in a shack in the desert for the last four months.

“Because all signs point to it happening at the summer ball, and our President, along with a dozen high-ranking officials from our government, will be in attendance. Preventing the Prince’s assassination will save their lives, too.” Everyone murmured their agreement. “We don’t know where it came from, though. Our source is unclear on that, which will be the trickier part. All signs point to it being an inside job right now because things have been intense between the king and his oldest son.”

 “Dorian has been speaking out against a lot of his father’s policies. The king can’t do damage control fast enough. It was all over the papers when I was in Orynth last month. As quickly as the king puts out one fire, Dorian starts another. ‘Inside sources,’” Aelin added air quotes with her fingers for emphasis, “Claim that the king is getting really fed up. It’s causing a lot of unrest and protests among the people. More of them seem to agree with the prince than the king. It would make sense for it to be his doing.” 

“That,” Fenrys drawled, holding one finger, “Is fucked up.”

“It is,” Aelin agreed. “But things have always appeared to be rocky between them.”

“We’ll be going undercover for a while. Adarlan’s government isn’t asking for assistance on the issue, probably because they’re starting it to begin with. But we aren’t willing to risk their version of ‘taking care of things.’ And if it comes down to it, President Galathynius–” Lorcan’s eyes shot to Aelin when mentioning her uncle, “–would rather save the prince’s life and risk tension with Adarlan over it.” 

“Considering the King of Adarlan is a sexist, racist piece of shit, I don’t blame him,” Connall mused, letting his hair out of the bun it had been in since Aelin arrived. She agreed with her uncle. Dorian did as much as he could as a prince, but as king… He would pave the way to a better world. 

“Do we have covers yet?” Rowan leaned forward, reaching for the stack of papers Lorcan had presented to them. As he sifted through them, Aelin noticed the commander’s face getting tighter with every page Rowan skimmed. Her brow furrowed as she looked over her ex-boyfriend’s broad shoulder. 

“You two…” Lorcan hesitated. Almost like he was dreading the news he was about to bestow upon them. “The four of us will be blending in with the commoners. Our base will be a large manor set far enough out that nobody will notice we all congregate together.”

Beside her, Rowan went utterly rigid. If she thought he was tense before, it was nothing compared to now. The tendons in his neck were ready to snap. She swore she could see his pulse pounding in his neck as a vein protruded in the center of his forehead. 

“No,” Rowan said, shaking his head and throwing the papers on the table. Confused, Aelin snatched them up to read them herself. Fenrys leaned in to read along with her, one of his fingers tracing down the edge of the page.

“It wasn’t my call,” Lorcan said defensively, right as her eyes landed on the incriminating words that had Rowan’s body taut as a bowstring.

“This better be a fucking joke,” she spat, pushing out of her chair and rising to her feet. It had to be a joke, a prank, a hazing for joining their stupid little boyband. The harsh lines on her commander’s face said it was anything but. “Married? Out of all five of you to make me pretend to be married to, it’s Rowan that gets picked?”

“We don’t know how dangerous of a situation we’re walking into.” Lorcan tried to sound calm, but his eyes darted between the former couple like they might burn down the world out of spite. Aelin was considering it. “Rowan is the best of us at hand-to-hand combat should you ever need the defense–”

“I can fight for myself. I can protect myself. Fenrys could protect me just as well as Rowan if that were truly a concern.” It was risky to shout at her commander so much, especially on her first day, but Aelin was just past the point of caring. Every fuck she might be able to give was caught in a tornado of sand, plowing through the desert in the complete opposite direction.

“You know better than anyone that Rowan has skill sets that would work well while masquerading as a Duke, just like you do for being a Duchess. Fenrys is too loud-mouthed, and the other two lack the general composure to pretend to be royal. Rowan always has the quiet, dignified mask in his back pocket. He can talk his way out of–”

 “I don’t care,” she hissed, taking several steps from the table.

 “Ace…” Fenrys said quietly, leaning back in his chair to grab her hand. “Lorcan has a point.”

 “I know he does.” Aelin’s voice was muffled while she rubbed at her face. Nobody objected or disagreed with Lorcan’s mild insults because it was the truth. Sometimes, Fen didn’t know when to shut up, and while Vaughan and Connall could easily look the part, they were missing something that Rowan just had naturally. 

 When he walked into a room, he carried himself like he was important. Unlike typical royals, it wasn’t because he was looking down his nose at anyone but because he almost commanded respect from everyone. Rowan, as a royal, wouldn’t raise any eyebrows. Aelin knew that. She just wished she had more of a heads-up before getting thrown into something that hit a little too close to home where their former relationship was concerned.

 “I’m sorry for yelling.” Her eyes met Lorcan’s, and he shrugged. Now was not the time for him to assume she couldn’t do her job because she was an emotional woman. It was sexist bullshit, to begin with, but her time in the military told her it’s what they all thought of the women. No matter how hard they trained or how many times they proved themselves, women were silly, emotional creatures that couldn’t handle anything.

“I expected it. I know it won’t be easy for either of you.” Aelin couldn’t hide the surprise on her face. Not the raised brows or the way her mouth parted at his words. Maybe she undersold him. Just a little. “Rowan?”

 “Yeah.” The word was flat. Seeing his face wasn’t necessary to know his eyes were probably as vacant as he sounded.

 “Can you handle it?”

 “Don’t really have a choice, do I?” 

No, they didn’t have a choice, but if it would save multiple lives, they would manage. Their tumultuous past would stay where it belonged when they were in public and doing their jobs. Maybe they would even find a way to be civil by the end of it. There was also the possibility of everything going up in flames, one violent explosion at a time until everything was burned and nobody was marked safe from the fallout.

Aelin really wasn’t sure which one it would be.

@elentiyawhitethorn @autumnbabylon @fancysludgeshoelamp  @wordsafterhours @live-the-fangirl-life @the-hospitality-of-knives @tangledraysofsunshine @readandlisten @westofmoon @rowanaelinn  @morganofthewildfire @writtenonreceipts @feynightlight @emster1622-blog @scarblx @thefaetrove @loveyatopluto @actuallybarb @peppermint-fae @the-devils-own @scottmcgivemeacall @livingmylifeforme  @wordsafterhours @foreverfallingforthestars @llyncooljones @emily-gsh @loosesimplicity @emilyrose111294  @charlizeed @aelinchocolatelover @cretaceous-therapod @sayosdreams @fireheart-violet @the-regal-warrior @backtobl4ck @shyvioletcat @bellasbookboyfriends @icantfindmychashma

[toomuchracket]

given recent events I’ve been thinking about a little city day out with matty just walking around holding hands, bumping into friends, him buying me whatever I want…

i miss birthday party matty so i'm making this about him lol. somehow, miraculously, work has taken you both to nyc at the same time; matty for recording and some press, you also for press and meetings and publishing negotiations. you stay in the same hotel because why wouldn't you, when you're in the same city for the same period of time, and it's actually quite domestic because even though you're thousands of miles from home you're still waking up together and showering and getting ready together and having breakfast and kissing each other goodbye when you leave for work. anyway, your final day in nyc is a free day for matty and a mostly free day for you - you have an early little press event/talk to do with an award you've been nominated for, which matty goes along with you to (the interviewer says something like "a lot of your new nonfiction seems to have more of a focus on love and romance than your previous writing" and you look at matty and smile like "yeahhhhhh that's someone else's influence" and his heart genuinely flutters lol), and then you just spend the day having a wander. in my mind, it's quite a crisp autumn morning (i'm rewatching gilmore girls again can u tell), and matty's doing cute shit like holding your cheeks in his hands and kissing your nose to warm them both up, and wrapping you into his coat while you queue for coffee; he holds his coffee in one hand and your hand in the other as you walk down the street, and does his usual thing of kissing you while you wait for the crosswalks (look at me using americanisms!!) to tell you to move. and you just spend the day slowly, dipping in and out of various bookshops and record shops and clothes shops, where matty (still on a high from your little interview moment earlier and even more putty in your hands than usual) says quite seriously "i will literally buy you whatever you want as long as you can fit it in your suitcase for going home"; you're like "baby it's ok lol i didn't really intend on buying anything", and matty hugs you tightly and kisses all over your face like "let me treat you! let me love you!", and you giggle like "you do already! but if you insist" and pick out some little bits to take home with you. he also carries your bags because he's cute like that, and does the cheesy little hand-in-back-pocket move while you walk so he can squeeze your bum - you roll your eyes at him when he does, he gives you a shit-eating grin in return, and then you both giggle and matty pushes you into him so he can kiss you again. later, maybe you run into jack and margaret and end up going for dinner with them, and seeing them in their newlywed bliss phase makes matty so delulu about marrying you (he is counting the days until the wedding. they are in the hundreds. but still), then you just head back to the hotel and share a bottle of wine and a bubble bath and... well, you know the rest. but it's lovely, the whole day <3

[mitsua]

Ch. 2 | ๋ ࣭ ⭑—Misunderstanding

Warnings: mentions of rude costumers, cursing, threatening, explosions, robbery, reader getting harmed and falsely accused Genre: angst Series: Boku No Hero Academia Y/N's . . . GN! Words' count: 0.68k

Previous chapter Series' list

The end of the month came and you were running out of money, due to paying, for a bitchy customer who you've accidentaly spilled some coffee on, a brand new pair of shoes.

"It was literally one fucking drop." You argued with him after almost ten minutes of going back and forth about it. Getting more and more desperate to just leave them alone already.

They ended up threatening you to either pay them to get new ones "as those won't ever be the same again" like they said, or they'd talk with your boss to fire you.

"Again? In the bank? Seriously?". There's been a short circuite apparently caused by a villains' assault plan. Alarms had gone off, the little light it came from those red, palpitating bulbs barely helped to make visible where you were going to hide while the heroes saved your day one more time.

As you were about to reach for a door, which was oddly familiar from the distance, a wrong step made you fall infront of the people in charge of waiting for the heroes and announce their partners.

You went to rub your knee silently, but felt a pair of arms quickly grab yours from behind to prevent you from moving any further.

"A silent group?" You asked internally since no one said nothing until you felt a sharp thing carress softly your neck.

An explosion broke down the bank's principle door, that's when you finally heard those villains shout, alarming their companions to get ready to go away.

Unfortunately for them, this time the student heroes weren't alone, as the reports the U.A. received said there were multiple people and only their not qualificated servants could not handle.

The man holding your arms shifted to grab your wrists with one hand and took the knife from the other who ran, to still make clear you were on danger.

Sweat was dripping from your forehead, mind going thousands of miles per hour. Was this your time to get a normal sleep? To dream and never wake up? "Fucking finall-"

Just as you were finishing to whisper this words to yourself, you saw a flash go barely above your head to the man behind you and heard the knife being dropped.

Letting a breath escape from your mouth, you crumbled in the loud crashes and shouting everyone was doing when fighting for their lives in this now absolutely mess of a bank.

You held your hands on your ears to quiet at least one decibel, crying for this to end. It was clear there were still more villains than heroes. That's why they've lasted more than twenty minutes fighting.

Just as you were opening once again your eyes, you saw a bag with money being thrown your way, so conveniently. The adrenaline from the moment made you reach immediately for it. Was this some luck in your life?

No, you missed it again.

You missed when two more groups of heroes came in view and specifically one blonde guy just saw you as a desperate person robbing.

"LET THAT BAG DOWN AND COME HERE IMMEDIATELY!" He shouted, making explosions with his hands to go your way, or more like flying your way.

"No, no, you don't understand!". You begged silently compared to his raised voice.

"I DON'T UNDERSTAND?! WHAT WOULD I HAVE TO UNDERSTAND?! YOU'RE ONE OF THEM!" He accused, grabbing harshly your arm, causing you to whince and drop the bag. Being dragged out of the mess to a police car were a policemen already waiting with quirk-cancelling cuffs.

"Please no! This is a misunderstanding! Thi-This was not-It was not my intention, really-"

"SHUT UP. YOU'LL TELL THAT TO WHOEVER WANTS TO LISTEN!". He finished letting go of your now bruised arm, making you lose your balance and hit a police car's front.

Tears blurred almost everything around you. Barely distinguishing the young man with green hair, seemingly harmed, approaching the now considered by you "far beyond idiot blonde" screaming desperately to let you go and that you had nothing to do with this.

Next chapter

All writings' rights reserved © 2024 Mitsua. (Credit to the respective owners of the tagged anime character.) ⌇ my navigation!

[sirthisisa-wendys]

THOSE OPTIONS WERE SO AMAZINGAHAHAHAGFAGADA BUT ILL PICK A MIXTURE OF "Big Daddy who will fight to keep him family alive and safe" AND A TOUCH OF ANGST ON TOP

Done and done!

Monsters: Keizo Arashi x Fem!Reader

wc: 1.2k

tw: angst, violence, bro IDK what timeline this is except Bonten and IDK what I just wrote but I'll figure it out lol

masterlist

"I saw, I saw monsters!"

Keizo is huffing as the music blares in his ears. The stroller in front of him is perfectly at rest, as is the child inside of it. He glances down at his son and sees the one-year-old sleeping, nestled in the warmth of the blankets with his little hat on.

Keizo keeps running, his feet slapping against the pavement as he pushes and huffs and lets the sounds in his ears drown out the soundlessness of the neighborhood. It's a good neighborhood, one that is perfectly safe and inviting for him to start a family.

There's something about the slow life, the lack of running around for survival and for a chance to be seen, that makes Keizo feel uneasy, but it's getting better.

The music in his ears pauses, and for a second, Keizo wonders if he accidentally jostled the phone, but then your name echoes in his headphones.

"Hey," he answers breathlessly, and your voice wobbles a little before you murmur,

"Hey, are you..." You pause. Keizo stops, frowning. "Are you in the garage?"

"No," he replies and looks back in the direction of the house. "Is there--"

"I think there's someone in the garage." Keizo easily turns the stroller around and begins to pound the pavement back to the house.

"I'm on my way back. Stay on the phone, and don't go into the garage." The adrenaline in Keizo's body ramps higher, and multiple scenarios run through his mind as he makes his way back to the house.

"Please be careful," you whisper. The jog is shorter than he thought it would be, and Keizo finds himself at the front door of the house, opening it slowly after punching in the code. He rolls the stroller inside, and you're there, standing at the top of the steps with the phone against your ear.

"Keizo," you murmur, and there's something in your voice that's a warning. "Keizo, don't panic."

It feels as if you're a thousand miles away at the top of the stairs. Keizo reaches for his son and pulls him close, careful not to wake the toddler as another person's face shows up at the top of the stairs. Keizo's hand instinctively holds onto his child a little tighter, and his breath hitches.

"Why are you here?" he breathes, and his old friend gives him a sad smile.

"You have something you're not supposed to have." Keizo's heart clenches, and when he looks at your face, you seem to look more guilty than scared. "Where is it?"

"What are you talking about?" The child in his arms stirs, and Keizo lowers his voice. "Takeomi, what are you talking about?"

"The hard drive." A tear slips from your eye, and you whimper. Keizo wants to run to you and hold you against him, but he's frozen to the spot. The hard drive.

It had been a gift from Waka, something he'd tucked away long ago that was his passkey to living a life free from any pain and suffering. Something that would keep Bonten at bay.

"I don't have one," Keizo lies. "We don't even have a computer here."

Takeomi sighs, and it's a sad, awful, and painful one. "I know you're trying to move on. I know you've left us in the syndicate behind. But Keizo, think of your child. Your wife."

"I don't have a hard drive," Keizo restates just as calmly as before. "If I had one, I'd give it to you, friend."

"Then why did we get a signal from this house that it had been accessed?" Keizo blanches. He doesn't even look at you, but when you burst into uncontrollable sobs, he knows.

"Baby," he whispers. "What did you do?"

"I'm sorry," you choke out. "I didn't know." Shit.

"I don't want to fight you, Takeomi," Keizo states, hardening his resolve.

"You won't be fighting me," Takeomi replies. "Not if Manjiro has any say."

"It's triggered," Keizo mumbles, stroking his son's back carefully. "If multiple attempts to access the hard drive are made, it sends out information--"

"We know." Another voice joins the mix, and Keizo turns to watch a familiar face emerge from the shadows of the office. Kakucho Hitto joins the fray, holding a cell phone aloft. "Wakasa told us."

Keizo bristles. "If you have so much information, why did you--" When Kakucho places the cell phone in the line of his vision, it takes Keizo a long moment before he can decipher the image on the screen. And why wouldn't it take long? The person was nearly unrecognizable, save a few tufts of purple and blonde hair. His stomach revolts, and before he can vomit on the floor, Keizo grits his teeth together, swallowing the bile in his throat.

"Now," Kakucho begins, turning the phone away. "You have a child." Every instinct in Keizo tells him to give in, to fight until the bitter end. But he can't. Not when his son is lying on his chest.

As a matter of fact, every single part of the conversation had been terribly quiet, save your sobs. Keizo looks at his son, understanding that he is the only reason he's not dead right now. His son commands the room without even being awake.

"Give us the passkey and--"

"I really don't know it." Takeomi hisses, and Kakucho pulls out his gun, aiming it a little to the left. A little too close to his son.

"You'll figure it out, I'm sure. Or else---"

"Takeomi," Keizo pleads, looking up at his friend. "Take the fucking drive; I don't care. But I can't help you open it. The one person who knew the passkey is long gone."

"Who is it?" Keizo angles his head at the phone in Kakucho's hand.

"He told us that Takemitchi had the code," Kakucho replies. "We don't know where he is." Kakucho swings the gun toward you, and Keizo's entire body wants to lunge to block him. But his child is in his hands. "Where's the hard drive?"

"In- In the office. Top left drawer of the desk." Kakucho disappears, then reemerged with the piece of equipment.

"You say Takemichi knows?"

"He's the only one Waka trusted." The two men leave you and Keizo almost as silently as they came, shutting the garage door with a click and retreating with the hard drive in hand.

"It's only mere hours before they find out that's not the one," Keizo hisses, placing his son back in the stroller and stroking his cheek absentmindedly. You wipe your fake tears and nod. "Get the bags. We leave now."

"What about Wakasa?"

"He died protecting us," Keizo mutters, going up the stairs and rubbing his eyes fiercely. "Protecting you. We have to get to Naoto and Takemichi before them."

"What about the house?"

"What about the house?" Keizo replies, frowning.

"You're right."

"Takemichi will know what to do next."

"Are you sure?" you ask, placing your hands on his shoulders.

"I'm more than sure," Keizo whispers, touching your cheek. "He's never been wrong before. He won't be wrong now."

[moreworldliness]

so i came across a sonic mod/exe/thing called "sink" and it got me thinking

when people try to make sonic "scary", they never really do it for me because they try to ground it too much in reality:

"oh, sonic's in the real world and is trying to kill me!"

"oh, my game is corrupted"

imo, they're not coming at it from a game angle - they're too focused on outside looking in, rather than inside looking out.

for example, a popular fandom question - why is sonic afraid of water?

if you were on the outside looking it, you could probably shrug and say "well, they needed some kind of weakness gameplay-wise and the creators didn't think hedgehogs could swim. that's that."

inside looking out, however? consider!

MAJOR WARNING FOR DROWNING BELOW THE BREAK

you're sonic the hedgehog.

at the time of the classic games, which to you are your entire life, you're 12 with miles prower (your newly acquired and handy buddy) sitting at a clean 4 years old. sometimes it crosses your mind that he might be too young for this, but time and time again, he's put your worries to rest.

you're proud of him. he's smart and you're quick - you're the perfect duo.

you must've run hours before you enter into chemical plant zone and make your way through the lower path. its been a fairly standard journey up until this point and you're not about to be intimidated by some overgrown factory. (do factories even grow? you decide to ask miles later)

at this point, you're more than aware of how your life works. it's okay if you get hurt, because you have rings. it's okay if you "pass out", because you always wake up at the start of the area you were just in, with everything just as it was.

not to brag, but you happened to think you were pretty indestructible.

falling and rolling down unimaginable stretches of pipes, you and miles finally reach a new area: a hydraulic door opens in front of you, revealing a long chute upwards. cut and dry - you turn towards miles to grab his hand.

the door shuts behind you and, as quick as you can hold your breath, you're plunged under purple water.

miles - you've grown to calling him tails, because it's easier to say; you're still twelve, after all - begins paddling upwards with ease, but you find yourself horrifyingly heavy in the water. it grabs you, pulls you downwards, thousands of arms pinning your every movement.

you jump, and hit the first platform.

you kind of regret not learning how to swim.

tails has paddled so far upwards that you can't see him anymore - not through the sludge of this water, anyway. it seems to be getting heavier too, dragging your movements as you scramble to reach the second platform.

your hands miss.

your feet fail.

you fall back down.

you become consciously aware of how tight your chest is.

you keep trying, to the same result; jump, fall. jump, fall. you aren't sure how much longer you can hold your breath, either, and the hydraulic doors are shut fast - you can't even budge them.

you've tried.

you can just about imagine tails in your mind's eye as you try the platform again, scrambling around in a panic. he's four, in a mechanised factory with no way out, suddenly all on his own. the thought alone propels you forward, and you land a grip on the platform above you.

a foothold. something - there's gotta be some way out of this.

you glance up.

the clearance of the ceiling above you is still high, but for a brief second, you can see the lights of the level above you. you can see the wavering figure of tails, looking in from above, his two tails flickering around.

he looks nervous.

you can't help but laugh in relief - he's okay.

your mistake hits you all at once.

there is no air. the crushing weight of the water bears downwards, and you drop like a stone. there are no chaos emeralds, there is no life-saving device here. just water, yourself, and your own stupid reflection.

the "passing out" feeling begins sweeping over you, and just before you shut your eyes, you recount every last feeling you've ever felt - that time you dropped from spring yard zone and hit the ground a bit too hard, or the time the walls of marble zone came in faster than anticipated.

the time robotnik (eggman, you teased, once upon a time) hit you a bit too hard.

you're dying.

you're dying over and over again, and this time the only exception is that you're made to feel it.

you want to cry.

you can't.

the water cries for you.

you blink, and you're right back at the beginning of chemical plant zone. the sky is clear, the sun is warm; the wind blows through you.

tails looks up at you, waving his hand in front of your eyes to get your attention. he looks just as expectantly nervous as he did before you entered.

he asks if you're ready.

you can't make yourself move. all you can do is drop to your knees and cry.

you heave a breath of air, but all you can taste is water.

[chasingbluebirds]

In the Aftermath

Written for this week's @flashfictionfridayofficial theme, "Run Far and Fast"!

Word count: 806

cw: passing mentions of war, blood

--

"Run far and fast, and find yourself somewhere safe, away from here. And someday, when this is all over, I'll find you again. I promise."

I curse myself quietly that I still hear your words clear as yesterday, as if it hasn't been almost two hundred years already since you spoke them. Almost two full centuries since I last saw you, but your voice still echoes in my mind like this - even looking at a clear, sunny sky like this, so unlike that day.

I should have given up on you by now. Sometimes I even think maybe I have. After all, my life doesn't look a thing like it did back then, and I'm not sure I'd want it to. Were we really so happy? My life here is fine, a humble, quiet little existence that doesn't demand bloodshed, doesn't scream for heroics. A life where a sharp edge is more valuable on a kitchen knife than a sword's blade.

I slather a thick scoop of butter and honey across the bread in my hand, taking a deep breath of the scent of wheat and yeast still drifting on the air. I'm eight thousand miles and two hundred years away from it all now, so very far from the war and the curse and the beasts and the blood, so distant they could have been simply a bad dream. It's peaceful in a way I never had with you, and I enjoy it - and I'm not sure you would. You always did love your excitement and adventure, always found the looming threat of evils pursuing more tantalizing than a simple meal at home. What would it matter if you found me now?

Maybe you've realized the same. Maybe you're not looking for me at all. Maybe you stopped trying to cure that curse of yours a long time ago, because you've realized a tragic separation between us makes for a grander story than happily ever after.

Maybe that'd be for the better.

But then, if I've given up, why do my ears still perk every time I hear rumors of our old home? Why does the sight of your gleaming shield still flash across my vision when the sunlight hits metal just right? Why does my head automatically whip back, a half heartbeat flicker of hope, every time I catch a glimpse of that hibiscus-red hair, as if this time it'll finally be you?

And why, why, why do those words of yours still ring in my head, every few weeks, months? Nowadays, I forget just long enough to not know how long it's been since the last time. And yet, they never go away completely.

You asked me to run. So why can't you leave me?

--

"Run far and fast, and find yourself somewhere safe, away from here. And someday, when this is all over, I'll find you again. I promise."

The twin tastes of blood and fear had been thick on my tongue when I told you to leave, metallic and heavy as the shield I bore.

You'd had none of that fear in your face when I'd said it. Pain, determination, grief, yes, but not fear. Somehow, despite it all, you still weren't afraid of me. You always did tease me for being dramatic, but I just wasn't as strong as you in those days. I was afraid. I was always, always afraid. And you, you've always been the strongest person I've ever known.

Without hesitation, you did exactly as I told you. You turned, and you ran. You ran and ran, as fast and hard as you could, and not once did you look back.

I remember, because I watched you until I couldn't anymore, the only thing tethering my mind to my body, and when you were gone, the curse was all that was left - the curse, and the war, and the bloodshed they both demanded.

And now, the curse is gone. But so are you.

My grip tightens on my cloak as I try to shake the thought. No, you're no longer beside me, but you're not gone. You're out there still, somewhere - alive and safe, somewhere. I believe that. You must have made it out safely, found shelter for that sweet smile behind the soft curtain of hickory tresses.

My legs are heavy from the trek, but the diviner's tower is so close now. If they don't have the answer, I'll seek out another. I'll keep searching as long as it takes. Whatever it takes to find you again.

I've kept you waiting far too long already, these past centuries, just to break that curse I held upon me. But I am on my way.

I made you a promise. I will do whatever it takes to keep it.

Just wait for me, please.

[andr0medafallen]

Cold, Dead Heart

A/N: Another repost! I was like super depressed and busy for a while, but I will be working on continuing to publish all of my old fics that I intend to publish now, before writing more. I plan on being more active in my writing in the spring when I will be taking less credits. xoxo

Pairing: Adrian Chase x Reader

Warnings: some angst, sexual harassment (someone unconsensually grabs readers ass), canon-typical violence (reader breaks said man's fingers), some hurt/comfort, girlboss reader lmao

Description: Adrian Chase convinces you to go to his high school reunion. You end up not regretting it, although you've got plenty of reasons to.

Word Count: 4.3k

“Adrian, no,” you rejected, mind reeling at the fact that Adrian Chase had thought you would be an acceptable date anywhere, let alone at his High School reunion, despite you having gone to high school thousands of miles away from this hick town. And despite what everyone on the team thought about you being a cold-hearted bitch who hated everything resembling laughter and fun, you did consider Adrian a friend, which is why you intended to spare him of embarrassing himself in front of all of the ex-jocks and backstabbing cheerleaders who he stupidly looked up to. Even if you wanted to be eye candy, which you didn’t, that definitely wasn’t something that you had been trained for in the field, and no amount of looks could make up for your apparent lack of skill and effort in the field of flattery. You’re an FBI agent, not Miss America.

“Whaaaat?” Adrian complained, as though he thought he might be able to change your mind by annoying you enough. “Come on, you only have to be there for like, an hour. Just long enough for people to think I’m cool and that you want to be there. And then I’ll buy you ice cream or clean your guns for a year or–”

“Beyond the fact that it would be severely unprofessional—” You started, before being cut off by his over-eager mouth.

“It wouldn’t be unprofessional! How would it be unprofessional?”

“We work together, Adrian. I outrank you.” You sat on your desk, cleaning your glock with a grey rag turned black by grime and oil. Your current state should have only proved your point further. Not even in the running for Miss Congeniality.

“Uh, no, you don’t, cause I don’t even technically work for the government.”

You scoffed. “Well, you sure work with the government a lot for someone who doesn’t work for the government.”

“I don’t think that you are legally allowed to use the unprofessional excuse unless I actually worked with you though, which I don’t.”

“Oh, I broke the law?” You chuckled. “What are you gonna do, kill me?” A part of you knew that Adrian might not understand that you were joking. But the cold-hearted bitch part figured that making him think that you assumed he would want to murder you for not going to his high school reunion made up for the fact that he was making you sit through this conversation. Maybe it would even get him to leave, although you doubted you had that much luck.

“What? No, I would never kill you. I mean, if you broke a really bad law, like loitering, then maybe. But I don’t think that not using unprofessionalism as an excuse when people don’t work together is actually a law, but maybe it should be.” 

You raised your eyebrows. “Right. Well, let me know when they do make it a law. Until then, I will be here. Happily doing things that do not take place in a high school.”

“Come on, pleeeeaaaase,” He begged. “I’ll do anything.”

God. What a stupid, stupid boy. The amount of trust he had in you was anything but inspiring. It was misplaced and idiotic, and he definitely shouldn’t be offering you ‘anything’. Still, his desperation, while misplaced, made butterflies spark up in your gut. “Anything?” You asked, arching a brow.

Adrian’s expression turned, eyes narrowing as he noted your mischievous tone. It was calculated, your manner of speaking, meant to prevent those butterflies from revealing anything, but he didn't know that. “You’re not gonna make me do anything illegal, are you? Cause last time I–”

“Don’t flatter yourself, Adrian. You aren’t fun enough to do anything illegal with.” You lowered your feet off of your shitty metal desk chair, where you’d propped them up while talking to Adrian, and loudly planting them on the floor as you stood up from your seat on your desk, leaning towards Adrian. “Since you are clearly desperate here, I’ll go. Just buy my coffee or something for the next month, I don’t fucking care.”

“Fuck yeah! Wait, is there a catch? Cause sometimes people ask me to things and then they’re like ‘well, actually’--”

“The catch is that you get out of my fucking office and let me finish this mission report.” You grabbed your stapler and threw it at him. Adrian caught it with a giddy smile and skipped out of the room. You hoped he would actually return that stapler at some point, since you had a few stacks of loose paperwork waiting on your desk and no replacement, but you suspected you’d never see it again.

With a sigh, you returned to your gun, working in the oil so ferociously that your hands started to ache. Fuck, you shouldn’t have said yes. A list of possibilities for what could happen on your–would it be considered a date?–were rattling through your mind like an old busted up film reel, and all you could do was hope that you wouldn’t fuck anything up.

~~~

You hadn’t talked to Adrian since you’d agreed to go with him. He’d texted you the details for your arrangement, but other than that, radio silence. On your end, at least. Adrian might not have been chattering your ear off as much as usual, but it was you who conveniently wrapped yourself in paperwork every time he entered your line of sight. A week of not talking, hardly communicating, and now… A night of hopefully not telling any secrets. A night where Adrian Chase will not learn how badly you don’t want to go on this date with him only because you had hoped that your first date with Adrian Chase, the known maniac who you had the biggest, stupidest crush on, would be because he actually liked you and not because he wanted to impress a handful of idiots with something that wasn’t real.

Still, that didn’t stop you from pestering your friend to borrow the perfect outfit because nothing in your closet was quite right, spending an additional hour to get ready after your outfit was chosen, and tolerating the most uncomfortable pair of shoes in your closet because maybe Adrian wanted to impress his all of his ex locker room neighbors and high school buddies, but you sort of wanted to impress Adrian; Even if a part of you was convinced that you were fighting an uphill battle.

Even with all the time you had spent on your appearance, you were ready with time to spare. All there was left to do was sit on the thrift store couch in your living room, trying to distract yourself with the books that were usually scattered on your coffee table; an eclectic arrangement of FBI protocol manuals and the various genres of fiction which you read for pleasure. You were about to give up on trying to make your mind process the information from a heavy sci-fi book that Economos had given you when a much-anticipated knock sounded at the door.

A mixture of relief and anxiety flooded through you as you set the book down (a resonant Whack! sounding from the sheer heft of it) and rushed to open your front door.

For a moment, the two of you just looked at each other. Adrian’s cheeks were rosy and he seemed out of breath, which was a bit non-intuitive, given that you could see his Sebring parked in the lot just a floor below your balcony entrance. Ignoring that though, you had to admit that he looked good. Well, you always thought he looked good, but he looked really, really good tonight. He was dressed to the semi-casual dress code in a black cable turtle-neck which he’d partially tucked into his brown corduroys. Even though it wasn’t very far off from what you’d seen of him in civilian clothes, a part of it surprised you. You’d never actually seen him in anything other than his Vigilante gear and the nerdy shit he wears on CVS runs.

After what felt like eons of simply looking at each other, it was you who broke the silence with a quiet, “Hey.”

It seemed to sufficiently snap him out of his thoughts. “Hi! Hey. You look really good. Like stupid fucking good.”

“Oh. Thanks. Gotta impress your buddies, right?” You chuckled nervously. Were you imagining the way Adrian’s face fell when you said that? Probably just projecting, right? “You look really good too. I’ve never seen you…”

“Oh, yeah. I figured I couldn’t wear the Vigilante uniform, so.” You giggled at this, and his smile did a much better job at lighting the entryway to your apartment than your porch light ever had.

“I like your Vigilante costume,” you chided, exiting your doorway and locking your door behind the two of you before hesitantly tucking your arm around Adrian’s.

When you approached his car, Adrian opened the passenger door for you before hurrying around the front of the car to sit behind the wheel on the driver's side. You were grateful when he started the car and the heater rumbled on, warm air blasting towards you; It was a cool autumn night and the dress which you had chosen for yourself wasn’t doing a lot as far as warmth was concerned.

The ride to the high school of Adrian’s teenage years was short, and filled with the heavy base of the 11th Street Kids, volume all the way up. As nervous as you were for the coming event, it didn’t take much for Adrian to get you laughing and singing along.

“There’s no wrong time to rock, baby!” Adrian yelled over the tinny speakers of the sebring, hitting the steering wheel with the palm of his hand along with the beat. You burst out into laughter, trying to ignore the way your stomach fluttered with butterflies at being called ‘baby’.

Either way, you still made him turn it down when you approached the school. It hardly seemed like a fancy reunion, terribly appropriate for a town like Evergreen, but if Adrian was intent on impressing people, you figured he might as well not ruin it before it began by blasting music at levels that would give premature hearing problems even to the people outside of the car.

Once he had parked, he jogged around the car to open your door for you, speed likely prompted by his suspicion that you wouldn't let him. It was something that Chris always used to  try during stakeouts. He happened to stop that a while ago, definitely not because you would always wait until his hand reached the handle to pop it open and slam it into his gut. The memory (or lack thereof, because it is definitely something you had never done) still made you smile. But you weren’t planning on doing that to Adrian. Not when you were on a date and –you had a massive crush on him– he promised to pay you in full with beautifully overpriced oat milk lattes.

So yes, you let him open your door, and take your hand, and do all of the things that you never let anyone else do. You were conscious of your reputation—you couldn’t help it, not with the type of people you worked with—but right now… Tonight, you know that everything is fake. Artificially constructed to present a picture that isn’t there, that isn’t true. But tonight, you are going to pretend that it is true, because you can, and because after everything that you’ve been through with Adrian–with the butterflies (the literal ones, not the metaphorical ones), the bullet wounds, waking up everyday afraid because you’re constantly putting your life on the line—you felt that you deserved this. Or at least, you deserved to be able to pretend.

The two of you were hand in hand entering the gymnasium. Palms connected, your free hand cradling his arm. The lights are dim, a cliche high school disco ball hanging in the middle of the room. It smelled the way every school gymnasium smells; That sort of waxy, wrestler sweat smell that can never be explained too well, but always seems to permeate the area. 

The woman at the booth checked you in, placing a stamp on the back of both of your hands. She gave you a toothy grin, full of kindness as she asked, “Different graduating year?”

You chuckled, returning her warmth. “Not a local.” You’re certain that she’ll be spreading that bit of small town gossip around, but you can’t seem to manage any hard feelings.

It wasn’t as bad as you thought it would be. The lights weren’t too bright, the music not too loud, and you’re holding Adrian Chase’s hand.

Adrian led you to what seemed like his group of high school friends. The sort of D&D type that you’d have expected him to hang out with. Maybe a little awkward, but not trying nearly as hard as the ‘popular kids’; a trait you can appreciate. God, are you reinforcing high school stereotypes in a building full of adults? Yet another reason that you didn’t go to your own high school reunion.

Adrian started to make his introductions, naming everyone one by one, because of course that is something he would remember. Adrian knew your middle name before you’d even been formally introduced.

“Sonia, Oliver, Jack, Gini, this is…”

Before anyone else could notice Adrian’s hesitation, you jumped in with a smile, “I’m Adrian’s girlfriend. It’s nice to meet you all.” Maybe you weren’t Miss Congeniality, but you were professionally trained in lying.

That elicited quite the reaction from the group. The excited giggles and ecstatic welcomes make you think this might not have been an awful idea after all. You don’t even really mind the whistles or congratulations toward a blushing Adrian. The group trailed back into their previous conversation after a bit, and you nudged Adrian with your elbow..

“I’m gonna go grab some punch, want some?” You whispered when he looked over at you with his smiling eyes.

His brows furrowed. “Are you sure? I can go with you—”

“I’ll be fine, Adrian,” you insisted. You needed a bit of a break from people, and fetching spiked punch seemed to be  the popular way to do that in all the movies, but you really did want Adrian to be able to catch up with his friends. They seemed kind, and genuine. “Have fun. I’ll be back in a minute, pinky promise.”

You reached your pinky out towards him and he wrapped his own around yours. Before he got the chance to separate, you pressed your thumb against his, making a little goofy kiss sound. Before you could see his responding blush, you turned away toward the punch table, making your exit.

When you arrived at the infamous high school punch bowl, you didn’t even have time to grab cups before you felt a hand touch your shoulder. Your heart rate sped up and you spun, slugging the perpetrator in the arm when you realized it was just Chris.

“Jesus, fucking sneaky, asshole, what are you doing here?” You asked, covering your momentary panic with irritation.

“You’re the one who went to High School in Gotham, what’re you doing here?” Chris responded, a juvenile mimic of your own question.

“If I wanted you to badger my own shit back at me I’d play uno.”

Chris split into a grin; a shit-eating, ear to ear grin. “You’re on a date!”

“Who cares? And why the hell do you find that so hard to believe?” You asked defensively

Chris snorted. “It’s not. Just funny that you ditched your date to hang out at the punch table.”

You scowled. “I didn’t ditch my date, I’m just getting punch. For me and my date. And I swear to God, Smith, if you spiked it, I will put that on your permanent record,” you warned, grabbing one of the plastic cups sitting at the table. The threat was an empty one. Honestly you kind of hoped he had spiked it.

“I didn’t spike it!” you still look thoroughly unamused in front of him, arms crossed. “Jesus, no room in your cold dead heart to believe me?” Chris kissed three fingers on his right hand and raised them up in front of himself. “Scouts honor.”

You rolled your eyes. “That’s the fucking Hunger Games thing, Chris.” You ladled some of the red liquid into your cup and took a sip, disappointedly disappointed when you didn’t taste the warmth of alcohol. Just your average watered down punch.

You were about to say something more, about how you wouldn’t be surprised if Chris really was in boy scouts and never learned that, or some dry humor about how you liked to think that Chris was intentionally obtuse but was more likely just stupid, when you felt a stranger's hand grabbing your ass, followed by a loud, obnoxious voice shouting “EY YO, NICE MEAT CHRIS!!!!”

To his credit, Chris squared up, ready to have your back against this asshole. You were quicker to the punch, though, grabbing the hand of your perpetrator and twisting so hard that he was nearly toppled by his own weight. You zeroed in on him. Tall, bulky, wearing a letterman's jacket. Some high school has-been who thought that the tacky Las Vegas flask he brought made him cool. Apparently he felt the same way about harassing women, like it was some way to level him up from basic boring misogynist to super misogynist.

“Wow, that was really funny, wasn’t it?” You ask him, saccharinely sarcastic while twisting his arm harder.

“No!” He yelped, trying to alleviate your grip on him. “No, it wasn’t,”  You wished you had it in you to feel sorry for what a fucked up loser this guy was, but you didn’t. Anyways, an apology given out of fear doesn’t mean anything, but that didn’t mean you didn’t want to fuck him up a little just to see how he felt about it.

“Oh…You’re probably right. It was in bad taste, wasn’t it?” You asked sweetly. “It would probably be best to leave after doing something like that, huh? After all, we wouldn’t want anyone prosecuted on the count of sexually assaulting a Federal Agent, that would be way too crazy for a town like Greendale!”

You dropped the sweet facade, whispering in his ear, “If you think about trying that shit with anyone ever again, please remember that I have a gun and access to most government databases,” before dropping him to the floor. 

It was then that the panic flooded through you. Everything you had just done had been done in reaction to what was happening, but you could see past the adrenaline now and all you could think about was the consequences, which you really didn’t want to face. You didn’t want to see Adrian’s expression as he realized that you’d done the exact opposite of what he wanted, and you didn’t want all of the missed opportunities to make Adrian get coffee with you. And you also didn’t want to always be the outsider, but you seemed to be consistently bad at fulfilling that goal. It was so stupid, but after spending most of your life constantly moving around due to reassignment after reassignment, you had hoped that you could find a home here. Instead you’d just made yourself the town gossip. You’d probably wind up in the morning paper tomorrow. “Crazy Jackass Assaults Local.”

You don’t know how long you stood there, glaring at the man you’d injured and forced to the floor, before you felt a hand on your elbow. Your head jerked towards it to find Adrian. He was absolutely fuming. He had this look in his eyes that always assured you he was about to do something stupid—what, you weren’t yet sure yet, but you didn’t particularly want to find out, so you grabbed him by the arm and hauled ass out of the gym. There was a crowd of concerned model citizens surrounding Mr. Hasbeen, but as you walked out the front doors, you noticed the check in lady give you a discreet thumbs up. You felt a sort of relief, knowing that at least somebody vindicated you.

You didn’t stop walking until you reached the school gardens—a sort of compilation of shrubbery with a creepy statue of some sort of town leader pushing it over the border of boring into just damn strange.

When you stopped, Adrian finally opened his mouth, starting with, “I’m gonna fucking kill him,” sliding right off the tip of his tongue as if he’d been waiting to say it.

You stepped in front of him, blocking the very real possibility of him ditching you to follow through with that claim. “No, you’re not. I–”

“He fucking–” He swallowed, like thinking of made him want to puke or punch something. Like it hurts him as much as it hurts you. “You said it yourself! He broke the law. No amount of–”

“Adrian, I dealt with it, just drop it!” You yelled. This did silence him, his face twisting into the hurt expression you sometimes see when he’s arguing with Chris. When he starts pretending that he doesn’t have any feelings, even though they are written all over his face. You sighed and sat on a faded wooden bench that was placed right in front of the statue, black heels skimming the ground. “I’m sorry. I know you were trying to impress your peers or whatever, and I ruined that.”

Adrian stopped in his tracks from where he was pacing a few yards in front of you. His hands were clenched into fists as his head snapped towards you. “You think I care about that?” His voice was just a little higher than normal, eyebrows a little too drawn.

“I…yes? That’s why I’m here, isn’t it?. That's why you asked me to come, to impress all of your–”

“That’s not why you’re here.” It was quiet. A loaded statement that you didn’t know how to respond to, and didn’t have the time or understanding to unpack. It was spoken so quietly that anyone else might have missed it, but not you.

Your eyes and nose stung, like you were about to get a bloody nose. Or, a drastically worse possibility, about to cry. “I don’t understand.”

“I—” Adrian resumed his pacing. “I just said that! Y’know, when you just say something cause it’s convenient, even if it isn’t really true? But that's–I wanted you to come cause I like you. A lot. Which—I’m sorry, because I know that you don’t really like it when people like you, but I do. And believe me, if I knew that Ricky Feld was gonna do that then I never would’ve–” He stopped in front of you, kneeling, with his gaze looking up and centered on your face. His eyes were so earnest, like they carried an ocean of pain—of anger—which understood your own. “I am never going to let anyone touch you like that ever again. Never.”

The two of you just stared at each other. You didn’t know if it was for moments or for a millennia, and the foggy night sky above you betrayed nothing. 

When Adrian finally opened his mouth to speak, to take everything back, you whispered, “You like me?”

Adrian gulped. “I…yeah. I know it’s unprofessional or whatever cause we kind of work together and I know that you don’t want that, but I can’t help it, and I really didn’t want to go to this thing alone so I convinced you to go with me, and you look so pretty, by the way. Did I mention you look pretty? You do. And I don’t fucking care that you twisted that guys arm off while everyone was watching. I mean it was kind of hot, but you don’t have to apologize. You didn’t ruin anything. I mean, I wish you would let me kill him, but… Yeah, I like you. So, I guess I should be the one who’s sorry cause–”

You cut him off, your lips attaching to his, your hands grabbing his face and pulling him close to you. your bodies were so fully entangled in that high school garden, your legs wrapped around his waist as he remained kneeling before you, on the bench in front of him. It was Adrian who finally pulled away, wiping your cheek with his thumb.

“You’re crying,” he told you, nervousness etched on his face.

You wiped at them with your sleeve, a technique you picked up at a young age to disguise tears from classmates. Didn’t seem to ever work that well, though. “I’m sorry. It’s not you. Well, it is you, kind of. It’s been…a lot, today. But I like you too, Adrian. A lot. And I’m willing to split the coffee bill two ways if you’ll still agree to go to that coffee place on Main with me.” You say it like it’s a joke, but you’re hardly joking. It’s all you could possibly want for him to say yes.

Adrian leaned in towards you. He smelled like almond and saffron, a departure from the usual sweat and gunsmoke smell that he had as Vigilante. He pulled you towards him by the waist, your breath mingling with his at the empty space between your lips.

“8 am, Monday, Edge Coffee. If you’re not there then I’ll show Adebayo the picture of you playing with her dog that you told me not to show anyone. And we’re not splitting the bill.” You could feel the heat from Adrian’s breath spread across your face as he said this, every part of you (cold dead heart included), warmed by his body, words, and actions. You closed what distance was left between the two of you (which wasn’t very much distance at all), lips pressing against his in what you hoped was reassurance, expressing the love you had for him that you couldn’t possibly begin to tell him about.

“I’ll be there.”

[whatharrysang]

Harry Styles & time

Harry Styles

Sign Of The Times - It's a sign of the times 

Sign Of The Times - Have the time of your life 

Only Angel - End up meeting in the hallway every single time

Fine Line

Canyon Moon - A time under the canyon moon 

Treat People With Kindness - All we ever want is automatic all the time 

Treat People With Kindness - Maybe (all together now) we can (one more time) 

Harry's House

Music for a Sushi Restaurant - Late night, game time 

Daylight - Daylight, you got me callin' at all times (ooh) 

Daylight - You ain't got time for me right now 

Matilda - You're just in time, make your tea and your toast 

Matilda - I don't believe that time will change your mind 

Cinema - I guess we're in time 

Cinema - You all the time (time, time) 

Love of My Life - But it's on all the time 

Love of My Life - I take you with me every time I go away

Songs Harry wrote for other artists

I love you - Every time I try to fight it, everything just turns out wrong 

Changes - Gettin' drunk with their friends for the first time Changes - Watchin' daytime TV 

Changes - Gettin' drunk with my friends for the first time 

Someday - It's been such a long time

One Direction Songs Harry wrote on

Everything About You - I still feel it every time 

Same Mistakes - Think that we got more time 

Back for You - But every time you wake up 

Back for You - And every time we both touch I only want more 

Summer Love - Had the best time, and now it's the worst time 

Summer Love - Make the last time just like the first time 

Still the One - But I remember all the times and all the words we said, yeah 

Irresistible - Midnight ain't no time for laughing 

Story Of My Life - And time... is frozen (the story of, the story of) 

Story Of My Life - And I'll be waiting for this time to come around 

Where Do Broken Hearts Go? - Yeah, it took me some time but I figured out 

Fool's Gold - Oh, every time 

Change Your Ticket - We've still got time left 

Change Your Ticket - Why don't we take some time? 

Change Your Ticket - Why don't we take just a little more time? 

Perfect - Or the arms that hold you any time you want them 

Perfect - 'Cause I can be the one you love from time to time 

Perfect - And if you like cameras flashing every time we go out oh yeah 

If I Could Fly - Know that I'm just wasting time 

Olivia - And time is irrelevant when I've not been seeing you 

Walking In The Wind - We had some good times, didn't we? 

Walking In The Wind - Any time you're needing me 

A.M. - Break these clocks, forget about time 

A.M. - Remember how we used to kick around just wasting time?

Unreleased Songs

5280 Miles - And you've done the same for me a thousand times 

Already Home - The last time we met, I can’t forget what we parted ways with 

Baby Honey - And I swear that I'm not thinkin' 'bout you all the time 

By Your Side - If we're running out of time baby,

Coco - Are a moment that’s stuck in time 

Complicated Freak - Turned up too late one too many times 

Endlessly - But every time I got up and I walked on

Half the World Away - 'Cause there's a time, there's a place 

Half the World Away - There's a time, there's a place 

Him - It breaks my heart evеry time 

Him - I still think about you all the time 

I Just Wanna Love You - A week ago you said to me: "We've started running out of time" 

Jesus Christ, Happy New Year - You’ve been having the time of your life 

Lay Down - We were never meant to make it this time 

Lay Down - But we need a little time alone 

Oh Anna - Every time I see your face 

Part of Me - Spending money all the time 

Part of Me - But you’ve been told too many times 

Part of Me - So can we just go back in time 

Pick You Up - Last Time I Saw You 

Something I’ve Been Waiting For - I’ve been here for years wasting love, wasting time

Spanish Girl - Take your time, hurry up, falling, falling in love, 

Too Much Sauce - I'm a good time, make you feel alright 

Too Much Sauce - I'm a good time, we can fly some place Too Much Sauce - I'm a simple boy, but I'm a good time sally 

Too Much Sauce - Have a good time, make you feel alright 

Too Much Sauce - 'Cause I'm a good time, make you feel alright 

Too Much Sauce - (I'm a good time) 

Too Much Sauce - (Good time, make you feel alright, keep you up all night, you'll never want it back) 

Trouble - I still taste the time we kissed 

Trouble - I think of you all the time 

Without You - Each time with different meaning 

Without You - I know we’ll move on as time carries on