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jedi-luca · 11 months

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Avenger Lane Chapter 12: Wild Uncharted Waters

Summary: You and your wife Quinn move your family outside of New York City to Avenger Lane; a small private suburbia. There you face your toughest obstacle of your marriage. Will your marriage with Quinn be strong enough when a certain redheaded beauty captures your attention?

Parings: Quinn Fabray x Reader / eventual Natasha x Reader

Warnings: Reader has a Penis, drug use, attempted abuse

Previous Chapter

“Papa, Halloween tonight?” Finley asked as you sipped your coffee and pushed the cart.

“A few more days bub.” You say lifting up a decoration.

“Mom, can we be Barbie?” Beth asked Quinn as they looked through the costumes.

“No mommy! No Barbie!” Fin huffed. “I wanna be Ariel!”

“I’m surprised she didn’t say Bluey.” You muttered lowly for your wife to hear before turning towards your toddler. “It’s okay, squirt. Quinn, you be Barbie with Beth and I’ll be Prince Eric.” You gesture to the costume.

“But then who will be Ken?” Beth huffed.

“I’ll be Prince Eric and Prince Ken.” You shrug. “Two birds, one stone.”

“No! We need beach Ken! Moooooom!” Beth whined.

“Well then take a page out of Barbie’s book. Ken is just there; she doesn’t need him to help define her.” You say to your oldest.

“Nice.” Quinn nodded with a grin.

“Fine.” Beth sighed.

“Yayyyy! Ariel!!!!!” Fin shouted in joy.

“Sorry.” Quinn chuckled at a couple looking over with a smile.

“Your girls are so adorable.” The woman smiled before rolling off.

“Can uncle Kurt make ours?” Beth gasped.

“Here, give him a call to see what he says.” You chuckled, handing the phone over. Truthfully you know he’s busy he’s been working on the spring collection to be ahead of the game.

“Hi uncle Kurt!” Beth smiled as she twirled around. “I’m good; you?” She giggled looking over at you and Quinn. “I was wondering if you could make our costumes for Halloween?……Mom and I are going as Barbie and pop and Fin are Prince Eric and Ariel.”

“Really?! Oh Uncle Kurt I’m so excited! Okay! See you then bye love you!” Beth hung up, handing you the phone. “Oh my gosh uncle Kurt and Blaine are gonna help me and Fin make ours tonight they said you just have to get us there.”

“You got it.” You grinned.

“I’ll drop them off before we get ready for tonight.” Quinn nodded. “Would have been a little better if we took them tomorrow night instead. Since the musical is tomorrow night.”

“Awww aunt Rachel’s having an opening night.” Beth sighed.

“You can catch it next time.” Quinn smiled.

“Yuck musicals!” Fin stuck her tongue out.

“She got that from you.” Quinn glared at you.

“I didn’t say anything, and besides Beth we’re going to the fair tomorrow.” You chuckled as Quinn glared at you walking towards the halloween bags. You high fived Fin before handing her a puppuccino. You chuckled seeing whip cream all over her tiny face. “Tasty!” She giggled looking up at you. Beth giggled at her sister's mess. You snapped a picture before wiping her face.

“We’re really going to the fair?” Beth asked.

“Yup! Nat, Nate, and Lila are coming with us.”

“Oh awesome! I can’t wait!” Beth squealed before listing off all the rides she wants to try out now, finally being older and tall enough.

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After dropping off the girls the two of you dressed up in your costumes and walked towards Thor’s house.

“Danny, Sandy, welcome!” Thor chuckled letting you and Quinn inside.

“Zeus huh? Here I thought you’d be Thor the Norse God.” You grinned.

“I thought it was a bit on the nose.” Thor nodded before leading you both to the party.

Tony and Pepper were mobsters who were talking to Steve and Bucky as Maverick and Goose. When you caught sight of a certain redhead.

You gulped looking at Natasha who donned a catsuit that was clad against her curvy body.

“Out to fight crime?” You rasped.

“Too many greasers on this street.” She winked.

You chuckled letting your hand run through your hair. “I feel a little ridiculous. I wanted to be a firefighter.” You shrugged.

“Don’t it’s…” Natasha gulped. “It’s working.” You looked so unbelievably dreamy to her she didn’t think that was possible. She already finds you charming and now with the clad white t shirt and leather jacket. Not to mention your ass looks great in those black jeans, and if she looks a little longer she can make out your package.

“I still think the firefighter would have been cooler.” You shrugged.

“Oh my gosh enough about the firefighter!” Quinn rolled her eyes as she walked up.

Natasha chuckled as Bruce walked up.

“Hey Bruce.” You grinned. “Nice Batman costume.”

“Thanks! You know it’s basically the one from the movies you can punch it and I won’t feel a thing. Come on, try it.”

“I shouldn’t.” God, I wanna punch you in the face. You shook your head.

“Come on grease lightning show me whatchu got.” He taunted.

“Bruce.” Natasha warned him.

“What? How bad can it-“ suddenly he felt you strike him in the stomach and lost his breath. “Oh my God.” He gasped.

“Great form Y/L/N!” Steve clapped.

“Y/N!” Quinn growled, yanking you away.

“What? He told me too!” You huffed.

“This is supposed to be the real thing! What happened?” Bruce gasped.

“You asked someone who boxes to punch you. What did you think was going to happen?” Natasha rolled her eyes leaving Bruce to grab a drink.

“Wait, boxes?” His eyes widened.

Bucky rolled his eyes at Quinn who glared at Steve. “Okay you need to tell Y/N what you saw.”

“I know.” Steve sighed.

“Why haven’t you said anything?” Bucky hissed.

“Because I wanted to deal with our situation first. I’m glad I did. I want Y/N to believe me.” Steve explained.

“Well you need to let them know soon they deserve to know.”

“I know Buck.” Steve sighed.

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“Y/N!” You turned looking for who called out your name.

“Pssst Y/N!”

You huffed feeling a candy corn hit your head. Looking over at the culprit it was none other than Thor himself.

He didn’t speak but he did gesture to having a smoke or in other words ‘cheifin’, ‘sesh’, or ‘420’.

You looked back at your wife. “Go on, I'm gonna catch up with Christine Strange.”

You grinned as he waved you over away from the party towards the backyard.

“What’s up Danny Zuko!” Val smirked, already sitting on a patio chair.

“What’s up.” You chuckled as she waved around a blunt. “Ooooh yes please.”

Carol laughed sitting next to her wife.

“What’s up Quill, Gamora!” You grinned giving them a side hug. “What are you guys?”

“Oh I’m Jason!” Peter quickly placed his mask on.

“Freddy Krueger.” She said, lifting up her knife hand.

“Spooky.” You chuckled. “And you two?” You nod towards Carol and Val.

“I’m the moth, she's the flame.” Carol smirked, leaning over to peck Val’s cheek.

“Hey Y/N! I got us all drinks that blend well with the blunt.” Korg grinned while walking outside.

“Hey Korg, long time no see! I haven’t seen you at the gym lately.” You smiled while taking the Halloween themed drink.

“I just got married actually.” He smiled.

“Congratulations man!” You smiled.

“Thanks!” Korg blushed.

“So where is the lucky lady?”

“She’s at work right now but she helped me make the couples game tonight!”

“Couples game?” You asked as the rotation made its way to you. You took it gladly before inhaling.

“Yeah! It’s like a game show for couples.” Korg nodded as you handed it to him.

“Cool.” You said before exhaling.

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Natasha looked around wondering where you went off too. She hasn’t you since you punched Bruce. All she sees is Quinn talking to Christine as Stephen looks bored.

“Looking for a certain greaser?”

Natasha looked over at Wanda. “Maybe.”

“I think I saw Y/N go out back.” Vis pointed.

“Thanks… great costumes by the way. What superhero are you guys supposed to be?”

“Whatever we had to make.” Vision shrugged.

“Gotcha.” Nat nodded before going out back.

“Damn it, Vis.” Wanda whined.

“What?”

“You told her where Y/N is.”

“And?”

“Y/N is married and she-“ Wanda looked around before harshly whispering. “She has feelings for Y/N.”

Vis sighed. “Honey if she does you can’t stop it. No one can. The heart will always want what it wants.”

“Still.” Wanda grumbled. “I just don’t want her to get hurt.”

Meanwhile back outside.

“Nat hi!” You smiled with a dopey grin on your face.

“Hey Stoney Bologna.” She smiled walking over.

“Hey Nat.” Everyone coughed.

She looked around for a seat.

“Here take mine.” You cleared your throat standing up.

“Oh no you don’t have to do that.” She says, shaking her head.

“Please I-“

“Just sit on Danny’s lap!” Carol smirked.

“You’re so bad.” Val muttered in her ear watching you bring Natasha on your lap.

“Oh baby I can be really bad.” Carol husked back.

“Fuck.” Val chuckled darkly, feeling her cock harden.

“Hi.” Nat shuttered.

“Hey. Are you cold?”

“A bit.”

You quickly shrugged your jacket off bringing it around her and you like a blanket. She felt your arms snake around her and laid her arms over yours.

“Thank you.” She said softly.

“Anytime.” You grinned. “Wanna try my drink? Korg made it. It’s really good.”

“Sure.” The redhead moved towards the table causing you to gulp seeing her back side as she stretched for the drink

Val smirked at you checking Natasha out. “How ya doing over there Y/L/N?”

“Good.” You grunted as the redheaded Russian moved again this time bringing the drink with her.

Val and Carol giggled as the blunt came to you both.

“Let’s play suck and blow.” Val smirked.

“What’s that?” Nat asked.

“Well you inhale and exhale in Y/N's mouth then Y/N will do it in Carols.” Val smirked.

“Nat, you don’t have too.” You say before making a face at Val.

“I can do it.” The red head inhaled before turning towards you.

You leaned in parting your lips as she blew smoke into your mouth, her lips ghosting over yours. You inhaled her eyes looking at your lips. You broke the trance turning towards Carol. Exhaling in the same manner. She doesn’t know why but seeing you so close to Carol sort of made her jealous.

You pulled back, noticing a change in the atmosphere.

“You okay?” You whispered near her ear. “Do you need water or anything?”

She shook her head.

One of your arms dropped from her waist resting on her knee. You gave her a light squeeze.

“You sure?”

She smiled softly before relaxing in your arms. “I think I’m just high.”

You chuckled about to move your hand when she placed hers over yours. She squeezed your hand feeling your thumb gently rubbing against her knee.

“So I’m not dumb they’re clearly into one another.” Korg whispered to Thor watching Nat giggle at whatever you said.

“Hmhm.” He nodded, texting his wife to make sure Quinn didn't come outside.

It’s not that they want them to cheat, they just want them to realize they can do so much better. It all started back when Tony had his block party. Slowly the gang all realized Quinn and Bruce were awful and did not deserve you or Natasha.

“Can you imagine them fucking? My God the steam that would come off of them.” Carol smirked looking at you and Nat.

“Fuck that’s hot stop making me hard.” Val muttered while taking a drink.

“Wanna go take care of it?” Carol smirked.

“Uh we’ll meet you guys inside.” Val spoke abruptly standing up with Carol.

“They're gonna do it in the restroom.” You chuckled.

“How do you know?” Nat chuckled.

“I just know.”

“Alright guys we’re going inside so we can get ready for the game.” Korg smiled before walking back inside.

“I guess we should go too?”

Natasha stood giving you a perfect view of her plump latex covered ass in your face. She turned smirking down at you, clearly catching you checking her out.

“Thanks for keeping me warm.”

“Anytime.” You grinned standing up taking your jacket back shrugging it on. Watching her walk towards the sliding door giving her ass an extra sway. She looked so sexy in that suit now all you could think about was taking it off of her. You were incredibly blue balled and needed release as soon as possible.

You both walk back inside and she gets pulled away by Wanda so you walk over to your wife holding her from behind to show her how hard you are.

“Oh my gosh.” She says turning in your arms.

“Quickie in the bathroom?”

She blushes and nods before turning to Christine. “Excuse us.”

As soon as the door closes you kiss your wife before twirling her against the sink. You unbutton her skin tight pants, pulling them down just a bit before pulling your jeans down. You rub your throbbing member against her slit. It's been a while since you both have done this.

You gather enough wetness before pushing inside of her. You moan hands on her hips as she grips the sink and the wall.

“Fuck!” You grunt, thrusting harder and harder.

She lets go of the sink reaching down below to rub her clit. “Fuck I’m close.”

“Let go.” You grunt wrapping your arms around her as she moves back against you cuming around your cock. “That’s it. Fuck I’m gonna cum too.” You close your eyes imagining Natasha with her catsuit. A few short hard thrusts and you finally came and you came hard.

You pant trying to catch your breath feeling yourself deflate. Quinn pushes you back a bit as you slip out. She turned to sit on the toilet as you stuff yourself back in your jeans leaning your back against the wall as you catch your breath.

Quinn watched you through the mirror as she washed her hands. She briefly wonders why you were so hard and practically begged her silently for sex. She saw what Natasha was wearing but she didn't push it. Things have been tense like walking on thin ice that’s already cracking under her feet. She can feel her grasp on you is loosening. She's terrified of losing you completely.

“Ready?” You asked.

She turned and kissed you softly. “I am now.”

You cleared your throat as she fixed your hair and opened the door.

Natasha felt a little sad watching you walk in hand with your wife. She knows you two must have done the deed in the restroom. Vis mentioned hearing two people going at it earlier. She reminds herself that you’re married, and as much as she doesn’t like Quinn. It doesn’t change anything.

“Okay everyone my good friend Korg here is leading the couples game! Everyone take a seat please!” Thor gave a dopey smile, his arm around his wife Jane. He was a little tipsy and a bit high.

“Alllllllright welcome to Love on Avenger Lane! Where I, your host, will be quizzing you on how well you know your partner.” Korg beamed as his friend Meek handed out whiteboards, markers, and erasers.

“We’ll start off with an easy one! First question: what is your boo’s favorite color?”

“Alright let’s have it!” Krog grinned as everyone turned their boards.��

“What? I hate that color.” Bucky huffed when Steve looked at his board.

“We got our first wrong answer already!”

“But I thought you liked black.” Steve frowned.

“Ohh Steve said black, Bucky your favorite is?”

“Red.” He said..

“But you always wear black!” Steve threw his hands up.

“Black isn’t a color Steve!”

“And Buck Steve’s favorite is?” Korg moved along.

“Blue.” He muttered.

Steve felt guilty as that was his favorite color.

“Ohhh Bucky got it right. Tony? Pepper?”

The older couple smiled as they revealed their correct answers.

“We win.” Tony high-fived his wife.

“Psh we haven’t even gone yet.” Thor huffed.

“Alright let’s see it then?” Korg grinned.

Jane and Thor showed their boards both revealing Blue.

“Nice!” They grinned.

“Y/N? Quinn?”

You and Quinn revealed your answers.

“Nice.” You grinned pecking your wife’s cheek.

“Nat, Bruce?”

Natasha sighed holding up her answer knowing he was going to get it wrong, but to her surprise he was correct.

“You got it.” She smiled softly.

“Like your eyes.” He shrugged.

You cleared your throat not meaning to ruin the moment, but subconsciously doing it out of jealousy. You don’t know why but Bruce was like nails on a chalkboard for you. You haven’t felt this way about a person since Rachel Berry.

“What is their favorite song?” Korg grinned.

Bruce cringed, holding up his answer.

“Anything from Sia.” Yeah no that doesn’t fly it’s not who is their favorite artist it’s what is their favorite song. Natasha?”

“I fold.” She chuckled with a shrug.

“I’m not big on music.” Bruce shrugged.

“Easy, it's American Pie.” you grinned.

Natasha smiled, you remembered the story about her family and that song. You didn’t even notice the look of disdain your wife was making.

“Uhhh right okay Y/N? Quinn?” Korg stuttered.

Quinn grinned writing hers but when you held your boards up your smile fell.

“What? It's always been ‘Signs by bloc party” Quinn furrowed her brow.

“It's Golden Brown by The Stranglers.” Natasha looks up not realizing she spoke out loud.

“Oof this is awkward.” Korg chuckled into the mic, noticing the look on Quinn’s face. “Tony? Pepper?”

“Shoot to Thrill and Cruisin’ Correct again!

You zoned out as the others went on until the next question came up.

“Alright, what is your partner's favorite morning drink?”

You once again got Quinn’s right and she once again answered wrong.

“But you always start your morning with a protein smoothie.” she huffed.

“A cup of coffee with Silk creamer, especially the coconut.” Natasha winked at you.

Quinn was fuming how can she get your favorite drink but not her own husbands?

“Nat and Bruce?” Korg moved along.

“Coffee black.” they both answered.

Korga mimicked a buzzer sound.

“Breakfast tea.” Bruce smiled.

“Hot mocha with a sprinkle of cinnamon.” You muttered as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Quinn furrows her brows at you. She didn’t like that you knew so much about the redhead. She wanted you to be focused solely on her.

“So it’s clear the two of you should be together.” Korg joked not realizing both parties were wildly uncomfortable. “Should not have said that…Moving on! Favorite movie!”

The couples began writing out their answers. Each couple was getting them right until once again Natasha and Bruce were up. They both answered wrong.

“It’s James Bond’s Moonraker.” You grinned.

Quinn bristled, writing hers down.

“Okay; Y/N? Quinn?”

“Star Wars episode 6.” Quinn smiled in triumph; she knows this has to be it. She’s certain as she held up her board.

“It’s The Heat.” Natasha chuckled.

“I think I know my-“

“She’s right.” You mutter before holding yours up.

“Funny Girl, the Rachel Berry version. Yeah bud, that's not a movie.” Korg chuckled.

“Fine. Frozen.”

“Why would you say that?” Quinn hissed.

“You got a thing for Berry.” You rolled your eyes.

“That’s thick considering you and Jolene over there have been getting your answers right all night.”

“Did she just call me Jolene?” Natasha chuckled to Bruce who cringed.

“At least she knows me.” You mutter.

“Uhh so things are getting a little heated let’s just say the winner of the night is Tony and Pepper. Congrats you won a bottle of champagne.”

“I want to go home. Now.” Quinn grit in your ear.

“That’s probably best.” You nodded still pissed off.

You both stood and you waved at Thor. “Thanks for the invite man, sorry shit got awkward.” You sighed as Quinn slammed the door.

“Aw come on you can’t leave yet! I was gonna ask if you could play a few songs?”

“Yeah let’s jam out!” Carol shouted.

“Maybe next time guys.” You shake your head. “Thanks again Thor.” You walk towards the front door seeing Natasha nearby. “I’m sorry about that, Nat, have a goodnight.”

“You have to stop apologizing for her.” Nat sighs and you just nod.

“I’ll see you tomorrow night.” you say before walking out the door.

The walk home was silent. She was so far ahead of you which would normally make you upset but tonight you really just don’t care anymore.

You walk in the house locking it behind you before heading up stairs grabbing your shorts.

“So we’re not talking about it?” Quinn huffed as you stood by the bedroom door.

“Nope.” You answer, she scoffs in response as you walk off towards the guest room. You didn’t know what to do anymore. You were at a loss. It just didn’t feel like your marriage was working anymore. You squeeze your eyes shut, too tired to even pull that thread.

The following morning was silent. You did your normal routine breakfast, protein smoothie, and working out. You really needed it this morning. You gotta clear your head.

You and Quinn do your very best to avoid one another. Things were boiling and the cover of the pot was rattling off. You got the girls back from Kurt’s and by the time you got home she was gone.

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You were actually looking forward to the fair. Normally you didn’t care for them. Everything was dirty and sticky. The food was outrageously overpriced as are the rides, but being able to go with your girls and Natasha makes it all worth it.

You knock on her door as Fin rings the bell.

“Natttttty!” Fin giggled ringing the bell. “Natttttttyyyyy Fair!”

“I’m here, I'm here!”

“Hi Natty, I missed you.” Your daughter giggled.

“Hi sweetheart I missed you too. Hi Beth, have you been practicing?”

“Everyday!” She beams.

“That’s great dorogoy!” Natasha smiled before turning towards you. “I’m just going to get the kids.”

“Alright we’ll meet you at Clints.” You say walking towards your truck. You buckle Fin in her seat with Beth next to her.

You drive down across the street towards the Bartons when Natasha is walking out with Nate in her arms, the car seat in the other.

You hop out and fix up his car seat next to Fin’s as Beth and Lila go over the rides.

“No Cooper?” You ask Nat.

“He has a date tonight. I swear he’s growing up too fast.” Natasha whines.

“Yeah they do that alright.” You mutter looking in the rear view mirror at your girls.

“How has everything been?” She asks hesitantly.

“Not good.” You mutter.

“Well hopefully some overpriced food and funnel cake will take your mind off of everything for a bit.”

“I do love funnel cakes.” You chuckle.

“I know.” Natasha smiles.

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“Ooohh aunty Nat a Ferris wheel!” Lila beamed pointing at the lights.

“You two join the kids. Kate and I will grab some food with Mini Y/N.” Yelena smiled, nuzzling her nose against Fin’s cheek.

“Thank you.” You chuckled walking with Nat and the kids to the ferris wheel.

“I’m sorry if my sister is being bit much-“

“I love her, she's hilarious. This is the most I’ve laughed all week. Also you may have a competition now with Lena over Finley.”

“Finny and Nate are mine, she needs to back off.” She huffed making you laugh.

The kids sit down when it’s yours and Natasha’s turn.

“I just want to say you two have the most beautiful family.” The carney smiled.

You clear your throat. “Thank you.”

“That’s the third time tonight.” Nat chuckled while sitting down.

“Well we can’t blame them, we are all incredibly good looking.” You give her the goofiest model face you can muster making her laugh. The Ferris wheel begins to move and Natasha out of habit takes your hand.

“You scared?” You ask.

“A bit.” She nods looking down.

“Don’t look down, focus on the music.”

“Are they playing Careless Whisper?” Natasha snickered as the ride slowly began going.

You chuckled, taking her finger and began singing.

“Tonight the music seems so loud

I wish that we could lose this crowd

Maybe it's better this way

We'd hurt each other with the things we'd want to say

We could have been so good together

We could have lived this dance forever

But now, who's gonna dance with me?”

Natasha giggled and you stretched your arm around her as you looked down at your daughter Beth making sure she’s okay. She was laughing with Lila.

The Ferris wheel is playing romance music and you both can’t help but chuckle at the cheesy songs they play. That is until it’s your turn at the top. One of your favorite old songs began playing. It was Sing by Travis.

“I love this song.” You whispered.

“Sing it to me.” Natasha whispered back.

“Baby, you've been going so crazy

Lately, nothing seems to be going right

So low, why'd you have to get so low?

You're so…

You've been waiting in the sun too long”

“You have a really beautiful voice Y/N.”

“You do too ya know.” You give her lopsided grin.

Natasha blushes and looks up at the giant moon. “The moon is beautiful.” She says blissfully looking at the giant glowing moon.

“Yeah.” You briefly look but you can’t help but stare at her; entranced in a way by the glistening twinkle in her eyes.

She turns, feeling your gaze on her and she’s giving you that look. You’ve seen this look before. The ‘If you don't kiss me right now I might die’ look. It happened on the night of your birthday. You’ve seen it on your wife obviously, but you’ve also seen that same look on Sersi’s face, and a few other women. You never really had that feeling for them, but here now with Nat you’re questioning everything for the second time in your marriage.

You look down at those very kissable lips. Subconsciously briefly licking your own lips before dragging your eyes up to her striking emerald eyes instead of the hazel you’re used to. Meanwhile she’s doing the same thing, both of you leaning towards one another when the song ended the Farris wheel continued its descent. You clear your throat as you break eye contact and look away.

The ferris wheel came to a stop when you both got out.

“That was boring.” Beth sighed, you wouldn’t know this for a while but Beth saw how close you and Nat were.

“How about that roller coaster over there!?” Lila beamed.

“Yeah! Can we!?” Beth asked.

“Sure.” You say lifting up Finley while Natasha takes Nate from Kate.

“We’ll take the kids.” Yelena grins, leaving you and Natasha to the fried feast.

There’s a heavy silence in the air as you both eat.

“Y/N, there’s something I need to tell you.” She sighs.

“Okay?” You furrow your brows.

“Well hey neighbors!” Tony chuckled while sitting down. “Thanks for the invite by the way.”

Natasha inwardly sighed of course he would get in the way.

“Sorry Tony.” You chuckled.

“Because of this I’m taking some cotton candy.” He winked.

“Where’s Morgan?” You asked.

“I left her with Yelena and Kate.”

“Oh nice.” You chuckled and excused yourself to the restroom. “I’ll be right back.”

Natasha waits for you to be out of ear shot.

“You idiot you just had to interrupt!”

“What?!” Tony huffed.

“I was literally about to tell Y/N everything!”

“Ohhh.” Tony bit his lip. “I can scram.”

“No, it's too late.”

“I’m glad blondie isn’t here. She’d suck all the fun out of this place. Can you believe her attitude last night?”

“I didn’t care for her Jolene comment.” Natasha grumbled taking a sip of her lemonade.

You walked up taking a seat eating your corn dog as the girls walked up.

“Papa! I want some too!” Fin whined.

“Don’t worry, love, you can have one too.” Yelena smiled.

“That was so much fun!” Beth said, taking a seat and eating her chicken tenders.

“Kate, are you feeling okay?” Yelena chuckled.

“Everything is spinning.” She groaned.

“Can’t take the heat anymore?” Tony smirked

“Excuse me.” Kate gagged before running towards a trash can.

“I’ll go take care of her.” Yelena sighed, handing you Fin.

“Nooo Lennnna.” Fin whined.

“I’ll be back, lovebug.” She smiled, booping her nose.

“I feel betrayed.” Nat frowned.

“Hi Natty.” Fin smiled offering some of her corn dog.

“Thank you, Finny.” Natasha took a fake bite humming in response.

“Tasty.” Finley beamed before taking another bite.

“Aunty Natty!” Nate whined wanting her attention back.

“I’m right here handsome.” She chuckled, bouncing him on her leg as a reminder before feeding him a chicken tender.

Tony looked over at you watching the way you looked at the redhead. He knows that look, it can’t be described by anything else but love.

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After another round of rides and too much funnel cake Beth asked to spend the night with Morgan and Lila. Yelena and Kate went back to school so it was just you the tots, and Natasha.

“Well thanks for coming with us tonight. Looks like they’re conked out.” Natasha smiled looking behind to see the two toddlers sound asleep in their car seats.

“Hmm.” You smile.

“Wanna come inside for a bit?”

You nod and you grab Nate’s car seat and Natasha takes Fin in her arms. It all felt so domestic seeing her holding your little girl, and you holding Nate.

You both lay then down on her sofa covering them up before walking into the kitchen. Natasha starts the kettle pulling down the tea box.

“Blackberry sage, my favorite.” You smiled softly.

“It’s now my favorite too. It's so good.” Natasha smiled, pulling down the honey and peeling an orange.

“Thank you, Nat.”

“So you wanna talk about it?”

“I have never wanted to be away from her in my life, and lately?” You sighed, rubbing your head as the kettle began boiling. “I just feel like I’m the only one trying anymore, and I’m so tired of it.”

Natasha nodded in understanding before turning off the kettle and fixing your cup. She briefly wondered if she should tell you the truth but considering Quinn is at Rachel’s musical right now she decides it’s still not the time.

“You know what, no I don’t wanna talk about Quinn. What about you?”

“Well…” Natasha brings the cups over sitting down across from you. “I took your advice, or Hilary Duff’s and spoke with Thor and Val.”

“You did?” You beamed.

“Hmhm, I get my studio this week.” She smiled coyly.

“Nat, that is fantastic! I'm so happy for you. If you need help with anything I’m here for you.” You smile and she bashfully says thank you.

You both drink tea and talk about her plans for the next hour when you yawn.

“I should probably head home. I'm pretty tired.” You stretch standing up.

She nods and takes both our mug placing them in the sink before watching you lift Fin. She whines briefly before you whisper to her, calming her down. “Goodnight Nat.” You smile.

“Goodnight Y/N.” She whispers opening the door for you.

“Natty.” Fin whispers in her sleep.

“Shhh its okay.” The Russian whispers kissing her cheek when you bring her in a hug carful not to crush or wake Fin.

“Thank you, for everything.” You whisper gently, kissing her cheek.

She nods and kisses your cheek in response. You both sigh hearing Fin babbling in her sleep. You squeeze her hand before making your way back home. She stays on her porch watching you walk inside your home before shutting the door. She was falling so hard for you with no end in sight.

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You made your way downstairs seeing a redhead at the stove. She was setting a tray of what looked like cupcakes down.

“Hi.” You furrowed your brows with a smile.

“Hi.” She smiled back dipping her finger in batter before sticking it out for you to try. “Come on, try it. I know you want to.” She smirked turning toward you when you noticed she was wearing nothing but an apron. “Come on baby, take it.” She murmured now flush against you her finger found its way into your mouth.

“Hmm.” You hummed as she took her finger back, replacing it with her lips. “Natasha.” You sighed against her lips feeling her hand rubbing your cock.

“Don’t you wanna taste me?”

Your eyes fluttered hearing her voice near your ear.

“You’re drooling Y/N.”

You reached up, wiping your mouth.

“Take me Y/N. Take me and make me yours.” She husked before you lifted her up against you kissing her passionately before setting her down on the island.

You pull at her apron, shoving your pants down making your cock spring to life.

“Get inside of me I can take it.” She husks.

You groan feeling her wet cunt.

“Ohhhhh fuck!” She moaned as you pushed yourself through.

You groaned feeling your staff twitch inside of her. You lifted her legs on your shoulder pushing yourself deeper.

“Ohhhh Y/N! Oh daddy that feels so good! You’re so deep inside of me!” Her guttural moans were nearly pornographic. You lean in, taking her lips against yours. “Harder!”

You grunted, speeding up the pace as you thrusted harder and harder.

“Oh daddy right there! You’re so much better than Bruce he doesn’t even compare to you daddy, not even close.”

Her moans turned into wails. You could feel her twitch around you.

“Cum inside of me daddy I wanna feel you explode inside of me!”

You woke up with a gasp. You looked over seeing your wife asleep before noticing the time. It was 4 in the morning and you just came inside your boxers. “Fuck.” You whispered before quietly getting out of bed. You sighed, taking off the sticky shorts before cleaning up. It’s been a long time since you had a wet dream, but it was the absolute best fucking vivid sex dream you’ve ever had.

You furrowed your brows seeing her phone light up. You creeped on her side of the room peeking at her phone.

‘Appointment for tubal ligation reversal’

You gasped she had her tubes tied this whole time. She was clearly lying about being pregnant. I fucking knew it! You inwardly screamed.

You seriously don’t even know where to start with her. She’s a liar and a big one. Now you’re really wondering if it was her that stole your dream away. You look down at her sleeping peacefully and for the very first time ever you wanted to deck your wife in the face. You wouldn’t of course but still the anger and betrayal was beaming at the edges.

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The following morning Quinn woke up and you weren’t there. She figured maybe you were still upset with her and when you noticed her in bed you left. Either way she feels like you’re starting to hate her. She bites her lip feeling like she wants to cry. She can feel herself losing you everyday. It’s like every single move she makes pushes you further and further away. It’s only now that she realizes she has someone that others would kill for.

She got out of bed grabbing her robe and began searching for you. She went to the guest room and the girls rooms and couldn’t find you. She made her way downstairs noticing your running shoes were gone and Ollie was sitting by the door crying. She sighed that was a bad sign. You only run to clear your head especially when you’re extremely stressed out. She knows because you hate cardio. You're more of a lifting weights person you always have been. Plus you skipped breakfast which means you’re running long distance this morning.

When you do come back home you ignore her completely, only speaking to the girls. When she tried to speak to you all you replied was “I really need my space from you today. Please respect that.” Quinn in shock agrees and walks on eggshells every time she’s near you. She has to hand it to you though you do a great job of hiding it from the girls.

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You were thoroughly warned by Wanda this morning who said that there’s tons of kids who get bussed over here, and that you will need a lot of candy. It ended up working out perfectly. Quinn and Brittany are gonna hand out candy while you and Santana take the girls and Arlo trick or treating.

Wanda also mentioned that your house wasn’t as spooky as the others and handed you two boxes of old Halloween decorations including a 10 foot tall skeleton.

You and Santana were fixing up the front of the house when the Latina spoke up.

“Quinn mentioned you two have been fighting a lot lately. That you’re not even speaking to her.”

You sighed she always talks to them about the problems in your marriage. You hate when she drags them in your fights.

“Come on, I won't say anything to her. What happened Y/N I haven’t seen you this upset since she sold your motorcycle.

“I found out she has her tubes tied and lied to me about being pregnant. Really makes me wonder what else she's hiding from me.”

“She lied to you about being pregnant?” Santana said in shock.

“I was offered my dream job and she told me I couldn’t take it because she’s pregnant.”

“What a bitch. I’m sorry, Y/N, I swear I had no idea. What are you going to say to her?”

“Honestly I don’t know. I’m just so upset with her I can’t even look at her.”

“That’s understandable.”

“I wanted to hit her when I found out.” You sighed pausing your motions.

Santana looked taken back.

“You know I wouldn’t but fuck she’s just been so fucking unbearable lately. She embarrassed me at the party the other night. She’s trying to tell me who I can’t hang out with. She’s just so unbearable.”

“I’ll slap her for you, I just need to find the right opening.” Santana cackled.

“Hey can I ask you something?” You say causing Santana’s eyes to soften.

“Of course tonto.” She huffed shoving you back a bit.

“I-I’ve been having sex dreams.”

“Of who me?! Y/N I can’t say I never thought about it, but-“

“What?! No you weirdo you’re like a sister to me. Ugh gross, as if.” You cringed.

“Ass. You should be so lucky. Who is it then?” She rolled her eyes. “I swear if you say B I’m kicking your ass.”

“It’s… it’s Natasha.” You mutter.

Santana’s brows raised as she began smirking. “So Q is on the money you have the hots for your neighbor.”

“What? No, no, Nat is a friend, I just somehow keep-“

“Having hot sexy dreams of her?” Santana taunted you.

“Will you stop it! Ugh, forget I even said anything.” You growled about to walk away when she stopped you.

“Okay, okay, I’m sorry, you don’t have to be so dramatic about it. So you’re having sex dreams about Natasha.” Santana shrugged. “She’s hot, it's natural to have those urges towards her.”

“But it just feels so… wrong. She’s a really good friend, and Quinn already has suspicions. I just don’t know how to-“

“How to stop the dreams?”

“Yeah.”

“You can’t; they're just sex dreams Y/N, but if you’re feeling more than just lust for her than that’s when you have a problem. Lusting after her, that's ok it’s natural for you to want to be balls deep inside of a woman like her, but it’s when you start having feelings for her that’s the problem.”

You nod when Natasha walks up.

“Hi Y/N, hey Santana, good seeing you again.” Nat smiles.

“Hey Natasha.” She smirks at you.

“What are you two doing?”

“Wanda told me to hang up more decorations.”

“She’s pretty obsessed with this holiday.” She chuckled.

“Halloween is sort of my thing too ya know. The movies, the pumpkins, and corn mazes.” You smirked.

“So Halloween is your favorite Holiday?” Natasha chuckled.

“Hmhm it’s-“ Suddenly Santana sang along with you. “The best day of the year!”

“Nice!” You gasped and high-fived Santana.

“You know this one used to throw the best ragers around this time.” Santana smirked.

“Oh really?” Natasha smirks looking at you.

You sheepishly shrug.

“Ohhh yeah I remember once the door broke off its hinges. I still don’t know how you fixed it so fast being that drunk, or the time Finn drove his car in your neighbor's pool.” Sanatana chuckled, shaking her head. “Good times.”

“Sounds like you guys were pretty wild.” Natasha smirked.

“Don’t get her started.” You chuckle. “What are your plans for the night?”

“I’m taking Nate and Lila trick or treating while Lena and Kate hand out candy. Clint and Laura always create a haunted house so they’re preoccupied.”

“Oh you should join us.” You smile gesturing to you and Santana.

“Okay sounds great!”

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As soon as you stepped outside with Fin, Santana was laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes. “Okay but did you two talk about costumes?” Santana asked, looking between you and Natasha.

You both looked like you were together as a family. She was clearly Ariel, Lila seemed to be mermaid Barbie, Nate was King Trident, and of course Ollie is Max.

“Nope” You chuckled blushing.

“Natty look!” Finley giggled pointing to hers and Natasha’s costumes.

“Oh you're so cute!” She said taking her in her other arm.

“We’re the same!” Finley giggled. “Under da sea! Under da sea! Papa look!”

“I know.” You chuckled.

“Papa you have to kiss the goirl!” Finley giggled snuggling into Natasha. You blushed and Santana cackled once more.

“Oh my gosh I need photos right now.” Laura squealed as Clint chuckled, covering his mouth to keep from cackling.

Meanwhile inside with Brittany and Quinn

“Are you fucking kidding me.” Quinn growled seeing the whole interaction. “Do you see this shit?”

“They look good together.”

“Britt what the fuck?”

“Sorry, I thought I said that in my head.” Brittany mumbled looking out the window.

“Ugh!” Quinn stomped her foot.

Back outside

“Well are you ready Princess Ariel?”

“I think you need to ask my father King Trident.” She smirked.

“Ahh yes King Trident of the 7 seas. May you and your family accompany me on this Hallows night?” You bowed offering your hand.

“Oh brother.” Santana huffed as Nate giggled.

“Ignore Bellatrix.” You raised your brow.

“I’m clearly Hermione.”

“If you say so.” You muttered leading Ollie down the sidewalk.

“Beth stay close okay!” You shouted as your daughter and Lila ran off with Morgan and Monica.

Every house you all went to commented on how great you all looked together. The block however clearly had no words knowing you both were married to other people.

Natasha on the other hand was on cloud 9. You were constantly cracking jokes and had a back and forth with Santana that had her face hurting from smiling too much.

“Papa!”

“Hmm?”

“Sing Prince Eric's song!”

“Only if I get extra kisses!”

Finley giggled as she kissed your cheeks before saying. “Sing papa sing!”

“What do ya say Ariel?” You raise your brow at Natasha.

She chuckles before clearing her throat before letting out Ariel’s classic singing. “Ahhhhahhhh” Finley playfully joined Natasha in harmonizing. “Ahhhh ahhhhh”

“All I ever wanted was the open sea and sky. Freedom from the life I always knew. Now all I am is haunted. As days and hours roll by. All I ever think about is you.”

Natasha gulped you were her Prince she always wanted. You were her Prince Eric.

“There you are, over me”

Natasha harmonized again this time Santana joining in as she videoed you singing. Bystanders stopped to do the same

“Taking me with your song! To wild uncharted waters, miles beyond the sea I was darkness-bound, I had almost drowned 'Til you came around, and you found me!”

Santana bit her lip; you and Natasha were looking at one another the same way you used to look at Quinn when you sang to her. She knew you were starting to have feelings for the Russian beauty. She couldn’t even blame you especially with the way Quinn has been lately. Lying to you about being pregnant?! She wants to slap the shit out of her for that she’s gonna keep that in her back pocket.

“Now I am on the shoreline, but I'm still lost at sea! In these wild uncharted waters; Come find me again!”

You were going to end it there, but the crowd around you nodded towards you asking for you to keep going. You looked at Natasha and you began again.

“All I do is wonder who you are and where you'll be. In my mind, your melody goes on. Stronger than the undertow the night you rescued me. Silhouetted by the rising dawn.”

You had chills hearing her harmonizing.

“Ohhhhh, over you I cannot get over you! In wild uncharted waters; Beyond where man can see. When your eyes outshine the horizon line! And you're finally real, here beside me! Now I'm right here on the shoreline I'm right where you left me! And your voice is like A siren that guides me! To wild uncharted waters; alone, just you and me! And I hope you're there in the open air! There's no map or compass to guide me, no! Time may change the shoreline! But time will not change meeeeee! If it takes my life I will finally find you again In uncharted waters Come find me againnnnnnnnnnnnnn!”

The crowd around you cheered and clapped and you jokingly bowed.

You smiled at Natasha and Finley when a little girl pulled your sleeve.

“Oh hello!” You beamed.

“Prince Eric, can I take a picture with you?” The little girl asked bashfully. You looked up at her mother who mouthed ‘please?’.

“Why of course!” You beamed.

“Ariel, will you take one with us?” She asked.

You, Natasha, little King Trident and Finley stood for a line of photos.

“Thank you Prince Eric thank you Princess Ariel.” They would all say.

“Papa, we're popular.” Finley giggled. “Like aunt Rachel.”

“Betrayed by my own flesh and blood!” You gasped.

Santana chuckled as you all began walking back home. “Almost forgot how great your voice is Y/L/N.”

“You ever miss it?” You ask Santana.

“All the time.” She sighs.

“Me too.” You gave her a side hug.

When it finally came to an end it took a lot of candy to keep Fin from crying and throwing a fit. She wanted to keep going.

“Aww dad come on Morgan and Lila are staying too.” Beth groaned when you said no to her staying the night at Monica’s.

“Beth, you just stayed at Morgan’s. Besides, it's a school night.”

“We all go to the same school," Beth huffs.

You ignored that comment determined to stand your ground.

“Please! I’ll pick up after Ollie and feed him and walk him! I’ll even take the trash out!”

“You mean your chores?” You gasped chuckling as she stomped her foot.

“Come on, Y/N, don’t be such a dick-tator.” Santana cackled. “Go ahead mi amore.”

“San-“

“It’s Halloween! Be cool!” She huffed and nodded toward your eldest.

“Yayyyy love you Tia!” Beth took off.

“What am I chopped liver?” You huffed.

“Love you!” She shouted before squealing with her friends.

“Papa me and Ollie love you.” She smiled with chocolate on her face.

Natasha chuckled, wiping her face with a wet wipe.

“Thank you Natty, I love you.” Fin smiled at her.

“I love you too, dorogoy.” Natasha smiled.

“Papa, I wan Natty pwease.”

“She’s holding Nate, squirt.”

“You hold Nate I wan, Natty.”

“Ouch.” You chuckled and Natasha handed you a sleepy King Trident.

Nate whined pulling at his fake beard. You gently took it off laying it against your shoulder. The small boy yawned snuggling into your shoulder. You smiled hearing his soft snores as Fin babbled on to Natasha.

Santana walked next to you giving you a look.

“What’s that look for?” You chuckled and Santana pulled you back a little.

“Y/N, if you’re not happy with Q anymore you can leave her.” She said softly.

“I uh-“

“You don’t have to say anything. I’m just saying no one would be upset with you. You have to think about your own happiness sometimes. You can’t raise kids if you aren’t happy.”

You were completely taken back.

“Just think it over.” Santana nudged you and Natasha turned around.

“Papa come on trick or treat!”

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When you finally made it to your lane Fin threw a fit when it was time to take her home.

“No Papa! Natty!” She cried.

Santana bit her lip as she took her son and Ollie inside your house.

“You’re just sleepy little Ariel.” You whispered, taking her in your arms.

“But don wanna seep.” She cried sleepily.

“When you wake up it’ll be ballet time.” Natasha smiled, kissing her cheek.

“Ballet.” Fin whispered as she began falling asleep on your other shoulder.

“I better take King Trident home.” She smiled, taking him from you.

“I can't wait to have another one.” You chuckled, handing him to Natasha.

“You want a boy?” She smiled at you as you walked her across the street towards the Barton haunted house.

“Yeah don’t get me wrong I love my girls, but I’ve always wanted a son too.”

“Well it’ll happen one day. You’re such a great daddy I just know it’ll happen.” Natasha smiled, speaking softly as to not wake the kids.

You briefly wondered if maybe Quinn would have a boy and a small part of you didn’t want another with her. Not after everything, not after the talk with Santana.

You both are greeted by the Barton’s who are closing shop.

“Hey there’s my little King Trident.” Laura smiled taking him from Natasha.

“Thanks again Nat- or should I say Princess Ariel and Prince Eric?” Clint smirked.

You chuckled, shaking his hand before leading Natasha back across the street.

“You looked amazing as Ariel by the way.” You smile.

“Same to you Prince Eric.” She smiled.

“Goodnight Nat.” You say as you both stand in front of her home.

She opted on not kissing your cheek seeing a certain blonde fuming by the window.

“Goodnight Prince Eric.” She smiled softly before making her way in the house.

You make your way inside right when Santana and Brittany are leaving.

“Bye Prince Eric.” Brittany winked.

“Think over what we discussed.” Santana muttered as she hugged you goodnight.

You looked over at Quinn who stood fuming looking at you with a glare. You rolled your eyes and ascended up the stairs. You could give a shit about what she has to say at this point.

You slept in the guest room again that night.

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You were deep in thought going over Santana's words once again. You were inwardly going over what would happen if you were to leave Quinn.

“Y/N the timer went off like 2 minutes ago.” Quinn huffed from her spot next to Beth. She was helping her with her math homework.

You snapped out of your daze turning down the stove top.

“What is up with you today? You’ve been in your head all day.” She asked.

You ignore her fixing up dinner.

“Y/N?”

“Damn it, Quinn, just not now okay! Can you let me finish dinner? Or am I not allowed to do that either???” You huffed with a roll of your eyes.

Quinn glared at you but before she could say anything back Beth broke the silence.

“Dad.” Beth muttered looking out the window.

“Hm?” You asked as you grabbed plates.

“The neighbors are gathering outside with guns up.” Beth said looking over at you her brows crinkled together.

You saw Steve grab his rifle.

“Whoa what in the- Stay here.” You say sternly before rushing outside.

“What’s going on?” You asked Steve who now had his gear on with Carol and Bucky.

“A couple prison escapees were sighted a block away from here.” Steve speaks as he clips his vest. “Carol is heading south, I'm heading north and Buck will go East.”

“Clint said he’d go west.” Bucky spoke up.

“Y/N, do you have a gun?” Carol asked.

“Yes.” You nodded, picturing where you put it.

“Go grab it you never know.” Carol said, adding her magazine.

‘Natasha’ you thought as you ran inside setting the new system Tony and Scott installed.

“The house is now secure.” F.R.I.D.A.Y. spoke out as your house completely locked down.

“What’s going on dad?” Beth asked; seeing you run inside holding your phone to your ear.

“Y/N?” Quinn furrowed her brows looking up from Beth’s homework. She huffed standing up to follow you upstairs.

“Come on pick up.” You growled before taking a peek at Natasha's window. You hung up, you were just going to run to her place.

Quinn made it to the room just in time to see you lift the wooden board in your closet taking out your gun.

“Quinn, go get the girls, and Ollie then lock yourself in the room!” You say loading your gun.

“What the hell is going on? Why do you have that?!”

“There’s been a prison break and they were spotted near our block. I'm gonna go check on Nat.”

“What?! why?!”

“Because I called her 3 times and she’s not picking up.”

“What about us?” She huffed looking at you like you grew a second head.

“Q, you’re in a state of the art home security system that Tony and Scott set up. You and the girls are safe. I’ll be back, I know the code.” You ran out with Quinn and your daughter shouting your name.

“Natasha?” You say again, cupping your hands to see inside the dark house. Nat usually had her blinds open. Seeing a vase fall you call out again. “Natasha?!”

“Y/N!” She managed to yell, throwing her hand up from the floor behind the sofa.

That was all you needed, you backed up before kicking the door in.

Seeing a man holding her down with a knife and the other tying her up.

“Let her go. Now.” You growled, gripping your gun.

“You’re not gonna shoot me.” One of them laughed.

“You don’t know me, I don’t know you, but I know her. Really wanna try me now?” You arched your brow looking deep into his eyes.

He gulped, dropping the blade slowly lifting his hands up. “The fuck are you doing? Theres two of us and one of them! Get them!” The other inmate snapped before trying to drag Natasha down the hallway.

“Let me go!” She screamed, kicking and grabbing the wall.

“Let her go or I swear I’ll fucking shoot you!” You shouted.

“What are you doing, get off your ass and get them!” He gruffed trying to pull Nat. “Stop moving you little bitch or I’ll make it hurt!”

Natasha swept his legs punching him in the throat but he grabbed his knife.

You stopped thinking and shot him in the back.

“Ahhhhhh! Ahhhhh fuck!” He cried out landing with a thud. “I can’t feel anything! You crazy mother fucker you shot me!”

“Nat come here!” She rushed behind you.

The other guy panicked not knowing what to do.

“Get down on the fucking ground!” You shouted.

“Please don’t shoot me, I'm sorry!” He cried getting on the ground with his hands behind his head.

“I should fucking kill you for what you did to her!” You shouted.

“Y/N no!” She pleaded.

“No wait please, I'm sorry!” He cried.

“You’re sorry! You were gonna hurt her and attack me, but you’re sorry? I should just fucking kill you now.”

“Y/N?” Natasha said softly now behind you softly touching your arm.

“They would have hurt you.”

“Y/N, please.” Natasha pleaded.

“Y/N?” Steve called out.

“What?” You huffed, still pointing the barrel at his head.

“I got it from here.” He said softly. “It’s okay bud you did good.”

You nodded as he cuffed him. You placed the safety on the gun tucking it behind your back.

Natasha tackled you with a hug.

“Did he? Did they?” Your eyes are wild and brimming with unshed tears at the thought of anyone hurting her. You push her hair back looking her over pushing her hair back she was bleeding.

“No, no.” She shook her head feeling your hands gripping her waist as she places a hand on your chest and the other against you cheek. “I swear detka, just a few scratches, they hit me on the back of the head.”

Searching her eyes for the truth. She kissed your cheek bringing you back in a hug and you kissed her temple. Holding her close against you as you sighed in relief.

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“You’re lucky your spouse came home when they did.” One of the officers sighed after taking her statement.

“Oh I’m not-“ you cleared your throat. “I’m just the neighbor.”

Natasha’s still silent; you wondered if she heard that or if she’s just in shock.

‘I’m in love with Y/N.’ She thought to herself. ‘Y/N saved me. They’re always there for me. I’ve completely fallen in love with someone in a marriage.’

“Oh excuse me I just saw you holding her and then the rings and well I assumed.” He chuckled.

Soon a car came to a screeching halt behind the police barricade. It was him, it was Bruce. You noticed a brunette getting out of the passenger side.

“Sir I’m gonna have to ask you to get behind the barricade.” The officer who thought you were Natasha’s wife gruffed.

“I’m her husband. I live here!” He shouted.

“Not again Arnold.” You hear him mutter. “Let him through.” He sighed.

“I came as soon as I heard!” He shouted running toward her. The moment he brought her in his arms she snapped out of her state. Shoving him away harshly.

“Don’t touch me!” She screamed, getting everyone’s attention. She quickly backed away, colliding into you. You wrapped your arms around her feeling her tense.

“Hey, hey easy it’s just me.” You said softly as she turned in your arms.

“Natasha, it's me, Bruce, your husband.” He spoke softly and tried reaching out again but she buried her face in your neck.

“Y/N!” She cried; everything was hitting her at once. She was trembling in your arms.

“It’s okay, I know. It’s okay.” You whispered, holding her tightly as she began breaking down. She breathed in harshly before crying again.

An EMT came by speaking softly as she could. “You’re in shock. You’re having a panic attack. Come with me I can help settle you down a bit.”

The EMT knew the redhead wasn’t listening so she spoke with you. “Can you help bring her to the truck?”

You nodded wordlessly. Slowly scooping her up in your arms. Walking her to the ambulance. “You gotta let go.” You whispered trying to set her down.

She shook her head still shaking.

Another car came to a screeching halt. Out came a familiar blonde.

“Сестра!” She shouted. “Сестра, Где ты?!”

You raised your hand seeing Natasha’s head pop up at the voice.

She easily evaded the police barricade stopping in front of you both.

“It’s okay, she's fine. They’re sister’s.” Arnie sighed, already knowing the two were sisters.

You felt Natasha let you go and hug her sister.

You looked up seeing your wife standing next to Christine, arms crossed. A look on her face you can’t place.

Knowing Nat was okay you walked away only to have Yelena take your hand.

“Thank you for being there for her.” Yelena sniffled.

You just gave a small smile and squeezed her hand before walking back towards your wife.

You kissed her still lips before taking her in your arms holding her tight. You waited for her to hold you back, but it never came.

“Qui-“

“Thank you for taking care of her.” Bruce said, taking your hand; interrupting you and Quinn.

“Well maybe if you had been there you could have done it.” You snapped.

“Y/N.” Quinn gasped.

“No!” You whipped your head at your wife before looking at the nerd in front of you. “She could have seriously gotten hurt and where were you? Let me guess holed up with your side piece right?” You laughed gesturing to the brunette behind him. “Couldn't you leave her to take care of your wife?”

“Y/N stop it!” Quinn grit.

Now the entire block was standing behind you.

“Well I was working. I’m actually working on-“

“A breakthrough?” You questioned tilting your head stepping towards him only for him to take a step back colliding into his car. “You’ve been saying that for how long now?”

“Too fucking long!” Carol shouted.

“Tony back me up here.” Bruce chuckled awkwardly.

“No. You need to tell her the truth now.” Tony glares. “You said you were gonna tell her it’s been 2 months.”

Bruce sighed.

“Tell me what?” Natasha questions from the ambulance.

“Nothing!” Bruce shouts quickly with a nervous smile.

“Bullshit it’s nothing.” You grabbed him by his blazer shoving him back into the car. “Tell her the truth now!” You yelled. Quinn tried to pry your arm off of him but you shoved her back. “Say it!”

“I’ve been cheating on her with Betty!” He gasped covering his mouth looking over at Betty who merely shrugged.

“Say it to her you idiot.” You gruffed, shoving him towards the redhead.

“What the hell is the matter with you?” Quinn snapped, grabbing your arm.

“Him!” You yelled pointing at Bruce who was trying to run away from Yelena.

“That has nothing to do with you.” Quinn huffed.

“Natasha is my friend-“

“Y/N you shoved me.” She quirks her brow.

You sighed, rubbing your head. “I’m sorry I shoved you, but you weren’t there! You didn’t see those animals on her! They would have hurt her!”

“You’re right I didn’t because I was busy taking care of myself and the girls.” She snapped.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” You snapped.

“You left us! You left your family for our neighbor! How do you not see what’s wrong with that?”

“You’re making it sound like I chose her over you. That’s not what happened. What happened was I acted fast, got you and the girls in lockdown. I told you when I didn't hear from Nat, I knew something was wrong, I can’t just ignore that. I will not!”

There was so much going on Natasha didn’t know what to focus on. She had almost been SA’ed. Her fake husband just admitted to his infidelity. The neighbors were now whispering and worse. You and Quinn were arguing about her. Right in front of everyone.

“Y/N, I am your wife. Me. I am the one who gave birth at 16 because you knocked me up! I’m the one who took the stretch marks and the constant feeding. I’m the one who works.”

“Wow…” you muttered looking away from her, noticing Val and Thor trying to get the rest of the block to leave. “I’m gonna go give my statement then we’ll talk about this in the morning. I can’t even look at you. You’re so fucking selfish.”

With that you walked away leaving a bristled Quinn behind. Quinn looked at Christine who gave her a brief side hug before walking back to her house.

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After your statement; the police and first responders made their leave. You’re not too sure what happened with Bruce but the scientist was nowhere in sight.

Yelena walked up leaving her sister on the porch. “She doesn’t want to stay in her house. Do you mind if we stay with you tonight until we can get the place secured and cleaned up?”

“Of course not. Come on.” You say walking towards the redhead. “Hey gingerbread-“ you feel her fall in your arms. Without another word you scoop her up and walk over to your home. Yelena opens the door and you begin going up the steps towards your guest room. You gently push the door open as Yelena turns the light on. You gently set her on the bed.

“Should I get you two some pajamas?”

“Thank you, Y/N, I brought some clothes so I think we’re good.”

“Don’t go.” Natasha whispered, taking your hand.

“I have to go change and talk to Quinn.” You respond.

“Please stay.” She shook her head holding onto your hand laying back down with Yelena right behind her holding her tight.

“Okay.” You whispered, shoving your pants off revealing your boxers and leaving your shirt on.

You laid down and she curled into you with Yelena curled into her.

“Y/N I have to tell you something.” She said softly, hearing Yelena already snoring away.

“What’s wrong?”

“...I lied to you… about Bruce.”

“What about him?”

“We’re married but… not really. He married me to make his ex jealous, and I married him for a green card.”

“Oh.” You say with a nod.

“Y/N, I’m sorry I didn't tell you. I should have told you a while back. I don't know why I didn’t. I knew you wouldn’t tell anyone. I guess I just-“

“Hey… it’s okay.”

“Really?”

“Of course to be honest I feel like an idiot now the way I yelled at him in front of everyone-“

“No one knows but you, the Barton’s, and the Maximoffs. I’m sorry, Y/N, I should have told you.”

“Water under the bridge-“

“Might want to hold on to those words because I have something else to tell you a couple things actually.” She muttered. “You might hate me after this.”

“Hey I promise that will not happen. Now what’s wrong?” You ask softly.

“I don’t know how to say this but after tonight I have to. You deserve to know these things. Just promise me you hate. Promise me you won’t stop talking to me.”

“I promise. You can tell me anything.”

“Back on football day Tony told me to tell you something important.”

“Why doesn’t he just tell me?” You furrowed your brow.

“Because he’s too chicken shit.” She huffed sitting up next to you.

“Okay.”

“Y/N, he told me you were accepted into MIT. In fact he said you had a full ride, but that someone turned down your scholarship. He doesn’t know who, but it’s true.”

“Wait… what?” You rubbed your eyes and head unable to process the information.

“I’m so sorry Y/N.” She whispered. “I know you really wanted to follow in your fathers footsteps.”

“I was accepted?” you sighed really wanting to cry. Your whole life you just thought you weren’t good enough. You remember seeing the disappointment in your fathers eyes when you told him you were denied. You remember feeling broken hearted. Now you’re racking your brain trying to remember anything that could pinpoint who it was.

“Y/N?”

“Hm?” You hum still in thought.

“There’s one more thing… Do you remember your birthday night?”

You gulp turning to look at her. Your heart was thumping out of your chest. You settle for a nod afraid of speaking at all at this point.

“When you went back outside Rachel stopped me.”

You furrow your brows and nod asking her to continue.

“Y/N she does like Quinn she outright told me. She wanted me to… Well she wanted me to help her break the two of you apart.”

“That little evil hobbit.” You growled. “I knew it, I knew Rachel is a snake.”

“I’m sorry Y/N.” She whispers.

“Don’t be; I’m the idiot.”

“No you’re not. You didn’t do anything wrong. Nothing Y/N. Some people are just not good.”

You try to get out of bed.

“Wait where are you going?” she asks, holding your arm.

“I need to take a walk. There's so much going on I can’t-”

“Y/N I am begging you right now please don’t go. Please. I- I need you here with me. I don’t feel safe with out you.”

You nod taking her in your arms when you see tears forming in her eyes. “Shhhh, shh, it's okay go to sleep I’ll be right here with you.”

“Promise?”

“I promise.” You say softly laying down with her shaking in your arms. You squeeze her tighter, kissing the top of her head. “I’ll be right here.”

Natasha nods and sighs in relief. Relief that the secrets she was holding are finally out. Though her body is still stuck in fight or flight mode you seem to be calming her right down and you have to admit after those truth bombs she was keeping you level headed. Though you didn’t sleep that night it was nice to hear her breathing.

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You got up early; quietly putting your pants back on before stepping out the door. You walked into your shared bedroom grabbing a fresh set of clothes.

“Where have you been?” Quinn asked, sitting up.

“Downstairs.” You lied putting your clothes on.

“Y/N, I’m sorry. I was out of line last night. I shouldn’t have been upset with you saving her. She would have been hurt or worse and I was being selfish.”

You felt taken back hearing her apologize. You didn’t say a word instead opting for a nod.

“I’m going to go and grab us breakfast from that place you love.” The blonde stood pecking your cheek before heading into the bathroom.

Soon she was out quickly putting on her yoga pants and shirt. “I’ll be back soon.” She smiled before stepping out. You watched her pull out of the driveway when you heard the guest door open.

“Hey.”

You turned to see Natasha.

“Morning.” You give her a small smile.

“Thank you for everything.” She said softly walking over to hug you.

“Of course.”

“I’m going to Lena’s place for a few days. Tony said his crew is working on my house so that makes me feel better.”

You nodded not wanting to push her to talk about it.

“Thanks again Y/N, and thank you for saving my sister.” Yelena spoke while walking up next to her sister.

“Of course.” You say again as she brought you in a big hug squeezing you tight before letting go.

“We’re totally going to get some breakfast. Want to join us? We’ll probably just take it to my place.” Yelena smiled.

“Thanks Yelena but Quinn left for breakfast so I’m good maybe next time.”

She nodded before looking over at Natasha. “Ready?”

She nodded. “Thank you, again Y/N.”

“No need to thank me.” You finally say as she hugs you she inhales deeply as you nuzzle her head breathing her in.

She smiles up at you and follows her younger sister out the door.

You yawned finally feeling sleepy as you watched her leave.

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(This part was originally called Talking in Your Sleep by Rogue Wave I highly suggest to play it while reading this next part)

The next few days you were sleepless and all around depressed. You hadn’t been this helpless since Finn passed away. Quinn was being overly nice and waiting on your hand and foot. You couldn’t help but miss your neighbor. You had sex dreams of her every night. You texted her a few times to check in and see how she was doing. You learned she made it back home last night. You even asked her if she wanted you to go over and stay with her, but she insisted she needed to be alone. She needed to overcome her fear.

Quinn had gotten home late in the morning hours the end of her quarter went off without a hitch and now she has more time to be with you. She jumps in the shower eager to lay with you before you wake up.

When she finished showering she noticed the tent you were pitching. “Like clockwork.” Quinn smirked a quiet giggle escaping her breath as she uncovered you. She hummed seeing you in nothing but your boxers. You two haven’t had sex since Thor's party and she figured since she’s been a nice and doting wife she can wake you up in the best way possible.

“Nat?” You call out stopping her from opening her door. She turned around and you went up the steps.

“What’s wrong?” She smiled.

You bring your hands up to caress her cheeks looking into her eyes doing everything you can to convey how worthy she is. “You are the most beautiful, sexiest, most amazing, sweet, kind woman I have ever met. Let me show you how beautiful you are.” With that you brought her in a kiss, one that she eagerly responded back with just as much vigor.

The redhead moaned, feeling your hand on her waist and the other threaded through her tresses.

Soon you were both stumbling into her house stripping one another as you made your way to the sofa. She sat you down straddling you.

Quinn after warming herself up on your dick she slowly let you enter her. “Fuck Y/N.” She smiled closing her eyes feeling you fill her up.

You felt Natasha lift your member, closing her eyes as she sat down on your cock. “Y/N.” She sighed adjusting to your girth.

“Natasha.” You breathed out seeing her look down at you her nose nuzzling yours before she-

Suddenly you were woken up by water to the face. You gasped sitting up falling out of bed. Looking up to see a raging Quinn holding a large cup of water.

“Quinn what the hell?!” You shouted angrily seeing her place the cup down before quickly changing into jeans and a shirt.

“You’re cheating on me?!”

“What?!” You sputtered. “Where is this coming from?! You just woke me up in a shitty way Quinn!” You shouted thoroughly pissed off.

“Tell me why I’m trying to wake you up in the best way possible and you utter the neighbors fucking name.” She growled shoving her shoes as she started descending down stairs.

“Quinn!” You shouted hearing the front door whip open.

“Quinn stop!” You yelled running after her drenched in water in nothing but your boxers.

Steve who was mowing his lawn tilted his head seeing your wife pounding on Natasha’s door.

Bless her heart Natasha opened it still seemingly sleepy.

“Quinn? What’s going on?” She rasps.

“You lying little home wrecker!” Quinn towered over her, pointing her finger in her chest.

“Excuse me?” Natasha sputters in disbelief pulling her kimono closer pushing Quinn’s finger away.

“Oh cut the shit Romanoff, I know you want my wife. It doesn’t take a fool to see how desperate you are for her. So how long has it been going on?”

“Quinn!” You shouted running up the stairs. “Quinn stop it! You’re acting like a fucking psychopath!” You growled.

“No, tell me!” She yelled at both of you.

“I’m so confused. Tell you what? And why are you calling me a homewrecker?”

“Tell me why my partner called out your name while I was fucking them?!”

“Oh my God, oh my God, Oh my God this isn’t happening.” You muttered holding your head.

“Wha… What did you say?” Natasha shakes her head furrowing her brows. Were you thinking of her the way she’s been thinking about you? Did you secretly want her as much as she wants you?

“Okay since you’re too dumb to understand I’ll say it again-“

“Don’t call me dumb Quinn.” Natasha kinked her brow standing her ground.

“Then why are you acting like it?!”

“I’ve only just woken up to you pounding on my door calling me a homewrecker. I have no idea what you are asking me when you take this tone with me Fabray.”

“It’s Mrs. Y/L/N to you Romanoff.” Quinn said, taking another step up towering over the redhead. “How long have you been fucking Y/N?”

“Y/N and I are friends Quinn. They would never do anything to hurt you like that. You should know that already.”

“Fuck you; telling me to trust Y/N. How can I trust them when they’re calling out your name in our bed?”

It was silent as she looked at you with an unknown expression.

“Quinn, I was asleep it wasn’t like that-“

“Don’t do that.” She snapped pointing at you. “You think I’m dumb? I’m riding you and you call out another woman’s name? What the fuck else are you two hiding? Are you even in a marriage with Natasha?”

“No, actually we’re getting a divorce.”

“You two have a thing together and I’m fucking sick of it. You’re done. You’re done being around my partner, and my kids. Leave my family alone.”

Your eyes darkened and you stepped between the two women. “She’s not going anywhere.”

“Is everything okay here?” Steve walked up handing you a robe.

“Thanks Steve.” You mutter placing it on.

“No, it’s not actually. You cheated on your wife and that energy got on Y/N.”

“I came out Quinn. I think the cheater here is you.” He crossed his arms.

“Wait what?” You furrowed your brow.

“Excuse me?” Quinn raised her brow.

“I was the one that saw you that night at Y/N’s party. I’ve been waiting patiently for you to confess, but I guess I’m gonna have to do it for you because Y/N deserves to know.”

“Steve, what are you talking about?” You furrowed your brows.

“Nothing! He’s obviously crazy.”

“Y/N, I’m so sorry to tell you this it should have come from your wife. The night of your birthday I caught Quinn making out with Rachel. Pretty heavily.”

“You cheated on me with Berry?” You asked, furrowing your brows in shock.

“No!” She huffed. “I would never-“

“Quinn.” Steve glared.

Quinn rolled her eyes. “Y/N she’s into you this is why they’re lying!”

Natasha ignored the blonde and continued. “Y/N, Steve, is not a liar. If anything this lines up with what I told you Rachel said to me that night.”

“Oh please, you're lying. Y/N they are lying to you!” Quinn laughed.

“You’re the liar Quinn.” You said eyes brimming with tears. “You lied about being pregnant.” Quinn’s eyes were wide with shock. “Yeah I know you tied your tubes. You lied about Berry, and you fucking stole my chance to go to MIT. I know it was you! I knew you were bitch going into this relationship. I just never thought you would go this low not, with me.”

“Y/N, baby, I swear I didn’t-“ Quinn had tears forming in her eyes. “Okay, I lied about the baby, and I did- I did kiss Rachel, but I didn’t steal your dream away I swear it wasn’t me.” She sobbed, she tried to take your hand and you snatched it away. “I wouldn’t do that to you Y/N!”

“Fuck you!” You shouted. “Quinn, you're a liar and a cheat! I'm done with you! I want you out of the house. I can’t even look at you right now. We’re getting a divorce.”

“No please Y/N! Please don’t do this. I'm begging you to come back with me. We'll talk about it. I promise you we’ll figure this out together! Please!” She sobbed as you shook your head.

Natasha opened her door further letting you and Steve in the house.

“Natasha please that is my wife, my husband, my partner I’m begging you-“

“You’ve done enough.” Natasha snapped slamming the door in Quinn’s face.

“Oh my God.” Quinn inhaled trying not to have a panic attack. She turned to see some of the neighbors outside staring at her.

“You should be ashamed of yourself.” Wanda called out as Quinn walked home.

Meanwhile inside the Romanoff residence you were having a panic attack.

“It’s okay bud inhale 1, 2, 3, 4 hold 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 exhale 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 repeat.” Steve was used to calming down panic attacks because of Bucky. After losing his arm he suffered from severe PTSD for a long time. “There you go now tell me what’s one thing you can see, smell, hear, and touch?”

“Um the photo of Nat and Yelena when they were kids, I can smell Nat’s home musk, I can hear her grabbing me a cup of water, and I can feel the fluffy carpet beneath my feet.”

“There we go.” Steve smiled, feeling your pulse instantly dropping.

“Did you really see them?” Your voice cracked.

“I’m so sorry, Y/N, I should have told you sooner I was hoping she would confess.”

Natasha laid a cool hand towel on your forehead handing you a glass of water. “I’m sorry detka.” Natasha whispered, laying her hand on the center of your back. She didn’t know this yet but that hand placement always made you feel better. You leaned into her and began crying feeling her wrap her arms around you, rocking you. “It’ll be okay. I promise.” She whispered.

“I’m sorry you had to find out this way Y/N.” Steve felt his heart break for you.

You cried a little harder and Natasha turned her head towards him. “I got this Steve if you wanna…”

He nodded, taking the hint. “Let me know if there’s anything I can do.” He stood feeling terrible as he made his way out the door.

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You woke up a few hours later practically on top of Natasha.

“Hi.” She whispered, pushing your hair back. “How are you feeling?”

You groaned sitting up.

“So my shot at MIT was stolen, she lied to me about being pregnant, a long time frenemy has been trying to break us up, and kissed my wife. Am I missing anything else?” You rubbed your face letting it all really sink in.

You groaned remembering Quinn embarrassed you about calling out Natasha’s name in bed.

“Y/N.” Natasha sighed you haven’t looked at her.

“Yeah?” You cleared your throat.

“So you had a sex dream about me!” She exclaimed, causing you to groan in embarrassment. “It’s not a big deal I’ve dreamt about you.”

“What?” This caught your attention. Your head almost got whiplash with how fast you turned.

“Oh my God, you’re terrible. Yes Y/N I have had sex dreams about you.”

“Dreams; plural; as in more than one?”

Natasha, realizing her mistake, rolls her eyes and shrugs. “Yes.”

“Oh.” You say suddenly very aware of your proximity.

“So now will you look me in the eye?”

You slowly met her gaze she dreamt about you fucking her… more than once! Maybe Quinn was right, maybe she is into you and maybe you’re into her too. You’re on unfamiliar ground. You’ve only ever been with Quinn.

“I’m sorry for being so weird about it. I just- I’ve never dreamt about a friend before.”

“Come on, you need to eat something. I know you love omelets. Want me to make you your favorite?”

You nod in surprise.

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“Okay we’re here- why the hell does your face look like a puffy marshmallow?” Santana grimaced.

“Quinn what’s wrong?” Brittany furrowed her brows

“I- I fucked up.” Quinn began crying.

“What the hell did you do, Fabray?”

“I cheated on Y/N.” She sobbed.

Santana sighed, she hates to say she saw this coming, call it her Latin 3rd eye, but she knew something has been off ever since your birthday.

“Quinn!” Brittany gasped.

“What the actual fuck Fabray?!” Santana huffed standing back up so she wouldn't slap the life out of Quinn. “Who, when, where, and how many times?”

“It was one time and we didn’t even have sex we- we made out.”

“It was with Berry wasn’t it?” Brittany muttered.

Quinn nodded.

“Wow. You’re a dumb bitch for that Fabray. Y/N gave you everything and this is how you repay them?”

“What do I do?” Quinn sobbed.

“Well you’re gonna give Y/N space and if they decide to leave and divorce you then I highly suggest you do it if you have any respect for Y/N.

“I can’t just let Y/N go. I can’t, I love Y/N.” Quinn sniffles.

“You have a really funny way of showing it.” Santana scoffs. You kissed faked a pregnancy, treat them like crap, kissed a troll, and stole Y/N’s chance at MIT.”

“It wasn’t me.” She cried.

“Then who was it?” Santana asked. “Bitch, you’re already fucked might as well be honest now.”

Quinn gulped for uttering the words. “My mother.”

A/N: like, comment & reblog please I spent a long time on this chapter 🫠

#like reblog and comment #natasha romanoff x reader #faberry #natasha romanoff x you #avenger lane #quinn fabray x reader

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robinbuckleysfringe · 2 months

Text

paper rings.

a joseph quinn social media au

pairings: joseph quinn x keery!reader

warnings: pronouns for reader vary between she & they, I've tried to keep it as gender neutral as possible even tho I do use female faceclaims

part 1 | part 2

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*yninstagram has posted*

tagged strangerthings, joekeery, maya_hawke, nattyiceofficial, gatenm123 & charlie.r.heaton

liked by tomblyth, josephquinn, millybobbybrown, rachelzegler and others

yninstagram breaking my insta hiatus to tell you all that we're back for another adventure into the Upside Down 🦇🫶🏻💕

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joekeery why'd you have to crop half my face out like that

> yninstagram to make room for nat's face, obvs

> joekeery so you're saying you love her more than me???

> yninstagram of course, duh 🙄. you should know this by now

maya_hawke reunited bby!! 🫶🏻🫶🏻

> yninstagram missed youuuuu 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻

madelyncline not you trying to crop joe out the picture 💀

> yninstagram there's already too much joe content on my page, the people need more nat

josephquinn very excited to join the upside down with you all!!

> yninstagram aw joe!! we're so happy to have you join our stranger things family 🫶🏻

madisonbaileybabe the 80s look great on you but I miss our beach vibes 😭🫶🏻

> yninstagram thanks hun!! I miss filming with you 🫶🏻🫶🏻

rudeth not you finally posting

> yninstagram as if you're online more than I am

rachelzegler don't die this season pls

> yninstagram I can't make any promises 😭😭😭

> user Y/N WHAT DOES THIS MEAN????

user obsessed with these bts pics!!!

user ahhhh, so excited for this season!!!

user omg they finally posted!!!

user love of my life. cannot wait to have you back on my screen!!!

☆☆☆

*yninstagram has posted*

tagged rachelzegler, tomblyth & hunterschafer

liked by josephquinn, maya_hawke, joekeery, madisonbaileybabe and others

yninstagram my best friend made a movie 🫶🏻🕊🐍

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rachelzegler it was amazing to have you at the premiere angel 😇💕

> yninstagram love youuuu and everything you do ever 🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻💕💕💕

> rachelzegler love youuu bby ❤️

madelyncline you always understand the assignment with the outfit

> madelyncline slay queen 👑😍

> yninstagram thanks bby 🫶🏻💕

joekeery it's criminal that you didn't invite me smh 😤

> yninstagram excuse me?? we're literally going to see it this weekend??

> maya_hawke do our plans not matter to you joe?? :((

josephquinn so this is why you weren't on set this week 👀

> yninstagram oops, did ya miss me? 😂

> josephquinn course not

sadiesink OMG SLAY!! 😍😍😍

user the fit is everything omg!!!

user now y/n is a person who would 100% understand the met gala themes every year

user omg pls tell me you've got a small cameo in the movie!! that would be everything!!

☆☆☆

*yninstagram has posted*

tagged marvel & florencepugh

liked by florencepugh, tomblyth, rudeth, josephquinn and others

yninstagram booked and blessed baby!!! our new series Hawkeye drops on disney+ this december 🏹💜

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yninstagram can't keep a secret to save my life, so if you heard about this beforehand- no you fucking didn't 🫶🏻

*yninstagram pinned this comment*

joekeery proud of you!!!

> yninstagram thank you

> joekeery tho I will say I'm gonna take some credit for your success because I ran all your audition lines with you

> yninstagram 😡🖕🏻

florencepugh dream come true to work with you!! 💜

> yninstagram aww, love you flo!! 💜

tomholland2013 welcome to the MCU y/n x

> yninstagram thanks spoiler man

> tomholland2013 heyy, uncalled for!!

> yninstagram shouldn't have spoiled your movie for me then 😤

> tomholland2013 I'm sorry :((

hichasestokes congrats on being booked and busy. idk how you do it 🐝

> yninstagram i love all these projects, but really I just wanna nap

tomholland2013 wait. THEY GAVE YOU A DOG?? unfair :((

> yninstagram someone sounds jelly lol. sucks to be you I guess 🤷🏻‍♀️

josephquinn not you posting this like you didn't tell me on set 2 days ago. congrats tho, you deserve it :))

> yninstagram thanks joe 🫶🏻

> josephquinn also can you give me my guitar back now? please. I need to practice

> yninstagram you'll have to find me first haha 🤪

> nattyiceofficial they're in their trailer

> charlie.r.heaton just follow the sound of pure chaos and you'll find them 😂

user SHUT. UP

user is this real??

user omg can't believe you're bringing Kate Bishop to life!!! so excited for this!!

☆☆☆

I'm aiming for this little series to have about 6 parts to it, like my tom blyth one. but feel free to comment anything you'd like to read/see in this (or any future) social media aus 🩷

#joseph quinn x reader #joe keery x sister!reader #stranger things #steve harrington #eddie munson #joseph quinn #joseph quinn imagine #joe keery #marvel #outer banks #obx cast

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daydreamtofiction · 25 days

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The Feature XIX // Benedict Cumberbatch x Reader

Series Overview | Previous Part | Next Part

Chapter Summary: (Female Reader) Apparently I don't know how to write summaries for this story anymore lmao. Anyway, Quinn and Ben are back, woo.

Chapter Word Count: 3.3K

Chapter Warnings: Morally-grey reader, strong language, adult and sexual themes. Readers must be 18+

A/N: Welcome back my dudes 😛 Here's a lil chappy chap to get us all back into the swing of things. I know it's been a lifetime since this story went on hiatus, so please feel free to go to the series overview for the entire contents page if you need a little refresher. Thank you to everyone still here and supporting me & this story. 🤍

Join the Tag List Here*

The media always made dating a celebrity seem so appealing; the red carpets and designer gowns, romantic getaways in private jets and secret rendezvous' shrouded in luxury and mystique. But you were failing to see the glamour in hauling your overnight bag on a train to Kent in the middle of a rainstorm. Sitting in a cramped carriage that smelled of stale coffee and wet dog, surrounded by screaming toddlers and men with the inability to keep their legs together.

You stared out of the window as the countryside passed in a blur of greens and greys, wondering when exactly the sparkle of being involved with an A-list actor would reveal itself. Would you find it in the dodgy train station sandwiches or the spotty phone signal? In the pockets of your rain-sodden parka or the man asking for spare change as he roamed the aisle?

You hadn't seen Ben in weeks since he'd began filming a new movie. And though he'd only been an hour outside of London the whole time, the long hours and his demanding schedule meant that he might as well have been on the other side of the world. You'd talked when you could; brief texts and quick calls that barely skimmed the surface of what you both really wanted to say. So when he invited you to visit him on location, you'd taken little persuading. Though boarding a busy train to Kent wasn't exactly akin to jetting off to some secluded beach resort.

The train rolled to a stop at the station. You waited as the carriage emptied, passengers practically climbing over one another to get off, a new person blocking your way every time you attempted to slip out from your seat. When you finally saw an opening, you muscled your way into the aisle and reached for your bag in the overhead luggage rack. But it was caught on something, refusing to budge, even as you hung from the handle with your entire body weight like a child dangling from a monkey bar. You looked up at the extremely tall man waiting to get off behind you, glaring at him as he watched on impatiently without ever offering you a hand.

You finally got it free, hoisting it over your shoulder and stepping off the train onto a bleak platform; cracked pavement, a single lamppost flickering against the dusky sky, and an inexplicably large puddle that stretched across the entire exit. You tried to hop over it, but it was too wide, rainwater flooding your trainers and soaking the ankles of your jeans.

"Fabulous," you muttered sarcastically to yourself.

The rain hadn't yielded. If anything, it seemed to grow heavier as you stood beneath the shelter of the station, looking down at your phone and trying to make sense of the directions Ben sent you earlier.

Take a left out of the station, follow the main road and look for signs to The Mocketts. It's not too far.

Easy enough, you thought. Or at least it would have been if your feet weren't squelching in your shoes, if the main road didn't turn into a complex maze of winding lanes and hedgerows that all looked the same in the bad weather and diminishing daylight. You pulled up your hood, though it was an entirely futile act; the rain already bleeding through your coat, your hair clinging to your face as you squinted up at the faded road signs, none of which seemed to match the directions Ben had given you.

As you trudged down the narrow, muddy road, you wondered why you'd agreed to this at all; why you hadn't just told him to make the drive back to London to visit you, why going to him seemed like such a good idea when all it had gotten you was a runny nose, ruined shoes and a spot on the missing persons' register when you inevitably disappeared down a ditch somewhere.

Your phone buzzed in your pocket. You took it out, wiping the rain away from the screen to read the message.

Are you close? It read.

Depends, you replied with wet, numb fingers. If by 'close' you mean standing in the middle of nowhere with no clue where I am then yes, I'm very close.

The phone began to ring a few seconds later.

"Why didn't you call a cab?" he asked.

"Because you said it wasn't far so I assumed I could walk," you replied, sniffing and wiping away the rain dripping off the end of your nose. "Now I'm so lost I wouldn't even know where to ask a cab to pick me up."

"Right, just... stay where you are. I'll come and find you."

You looked around, trying to find some kind of landmark. But all you saw were puddles, hedges and a single cow in a distant field. "I refuse to die in fucking Kent, Ben."

He chuckled down the phone, the sound providing you a slight comfort. "Did you make any turns off the main road?"

"I don't think so."

"Okay, don't move, I'll be as quick as I can."

You stood on the side of the road for what felt like an eternity, teeth chattering, body tensing against the cold. Whenever a car would zoom past, you would hold your breath for a moment, letting it out again in a deflated sigh when it carried on past you.

Eventually, a set of bright headlights appeared around the bend, a big 4x4 splashing through puddles with its huge tyres as it rolled to a stop beside you. The passenger window lowered, revealing Ben's concerned face peering out at you.

"Get in!" he shouted, his voice barely audible over the white noise of the storm.

You yanked open the door and climbed in, soiling the pristine interior in mud and rain as you heaved your bag over your shoulder into the back seat. Ben leaned over to kiss you, but you were too busy peeling off your coat to respond, the warm air blowing from the grates in the dashboard onto your freezing skin.

He watched you battle with the wet fabric, a blend of amusement and pity on his face. "Rough journey?" he asked, unable to hold back a smirk.

You glared at him as you finally freed yourself from the coat and threw it into the back with your bag, waiting for him to make a joke about your appearance, your lack of navigation skills. But instead he simply reached out, gently stroking the hair out of your face.

"I'm sorry," he said. "I should've just come and picked you up from the station."

You sighed, sinking back into the heated leather seat. "It's fine. I shouldn't have thought I could walk it."

He smiled, tilting his head slightly to look at you.

"What?" you asked.

"Nothing. Just... Hi."

"Hi," you replied softly, finally allowing a smile of your own.

He leaned in again, and this time you accepted his kiss; the warmth of his lips a stark contrast to the dreary, miserable day you'd endured.

He was staying in a cottage on a stretch of vast, green farmland, and you couldn't help but frown as the Jeep rolled over the uneven ground towards it; more mud, wonderful. You looked around as he drove, searching for the set; the studio, trailers, cameras, crew. But there was nothing besides fields and trees, barns and cottages.

"I'm not staying on the set," he said with a laugh, as though he'd read your mind.

"Just thought it'd all be a bit less... rural," you replied with a shrug.

"I like the privacy. Plus, we're only filming about ten minutes that way. You can come with me tomorrow if you'd like, I'll give you a little tour."

He parked up and you climbed out, grimacing at the smell of manure and damp earth, wondering why he couldn't have taken a job somewhere like Fiji or The Seychelles instead. He grabbed your bag and coat from the back seat, ushering you out of the rain towards to the cottage. When he let you inside, you breathed a sigh of relief, the dry, warm house like a safe haven.

He put your things down near the door and switched on a light, turning to look down at you with his hands on his hips. You'd somehow failed to properly take in his appearance until now, as though the chaos and discomfort of your journey had clouded your perception.

"Nice pornstache," you teased, reaching up and running a finger over the hair adorning his top lip.

He rolled his eyes. "Thanks. No, that's great, cheers."

You giggled as he walked away from you. "What? I like you with facial hair."

He gave a cynical hum, making his way towards the stairs.

"Where are you going?" you asked.

"To run you a bath."

"Oh, you don't have to do that."

He turned to look at you, his eyes slowly trailing you from head to toe.

You looked down at yourself, at the clothes sticking to your body like a second skin and trainers caked in mud, the puddle that had formed on the wooden floor beneath you. "Okay, fair enough."

He breathed a soft laugh. "Come on."

"Will you get in it with me?" you asked as he climbed a few steps.

He turned, looking down at you with a smirk. "Nice try."

You huffed, bending down to take off your shoes and socks and leaving them by the door before following him upstairs.

The cottage was bigger than it seemed from the outside, yet still cozy, with thick carpets and charming olde worlde features. You walked towards the sound of running water, a steamy warmth and clean, soapy aroma. You pushed the bathroom door open to find him leaning over a deep, clawfoot tub, pouring bubblebath into the stream as it flowed from the tap. And for the first time all day, you felt your muscles relax.

He glanced up at you as you began to undress, letting your jeans fall to the floor and peeling your top over your head. His eyes lingered on your body, his gaze darkening as you unclipped your bra to reveal your breasts, hooked your thumbs into the elastic of your underwear and slid it down over your hips. It was satisfying to know that his desire still existed; that while he was staying strong in his refusal to go further than a kiss, the hunger remained.

You stood naked in the doorway, watching as he rose to his full height and cleared his throat.

"I'll leave a towel out for you," he said.

"You sure you don't want to join me?" you replied.

He inhaled a deep breath, letting it out slowly with a slight smile. "I'm sure."

"Because I've really missed you." You crossed the small bathroom, taking his wrists in your hands and sliding them around your waist.

"I've missed you too."

You reached up, weaving your fingers into the back of his hair and pressing your lips to his neck. "Don't you want to show me how much you've missed me?"

"Quinn..." he warned, a soft growl in his voice.

"What harm would it do?" You raised up onto your toes, moving your kisses to his jaw, his mouth. "To just do it... Once?"

He was losing his resolve, you could feel it in the firmness of his grasp, how his fingers pressed into your skin as he began to return your kisses between heavy breaths.

"It doesn't have to be purely... physical," you pressed, keeping your voice soft and enticing. "It can be slow, tender, intimate-"

"Quinn," he finally whispered against your lips. "Stop it."

You huffed, letting go of him and dropping down off your tiptoes. "Fine."

You turned and walked back out onto the landing without bothering to redress, making your way towards the stairs.

"Where are you going?" he called out to you.

"To get my vibrator out of my bag," you called back, hearing his quiet chuckle echo from the bathroom.

You had never felt better; washed hair and warm, dry clothes, the musky scent of earth replaced by the clean, masculine scent of Ben's body wash. Your limbs buzzed from the wine you'd been sipping as you stood at the stove in the kitchen, stirring a pot of pasta and listening to music from a small speaker on the counter.

The night sky was black as ink, the quiet countryside making the world outside seem nonexistent, as though the small cottage was the only place left on earth. And you were sure you wouldn't have minded if it was. Ben came up behind you, snaking his hand around your stomach to hold you close as he pressed a kiss to the back of your neck. You smiled, feeling your skin tingle beneath his lips, a slight tickle from his moustache.

He picked up the bottle of wine from the counter beside you and topped up your glass.

You glanced at him from the corner of your eye. "Are you trying to get me drunk?"

"A little bit."

You exhaled a soft laugh, picking it up and taking a sip.

"I'm really glad you could come down," he said, filling his own glass and sitting at the dining table behind you. "It's been weird not talking to you every day."

"I know, I'm great."

He chuckled. "You are."

You turned around, leaning back against the counter, glass in hand. "Did you ever think after our first meeting you'd be saying that about me?"

"After our first meeting? I knew I’d be saying something about you, though I assumed it would be to a lawyer."

Your lip curled with a smirk as you sipped your wine. "Now look at us, making dinner together in a little cottage in the countryside. Not a lawyer in sight."

"Exactly. See, the no sex thing is working."

"Oh, you think that's why we're getting along so well?" You raised an eyebrow, your smirk spreading.

He leaned back in his chair, a playful glint in his eyes. "Well, it certainly hasn’t hurt. We’ve actually gotten to know each other. I mean, look at you - no knives in hand, no threats of bodily harm..."

"Mm. I wouldn't completely credit the abstinence. Maybe I'm just too tired from all this non-sexual bonding to argue with you."

"Or maybe you just enjoy my company."

You paused, biting your lip as you looked down at him, before turning to save the pot from bubbling over on the stove.

"Why's it so hard for you to just admit I was right about taking it slow?" he asked.

"I got a train to Kent for you. I think it's already quite clear."

He laughed, and you listened as the legs of his chair scraped the floor, his footsteps approaching as you drained the pasta over the sink.

"You've really never done this before, have you," he said. "Dating, courting."

"Courting?" you scoffed. "Okay, granddad."

He slid his arms around your waist, pressing his chest against your back as he spoke slow, quiet, his voice deep and intimate. "Just imagine, Quinn. All the waiting; the frustration, anticipation. Imagine how... incredible it's going to be when we finally do it."

You felt a shiver run down your spine, desire bubbling deep in your stomach. He pressed his lips to the side of your head, the heat of his body making you melt against him.

"I know I seem cruel," he continued. "Turning you down, making you feel like I don't want you. But trust me, I do. And I've been thinking about it a lot, how good it's going to feel."

You inhaled through your nose in an attempt to compose yourself, to quell the growing ache between your legs. You continued what you were doing, tipping the steaming pasta into an empty pot.

"I want to take my time with you," he murmured. "Reacquaint myself with every inch of your body."

You felt his arms tighten around you, his hands gripping you more firmly.

"When I finally touch you, really touch you, it's going to be slow, intense; I want to make sure you feel every brush of my fingertips, every kiss, every..." He trailed off, but you knew the picture he was painting. His voice like a dark, seductive promise, pouring his intentions directly into your ear. "I want to watch your face as I make you fall apart beneath me. Hear the sounds you make as I push you to the edge and pull you back, just so I can do it all over again."

Your legs felt weak, and you were grateful for his arms around you, holding you steady. It was impossible not to get lost in his words, in the way your stomach coiled, your core throbbing with need.

"And when we finally come together," he continued, his lips brushing against your earlobe. "I'm certain I will never be able to keep my hands off you again."

You let out a shaky breath, your voice barely a whisper. "You’re really not making it easy to be patient, you know."

He exhaled a laugh. "I just thought you might like to know I'm not finding this easy either. But there's reason behind it."

"I know," you replied with a sigh, turning in his arms to face him. "I know I've been giving you a hard time about it but it's only because you're right - I don't date, I don't... court."

"You don't court?" he teased.

"No, old man, I don't court." You laughed. "I've never wanted to. So I always just... skip to the physical stuff, ignore the rest."

He stroked a stray lock of hair out of your face, tucking it behind your ear. "But you're not ignoring it with me. Look, you're here, you're trying."

"Mm. I suppose I just never liked someone enough to make dinner and drink wine with them before. Never cared enough to nearly die in the Kent countryside for them."

He gave a deep laugh in his throat. "You didn't nearly die."

"We'll agree to disagree."

He smiled, tilting your chin up with his fingers and kissing you softly. "I guess I should consider myself lucky then," he said. "That you're here, even though it’s not your usual thing.”

“I don’t know if it’s luck, Ben. Maybe it’s just... you.”

His eyes crinkled, the corners of his mouth curving into a gentle smile. “I’ll take that.”

You both stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other’s embrace, the flames licking in your core now dwindling to a comfortable smoulder.

“You know,” he said after a moment. “We could make this our thing.”

"Make what our thing?" You raised an eyebrow.

"This." He gestured to the space around you. "Every time I’m on location, you can brave the wilderness-"

“And risk my life,” you interjected.

"And risk your life,” he agreed with a grin. “Just to come cook dinner and drink wine with me. It’ll be like a... tradition."

You tilted your head, pretending to think about it, before giving him a slow, teasing smile. “Throw in a few tropical countries and I might consider it."

“I'll see what I can do."

He kissed you again, deeper this time, pressing you gently against the edge of the sink before pulling back, resting his forehead on yours for a brief moment. You stood there as you watched him finish off the dinner, taking in the comfortable sight of him moving around the kitchen in domestic ease. He hummed to himself contently as he chopped and stirred, stopping every now and then to take a sip from his glass, twirling utensils between his fingers.

It was strange, how this easy, unremarkable moment was something you’d never quite known before. How you'd never taken heed of the quiet, subtler parts of another person. Yet here, in the warmth of the kitchen, surrounded by the clatter of pots and the aroma of garlic and basil, you felt a kind of intimacy you hadn’t expected to find.

It wasn’t the grand gestures or passionate moments you'd come to crave, but rather the simple act of sharing space, of being present together. The quiet companionship that came with just being in his company. It was a different kind of closeness; genuine, chaste, something you hadn’t even realised you’d been missing.

*Reader Tag List: @blondekel77 @evelynrosestuff @bakerstreethound @annesthaeticc @aephereal @sharp-cheekbones-locked @sherlux @veryladyqueen @graciebear47 @allurenia @jamerlynn @cottagecore-cat @aysamuka @thegardenerofeden @cumbercatchmebaby @inspirationalandrandom @turkisherlockian @swds @weepingdreamerpanda @elzabethann @childofgod215 @briecantopme @lovecleastrange @jaspearl31 @paola-carter @greatburger @azu21 @xourownsidee @hunterofshadows04 @asgardianprincess1050 @teddycrimson @sherlocksgirl91 @oliveoilthoughts @hai-kbai @shjl15 @bloodyxsaint @charleighsblog @stephenstrangeaddictions @omgstarks @sleutherclaw @bisciwri @theevilsupreme @druggedbyfiction @gwoods123 @classickook @coffee-d0t @strangeobsessed @januarycolor @strangeions @lonadane @downtownshabby @diabaroxa @stllbrln @thealleydog @cakesandtom @irisbutterfly @coffeebeing @lexlexigogh @mun7on @svntnpldis @lilyroseluthor @belan-the-dilf-hunter @blxckdragonfly

Reader Tag List (cont.): @detective-sherlocked @xdelulu @nicoletk @filmlock @bensherstrange @midnightramyeoncravings @coldnique @dearwatson @scailedandisolated @aphroditesdilemma @bergararyans @txylorrvelasco @classicrebound @hthrevr @happybunnyclumsyduck @c00letha @j3mj3rrica

#benedict cumberbatch #fanfiction #fanfic #fanfic writing #benedict cumberbatch x oc #benedict cumberbatch x you #benedict cumberbatch x reader #benedict cumberbatch imagine #benedict cumberbatch smut #benedict cumberbatch fanfic #Benedict Cumberbatch fanfiction #smut #smut writing #lemon #fanfic series #ao3 fanfic #the feature

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starsandhughes · 2 years

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Penalty Box— Quinn Hughes Edition (ft Luke Hughes) (Part Five)

SERIES MASTERLIST

previous: four

next: six

SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 2023

yourusername

liked by _quinnhughes, lhughes_06, and 6,482 others

yourusername welcome to my penalty box update: huggy bear edition! quinn’s four game streak was broken last night in the game against the ottawa senators, so he his now at zero games since his last penalty!

here’s the kicker: it was a delay of glass penalty! (the canucks are very good at delay of game penalties. it’s one of their quirks) but he didn’t get one for roughing because he scoffed and sighed during the two fights last night, what a man! (translation: get in there and throw hands, quintin! spice it up)

p.s. LUKEY MOOSEY ALSO RECEIVED A PENALTY LAST NIGHT FOR CROSS CHECKING! 2/3 HUGHES BROTHERS WENT TO JAIL YESTERDAY!!

p.s.s. congrats on your wins, boys! i love you both more than words <3

tagged _quinnhughes and lhughes_06

view all 233 comments

_quinnhughes jack can have you. i’m retiring as your best friend

yourusername you signed a contract! i have it framed!

jackhughes @/yourusername am i that bad?

_quinnhughes @/jackhughes yes

yourusername QUINN HUGHES LOVE ME

_quinnhughes FINE! I LOVE YOU! I’LL BE YOUR BEST FRIEND AGAIN!

user1 i need jack to commit some crimes

user2 i think half the nhl is whipped for y/n

trevorzegras I’M AHEAD OF QUINN SUCK IT 😤

_quinnhughes we’ll just see what tonight holds

yourusername you got this babe!! i love you, always!

trevorzegras i love you forever, sweet girl

user3 when the baby brother wants to be like his big brother so bad he commits crimes >>>

jackhughes where’s my love?? i won, too!!

yourusername my account is a fan page for sinners only sorry :( still love you though!!

jackhughes …

yourusername AHEM

jackhughes yeah yeah i love you, too

user4 BEST CANUCKS GAME IN A WHILE

user5 i mean they’ve had some sick OT wins lately but okay

lhughes_06 i’m honored, truly. love you too y/n/n!💙

yourusername you make me sooo proud, moose!💛

_alexturcotte hughes nation rise 💙💛❤️

yourusername tempted to delete your comment that was so cringe

_alexturcotte but their hearts are primary colors!

yourusername cringe overrides cute, turc

jamie.drysdale you would’ve cried if quinn got into a fight don’t even

yourusername only if he got hurt! otherwise i’m pro violence

user6 who needs espn box score when i have y/n?

user7 let’s play “who’s y/n’s least favorite hughes?”

yourusername quinn

_quinnhughes @/yourusername i won’t hesitate to sell you

_eliaspettersson added your post to his story

#penalty box series: quinn hughes edition #penalty box series #quinn hughes #trevor zegras #trevor zegras imagine #quinn hughes imagine #luke hughes #jack hughes #vancover canucks #umich wolverines #jamie drysdale #alex turcotte #nhl imagine #nhl

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yvescreations · 1 year

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Hi, tumblr and the tags! I am brand spanking new, don't even have a theme yet, but would like to introduce myself with some JOSEPH QUINN medium gifs I've made of the clip from his upcoming movie, HOARD. I won't be making a page and waiting for the movie to be released and in my grubby hands, however, if the rpc ( roleplaying community ) would enjoy them, here are the few I made under the cut! I don't have big rules, just don't take credit and give this little post a like and/or reblog! ( Tips are welcomed, but not pressured ) warning; the thighs will be showcased as well as him in underwear. bless.

#rpc #joseph quinn #joseph quinn gif pack #joseph quinn gifs #hoard film #michael hoard #joseph quinn hoard #jquinnedit #once the time comes i see this movie and gif this movie i will be deceased

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deepfivetraveller · 1 year

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Moriarty the patriot x Sick!Child!reader. Chapter 1 (Platonic)

Chapter 2 here

The MI6 could only gather little information about them since they were new to the circle of rich aristocrats.

The Quinn family owned luxurious hotels whose popularity and income just went above the roof, which is surprising since they’ve only been in the industry for a few years. Due to this, they were suspected of smuggling drugs across countries. Only problem was that the military had no evidence. Albert was instructed to check the family out, but since he had to do some preparations on ‘The final problem’ William decided to go instead.

As the carriage stopped, William turned towards the window and saw a large mansion. It had british architecture and was lavishly decorated in the family’s signature colour purple.

He was greeted by the master and mistress of the family as he exited the carriage. “Welcome Mr Moriarty it’s finally good to meet you.” Richard Quinn says this as he shakes William’s hand a little too vigorously. “It’s a pleasure to meet you too Mr Quinn.” He replies. “Please come in. We have prepared some special Darjeeling tea just for you.” Elisabeth Quinn motions him towards the garden of the estate. After that all three engage in small talk to which William could only pretend to like. Eventually, a topic peaked his interest. “Yes,yes our daughter too has the same habit.”

“Daughter? You both have a daughter?” William sips tea from his cup. “Yes,we just adopted her a few days ago.” She slices her cake with more force than needed creating an unpleasant cling sound. “She is still adapting to her surroundings so we didn’t bring her here.” she continues. William too was once an adopted kid and yes, it does take time to adapt but he started to get a bit suspicious of them.

"Is it possible for me to meet her personally?"

The couple both look at each other after William says this. “Sure. Let me lead you to her.” Richard gets up from his chair and so does William. While walking, Mr Quinn says “Our daughter has a medical condition due to which she cannot talk much, so please don’t force her to talk.” he nodded and kept this point in mind. A mute child is perfect if the parents want to keep a secret from society.

After a few minutes of walking they both enter a grand library.The shelves were made from a wood of dark colour possibly walnut or teak. All the books there were binded by some sort of luxurious leather. After going in a little deeper William sees a small girl sitting on the table copying something from a book. Richard whispers “I’ll introduce you to her and then leave you alone.”

William nods again and both of them come up to you. “Y/n?” Mr Quinn taps on the table. You immediately stop writing and look at both of them. “This is our guest Mr William James Moriarty.” He points at William. “I’m going to leave both of you alone now.”

After Mr Quinn leaves William sits next to you. “Like your father said, My name is William. What’s yours?” He felt a bit guilty making you talk in your condition but for the sake of the mission some things need to be done.

You take a bunch of flash cards connected to a flash card ring. You flip to a page with you name on it and show it to him. Clever. “Y/n. What a lovely name. How are you adjusting to your new life?” He turns slightly towards you. You immediately flip to an empty card and write ‘It’s going alright.’

He notices this was not a direct reply to his question. Either you don’t have much to say or you were threatened by your parents. Though he does try to eliminate the second option since you are wearing a luxurious dress. Nevertheless he still doubts.

“I see.” He leans onto the table.

“Are you happy with your new life?” He enquires. You write ‘Yes I’m quite content with my life.’ He smiles and then looks at what you were reading. “On the Origin of species…” he reads the title out loud. He also looks at the notes you were writing and sees the key points of the book written neatly.

“You should explore other parts of science as well. Why don’t we try to find other books on physics and chemistry here?” He gets up and extends his arm. In reply, you hold his hand.

“Can you take me to the science section?” You nod to his question and take him there

───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

“Yes, yes, maybe…no.” William picks a few books and takes them in and out of the shelf. All the books he thought were suitable to read were given to you to hold. “That’s about it.” he turns towards you. “Let’s go back and sit down.” He takes the books from you and carries them.

“Thank you.” This is the first time you spoke to him. He didn’t know what you were thanking for, maybe for holding the books, maybe for helping you select books or maybe for something else. But more importantly he was taken aback by your voice. Your voice did crack a bit due to your lack of talking, but in his ears they were melodious; like crunchy sweet.

Suddenly the clock chimes, an indication that it is now evening. “Oh my, time went by fast. It seems it’s time for me to go now.” he replies. He kept the books on a small wooden chair but when he was about to leave you grab onto his sleeve. He could see you mouthing ‘Don’t leave’.

“Why?” he questions. You slowly take back your hand from his sleeve and mouth him ‘Sorry’. William kneels down to your level, expecting you to say a reason for your action.

‘The first person to not make fun of me is you.’ he frowns as he looks at your card. “What about your parents?” he inquired. ‘Well they aren’t mean to me but that doesn’t mean that they are kind.’ you’re hesitant to show this card and he can tell.

He tries to calm you down by patting your head and to some extent, it works. “Don’t worry,” he reassured. “I’ll take care of this.” “But how?” You questioned back. “That…” He gets up and looks at you. “Is my problem. You just relax” He tilts his head as a sign of respect and leaves the room, leaving you a bit confused and dumbfounded.

#moriarty the patriot #yuukoku no moriarty #william james moriarty x yn #william james moriarty x reader

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thedevilrisen · 10 months

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Navigation Page -

Welcome to the Mayhem!

On this page you can find everything and anything thedevilrisen! This is my main masterlist which has links you can follow to other masterlists such as my au's!

Celebrations | Nova Vivienne-Taylor Crosby #nc57 | Scottlin Livlin Hughes #sh48 |

Jack Hughes

Trust Me Mate

Offensive In Our Own Ways

Trevor Zegras

This Is Embarrassing

Nico Hischier

"Stop trying to get me to walk under the mistletoe!"

Luke Hughes

"That wrapping is terrible!"

Quinn Hughes

"It's 5am go back to sleep!"

#risen rambles :d #risen cellebrations <:D #risen questions her existence 🦕#nc57 #sh48

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digenerate-trash · 19 days

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Clove bites down on his pen cap as he writes down the list for today. It's hard to keep track of everything

He still charges the kids rent but he also works his ass off for Quinn to make sure no one has to be touched by any of the freaks in town.

Money is hard to come by, and every day, clove wonders how Baliey kept this place running like clockwork. Clove is barely keeping his head above water. Still, work needs to be done. And unfortunately, he's the one who has to do it.

Names, lists, delivery jobs, and goons must be paid. The kids in the nursery need to be taken care of and the other kids need food too. He needs to sell his pictures again... and pick up makeup for his scars. And of course, he still has meetings with every depraved bastard in town

Clove sighs again leaning into the desk more when he was a kid he always wanted to be where he was. Taking over the family business... somehow that dream felt hallow now that Bailey was gone

He'd given up so much for this poison and now he didn't even want it.

All his friends... his college ambitions, Whitney....

Whitney. Clove nearly tears up at the thought. He'd given up checking in on him a long time ago. Not even sure what he was doing anymore

But God did Clove miss not being lonely all the time? He can't even remember the last time he felt like he wasn't alone…

Whitney Whitney Whitney Whitney Whitney Whitney Whitney Whitney Whitney Whitney Whitney Whitney Whitney Whitney Whitney Whitney Whitney Whitney Whitney Whitney…

When Clove looked down his entire page was filled with Whitney's name. He had even scribbled over his regular notes. In favor of writing Whitney's name over and over.

Clove huffs again tearing the page from his notebook and starting over.

Clove needs to focus on his work, pay his bills, make sure Quinn isn't breathing down his neck, and ensure his kids don't starve…

But soon clove is looking through all social media to find any trace of Whitney. Images. Announcements, details about his life- even obituaries though Clove hopes he won't find anything there…

And then Clove sees it. Nightingale Hospital welcomes the first neuro-surgery team. Whitney is one of them…

It's a bit strange to know he got his life together… how Whitney could ever pull himself up enough to have ambitions in the first place… in his late 30s now but still so perfect… now with glasses that made him look very charming…

Clove sighs heavily and leans on the desk reading the article over and over again. Clove knows he isn't as pretty as he once was. He's aged so terribly his skin is pale. His hair is greyish now. Hes covered in scars and sunken marks. He could never approach Whitney like this…

But still. Clove finds himself wondering what the quickest way to get a head injury is instead of working for the rest of the afternoon.

#old man clove #omc #Yan dol #Yandere #tw yandere #Yandere tropes #Obsession #Trash writes #whitney the bully #older au

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josephquinnn · 2 years

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Alias

part one - part two

Joseph Quinn x Fem!Reader

Summary: You were supposed to guide David Harbour during the launch of the Stranger Things game that the company you work for created, however, he cancels at the last minute. His replacement? Joseph Quinn.

CW / disclaimer: rpf (don't read if it's not your jam), fem!reader, fluff

Author’s note: This is the kick-off fic for this page, so please be kind. I have several ideas in mind that I'm currently working on, so stay tuned for more!

“Ladies and gentlemen, Corendon Airlines welcomes you to Amsterdam. The local time is 9 P.M. For your safety and the safety of those around you, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened and keep the aisle clear until we are parked at the gate.”

While this hadn’t been your first time visiting Amsterdam, the reason why was very different this time. Or perhaps not that different, were it not that you had a very personal reason why it was so different for you. The company you worked for, GED International, had developed an immersive multiplayer game to kick off the fifth and final season of Stranger Things. Aside from your love from the show, you also had a huge admiration for the cast. And while being a part of the release of Stranger Things: Invading The Upside Down was really cool in itself, the fact that you were pointed to be the guide of the one and only David Harbour had you jittery for weeks. It made sense that an actor would fly over to promote it, but you hadn’t expected it regardless. It just wasn’t how your luck usually worked. Not this time though. This time, you were the one who was going to show Jim Hopper around Amsterdam, as that was where the event would take place all around the city. You were well acquainted enough with the city, having spent several years working there on and off. It always felt like a weird coming home, although this time you would reside in a hotel for a couple days. One day for the event, two leisure days.

After waiting for a good twenty minutes, you were finally able to get up from your seat and out of the plane, on your way to get your luggage. Your colleagues already arrived earlier to set up several things, but since your task was literally getting David from A to B and entertaining him a little during, you didn’t have to be earlier than the evening beforehand. The wait for your luggage to show up was as stressful as ever, but thankfully the rollerband hadn’t disappointed you once and quietly (not really) provided you with your suitcase after some time. On your way to the hotel you decided to grab a quick bite from the popular fries shack that was quite literally on your way towards The Dam, along with what the Dutch call a “frikandel”, which was essentially a lengthy meat stick. It was a craving you had whenever you visited the Netherlands, which your colleagues thought was the funniest thing after you described it to them for the first time. The Dutch had more things you had a weak spot for though, such as “stroopwafels” and their delicious tiny pancakes that they called “poffertjes”. You’d probably indulge and get it the next day, if you had the time. Your hotel wasn’t far removed from The Dam, which was still bustling in the late summer evening, with their street artists keeping up the crowd. You had to unpack, iron your clothes and get ready for bed though, so there was no time to stick around.

You nearly bumped into a guy on your way into your hotel, who was so focused on holding his head down that he hadn’t noticed you and apologized with a quick and very British “sorry”, though not even glancing in your direction. You had been too busy saving your suitcase from falling down the stairs to whip your head around in time. The guy had already gone and with him, the familiar voice that left you wondering whether your mind was just playing tricks on you.

The event had just gone to your head. Of course you had hoped it would have been him to promote the game. His character’s return had already been announced in a subtle teaser that had the world in their grasp at the moment, so soon before the release of the last season. Besides, with him residing in London it almost felt like it made the most sense. You shook your head, it hadn’t been him. It was just a random Brit with a similar voice. They were out there. You realized you had been standing in the middle of the lobby where the receptionist had been looking at you with her eyebrow raised for a moment now. Time to check in.

Just as you came out of the shower, you received a call. It hadn’t been the first time they had tried to call you according to your phone and you were only just in time to pick up this time around.

“Deniz, hi, sorry I was just in the shower,” you explained quickly.

“All good. Listen, change of plans.”

“Change of plans?”

Now?! The evening before the event? You groaned inwardly, already dreading whatever changes he was about to inform you with. You sat down on your bed, dressed in the hotel’s bathrobe and waited.

“Yeah, so… David Harbour canceled. I know how excited you were about that, I’m sorry,” he said apologetically. You felt your heart sink. There it was, reality coming right back to kick you in the face as usual. Of fucking course.

“I see, so… what’s going to happen now?” Were you just going to have a little vacation then? Would they let you join the event differently? Maybe it would mean you could sleep in. That would be nice.

“Well, miracles happened and another actor agreed to come. We just got the memo way later. David canceled earlier this week apparently so they’ve been making calls and such.”

“Who is it?” It was time for Deniz to drop the information you actually gave a damn about. Your mind immediately went back to the guy who had bumped into you. It couldn’t be…

“Joseph Quinn? I googled him quickly while I called you but I have no clue. Is he one of the smaller actors?” You had to bite your tongue not to lecture him on how Joseph Quinn was anything but. It didn’t matter. Deniz didn’t give a damn about celebrities, and since Joseph looked quite different from his character Eddie, you weren’t surprised he had no idea who he was based off of that.

“No. He plays Eddie Munson.”

“Hold up. The guy who died but then didn’t?”

“That’s the one.”

“That’s actually pretty cool. Looks nothing like him though. Insane.”

Tell me about it, you thought. You had spent enough hours ogling both his character and his regular appearance, still unable to grasp at how they were the same person.

“Okay so, I’ve emailed you the details of his PA Leah, she’s been briefed on when and where he’s expected. You’ll meet after breakfast in the lobby at ten sharp, same as the original plan. Just make sure you’re a little early, yeah?”

“Will do.” You continued your convo casually but eventually you cut it off because you really needed your sleep. And before you could do that, you needed at least an hour to silently scream into your pillow because you were going to meet him. Chances were that the hand that had quickly searched for balance on your arm earlier had been his. You felt a little lightheaded. This was a nightmare cocooned in a dream. Undoubtedly you were going to make a fool of yourself and he would hate your guts. Or he’d laugh at you. You didn’t know what was worse. All you knew was that while the change of plans theoretically would have been a dream come true, a nightmare had never felt more realistic.

The next morning you were fidgeting with the hem of your blouse as you waited in the lobby, half an hour too early. You had barely managed to eat breakfast due to your nerves but had forced a few things in your system because a grumbling stomach would be worse. Maybe you should have just eaten a bit more slowly so that you didn’t have to wait ridiculously long. It was killing you, perking your head up at every movement and often receiving an odd glance from the stranger who you’d been so eager to look at. Not with Joseph though. His voice alerted you long before the man even came into view. Laughter had escaped his lips and it sounded all too familiar. Granted, you had a bit of a crush on the man you had only seen through a screen so far. You were relieved he sounded chipper, as you had noticed that he hadn’t been so delighted at some other events he had attended. Those were all just assumptions, but you liked to think that your people skills gave you enough knowledge to assess someone’s body language at least a little. You turned your body in his direction at the right timing, where you wouldn’t have to stare for too long but had enough time to grab his attention. It looked like his assistant had received a photo from you, because recognition flashed her face and she walked up to you before Joseph had even noticed you. With a quick B-line, he followed her.

“Hi, you must be Y/N?”

“That’s me, nice to meet you,” you said politely as you shook her hand.

“Leah, you as well.”

Then, it was Joseph’s turn. Your smile faltered only for a second when he shook your hand and it was a good thing you already knew the man’s name, because his eyes were so distracting that you could only see his lips move and not hear a thing he said.

“Nice to meet you,” you managed to say to him as well and he let go of your hand with a subtle squeeze to finish off the greeting.

“The car should be up front soon,” you said as you checked your phone for the time. The nerves, which you would have had just the same if it had been David, we’re eating you alive from the inside as a silence pursued. All you had been briefed to do was getting them from location to location and you had no idea how much they had been told about the game already. To your relief the silence was cut short when you received a message that your ride was there. After announcing that, you went ahead and led Joseph and his PA to the car waiting outside.

“Are you from here?” Joseph’s voice perched your ears and you turned your head to look into his curious brown eyes.

“I’m not actually. I’m from Y/B/P.” You had to bite your tongue to automatically ask the same question in return because you knew.

“Oh! That’s cool. I’ve been there once, on vacation,” he told you. “Would love to go back sometime.”

I’ll gladly take you back home with me, you thought, but instead you nodded.

“What about Amsterdam? You’ve been here often?” You asked to keep the conversation going. He told you about the two times he visited Amsterdam, how he hadn’t managed to visit any museums because his mates had wanted to get high and go out most of the time. Fun times, still, but he wanted to see if he could squeeze in a museum or two before he left again. Once you arrived at The Dam, a noticeable crowd had already gathered and their heads all turned towards the car. Oh boy.

“Alright, let’s go this way,” you decided and Joseph shifted in the seat to get out on your end, his assistant following suit. Phones were shoved into your faces and Joseph took the time to take a few photos and sign some things before he followed you towards the stage. His assistant stood on the sidelines, leaving Joseph alone with you and the host who would present the game.

“I had no idea what to expect but this is pretty big,” Joseph mumbled, gesturing at the game setup. There was a platform on which you could walk continuously without moving, a round treadmill so to say. It had a railing around the front and VR glasses hung over it.

“It is. They found it important that walking around felt natural, hence the big platform. It’s pretty cool.”

“Have you played it yet?”

“No, I’ve only seen some test runs.”

“The concept sounded pretty cool, like working together and all that. I believe it’s also available on other stuff right? PC and everything?”

You nodded and went into detail about how the PC version would be different, in terms of VR and without VR, but also the general difference in running around physically versus only digitally. Joseph seemed very intrigued at everything you had to say while they set him up with a microphone on his shirt. So much, even, that he nearly missed his announcement for coming up the stage.

“My bad. Hi everyone.”

You watched the conversation from the side between Joseph and the host, who explained the game again in detail and held a little presentation about it. Then, it was time for Joseph to actually join the game. Throughout Amsterdam there were several setups like this one, and a few lucky fans had been selected to take part in the immersive game together with Joseph. Each wearing a headset and being in a party together, all with a different task ahead. The people on the Dam could watch Joseph’s gameplay on a big screen behind him. Joseph seemed to enjoy it a lot, completely into the game as he stepped and jumped over things, running over to clues and communicating with his party. It was his task to gather camouflage to bring over to the others, who each had their own task to explore as well. It all went down on a timer and it was important that everyone finished their task in time. Of course, there were enemies as well which would progress into severity the closer everyone game to the middle, also known as their meeting point.

You loved watching Joseph do his thing, with his tongue darting out and making wild gestures at creatures that tried to attack him. He shouted, did his best not to swear and often went into a giggle fit when he did something silly. It was the most endearing thing to watch and while you thought David Harbour would have been a very funny candidate to watch as well, nothing could beat Joseph being Joseph.

“It says I can pick up an ally? I want an ally!” Joseph suddenly exclaimed, looking around as he perked his head up. “Can I?” He then asked a bit unsurely. His VR headset was soundproof, meaning he wouldn’t even be able to hear the answer unless he took his headset off. You watched the guy monitoring the screen discuss something with one of the developers and then nodded over to you. What? When the developer approached you, holding another VR headset, you felt dread seeping into your shoes. Oh no. You enjoyed playing the occasional game but you weren’t any good, and you definitely didn’t have a wide experience with VR games. This was doomed to make you look like a fool. Great.

“We’ll set you up if you want to join as his ally?”

You weren’t going to say no, of course.

“Sure. Just tell me what to do.”

The developer briefly explained that you would join the game as an extra help during fights, making your health double up. You were handed a stick that represented a bat in the game and were put on a similar platform like Joseph was. After connecting the two together, you would be launched into the same spot he was, and you would be able to play once you entered a nickname.

IN GAME: Your ally Y/N has arrived, Joseph

“Hello? Y/N?” “Hi, it’s me.”

“Oh! Hi! I didn’t expect them to insert an actual person, I thought they meant like an NPC or something. This is even better!” Immediately, he got back to business, as he took the game quite seriously. “So. We have to find our way through this forest, but there are demobats trying to kill us. And apparently wild dogs.”

Joseph turned to you in the game, and it felt surreal to have a pretty decent looking Eddie avatar look at you and communicate with you in a British accent. You had no idea what your character looked like.

“Alright, we’ve got to get… Oh! You’re Robin, that’s cool. We need to go this way, it seems.”

You discussed your options and decided to look around first for any clues if you were going in the right direction. When a demobat attack forced you to run into the forest, you knew you had been right. It was pretty fun to use your bat to slam the demons away, but the VR aspect of it all was harder than you expected. It was a good thing you and Joseph were about two meters apart from each other in real life, or you would have played whack-a-mole with each other’s heads. At one point you had to run, which meant physically running in real life too. As if you wanted to be sweaty! Luckily, you soon met up with the other players, who had all achieved their tasks and slayed some enemies like you had. Now it was time for the final battle: Defeating Vecna. While you had expected things to be pretty hectic with at least four other voices outside of you and Joseph, it wasn’t all that bad. If anything, it made it feel more realistic to have several people shout their battle cries. It required working together and using each other’s strengths, timing them perfectly after one another. The person with Nancy’s character would shoot at him, while you threw bottles lit with fire, and Joseph had to use his catapult to distract Vecna and weaken his sight. Eventually, you managed to defeat Vecna without having to replay the game or anyone dying. You always liked how the developers made Eddie an available character as well, regardless when they knew if he was going to return or not.

Finally, you took off your headset and quickly fixed your hair, stepped away from the platform and found that Joseph joined you immediately.

“That was fun,” he grinned, clearly wanting to share his experience with someone. His hair was a bit of a mess now, his curls no longer as tamed as before. After he noticed you looking he quickly ran a hand through his hair and you wondered if you had made him self conscious. For whatever reason his PA was nowhere to be found. Joseph was called over to give a quick review on the game and after that it was time to acknowledge the fans who had long since gathered at the barricades for some selfies and photographs. You could tell that he was in a good mood by the way he wore a relaxed smile on his face as he interacted with the fans. All you could hope was that it would stay the same after visiting the other locations. You never really understood why they wanted him to visit all locations, instead of just having everyone come up to one, but apparently they didn’t want to overcrowd any spot and considering people had to buy tickets to even get to stand near the barricades, it started to dawn on you. Of course these money hungry bastards took the opportunity and ran away with it in ten folds.

Joseph seemed to handle it all perfectly well until you were back in the car and he slumped in his seat. As it turned out, his PA had suddenly gotten sick and had gone back to the hotel. It was just you and him now, for the rest of the day.

“That was intense,” Joseph said softly, unsure whether he should even be sharing his thoughts with you. All you could do was nod.

“It was. I’m surprised you have to visit so many spots if I’m honest,” you admitted and Joseph nodded in agreement.

“I hadn’t expected that either. I just figured it would be one location and go, until we received the schedule yesterday.”

“That gave you little time to prepare then… I’m sorry about that.”

“Oh it’s alright. Can’t complain, it’s a great opportunity.”

You smiled softly.

“It’s fine to complain a little, even if it’s a great opportunity,” you assured him. That granted a smile out of him as well. You could imagine it was hard to cut yourself some slack when you had been so lucky, yet incredibly overwhelmed by it all. And he wasn’t even allowed to call it luck according to people because it was talent, but to him it sure had felt like luck.

When the driver stopped the car, you were surprised to see you weren’t at the next location yet.

“Roadblocks all around. You’ll have to walk from here,” he said apologetically. The thought alone filled you with dread. Joseph had been stalked in every place he had been and Amsterdam was about to become the next. They knew what he looked like down to the shoes he was wearing at the moment, so the watchful eye would definitely notice.

“Alright, not a problem at all,” Joseph told the driver before turning to you. “Is it far?”

“Ten minutes max, I think,” you replied, getting your phone out to find a route. Once you got it, you both left the car. The driver assured you he would be in the same spot in time for the next one, but you exchanged numbers just in case.

The first couple of minutes went fine. No one batted an eye. Not until one teenager shouted his name.

“Oh fuck,” you mumbled softly, watching as the many heads turned around frantically in search of the man next to you.

“It’ll be fine,” he assured you, as if you were the one who needed assurance. You were very ready to elbow these people in the head if they were behaving like idiots. It would cost you your job if you caused a scandal, though.

“Where do we have to go?” Joseph asked you, sounding a little hurried. You showed him the route on your phone and watched how he scanned the area quickly.

“Alright. Come.” Before you realized what was going on, he had grabbed your hand and guided you through the masses who were dawning in on you, taking photos and trying to get their picture taken with him as well. He greeted them kindly, effortlessly. Apologized for moving on and explaining you had to get to your destination quickly. You wondered if anyone else noticed how draining this seemed to be for him. His frown deepening, his lips disappearing into a thin line. His hand squeezed yours tighter every now and then, although he often relaxed it shortly after and grazed the top of your hand with his thumb, as if to apologize.

When you finally made it to the next stage, you let out a breath of relief. This unorganized shit show was a drag. Joseph let go of your hand and listened to the host of that location, who guided him to the fans where he could do his service of taking photos and interacting with them shortly. Then, he met with a handful of people who had won a meet & greet with him for a good five minutes and after that it was time to move to the next. Two down, four to go. It wasn’t until the transition from the fourth to the fifth that you and Joseph decided to skip the car and just walk all the way. You had been hopeful the other times that the car would actually be able to drop you off at a good spot, but it had become clear that Amsterdam wasn’t great to go through by car, especially not on a day like this. When you asked him about security, it turned out that he had turned them down as he hadn’t expected the getting from one location to the other would have gone so hectic.

“God that smells delicious,” Joseph exclaimed softly as you were walking through crowds, trying to blend in as well as you could. You had smelled it too, or at least you thought you did. If you were honest, you were pretty hungry after that lousy breakfast, considering it was way past lunch time already.

“The bakery, right?” You ask as you point into the direction of a bakery on the other side of the street.

“Yes. Mind if we make a quick stop? I’ve really got to eat something.”

“Not at all. Some more delay isn’t going to matter at this point,” you pointed out. You made your way towards the bakery that luckily wasn’t too crowded, and got yourselves a pastry , two in Joe’s case. He had been eyeing the croissants but decided against it because of the crumbs. Not that these pastries were any better. They were delicious though, you concluded, and Joseph seemed to agree judging by the sounds he made.

“Right, I needed that,” he said as he cleaned off his fingers with a napkin. Once you got closer to the last stage, he turned to you.

“Am I good?” He asked, gesturing at his face so you could tell him if he missed a crumb. He had, so you pointed it out with words, until he didn’t catch it at the third try and you lifted your finger to his face instead and gently took it off.

“You also have some…” he started, brushing his thumb over the corner of your mouth, “right there. All good now.” His gaze lingered longer than it should have and you blamed your burning cheeks for it. He probably noticed your shift in attitude right away. Despite that, he seemed unbothered and you entered the last stage, where Joseph did his thing again and you watched him do it all effortlessly.

It was already way past dinner time when you finally made your way back to the hotel. That was it then, you thought. You had had fun, and it had been great to get to know him briefly, but you would have loved more. Somehow it made you feel greedy, though you blamed the man himself for being the exact way you had imagined him to be. All sweet and nice and gentlemanly. So annoying.

“Would you like to join me for dinner?”

The silence that hung in the air got way too much time to spread when you looked at him like a deer caught in headlights. God, please act cool for once, you thought to yourself. To top it off, he smiled softly at you and even seemed a little nervous. Why in the world would he be nervous?

“I— Yes! That sounds lovely, where would you like to go? Just here at the hotel, or…”

“Oh no. I’d prefer to get into the city if that’s okay. I heard you can get dinner on a boat, no idea if you have to book a spot for that though. We could check? I just want to change into something else once we’re back at the hotel, freshen up a little. Is that alright with you?” His eyes darted away as he spoke and his hand softly scratched behind his ear in a repeat motion until he finished his sentence. Absolutely endearing. Your conversation briefly paused as you left the car and headed back inside your hotel.

“Dinner on a boat sounds…” Romantic as hell. “Great! And if it’s not available I’m sure we can find a nice spot somewhere. At the canals maybe?” You offered, wanting to throw in your two cents as well instead of just completely going along with what he said.

“I’ll give them a call. The canals would be nice as well!” He agreed, and shifted his weight from one foot to another as he looked at you. “Meet down here in an hour?”

You agreed and both went opposite ways towards your rooms. His was in a much more luxurious area of the hotel, which made sense. Once in your hotel room you quickly turned your suitcase upside down in search of something appropriate to wear. Would a dress be too much? The rest all seemed too casual and you had no idea how fancy that boat restaurant was. The dress would have to do. It was a simple, black, a-line dress but it looked very elegant on your figure. You freshened up in the bathroom and reapplied your makeup, hoping it all looked fine.

Miraculously you had some time to kill, which basically meant you sat alone with your thoughts. Those that hadn’t stopped running the same sentence over and over after he had said it. Would you like to join me for dinner? You were genuinely confused why he had asked you. Maybe he just didn’t want to eat alone because it would attract extra attention to himself. Yeah. That must be it. And you guessed you were deemed nice enough to have a chat with. Which was great, but everything else was just confusing and slightly stressful. When you finally allowed yourself to go down ten minutes early, you found that Joseph was already waiting there. Dressed in black pants and a dark blue blouse, he looked incredibly handsome. He immediately noticed you as you exited the elevator, his neutral expression lighting up into a smile.

“Y/N, thank god, you made it. I managed to get a reservation in twenty minutes, so I was secretly hoping you’d be early too. They happened to have a cancellation. Our uber is ready too.”

“Oh that’s great! I’m really curious about this restaurant. Is it just docked in one of the canals or does it actually fare?” You asked curiously, while trying to calm yourself down inwardly that you were going to sit in front of this handsome man for a whole meal. Oh god. What if you made a total fool of yourself?

They have a route that goes partially through the canals, so we’ll be able to do a slight bit of sightseeing if we’re lucky. It might be too dark outside already.”

He held the door open for you to slide inside the uber and then joined from the other side. Again. What a gentleman.

“Have you decided on what you might want to visit tomorrow?” You wanted to know. While you hadn’t made specific plans just yet, you wanted to check out some things as well before you had to go back. Your silly brain allowed yourself to hope that maybe you could do some sightseeing together. Not that you were going to ask him that, oh no. That was way too embarrassing. What if he said no?

“I have some time to squeeze in one or two things. Later tomorrow I have an interview through zoom with someone in New York though, and we leave again early the next day. So I have a bit of time but nothing too grand. Any recommendations?”

“I was thinking of visiting Anne Frank’s house. I’ve heard many stories about that. And Rijksmuseum, maybe. Those are things I’d want to do, but I can’t exactly recommend them because I’ve never been.”

“Those were on my list as well as the Vincent van Gogh museum. Haven’t decided yet.”

“I heard there was a special exhibition there, temporarily.”

“Oh, really? Can’t miss out on that now, can I? It’s not like I’m a very artsy person, I don’t necessarily feel things when I look at paintings, but I do appreciate the craft. And Van Gogh does have a nice style. I’ve got a small print of one of his works in my hallway. Sorry,” he winced and chuckled awkwardly.

“For what?” You genuinely wanted to know. He shrugged and avoided your gaze, disguised by looking out the car window for scenery.

“For going on a ramble.”

“Don’t be silly! I’m the same with art. Especially abstract pieces. I try to find a meaning in them but sometimes… a blob is just a blob.” You shrugged.

“Yes!” Joseph seemed happy that someone agreed. You briefly wondered if he was just always happy when he met someone like minded or if he simply had a lot of artsy friends. He seemed to relax after you didn’t make a fuss about him being talkative and suddenly mentioned how disappointed he was in the Mona Lisa.

“She’s just so small. I never expected a huge painting, but I also didn’t expect people to gather in rows and rows to catch a glimpse of this tiny painted woman,” he mumbled. When you arrived at the dock where the boat would set sail from, you both got out and Joseph gallantly held out his arm for you to take.

“I’ve noticed the streets can be pretty uneven here,” he used to reason as to why he provided his arm. You nodded, looking down at your low boots. There was a reason you didn’t wear heels. One, the streets. Two, Joseph wasn’t that tall and you didn’t want to be taller. Three, fine. Maybe you didn’t bring any heels.

“Careful, these stairs are a little slippery,” he warned you softly, making sure he held onto the railing tightly while continuing to hand out stability to you with his arm.

“You look really pretty. I wanted to say so earlier but words got away from me,” he told you right before you entered the boat. A blush tainted your cheeks and you smiled softly.

“Oh— Thank you. You look very handsome yourself.”

“Oh, stop it,” he chuckled abashedly as he let you go in first. After Joseph checked in with the waiter for your reservation under the name of Steven Johnson and sat you down near a window, you couldn’t help but smile at him.

“Should I call you Steven for the time being?” You asked him softly. Joseph covered half his face with his hand and groaned.

“I panicked when they asked for a name alright? I know it’s not the best.”

“It’s fine.”

When the waiter came over for drinks you decided on red wine, while he went with a dark beer. You discussed your food options thoroughly, with Joseph managing to get totally lost into his food related stories at nearly each one. You had had a short world tour of his experiences in several countries by the time you had both made up your minds, nearly able to taste it after Joseph’s detailed descriptions. His eyes lit up when the breadbasket was brought to the table and he eyed it eagerly, waiting for you to go first. You took the butter knife and added salty butter to one, looking up.

“Do you want one too?” You asked politely, holding the one you just smeared out for him to take.

“I’d— Oh, thank you,” he responded slightly flustered, accepting the slice from you and then watched you make another one. When the main course arrived, you were well into your third, maybe fourth topic of the evening. It all felt so natural that you sometimes forgot that you had been putting this man onto a pedestal for some time. Not that he didn’t deserve a pedestal anymore, he was an amazing guy still, but he felt more leveled. Equal. In reach. Quite literally so, but also figuratively. He was just Joe. That’s what he preferred to be called. Though you stubbornly kept the joke up and only called him Steven for the rest of the evening. Whenever there was silence, you would look out the window and admire the city, as far as the darkness allowed you to. The reflection of the windows in combination with the lights from both inside and out made it a tricky view, but a pretty one nonetheless. When Joe’s knee nudged yours, you turned your head to look at him but his eyes weren’t on you. After subtly nudging his leg back with your own, he kept it there. It seemed to be intentional. You decided it was late enough to go for a stroll on your way back to the hotel instead of getting a ride, and found yourselves admiring the pretty lit canals, where you were momentarily distracted by a stray cat. Joe watched you with a calm nature while he smoked a cigarette, passing the time until you had told the cat goodbye. Passing the Dam, you noticed it was still pretty lively, and you spent a bit of time watching a performer dance with fire.

“Oh, it’s my agent, hang on.” Joe excused himself and walked away from the small crowd that had gathered around the performer. While you were curious, you didn’t want to be impolite and stare, so instead you looked around the crowd. After what seemed like ten minutes, the crowd had thinned out and the performer was packing up his stuff. You stood there awkwardly, not wanting to ogle the performer who was clearly done, but also not wanting to bother Joe. Instead, you took some distance from both and sat down on a stone bench. It was obvious that Joe’s mood was sour when he returned to your side, slumping down next to you.

“Turns out I only have the morning left tomorrow. Change of plans. So I won’t be able to check out anything, not enough time. I was going to ask you if you wanted to join me but unfortunately I can’t even do that.”

“Oh I’m sorry, that’s a bummer. Where do you need to be?” It was hard to keep your expression in check. To not look too disappointed at this news while in reality you felt down to cry. The fact that he had wanted to go sightseeing with you possibly made it even worse.

“You can’t tell anyone, but I’ve got a photoshoot for this magazine thing in LA.”

“That sounds, uhm, cool,” you tried to say enthusiastically but failed horribly once you saw his expression.

“Yeah, it is. Just not so fond of last minute changes.” He rubbed his palms onto his knees, trying to shake off the uncomfortable feeling that welled up in his stomach.

“I get that. I don’t like them either. I guess I’ll have to enjoy tomorrow for both of us.”

“Please do.”

You would do anything to get that sad expression off his face. If only you knew how. A random idea sprung to mind and instead of thinking it through like you usually did, assessing the pros and cons and whatnot, you blurted out a question.

“Do you like reading?”

Joe frowned a little at the sudden topic change but nodded.

“I do, yeah, why?”

“Would you like to check out a bookstore with me? We could have breakfast somewhere and do just that, before you have to leave? Unless you don’t have the time or,” you laughed softly, “don’t really want to.” Joe shifted so he could turn for a better look at you.

“I’d love to.” His voice was sincere. Much more sincere than you had heard him be all day. Apart from during dinner, maybe. It was a relief to see his clouded expression had lifted almost instantly.

You decided that you both wanted to be well rested for the day after and headed back to the hotel, though there was a reluctance on both sides to work towards the end of today. It was obvious when the two of you parted ways, at the elevators, and even more obvious when you both stole glances from each other at different moments, convinced the other hadn’t looked at all. Even more obvious was the fact that neither of you could fall asleep, not until you accepted that the other person was going to be on your mind all night.

The last morning

Joe met you in the lobby dressed in black jeans, a white tucked in blouse and a coat that was already on his arm, his smile lighting up at the sight of you.

“Good morning,” he greeted you softly, his voice a little hoarse still. He cleared his throat and reached for his vape, as if that was going to make it better. You smiled softly.

“Morning, Steven.”

“Oh stop it,” he groaned. “I’m never gonna get away with that, am I?”

“Nah. Especially not after accidentally telling me Steven is actually your go to alias and not just one slip up. From Australia, no less!”

“Think of a better name then, on the spot. Go. Go!” He urged you on with a youthful grin.

“Legolas.” You responded deadpanned.

Joe snorted and shook his head, already heading to the exit. “Oh come on, you didn’t even try,” he protested.

“I did! I was trying to think of an easy to remember name for you and couldn’t help but think about that massive cardboard you told me ab—”

“Now you’re just taking the mick,” he sighed. “I need more leverage to do the same to you, this is unfair.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“Thank you.”

You and Joe made your way into the city to find a nice place to have breakfast at and you were quite relieved that you weren’t spotted. You loved watching him devour his breakfast, which was three times as extensive as yours, and see pure joy on his face at each bite he took. Time flew by as you shared more about your lives, and before you knew it you only had half an hour to get to the bookstore before Joe would be picked up to go to the airport. He was apologizing profusely, feeling guilty for messing up your nice idea to spend your morning, and you had to assure him it was okay.

“Honestly, don't worry about it. We had a great time at breakfast too, did we not?” You told him.

“Yes, but now there’s so little time left—”

“Would it be better if we skipped it altogether? I don’t want you to feel hurried,” you offered, as much as you would love to check out some books with him. Joe simply refused.

“No, we’re going to the bookstore. Even if I can only stick around for ten minutes.” He was steadfast and you decided it was best not to argue and lose more time. His concerned face was not something you liked to see on the man. The bookstore had several levels and wasn’t too crowded, but you noticed Joe wasn’t exactly relaxed either.

“Were you looking for something specific?” He asked after you reached the top level. You shook your head and shrugged.

“There are some books I still want to read, but… nothing specific in mind. Maybe The Midnight Library. It’s been out for a few years already but I still haven’t gotten around to it,” you explained. Joe hummed to let you know he heard you and the next moment, he had disappeared. For a hot second you worried that he had ditched you. Maybe for having a bad taste in books, or him suddenly realizing the time and not bothering to say goodbye. Neither scenario sounded very sensible, but your brain loved to make up scenarios that weren't sensible. You shrieked softly when he suddenly popped up next to you again, holding a paper bag with a book in it. The Midnight Library.

“A parting gift,” he said with a small, nervous smile. “A little hurried and a little lame, but there’s no time for something better. I had a great time with you so I wanted to give you a token of my gratitude.”

You stared at him, his big brown eyes peering nervously into yours to figure out your expression, when you suddenly hugged him.

“But I didn’t get you anything,” you mumbled next to his ear as you felt your cheeks grow warm when he wrapped his arms around your waist.

“We weren’t exchanging gifts, so there’s no need,” Joseph said softly into your hair, his hand coming up to the back of your head. There were so many things you wanted to say to him at that moment, but no words came out. Eventually you uttered a thank you as you held on to the embrace that was lasting way too long for it to not be awkward.

Except it wasn’t awkward at all. And you didn’t want it to end. Neither did he, it seemed, when his phone went off and he reluctantly let go of you to pick up.

“My ride’s here,” he announced sourly. You followed him outside, wanting to properly send him off despite the growing lump in your throat. You wanted to say something. Exchange numbers, or whatever, but your fear of having him reject you was too big of a risk. This was it. You should be happy, having gotten to spend so much time with him already, right? So why did it feel like you lost a part of you when he finally stepped into the car after one last, quick hug? When he looked at you through the window and smiled a smile that didn’t meet his eyes? You felt simply horrible. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. It was always much better in fiction, you thought. With their sappy happy endings and people running out of cars or going to airports to confess their love to each other after spending a mere day together. You hated the unrealistic part of it, and yet you craved it like nothing else right now.

A week later

Things had gone back to normal again. All but for one thing. He was on your mind all the time. It distracted you from everything you had to do. Stupid man. With his stupid handsome face and his stupid pretty smile and his stupid gorgeous hair. You never expected to suddenly fly off into the sunset with him, but man did you wish it had gone exactly like that. Instead, you had watched him leave in a car with a sad expression on his face that told you he didn’t want to leave you either. Or maybe you had just imagined it. You never even brought yourself to do more than hold the book, only to put it back in the paper bag that you didn’t want to throw away. It was all you had to go with your memories. To remember it was real. That, and some photos on Getty Images that you found highly unflattering. You had saved them anyway. Deniz had comforted you when you told him about what had happened and he was convinced that you would meet him again.

“He likes you. It’s obvious from what you’ve told me. He invited you to dinner right away, didn’t want the evening to end, wanted to spend his only other free day with you as well and did so until the last minute? Come on. I’m sure the asshat just forgot to give him your number and is eating himself up over it. I promise. I’ll eat my keyboard if you don’t end up dating him.”

You laughed softly and shook your head at him, and you loved him for trying to make you feel better.

“Please don’t eat your keyboard, I am busy enough as it is without getting your tasks piled up on me as well,” you joked. Deniz wanted to respond but suddenly got distracted by a view that was coming into your direction.

“Who do you think that’s for?” Deniz asked, gesturing at the bouquet of flowers that was definitely larger than your head. You shrugged.

“Probably Melody’s. Or Petra’s,” you listed the two pretty blondes in the office. Deniz shrieked softly when the person holding the bouquet passed both their desks.

“Oh my god. Never manifested something so quickly,” he whispered to himself. When they finally stopped at your desk and handed it to you, you were at a loss for words.

“The card, check the card!” Deniz urged on.

You searched through a bouquet of beautiful gerberas, lilies and other flowers you didn’t know the name of and finally found a tiny card. You barely heard Deniz’s confused reaction about the name on the card, as all sounds seemed to die down instantly as you read the card.

Just in case the note I secretly put into your book didn’t make it safely to your hotel for whatever reason. - Steven x

Below his name was a phone number and you recognized the country code immediately. Definitely not Australia.

FIN

#joseph quinn x reader #joe quinn x reader #joseph quinn #joe quinn #fanfiction #rpf #dirtymartini writes

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snorky · 11 months

Text

Pastries 'n Dessert

Hey y’all! Happy Halloween if you celebrate it! If not, that’s okay, and I hope you’ve had a wonderful day. I wrote a fluffy sweet fic for y’all about Nils Höglander, one of my favorite Vancouver Canucks besides Quinn. I hope you all enjoy this! Take care of yourself!

Pairing: Nils Höglander x F!Reader

Word Count: 3.8k

Warnings: None

—

Living, coexisting with Nils was one of the best things that she could list about her life. It was always a warm, relaxing, and calm moment whenever he was around her. He was the rock that grounded her. Whenever she was reading a book, relaxing with him on her couch, or making dinner for the both of them after a game, she was always content. And so was he.

He found it so peaceful when he was with her, a stark contrast to his life as a hockey player in Vancouver. She helped him whenever he needed to relax, or when he needed some support. Her smile was contagious, and it was evident whenever he was around her. She was a breath of life for him.

She moved to Vancouver for a job position that was being offered, and she met Nils on one of her first few days in the area.

“Oof—” she sputtered as she bumped into someone at the supermarket. “I’m so sorry.” She looked up at the man she accidentally bumped into.

His warm smile immediately caught her attention. “It’s okay,” he said gently, a slight accent in his voice.

Her face warmed up at how sweet he was, and she appreciated a friendly encounter for her first time in Vancouver. It was a slightly difficult transition from her hometown to here, getting groceries being a part of it.

“Excuse me, sir?” She turned to face him before continuing her question. His hand froze as he was about to grab something off of the shelf. “Could you help me grab that, please?” She pointed at the can of baking powder that sat high on the top shelf, out of her reach.

He looked at her and smiled, before reaching up and grabbing it for her. As he handed the can of baking powder to her, he noticed how her smile was radiant.

“Thank you so much, sir,” she said as she placed the item in her basket.

He nodded and smiled, “You’re welcome, and I like your dress,”

She looked down at her dress, noticing the simple floral pattern along the hem, and turned her gaze back to the man and blushed slightly. “Thank you,”

As she walked away, she turned back to look at him again, noticing how he smiled softly at her, his cheeks slightly rosy, and she smiled back. They both parted ways in the aisle, going in opposite directions, and she thought that she’d never see him again. Just a friendly guy at the supermarket.

Standing in the flower section of the store, she wandered around, looking at all the assortments of florals. Some were simple and elegant, like a bouquet of red roses, and others were more vibrant, such as a bouquet of tiger lilies. Carefully, she picked up a bouquet full of soft peonies, and held it in her hands as she walked to pay for her groceries.

She paid and bagged her groceries, and walked out of the supermarket into the warm late-summer sun. The breeze brushed past her gently, contrasting with the warm sun like a dance on the street.

Later that evening, she went to relax in her apartment, cozying up in her pajamas on the couch. She grabbed one of her favorite novels and started reading it, getting lost in the words and pages.

When the sun remained warm and soft in the sky, she decided to go out once more, but this time to a local bakery down Main Street. The walk there was peaceful, simple, and quiet. Summer was gently fading away, and she could tell from the cool breeze that was more frequent. Trees aligned along the sidewalk still stood tall and beautiful, the soft petals of blossoming leaves slowly fading away.

Stepping inside the quaint and small bakery, the scent of freshly baked desserts engulfed her senses. She peered into the clear displays that showcased each baked good, deciding on what to pick.

As she was lost in thought, she took a step back and bumped into someone mistakenly.

“Oh—” She cursed to herself before turning around to apologize. “Pardon me, I am so sorry—”

When she looked up, she didn’t expect to see the face of the man she had seen at the supermarket the previous day. “It’s okay,” he chuckled. “Nice to see you again.” He stuck out his hand for her to shake.

Gently taking his hand, she shook it, noticing how warm it felt in hers, and introduced herself.

“That’s a lovely name,” he said warmly. “I’m Nils.” He smiled.

“I like your name as well, Nils.”

His cheeks warmed up at the sound of how nice his name sounded when she said it, and he continued to smile. “What do you plan to get from here today?” he asked curiously. “If you don’t mind telling me of course,” he added.

She let out a friendly laugh, “I don’t mind, but I’m not sure what to get, actually,”

He nodded in understanding and looked at the displays with her, observing the baked goods that were set out. They stood next to each other, side by side in silence. It felt calm beside him, as if she could be beside him for quite a long time without discomfort.

“Should I get a blueberry scone? I’ve never tried it before,” he said, breaking the silence.

She turned to him in shock, “You’ve never tried a blueberry scone before?”

“Well, I’m not from here,” he laughed lightly, awkwardly rubbing his hand on the back of his neck. “Why don’t I order it and try it? I could get to know to know you as well,”

Her heart warmed at the idea of getting to know Nils a little better, even though she had just met him. “That sounds like a good idea, I’ll get a scone as well,”

They both waited for the bakery clerk to grab them their scones, and as they waited, the soft hum of music flowed through the air.

She looked over to him, noticing how angelic he looked, how his cheeks were strong, and yet soft, how his hair seemed to gently fall on his face, and how his eyes were warm and sweet.

When he noticed her looking, he gave her a smile, and she awkwardly smiled back when she realized that he had noticed.

“Is there something on my face?” he chuckled lightly.

“No, no,” she blurted. “You look fine, I mean good. You look good,”

A soft pink tint covered his face as he smiled, and she became flushed in embarrassment for tripping over her own words.

After a little while, the clerk came out and took their order of two scones and placed it in a bag for the both of them. Once they rang up their order, Nils quickly pulled out his wallet to pay, and put his other hand on her wrist, gently stopping her from reaching into her bag.

“It’s okay, I’ll pay for the both of us,” he said sweetly. She smiled and quietly thanked him.

The worker then handed the bag with their two pastries inside to Nils as he gave them the cash. “Anything else I can get for you lovely couple?”

Both Nils and her became rosy-cheeked in embarrassment for the clerk to mistake them for a couple, but they remained quiet and didn’t correct them. “That’s all for today, thank you so much,” she said kindly.

They then walked outside and sat at a small table underneath a canopy with two chairs across from each other. Nils reached into the bag, pulled out one of the scones, and handed it to her, which she accepted politely.

He carefully took a bite out of the blueberry scone, making sure not to leave crumbs everywhere, and he hummed in delight. “It’s tasty!” His eyes shone with brightness, amplifying his cheeks.

She smiled at him, enjoying his happiness over a scone. “I’m glad to hear that you think it’s good.” Taking a bite out of her own scone, she noticed the soft flavors of the blueberry within the scone and how it blended so well with the dough.

As they continued to enjoy their breakfast together, an easy conversation flowed between them like warm butter. Small talk about their morning and simple introductions seemed necessary for a proper first-time meeting.

“I remember you said you’re not from here, Nils.” She wiped her mouth with a napkin, removing any excess crumbs. “Where are you from? If you don’t mind telling me,”

He chuckled at how polite she was, but truly, he appreciated her manners. “I’m from Sweden,” he said happily.

Her smile expressed fascination, “That’s lovely!” she beamed. “How is it there?”

“It’s amazing! Where I’m from it’s usually colder in the winter and I can spend time outdoors.” He spoke with such a genuine smile that made her smile as well. “What about yourself?”

“Oh, well I’m not from here, but I came here for a job I was looking for,” she paused, “Actually, I just moved here a couple of days ago.”

His head tilted in interest as she talked with his face bright. “So you’re new to Vancouver?”

Nodding her head, she responded, “Yes, I am.”

“Well I’m here to help you around if you need it,” he said warmly.

She smiled at his kindness, and they both continued to enjoy the warm morning and their breakfast. It was a comfortable silence, not awkward, and they felt like they could get used to it quickly. Nils didn’t mind the silence, but he had a slight preference for her voice. And what he didn’t know was that she enjoyed him talking as well.

As they finished up their food, they both knew they didn't want to separate, despite their schedules forcing them to. He could tell that she wanted to stay a little longer, the way she slightly hesitated to get up and walk away from him, and how she seemed sullen to leave.

“I’m sorry if this is an—” he paused as she looked at him curiously, “—invasive question?” She tilted her head in slight confusion and hoped that he’d go on. “May I have your phone number? I’d like to spend more time with you,” he blushed.

She gave him a soft smile and nodded. “Of course, Nils. I enjoyed spending time with you today.” Her own face blushed, her heart slowly falling for him.

After she put her phone number into his phone, they both parted ways with a friendly hug, and to their sadness, walked away from each other in different directions. She looked back once more, and saw that he too was looking back. He waved at her, a simple gesture that seemed to mean so much to her. Waving back, she saw his smile, and her heart seemed to dance.

When she returned to her apartment, she realized that she hadn’t gotten Nils’ number, but he had hers. Disappointment slowly swirled around her, hoping that he was genuine about wanting to spend more time with her.

She slumped onto her couch, grabbing the book that she was reading to distract herself from the disappointment and worry that was simmering inside of her. After a few hours flew by past her, she was snapped out of her book by a call from an unknown number.

Picking up the phone, she answered with a slightly nervous tone. “Hello?”

“Hey, this is Nils by the way. I wanted to call you to check if you got home safe? I know it’s a little late, which I’m sorry for. I had hockey practice a few minutes after we left and I had just gotten home.”

She could tell that he was genuine, even through the phone. “I got home safe Nils, and you don’t have to apologize,”

“I’m glad to hear that,” he became silent for a brief moment, collecting his thoughts. “Oh, and I hope you had a nice time earlier today, I really enjoyed it.”

“I did enjoy it, very much so, and I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed it as well,”

Her heart seemed to fall for him quicker than she thought, but quickly, she pushed her feelings aside, justifying it as her being in a new place and finding someone she enjoyed.

They both continued to talk on the phone for a little while longer, but once again, they had to part ways.

“I really enjoyed talking to you again Nils,”

“I enjoyed talking to you as well,” he hesitated slightly before adding, “it’s always lovely talking to you,”

She blushed once more and smiled, “As for you too, Nils, I’ll see you again.”

As the call ended, she relaxed on her couch, a permanent smile on her face it seemed as she thought about him. He just seemed so sweet and kind to be around and to know as a person.

Over the next few months, she grew closer to Nils, spending more time around him, whether it be for lunch or coffee, and on some occasions, at his place relaxing. She felt like she had known Nils for ages, learning more about his family and personal life, as well as being able to feel comfortable and safe around him.

Winter came around, snow started to fall in Vancouver. Nils became busy on the ice, netting plenty of goals and assists, and she celebrated each and every one of them with him after his games.

“Nils! You did amazing tonight!” She pulled him into a hug as he walked into her apartment after the 5-2 win against Seattle, shaking the snow off of his boots.

He laughed as he hugged her back, wrapping his arms around her. “Thank you, I appreciate it.”

It was almost a tradition by now that he would come over to her place after a home game, win or lose, and enjoy some food that they prepared together. When he was gone for an away game, he’d call her from his hotel room and talk about his day with her, and she’d listen to him talk.

“Nils, could you pass me the cold butter, please?” She asked as she stirred the mixture of flour, baking powder, sugar, baking soda, and salt together.

He walked over to her fridge, opened it, and knew where she put everything by heart. As he grabbed the butter and walked over to her, he noticed how truly lovely she looked, illuminated only by the soft golden glow of the cooktop light.

“Do you want me to cube the butter?” His voice was quiet, almost shy even, and she caught on. Almost.

“That’d be lovely, thank you,” she said, looking over to him. “You know my recipe well it seems,”

He gave her a sheepish smile, before placing the butter down on the cutting board to cut it into small cubes. They continued to work together in silence, occasionally broken by her humming her favorite song or Nils asking a simple question on what to do.

After she finished kneading the biscuit dough with some buttermilk Cand placed it in the fridge, she started making the strawberries, first cutting them up carefully into smaller, bite-sized pieces. Nils watched her carefully, making sure that she would accidentally injure herself, although he knew she wouldn’t. When she finished slicing the strawberries, she coated them in a good amount of sugar, stirring it in to allow the flavors to be more sweet.

As she placed the bowl to the side, she started wiping down the counter, cleaning the flour and anything that spilled. Nils offered and tried to help her wipe down the counter, but she wouldn’t allow it. “Nils, please,” she looked at him with sincerity, “allow me to do it, you can go rest on the couch and relax since you’ve played such an amazing game tonight,”

The way she looked at him made him feel warm inside, his heart melting. He felt like he was in love, but he knew he had been for a long time now. It’s just that now, he realized it so clearly. He hummed as he nodded, walking over to her couch and resting on it, allowing his muscles to relax.

When she was done cleaning, she walked over to Nils resting on the couch, and sat beside him. He looked at her, vulnerable and almost worried, and she noticed. “Nils, what’s wrong?”

He knew he should just relax and enjoy the night, just like any other night he had spent at her apartment after a game. But when he looked at her again, he felt like he could barely speak.

“I’m okay,” he spoke quietly. “I’m just tired, that’s all.”

She gently placed her hand on his forehead, checking if he felt hot to the touch in case of a fever. “Nils, you’re a little warm.” Her expression was slightly worried. “Here,” she said as she stood up from beside him. “I’m going to get you some water, you need to be hydrated,”

He watched as she got up and walked to the kitchen, grabbing him a bottle of water. When she came back, she handed him the bottle, gently grasping it in her hands. Grabbing the bottle, he quietly thanked her as he took a sip of it, hoping to make her less worried about him.

She smiled as he took a sip of water, and then got up to walk back to the kitchen. “If you’re feeling better Nils, you can always help me in the kitchen,”

“Of course, anything to help you.” His words were true, and more true than she knew.

Standing in the kitchen, she worked on making the whipped cream from scratch, mixing the heavy cream with some sugar and vanilla extract until it was fluffy. Nils got up from the couch and walked over to her, watching her make the whipped cream.

“Feeling a little better, Nils?”

He nodded his head, “Yes, thank you,”

“It’s no worry, I’m here if you need anything.” Her words seemed to flow sweetly, like a river of milk and honey when she talked.

One of his favorite things about her was how her eyes seemed to light up when she smiled. He adored her laugh and voice, as well as how beautiful she looked constantly. She was an angel and so much more in his eyes.

“Oh, Nils?” She turned to look at him, his gentle presence beside her. “Could you help me prepare the biscuits, please?”

“Of course, do you want me to place them inside the baking tin?”

“Mhm, that’d be perfect, thank you, Nils.”

He opened the fridge and removed the biscuit dough she had placed in there earlier. Setting it on the counter, he started to unwrap the foil that encased the dough, and then set it on the counter. He grabbed a knife and started to cut circles into the dough and arranged the pieces into the baking tin.

“I already preheated the oven, can you brush the tops of the biscuits with buttermilk if you can?”

“Yes I can,” he said as he grabbed a spoon and some of the buttermilk.

Carefully, he poured the buttermilk onto the biscuits and spread it with his spoon. She turned around and saw Nils trying his best. His hair stuck to his forehead, the golden light from the cooktop light shining on him like a halo. Her laugh couldn’t be contained and Nils had heard her.

“Nils, it’s okay.” She handed him a pastry brush to help him spread the buttermilk.

He took it from her and laughed lightly, “Thanks, you’re amazing.”

After he finished brushing the biscuits with buttermilk, he placed them into the oven and allowed them to bake. He then proceeded to help her clean the kitchen, wiping down the counters as she washed the dishes.

When they both finished, they stood in the kitchen together in silence, waiting for the biscuits to finish. He looked over at her, noticing how tired she was. She had no sharp features it seemed, she was all soft and fuzzy, gentle and warm.

“Are you alright? You seem a little sleepy,” he spoke softly. He always seemed to speak softly around her, never raising his voice in anger or even annoyance. Although, he was sure he had never experienced those emotions when he was with her.

“I’m okay Nils, I’m okay.” She looked up at him, a soft smile forming on her face.

He smiled back, his heart feeling fuzzy at the sight of her. “Okay, älskling,” he murmured the last part of his sentence that had slipped up, hoping she didn’t hear.

She turned to look at him again, “Hm? Did you say something, Nils?”

His face was now covered in a soft blush, “Yes, I uh—” he paused. “I said you’re beautiful,” He didn’t say that, but he wanted to. His heart felt beyond warm and he so badly wanted to have her hear the words he’d been thinking about the whole time.

Her face was now also covered in a blush, “Nils, c’mon,” she laughed lightly, unsure if he was serious.

“I mean it. I’ve been wanting to tell you since I’ve met you.” He turned to face her, his eyes meeting hers. It was always her vibrant eyes, her sweet personality, and her in general that he thought was beautiful.

She rested her hand against his chest gently and looked at him. “Nils,” she spoke quietly, “you’re beautiful as well, so beautiful.” Her fingers delicately swept some of his hair that fell onto his forehead away and cupped his face.

His eyes moved to her lips, noticing how delicate and soft they looked. “May I kiss you?” His voice remained a whisper, afraid to break something that wasn’t there.

“Please, Nils,”

He gently pressed his lips against hers, a sweet exchange of their souls between them. He softly put his hand on her lower back, pulling her closer to him. It felt so perfect in that moment, just the both of them standing there together in comfort and peace.

They seemed to melt into each other, a mix of perfection and pure adoration. He’d hoped that time would freeze so that he’d be stuck here forever with her, his arms around her as he kissed her sweetly.

When they pulled away for a breath of air, their true beauty was revealed to each other. He saw her with such love and admiration that he felt like he was in a dream. She noticed every detail of his face, every freckle like a star in the sky, his eyes brighter than the sun.

“So,” she started to talk, her cheeks rosy, “what does älskling mean?”

He chuckled, his cheeks a shade of pink, “Darling, it means darling,”

“May I be your darling then?”

Looking at her, he knew that it was worth it to be with her, for as long as he could be. “Of course, but only if I’m yours.” He leaned into her, making sure she was okay, and kissed her lips again, gently, and sweetly.

#nhl #hockey #nhl hockey #nhl writing #nhl fic #hockey fic #hockey imagine #vancouver canucks #nils hoglander #nils hoglander x reader #nils hoglander fic #nils hoglander imagine #vancouver canucks fluff #nils hoglander fluff

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crimsonrae · 2 months

Text

Vexation

I have missed you all! It has been a minute since I've posted here, but I feel like Tumblr is the place to put this piece - for now. I haven't had much time recently to do as much writing as I would like, but I was perusing old outlines and ideas and stumbled upon one from ages ago for Pirates of the Caribbean. Suddenly, my muse woke up and I wrote close to twenty pages in three days.

Premise: Basically, this is a what-if for Captain Jack Sparrow. What if during the first three movies he had someone that vexed him. His version of a wife because he can't do anything normal.

The scene written below is set during Dead Man's Chest, after the Brethren Court convened. Be advised it's long.

I would like to know what you all think. I have four other scenes for this all waiting to be flushed out and would welcome any thoughts or critiques.

Mildly horrified and entirely exasperated, Jack wasn’t even sure grief could sink into his measly guts as he watched Teague tuck the shrunken head of his mother away. Mostly because he wasn’t even sure that was his mother and that his father hadn’t completely lost his marbles. He wouldn’t put it past his mother to have such a thing delivered to Teague if the two were on the outs again.

And people wondered why he was so mad, look at what he sprang from...Christ’s Blood.

It was almost like another Tuesday; this is what being back on the Cove did to him... No, that wasn’t quite right, this is what being near any of his family did to him.

Dull amusement began to seep in as the lingering implications of Teague carrying that head around began to settle.

Jack smiled as he gestured awkwardly to his father’s coat, “Not a bad way to startle the grandkids.”

Teague smirked as he quietly admitted, “Already have. Your woman only let me do it once to little Rosie. Done it a few to the boy - I think Rosie handled it better.”

Jack snorted unsurprised by his family antics. Rose more than likely took the shrunken head to be a new strange doll. Jonah was old enough to know better. He did wonder when Teague had made the time to stop in on them.

“They’re here. Up in the Alley.” Teague murmured lightly as if sensing his son’s thoughts, fingers strumming gently at his guitar.

“What!” A sharp flash of surprise lit Jack’s dark eyes before he masked it behind something that Teague couldn’t quite read. Worry if he had to guess and confirmed as Jack quietly growled, “You brought ‘em here?”

Teague bit back a sigh as he gave his son a pointed look, “Wasn’t intending on it... Honestly, still puzzlin’ out how Quinn talked me into their passage aboard. I had told her no.”

“She likely just ignored you.” It's what she did when they had been children. Jack rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath about devious strumpets. He felt sick. They weren’t to be here; he never would have made that deal with Beckett otherwise.

He needed to see to preparations for his ship before Barbossa got too far in his ego thinking he was captain of the Pearl again, but he would make time to see his children and he had a bone to pick with his woman. His hearted lifted a bit...she was here.

It was only as he lurched away from his father that Teague called out to him, “Go easy on her, Jackie. She’s been through the gamut.”

Jack nearly scoffed.

He hadn’t?

He had been swallowed by a bloody gigantic cephalopod and trapped in Davy’s Locker with stony crabs and far – far too much time with his thoughts. Besides he didn’t bloody remember her being present to save him.

Admittedly, Jack knew that last uncharitable thought was unfair – he would not have been happy to see her in the Locker. Not when they had their two little treasures to protect, and he was well aware that the onus of that responsibility fell to her.

Which was why he wasn’t terribly happy on her being here now.

Despite being a fortress, Shipwreck Cove, the city, and its inhabitants would be raided should the Pirate Lords fail in their endeavor to stop Beckett and Jones. It was the last place he wanted Quinn and the children to be.

It was with clear intent and purpose that Jack made his way back to the Pearl. Gibbs and Marty would have a head for what was already on board, and they would have to make do with what supplies they could get in the city. Jack could only hope that word had spread already of what was afoot and that the shopkeepers would keep any wily haggling to a minimum – of course, a few would see the coming battle as a golden opportunity to gouge their prices.

Barbossa was already issuing orders when Jack stepped aboard, but he paid his former first mate and current rival little mind. The brunt of the crew was paying him more attention anyway as he asked a few carefully plotted questions before heading to his cabin for parchment and quill. Barbossa hadn’t spent near as much time on the Cove as Jack had... none of his crew had really, but there were a couple that were familiar with the city’s workings. It would have to be enough.

Jack tagged a few more orders onto Barbossa’s before snagging a handful of the crew to head into the city. A list of merchants and an inventory of necessities in hand, he passed instructions onto his little group and watched as they dispersed to follow orders. They would be back on ship by the time he was done with his own errands.

-----

He was stepping out of Doc Nessa’s shop when he felt the familiar glance of a small body skimming his hip. He didn’t even think as his fingers grasped the back of a well-loved shirt and tugged the body inside around. A pair of familiar dark eyes far too intelligent to belong to a child, but in fact did, regarded him.

A wild thrill of amusement coursed through his gut, though Jack was careful not to show it as he returned his son’s indifferent regard, “Need to be quicker than that, lad. Hand it over.”

Jonah scowled as he held out his father’s compass. Well, a compass. One that Jack had pilfered from Barbossa.

Jack took it with gentle care before he arched a brow, “The rest?”

Jonah slumped and pulled a coin purse and a ring from his pockets.

Jack blinked in surprise at the ring before casting a glance to his right hand where indeed one of his rings was missing. He hadn’t even noticed that one, that was impressive.

In return Jack held up a French silver medallion and grinned as Jonah blanched and checked his pockets.

Jonah reached out to snag it, but Jack yanked it back, “Da!”

“Pay attention to your possessions next time, eh?” Jack said as he tucked the medallion in his pocket, “Want it back? Best figure out a way to get it. Savvy?”

A churlish pout curled his boy’s mouth, but he nodded before mumbling a quiet, “Savvy.”

“Good lad.” Jack murmured before he crouched down, “Now come ‘ere and give your old man a proper greetin’.”

Jonah hesitated much to Jack’s consternation. He had never known his boy to be leery with him and he didn’t care for it starting now. He refused to have the same relationship with his son that he had with Teague. As if summoned from the depths, Teague’s words about Quinn having a difficult time came floating back to him... What had gone on in his absence?

He didn’t have time to ask before he had his arms filled with a seven-year-old. He relaxed and wrapped a tight arm around his boy as he felt Jonah turn into a limpet. That was more like it.

Grinning, he pressed a kiss to Jonah’s ear as he murmured, “Missed ya, lil’ scallywag. You causin’ trouble for your mother?”

“Aye.” Jonah answered against Jack’s chest.

“You watchin’ out for your sister?”

“Aye.”

“Rosie tormentin’ you?”

“Aye.”

“You been getting revenge on her?”

There was a pause before Jonah uttered, “No.”

Jack nearly snorted in disbelief, but quite seriously asked, “And why not?”

“Mum would tan me hide.” Jonah stated as if it were obvious. He wasn’t dumb enough to admit to any wrongdoing he hadn't been caught at – especially not to his parents.

Jack chuckled and gently pushed his son to stand back, “Depends on what you did and if you get caught. ‘Sides you probably deserve a good tanning every once in a while.”

“Daaaa.” Jonah whined, making Jack snicker further before he was attacked by another small body.

He leaned sideways and he grunted under the sudden impact, but the lilting giggle gave away his accoster long before he caught sight of her face. This was another one that could use a tanning or two.

“Oi! Careful, darlin’. You gonna break this old man.” Jack cried as he lifted Rose to perch on his hip. He couldn’t stay crouched any longer, “Miss me?”

“Aye.” Rose chirped as she grinned widely at her father.

Jack’s heart melted under that smile and damn if his little girl didn’t know the power that she had over him. Just like her mother. He pressed a kiss to her cheek before she snuggled further into his hold.

Seven bells rang in the distance, and he suddenly realized the hour. It was a bit late for his two wildings to be running amuck. Yet as he peered down the alley Rosie had flown from he saw the familiar shape of Quinn’s guard lingering.

Poor blighter must have been put on watch.

“Why are you two not with your mother?”

“Mummy said youse be here and um- we wanted to find you, but we – uh – we made new friends and we’s got to playin’.” Rosie explained excitedly, “And then Morris came to get us and then Jony disappeared, and we’ve been lookin’ for ‘im.”

“Is that so?” Jack murmured as he sent a speculative glanced to his son.

Jonah stared unperturbed back at him, and Jack was reminded that this was very much his son. Stubborn and underhanded.

As if to reinforce Rose’s words a faint cry from the opposite street caught the children’s attention. A few of the wharf rats were lingering and Jack took them to be the new friends. Jonah had a longing glint in his eye, and he sighed reluctantly, “Back to the quarters by first bell or I’ll put you over me knee meself, savvy?”

Jonah didn’t wait and went skittering off before Jack had a chance to change his mind, “Savvy!”

“I wanna go too!” Rosie cried, wriggling to get out of father’s hold.

Jack held tight, “Ah, ah, no. I don’t think so, luv. You are gonna keep your old man safe as he goes and finds your mum.”

“Nooo!” Rosie howled.

“No?” Jack cried back, nodding to Morris as he passed him in the alley, “No? So, you want your dear dad to be savagely attacked? How cruel you be, little Rose. However, will I be able to find your fair mother all be me onesies, I wonder. Be a good lass and help your da out, eh?”

His attempt at guilt did little to persuade the five-year-old as she stared at him mutinously. She was developing a fine glare to stop a man cold. It was obvious that Rosie had been spending far too much time with her mother. He barely dodged her little hands as she reached to pull his chin braids. Jack had almost forgotten that she needed no instruction to fight dirty.

And it was a fight...all the way back to the quarters which only ended as he began to regale her with stories from the past. He pitied any man who dared to woo his daughter once she was older.

It was a thought that vanished as he swept into the old family quarters only to find Quinn nowhere in sight. It was odd to suddenly be standing in a place that he had done everything he could to run away from – an all too familiar unease began to twist in his gut, and he had to bite his tongue to not become lost to ghosts that still haunted him. He tilted his head down the hall and saw a barely perceptible glow emanating from the slap shod parceling of lumber that was to act as a staircase.

Jack nearly groaned. She was in Grandmama’s old quarters... Quinn was trying to punish him.

Lovely.

“Daddy?” Rosie cried softly as she watched her father’s countenance turn sour. Childish worry peered at him through eyes that were so like his.

Jack forced a small smile to his lips before he tapped her nose, “Let’s get you to bed, eh? You’ll need your energy to go torment your brother come mornin.”

Surprisingly, Rosie merely pouted a little at the bid for bed. Either she was more tired than she wanted to admit, or she still sensed the poor mood possessing her father. Jack didn’t want to explore either option, but he would take the opportunity her current submissiveness was giving him.

----

He dawdled.

He would never admit it, but he loitered in his old bedroom watching his daughter curl around a pillow as she fell into an easy slumber. He itched with the desire to haul her out and bring her to his cabin on the Pearl. Too many memories haunted this decrepit place and only a handful were counted as anything happy or good. He wanted none of it to touch his children.

Jack couldn’t understand why he was here – Why Quinn had chosen to come back here. Even if it was to check in on him. She held as little love for this place as he did... less in some regards. But he wouldn’t get any answers by hiding away.

He came out just as Jonah crept through the front door. Jack arched a brow as he heard first bell in the distance, “Cuttin’ it close, lad.”

Jonah fidgeted under his father’s stare before uttering, “Still ‘afore the bell.”

“Aye, so you were.” Jack hummed and nodded to him to get to the bed with his sister, “Go on. To bed wit ya. Don’t let me catch you out of it.”

“Da?”

Jonah called as Jack ambled towards the stairs. He turned to find a churlish frown pinching his boy’s features.

Jonah swallowed tightly as he stuttered out, “Ar- are you leavin’ us again?”

Again.

The quiet resignation in his son’s voice fair broke Jack’s heart, but he was unsurprised by it. In a perfect world he would keep his family aboard the Pearl with him. In a perfect world he wouldn’t miss months of his children’s lives. But a pirate ship was no place for a child and Jack had been a pirate for too long to stop now.... The world wasn’t perfect, and reality was a far more painful place as his son was beginning to learn. Jack just wished he wasn’t the one teaching that lesson already.

He crouched down before Jonah again, this time tilting his boy’s chin up as he answered honestly – because his son deserved honesty, “Aye. I am, but I hope to be with you again soon.”

“I don’t want you to go.” A suspicious sheen had come to decorate Jonah’s dark eyes. A wobble to his lips.

It dawned on Jack then that Jonah must have just heard about the coming battle. Word had been slower than he had anticipated reaching the shops, but it would have spread through the city fully by now and his boy wasn’t stupid enough not to listen.

Jack winced as he murmured soothingly, “Now none of that, lad.”

“Please.” Jonah choked out, unable to hold back his tears. He was suddenly folded into his father’s embrace as he broke into a sob. Rum, sea salt, and gunpowder invaded the little boy’s senses – it was a unique combination of scents that he would forever associate with his father. It was home and it was safe, and he lost it every time his father disappeared to the sea.

Jonah burrowed into him in a way that made Jack think he was trying to hide in his pocket. Jack closed his eyes sadly and tightened his hold as he let his boy cry it out, “Wants and needs, Jony. Very rarely do those two ever line up. I would love nothing more than to keep you and your sister and your mother with me always, but it's just not possible. So, we must steal what time we can with each other and not give any of it back.”

Jonah sniffled, “Be a pirate.”

“Aye.” Jack murmured, “Be a pirate.”

They sat together soaking in what comfort they could before Jonah pushed back and wiped at his nose. His eyes were swollen still with his tears, and it hurt something deep in Jack to watch his son try and be brave. He was too young for that skill yet.

A glint of silver caught his eye, and Jonah gave a watery smile as he held up his medallion, freshly stolen back into his care.

Jack huffed a faint laugh, “Well done, lad. I’ll make a pirate out of you yet. Or at the very least, a very competent thief.”

Ruddy cheeks still damp were softly soothed by Jack’s rough hands before he prodded Jonah to the bedroom his sister was in, “Go on. Give your face a wash and get to bed.”

Jack stood in the doorway as he watched Jonah reluctantly follow his orders. The dry sink holding the washing bowl made his boy seem incredibly small and too grown all at once. He made a mess of washing his face, but it was more of a cover to hide fresh tears and soft hitched breaths.

Jack pretended not to notice, no sense in embarrassing the boy. Finally, he shucked his clothes and grabbed a large shirt Quinn had left out. Jack recognized it as an old one of his and that brought on an entire new swell of bittersweet emotion to drown his heart.

It was only as Jonah began to settle next to his sister that Jack meander back to tuck him in. He smiled faintly under his son’s doleful gaze before giving into the temptation to press a kiss to his temple, “Sleep, lad. Tomorrow’s a new day with new adventures.”

“Take what you can.” Jonah whispered.

“And give nothin’ back.” Jack whispered back solemnly. He gave a light squeeze to his boy’s shoulder in silent good night.

-----

A heavenly sight greeted Jack when he finally made his way upstairs. The bare expanse of Quinn’s back was on display as her shift hung loosely around her waist. His gaze drifted up from her shapely legs to the delicious curve of her bottom over the dark lines that inked her spine to the thin wispy curls that had found freedom from the mishappened updo she had imprisoned the rest of her mane in. Steam rose from the tub residing beside her and for a moment Jack quite forgot his irritation with her.

For a moment, anyway. The tense set of her shoulders was his first clue that he wasn’t the only one out of sorts.

“Now, there’s a sight for sore eyes.” Jack murmured as he leaned against the doorframe. Her lukewarm welcome was his second clue.

Green eyes peeked over a slim shoulder at him as Quinn place a bottle of some concoction down, “Wondered if you’d actually come up here.”

Jack wasn’t sure if here was the quarters or Grandmama’s room in specific and he didn’t care to ask. He ignored the subtle prompting in her comment with a gesture that said, ‘well, here he stood’. It didn’t surprise him when Quinn rolled her eyes and turned back to her ablutions.

“Are the children sorted?”

“Aye.” Jack answered with a frown. He hated talking to her back – even if it was a glorious view. It made it a mite difficult to ascertain what was going on in her head, “As you well know. Surprised you didn’t step in while Jony was cryin’.”

“He needed you, not me.” She said with a slight shrug, but he felt the truth in her words. Jonah had wanted his papa. There be no denying that.

“Shall I wash your back, luv? Get those hard-to-reach places.” Jack offered as he sauntered closer, “Nice and squeaky clean, eh?”

Quinn snorted, “Your dirty hands are not to touch me, Jack. When was the last time you had a washin’, you filthy pirate?”

Jack paused, slightly offended and unwillingly amused as he pondered that query. He didn’t think that he as that dirty – he had definitely been worse, “I took a dip not too long ago, I’ll have you know.”

Surely hanging upside down in the ocean counted.

“You can take another now. Waters for you. I’ve already bathed.” Quinn said, her hands moving to pull up her shift when his came to stop her.

“Now don’t do that, luv.” Jack whispered against her ear as he pressed against her. He bit back a smile as he felt a faint shudder wrack her body, “I’m quite enjoyin’ you half dressed. Course it’d be even better if you were completely undressed.”

“Jack...”

His lips brushed over the curve of her neck as his hands slid over her hips to hold her more firmly...except, there was more of her than he expected. Jack paused as his grip flexed over the small swell of her belly. Only just slightly bigger than a bump. His heart leapt into his throat in realization before his dark gaze snapped up to find her watching him warily.

“Thought I told you not to touch me with those dirty hands.” Quinn rasped, trying for a light – indifferent tone and failing.

“I’ll touch you however much I want, woman.” Jack said thickly, “Is that why you came here? To tell me?”

“Thought you should know... You’ll have one more to be comin’ back to.” She mumbled, “You need to stop gettin’ me with child.”

Jack grinned, fierce joy and pride batting back his outright terror for the moment, “Whatever for? I quite enjoy gettin’ you fat with my child.”

He grunted a moment later as her elbow collided with his side and she growled calmly, “Fat? I’ll show you fat, Jack Sparrow.”

Despite the playful glint in her eye, Jack chuckling, quickly grasped both her wrists before she could do something decidedly unpleasant to his person. Now, he understood why Teague had let her come. A pregnant Quinn was an impossible Quinn to reason with, “Come ‘ere.”

He tugged her around and stole the kiss he had been angling for since he had stepped inside. It felt good to have her with him again. It was downright beautiful actually. There had been a few dark moments when he wondered if he’d make it back to her and the kids. And he had – they were here.

At least for the moment and he’d take it.

He’d steal this time like he had told Jonah to do.

Jack broke the kiss, reveling in her mewl of protest as he leant his head against hers, “Another one, eh?”

“Aye.” Quinn murmured back, “You upset?”

“Have I ever been upset over being made a father?” He asked blithely, “Or given you cause to think I’d be?”

“Jack...” She sighed, “It’s different this time and you know it.”

Tendrils of the terror he had been pushing back were starting to grasp, but he refuse to let it hold. The memory of her last pregnancy was clearer than air for him. The babe they had lost - How he had nearly lost her as well... Damn her for alluding to it. His hold on her tightened almost imperceptibly.

Jack shrugged, pressing his lips to her crown, “So, we’re a little older – a little more damaged, a little more weary. Still wouldn’t change a thing.” He pushed back and nudged her to do the same as he did a quick calculation in his head, “Let’s have a look at ya. Be about five months, that right?”

Quinn hesitated, making Jack frown. She had never been shy with him before and he didn’t understand her reluctance now. Jonah had done the same. It was on the tip of his tongue to say something until his appraising gaze found the crest of her bosom or more specifically the top of her left breast and what should have resided there.

His mark...

“What’s this?” He breathed.

The dark lines of the sparrow over the horizon that normally decorated her skin had faded. It wasn’t the type of blanching that would come from the sun, but it was as if the ink had eroded to a thin sketch. His fingers traced the mark bewildered before he yanked the sleeve of his shirt up to view his matching bird.

It had burned something fierce while he had been in the Locker. A hallucination. Or at least... Had that pain been real? He had thought - taken it to mean really that his soul saying he was too far from his other half... but now?

It had changed.

The dull bluish black lines had become more a sickly grey. He hadn’t noticed...it’d had stop hurting once he had left the Locker and he had all but put the odd experience from his mind.

It was then Jack truly took stock of his woman. Faint circles lined her usually lively emerald eyes, her cheeks a little hollower than he would like... She was pale. Sallow really. Despite that he knew for a fact, that she tended to spend a fair bit of time out in the sun.

“It may not have been just the babe that brought me here. I guess that bonding ceremony we did wasn’t as much of a lark as we thought.” Quinn uttered quietly. She bit her lip and stepped away as she pulled her shift into place, “Get your bath. I wanna check on the little ones.”

Jack watched her go with gaping worry.

Go easy on her, Jackie. She’s been through the gamut.

What the blood hell had happened in his absence?

-----

Quinn was mildly astonished to see that Jack had followed her decree to bathe when she returned to the room. Of course, he was already reaching for a towel...

She hadn’t been gone more than a few minutes, “You’ve only made the dirt on you muddy, at least scrape it off.”

“You want me clean, luv, you best get over here and give me a hand.” Jack grumbled as he sent her a sly glance, “Get those hard-to-reach places.”

Quinn scoffed at him, “For someone who loves bein’ on the water, you have a peculiar resistance to gettin’ in it.”

“It’s not the same though is it.” Jack replied as he washed his arms a bit better. He wanted to see the full extent of the change to his mark, “Of course, there be a list of interestin’ questions you’d be good to answer if you want me to sit in this water longer.”

“I have a feelin’ I��ll be answerin’ those questions regardless.” She muttered, but she snagged a washrag and poked him to sit forward so she could sit on the lip of the tub behind him, her dainty feet brushed his hips. It wouldn’t be too much longer before her belly would make such a feat impossible.

Jack fairly purred as she worked the rag across his back, lightly massaging as she went, “Aye, you would...What’s happened, Quinn?”

“Let’s see... You left.” She supplied unhelpfully, but she sensed his unimpressed glare long before he opened his mouth, “I had business in New Orleans – its changed since we’ve last been. Kids caught the measles. That was a miserable few weeks. I missed two of my courses before realizin’ I was increasin’. Oh, and then suddenly, I was struck by the most debilitatin’ pain – bit like takin’ a hot poker to the chest I reckon. Scared poor Jonah half to death with the way I screamed, ended up passin’ out thankfully, but I was sure I had lost the babe. Bloody miracle, I hadn’t. That was when I received word of your demise and then Teague stopped by on his way to here and I figure it best to hear what was goin’ on.”

Jack hummed as he was once again dropped into a pool of horrified and exasperated. Only Quinn could utter all of that like was the most casual thing in the world. Just afternoon tea, really. It should have clued him in really. That sort of passivity from her only meant that she was brimming with fire beneath the surface.

It didn’t for his ire with her was definitely rearing its head once more. He didn’t even know where to begin with all of that, so he waspishly muttered, “Oh is that all? Just another bloody Tuesday, is it?”

“It’s Wednesday actually.”

“Quinn.” Jack rebuked, losing his patience.

He needed to see her.

He twisted, grabbing her wrist, and yanked her around so suddenly that water sloshed out of the tub. She fell haphazardly into his lap. Her shift was soaked within seconds.

“Oh!” She growled, livid.

She became even more so when she caught his agitation with her. As far as she was concerned, he didn’t have the bloody right. It was as if a bubble had burst within her. Everything that she had kept bottled up for last half year came flowing out at him.

The tub wasn’t big enough to accommodate two people, but she somehow maneuvered herself to straddle him before she began raining blows, “You are –Such -A – Bastard!”

“Ow! Woman!” Jack wouldn’t admit it aloud, but he would rather endure this rage from her than the barbed flippancy she had been spewing behind his head. Though the way she was wriggling in his lap wasn’t helping matters on another end. A particularly hard blow to his stomach had him restraining her wrists again as they both labored for breath.

Quinn glared at him, hot tears stinging her eyes as she wrathfully muttered, “You died! You died! You -”

And there was the heart of the matter... at least for her. The anguish in her emerald eyes startled Jack. It had been a long time since he had seen her this upset. A rush of guilt tore through him like a riptide and she saw it too.

She tried to yank her hands free to strike him again, but Jack held firm, “I know, luv, I know. But I’m here now. I’m back.”

“Oh, codswallop!” Quinn swore a blue streak, “You’re here? For how long? Or are you not chargin’ out into that bloody massacre that’s set for tomorrow? Shall I plan the eulogy now?”

Jack’s face darkened and it took some not inconsiderable control for him not lash out the way he wanted to – they had both been through hell. He could recognize that, even with the bare bones accounting that Quinn had given him. Like the sun rose in the east, he knew that she hadn’t told him everything. He also knew he had scared her and if the tables had been turned, he would be just as furious.

Lord, he didn’t want to fight with her. He really didn’t, but a thought had occurred that he wanted answered, “Quinn - Quinn, stop wrigglin’!”

She didn’t and he muttered a quick oath before he shifted his grasp on both her wrists to one hand before he delved his other between their bodies.

Quinn jerked in shock as his fingers grazed over her slit, searching for evidence of arousal as much as desiring a way of stilling her. She didn’t even notice when he let her go, only that she was suddenly bracing herself on his shoulders as he caught her startled gaze and a sank a finger into her.

She emitted a strangled, “Jack!”

“Told you to stop wrigglin’.” Jack murmured smugly as he tried not to lose the thread of thought he had been chasing before he decided it’d be a good idea to reexplore tempting territory to get her attention. Throwing her down and ravishing her was fast becoming an overwhelming desire – especially as she made no attempt to stand up and leave. Maybe they needed to fuck this one out, “Now, before you resume abusin’ my person, luv, do us a favor and tell me... when you made the fundamentally stupid decision to come back to the Cove -”

Her nails dug into his shoulder, and he hissed before adding another finger to his play, “That’s not nice, luv... When you made the decision, did you know I was alive?”

Quinn frowned at him, wondering why this was so important. Of all the things that she had said to him this was the last line of inquiry she had expected... and really wasn’t that just like him.

Impatience seemed to get the best of him again at her prolonged silence as he very purposefully curled his fingers inside of her. Quinn suppressed a moan as he grazed that spot that brought such exquisite pleasure. A mordant liquid began to seep to her loins, “...Yes.”

“Sorry, was that yes to my question or are you beggin’ me for more, darlin’?” Jack asked grinning wickedly. She swore at him which only made him giddy, “Pirate.”

“Jack, I can’t focus when you’re doin’ that.” She said, trying to tug his arm up, but he didn’t budge.

“Good, I don’t want you focusin’ too hard.” He murmured back, quite forgetting what he was about as he leaned in and nipped at the skin exposed by her collar. The faded lines of his mark glared up at him. That would be fixed... Had to be.

“Yes.” Quinn said, “Yes, to your question.”

“How did you know?”

“Your bloody mark.” Quinn murmured, “It stopped feeling like it was going to burn me from the inside out.”

Jack went silent. A deep frown marring his features and she could only wait for him to verbalize his thoughts. He fell back, allowing her the freedom to get up if she so chose. She didn’t.

“Not as much of a lark, eh?” Jack finally said, but there was no hiding the anguish behind his words.

Just a bunch of words that ceremony. Neither of them had been keen on a proper marriage but their own promises? A blood pact that was meant to twine their souls? That added a touch of mystery, and romance, and fun – well that had been right up their alley, now hadn’t it.

What bloody fools they had been...

Quinn found that she unwillingly softened in the face of his horror, and she sighed, “I think the babe is what kept me from joinin’ you... wherever you were.”

Jack peered at her quizzically, not following her line of thought.

“A bit of you is in me, isn’t it? It’s how we’re creatin’ this little life.” Quinn whispered, not willing to tell him that she also suspected that was why she had been in such horrible pain. The bond didn’t know where to pull her too – so it tore at her, “An entwining of essences to be forever one.”

Jack swallowed as she recited the words from the ceremony, “Doesn’t sound quite as sensual anymore, does it?”

“No...” Quinn agreed, it sounded downright terrifying now. She drew a fortifying breath, “How long? How long before you have to go?”

“We’re to leave at daybreak.”

“Right.” Jack froze as she leveled a cold glare on him that made his heart cringe in anticipation of her wrath, “Don’t you dare die on me again, Jack Sparrow.”

She swiftly removed herself from the tub before he could respond. Her back to him once more as she hid a rush of tears. She shed her wet shift with little care as he murmured, “I wouldn’t dream of it, Quinnie.”

Though she was better at hiding her tears than their son, Jack still noticed, and he wasn’t about to pretend he hadn’t otherwise.

The sloshing of water was her only warning before he was on her. His fingers grasped her elbow and spun her around before she could think. Her mouth found his first. Harsh, angry, biting as she unleased her distress upon him and... claimed him. Jack took it all, silently relishing in the rare show of possessiveness from her. Anything to make her tears stop. He couldn’t stand her crying for him, never could.

His arms became bands around her waist as he pulled her tight. For the first time in months the world seemed to still and feel right. A strange peace fell over them both. Their kiss broke when the need for air became too great, but that didn’t stop her from nuzzling into him, trailing biting kisses along his jaw as he walked them back to the bed.

Jack hummed as her attentions fell to his neck and he realized she was truly laying claim to him with a mark of her own, “You’re not normally one for love bites, what’s brought this on?”

“Just a reminder.” Quinn murmured as she let him push her onto the mattress. Her hands traced the panes of his body as if she was trying to commit it to memory.

Jack crawled over her, nipping her lip, but he couldn’t help but ask, “Reminder? It’s unlikely I’ll be attractin’ a strumpet to me tomorrow for you to chase off with a reminder.”

“Reminder’s for you.” Quinn said drolly even as she spread her legs for him. She wanted him close – needed it really and he was moving too slow when they had only a few hours before he’d leave again...

“Woman, you’re not makin’ a lick of sense.” Jack stated stoutly, firmly ignoring her overtures for a quick fuck.

This wasn’t Tortuga and he wasn’t taking her against an alley wall. Though... A faint smile tugged at his lips at the few good memories they had against said walls. He wanted to see her. He took in the fullness of her breasts and smoothed his palms lovingly over her growing belly. He had always been fascinated by the change pregnancy wrought on her body.

Quinn tugged on the end of one of his dreads as he leaned down to place a kiss to her stomach, “It’s just to make you think twice before you do something incredibly stupid – Like become so distracted by a kiss as to get yourself shackled to a ship and then killed.”

Jack reared up to find Quinn staring at him with an indifference that scared him more than her anger, “I haven’t the foggiest of what you’re on about.”

“Mmhmm.”

He couldn't stop himself from playing with fire though, “But if I did... How much groveling would one have to do to be forgiven for such an infraction? Pray tell.”

Quinn was silently amused as she watched him try to puzzle out how much trouble he was in exactly – Never mind that he had her completely naked and willing at the moment, “Alot, more if I have to throw myself at you to get any kind of satisfaction tonight. You’re doin’ a very poor job of making me feel desirous right now.”

Jack had the gall to look affronted at her critique, “I’ve been harder than a bloody hammer since I’ve stepped into this room, luv. Let’s not pretend you don’t know the effect your utterly delectable and sinful body has on my person or that you intentionally kept yourself half-dressed to lull me into forgetting’ where exactly we are right now. Which well-played by the way.”

“I haven’t the foggiest of what you’re on about.” Quinn uttered back at him, shrieking with laughter a moment later as he pounced on her. Her laughter was dissolved by a rather thorough kiss that left her with no doubts of Jack’s desire for her.

A slow heat swept through her as she fell into his touch. The familiarity of him was a comfort that she had been lacking for too long. His scent, his strength, his warmth surrounded her, and she basked in it, just as Jack basked in her. He was almost... reverential. As if he was not entirely sure that she was real as he took his time rediscovering her body.

Calloused fingers hooked under her knee and pulled her wider as he entered her...slowly... so slowly. As if he were afraid of her hurting her. To be fair, her muscles strained a bit from being split, but it was a welcome discomfort that disappeared with the relief of being fulfilled.

Quinn emitted a pleased sigh as he bottomed out and Jack moaned, enjoying the way her lurid cavern suckled him so sweetly.

His lips danced over hers in a gossamer caress as he watched her, “Alright?”

“Hmmm.” Quinn hummed contently. She drew a finger across his cheek, marveling at his gentleness for not the first time, “I missed you.”

Jack smiled warmly at her, as his arms came to rest on either side of her head. He stole a true kiss then, “And I, you, luv.”

“Then you should ravish me, Pirate.” She teased, arching against him in silent demand.

“Aye. I should.” Jack chuckled as he began to thrust languidly.

He was intent on drawing their union out for a multitude of reasons. A petty one being that he knew it would drive her mad and he was still stinging over where their fortuitous reunion was occurring. More significantly, Quinn had successfully lit the fuse on every one of his concern canons with her wan appearance and he didn’t trust her to tell him if she was feeling unwell. Stubborn bint that she was.

Amusedly, he could practically feel Quinn’s frustration build as she shifted, matching his movement, but also trying to get enough purchase to change the pace to something faster.

“Jack!”

He shook with laughter but stilled – knowing she had reached the limit of his teasing, “I should have gotten you off before playin’, luv. I’m sorry. I’d forgotten how insatiable this state makes you.”

“Insufferable.” She grumbled, pinching his side as he reached for a pillow to put under her hips. He jumped, swatting lightly at her as he resituated them, “You’re treating me like I’m made of glass.”

Jack realized then that Quinn didn’t know how fragile she looked to him, like a good gust of wind would knock her down. He sighed and rubbed a soothing trail up her thigh as he murmured, “I haven’t been around to take care of you, Quinnie. Your body’s no longer used to it. Don’t think I didn’t notice the way you winced when I breeched you or the way you tensed when I was touchin’ that fair chest of yours. You’re tender, ain’t ya?”

“Only a little.” Quinn sulked, “I can handle more, luv.”

Jack arched a brow at her.

“I’m not gonna break. Promise. Please” She wheedled, reaching for him, “You know I don’t say please often.”

There was a long moment of silence as he studied her before suddenly, he bucked. It was heavenly, just the right amount of friction they both needed. Jack stifled a groan, but Quinn hadn’t been prepared and failed to hide another wince as a twang of discomfort rippled with the pleasure he brought to her body.

“You gonna follow my lead now?” Jack demanded.

“Is your lead gonna go any faster?”

“Woman...” Jack swore, shaking his head, “You are -”

“Yours?” Quinn smiled cheekily and Jack couldn’t help but laugh.

“Aye, that you are.” Despite being charmed, he didn’t give into her whims. If they had time for another round he would, but for now she’d have to deal with slow and gentle. He sure as hell was... not that it was much of a trial.

Her faint moans and whispered mewls were music to his ears after coming uncomfortably close to not being able to hear this ever again. No, he had no problem taking his time to swim her depths.

-----

Jack fell next to her sweaty and sated as Quinn labor for breath next to him. She lazily squeezed his arm as she murmured, “Alright... I’ll be more willin’ to follow your lead next time.”

Jack grinned smugly, pulling her against his chest as he recovered from their crush of bliss, “Feel like I’ve heard that ‘afore, luv.”

Quinn suppressed a smile and entangled their legs as he drew circles over her belly with curious fingers. A wistful grimace painted his vintage that Quinn understood all too clearly... It was different his time around, whether Jack wanted to admit it aloud or not. She placed her hand over his, catching his weary regard.

“I’m glad you’re here.” He murmured after a moment, gaze drifting to her mark. It may have been a trick of the light, but the lines seemed to have thickened – at least a tad. It pained him to think he may have almost caused her demise.

“No, you’re not.” She arched a knowing brow at him.

“No, I am not.” Jack agreed dryly, aware she thought he was speaking about being back in the Cove. And aye, that he was not pleased with, “You’re incredibly lucky to be with child right now or else I’d have you over my knee for comin’ back to this hell hole– especially now, luv.”

Quinn’s emerald eyes glimmered dangerously at the threat as she murmured, “Liked to see you try.”

“I’ve done it before, haven’t I? Don’t tempt me.”

It was how unusually serious he was as he uttered those words that let Quinn know how upset she had made him. Coming back to the Cove had never been on her agenda and she wouldn’t have if every bone in her body hadn’t been screaming at her to return. She had learned to trust her instincts ages ago.

She forced a bland retort, “Hardly think it counts when it's just a lead up to more pleasurable pursuits.”

Jack sent her a warning look but took the opportunity their turn in mood presented to address the elephant neither wanted to acknowledge, “Should the worst happen tomorrow, I want you to find Teague. Grab the children and go with him. Shipwreck Island won’t be safe. As Keeper of the Code, he’ll be the last to depart which will make him the quickest to get back here.”

A spark of undo terror tightened Quinn’s throat and she withdrew her hand from his as she protested, “Don’t. Don’t talk like this -”

“I want you to go with him to Madagascar. You'll be safe there.” Jack pressed, otherwise he’d never get the words out.

Dropping an explosive would have been a kinder shock. Her eyes widened in quiet outrage, “Mada - you want me to go to your family? Jack, there’s a reason you don’t visit them.”

“Aye! They’re barmy and insufferable, but harmless for the most part. - Well, now that Grandmama is dead, they’re mostly harmless. You're more than capable of handlin’ Quick Draw and her ilk. The house in Madagascar is nye impossible to get to unless you’ve been before. Beckett has a grudge against me, and you know it. Should he discover I have a family...” Jack shuddered, refusing to travel down that rabbit hole. He was one of the few who knew just what a cruel and cold bastard Beckett to be, “Promise me, you’ll go.”

“...” Quinn bit her tongue, feeling positively sick from what he was demanding of her.

“Promise me, Quinn.”

She glowered at him, scowling faintly as she said, “I will always do what needs to be done to keep our children safe, you know this.”

He did, he did know that “I’m not just worried about our children now, am I? Promise me.”

A strangled note of desperation burst free on that last command and Quinn felt her ire quite blown out to sea at the sound of it. Jack wasn’t playing fair.

She swallowed tightly before she whispered, “...I promise to find Teague.”

Jack didn’t miss the way she had worded that oath. She’d find him, didn’t necessarily mean she’d go with him. He cursed quietly but acknowledge it was probably the best he would get from her, “Thank you.”

“...Jack?” Quinn breathed, letting her worry come to the surface as she made her own demand, “Come back to me. Just come back.”

She didn’t care when he did it or how’ just as long as he came back.

Jack softened in the face of her concern. Cupping her cheek, he placed as much flippant bravado in his words as possible, “I’ve defied death once and come back to you – think I won’t do it again?”

His cockiness did the trick of making her relax and roll her eyes at him, “I swear by all that’s holy, if you say that you’re Captain Jack Sparrow and that’s why it won’t happen again, you can go sleep on your bloody ship.”

“Well, I am...” Jack murmured.

He knew she didn’t buy it when he acted like this, she was one of the few people in the world that could remind him that he wasn’t as indestructible as he liked to pretend.

“I think you wouldn’t have had to do it once if you hadn’t been so stupid...” Quinn intoned, leaning into his touch before lightly continuing, “And then you followed up that stupid by making it the Pirate King with your vote and now you’re goin’ to battle.”

Jack’s mouth moved soundlessly for a moment before he uttered, “You are...annoyingly well informed.”

Quinn shrugged, “I was in the room when the vote happened. Not my fault you didn’t notice.”

His dark eyes narrowed at her, “And the kiss?”

“Oh, so you do know what I was speaking of then.” She murmured a little caustically.

“Aye, well, it seems that Karma’s fine tone sense of retribution for my brief moment of disloyalty was to have me eaten and spat out in a fish captain’s purgatory. Surely even you must agree that I’ve been sufficiently punished for my crime, eh?” Jack smiled as charmingly as he could, making her snort.

“It wasn’t the kiss that bothered me, Jack. It was you dying...Miss. Swann may have mentioned it to me in a moment of unburdening.” She answered vaguely, misinterpreting his dubious glare as disbelief when merely he was trying to puzzle out when the two women had met, “She didn’t know who she was confessin’ to.”

“And you left her unharmed?” Jack asked genuinely surprised.

While jealousy made a rare appearance in his Quinn, protective did not. There were a few pirates – and maybe one or two of his relatives - residing at the bottom of the ocean for far lesser offenses than killing him.

Hell, he wasn’t entirely sure Grandmama had died of natural causes as Teague had claimed. He remembered that Quinn had been in their part of the world at the time, and she hated the old bitch almost more than he did.

“If I had been in her place, I would have done the same.” Quinn said with a shrug. For a moment Jack thought her possessed before she continued, “Sides, I knew Tia had talked her into helping get you back from the Locker, if she happened to get maimed or died in the process I wouldn’t have shed a tear.”

There it was - that was his Quinn. He relaxed back into his pillow as he sent her another suspicious look, “And how were you privy to what Tia Dalma’s plans were?”

“...Didn’t I mention?”

“No, no, you did not mention, luv.” Jack said pointedly, irritation flashed in his dark eyes at her, “It seems you’ve left quite a bit out of your recounting of our time apart.”

Quinn smiled sweetly, “And you can get the rest of it when you come back. You should have your own version of events well thought out by then.”

Jack pursed his lips, debating if he wanted to press the issue. At this point, the only thing he would have edited out of his account, she already knew...

Deciding it wasn’t worth the headache, he changed the gambit, “Sri Sumbhajee, you heard him speak tonight then, do you know -”

“He’s a eunuch.”

“...Is he not married?” Jack asked, perplexed and he faintly pitied the woman if it true.

“He is.” Quinn said quietly, resting her head over his heart, “On his second wife, if I heard correctly.”

“I wonder how that works then.” Jack grimaced curiously.

“For him or her?”

“Both?”

-----

The utterly disconcerting feeling of being watched woke Jack sometime later – at least that’s what he would tell Quinn. Confusion briefly descended when he didn’t feel the soft shifting of waves. Then it all came screaming back – he barely muffled a curse. Drowsily, his head tilted toward the doorway to see Teague pulling his fist back from the door.

Must have knocked.

Christ, but that was off putting. For a moment, he thought he was thirteen again.

“It’s time, boy.” Teague growled lowly once he saw Jack was conscious before disappearing from sight like a ghost.

Very off putting.

Jack could only grunt before he moved to get up, only to find a weight pressing against his stomach. He thought it Quinn’s leg as he slipped his arm from beneath her head, but a quick peek, showed him a messy curly mane belonging to his daughter. He wasn’t sure how he slept through her clambering into bed with them, but not his father’s knock.

Sense of self-preservation perhaps. He didn’t need to defend himself against his little girl.

Gently, he eased her over before he reached for his trousers. He moved with more grace than he typically displayed in public, donning his clothes and wresting his boots into place before he moved back to sort his girls.

Luckily, Rose’s propensity for sleeping like the dead hadn’t changed in his time away as he slid her up the bed to lay within her mother’s protective reach.

He was pulling the sheets around their little one when he heard Quinn whisper, “Don’t do anything stupid.”

Glittering emerald worry peered at him, but Jack met her stare unflinchingly, “As long as you swear to do the same.”

“When am I ever stupid?”

“I’ll not answer that.” He said wisely, smiling when she glared at him, “I’ll be back before you know it, luv.”

“Better be.” Quinn said tightly, fighting back tears as she watched him kiss Rose in farewell, “I love you.”

Jack stilled as those three words escaped her lips. Rarely did they ever acknowledge it – they never needed to because it was just a fact. He loved Quinn and she loved him and that was it. To hear her say it now felt incredibly wrong – too much like a permanent farewell. His heart thundered loudly in his ears.

“I thought only heedless fools ever said those words.” Jack said quietly, reminding her of the first time he had ever said it to her.

“Aye, and you’re the biggest heedless fool I know and maybe I am too. So, I'm saying it.” Quinn stated softly.

He nodded, suddenly understanding just how frightened she was for him before leaning over and catching her lips in his. His kiss was bruising, almost angry as he took his fill. A wetness splashed his cheeks as Quinn lost the battle with her tears.

He pulled back and found himself soothing her in much the same way he had Jonah earlier, “None of that now, Quinnie. Don’t you dare cry.”

Wants and needs, he had told their son. He wanted to stay. Quinn needed him to stay even if she wouldn’t say it, but he also needed to go. His hand had been deep in the pot that caused the current climate with Beckett and Jones, so it would be his hand that helped clear it and kept his family safe.

He stole one last kiss before he whispered, “I love you too, Little Sprite.”

Jack turned from her then, knowing he wouldn’t be able to leave if he didn’t. He didn’t dare look back at her, her distress would simply break him. Instead, he snagged his sword and gun from the chair by the door and strode from the room and down the stairs to where Teague waited.

His father didn’t comment on his grim expression, merely watched as Jack pointedly ignored him in favor of finding his coat, “Is she alright?”

“No.” Jack said stoutly, but raised his chin as he met Teague’s stare, “But she will be if I have anything to say about it.”

#potc #pirates of the caribbean #captain jack sparrow #fanfiction #fanfic #pirates of the caribbean fanfiction #Captain Jack Sparrow/OFC #Original Characters

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