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ellecdc · 4 months ago

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'Doctor' Sirius?

chef!Sirius Black x mixologist!reader who injures herself at work

The familiar ache in the middle of Sirius’ shoulder blades alerted him to the fact that he was officially half way through his shift.

He took a moment to straighten up, letting his arms fall lax beside his body as he pointed his face to the ceiling.

He could already hear Regulus berating him for his abysmal posture and Lily lecturing him about how he clearly hasn’t been doing the yoga routine that she sent him whilst James and Remus snickered at his expense.

He hated (loved) them all.

Almost as much as he hated how Jeffery kept showing up in his sodding kitchen.

“If you’re coming to try to pilfer one of my staff, you’re barking mad.” He spat angrily as he carried on in his sautéing.

“Uhm, I’m sorry chef, but I really need to borrow Caleb.” Sirius heard you reply as his cheeks immediately heated up in embarrassment.

“Dammit; sorry Y/N.” He apologized quickly, lowering the heat on his burner and turning to give you what he hoped was his most sincere (yet dashing) apologetic smirk.

The salacious comment he had prepared died on his lips when he noticed you looking a tad alarmed as you instructed Caleb to take over the bar for you.

“What’s wrong?” Sirius asked quickly, barely remembering to turn the burner off completely before he was making for you.

“I’m okay...” You offered, not sounding like you completely believed yourself.

“That’s not what I asked.” Sirius grumbled as he took in your form, noticing you holding a black bar towel in your fist; knuckles turning white from how hard you were holding it.

The black of the fabric may have hidden evidence of what had taken place prior to you entering his kitchen, but he could make a deduction from the blood collecting between your fingers as it began to drip down your knuckles.

“You’re hurt.” He surmised, pulling your hand toward him.

“I’m okay.” You offered again, this time in a whisper.

“Let me see it.” He instructed just as softly, encouraging the towel from your hands to expose a deep slice across the palm of your hand.

Sirius made an embarrassingly sympathetic cooing sound as he replaced the towel on your hand and applied pressure to the wound. “What happened?”

“Was slicing lemons.” You offered quietly, refusing to look at Sirius as you kept your gaze down towards where your hand was sitting in his.

Sirius tsked as he pulled your hand further into his chest as if proximity alone could heal it. “You have a kitchen full of well-trained staff and you thought to slice lemons on your own?”

You chuckled self-deprecatingly at that, but Sirius could tell your usual enthusiasm was dimmed. “I didn’t want to bother you.”

“If anyone in my kitchen ever accuses you of being a bother, you tell me; got it?”

“Yes chef.” You answered quickly, and though you still wouldn’t look at Sirius, he could see a small smile grace the corner of your lips.

He would take it.

He realized then that his kitchen was far too quiet and looked up to notice that everyone’s attention was directed at the two of you.

“You lot can stare at people in your own time; get back to work.” He barked, causing everyone to quickly avert their gazes and carry on in their tasks.

“Bunch of sods.” Sirius mumbled as he turned back to you, fighting the urge to push some of your hair that had fallen from its elastic behind your ear.

“Come, we’ll get you fixed up.” He said quietly instead, ushering you out of his kitchen towards the office and – more importantly – the first aid kit.

Sirius shoved everything that looked like it might be of some importance to Jeffrey to the far edge of the desk and directed you to sit; fighting the urge to smile when he heard a few of Jeffrey’s things go tumbling to the floor.

“I’m rather miffed with you, you know?” Sirius murmured as he stood between your legs and began to unwrap the towel-turned-tourniquet from your arm.

“With me?” You asked with a chuckle, though it was perhaps more strained than usual.

“I have made quite the name for myself thanks to my fine slicing and chopping skills, and not only do you not give me the honour of showing those off to you, but you also go and hurt yourself whilst you’re at it.” He continued in his scolding as he poured some surgical spirit onto a square of gauze.

“S’gonna sting, doll.” He murmured quietly, waiting for your nod of approval before wiping at the wound.

Sirius could feel every muscle in your body tense as you let out a pained breath, and Sirius doesn’t think he can be held responsible for the sympathetic whispers and apologies that fell out of his mouth as he finished up when he had you – his formidable mixologist – sat so vulnerable and injured below him.

“I know, I’m sorry; you’re all done.” He assured you as he binned the now bloody gauze and moved to grab the antiseptic cream.

“So? What’s the verdict doc?” You tried to joke. “Think I can go back to serving drinks?”

Sirius furrowed his brow as he delicately placed a new square of gauze onto the palm of your hand that was quickly saturated with red-tinged ointment. “You are absolutely not cleared for work.”

You chuckled self-deprecatingly as your shoulders slumped. “Keep it elevated and rest, then?”

Sirius hummed noncommittally. “We’ll have to see what an actual doctor thinks.”

You whimpered at that, and Sirius paused in his wrapping of your hand to consider you.

Your brows were furrowed as you chewed aggressively on your lower lip and stared at Sirius’ work, mind seemingly miles away.

“Penny for your thoughts?” He asked as he taped off the gauze, though he never relinquished his hold of your hand.

“I think you did a good enough job, yeah? If I leave it be, it’ll be better in no time?” You asked him.

Sirius could tell that his responding grimace was answer enough to your question when your eyes quickly filled with tears. “Fuck.” You whispered as you hastily used your good hand to wipe at your eyes.

“I’m sorry doll.” Sirius murmured as he considered momentarily rushing to medical school so that he could fix this for you.

He wanted to fix this for you.

Alas, he was but a chef.

And soon, he was going to be a convicted felon charged with aggravated assault.

“Sirius, why is Caleb– what happened to my stuff?” Jeffery sputtered as he nearly hit Sirius in the back with the door.

“There’s been an incident, Jeffrey, your stuff is a little inconsequential at the moment.” Sirius sneered.

Jeffrey pursed his lips as he considered Sirius before his eyes moved to you. “What happened?”

“Cut myself whilst slicing lemons.”

“Have you filled out an incident report?” Jeffrey asked then.

“Christ, Jeffrey; the woman’s hand is still bleeding. Unless the form requires her signature in blood, maybe you can relax about your paperwork for a minute?”

“Are you going to need to leave?” Jeffrey asked you as he pretended Sirius wasn’t even there.

“I-”

“She needs stitches.” Sirius interjected plainly.

“Fuck.” Jeffrey muttered as he ran a hand through his hair. “So, Caleb’s going to need to man the bar for the rest of the evening?”

“Yes, and Charlie will have to man the kitchen.” Sirius responded as he all but shouldered past Jeffrey in order to grab his jacket.

“What?” You and Jeffrey chorused; Jeffrey in panic and you in bemusement.

“Charlie...” Sirius drawled slowly as he stared down Jeffrey and offering you his arm as he encouraged you from the edge of the desk. “You know? Weasley? Ginger hair? Has been working for me since he left school?”

“I know who Charlie is, Sirius.” Jeffrey spat.

“Oh, good. I was getting worried about you, mate.” Sirius said as he pat Jeffrey aggressively on the shoulder.

“Where are you going?” Jeffrey continued as he followed the two of you out of the office; Sirius’ hand at the small of your back as he ushered you through the halls.

“Taking her to the hospital.”

“Sirius, the-”

“Chef.” Sirius corrected harshly from the doorway of the kitchen; the room falling quiet as everyone turned to watch Sirius and Jeffrey stare each other down.

“Chef,” Jeffrey corrected, “the kitchen needs you here.”

“My kitchen and its staff are more than capable of surviving without me for a few hours. I have highly skilled and well-trained individuals here, do not insult them by insinuating they ought to be babysat.”

One could have heard a pin drop in the kitchen at the end of Sirius’ sentence.

When it became clear Jeffrey had no response, Sirius turned to the kitchen staff.

“Weasley.”

“Yes, chef?”

“Take over for me for the rest of the evening, yeah? Caleb will remain on bar so shuffle everyone around as you see fit; text me if you need anything. But don’t need anything.”

“Yes, chef.” Charlie answered quickly; a muted yet proud smile gracing his face as he nodded at his boss.

“Have a goodnight, guys.”

“Night, chef!” The rest of the staff called as Sirius guided you towards the back door to the parking lot.

The streetlights flickered as the two of you stepped out into the evening; Sirius relishing in the cool evening air against his kitchen-warmed skin.

“You don’t have to come with me, you know?” You said quietly.

Sirius turned to see you standing near the door of the restaurant; arms wrapped around yourself as you chewed your lip nervously.

“Would you cut that out?” Sirius sniped at you with no heat.

“What out?”

“Chewing on your lip; if you’re hungry I’ll make you food, if you want to bite lips, bite mine; but leave yours alone.” He scolded as he marched over and gently pried your lip from between your teeth.

“Wha- your lips? Are you offering me your lips, chef?” You asked slowly; eyes flitting from between both his before travelling down to his lips and back up again.

“I hardly think that’s surprising; I’m a very selfless person.” Sirius explained, emboldened by your reciprocal flirting to leave his hand cradling your jaw.

You hummed. “So that’s why you shoved all of Jeffrey’s stuff off the desk; you just didn’t want me bleeding all over it.”

“Quite right. God forbid we ruin Jeffrey’s things.”

You barked a surprised laugh at Sirius’ inability to utter Jeffrey’s name without sneering it like a curse word, causing him to laugh as well as he took a step backwards towards his car.

“Sorry doll; I can’t fix this for you,” he said as he gestured towards your injury with one hand as he opened the passenger door with the other, “but I can find you someone who can.”

You pretended to be tetchy with Sirius the entire way to the hospital, but he could see your ill-hidden smile through the reflection of the passenger window at his quips and shameless begging for your forgiveness.

You apparently had a thing about needles, and generally needing to be sewn up like some “moth eaten patchwork quilt”, which Sirius guessed wasn’t completely unreasonable. But by the third hour of waiting in uncomfortable plastic chairs in A&E, you were actually starting to get antsy.

“It’s like they don’t even want to use me as a pin cushion.” You muttered as you watched a coughing child get escorted down the hall.

“Do you think we ought to be worried?” Sirius murmured as he craned his neck to watch the child disappear down the corridor. “Not one person they brought back there has returned.”

You snorted rather inelegantly and sank further back into your chair. “I hope it’s nice, wherever they’re ending up...nicer than this.” You said as the light above you started to flicker ominously. “I bet they even have food.”

“Are you hungry?” Sirius asked quickly.

“Sort of; figure they’ve got a canteen here?”

This time, it was Sirius who snorted inelegantly. “We are not eating canteen food.”

“Sirius, you should go.” You tried again, ignoring Sirius’ warning glare seeing as the two of you had discussed (read: argued about) this four times already since arriving. “You’ve been working all evening, and you’re probably starved too.”

“I am starved too, and that’s something I can fix.”

“How exactly can you fix that if you’re not willing to order canteen food?” You deadpanned.

“Doll, we work at a restaurant.” Sirius explained earnestly.

You rolled your eyes as you let your head fall back against the wall with a thud. “Jeffrey might actually have an aneurism if you call in an order right now.”

Sirius was quiet for a few moments, and by the time you peeled your eyes open, he was standing on the opposite side of the hall with his phone pressed against his ear.

“Sirius!”

“Shush, Y/N; we’re in a hospital.” He scolded. “Jeffrey! Hi! It’s Sirius! Can you put Weasley on the line. Good chap, thanks.”

You watched as Sirius began pacing, counting a tile between each step as Charlie picked up the phone.

“Hey, I need you to make some food for pick-up; actually...make it delivery, please?” He corrected with a devilish smirk, watching as you brought your hand to your lips in a silent gasp.

And though this isn’t exactly how Sirius saw his first real meal with you (save the hastily shared plates during shifts), he couldn’t deny that this potluck style picnic in A&E felt like the beginning of something really special.

And If Jeffrey’s blood pressure skyrocketed from having to cover the bar so that Caleb could deliver it for him, well, that was just a bonus.

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grandeoatmilklatte · 2 months ago

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Kinktober Day 5 🎃

Draco Malfoy x Mirror Sex (827 words)

Warnings: NSFW || MDNI || +18 plus characters || p in v ||

You dashed across the front lawn of the massive dwelling, trying to make as little sound as possible. You had already equipped yourself with a disillusionment charm, but you could never be too careful. After all, you weren’t sneaking around school, where the worst punishment you could get was detention. The punishment you’d get if you were caught here would be much worse.

As soon as you passed through the front door that had been left open for you, you were immediately met with Draco’s nervous gaze. He grabbed your arm and quickly led you up the staircase and into his bedroom, where various locking and silencing spells were cast posthaste.

“Okay, that should do it! I think we should be sa-” your words were cut off as Draco smashed his lips into yours. You leaned into his kiss, forgetting what it was you were even going to say. Thankfully, he finished your sentence, mumbling against your lips “Yeah, we should be safe.” It was risky being here, let alone being in a relationship with Draco to begin with. His pureblood status to your muggleborn one would make for a serious problem if you were caught, so you vowed to each other to never let that happen.

With his lips still connected to yours, Draco walked you backwards towards the bed, you slowly disrobing as he did so. He climbed on top of you once you were on the bed, rutting his body into yours. The action caused the bed to shift on its foundation. A short but loud creak echoed through the bedroom, causing you both to freeze. It wasn’t enough noise to cause any alarm, but it made you both realize there was no way you could continue on the bed.

An idea crossed Draco’s mind as his eyes moved to a large plush white rug at the foot of his bed. He directed you on to it, but as you laid on the floor perpendicular to the bed, another idea graced his mind.

“No, the other way, facing the mirror.”

You obeyed, turning your body so that you were now on all fours, staring at your reflection in an enormous gold ornate mirror that was a few feet away from the bed. It was a bit odd to watch him position himself behind you in the mirror, but your curiosity was piqued. His intentions were made clear the moment you closed your eyes and lowered your head as he slid into you.

“Eyes open, baby. I want you to watch me fuck you.”

Fulfilling Draco’s request was difficult, as you desperately struggled to keep your eyes open while you lost yourself to the pleasure. But you were rewarded for your efforts, the view of him thrusting into you and the enjoyment on his face putting you on a fast track to an orgasm. Draco was grateful to his mind for providing him this naughty idea. The sight of you taking his cock so well, the pretty little faces you made as you moaned, faces he otherwise wouldn’t be able to see in this position had you not been facing the mirror, and best of all, the complete lack of noise, save for your moans. There was no creaky bed to risk yourselves getting caught. Everything was perfect.

Draco snaked his right hand that was previously holding your hip to your clit, rubbing it in tandem with his thrusts. A loud whimper left your lips as you dipped your head down for a brief second before remembering you were supposed to be watching.

“Oh yeah, you like that, pretty girl? Like watching me fuck you?” Draco growled in your ear. Another loud whimper from you encouraged him to pick up his pace in both his hip and finger movements. The faster pace sent you straight over the edge, your walls clenching around him as you climaxed. Your head dipped once again, but a tug of your hair brought it right back up.

Your eyes remained glued to the mirror as you came down from your high, Draco never letting up. Within seconds, his hand was in your hair again, this time pulling you off your hands, so that you were just on your knees as he finished inside of you. Neither of your eyes left the mirror.

He released your hair and hip when he had finally come down from his high, allowing you to collapse face first into the plush fabric underneath you. You began to feel the sting of the rugburn on your knees, but decided to ignore it - a small price to pay for the incredible time you just had. He joined you a second later, pulling you into his arms.

“That was amazing, darling! Definitely something to try again!”

You couldn’t agree more, and hours later, as you quietly tiptoed out of the manor the same way you came in, you couldn’t wait to be in front of his mirror again.

#draco malfoy #draco malfoy x reader #draco malfoy x you #draco malfoy smut #draco smut

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bitterbutblue · 3 months ago

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the person you're calling has turned into an ethereal...

let my last thought be you ☆ zzz x fem!reader

characters : Ellen Joe (platonic), Anby Demara, Grace Howard, Zhu Yuan

~ LMAOO U TURN INTO AN ETHEREAL AND ITS THEIR FAULT LMAOOOO.. also i wrote this for my fav artist yurieater69.. hi yurieater69.. <33

warning for zhu yuan's- INACCURATE POLICE TALK. PLEASEEEE IM A UNI STUDENT IDK ABOUT COPS ~

── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────

let me see tomorrow ☆ platonic!ellen joe x reader

This was supposed to be one of their easiest missions yet. There wasn't even supposed to be any weapons drawn, for fuck's sake. Lycaon sent in you and her for a reason- an in and out hollows mission. You were her closest... coworker? Could she call you a friend? She would like to call you a friend. You were around her age, but you always managed to somehow balance this odd job and your school work flawlessly- something she deeply envied. You never seemed tired, always at the top of your game. For the longest time she despised you, until you two were sent on this mission.

Just the two of you.

And she realised there was much more to you than just perfection. Of course, perfection is only an idealistic dream but to her you were perfection. Your moments of weakness she found herself overlooking because she had already idealised you in her head. It was really only two hours, yet she found herself regretting not talking to you earlier.

But now, Ellen can only watch in horror, unable to move, staring in horror as you collapse to the ground. She finally manages to move, pushing herself off the ground, dashing towards you.

"Hey, hey, stay with me."

Cool, calm, collected. That's how a maid from Victoria' Housekeeping should be acting but as each second ticks by she can feel herself losing her calm. You lunge at her, fear swallowing your every move and thought as you grab onto her collar.

"Ellen, Ellen I don't wanna turn- Ellen please-"

You both knew it was too late but you were panicking, tears falling before you even know it because you can just feel yourself falling down that abyss. All she can do is watch. She doesn't know what to do, she doesn't know you well. Should she hold you? Should she grab your hand and run? She can feel her own panic surfacing, eyes darting all over the place. Her head feels light, breathing shallow as she tries to calm herself because this isn't about her. This isn't about her.

"Ellen, call Lycaon, Rina, please, Ellen-"

Your begging is all she can hears and she's never heard you sound like this. So afraid, frantic, desperate. Your usual put together self now thrown away as you scramble to keep yourself together.

"Ellen, I'm scared. Ellen, please-"

Her instincts take over, rushing over to you. She holds you in an awkward embrace, collapsing to her knees as she pulls you in close.

"It's okay."

The words sound awkward coming out of her, and she can hear how choked her own voice is. She's scared, she has no right to be but she's scared. She doesn't want to lose you.

"I want my mom, I'm scared. I don't wanna turn, Ellen-"

The last thing you hear is her heartbeat and the last thing she hears is your cries before you go limp. And it's only a matter of time until you start moving again so she grabs her weapon as fast as she can. She doesn't even realise she's crying until she moves to stab her shears through your now-ethereal body. She doesn't even realise she's sobbing and her chest hurts until she hears Lycaon's voice calling out to her. The puzzle pieces click in his head when he sees your weapon lying on the ground and the usually stoic and emotionless Ellen Joe on her knees, tears flowing silently as she lets out choked cries of apologies.

── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────

love me one last time ☆ anby demara x reader

When she fell in love with you, Anby swore to herself she would always put your safety over her own because to her, you were more than the world itself. Working with her in the Cunning Hares is and always will be a danger, and she knows she can't let her emotions get the best of it all. But you always saw it differently. You always wore the softest smile around Anby, one that had her usual stoicism fading into an embarrassed and shy smile. You were her exception, and that was the problem.

Yet this time it was all her fault. She led you guys the wrong way, deeper and deeper into the hollows while thinking you were on your way out. You told her it's okay, you told her that you trusted her no matter what and she just wanted to believe that but the sinking feeling in her gut had her growing more and more worried over time.

You play off how you feel something going wrong, because you wanted to trust her so badly but something was definitely not right. And your theories came true when you feel yourself growing dizzy and weak. Anby catches on, growing more and more panicked when you suddenly stumble and fall to the ground.

"Don't worry- I'll call for someone, I'll-"

"Anby?"

Your voice is so quiet, so hoarse. Her heart drops when she looks into your eyes because she sees it too now and she feels like throwing up. This can't be happening.

Was this... her fault?

"Just stay close."

You were hunched over, her kneeling next to you and she hated feeling so helpless. She hated knowing that right now it was happening all over again, she's losing someone and it's her fault.

"Don't talk like you're dying." She hisses out angrily, scrambling to help you up onto your feet but you refuse to budge.

"Anby please."

You sound tired, drained. If she listens carefully she can hear the hint of fear you are so desperately trying to hide from her.

"Just stay close."

You knew what was happening- you weren't stupid.

"It's not your fault."

Anby didn't register the tears falling until she feels your hand reach up to wipe away the stray tears that are falling from her eyes.

"I'm sorry."

She's never heard herself sound so vulnerable and afraid. The sound of her own voice has her shocked.

"It was bound to happen."

She hated how casual you sounded about it all, how you tried to swallow back the tremor in your voice.

"No it fucking wasn't." She's lost control now. She snaps at you despite the fact that she knows she shouldn't be doing that but she can't help it because she's so scared. "I could've gotten us out, I shouldn't have been..."

She trails off when she sees the look in your eyes. Even now it's still soft and loving and she wants to hold you forever. Instead she pulls you in for a hug. Tight, but gentle. Your hearts are beating against one another, like a perfectly tuned macine.

"It's okay. I'm still me."

She's breaking down now. She can feel how hard you're fighting to stay in this body for just a second longer.

"I love you, Anby."

She can feel herself shaking and trembling, swallowing back her sobs as she whispers out the last words you'll hear- right before piercing her blade through your still-human chest. You slump over, head in her shoulder, a ghost of a smile on your face as she sobs into your still body.

"I love you."

── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────

let us love for another day more ☆ grace howard x reader

Perhaps it was time to put it all to rest. Maybe she had taken it too far this time. You had warned her not to get to carried away at night with her experiments and she keeps brushing you off, promising to be home soon... soon... soon.

You grew sick of waiting for her, so one night you decide to venture off to Belobog Industries on your own. She's been spending too much time with her robots (or her children, as she likes to call them) and staying out this late in New Eridu is always unsafe. So you drive to her, but on your way there you find yourself lost. The surroundings grow unfamiliar, and you feel a cold chill down your spine when you realise your situation.

You've fallen into a hollow.

Grace realises far too late that you're not picking up her calls, and that her messages aren't going through. She panics as soon as she realises, calling Koleda in a frantic rush. They woke Phaethon up at 1 in the morning (frankly, both of them we're still awake so was it really waking them up?). She follows the Bangboo into the hollow, Koleda tailing her.

"Seriously, sis, why didn't you just let her know you would be home soon?"

"Not the time, Koleda."

Koleda pauses when she hears her name slip out of Grace's lips. No pet name, no 'sis' or 'sweet pea'. 'Koleda'. Grace is scared. Her usual, lighthearted self now replaced with a pale, worried and shaky demeanour that has Koleda growing anxious too.

"She's okay, seriously."

"GRACE-!"

The Phaethon's panicked voice causes her to jump, she turns around, quickly identifying the source of the sound. Her heart drops at the sight.

The Bangboo is crouched next to this figure, who is slumped over next to their car. Grace could recognise that figure from fucking anywhere because that's you. That's her fucking wife. A pang of guilt hits her so hard she almost stumbles. She rushes towards you, picking up your limp body in her arms.

"Darling, baby, can you hear me? Are you okay?"

Your eyes fluttered open, breathing shallow as you looked up. A ghost of a smile forms on your face.

"Grace.. I made dinner for us.. at home.."

Your voice was weak, shaky and she can feel her throat closing up as she blinks back tears.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry baby-"

"Can you take me home?"

Koleda just stands to the side awkwardly, watching as Grace pulls your limp body close to her.

"Yes, let's go home, darling."

Grace knows the situation. Koleda knows the situation. Fuck, even Phaethon knows the situation. You're not making it home.

"I feel weird."

"I know, baby."

Grace pulls you onto her lap, your head resting against her chest as you struggle to breath properly. Ethereal matter is no joke, and Grace knows it too but right now she can't care that they're in a hollow with limited time. All she can think about is you.

"It's gonna be okay, just look at me?"

She can't even have it in her to remain calm, her words come out through her tears as she holds you closer. You can feel her regret through her actions, and you can feel her tears dripping down her face and onto the top of your head as she hugs you close.

"Grace... I wanna go home."

She breaks down now, sobbing messily as her cries echo through the night. She tells you false promises, tells you that you guys are going home. She tells you she will prepare a warm bath for you, and you guys can go to bed together, and sleep in the next day. She tells you it will be alright, and that she will make you breakfast tomorrow. You let out a content sigh, before closing your eyes.

Koleda takes this opportunity, watching you right as you turned to an Ethereal, and strikes it down. Grace can only watch as the rest of you fades from her arms into the air, hugging herself- as if clutching the remains of you to her heart.

── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────

my mistakes haunt my nights ☆ zhu yuan x reader

The day she became the captain of N.E.P.S. was essentially the day she devoted her life to protecting you and people like you. Each night she would come home with a grateful smile that she could come home to you. You spend the rest of the evening cooking dinner together, laughing, talking about whatever case she had going on that day and whatever stupid thing your boss had told you to do during work.

Zhu Yuan put you first. She always had put you first.

So the one time she doesn't, it comes back to get her.

The unpredictability of New Eridu meant that anyone could fall into a hollow any day. Zhu Yuan knew that, so did you. And you trusted that if it were to ever happen, she would find you. And she promised she would. And like predicted, You and other civilians had fallen into a hollow one day. And Zhu Yuan intends to fulfil her promise.

It was just a rescuse mission, save those who have fallen in hollows. The civilians they were after had already been saved, yet they kept mentioning 'someone who ran off'. Zhu Yuan clicks her tongue in annoyance.

"Another one who ran off?"

"Captain?"

She quickly picks up the walkie talkie. They had managed to get the first group out, leaving her and Qingyi trying to find the others.

"Yes?"

"W-we found the others, but..."

"What?"

"We're north of where you are now, you need to come, fast. It's- it's your wife, we think she's-"

She runs. She runs before he even finishes his sentence. She hears the fear in his voice and that fear is what they can't have on field because that fear is what breaks them. Qingyi follows her, right at her tail as they finally find the group of PUBSEC officers that stand with their guns pointed up.

"Captain, she's-"

"PUT THEM DOWN."

She feels her heart dropping when she sees the sight in front of her. You were curled up into a ball, looking pale and sickly and so scared of all the officers that had their guns pointed at you. Your eyes widened when you noticed Zhu Yuan.

"Zhu Yuan- please, they won't let me leave..."

Zhu Yuan's heart stutters in her chest as she approaches you slowly, dropping onto her knees in front of you. She can feel the tears pricking at her eyes because she knows she's too late. She's encountered innocent civilians turning into Ethereals, she learned to predict when it was too late and when there was still time left to save them but this.

"I just wanted to see you at work." You croaked out weakly, holding onto her jacket.

Never has she ever let people see her cry, or have her fellow officers see her in a moment of weakness but she can't hold back this time. She takes in a shaky breath, feeling her tears fall from her eyes as she takes off her glove, before putting a hand to your cheek. You sigh at the skin to skin contact, leaning into her touch and that simple act has her letting out a pained sob.

"I'm sorry, baby-"

She wasn't fast enough. If she had come earlier, you wouldn't have ran to try to help the civilians. Curse you- curse you and your stupidly kind heart and your need to help everyone. Zhu Yuan just wants you to be selfish for once because if you're selfish then you would've still been here, smiling with the intention to go home.

"Are you going to kill me, Zhu Yuan?"

The fear in your voice is evident and Zhu Yuan shuts her eyes tight, taking in a deep breath as she pulls your head onto her lap. She moves a hand, gently stroking your hair. She feels the softness thread between her fingers, and you feel her tears drip onto your cheek.

"I just- wanted to see you."

You were shaking now, gripping onto her hand as if it's a life raft that could ground you, take you home.

"I don't want to die."

Zhu Yuan screws her eyes shut, biting down on her lip to prevent another sob from escaping but she can't stop her shoulders from quaking.

"Please..."

"I love you."

The words flow out of her, unstoppable. She knows this is the last time she can talk to you.

"I'm sorry I wasn't fast enough. I'm sorry, baby, I love you. I love you..."

"Zhu Yuan-"

Your words are hoarse and choked, your grip on Zhu Yuan's arm is so tight. She can feel your nails digging into her skin but she can't care about that in the moment.

"I don't want to die... please..."

"I love you-" she cries, moving to hold your hand tight "I love you, I'm sorry, I love you-"

And she can only watch in horror as you let out a sharp gasp, body freezing up as your eyes widened. And Qingyi steps in, firing a shot right through your head- right before you turned.

Officers could only stand and watch- another successful case, majority of the civilians rescued.

But at what cost?

She couldn't stop herself- she let out a scream, grabbing onto your body and holding it close as she sobbed out meaningless apologies that only fade into the night sky.

Zhu Yuan returned to an dark and empty home, cold and harsh. She takes off her jacket, now stained in your blood, and just stares at it. She stares, and stares, before her knees finally give out as she breaks into loud wails and sobs. She clutches the jacket close, it's the last of you she can hold onto. But also a painful reminder of why it's all she has left.

── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ────

#zzz #zenless zone zero #zenless zone zero fic #zzzero #ellen joe x reader #anby demara x reader #grace howard x reader #zhu yuan x reader #zzz thoughts #zzz x reader #zzz angst #no happy ending guys #ellen joe #anby demara #grace howard #zhu yuan

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coolemmasulivan2 · 3 months ago

Text

Clumsy Woman

Pairing: Rúben Dias x Reader

Summary: Your boyfriend doesn't like how clumsy you are, afraid you might seriously injure yourself.

Word count: 1976

Can't pretend to understand I'll be here to hold your hand I will wait for you, I will wait for you

You had been clumsy from a young age. Falling from trees, falling off bicycles, or simply tripping over your own feet seemed to be your speciality. It was during one of these graceful performances that you met your boyfriend, Ruben. You were barreling toward a magnificent face-plant when his strong arms caught you, saving you from certain embarrassment.

"I want to paint that wall!" You announced over breakfast one morning, your eyes sparkling with determination. "A deep blue, maybe."

Ruben raised an eyebrow, glancing between you and the wall. "That bookshelf has to go first." He pointed out. "It's heavy. We can do it together this weekend." He kissed your forehead and grabbed his keys. "I have to go!"

"Bye." Your attention was still on the wall and Ruben knew what you were thinking.

"Don't do it!" He called out as he reached for his bag. "Wait for me."

"But it's my day off!" You protested, already picturing the transformed wall. "I can at least start." Ruben gave you a look. "Fine." He gave you one final kiss on the lips and then left for training.

You didn't like to stay still at home. There was always a compulsion to be busy, so when boredom crept in, your eyes fell on the wall, then the bookshelf. Maybe it wasn't that difficult. With a burst of energy, you dashed out the door to buy the paint and everything you needed to paint the wall.

At home, you slip into old clothes and turn up the music. The bookshelf was packed with your books and Ruben's trophies. He'd be furious if he saw you right now, but you would prove you could handle it alone.

The bookshelf, a dark wood monster that dominated the room, had been a custom order. You started by emptying it, a task that required more muscle than expected. Then came the acrobatics. With much effort, you managed to slide a rug under one end. But as you attempted to repeat the same on the other side, disaster hit. Your hands slipped and the bookshelf came crashing down on your bare foot. A scream ripped through you as pain exploded.

"Don't do it!" Ruben's words echoed in your head. He was so going to kill you.

With a grunt of effort, you lifted the bookshelf off your foot. Pain shot through you as you collapsed to the floor, cradling your injured limb. It looked horrific, swollen and red. Trying to stand was a mistake, as a fresh wave of agony crippled you. You couldn't walk.

"Oh God, oh God!" Panic set in. Your phone was fumbled out of your pocket. You needed help, and you needed it now. Ruben wouldn't be home for hours. Calling an ambulance was the only option.

Ruben stepped into the locker room, and he heard the insistent vibration of his phone. "That thing hasn't stopped ringing." Bernardo commented, a grin spreading across his face.

Ruben's brow furrowed as he glanced at the caller ID. It was Lily, your best friend. "Hey, Lily, everything okay?"

"Hi Ruben, sorry to bother you, but I was supposed to meet Y/N at your place, and she’s not there and a neighbour mentioned seeing an ambulance at your building." His blood ran cold. "Do you know what happened?"

"I can't believe her!" His voice rose in frustration. "She wanted to paint the wall, the one with the bookshelf. I told her not to touch it!" A wave of dread washed over him.

"She probably didn't listen. Oh God." Lily knew you better than anyone. Your stubborn independence was legendary. "I've tried calling her, but no answer."

"Let me take a shower really quick and then I'll call you back."

Bernardo and Walker exchanged concerned glances. "What's going on, man? Your girl in trouble again?" Walker asked, his tone laced with disbelief.

"Looks like it!" Ruben replied, his voice rough. "She can't stay out of trouble for five minutes. Fuck." He desperately searched for the contact of his friend Eric who worked at the hospital. He answered on the fourth ring.

"Hey, mate, what's up?"

"Eric, man, sorry to bother you, I know you're working, but I need a huge favour." Ruben rushed out, his voice was laced with urgency.

"Shoot!" Eric replied, his tone professional.

"Can you check if Y/N was admitted to the hospital? I think she might have had an accident. Again." He quickly explained the situation, his voice rising with each word. Eric promised to check and call back in a few minutes.

"I'm gonna be quick in the shower." Ruben said, turning to his friends. "If Eric calls, can you answer? Please." Walker and Bernardo nodded.

He'd never showered so fast in his life. Emerging a few minutes later, Bernardo was already on the phone.

"I'll tell him, thanks, Eric," Bernardo said, hanging up.

Ruben's heart pounded in his chest. "So?"

"She's there. Broken foot, but she's okay." Bernardo reported.

"For fuck's sake."

You rolled your eyes as Ruben burst into the hospital room. His face was a mask of irritation. Lily, who'd arrived earlier, squeezed your hand in silent support before stepping back.

"Seriously, Y/n?" Ruben’s voice was dripping with disbelief. "I told you to stay put."

"I'm fine, thanks for the concern." You replied, your tone dripping with sarcasm. You loved him and knew he was worried, but sometimes it felt suffocating.

"A broken foot means you’re not." He disagreed. "Can’t you just stay still for one day?"

You didn’t want to argue, especially as he seemed to have woken up on the wrong side of the bed. "I’m a grown woman, Ruben. I don’t need you to tell me to sit still."

"Well, you don’t act like one. Sometimes I feel like I’m dating a child." His response was harsh and unexpected.

Shock washed over you. Had he really just said that?

"Maybe you should break up with this child then. I wouldn’t want to keep the great Ruben Dias from the real women in the city." You retorted, your voice trembling with anger.

He ran his hand through his hair, frustration etched on his face. He knew his words had been cruel, but his worry often manifested in this way. But breaking up with you was the last thing he wanted.

"You know that’s not what I meant-- what are you doing?" He began, but you cut him off as you tried to stand, to reach for the crutches. He pushed you back down, but you quickly pushed his hand away.

"Lily, can you take me home, please?" You asked, ignoring Ruben completely.

Lily, who had been a silent observer, helped you up.

"I can take you home!" Ruben offered.

"I don’t want you to take me home." You replied coldly. "You don’t have a car seat for a child, remember?"

Using crutches was something familiar. This wasn’t your first rodeo. You had broken other body parts before.

In the car, Lily broke the tense silence. "You know he’s just worried about you."

"I know, but that doesn’t give him the right to treat me like a child. "He has known since the beginning how clumsy I am. If he can’t handle it, maybe we shouldn't be together."

"Don’t say that!" Lily replied, her voice firm. "You two can't live without the other." Through the rearview mirror, you saw Ruben’s car following you. "I know it’s hard, but try to understand his point of view."

You looked away, trying to focus on anything but the conversation. You knew Lily was right. Ruben loved you, and his overprotectiveness came from that love. But it was hard to accept when it felt like he was suffocating you.

As the car pulled up to your apartment building, you felt a pang of sadness hit you. Lily opened your door, and carefully you stepped out. "Thanks for everything, Lily. I really appreciate it."

She smiled. "Anytime, Babe! Call me if you need anything, okay?"

You nodded and the the help of the clutches you walked towards the building entrance. As you turned around, you saw Ruben's car waiting for the garage door of the building to open up. You hesitated, looking at his car for a long moment before turning and going inside.

When you entered the house, you realised that your books were scattered like confetti, Ruben's trophies were still on the dining table, and the monstrous bookshelf stood there, a mocking presence in the room. It was impossible to clean it up. Not with your foot like that.

A few minutes later, Ruben entered the house and he looked around it. You were nowhere to be seen, but by the sound of the water running, he knew you were taking a shower. Without his help.

What if you fell? He shocked the thought out of his head. You needed space and he was going to give it to you. Kind of.

Jumping from the shower with only one foot and the other in the air, you dried yourself and put on your pyjamas. You felt like everything was hurting, but you had to prove a point to Ruben. You could do things alone without needing his help.

As you opened the bedroom door, the smell of the food hit you and your belly made a noise, not realising how starving you were. However what surprised you the most was not Ruben cooking but the fact the bookshelf was no longer on the wall that you wanted to paint, but the wall in front of it, with all his trophies and your books. Everything was really clean and the small lamp you had on the corner where you sat reading was welcoming.

The table was set, and Ruben was busy tossing salad at the kitchen island. When he saw you emerge from the bedroom, he paused, his expression softening.

"How are you feeling?" His voice was gentle, laced with concern.

You met his gaze with a cold stare. "Fine."

You grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge, walking around the kitchen with surprising ease on your crutches. Ruben watched your movements with a mixture of relief and worry.

He sighed, setting down the salad bowl. "Can we talk?"

You scoffed. "Are you sure you want to do that? You think talking to a child is easy?" Your voice was sharp, but a pang of hurt shot through you as the words left your lips.

Ruben rinsed his hands and pulled out two chairs. Gently, he guided you to one and sat down across from you. His hands rested lightly on your bare legs. "I'm so sorry for calling you a child. I didn't mean it like that, and you know it."

You looked away, unable to meet his gaze. "It still hurt." You mumbled.

"I know, I know. I've been overprotective." He admitted. "But every time you get hurt, it feels like my heart stops. I worry about you constantly. But calling you a child was wrong, and I'm truly sorry."

Your anger was slowly dissipating. You couldn't stay mad at him for long. He always knew how to break through your walls. "You're an idiot if you think this is the last time I'll hurt myself." You retorted, trying to sound tough.

He chuckled softly. "Let me be an idiot, then. I love you, you know that, right?"

Ruben's eyes held yours. Slowly, he leaned forward, his hand reaching out to gently cup your face. Your heart pounded in your chest as his gaze lowered to your lips.

With a hesitant touch, his lips met yours. It was a soft and passionate kiss. As the kiss deepened, you felt a surge of relief and happiness wash over you. In that moment, nothing else mattered.

A small smile crept onto your face. "I know. I love you too."

#footballer x reader #footballer imagine #football imagine #footballer x y/n #ruben dias #ruben dias x reader #ruben dias x you #ruben dias x y/n #ruben dias imagine #rúben dias

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ma1dita · 8 months ago

Note

🐥 a lil something for jason grace? just yk him meeting hephaestus!reader for the first time at camp half blood and she's this bubbly girl who befriends everyone cuz that's just how she is and like she offers everyone solutions to material problems like aphrodite kids with vanity mirrors that light up on their own, apollo kids with medical kits that look small outside but has TONS of storage, demeter kids with self watering pots, etc

reader gives him a welcome gift (leo and piper too), a compact watch sword thingy like percy's and jason's like new to this bcs all his life he's been treated like a prince in waiting, a leader most of the time and he hasn't had anyone do something for him cuz its usually him doing things

ooh and a lil bit of leo valdez teasing him bcs of him blushing when she's around cuz reader is his sister basically, same dad and all

Thank you and happy bday again!

🐥🐥🐥🐥🐥

jason grace x hephaestus!reader

a/n: this was so cute but pls lmk if i got his character right...i had to reference my irl pjo bestie for this i love this boy

wc: 766

Jason Grace thinks you talk too much.

And too fast. It’s one of the first things he noticed about Camp Half-Blood weirdly enough, besides the nagging feeling that he didn’t belong there. There wasn’t so much as a day where he wouldn’t see you whizzing past campers offering to tinker items to make their lives easier, and he could barely keep up—which says a lot for a boy raised to be a soldier.

It was like you set everything alight, and the flames you left in your midst could not be tamed; everyone was enamored by you, and admittedly, so was he. The son of Jupiter was sure his brain had short-circuited along with everything else going on but all of his worries were dashed when you presented him with a wristwatch shield.

Jason blinks slowly.

“Are you listening? Do you like it? I can change the finish on it or scrap it completely if you don’t think it’s cool, or maybe it's too big? Let me see your wrist—Jace?”

You wave your hand in his face before grabbing his arm, encircling his wrist with the metal links to make sure your creation fits him comfortably.

Too torn between the predicament of being raised by fucking wolves and training for a war that no one knows the start date of, Jason Grace has not had too much time to acquaint himself with the matters of the heart. So in his eyes, this poor sweetheart thought your welcome gift was the equivalent of a marriage proposal, or something like that…

Your half-sibling Leo thought this was hilarious of course, his teasing grin stoking the fire in the pit of Jason’s stomach when he asked to see it. The blond boy was gentle with your gift, shaking his head at the notion that it meant anything, that you were just kind to everyone, and nothing about it whatsoever makes him special.

Okay buddy…

So of course when you came to confront him about Leo’s taunting that had reached all of the inhabitants of cabin 9 (and the armory, and the counselors, and even Chiron and Mr. D—the biggest gossips of Camp Half-Blood), Jason Grace, a boy who usually has his shit together, was reduced to the phenomenon of being an embarrassed teenager with a crush.

You were standing a little too close for his liking and even if he towered over you, the blaze in your eyes could incite fear in the gods.

“Just because I'm nice and do things for you doesn’t mean that I like you, Jason Grace,” you say adamantly as you cross your arms over your chest. He notices the smudge of soot on your cheekbone, and thinks it looks quite pretty against your complexion.

“Of course.”

“I gave you the wristwatch shield as a welcome gift,” you say next, to which he nods since it’s a fact.

“Of course, I didn’t mea—”

“I mean you’re always protecting others, so I thought someone should protect you for a change,” you mutter, watching him scratch the nape of his neck as your smile spreads like gasoline touched by a lit match. He can’t help but embrace the burn (His serious demeanor is broken by the smile on his face, so big that it almost hurts).

“But you are right, I do like you. Suppose we’ll have to do something about that.”

Thinking hard about the confession that left your mouth, you look like you’re working through a methodical problem to solve— finding the missing piece to a puzzle instead of making the son of Jupiter's face heat up like a thousand suns. He reckons there’s an ambush inside of him as something starts to work harder than usual, not his brain overridden by battle tactics and that of survival— but his heart, beating fast like a well oiled machine (and more importantly like a normal teenage boy).

Jason reaches out to rub the soot away from your cheek, but when you pull him in by the collar of his shirt to kiss him, he finds himself to be stained by you all the same.

#jo's 23rd birthday bash ⋆｡°✩#jason grace x reader #pjo x reader #hoo x reader #jason grace fluff #made by ma1dita ♥︎#heroes of olympus x reader #for my gn babies (づ ◕‿◕ )づ

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waynes-multiverse · 9 months ago

Text

Rehab – Chapter 6

Series Summary: Thanks to Soldier Boy, the CIA was able to develop Project Bloom under the fierce leadership of Grace Mallory: a final cure to Compound V and a hopeful end to the supe epidemic three years after the explosive incident at Vought. A secret rehab facility in Upstate New York is supposed to help former heroes find their way back to humanity. The catch, though? Soldier Boy has never fucking agreed to any of this shit and is surely not happy about being powerless for the first time in his goddamn long life.

Pairing: Soldier Boy/Ben x Female!Reader

Warnings: +18, language, nudity/smut, a dash of fluff, a huge cup of angst & hurt

Word Count: 4.6k

A/N: This one reeks of drama, guys! I feel like I just came back to get yelled at... Welp, let the screaming begin! 😂

Feedback is my fuel 🖤

<< Chapter 5 || Main Masterlist || Series Masterlist

Chapter 6: bad things

“No, no, no! Don’t shoot him! He did nothing wrong!”

The desperate exclamation rings in Ben’s ears, loops through his mind in circles. His muscles freeze, don’t dare to move or even twitch. His breathing stills; his heart pounds like it never has before. A violent thunderstorm in his chest. It’s so loud he almost forgets he’s not bulletproof anymore as he stares down the barrels of three guns. Then he remembers neither is Y/N.

She’s not his goddamn shield. She could get hurt, and the thought causes the blood in his veins to jitter. He can’t lose her.

His feet begin to move and shuffle in front of her, pushing her gently behind his shoulder. Y/N slots behind him and firmly takes his hand. He can feel her eyes on him, but with one brave swallow, Ben just faces the threat and concentrates on the problem in front of him, ignoring his wildly beating heart.

“Y/N, what the fuck happened here?” Derek prompts, brow creased in stern confusion before his eyes land on the lifeless human body by their feet. “Is he–” The nurse doesn’t finish the question, just stares some more at the corpse on the ground, trying to piece the puzzle together as he waves the gun in front of Ben’s face, which causes some general uneasiness in his gut. Fear of dying is an entirely new concept to the former supe, to say the least.

“Uh-huh, yeah, pretty sure,” Y/N confirms and swallows harshly, unnoticeably squeezing Ben’s hand. “I-I killed him.”

“You? Really?” Derek cocks an eyebrow in clear disbelief while Ben’s heart jumps wildly in his chest. He can hardly believe it either that she’d take the fall for him. Who in their right mind would do such a thing? “Is that what I’m gonna find on the security camera footage?” the nurse questions further.

“Shit,” Y/N curses, and it almost sounds like a damn sneeze by the sheer force of it. “Forgot about that…”

Ben’s green eyes wander up to the ceiling, finding several cameras resting peacefully above, tucked away in dark corners like spiderwebs. How has he never noticed them before? Have they really been there all this time?

“Okay, fine,” Y/N admits with a frustrated sigh as her defense crumbles like an unstable house of cards around her. “But what you are gonna see on that footage is Colt assaulting me, alright? He tried to rape me. Ben just came in time. He fucking saved me.”

He fucking saved me.

Ben stares at her as if he can’t quite believe it himself before witnessing the first dark purple bruise form on her upper arm. That bastard. Then anger boils in his chest once more, swapping over the edge of the pot into his throat. He’d kill the guy who dared to hurt her all over again. No regrets.

“Did you really have to kill him? Couldn’t just knock him out and let us fucking handle the rest, huh?” Derek barks with a brow of annoyance this time.

“Got carried away,” Ben mutters in defense and clears his throat, locking his jaw tight.

“Carried away, hm? Typical,” the nurse spits, unamused and impatient. “Powers or not, you fucking supes think you can do whatever the fuck you want. Never care about collateral damage or anyone else. It’s always about you. News flash, buddy – in the real world, we just don’t go around and fucking kill people!”

Ben shares a quick look with Y/N and licks his lips, swallowing thickly. What is the best course of action here? The nurse seems pissed, and he guesses threats won’t help, least of all empty ones. Thinking back to therapy, one idea suddenly pops into his mind.

“Look, I’m-, uh, I’m sorry,” Ben admits, albeit it’s a lie to keep him alive. Again, no regrets. But Dr. Morgan’s ‘an apology goes a long way’ rattles through his head, even though he’s aware people never truly forgive. And as he learned a long time ago, every good lie always contains an ounce of truth. That’s what ultimately sells it as believable. “I lost control for a second. I-, uh… I didn’t like seeing her get hurt by that fucking dick, alright?”

Derek’s eyes fix on Y/N, keeping contact for what feels like a goddamn eternity. Are the two of them holding a silent conversation? But Ben knows they’re friends, and judging by the nurse’s look of concern, he doesn’t approve of Y/N getting hurt either. As much as the staff seems to hate him, everyone loves Y/N here, which ultimately might be his saving grace. It’s all about checks and balances in life.

And then, with a somewhat irritated eye roll, the nurse lowers his gun and gestures for his colleagues to do the same. Sighs of relief leave both Y/N and Ben as the tension disappears with the immediate death threat, their shoulders falling.

“You guys can go,” Derek tells his companions. “I’ll handle it.”

The two other nurses nod in unison and vanish down the corridor again, probably to resume their earlier posts. Ben’s still not sure if they aren’t actually CIA and the medical training is just a sham like everything else in this rehab center. He’s slowly starting to catch on.

“You know I have to report this back to Mallory,” Derek announces then, drawing the attention back to him.

“Please, you can’t do that. You know what will happen then. They hate him,” Y/N reasons, and Ben tries not to be offended by her honesty. Truthfully, he’s pretty sure as well that he ain’t the government’s favorite person on this planet.

“Just out of curiosity… what exactly will happen then?” Ben dares to ask, although he can take a good guess. Still, he’d like to have all his facts straight before pondering his next move.

“Chair,” Derek shoots straight without missing a beat, not an ounce of sympathy gleaming in his eyes.

“Or lethal injection if they feel gracious,” Y/N murmurs bitterly.

Yup, Ben guessed correctly.

“But he didn’t do anything wrong. He doesn’t deserve to get punished for it,” Y/N insists. It warms his cryo-frozen heart that she’s fighting for him. Has anyone ever done that before? He can’t remember, but it certainly feels good. “If Mallory finds out, she’s gonna use it as an excuse to get rid of him. God knows she’s been waiting for that chance probably since he got here.”

“And what the fuck do you want me to do about it?” Derek twitches his shoulders high.

“Lie,” Y/N suggests bluntly. “Just tell her I killed the guy after he attacked me and delete the footage. She won’t care if it was me. Hell, she never cared enough before when someone died. She won’t care now either.”

“She might if she finds out he was involved,” Derek counters and motions to the ancient superhero.

“Well, as far as you’re concerned, he was never here, alright?” Y/N asserts and stubbornly folds her arms over her chest to make her stance clear. She won’t budge. She’s a headstrong one, after all.

Derek seems to know that fact as well and heaves an exhaustive sigh. Another eye roll follows. “Fine,” he grits. “I’ll deal with the body. Clean him up,” the nurse orders grimly and then stomps down the hallway.

Returning with a first-aid kit, Y/N closes the door of her room behind her, finding the fallen supe and former hero sitting idly on the edge of her bed.

He’s twisting and playing with his thumb in his lap before one finger reaches for the split bottom lip and collects a drop of blood on it. He hisses and then frowns at the scarlet red stain on his pad, the tip of his tongue darting out to lick at the wound and surely being able to taste the iron. Fascinated with what his green eyes find, his fingers continue to play with the injury, although it seems to burn, judging by the various flinches of his facial muscles.

“Feels weird, huh?” Y/N joins him with an amused smile, settling down next to him on the mattress. His eyes land on her as he rests his hands back into his lap and watches as she dabs some disinfectant on a cotton ball.

“A little,” Ben admits sheepishly and winces when the rubbing alcohol connects with his open wound. He tries to swat her hand away, but Y/N remains stubborn and unbothered by his action.

“Hold still and stop being a baby,” she orders him, giggling. “Accepting medical help doesn’t turn you into a girl.”

“I’m not a–… Fine.” Ben sighs his defeat and allows her to patch him up. Admittedly, it feels kind of nice to be cared for, especially by the girl he likes – a soldier and his nurse. He determines he can live with that mental image.

Once his lip stops the bleed, she proceeds to wrap an ice pack in a clean dish towel and holds it up to the left side of his face.

He huffs. “I don’t need that fucking shit.”

“Your black eye heavily disagrees with you there, stud.” Y/N giggles, a teasing smile playing on her lips as if she finds the whole torture damn amusing.

Ben pops an eyebrow in bewilderment. “I’ve got a black eye?”

“Yep, big one, too,” she confirms and gently brushes a few strands of sandy blond locks out of his face. She then grabs a small handheld mirror from her bedside table and holds it up for him.

Gobsmacked, he studies his face, pinches and squeezes the skin between his fingers, and causes deep wrinkles in his brow like someone who’s stuck in the wrong body. Freaky Friday.

“Fuck me.” He gasps in fascination and snorts. “I’ll be damned...”

Y/N grins, amused. “You look like you’ve been in a real fight, champ. First one?”

“In this century, yeah.” Ben chuckles softly, nodding. “First one was in my sophomore year, 1934.”

“Wow.” Y/N whistles lowly and laughs. “Sometimes I forget how old you truly are. Lemme guess, you got into a fight over a girl?”

Ben smirks widely. “Now, how did you know?”

“Seems to be a common theme for you,” Y/N muses and chews on her lower lip, her cheeks heating up even in the darkness of the room. Lowering the ice pack from his face, her fingertips gently trace the swelling. His skin feels sufficiently cold to the touch. “That should help for now,” she determines and sends him a smile. “Thanks for saving me. You might not have been a true hero back in the day, but you certainly were mine tonight.”

Ben swallows hard at that and wets his lips, head bobbing in pensive rhythm as he averts his gaze to the fluffy rug under his bare feet. “Well… Wouldn’t have been necessary. It was my goddamn fault, after all. If I hadn’t–… Well, I-I guess what I’m trying to say is… I shoulda known better. I’m sorry, Y/N. Honestly. I’m truly sorry.”

Y/N nods quietly next to him, accepting his admission of guilt and the included apology. Truthfully, she thought the day would never come that the Soldier Boy who slumbers deep inside of him would ever admit to any wrongdoing, but she knows better than letting her surprise show. “Why did you provoke him?”

Ben presses his lips tightly together and shakes his head, his Adam’s apple bobbing harshly with the words he’s swallowing down as he refuses to answer. Y/N’s hand reaches out and settles on his shoulder blade, tenderly caressing his back. Ben grabs it and kisses her knuckles apologetically. “I suppose monsters can’t escape the skin they’re in. I’m a fucking asshole. There’s not much more to it.”

“Yeah, true. You can be a real asshole,” Y/N agrees with a laugh, playfully teasing him. He meets her gaze with a raised look, hoping there’s more to her statement, though. “But you’re also a lot of other things, too,” she adds finally.

Ben swallows, keeping his green eyes fixed on her with a gleam of curiosity. “Like what? Mind naming a few ‘cause I don’t really know who I am. Not anymore.”

Y/N bobs her head and rests her chin on top of his broad shoulder, offering him a smile while her fingers brush through his soft hair. “I do. I know who you are.”

“Yeah?” Ben finds her eyes and cocks an eyebrow. “Could you by any chance enlighten me as well? Help a fella out here, huh.”

“Well, for starters… You’re an incredibly bad singer. Like, really, really, really awful. Disastrously lousy,” Y/N teases him, to which Ben rolls his eyes and pouts his lips, which hide a smile behind it. “Most of all, I honestly wish you’d stop singing that damn Cass Elliot song.”

“It’s an awesome song! Your generation just doesn’t know how to appreciate great music anymore,” Ben grumbles defensively. “This is truly the reason why the world’s going to shit…”

“Oh, we do, old man. I’m all for the classics – just as long as you’re not singing them.” Y/N laughs and presses a soothing kiss to his cheek to balance her criticism. “But you’re funny. I’ll give you that.”

His face lights up at her words like a kid’s on Christmas morning, the pout disappearing. “Yeah? You know Bob Newhart once wanted me to perform with him,” he boasts.

“Oh, I bet he did,” Y/N replies with a smile and doesn’t let him catch on to her little act. “You’d probably would’ve stolen the show. You’re hilarious.“

His cheeks blush at her words, and he subtly tries to get rid of the sudden fluster by clearing his throat. “So, uh, what else?”

“You’re a great lover.” Y/N smirks, and he matches it. “Fantastic, truly. You rock my world like no one else does.”

“Yeah? I mean… damn right, I do.” Ben grins widely, his large palm running up her thigh and squeezing the flesh as he cheekily wiggles his eyebrows. “And I guess you’re easy to please, sweetheart,” he adds and shrugs her compliment off with feigned coolness, but his impossibly reddening cheeks give away his true feelings on the subject.

Y/N then swallows, looking into his juniper eyes. “You’re also a very caring man,” she admits and catches the surprise in his orbs. “If you want to be… sometimes… under certain circumstances…”

Ben snorts, chuckling. “Okay, got it.”

“You really are my hero,” Y/N repeats her earlier sentiment then, and before she can overthink and change her mind again, she leans closer and presses her lips against his, catching him off guard. Her heart jolts out of her chest.

A moment ticks away on the clock.

Ben counts each second until he reaches eleven, surprised his brain even works that well with all the fireworks exploding in his ribcage. He cherishes every second, too scared to fully kiss her back in case it scares her away.

Still, she draws back all on her own and retreats, a breathless smile dancing across her moonlit features. The tip of her nose nudges his as she rests her forehead on his, encouraging him to go on.

“You sure?” Ben checks. She nods with eagerness, and like lightning, his palms cup her cheeks like a treasured pearl, fingertips tracing the outline of her mouth. His lips crash against hers like a stormy wave hitting a rocky cliff – violent, ambitious, and wild.

His lungs wring for oxygen as he swallows and sucks her plush bottom lip between his. She opens her mouth wider for him, allows his tongue to slip inside and taste her. He savors every drop like a parched man finding water in the desert.

His hands roam. One lands on the back of her neck, the other on her waist. He pulls till she falls into his lap and straddles his legs as he explores her warm cavity with his wet lips and his thick tongue, ignoring the stings his wound causes. She’s salt, but the urge to keep kissing her, devouring her, is stronger than any pain that surges through his body.

Then, he stops and swallows the biggest lump of a lifetime, swallows like he’s never swallowed anything before. He takes a deep breath and says, close to a whisper, “I love you, Y/N. I really do.”

Y/N makes him feel happy, makes him feel like a kid again, like flying could be possible. Like everything could be possible. Maybe he could prove himself to the CIA and Mallory. He’s done great on his outings so far. No body count or outbursts. Maybe the two of them could get out of the clinic together. Maybe they could have a future together, after all. Things can change. He could change.

Ben smiles from ear to ear, his heart full of love. A love that’s visible in every crease on his face and tangible in every bone of his body.

“Ben…”

His happy smile fades like a ghost and joins the dead as he witnesses the rainbow of sheer horror and regret spreading on Y/N’s face. He pushed the wrong button, and now it’s all going nuclear.

“I think you should go,” she says quietly and averts her gaze.

“Go?” Ben’s brow furrows as he scoffs, nostrils flaring with a mix of anger and disbelief. “You’re not gonna say it back, even though–“

“Even though what, Ben?!” she snaps. “Even though I told you a thousand times what this was? Even though you knew we’d never be more?”

“But–“

“No! No buts!” Y/N’s voice is louder now as it fills with anger. She jumps up from the bed and starts pacing the room. Her throat closes. Her heart pounds a million beats. It suddenly feels like some supe sucked all the air out of the room, and now there’s no oxygen left to breathe. Desperately, she runs a hand through her hair and looks at Ben. “You don’t even know what love is. Let’s face it – the only person you ever loved was you and only you.”

Ben clicks his tongue and rubs a palm through his beard. Then, he rises from the bed and walks to the door. He knows when he’s not wanted. He knows when it’s time to leave. And yet, he still tries. If anything, he’s always been a fighter, even when the world didn’t appreciate it.

Resting his hand on the doorknob, Ben takes one last deep breath and glances back at Y/N. “You sure you can’t love me? Not even a little?”

He knows the answer, knows what the truth really is. He’s unlovable. Maybe he’s also a masochist and takes pleasure in torturing himself. Or maybe he’s simply a hopeless romantic – old-school.

Y/N sighs and shakes her head, her voice bitter. “No. I don’t love you. No one can.”

Ben’s fought battles, other superheroes, parents, ex-lovers, and friends. It’s not the first time he’s hearing this, either. Yet, it still hurts the most.

“Okay.” Ben nods in defeat and harshly swallows down the hurt in his entire body. “I guess thank you for your honesty then.” He forces a weak smile to his lips. “You’re wrong, though, by the way… I do know what love is.”

As the door closes behind the broken former supe, Y/N realizes what she’s done. She wants to run after him, tell him she’s a better liar than him, and nothing of what she’s said was the truth. That she’s never been happier than when she’s with him. That she wants everything that he wants. That she does love him for fuck’s sake.

But why should she give him false hope and placate him? He’s had enough of that his whole life. It’s better to rip the band-aid off right now. There’s no future for them. That’s the real lie. The CIA will never let him go. Y/N knows that, and Ben should know it, too. He deserves to know.

So, she stays mum and lets him go.

The rational part wins in the end and keeps her feet frozen to the ground, even though it shatters her heart.

Fourteen hours, thirty-three minutes, and fifty-one seconds.

That’s how much time has passed since Ben left her room last night. That’s also how long Y/N has thought about their conversation, replayed it bit by bit in an endless loop.

It’s also the same amount of time that regret could fester in her heart.

Maybe the world isn’t black and white, after all. Maybe it’s okay to live in the gray. Maybe it’s even healthy to hope. Maybe it’s essential for a human’s survival.

Y/N’s knuckles knock on the door of Room 11 like she’s done so many times before. It almost feels like a full circle moment.

Five months ago, she could’ve never imagined becoming friends with the narcissistic asshole that resides in that room, much less falling head over heels in love with him.

Yet, here she is.

Her ears then pick up a set of strange noises, moans and groans that echo out into the hallway. Her stomach churns, her gut already knowing what’s happening inside before her brain and heart can catch on.

Determinedly, she opens the door and storms in. As expectedly, she finds the former green-eyed superhero standing at the end of his bed with blonde Daisy on all fours on the mattress. Needless to say, neither of the two is dressed.

Y/N’s mouth fills with spit – or bile – she can’t really tell. She wants to simultaneously scratch out her eyes and brand the memory into her brain as a reminder to never trust someone again. To never be this stupid again.

Far from stopping any action, Ben continues on with his movements as he recognizes her. He even looks her dead in the eye. If he’s taken aback by her presence or feeling caught, he doesn’t let it show. Instead, a wide, cunning and petty smirk spreads across his cheeks.

“Hey, sweetheart, c’mon, get in here,” he says and slaps Daisy’s rear with a wiggle of his eyebrows. “Join us,” he extends his invitation, his voice laced with something wicked and vile.

Y/N doesn’t respond. She might have even blacked out for a second because a minute later, the door is closed again, and she’s back in the hallway with no memory of how she got here.

Inhaling and exhaling a few million deep breaths, Y/N lets the calm wash over her and feels clearer than ever before. Clarity and closure. She’s finally got it.

She rips off the green bracelet around her wrist and pretends she doesn’t feel like the biggest idiot that ever walked this planet. Truly, she should thank him. It’s the push she needed.

“It’s time,” she decides.

As the door slams shut behind Y/N, Ben pulls out and mindlessly shoves the blonde back onto the bed. Everything went according to plan, but why doesn’t it feel good?

Revenge always made him feel better in the past. It always scratched the itch and patched the hole in his heart.

Y/N was supposed to get jealous, maybe even start a hot and wild catfight with Daisy over him. She was supposed to realize what she lost – what he was goddamn worth.

Instead, she looked sad, though, and he feels like utter shit.

The blonde is complaining and yapping about something as he gets dressed, but Ben doesn’t register a single word of what she says, his mind too focused on Y/N that everything else just sounds like white noise. Daisy then leaves angrily, but he doesn’t care, either.

Maybe this was a bad idea.

Eighteen hours, nine minutes, and forty-two seconds.

That’s how much time has passed since Y/N left his room and caught him red-handed. That’s how long he thought about what he’s done like the worst prison sentence in history. It’s the amount of time he’s decided to let things cool off. If there’s one thing he’s learned, it’s that neither of them are good when things get heated.

Ben knocks on her door, but instead of an answer, the door just gently falls open. As the century-old supe steps inside, he doesn’t recognize the room anymore.

Gone are the lively furniture and homey vibes. White walls, white floors, bleak windows, and an empty bed greet him.

Well, almost empty.

On the bed lies something Ben recognizes in an instant. It’s the green friendship bracelet he once gifted her, a piece of paper rolled inside of it like a scroll.

Bye, dude.

Ben crumbles the paper in his fist and throws it on the marbled linoleum, not wasting a second as he races to the nurses’ station and finds Derek.

“Where is she?” Ben snarls and plants his palms forcefully on the counter. God, does he wish he’d have his powers right now. He’d make the Earth shake in its core.

Derek, however, doesn’t even glance up from his trashy tabloid as he turns another page disinterestedly. “Where’s who?” “Y/N! Where is she? Her room is empty!”

That seems to catch Derek’s attention. He puts the magazine down and meets the former supe’s gaze. “Oh, uh, she left.”

“I know that. I can see that,” Ben grits patiently through his teeth. It’s hard being nice and polite when you truly want something. “When’s she coming back?”

The nurse wrinkles his brow. “Never,” he replies. “Didn’t she tell you? She finally left. For good. I say good for her. Was about time.”

Ben swallows. She left? Without him? Without saying goodbye? Without even telling him?

A part of him is happy for her. He wanted her to get out of the clinic and live her life to the fullest. If anyone deserved to, it was Y/N.

Another part, though, is shocked she left so easily without flinching. Without looking back and seeing him in the rearview mirror.

“Where’s she now? I need to see her. I need to tell her something,” Ben demands urgently. “Can you take me to her?”

“Nope, sorry. No more outings for you, Casanova,” Derek tells him. “Orders from the boss. With Y/N gone, you’re not allowed out anymore.”

“What?!” Ben stumps.

“Yeah, I know you didn’t realize this, but Y/N was protecting you. Without her, there’s no more privileges for you. Understood?” the nurse informs him indifferently.

Ben grinds his teeth, his furious green eyes locking on the door to the outside and then drift to the keycard hanging from the nurse’s white chest pocket.

Fast like a lightning bolt, Ben rips the card and makes a run for the exit. Screams for security, alarm bells, and red blinking lights start to fill the halls. But he’s almost made it. He’s so close to freedom, he can taste it on his goddamn tongue.

If he were naked and still had superpowers, it would feel like deja-vu.

Except the last time he broke free, no sea of arms slung around him and held him back. He screams and fights and shouts and hits. He can feel the cool prick of a needle in his jugular, feels the poison flood his veins.

And then, it all goes black.

Chapter 7: make up sex

I know, I know they're both idiots. What d'you want me to do about it, huh? "Fix it! Fix it!" Yes, I hear ya... 😘

Since it's been a few months, I'm renewing the tags. I still linked the old one for this part as not everyone surely caught that I'm back. Join the new tag list here!

TAGS:

Everything Jensen Tag: @akshi8278 @xlynnbbyx @lyarr24

Series Tag: @nancymcl

Old Series Tag: @deans-spinster-witch @iamsapphine @jessjad @suckitands33 @ladysparkles78 @spalady26 @zepskies @syrma-sensei @muchamusedaboutnothing @deansbbyx @stoneyggirl2 @zannemes @foxyjwls007 @leigh70 @fromcaintodean @roseblue373 @globetrotter28

#rehab #soldier boy #soldier boy x reader #soldier boy/ben #the boys season 3 #the boys #the boys fanfiction #soldier boy fanfiction #soldier boy x female reader #soldier boy x you #soldier boy x y/n #soldier boy smut #soldier boy fanfic

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yourwosogirly · 1 year ago

Text

Opposites do attract - Katie McCabe

Hope you like this @veteranwerewolf95

Word count : 1k

“Really, Katey bear, still asleep?”I sighed, as I walked back into my and Katie’s bedroom after having breakfast she was still fast asleep, snores escaping her.

She had been sleeping in a lot more than necessary for the Ireland captain after having jet lag from coming back from Australia so I had let her sleep in but I had to start getting ready and she still wasn’t awake.

I got back into bed, pulling the covers over us and I turned over to face her, it was kind of creepy as I was staring at her, but I was just admiring my girlfriend.

I cupped her face in my hands as she grumbled in her sleep her hand resting on the side of her face as she slept while I smiled, watching in cuteness.

It didn’t look like she would be able to awake from her slumber anytime soon so I would have to be the one to do it.

“Babycakes, wake up for me” I graced with a smile, lying on my side as I looked at her, brushing the hair out of her eyes.

I kissed her softly for a few minutes before I felt her kiss me back. I pulled away in shock giving her the chance to yawn her head off.

“Good morning” I smiled at her, stroking her jaw as she mumbled things I couldn’t quite catch onto.

“Babycakes?, really” she quirked an eyebrow at me for the weird names as I shrugged, it was silent got a moment before we both laughed, leaning against each other's bodies.

Clearly someone who wasn’t too happy to have been woken up on a Saturday morning . She turned away from me, flipping her phone over to see what the time read before moving to face me again.

“Ugh it’s so early” she complained, sitting up on the bed and laying her back against the headboard.

“Baby, it's 10:35” I reminded her as I sat on her lap and she pulled me closer and let her hands rest on my ass.

“So, what are we doing today?” I ask, smiling nuzzling my head into the crook of her tanned neck.

She wrapped her left arm around my shoulder, resting her chin on top of mine, giving my hairline a kiss.

“Sleep, hopefully” she mumbled into my hair and closed her eyes making me roll my eyes.

“Baby, we can’t sleep all day” I pulled away from her chest making her whine with a pout on her lips.

“Why not?”she groaned, dropping her head on my shoulder as I stroked her hair with a smile.

“Can we go shopping today?”I ask, moving her hair as I began to kiss her neck.

“No” she disagreed straight away, feeling tired and wanting to spend the day in bed, together.

But it was hard to disagree as she had to hide a moan while I kept sucking on her neck.

“Baby please” I looked up from where I was sucking on her collarbone with doe eyes which she tried to look away from.

“No” she forced out, struggling against me as I grabbed her chin, holding her in place.

“For me?”I gave her a sly smile knowing she couldn’t resist me.

“Fine” she gave in making me smile. I jumped up, peppering kisses all over her face as she giggled trying to push me away.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you” I grinned at her, I had meant to go for a shopping trip for a while now and getting to spend the day with Katie made it even better.

I jumped off the bed, running towards the wardrobe to find an outfit for me to wear leaving Katie in the comfort of our bed, alone.

“Wait, come back!”

A couple hours later

“Why did I agree to this?”Katie groans rubbing at her eyes as I dragged her through the shopping centre.

“Cause you love me” I turned round, giving her a cheeky smile and pulling her into a kiss.

“Damn right” she mumbled against my lips before I pulled away to walk to the next beauty shop ahead making Katie whine in displeasure.

“Cmon Kate, just a couple more shops and then we can go for some lunch yeah? How about subway?”I suggested, making her smile that I could only grace on her dashing face.

“Okay,” she sighed as I leaned up to kiss her cheek causing a blush to spread on her face and up her before we entered the shop.

Katie managed to survive the last shop, and by that I mean she stood in the corner, my shopping bags in her hands, complained about standing up but secretly undressed me with her eyes as she watched me try on clothes.

“Katie, what’s up?”I looked up at her, seeing her wrapping her arms around my waist.

“Can we go home now?”She asked, nibbling on my neck.

“Baby, we’re almost done”i told her, patting her right arm to let me go hearing a small whine making me chuckle .

“But Y/N, darling, baby, the love of my life, I’m tired, I hate shopping, everyone’s up my arse, I just wanna go home and be with you, and I’m hungry”she complained with a huff.

“Kate, this is the last shop okay? Then we can get some food and cuddle all you want but let me go”i said with a giggle, trying to push her away from me .

“Fine”she grumbled, letting me go as i headed over the lady who was helping me out .

“Sorry, she’s allergic to smiling”I told her apologetically as me and her, who’s name was Lucy, giggled .

“I heard that!”

“Okay, thank you, bye”i said to the lady’s working as me and Katie headed on of the shop . I turned to Katie as she wrapped her arm around my shoulder. or

“Ok I’m done now, we can go get some food” I smiled heading round the corner to the subway as I could practically see the hunger in her eyes.

“Finally” she mumbled as I hit her shoulder.

“Shut up, I know you secretly enjoyed it your just tired” I told her as she rolled her eyes with a smirk.

“Anything to make you happy” she hummed kissing the side of my head.

Once me and Katie sat down and got our food, she grabbed my hand across the table as I looked up at her.

“Hey babe?” she asked me.

“Yes my love?”I asked kissing her knuckles, knowing she was about to tell me something.

“You're the only girl that can make me smile” she mumbled as she looked down at the ground all flustered, suddenly gone shy.

“Aww, Katie bear, come here” I smiled in appreciation, I knew this was the way of showing that she loved me.

“I love you too” I hummed, breathing in her scent.

This was therapy to me for the Katie and ruesha news 😭😭

#woso x reader #woso fanfics #woso imagine #woso one shot #katie mccabe x reader #katie mccabe imagine #arsenal wfc x reader #arsenal wfc imagine

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bitchiswild · 1 year ago

Text

Tangled Hearts

Rosé x F!Reader

Warnings: mentions of abuse

Word Count: 3k

A/n: 💃🏼

Requested

My breaths came in ragged gasps, the rhythm matching the frantic beat of my heart as I dashed through the narrow, shadowy alleyways. Tears blurred my vision, the sting of the cold night air biting at my cheeks as I stumbled over uneven pavement. Fear pulsed through me—not just from the chilling wind but from the haunting memories that urged me to flee, to escape the suffocating grip of my abusive family.

It had taken every ounce of courage to slip away from their watchful eyes, to evade the torment that had been my everyday existence. The opportunity arose in a moment of reckless determination—I seized it, not knowing where it would lead, driven only by the desperate need to break free.

Each step felt like a desperate plea for freedom, carrying the weight of leaving behind the only life I'd ever known. My sobs merged with the distant sounds of the city, a symphony of chaos that mirrored the turmoil within me. Amidst my panic, there lingered a fragile hope—a belief that somewhere beyond these alleys, a chance for a new beginning awaited, a haven away from the pain and torment that had become my reality.

Exhausted, I stumbled onto a quieter street, leaning against a cold brick wall, clutching the worn fabric of my jacket. Tear tracks painted my cheeks, and my eyes, a mix of desperation and determination, scanned the unfamiliar surroundings.

I sat huddled in the alleyway, my head buried between my knees, tears mingling with a chaotic mix of sadness and relief. Amidst the suffocating darkness, a voice sliced through the night's silence, breaking into my desolation.

"Hello?"

Another voice, calm and cautious, attempted to dissuade the first. "Chaeyoung, I'm sure it's nothing. Let's go; it's dark."

"No, it might be an animal that's hurt," Chaeyoung insisted, her footsteps drawing nearer, their echoes reverberating against the walls.

The sudden flood of light made me flinch, the beams illuminating my distraught form. A gasp followed, and then the concerned voice spoke again, a blonde girl whom I now knew as Chaeyoung. "Oh my god, are you okay?"

Tears continued to stream down my face, my voice barely a whisper as I choked out my response. "No."

"Oh my god, Oh My God! Jennie, come here!" Chaeyoung's voice rose in urgency as she summoned someone named Jennie. Panic threaded through the atmosphere as I heard Chaeyoung instructing Jennie to call for an ambulance.

My heart raced, fear and anxiety intertwining as Chaeyoung's concern collided with my desperation. "No! Don't call anyone, please!" I pleaded, my voice tinged with urgency.

Chaeyoung's worried gaze softened, a reassurance lacing her words. "Hey, it's okay. No one's going to hurt you, I promise. I'll be by your side. We just need to make sure you're okay health-wise."

Her words held a soothing quality, a fleeting comfort in the midst of chaos. I studied her face, her features resembling that of an angel, an angel meant to rescue me from the darkness that had consumed my life. "What happened? Why are you here?" Chaeyoung's gentle voice broke through my thoughts.

The memories clawed their way back, causing my hands to tremble uncontrollably. "I-I ran away from my abusive family," I confessed in a hushed tone, the weight of my confession heavy in the chilly air.

"Do you want me to call the cops? You have evidence of abuse. And you don't need to worry because my family are lawyers," Chaeyoung offered, her determination evident, a glimmer of hope for justice in her words.

"You would do that for me? A stranger?" I questioned, the disbelief evident in my voice.

Chaeyoung extended her hand towards me, a warm smile gracing her lips. "Hi, my name is Park Chaeyoung, or Rosé, or Rosie. Take your pick."

Tentatively, I reached out, shaking her hand. "My name is Y/n Y/Ln, nice to meet you," I murmured softly, feeling a glimmer of gratitude spark within me.

"See? Now we aren't strangers. Let me help you," Chaeyoung reassured me, her words carrying a sincerity that echoed through the alley.

With a determined nod, Chaeyoung rose to her feet, extending her hand for me to grasp. I hesitated for a moment before accepting her offer, allowing her to help me up. As I stood, I felt a sense of newfound strength, a flicker of hope ignited by this unexpected encounter.

"Chaeyoung, the ambulance is here!" Jennie's urgent voice pierced through the night.

Rosé gently guided me out of the alley, away from the darkness that had been my refuge moments ago, toward the ambulance. The flashing red and blue lights cast an eerie glow, triggering waves of anxiety within me, but I fought to stay composed.

The EMTs conducted a thorough check-up, their verdict necessitating a trip to the hospital for further assessment. Fear laced my voice as I gripped Rosé's hand tighter, seeking reassurance in her presence. "Wait, Chaeyoung, come with me?" I asked, my nerves palpable.

"Of course," Rosé replied without hesitation, her unwavering support a beacon of comfort in the chaos.

She glanced at Jennie, concern etched on her face. "Will you be okay?" Rosé's concern for her friend was evident.

"I'll be okay, take care of her," Jennie assured us with a smile directed at me, offering a moment of solace before the doors of the ambulance closed, enveloping us in a cocoon of urgency.

As the ambulance began its journey to the hospital, Rosé remained by my side, her presence a lifeline amidst the uncertainty that lay ahead.

The doctor's words echoed in my mind, a stark reminder of the scars both visible and hidden. "Ms. Y/Ln, you have all the signs of abuse. Would you like to charge your family? I will give you time to think," the doctor's voice lingered, leaving a weighty silence in the room as they departed.

My hands instinctively covered my face as I wrestled with the gravity of the choice before me, Chaeyoung's reassuring presence a constant beside me.

"In my opinion, I do think you should sue them and throw them in the slammer," Chaeyoung spoke with a blunt honesty, her unwavering support evident in her words.

A shaky sigh escaped me, the weight of years of torment and anguish palpable in that moment. "You're right. I've dealt with this all my life. If they are still walking around, then I can't rest until they are gone," I confessed, determination firming my resolve as I made a decision that promised both liberation and closure.

The weight of that decision settled upon my shoulders, but with Chaeyoung's unwavering support, I felt a glimmer of hope—a belief that justice, however daunting, was within reach.

"I'll have my father deal with your case, do not worry, okay?" Chaeyoung's voice carried a reassuring tone, her gaze soft as she looked at me.

"Thank you, Chaeyoung, for everything so far. I don't know how to repay you," I confessed, worry starting to creep in about the looming financial burden.

Her response was swift, laced with kindness and understanding. "No need to repay me. I wanted to help. If I didn't, I would not be here right now," Chaeyoung reassured me, emphasizing her genuine intentions.

The concern about the financial weight lifted momentarily, but thoughts about owing her still lingered. "And no need to pay me back, I have enough money to cover it," she added, addressing the unspoken worry about the costs.

Her words were a balm to my anxieties, and her unwavering support a lifeline in my darkest hour. With Chaeyoung's assurance, a weight I hadn't realized I'd been carrying began to lift, replaced by a sense of immense gratitude and relief.

Time passed, marked by the resounding closure brought by the courtroom proceedings that saw my family held accountable for their actions. Chaeyoung graciously opened her home to me, insisting it was "our" home, a safe haven where comfort and warmth enveloped me. Hank, her dog, became an unexpected companion, our bond forming effortlessly. Chaeyoung mentioned that Hank usually took his time warming up to people, making our connection all the more special.

While getting to know Chaeyoung on a deeper level, I discovered her status as a pop star. The revelation left me feeling inadequate, like I didn't belong in her world. But she laughed away my doubts, assuring me that my presence in her life was warranted, that I deserved to be there. Her kindness and acceptance pierced through my insecurities, slowly mending the fractures in my self-worth.

As our days intertwined, my admiration for her grew, evolving into feelings that I dared not vocalize. Being a pop star, I understood the potential for scandal, and I kept my burgeoning emotions carefully concealed, not wanting to disrupt the tranquility of our shared space.

As the evening settled in, Y/n found herself seated in the cozy living room, a warm mug of tea cradled in her hands. Chaeyoung, perched across from her, held a similar mug, the room bathed in the gentle glow of lamplight.

"Chaeyoung, can I ask you something?" Y/n ventured, her voice laced with curiosity.

"Of course, Y/n. You can ask me anything," Chaeyoung replied, her warm smile encouraging Y/n to continue.

"I've always wondered... what's it like being a pop star?" Y/n asked, her gaze curious yet hesitant.

Chaeyoung's smile widened, a fond glint in her eyes. "It's a whirlwind, that's for sure. There's the excitement of performing, the rush of being on stage, and the incredible connection with fans. But it's also demanding, with constant schedules, public scrutiny, and expectations."

Y/n listened intently, a newfound admiration evident in her eyes. "That sounds both thrilling and challenging."

Chaeyoung nodded. "It is. But what about you, Y/n? What are your dreams, your passions?" she inquired gently.

Y/n hesitated for a moment, her fingers tracing the rim of her mug. "I've always loved art. Drawing, painting... it's my escape, my way of expressing things when words fail me. I dream of having my own gallery someday, a place where people can find solace in art like I do."

Chaeyoung's eyes lit up with genuine interest. "That's beautiful, Y/n. Your passion for art shines through."

They sat in a comfortable silence, the air filled with an unspoken understanding and newfound appreciation for each other's dreams and struggles. The vulnerability shared in this moment deepened their bond, weaving an invisible thread of understanding and support between them.

The gentle hum of the evening enveloped the room as Y/n and Chaeyoung sat by the window, the city's lights twinkling in the distance.

"You know, Chaeyoung, I've been thinking," Y/n began, her gaze fixed on the stars peeking through the dark canvas above.

"About what?" Chaeyoung's attention shifted from the cityscape to Y/n, her curiosity piqued.

"It's strange, isn't it? How we met in that alley, and since then, it's like our lives have been intertwined in ways I can't fully explain," Y/n mused, her voice tinged with wonder.

Chaeyoung nodded in agreement. "I've felt it too, Y/n. It's like there's an unspoken connection, a bond that goes beyond what we can comprehend."

Y/n's eyes held a hint of fascination. "Do you believe in fate, Chaeyoung? Like, the idea that some things are just meant to happen?"

Chaeyoung contemplated for a moment, her gaze thoughtful. "I do, actually. Sometimes, it feels like the universe conspires to bring certain people together, weaving a red thread of destiny that connects their souls."

Y/n's breath caught at the mention of the red thread, a concept she had read about but never fully grasped. "The red thread of fate... I've heard of that. It's said that two people connected by this thread are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance."

A quiet reverence filled the room as they contemplated the possibility, unaware of the subtle forces at play in their own lives. They shared a moment of silent acknowledgment, a silent understanding of the profound connection that bound them together.

Little did they know, the invisible red thread of fate gently wound its way around their souls, guiding them closer to a truth neither of them fully comprehended — the depth of their soulmate connection.

After a few days had passed, the park emerged as a serene haven, basking in the gentle golden hues cast by the sun upon the vibrant greenery. Y/n and Chaeyoung strolled side by side along the winding paths, embraced by the soft rustle of leaves and the distant echoes of children's laughter, which painted a picture of tranquility.

The air carried a sense of peace as they walked, the weight of recent conversations lingering unspoken between them. The evolving emotions, wrapped in an invisible embrace, danced on the verge of acknowledgment.

"It's beautiful here," Y/n remarked, stealing a glance at Chaeyoung, who nodded in agreement.

"It's my favorite place to clear my mind," Chaeyoung admitted, her gaze drifting over the scenic landscape. "Nature has a way of bringing calmness amidst chaos."

Y/n nodded, appreciating the serene beauty surrounding them. "It's like a sanctuary, especially after everything that's been happening."

A comfortable silence settled between them, the unspoken thoughts and emotions weaving an invisible thread, connecting them in a delicate balance between friendship and something more profound.

"Chaeyoung, about what we discussed..." Y/n's voice held a note of uncertainty, a hesitant attempt to navigate the uncharted territory.

Chaeyoung turned to face her, her eyes reflecting understanding and warmth. "Yes?"

"I value our friendship immensely. I don't want anything to change between us," Y/n confessed, her voice tinged with a blend of apprehension and sincerity.

Chaeyoung reached for Y/n's hand, intertwining their fingers with a reassuring smile. "Our bond is precious, Y/n. No matter what happens, that won't change."

Their entwined hands spoke volumes, carrying a silent understanding amidst the evolving emotions that intertwined their hearts.

The gentle rustle of leaves accompanied Y/n and Chaeyoung as they wandered through the park, the late afternoon sun casting a warm glow over their surroundings.

"Chaeyoung, I've been wanting to talk to you," Y/n began, her voice tinged with both nervousness and gratitude.

Chaeyoung turned to face her, a soft smile encouraging Y/n to continue.

"I just... I want to thank you. For everything," Y/n started, her eyes filled with sincerity. "For taking me in, for being there during the hardest time of my life, for helping me with my family. I don't know what I would've done without you."

Chaeyoung's expression softened, a glint of warmth in her eyes. "Y/n, you don't have to thank me. Helping you was never a burden. You're important to me."

A faint blush colored Y/n's cheeks as she gathered her courage. "There's something else too... I've been feeling this way for a while now, and I've been afraid to say it, but I can't keep it inside anymore."

Chaeyoung's gaze was filled with anticipation and gentle encouragement.

"I... I've fallen for you, Chaeyoung," Y/n confessed, her voice trembling with vulnerability. "I never expected it, but my feelings for you have grown stronger each day."

A soft gasp escaped Chaeyoung's lips, her eyes widening in surprise and then softening with tenderness. "Y/n, I... I've felt the same way. I've been trying to find the right moment to tell you."

A moment of shared realization washed over them, the air thick with unspoken emotions finally set free.

"Thank you for trusting me enough to share this with me," Chaeyoung spoke softly, her hand reaching out to gently cup Y/n's cheek.

Their unspoken feelings, now laid bare, seemed to solidify the invisible bond that had grown between them. As the sun set behind them, it seemed to cast a golden hue upon the newfound depth of their relationship, painting a picture of hope and possibility.

Their declarations hung in the air, charged with a mix of nervous excitement and affection. Y/n, emboldened by the depth of her emotions, stood on tiptoes, cupping Chaeyoung's face tenderly with trembling hands.

With a mix of apprehension and longing, Y/n leaned in, her lips meeting Chaeyoung's in a tender yet passionate kiss. Standing on tiptoes, she bridged the height difference, the sweet embrace starting as a gentle exploration, a cautious expression of emotions that had been silently brewing for so long.

But soon, the sweetness of the moment took over, and the kiss deepened, carrying the weight of unspoken feelings. Their connection ignited, a spark of familiarity amidst the unknown, the tenderness of the gesture blooming into something more fervent and heartfelt.

As their lips melded together, it was as if time itself had slowed down, allowing them to savor this newfound closeness. Y/n's heart raced, the passion and tenderness of the moment overwhelming her senses, while Chaeyoung reciprocated with a gentle ardor.

When they finally parted, a soft blush painted Y/n's cheeks, and a shy smile tugged at Chaeyoung's lips. In that moment, they shared a silent understanding, a newfound depth to their relationship, wrapped in a cocoon of affection and warmth, despite the height difference.

Their moment held an air of quiet intimacy, the park around them seemingly echoing the sentiments of their hearts.

"Fate brought us together," Y/n whispered, her voice barely audible yet filled with profound emotion.

"You're my soul mate, Y/n," Chaeyoung whispered back, her words carrying a gentle certainty, love shimmering in her eyes.

In that serene setting, their eyes locked, the weight of those words settling upon them like a warm embrace. It was a shared acknowledgment, an unspoken understanding that their connection ran deeper than chance or circumstance.

The gentle breeze carried with it a sense of affirmation, wrapping around them as if to affirm the bond they shared. For in that moment, amidst the tranquility of the park, they both felt the invisible thread of fate weaving its way around their souls, binding them together in a tale of love that transcended time and space.

Hand in hand, Chaeyoung gently led Y/n. "Let's go home," she whispered, her eyes reflecting an affectionate certainty. As they walked, an invisible red thread seemed to guide their steps, binding their souls and leading them to a sanctuary where their hearts found solace—in each other. In this tranquil moment, their connection, woven by fate's red thread, promised a future blooming with shared love and endless potential.

#BIW.WRITES #bitchiswild #blackpink #blackpink x reader #blackpink x fem reader #park chaeyoung #blackpink rosé #rosé x reader #park chaeyoung x reader #blackpink chaeyoung #blackpink fanfic

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eyesthatroll · 1 year ago

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anxiety | bless the broken road series

pairing: dad!jack hughes x fem!reader

warning(s): mention/depiction of house fire & children’s death, new mother anxiety, established relationship, i’m not sure what else

word count: 1.0k

author’s note: this one is pretty sad, at least, me personally, i cried a few times while writing it. if you’re looking for a song to enhance the mood, i listened to Tin Lover by The Paper Kites, and Wash by Bon Iver while writing this. please let me know what you thought of this, or really, how you’re feeling about the au so far, i’d love to hear your thoughts or constructive criticisms. sending my love. go canucks! —mari

The house lay in a heavy silence, interrupted only by the soft, rhythmic breathing of the twins in their cribs. There you sat, perched in a cozy chair tucked into the corner of the room, the gentle glow of a nightlight in the nearby outlet casting a soft illumination across your face. It had been two am. when you'd dashed down the hallway to the twins' room, shaken by a terrible nightmare, but in the current hushed depths of the night, you weren't sure what time it was.

Despite your best efforts, the drowsiness that lingered in the corners of your mind proved irresistible, and your heavy eyelids fell closed once more, sleep to washing over you again as you fall slumped in the chair.

Jack and Luke crept into the house, their footsteps soft against the hardwood floors, conscious of the late hour. As they exchanged quiet goodnight wishes, Luke turned toward his own room, while Jack made his way to the twins' nursery. Jack's steps slowed to a near halt as he entered the dimly lit room, where he didn't anticipate finding you huddled in the corner, light snores escaping your lips.

With quick footsteps, Jack gently lowered his bags to the floor near the doorway, first making his way to Stephen's crib. A soft smile graces his face as he looks down at his beautiful son, dressed in a Winnie the Pooh onesie, slumbering peacefully. Carefully, he crossed the room to check on Adler, who was also lost in a deep, serene slumber. Jack's eyes then turned toward you, their warmth softening as they settled on the bags under your eyes, illuminated by the gentle nightlight.

A worried frown tugs at Jack's lips as he bends down in front of you, his rough palms resting on your knees. He gently shakes you, causing you to stir, your eyes darting open. In a startled panic, you spring out of the chair, your voice hushed as you gasped, "The babies!"

Startled by your sudden movements, Jack stumbles backward, landing softly on the carpeted floor before swiftly getting back on his feet. He pulls you into a reassuring, tight embrace and whispers softly, "It's okay, baby, it's just me."

Your arms instinctively envelop him, as if it were second nature. A series of deep breaths escape your lips, your chest heaving as you seek to regain composure. Jack runs his hand soothingly along your back, while whispering soft words into your ear. In his embrace, you gradually surrender to your pent-up emotions, the tears you'd been holding back throughout the week finally spilling from your eyes. They trickle down your cheeks, landing gently on his shoulder.

As you break away from him, he notices the glistening trails left by your tears. His thumbs move swiftly, wiping them away, his gentle touch framing your flushed face. Your voice quivers as you struggle to speak through the midst of your sobs. "I-I've been having terrible dreams," you managed to stutter out, the hiccups breaking up your words.

Jack shakes his head, a bewildered expression crossing his face. Despite the calls, texts, and FaceTime sessions, you hadn't mentioned a single word about these bad dreams or sleep troubles. It left Jack completely and utterly perplexed.

He moves some stray curls of your eye line, tucking them behind your ear. "What?"

"The babies," you choke out, "I can't save them."

Jack wipes your tears again, exhaling a deep breath himself. "Sweetheart, I don't understand."

Your voice quivers as you recount the vivid nightmare, your words laced with fear and sorrow. "You're on a road trip, and there's a fire, and I can't get to them," you whimper, your voice trailing off into a quiet sob. You take a moment to regain your composure before continuing, your voice shaking. "They're in another room, and I can't get to them because there's a line of fire blocking the door." Jack's heart shatters into a million pieces as he listens to your harrowing dream. Tears well up in his eyes, and he can hardly contain his own emotions.

"But I can hear them crying. I can hear them crying, and I can't get to them." Jack instinctively pulls you closer, wrapping his arms around you in a protective embrace as you let your tears flow freely onto his chest. Silent tears streamed down his face as he held you, sharing in your pain and fear.

“I couldn’t save our babies, Jack.”

He finds himself at a loss for words, unsure of how to provide the comfort you needed in this moment. He had never experienced anything like this before, and the weight of your distress weighed heavily on him. The guilt he already felt about leaving on a road trip for the first time was now compounded by the knowledge that you had been plagued by such dreadful nightmares about the babies. This emotional pain was unlike anything he had ever felt before, and he felt utterly helpless as you stood in his grasp.

Sniffling, he gently disengages from your embrace and clears his throat, his voice filled with warmth and concern. "How about we move the twins into our room tomorrow?" he suggests, his eyes searching for any sign of relief in your tearful gaze.

Your head bobs eagerly in agreement. While you can't be certain if it will completely banish the nightmares, the thought of having the twins closer brings you a sense of comfort. "I would really like that."

That night, the two of you found yourselves nestled in the middle of the room, flanked by the twin cribs, creating an improvised bed using pillows and the comforter from your own bed. Jack began to share stories from his recent road trip, his words whispered softly against your chest, while your fingers traced soothing patterns on his scalp, gently tugging at the ends of his hair. The dim light in the room cast a warm, comforting glow, enveloping you both in a cocoon of shared intimacy.

Your sleep, although brief due to the early needs of the twins for a change and feeding, was the most restful you had experienced in weeks. With Jack by your side and your precious babies in close proximity, you finally felt a sense of contentment. The abnormal worrying that had plagued your nights remained a mystery to you, whether it was common concern among new mothers or something more profound, you still weren’t sure. However, you took solace in the fact that you wouldn't have to face it alone, knowing that Jack would be there every step of the way.

taglist ; @kittyrumbl3r @tomhollandsbabymama

[if you’d like to be added or removed from the taglist, please comment and let me know!]

#jack hughes #jack hughes imagine #jack hughes imagines #jack hughes x you #jack hughes x reader #jack hughes fic #jack hughes fanfiction #dad!jack hughes

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aimbutmiss · 9 months ago

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Buggy gently held the face in front of him, fingers wrapping around the jaw to keep it still. He was supposed to go in for the eyeliner next, but the man in front of him flinched as soon as Buggy's fingers brushed his face, the reaction barely visible to the untrained eye. But Buggy knew Mihawk, or he thought he did, at least to a certain extent. He liked to think he improved a lot when it came to reading the hawk eyed man, especially compared to when they first formed Cross Guild. And what all that improvement entailed now, was the fact that the swordsman was uncomfortable. He let go of his face just as gently as he had held it.

"What's wrong?"

"..."

Buggy frowned and slumped his shoulders at the lack of response. "I let you do that horrifying gothic clown makeup on me, remember? Because I trusted you. But I'm not planning on turning you into a clown or anything, it's just your usual black eyeliner. So, trust me?"

"I do trust you." Mihawk sighed heavily, uncrossing his arms. "It's not about that. It's just... I'm not really used to- to this." He motioned between the two of them, trying his best to convey his feelings. He clearly needed more practice in that department, but Buggy took it in stride. They could work on it later, and frankly even this was an improvement.

Buggy retreated a bit, putting some more distance between them. "We don't have to do... this." He motioned between them just as the other had. "I just thought it would be fun, like last time. Even though I ended up looking straight out of a horror story, at least the process was enjoyable. Relaxing even."

Mihawk gave a small smile at that. "I thought you looked rather dashing in black."

Buggy rolled his eyes. "Of course you did. But I think I'll leave that to you. Wouldn't want to steal your schtick."

Mihawk's eyes squinted in amusement. "You couldn't if you tried."

"Nice try, but you can't provoke me like that. I'm not even going near black face paint for the unforeseeable future."

It was Mihawk's turn to roll his eyes, but he didn't say anything. They had fallen into a comfortable silence when Mihawk slowly reached for Buggy's hand, delicately caressing it with his thumb as Buggy held his breath.

"I'm sorry, I'm being difficult. This was supposed to be fun... But I'm okay now, you can continue."

Buggy shook his head, squeezing the hand holding his. "It should be fun for us both, I can't enjoy it if you're not enjoying it as well. You don't have to force yourself."

"I'm not." Mihawk looked Buggy in his big, round eyes that looked like they were portals leading straight to the ocean, his stare as unwavering as his voice as he spoke. "I'm not usually comfortable with people at this proximity... but I've come to find that I really don't mind it with you. I like it, in fact."

Buggy gulped, unable to break the intense eye contact. He didn't really know what he did to get into the swordsman's good graces, but he wasn't gonna mess it up no matter what. He gently reached for his face once again, getting in position to finally draw on the eyeliner.

"Don't move or I'll smudge it." He said, almost in a whisper.

Mihawk simply hummed in understanding, staying still as the waters of the Calm Belt. Buggy's breath was tickling his cheeks, and his hands were warm. He did his best to watch him do his work without moving, carving every inch of his focused face into memory.

"You're beautiful."

The words came out of his mouth without thinking, flowing as naturally as his haki through Yoru, and they made the clown still in his movements.

"What?"

Mihawk gave a breathy chuckle as Buggy's face grew redder by the second. "You heard me, beautiful."

Buggy moved back a bit, staring at the man as if he grew a second head. "What's gotten into you?"

Of course, Mihawk completely ignored him. "You look cute when you blush."

"Oh my God, can you stop?!" Buggy's face was now matching his nose, and Mihawk could swear he could see some steam coming out of his ears.

"You're not very good at taking compliments, are you?"

"I take them all the time! From my crew and my fans... It's just, unexpected from you."

That made something inside Mihawk twinge, but it didn't show on his face. "Then I'll have to compliment you more until you get used to it."

Buggy seemed to be struggling to put his thoughts into words, confused out of his mind at the other man's words. Did he eat something off? Was it a devil fruit user? Because something had to be wrong. But in the mess going inside his head, only one word was able to make its way to his tongue:

"Why?"

"Because I love to have your attention, your eyes on me, your hands on me... and your kindness. But I need to be kind to you as well to deserve it. This, right now... I don't deserve this, as things stand."

Buggy stared at the man in front of him for a moment, before slowly reaching out to cradle his face. "You are kind to me."

"Not kind enough to make up for the things I did before."

So, that's what this was about. Buggy sighed in understanding. "You apologised. I accepted your apology, and Crocodile's. Neither of you have any need to feel bad for your past mistakes."

Mihawk opened his mouth to speak but Buggy shushed him, pressing a finger on his lips. "I forgive you. Just take my word for it, idiot."

"... Alright."

Buggy smiled wide. "See? That wasn't so hard."

Later that evening, Crocodile walked into the tent to find a sleeping Buggy, drooling on a sleeping Mihawk. The swordsman's face was smudged with eyeliner, and the evening breeze was washing over them from the open window flap.

But neither of them were cold when they woke up, covered by a blanket they didn't remember getting.

#i was struggling big time with this one #I keep saying I'm gonna try to write more Crocodile but then end up with bughawk #sorry not sorry #I'm just obsessed with them #it's okay croco baby I love you and your time will come. promise #one piece #buggy the clown #dracule mihawk #sir crocodile #cross guild #bughawk #buggy x mihawk #my writing

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punkascas · 10 months ago

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okay, so i don't want to, like, Start Something or whatever so we're doing a barely-tagged, separate post. i also realise this is mostly pointless because others have already said what i'm going to say, and did it better, with far more grace, and sound less like an asshole than i do.

but jesus louise helen christ, the weird fucked up ideas people have around abuse and personal responsibility and the effect of trauma. like as an abuse and csa survivor, it genuinely alarms me to read posts that use arguments i remember my dad making. like, i'm assuming most of this rhetoric comes from gen z — maybe that's inaccurate; maybe that's unfair. but right now i'm very much Having A Moment Here that the kids aren't alright.

no 22-year-old should be repeating the same awful, manipulative, logically and morally bankrupt justifications for violence and torture my dad says. like literally what's in the first two episodes of ofmd s2 is torture.

i love ed; he's an amazing character. taika is hella wowza top marks acting him. but like.

like.

torture, my dude. physical and psychological. trauma. harassment. that we see the lasting effects of through s2.

just. i. what??

so here we go, okay. have too many, zealously highlighted screenshots so i can dig into details.

cut to save your dashes. content warning for discussions of abuse and trauma (if that wasn't obvious), as well as spoilers for ofmd s2.

re: ed knew what he was doing was wrong and felt guilty about it at the time:

we have no on-screen, textual examples of this. not in the dialogue; not in the acting; not in the blocking; not in the cinematography or music. nothing.

knowing the crew are overworked and kind of traumatised by all the violence, ed bribes them with cake. because, as we know, cake like tea fixes everything. only ed wasn't even with them to share in the eating of the cake. he made izzy responsible for that. he doesn't give the crew a break; he doesn't choose less ethically-fraught prizes to hunt. there is not one scene of ed talking directly to the crew — until he points a gun at each of them.

we see ed crying (and drinking, and rhino horn-ing [way to help further extinction, man]) but it's always paired with shots or flashbacks that reference stede. ed is still all up in his feelings about stede, and ed confirms this when he tells frenchie the myth about albatrosses never needing to return to land. ed cannot go back, does not want to go back, because he was rejected. (like, stede is literally landed gentry, come on!) all he wants to do instead is stay at sea committing to this unhinged version of unstable, sadistic piracy.

but okay, okay. say we ignore all of that. let's say ed does feel sorry and guilty and ashamed of his actions. he knows what he's doing is wrong and unfair and cruel. that it's harming others. that it's particularly harming the dude that ed has, for better or worse, basically spent his life with (izzy; i mean izzy). ed… still continues to do the things! how far off are we at this point from the definition of malicious? you know action x hurts person b and then you do it anyway. is that honestly a better, happier, more ethically defensible reading of the character?

re: the crew didn't mutiny because they love ed despite his violent, sadistic actions.

mutinies were a thing, yes. but both historically and in the world rules established by the show, mutiny is disincentivised through threats, distraction via extra work, and corporeal punishment. we see both ed and izzy use all three of these to try to prevent the crew from disobeying orders. they didn't wait until the storm and izzy shooting ed to mutiny because they understood or sympathised with ed; they took the chance to kill him then because that was the first real opportunity they'd had. the reward finally out-weighed the risk given that ed was going to kill them all that night anyway.

again, we have no scenes, no dialogue, no visual or audio cues to tell us that the crew understands or loves ed — excluding izzy, obviously. fang could also be on that list, if you take into account his personality and his behaviour both in s1 and later in s2 in the fishing boat scene. but in the first two episodes, we only see the crew show trauma responses around ed. they talk about him but almost never to him. and when they do have a direct conversation with ed, it is either confrontation or head down, submissive, "of course, blackbeard; anything you say" placating. i'm so baffled where the show points to any sign of love from the crew towards ed before his "death".

re: ed can't be held responsible because he was suicidal.

uhm. no. hard no. a harder no than stede's brazilian cherry wood mast. fucked up people do fucked up things but part of being an adult is owning your fucked-upped-ness and not fucking up others while you work on unfucking yourself. children, children are not fully responsible for the impact of their actions on others when they're deep in their feelings, especially if they're feeling their feelings as a trauma response. this is because literally their brain cannot do that kind of control. it doesn't have that software pack installed yet. ed does have all the adult updates installed, even if he isn't running them at that moment. he has no right to take out his feelings on other people: to maim them, to psychologically torture them, to abuse them, to work them to exhaustion. to kill them. he does not get a free pass to do suicide by abused employees. (like suicide by cop but more indirect and passive and harmful.) talk about passive aggressive.

secondly, ed is not just passively suicidal and happy to find new risks that might end his life. he is very purposefully taking izzy with him (see: literally removing the bits of izzy that would help let him walk away from ed; the fact that ed becomes actively suicidal only once he thinks izzy is dead; the whole keeping izzy's corpse in front of his and stede's beach shack i mean inn — the codependence, she runs deep). ed is also putting the crew through the same risks, the same isolation, the same danger. both stede and izzy agreed that ed had gone full scorched earth policy. you don't get forgiven for the murder part of a murder-suicide pact just because of the suicide part. not to mention that no one (once again, you could potentially argue izzy as an exception) was good on a murder-suicide pact with blackbeard.

and then to say the crew felt guilty? i assume i'm misreading that. the crew. felt guilty. for ed's actions. that is, if not victim blaming and if not darvo, a very close inbred cousin of them. like hapsburg jaw inbred close.

re: ed healing and his view of himself as a monster.

to heal means, in part, to accept responsibility for the harm you've caused, whether it was intentional or not. it means making amends. it means building or rebuilding relationships where possible. it means putting the other person or persons' feelings and boundaries and need for safety above your desire for absolution or forgiveness. it means working through your own guilt and shame and anger (or whatever drove you to act the way you did) in a separate space, not with the people you hurt, but someone who can be a step removed, more impersonal and objective to help you reflect and face hard truths as needed. i say this as both someone involved in activism and community reparations and as an abuse survivor who has done nearly 30 years of therapy learning this in order to not hurt people. it's not ed's fault he's fucked up just like it isn't my fault i am. but it is on me, like it is on anyone, to make sure i limited as much as possible the harm i can cause to others because i learned some awful but very effective tricks at a young age to survive.

ed does not really do any of the above. he doesn't say "sorry". he speaks in generalised language. he complains about the cat bell (which he seems to wear only for one day, given the implied timeline with lucius and pete's engagement). i have a model ship on a stand that says "this is a safe space ship" as a joke because i work for the government and have written press releases that sound just like ed's "apology". where you take no responsibility and encourage "the culture" to move on.

so, really, my question becomes: ed sees himself as a monster. in s1, we had enough balance between ed's current actions and his referenced past actions to see this belief as likely untrue. in s2 though — i mean, is it? is that an unfair or inaccurate belief? i can understand how carrying that belief can get in the way of ed's growth and eventual healing but like. from an outside perspective of ed-the-fictional-character. he's not a "good" person. he's capable of and has done and continued to do horrible, cruel things. ethically, can you argue with that statement about him?

re: ed trying to destroy relationships because of his self-worth issues and instead the consequences of his actions proving that he's loved.

this is the point that made me go: right, no, i need to respond. i need to say my piece about this. izzy and the crew suffering ed's violent tyranny and then sticking around on the revenge anyway afterwards is not a sign of love. it is not showing love to bear pain for someone. it not showing love to let someone mistreat you, threaten you, hurt you, maim you. their actions are selfish and done to give them feelings of power and control over you. lying back and thinking of england to get through it is not love. it is absolutely a survival technique. but it is not love when you do it at the expense of yourself or others.

i also disagree that ed was trying to push people away or break his relationships with others. we know from s1 that ed is fairly blasé about whether crew members die. again, we don't see any friendly or intimate exchanges between ed and any of the crew to imply any kind of relationship there beyond "tools who accomplish ed's goals". the one exception, as always, is izzy. and as previously stated, ed seems bound and determined, in a very conscious way, to bring izzy into death with him. ed does everything in his power to make izzy want to kill ed, or at least agree that it's best if ed dies, and to want to kill himself so ed doesn't have to die alone. that isn't ed breaking that relationship; it's making it permanent in a really fucked up shakespearian way. the only relationship we see ed waffle between wanting to keep and wanting to push away is stede. after his corporate "apology" and the fishing trip with fang, all of ed's dialogue is with stede and a little bit with zheng until izzy's death scene. the crew loving ed just isn't a thing, at least not one we're shown. not from either side. ed's relationships are with stede and kind of, sort of with izzy (because he does manage to, if not fully break, do some major damage to that).

love did not save ed. ed wanting to live, because stede came back, because he didn't want to jump off hornigold's cliff in the first place, saved ed. izzy saved everyone else.

so yeah: that's it; that's the post. the rhetoric that abuse is love or that abuse can be "cured" with love or that trauma isn't lasting and serious and has impacts on people's daily lives is just. wild. wild.

and terrifying.

my dad was born in the 40s. why is anyone born in the 80s or later still defending this mindset? it honestly, truly freaks me out.

guess it's good i have a fucking therapy appointment on monday.

#ofmd critical #ptsd problems

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igglemouse · 1 month ago

Text

I start my morning off with a lot more energy and in such a better mood than before. Yes, it is because of what happened last night and it is at least double the effect since it had been quite some time for me and...let's just say I look forward to it happening again.

It was so good that I start my day off with a salad as if last night made me feel guilty. Eat well, live well, think well, be well...something like that, right? That feels like some random quote that would be on some welcome mat or something.

I think the feeling was mutual. When I wake up there was Niklas still beside me, the presence of him was...comfortable. Like he belonged there so I was happy that he decided to stay the night. That this wasn't just a fleeting moment and that maybe it can be more. Let me have my delusions, please!

So instead of shooing him away when the sun comes up I give him a key to the house and let him know he can come over any time he wants. Might seem a little rash but he just feels right?

What do I even have to lose? I've been wanting to make deeper connections with people, I've been wanting a little more in my life, and here he is. So why deny it or hold it back? I mean there is nothing like waking up with someone you enjoy and sharing a breakfast together is there?

"So, what is it that you actually do?" I ask, pushing some more of a pretty bland salad into my mouth. The news droning on in the background, just noise, just another theme to what might be another quiet day.

"I told you, it's just small magic. Practical magic, it's nothing fancy-"

"No, I mean outside of that. Since magic isn't the center of your world you have a job, right."

"Oh, I'm a doctor," he says as if it is no big deal.

I stare at him and blink a few times because did the world just drop a doctor into my lap? "A...doctor?"

"Wait..." excuse me for still being a little shocked. I feel like the main character right now, am I the main character? MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY! "Do you use magic when you..."

"Oh, no! No! That is forbidden, as you know," he says with a laugh. "I should clarify, I'm practicing medicine, not actual doctor. Yet."

Ah, okay, now that is more realistic. A girl can't be too fortunate I suppose. "I'm sure with dash of magic you could be? A little mind control here, a little luck spell there?" he shakes his head but he is laughing at least!

He's getting up to leave to presumably go back to his life. A life I know nothing about but one I am curiously more curious to understand. I think there is more to this man than he lets on, I mean, he does carry around a magic destiny watch. That has to be rare right? Maybe passed down to the first born of his family or something?

Before he leaves he has one more thing to say. "Just remember, you don't need magic. Ninety-nine percent of people get by in life just fine without it, so don't let this whole exile thing get you down."

"Easy for you to say," I reply a little too harshly but that is the truth. It's not true that people are doing just 'fine' without magic, the truth is, magic could help a lot of people and the Realm witholds a lot of it...okay, okay, don't think those thoughts Grace. Those are dangerous thoughts.

"We practice magic for people that can't use it," his tone is serious now, maybe he picks up on what I am thinking. It's not that unpopular you know. There are so many spells to help crops grow for instance, think of the good that can do for many people? Yet the Realm- "We do it to protect the world from those would harm regular, everyday people. Evil spirits, vampires, shifters, if you would believe it the Realm currently thinks there are aliens among us who seek to conquer us."

Ok, now that is funny! I smile, holding back a laugh because while I do believe in vampires (because I've met one) Aliens don't exist. Duh. "The world is definitely a dangerous place once you walk through that door," is really all I could think to say. There are many realities people aren't aware of and so many creatures and beings hiding behind The Veil.

Niklas eyes lock onto mines now, his expression hardens just for a moment. "And sometimes, they burst through it."

"Speaking of doors," Niklas transitions from a sorta serious conversation to a farewell. "I should be going through yours erm...I mean your front door!" his cheeks color at that and the man just added a few more thousand points in his favor. "Anyway! I look forward to seeing you again!"

"Me too!"

He offers me a hug which I'm super happy to accept and Watcher his hugs always feel so comfortable!

I'm really not sure what to do with the rest of my time today as that familiar sense of aimlessness takes hold of me. So I fall back into the familiar, collecting.

It's not glamourous for sure and it's not even really a career but it's something I've gotten into the habit of doing. Chipping away at rocks, picking up herbs, wandering through Windenberg with the hope that one day I'll run into something special.

That doesn't happen today. Today its just the usual dusty old rocks and common wild berries that fill my pockets. There is always tomorrow I guess.

It actually is a pretty nice day so there is no point wasting it all away with collecting. So I called Triple V and invited her to the cafe since we haven't caught up in a few days and now that I think about it I have a lot to tell her. I did meet a random handsome guy after all.

Knowing her I'm sure she has just as much to say to me. With VVV there's always some story or wild scheme running through that head of hers, it's really never a dull moment with her.

"One latte, please! Wait, no, make that two! She'll have what I'm having," yeah, she would order for me. She likes to take charge and she likes making decisions. "Grace! My Grace! We meet again! I thought you were too busy for little old Vee!"

"Huh? You know me, I wasn't doing anything at all."

"Oh, you little liar! You're a lot busier than you let on!" she nudges me playfully in that way of hers and I can't help but to smile and chuckle. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and her spirit is sure to make this a delightful conversation.

"Nope, nothing at all Vee," but I admit to saying that with a sheepish grin.

"And that is the problem, isn't it?" She says, there is an excitement in her eyes, a look I'm too familiar with when it comes to her. It's usually not good and spells trouble with a capital T. "You have sooo much potential, Grace, we both do-"

"Are we really going to talk about this here and now Vee?"

"Yes? We must," insistence, it's taken over her voice now. We're definitely going to talk about it. I was hoping to talk about Niklas and get her thoughts on him but... "I think it's time we take control of our futures, of our, you know..." she says in a hushed voice. It's not proper to talk about magic openly in public you know.

We find a cozy corner of the cafe, far enough for a private conversation but of course if we were really skilled maybe we could put some kind of privacy bubble around us or something? Is that possible? Anything is possible with magic, rich? Either way, once we settle into our seats I can tell she is ready to burst and eventually she does.

"It's the Matlock Society, Grace, what do you know about it?" She asks in a hushed tone, leaning in just a little.

"Umm, nothing, other than that it is the second time you've brought it up and it is named after my family for some reason."

"But it is a lot more than that, Grace. The Matlock society is determined to unlock the magical potential of all of us rejects. Of everyone the Realm denies," she says. There is a fervor here and a wild look to her eyes that I do not like. But this is Vee. My best friend. My only true friend. My sister, basically. She's just excited about something new, she's always like this.

"The Realm denies prospects for plenty of reasons," I try to be the sane one here, try to stay grounded. "Besides, the people the Realm denies don't even know they have been denied unless they are part of a magical family like us-"

"Grace-"

"Valerie Van Vilet, you seem a little unhinged about all of this?" Okay, I had to be blunt and me doing so causes her to pause. Hopefully she's processing this like the intelligent and critical woman I know she is. I understand, we are both denied something we are born with, a right, even, but this whole thing looks like a suspicious white van with 'Free Candy' scribbled on the side.

"What is this about, Vee? Okay, so the Matlock Society unlocks our 'potential' or whatever, then what? Do they do this for free, what do they ask for in return?" I continue on because I can tell maybe I've interjected some doubt into her mind.

"Nothing but your loyalty to their cause, that's it."

"And their cause is????" ugh, doesn't she hear herself?

"Grace look, I'm not asking you to join but I am asking you to consider. We are having a meeting, later tomorrow night, and I'd love for you to come. You can just spectate, that's all, and then you can decide from there if it's something you'd give a try."

"Alright..."

Yeah, I'll see what it's about. I've been doing more riskier things so why not? Besides, Triple V has been a dear friend so I'm sure she means well and if there is something wrong with this 'Matlock' society maybe I can pull her out of it? Keep your enemies close kind of thing?

She leaves satisfied and I decide to have one more drink for the go. Hopefully I'm not getting myself into anything I can't get myself out of.

Either way, it's back home for me, and I was a little shocked to find Niklas already there. Forgot that I had given him a key to a place, that was that this morning?

Any ways, he seems pretty comfortable in my space, as if he's been here for a while, but then again I did ask for this. Things are moving fast with this but maybe that is because it is destiny?

"So umm, are you going to be here often?" I ask, a little unsure about this suddenly. I do want him to be here, I do, there is something that pulls me to him after all, yet still, should I believe in fate and destiny? Especially when it comes to relationships?

His reply his a shrug at first, looking down at his watch again, as if that is to blame. "I go where it tells me to go and just try my best to figure out why. It wants me to be here, I think..."

"I'd love a watch like that but I guess it doesn't tell time very well," I say with a chuckle, and he of course agrees with that.

"Telling time is truly overrated," Niklas says in that thoughtful tone of his. Is everything overrated to him? "There's the past, the future, and the present, and the latter is the only thing that matters."

I chuckle again, giving my head a little shake at his philosophy. It's cute. "I think you should be a poet." little "Maybe you should have been a poet?"

"Now that doesn't pay nearly as well as becoming a doctor"

As our conversation continues I start to notice that he's getting closer to me. Not just the physical contact like his leg brushing ever so slightly against mines or how his arm is also wandering nearer, but there is a connection forming. A bond.

So while we talk about regular every day things, life, work, the weather, it all starts to feel like something more. We just start talking about things. Like he wants to know what my big plans are (outside of magic of course) and I tell him I don't have many. I make Jewelry, that's it, and I guess I blog as well?

He tells me that I really should look for something more solid in life, something more concrete, something I can hold on to and always rely on and I'm starting to think maybe he's talking about himself.

We honestly don't talk for too long though because we decided to put our lips to better use...

Episode List - Next

#The Sims #The Sims 4 #ts4 #Sims #Sims 4 #sims legacy #my sims #generation 1 #soot #sims of our time #gracelyn matlock #niklas krausser #valerie van vilet

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elleloquently · 2 years ago

Text

invisible string [6] : ellie williams

part five

| college!ellie x female!reader - we're nearing the end! comments are very much appreciated, as are reblogs. this story is also available on wattpad (thank you to those of you on wattpad who comment along your favorite parts/reactions, it always makes me laugh)

| c/w - anxiety, swearing

"i don't know how i feel about this."

ellie was obviously stalling, but you humored her anyway.

"you don't have to. it's just that i was really looking forward to it, and you've been saying that you would for awhile now... but no pressure. it's fine, really." you smiled at her with a glint in your eye, knowing that you were being annoying.

ellie rolled her eyes but made no effort to hide the smile gracing her lips. you waited patiently, sat on her bed with your legs hanging over the side.

this was the second time that you've been in ellie's room, though this time was different from the first. it wasn't planned with promises of studying and completing homework. you simply wanted to hang out, and ellie invited you over. you had practically raced over, hardly stopping to make sure that your shoes were tied tightly enough before dashing out of your room and over to ellie's instead.

you didn't allow yourself the time to overthink it, either. if you would've waited and considered her offer carefully, you surely would've canceled, letting your nerves get the best of you.

maybe it was the conversation you previously had, or the fact that winter break was closer than ever and you weren't sure when you would see ellie again, but you didn't want to miss out on a chance to be around her. her presence was comforting and intoxicating, your cheeks burned and your eyes felt heavy with exhaustion simply from laughing too hard.

ellie groaned and lifted her guitar from where it was previously on display. "you're gonna regret this," she warned you.

giggling nervously, you scoot over on the bed to make room for ellie and her guitar. she sits on the opposite end and you face each other, but avoid eye contact.

you were desperate to hear ellie play since the first time that she had mentioned that she could, but you didn't want to press her when she appeared shy. it was endearing, the way her cheeks would turn pink and she would smile but refuse to meet your gaze.

"take your time," you joked in a whisper, waiting while ellie stared silently at the guitar in her lap.

"don't laugh," she stressed, eyeing you suspiciously as you make a genuine effort to stifle your giggles.

taking a deep breath, ellie began to play. it was soft at first, unsure, and you weren't sure if you should watch or look away.

you wanted to watch, especially with the way that her arms would flex and her fingers strumming the strings was entirely mesmerizing, but you didn't want to make her even more nervous.

you recognized the song after just a couple of seconds, but stayed silent. tilting your head to watch, you couldn't deny the growing smile on your face. ellie was beautiful, timid and aware but the music coming from her made you dizzy.

you would be perfectly happy to sit like that the entire night, listening to her play, but the sound of her voice made your eyes widen.

"we're talking away," ellie starts, her voice soft and warm.

"i don't know what, i'm to say,"

she appeared to know the song well enough, but she fixed her gaze on her hands as she continued to play anyway, not daring to meet your eyes now. you sat in awe, lips parted and eyes darting wildly from ellie's guitar to her face.

"i'll say it anyway... today's another day to find you, shying away-"

blinking rapidly, you try to steady your breathing. strands of hair fall into her face as she leans over her guitar and you ache, desperate to reach over and brush them away. her voice reminds you of vanilla, the kind that you use for baking and try to memorize the smell of before it gets capped again, buried back in the cupboard.

"i'll be coming for your love, okay?" ellie's voice grows even more quiet and you strain your ears, wanting to hold onto every syllable that drops from her lips. ellie's hair covered her blushing cheeks.

"take on," ellie shook her head and halted the strumming. "-me," she finished in her speaking voice with a short laugh.

"ellie, oh my god."

ellie winced, carefully sliding her guitar to rest against the bed. "that bad, huh?"

you rapidly shook your head, eyes wide. "you're amazing," you gushed, your determination to fill the girl's head with praise overshadowed any sense of anxiety that would prevent you from saying such things.

"you next?" ellie posed, brushing off the compliment. she didn't do it to be rude, she just couldn't face it. it was too much, the way you stared at her in awe with compliments frantically leaving your lips.

"you're funny. i love that you think i could be capable of following that," you retort, your body tensing at how easily you said the word love. despite the fact that it was of casual use and in a casual conversation, the word simply felt too real. it was too raw, too weighted and dangerous even to be used in a regular manner.

"i could teach you?" ellie murmured. she watched you carefully, her quiet offer hanging in the air.

the idea of holding ellie's guitar and having her hands guide and place your own planted in your mind. you leaned back on your hands, swallowing hard.

"no," you automatically declined.

ellie smiled but it lacked sincerity.

"i would be hopeless," you're quick to clarify. "i'm barely functioning as is..."

ellie looks curious, tilting her head.

"finals," you clarify again. you opt out of explaining how simply being around her is enough to make you malfunction.

eyes wide in understanding, ellie nodded and sighed. "right. that."

"if you're really, truly offering though... i would love for you to teach me sometime." the words leave your mouth before you can reconsider, and your heart pounds.

for some reason it felt daunting to speak like that, like the future of your friendship. would ellie still want to even be friends after this semester? was it just a one class friendship type of thing? the situation where you talk to someone to help each other with the homework, and then never speak again? were you humiliating yourself now, expecting something out of her in the future?

ellie never leaves you to worry long, because her eyes are bright when she clicks her tongue enthusiastically. "you have yourself a deal," she agreed.

you danced around the topic, never really breaking into what either of you were doing next semester, let alone over break. you didn't want to pressure ellie, or come into your newfound friendship by coming on too strong. you were still a little convinced that ellie potentially had... more than friendship feelings but you also refused to be vain in the way that you would just assume that someone had feelings for you.

still, the awkward boyfriend and dating conversation replayed itself constantly in your mind. there were so many little instances and passing words that you fixated upon, overthinking at all hours until you finally passed out at night.

you also felt discouraged because the last time you were in this room, the conversation felt meaningful. weighted? you almost, ALMOST, expected something to come from it... for something to change. despite it, things felt as casual as ever. you had so much adrenaline and nothing to do with it.

"i hope you know that i'm seriously going to hold you to that," you said, eyebrow raised.

"i'll be looking forward to it," ellie tells you seriously.

she makes a point to look you in the eyes and you cross your arms over your chest, failing to allow yourself to be perceived as relaxed.

'how quickly would you cut me off if i compliment you again?" you muse.

ellie blinks, eyebrows knitted together.

"ellie, you are seriously so-"

"wanna proofread that paper i was working on?" she quickly cut you off, sitting up straighter on the bed.

you frown, mouth agape with sincerties at the tip of your tongue. ellie grinned at you, convincing and persuasive and it didn't take you long to answer.

"okay," you resigned, switching to lay on your stomach while ellie scrambled to retrieve her laptop from her desk. she plopped it on the bed in front of you before copying your position, laying next you and propping up her head in her hands. you hold yourself up with one hand and open her laptop with your other, trying not to focus on how ellie is practically pressed into your side.

"it's like homework is our thing," you mumble, the bitter tone in your voice unintentional.

ellie turned to face you, gaze softening. you felt her eyes on you but ignored it, the burden of knowing how close you were weighing down on you.

"i like hanging out with you," ellie whispered in admittance, carefully watching for your reaction. her cheeks burned and she was grateful that your focus was elsewhere. eyebrows drawn together, she dragged her gaze away and focused on her hands.

you turned to look at her now, sneaking a glance as she examined her hands. "i like hanging out with you too," you whispered back with a smile. it was genuine and scary and everything was still. you were nearly certain that ellie could hear how loudly your heart was pounding, but she was polite and ignored it.

"i'm glad you sat next to me," you pushed, watching the corner of ellie's mouth twitch.

"you sat next to me," she reminded you, looking over the tattoo on her arm to give herself something to do.

"seriously?" you scrunched your nose, amused by her commitment to the idea. "as if you didn't know that was my seat after months of being in the same class together," you retorted, partly wanting to put her on the spot just as she had done previously, insisting that you were the one to sit next to her.

"you sat behind me!" she exclaimed, voice comically rising in pitch as she attempted to defend herself. "how was i supposed to know?"

ellie finally faced you once more, eyes moving quickly over your face.

“fair point,” you gave in, only because she was so close that you could hear the quiet breaths leaving her. hesitating briefly, you looked down at her arm to where she was previously focused.

“i really like your tattoo,” you tell her earnestly. “i’ve always liked it.”

“yeah?”

you nodded, and ellie’s eyes crinkled in the corners when she smiled.

“thank you,” ellie breathed. she was so good at displaying modesty when she was proud. her gaze shifted but the confidence boosted the way she held herself.

ellie nudged her arm closer to you, allowing you a closer inspection. you reached out a gentle hand after she gave a nod of encouragement and carefully traced along the ink on her skin with the tip of your finger.

goosebumps pricked her skin at your touch, instantly causing you to halt your action. you lingered just for a moment, unsure which reaction would be best and not prompt something embarrassing for either of you. after a short moment of consideration, you removed your hand and tucked it under your chin instead.

ellie watched as your hand disappeared, a soft sigh escaping her when you tapped at her laptop.

"well, let's read this masterpiece then, shall we?" you asked meekly, waiting for ellie as she tucked her hair behind her ear.

"let's do it," she affirmed, failing for once to muster any sort of drive behind her words.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

you hadn't really noticed the sun setting, hunched over ellie's laptop and whispering jokes together on the bed. the curtains were pulled to originally allow the sunlight to brighten up the room, though the darkness slowly crept upon you and covered the room like a blanket. it went unnoticed at first, the bright laptop screen lighting up your faces. it was only when you finally pulled away and sat up that you had realized that it had gotten to be much later than you had anticipated.

"shit." you reached for your phone, wincing at the time that had appeared on your lockscreen.

you truly didn't want to leave, you were comfortable in ellie's room on ellie's bed with ellie, it felt more real by the second but you might as well have been in a dreamlike state. normally you would have to fight with your anxiety, not allowed to even enjoy hanging out because you would be convinced that you were overstaying your welcome or that the person you were with didn't even really want you there. much to your surprise, none of those thoughts flooded to you now.

you only felt peaceful and a little sleepy, ellie looked so comfortable in her hoodie and you would've been perfectly fine with remaining next to her for as long as you possibly could have. instead of allowing yourself to linger, you looked apologetically to ellie.

"i'm so sorry i stayed so long, i didn't realize..." guilt began to cloud your mind, maybe she really hadn't intended on you staying this long?

"what? don't say sorry," ellie rejected your apology, shaking her head. she sat up, reaching for her own phone as well.

"i just... feel bad," you said, and winced wondering how many times you've already expressed that to ellie throughout the duration of your short friendship.

"you know you don't always have to apologize when we hang out?" ellie mused, she was smiling but the intensity of her gaze made you freeze.

"right..." you replied awkwardly, another 'i'm sorry' threatening to escape. "i just don't want to like, force you to hang out with me. i'm sure you have better things to do," you mumbled, coming to a standing point.

ellie laughed your name, shaking her head in disbelief. "i'm the one who asked you to come over," she reminded you.

you opened mouth to continue your point, but the look on ellie's face made you clamp it shut again instead. she looked satisfied at that and stood up from her bed as well, stretching her arms above her head. you watched carefully, quick to avert your eyes after one short moment. your attention was focused instead to your coat and your shoes, preparing yourself for the early winter evening chill.

"if you're leaving, at least let me walk you back to your building," ellie insisted, frowning as you tugged on your coat.

"it's okay," you politely declined, trying not to fixate on the way that disappointment washed over ellie's features.

"i don't want you walking alone," ellie argued pointedly.

"you shouldn't walk alone either!" you laughed, but wanted to get your point across seriously. "you'd have to walk back alone, i don't want that."

"i'd be alright," ellie chuckled dryly, grabbing her converse from a corner in her room. you huffed, staring up at a phases of the moon poster on her wall.

"i'd be alright too," you grumbled, secretly flattered that she was being so insistent, even though you really didn't want her to have to walk alone.

it could've been plain common courtesy on ellie's end and nothing more, but your pulse still quickened.

"hey," ellie murmured, looking up at you as she tied her shoes.

"hey?"

"i'm coming with you," ellie said, decidedly.

your shoulders fell, a sign that you were giving up and ellie grinned down at her converse.

the two of you braced yourselves for the weather, but the cold wind nipping away at your face felt strangely refreshing, only when you knew you were headed for your cozy, heated room.

walking briskly next to each other, your arms brushed one another and even through the layers of sweaters and coats, your heart flipped at every slight touch.

"are you cold?" you uttered in question, your eyes worriedly examining over ellie.

"no," she shook her head, and your stomach began to ache anyway.

"you can stop here, it's about halfway and you can go back to yours," you practically pleaded with her but ellie denied your efforts without even giving it a thought.

"are you cold?" she questioned. always turning it back on you.

"no," you answered with a sigh. ellie shrugged closer anyway, tucking you into her side for warmth. you felt too tired, too cold and too happy for the excuse to be close to even try and fight it. it was dark anyway, any of your nervous tells were concealed.

"liar," ellie accused. she grabbed your hand, holding it up as evidence. "your fingers are red. don't you own gloves?"

ignoring the quickening of your pulse, you snatched back your hand and shoved both of them in your coat pockets.

"worry about your own gloves," you mumbled in complaint, though it was considerably lacking any weight.

ellie laughed, easy and light. "cute. horrible defense, though."

"it won't be cute when we have matching colds," you pointed out. you wiggled your fingers around your pockets, but they were empty. fuck, seriously, where were your earmuffs?

you neared your building and you really did feel guilty, having ellie walk back alone. she was stubborn, that's for sure, you were picking up on that pretty quickly.

"ellie, i feel bad," you tried.

"don't." she said simply. ellie shrugged her shoulders, eyes set straight in front of her.

you used this moment as an excuse to look at her, to really look at her. it was dark but her features were prominent to you, illuminated by the occasional campus light. there could've been a million thoughts racing around in ellie's head, but her expression didn't give an indication to any of them.

you hoped you were that mysterious, that intriguing too. upon the thought, your face fell.

you definitely weren't.

ellie probably knew every emotion you felt, surely your face gave it away easily.

she turned to face you and you quickly looked up, setting your eyes on the sky above you. it only made your frown deeper.

"i wish we could see the stars better here," you uttered in confession.

it was a pure thought, one you didn't really have to overthink or roll over your tongue before speaking. ellie made you so nervous.

"right?" ellie rushed, connected to your compliant. "it's sort of depressing."

"have you been to the campus planetarium?" you questioned, feeling silly you never asked before, given ellie's interest.

"more than once," ellie gushed. "have you?"

you shook your head, blinking rapidly. the wind was making your eyes water.

"oh man, we've got to change that. you have to go, at least once," ellie told you.

you smiled at her use of 'we' and realized you'd stay out in the cold for hours if only it meant spending more time with ellie. you had reached your building though, and wanted ellie to be able to get warm sooner rather than later.

"hurry inside, get warm, alright?" ellie said, almost like she had the same thought.

you hesitated, only for a moment. you had already informed her of your guilt, and telling her again would only prevent her from getting back to her room.

"thank you for walking me," you said earnestly. "promise i wasn't a bother?"

"you're never a bother." ellie's smile was a promise and you were prone to believe her.

"okay," you gathered, playfully shoving her away from you. "go on, it's too cold!"

ellie grinned sheepishly and took a few steps backwards, but didn't start walking until you were able to unlock the door to your building.

"text me when you get back!" you called, a pang in your heart watching her walk away alone.

"will do!" ellie shouted back, awkwardly waving before she turned and disappeared.

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

knowing that you could count on seeing ellie in class made it lot easier to wake up in the morning.

you had a new motivation and a renewed pep in your step, the fleeting moments made everything else seem worth it.

you even had time to stop at your favorite campus cafe in the morning before class, your new favorite step in your morning routine.

it was busier than usual this morning but you were determined to stay positive, it would be a shame for your good mood to be so short lived. so, you plastered the best polite face that you could muster, even when too many people were blocking the door... even when the guy in frat letters cut in front of you in line... even when the girl taking your order made you feel embarrassed for accidentally speaking too softly.

no, you were determined to have a good day.

you had pressed yourself against the wall, as out of the way as you could possibly get while waiting for your drink, when you spotted a familiar face.

well, could it still be considered familiar if you only really knew someone from pictures? you watched for a moment longer, just to be sure, and you were filled with dread when you were able to confirm the fact that it was dina, ellie's friend.

you tried to look anywhere else, locking and unlocking your phone to look busy. it was such an awkward situation to be in, being around someone that you barely met only one time. you knew that she was close with ellie though, so some strange part inside of you still wanted this stranger to like you.

was a brief one time meeting enough for it to be warranted for you to say something? or could you be safe just ignoring it and pretending like you didn't see her? you debated yourself mentally and made the mistake of glancing over once more. dina caught your eye.

you quickly looked away, hoping the sudden eye contact would be taken for a mistake. you grew warm and stared intently at the counter, willing for your drink to appear when you heard your name being called in the form of a question.

shitshitshitshitshitsh-

"i thought that was you!"

dina appeared in front of you, with a guy lingering behind her. her voice was bright and cheery, but her brow was furrowed.

"hey, oh my gosh, i wasn't sure if it was you," you explained weakly.

dina waved it off. "how are you?" she asked politely.

"i'm... okay. how are you?" you reciprocated, though your eyes wandered while she was answering. the guy looked familiar, too. you could've sworn he was-

"jesse, by the way," he chirped, introducing himself.

"it's nice to meet you," you said honestly.

you strained your neck, trying to see if you had accidentally missed your order being called.

"-lunch with us sometime!" dina enthused. you turned to her, forcing the corners of your lips upwards into a smile.

"even though ellie keeps canceling," she grumbled. "it would be fun to have you."

"that's really nice of you to offer, thank you." you replied, head snapping in the direction of your name being called from the counter. "sorry," you laughed awkwardly. "i have to get to class but...but it was nice seeing you again! and meeting you," you added the last part, smiling at jesse.

"you too!" jesse said. "it's nice to meet someone that ellie likes."

dina's eyes widened, but she saved herself with a smile.

it was a simple sentence, basic really, nothing to drill into your head. to like somebody was average. you obviously like someone if they are your friend. you can like an acquaintance, or your favorite cafe worker.

it was nothing, really, and you truly wouldn't have thought twice about it... but dina's eyes widened. it was so quick, you probably would've missed it if you weren't prone to over analyzing.

dina's lips turned into a tight lipped smile, and she nudged jesse's arm.

"it was nice meeting you," he concluded with a cough.

you uttered more thank you, you too's before rushing away to retrieve your drink.

heart pounding, you made your escape. you held your cup tightly in your hand, scared to spill it as you began your quick walk to class.

it was normal. it was normal. it was normal.

[ part seven ]

#ellie williams x reader #ellie williams x female reader #ellie tlou x reader #ellie williams x you #ellie williams college au #ellie williams fanfic

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cialovesklopp · 1 year ago

Text

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐇𝐀𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆

𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚 — in which newsletters and the internet react to amara imani finally revealing her man

𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒕 — @aechii @lorarri

masterlist

The 66th Edition of the Grammys was held yesterday night and if you missed them, let me tell you, you probably missed the most eventful soiree of the year (and it’s only February!) Luckily for you, we have made a summary with the biggest events. And the biggest revelation: THE QUEEN HAS FINALLY FOUND HER KING. You heard correctly — singer Amara Imani and star French footballer Kylian Mbappé are dating and went public last night. And let us tell you, we’d all probably be dying to have a relationship announced the way they did.

They didn’t just show up on the red carpet like ex-boyfriend Henderson had done back then with girlfriend Kaia Gerber — the singer decided to show up at the Grammys alone, steal all the spotlight and leave the red carpet with her beau. THE BIGGEST WINNER OF THE NIGHT WAS CERTAINLY HER.

Next to stunning the audience with five different (and absolutely dashing) dresses, Amara Imani was also the big winner of the ceremony, sweeping off the most important prizes such as record of the year, album of the year and four more. Her biggest surprise though was singing an unreleased song during her performance where she dedicated all to her love, shocking the world.

And she certainly did more than just that. With winning six grammys in one night, Amara Imani set herself next to artists Beyonce and Adele, who are the only other artists to win six grammys in one night. But to be honest, we are still all mesmerized by her last performance.

Imani opened and closed the grammys with her two performances (wild side/hrs&hrs, while we’re young) but the last one will probably be the one to go down in the history of the grammys. The one we’ll still talk about in ten years. She started — of course — with a thank you speech after winning ‘album of the year’ but not without giving the credit not only to her team and family but also to her new muse, who, we quote, “not only inspired me to keep going but also helped me write this whole love letter to love.” When she was then set to perform, the african singer changed tracklist and asked her boyfriend to join her on stage, who with a little persuasion joined her up there. The couple danced together as Imani sang, swaying to the soft tune of the music.

We can all agree that they were the attraction of the night with the way paparazzis and journalists were launching at them as they walked out, hand-in-hand. and of course the Grammys were carried by the french star striker.

And their looks were certainly enough. If that is not love, we truly do not know what is. Let’s all give praise to love and hope these two will last very long.

𝐓𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑

𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐌

𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐲𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝

liked by liyah_clark, amara.imani and 11.038.564 others

graceywood grammy night 💋 @amara.imani @liyah_clark

view all 12.599 comments

username why are all of amara’s soo hot and gorgeous?

username they brought the gang back again

username the white dress looks so sweet

graceywood aww thank u sweetie

username pls release the grammy vlog soon

username omg yess i love them, she’s soo funny in them

amara.imani we look amazinggg

liyah_clark somehow all of our pictures came out perfect

graceywood probably because i took them

username i can’t believe she and liyah hid it soo long

username why didn’t you tell us???

graceywood wasn’t my place, sorry

graceywood but lemme tell you, be happy you didn’t witness them in their love sick puppy era

username okay but why is no one talking about her management— like grace deserves manager of the century with how she handled the press and everything with amara

username i just know she’s the reason why evan went quiet after the lawsuit

username kris jenner and the devil may work hard but grace yvonne woods works harder

username facts

𝐥𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐡_𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐤

liked by amara.imani, charles_leclerc and 18.246.350 others

liyah_clark the afterparty’s always better than the party itself @amara.imani @graceywood

view all 73.521 comments

username trying to like a post from liyah before charles is literally impossible

username charles having every notification on for when his girl has posted

username he’s putting all our standards too high again

username but can we please talk about the way liyah was bragging that she has known for ages

username her drunk live yesterday was way too funny

charles_leclerc 😍

charles_leclerc t’es magnifique

charles_leclerc hope you had lots of fun

liyah_clark definitely not as much as you 🤭

landonorris where was the rest of your dress? did they run out of fabric?

liyah_clark where’s your win? did they run out of gps?

charles_leclerc liyah, we talked about this

liyah_clark baby, if he fronts, i front. and how do you want me to take him serious if he hasn’t even lost his babyface?

danielricciardo she does have a point

lilymhe omg the matching outfits>>

liyah_clark love of my life! i miss you so much, alex keeps hogging you the entire time

liyah_clark tell alex he needs to share

alexalbon she’s literally my girlfriend

lilymhe alex, liyah is my girlfriend too

charles_leclerc 😑

amara.imani 🫶🏾

amara.imani how much did you drink after i left?

liyah_clark idk anymore, two or three more drinks?

maxverstappen1 that’s a lie. she called charles at five in the morning and told him she wants a puppy

graceywood she fell asleep in the bathtub

liyah_clark snitches

username their trio>>

username early fans will never know how painful amara’s influencer phase was

username so glad she, liyah and grace made up

kendalljenner so true

justineskye next time out when?

liyah_clark two weeks in monaco and then i’m all yours

username love her and amara so much, i need a friendship like theirs

username the fact that they held hands yesterday because amara was nervous when they announced album of the year

username ^^ this, like that made me so emotional

𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚.𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐢

liked by k.mbappe, liyah_clark and 26.037.488 others

amara.imani made history in style last night and that next to the people that mean the world to me. a big thank u to @dior and @versace for supplying me with all those gorgeous dresses. thank u @beyonce for literally believing in me and thinking i had it in me. huge thanks to my family who always backed me and thank u to my gorgeous besties @graceywood and @liyah_clark for always supporting me whenever i needed you. and the biggest thank u ever to my love for loving me unconditionally. this is all because of you

view all 210.038 comments

k.mbappe je t’aime

amara.imani jusqu'à l'éternité

username why did this just make me cry

username i’m still not over the fact that she’s dating kylian mbappe

username i cried when they were dancing together on stage

cynthia_e this was all you. no one but you and your talent and we just encouraged you to take it to the top. love you

amara.imani 🫶🏾

liyah_clark this was all you, we just went along with you

graceywood you’re our sister, we’re family

amara.imani 🥹 stop making me emotional

liyah_clark you cry at everything

amara.imani not true

graceywood you cried at frozen

username omg the flowers, the kiss on the head 🥹

username did kylian take the sixth picture?

amara.imani right when we got home

username when is it my turn?

username she slayeddd so much yesterday

beyoncé so proud to have been your mentor and being able to witness this journey

amara.imani 🫶🏾 thank you so much

versace it was an honor for us to dress you and design those gorgeous dresses

username amara imani and kylian mbappe, a couple the world is not ready yet for

paulpogba you made sure kylian pulled out the big moves last night, didn’t you 😂

jkeey4 i don’t think i’ve ever seen him look so out of place

amara.imani he wasn’t that bad, it was beautiful

antogriezmann notre bébé a grandit

k.mbappe 🙄

username that dress is ethereal

username soo unreal, i’d literally sell my soul to wear it

danielricciardo thx for the shoutout yesterday night, we had lots of fun

maxverstappen1 you performed lovely last night

pierregasly merci beaucoup, beyoncé knows who i am now

username the fact that she’s so close with f1 drivers that they stayed up for her

lewishamilton wishing you and kylian all the best

amara.imani sir, i’m single (me and kylian signed that in your presence i get to be single)

k.mbappe when did we agree to that?

amara.imani i forged your signature

k.mbappe 😕

charles_leclerc bienvenue dans le club

username if my relationship isn’t like that, i don’t want it

username preach

username i don’t think i’ve ever seen someone look this much in love

username forget ballon d’or, i think amara is the most important thing in his life now

username and the way she looks at him (i mean picture six is just 🥹)

liyah_clark soo.. about that dress, when can i burrow it?

amara.imani bitch, how about never

carlossainz are you trying to kill charles?

pierregasly get him thrown out of every public space?

maxverstappen1 arrested?

username why are they all ganging up on charles?

danielricciardo because liyah and charles are like animals and can’t keep their hands off each other

pierregasly and we all know if liyah wears this dress, charles will very likely get arrested for public indecency

charles_leclerc 😑

liyah_clark you’re all just jealous we’re getting laid

username that bouquet 😫 like how??

amara.imani i assure you i had the same reaction, he’s spoiling me so much 🤭

k.mbappe you deserve to be treated like the queen you are

username ladies and gentlemen, the couple of the century

𝐤.𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞

liked by amara.imani, jkeey4 and 8.082.367 others

k.mbappe 🏆🫶🏾

the user turned off the comments

#kylian mbappe #kylian mbappe x reader #kylian mbappe fluff #kylian mbappe fanfic #mon amour #amara imani #kylian mbappé x reader #kylian mbappe series #kylian mbappe x singer! oc #kylian mbappe x black! oc #kylian mbappe x amara imani #kylian mbappe x black! reader #kylian mbappé fanfic #kylian mbappé x singer! oc #kylian mbappe x oc #kylian mbappe fanfiction #kylian mbappé x black! oc #footballer x oc #football

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starstruckunknown-princess · 8 months ago

Text

Asphodel - Kylo Ren x Reader

Asphodel (Asphodelus) - Meaning: My regrets follow you to the grave

Summary: The night Ben Solo became Kylo Ren, and the love he lost along the way.

Pairing: Past! Kylo Ren x Reader

Word Count: 1048

Warnings: Pre-TFA, discussions of Luke's School for Little Jedi and Luke's attempt on Ben's life, emotional manipulation, slight gaslighting, off-screen explosion, mentions of Knights of Ren killing people, brief fight, reader gets stabbed with a lightsaber.

Not sure how I feel about this one, but here's Day 5! This is my interpretation of how that night at Luke's Jedi Academy went, it's probably very inaccurate but whatever!

In Bloom Masterlist

Likes, Comments, Reblogs are always appreciated! <3

“Ben, what’s going on?” she asked, rubbing her face sleepily, adorably, as she joined him in the hallway of the dormitory. He wasted no time folding her into his arms, placing a kiss in her hair.

How sure he’d been that she would be on his side, how Snoak assured him that their relationship would not get in the way of his training as opposed to Luke, who had advised against forming such close attachments.

But how could he help himself? She was beautiful and smart and strong with the Force. She made him laugh on his first day when his heart was breaking as the Falcon lifted off the ground and dashed away. They trained together, challenging each other, and making one another better. Ben couldn’t picture a future without her in it, and he knew she felt the same about him.

“It’s time,” he said, “we’re going to join Snoak.” He stepped back and reached out his hand toward her, expecting her to take it but she just stared.

“Join Snoak? But Ben, I, I thought…what happened?” The confusion read clearly across her pretty face, and Ben stepped closer. He cupped her face with the hand he’d reached out to her, tipping it up so he could explain while looking into her eyes.

“It was just as Snoak said,” he explained, “Luke is afraid of my power. He tried to ambush me, tried to kill me in my sleep. Snoak told me he would betray me, betray us, so now we need to go.”

“No,” she said as she stepped away from him, “Luke wouldn’t do that. I’m sure it was a misunderstanding. If we just talk to him, hear his side, it’ll be okay.”

“It’s too late for that, my love,” Ben tried to console her, but again she shuffled out of his reach. “We need to leave.”

“No.”

“If you’re not with us, you’re against us,” he warned, “Is that really what you want?”

“Snoak is dangerous, Ben, he’s been lying to you for months, twisting things around, please be reasonable-”

“Reasonable? Is it reasonable to try and kill your nephew because he challenges you? Because you’re not as strong or as powerful as he is?”

“That’s not what happened, Luke wouldn’t-”

Kylo Ren closed the distance between them, crowding her against the wall with his body. “He did. And he will pay for it.”

To this day, he could still feel her fear through the Force and how he had used it to influence her.

“Come with me,” he said. “You want to come with me.”

For a moment it seemed like it would work, that he had managed to bend her to his will as her face went momentarily blank, but she shook her head and it cleared away.

“No,” she defied, opening her mouth to say more when a large explosion from outside caught her attention. Letting her push past him, she ran to the window and gasped.

“The temple is burning,” she said, shock evident in her tone.

“Good.”

For a moment she stood there, frozen with her mouth agape. He could almost see the gears turning in her mind, how she was putting together that he had orchestrated the explosion, how his fellows were taking out the troublesome Jedi who would eventually stand in their way. Through the Force, he felt her rage rise within her like a tide. A smirk graced his lips, and with an angry yell, she ignited her blade.

For the second time that night, he blocked an initial attack. Her anger fueled her rapid-fire attacks, and he couldn’t help but feel a little proud and perhaps even hopeful. If he could make her feel the intoxicating power of the Dark Side, maybe she would see the error in Luke’s teachings.

“Good,” he repeated, parrying her latest attack, “Feel your rage, use it. Can’t you taste the power? This is how it would be for us, always, if you joined me!”

That comment caught her off guard, and he was able to land a blow to her shoulder. The smell of singed flesh accompanied her cry of pain, but he didn’t stop. She rallied, blocking his blows.

“Come with me,” he insisted, “And I will teach you to use this passion, this power, and we will use it to rule the galaxy. Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted?” With a grunt of anger, she began another offensive strike, but he continued, “You and me, side by side forever? Now is our chance!”

“Our chance to what?” she panted, “Become the next Empire? Rule through tyranny and suppression? That’s what our parents fought against! It’s everything that Luke taught us was wrong!”

Their sabers clashed in an ‘X’ formation, and he stared at her through the light.

“If you’re not with me, you’re against me,” he explained simply before turning off his blade. This made her fall forward and he smoothly stepped out of the way. She fell onto her hands and knees, her saber turned off beneath her.

A voice inside him whispered for him to kill her. Another told him to kidnap her, take her with him. Yet another, this one real and outside of himself, called that they needed help outside the burning temple.

“Last chance, my love.”

The hate in her eyes as she looked up at him — such potential wasted. Her breathing was ragged and her resolve absolute.

“Never.”

Letting his rage and anger and desire for revenge eclipse his love for her, he reignited his saber and drove it into her back. A short gasp was all he heard before he felt her Force drain away and her limp body fall to the floor. Killing her was like killing a part of himself, but what was he supposed to do? He couldn’t have her chasing him all around the galaxy and he certainly couldn’t have her interfering in his plans.

As much as he wanted to go to her and brush her hair away from her beautiful face for the last time, he knew Snoak would label that as weakness. His future training needed to proceed unencumbered and, like he had said: If she wasn’t with him, she was against him.

Maker, how he wished things had turned out differently.

#star wars fic #writing challenge #fanfiction #in bloom #kylo ren x reader #ben solo x reader #kylo ren x you #ben solo x you #angst

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