#(Don’t worry about the information load I read through it all and I like the detail)

[former-general-geshu-lin]

➛ Addressing the 🪷 Anon in regards to their ask.

(Have to put the break here, since my OOC response is a lot too…)

(For anyone who is reading this, trigger warning for graphic descriptions of unsettling imagery, wounds, blood, and war typical violence.)

(Also there is mentions of refugees and mistreatment of said refugees, so please proceed with caution)

(He is most definitely something of an old man, sort of like a more cynical and negative version of Welt Yang from HSR. Also, he just looks exhausted, the lines and bags under his eyes, I just know his shoulders would be so tense he’s probably incapable of relaxing them.)

(I’m glad you’re feeling better, I ended up having a lot of work so I got a little swamped, but overall feeling well and fine— this silly little rp blog is always fun to write for, I really like reading all the asks, and just getting to interact with everyone. My astrite situation is looking a little bleak because I can’t decide if I want Jinhsi or Changli, but I’ll likely drop all other plans if we get Geshu leaks…)

(Naomi certainly has than energy around her, a little clumsy like a puppy, but means well and trying her best. Geshu Lin basically is just like “oh great” While he’s inwardly sort of panicking about the situation, because obviously he doesn’t want anyone to be in unnecessary danger, and the knowledge that there are like people slowing becoming TD’s, even inside Jinzhou where he can’t really help or fight would stress him out, let alone having one on bass with his troops, because again, he’s pessimistic as all hell, I’m pretty sure if he had the chance and under different circumstances he’d be like “we’re all gonna die why not speed up the process anyway”)

(At this point, Geshu Lin would probably blame himself if Naomi just got merked. He’d start thinking all of that negative cycle blame stuff, like “well if I hadn’t done that” or “if I had just done this” etc etc, because he knows the Magistrate expects something of him with this situation, and obviously he doesn’t want people dying pointless deaths, he just often has a bad way of going about it)

(Honestly in terms of relationship dynamics, I can’t say he would be more of a father rather than a brother, because some brother figures are very similar to a father figure. He would likely lean more towards being a fatherly figure or a distant brother figure, the kind of brother/father to be distant or harsh, but never cruel or anything like that, more just like having an aversion to overly affectionate gestures, but still caring a lot.)

(I have a soft spot for medic Jiyan, but that might also just be Geshu Lin talking. Plot wise, Jiyan is always a good choice for a sort of “bridge” character, since he and Geshu already have some sort of respect for each other, and they only clash over ideologies sometimes.)

(Geshu is definitely shaking his fist at the sky about the magistrate at the moment, he probably knows that Ren is laughing about the situation, but also Geshu won’t make an issue of it because he understands the magistrate has a full enough plate already, and he won’t be a nuisance just for nuisance sake.)

(Geshu Lin is essentially a walking contradiction, what we know of his character basically points to the whole “why don’t you follow your own advice huh?” Because he ended up sacrificing himself for the greater good due to his sense of responsibility and duty, but I doubt he’d ever admit that or brag about it or something like that. He is quite literally the kind of guy to go “we do whatever is necessary” and then feel guilty about it.)

(On a side note, I had a quick question about the rp in regard to my responses. Would you like me to elaborate on scenes you write involving Geshu Lin, or just pick up right where you leave off? For example, when you wrote about him reading through the documents and noticing his cabinets having been broken into, would you have wanted me to build on that in my response or would you have preferred if I just skipped right to writing my response where you ended yours? (In this example it would be when the recruit falls to the floor.))

(However, for this response I chose to elaborate a little bit, just in case that’s what you’d prefer, but not too much in case you’d rather get right to the action, I hope you don’t mind me questioning about this…)

~

After reading through the files on his terminal, Geshu Lin had turned to physical material for some background research, sifting through his shelves and cabinets with meticulous attention, his golden eyes roving over bits and pieces of information.

However, it eventually became apparent that something wasn’t quite right. His lips pulled down in a frown as he double and then triple checked certain stacks of papers, he had figured that he was being sloppy and skipping over critical documents, but that wasn’t the case.

Geshu Lin narrowed his eyes, placing the papers he was holding on his desk as he pulled open the door to one of his cabinets fully, scrutinizing the lock. It was dented, subtly, but not subtly enough to go unnoticed.

He let out a muttered curse under his breath, rubbing his thumb over the lock before kneeling to check the lower cabinets, finding similar results on any of them that should have held documentation on the disaster from ten years back. His terminal was of no use either, he had no access to anything of use.

Geshu Lin turned back to his cabinets, eyeing them with growing suspicion. His brow twitched with irritation the more he thought about it. No Tacet Discords would be capable of breaching the camp unnoticed, let alone breaking into his office and leaving with no obvious evidence left behind. Fractsidus members were typically clumsy and stuck out, they’d have to be quite skilled to go undetected. But what did that leave? Surely none of his troops were traitors, he wouldn’t allow such a thing.

Naomi was out of the question, she was hardly standing on her own two feet as it was, Geshu Lin wasn’t paranoid enough to be distrustful of someone who had been right in front of him.

He exhaled tiredly to calm himself, going back to his search, which eventually yielded some results. The documents themselves weren’t anything miraculous, and he considered the possibility that it was some sort of purposeful attempt to get him to play along, but information was information, and he wasn’t going to forsake it out of spite.

The first of the three, gave him little in terms of useful data. It was an article that covered the aftermath of the Lament that destroyed Naomi’s home. Much of it detailed public backlash, and the people of Jinzhou’s reaction to the refugees, as well as some insight on the situation from the Sakurian people, how they were unaware of TD’s existence.

Geshu Lin gave a quiet huff in acknowledgement of the Magistrate and his choice on dealing with the refugees. Typical Ren.

Though as his eyes drift further down the paper, he furrows his brows. The newspaper has been brutally scratched out and nearly rendered to tatters from a pen. He gently rubbed the paper between his forefinger and thumb, turning it over to examine the back, nothing but the signs of the pen having been used on the front. His expression soured at the sight— yet his eyes flickered up to his light as it blinked out for a moment before coming back on.

Moving on, Geshu Lin put the paper down and looked at the next one, a medical document, likely more useful than the previous paper… He began to read, idly tapping his finger against the desk as he went. The information presented to him helped with understanding Naomi’s condition, somewhat. It was referred to as a virus, but it happened to not be contagious by normal means.

Reading further, he noted that it mentioned Naomi, however not by name. Truly unfortunate that she was afflicted by this virus, no one deserved that. The term used to describe it made him scowl slightly, as dormant implied that the virus could reawaken— especially if the individual is consumed completely.

Regrettably, the document suffered a similar fate as the previous one, the bottom having been torn away. Geshu Lin put it down with a small disapproving glare before picking up the last of the files he could find. The light flickered again, and he glared at it in annoyance.

He held the document under the light, slanting it slightly to read the rushed hand writing as he put his hand on his chin. The second sentence left him rather befuddled, knitting his brows together with concern as he scanned the paper. Whoever wrote it was clearly against the Sakurian people, whether out of personal prejudice or if they had been wronged, it didn’t matter.

It seems they were a researcher, perhaps specializing in frequencies. Geshu Lin leaned his hip against his desk as he continued to read, his mind already turning the idea of different Forte types and new Tacet Discords around, trying to make sense of it.

…but the paper ends just as the other two had, except it was splattered with blood, dried and turned brown with time. It was an egregious amount, practically soaked through. He clenched his jaw as he stared at the remains of the document, messily ripped at the bottom, with a photograph attached. He examined it closely, gazing at the figure in the image, it was nothing pleasant, its singular eye blurred with movement while teeth snapped at what he assumed to be the camera at the time. It was too distorted to be of any real help, but it at least gave him some perspective on the paper’s current appearance…

Turning the photo over, Geshu ran the pad of his finger over the writing in blood, some of it flaking off. He wrinkled his nose in distaste at the texture, before reading the message. It was unsettling to say the least, but not helpful.

He placed the photo down as he tried to process all of the information, mentally sorting through it and trying to reach a conclusion when his light flickered more prominently once again. He raised his eyes and looked around his office in the flickering light, on high alert as he felt unnatural frequencies make the hair on the back of his neck rise uncomfortably.

The light goes out, he’s already grabbed his sword, igniting his flames as he glances to all sides of him with quick eyes. Though he cannot see anything, he can hear a voice— it isn’t clear or natural, it is instead distorted and broken, the whisper of “Devour” makes his skin crawl, but before he can demand a fight, his door bursts open and the lights come back on.

Geshu Lin is ready to lunge but instead what greets him is a wounded recruit. The general quickly cuts his forte to a stop and returns his sword to his back, trying to gather his bearings as the soldier begins spouting information as quickly as he can while his blood seeps to the floor.

He hardly processes the rapid fire words, registering the fact that there was an attack, and he needed to get out there quickly, but the recruit collapses and reaches out while Geshu watches, not moving in time to stop the bleeding despite immediately crouching beside him, holding him half slumped against the wall as he furrows his brows deeply and checks the soldier’s pulse. It had stopped.

Geshu Lin’s face darkens as he gets up, not having the time to properly deal with the corpse; it wasn’t his priority at the moment. He threw it over his shoulder instead, bringing it out of his office door so he could shut it. (He didn’t need any more documents going missing mysteriously). He carries the body and leaves it against the wall, making sure the soldier’s identification was intact before leaving the area with brisk steps, crossing the camp as he gives orders. “All soldiers get to your posts, possible TD outbreak imminent— and hold your ground!” He shouted, passing a few of the wounded recruits being brought to the infirmary, their condition was terrible. He clenched his jaw at the sight.

The general needed to get more information, the recruit had died before he could give him any more details— on the Tacet Discord’s, or the location of the ambush. But he couldn’t risk an attack on base when everyone was unprepared, so he gave his orders before swiftly heading to the infirmary to try and get more information on the enemy… and he could only get that from soldiers who had been there, he didn’t care at the moment that they likely needed time to rest, wasting time would only put them at a disadvantage, the sooner he could understand the enemy, the sooner he could eliminate them.

Geshu Lin made his way to the infirmary, ignoring the blood on the ground and the blood on himself from briefly moving the dead soldier as he went into the room, it reeked of rubbing alcohol and blood, and the sounds of pain reverberated on the walls from the wounded. He scanned the area, looking for a recruit he could speak with that wasn’t in critical condition. Before he spotted one however, his golden eyes caught a head of long teal hair, and further in the corner was a certain trouble maker.

(Well, there’s that… I was heavily debating between making him try and actively go hunt down the TD’s, but that seemed to be a bit of a long shot since the recruit didn’t actually give him any coordinates, or any real details, so I ended up making him go angrily hunt for those details himself… I hope I wrote enough, I was also debating making it longer, but I didn’t want to write a response that wouldn’t have given you any room to actually reply, since that would defeat the purpose of a roleplay when there isn’t any interaction..)

[miniwheat77]

Taste. (Ghost x Reader.)

!CW! NSFW, Smut, Sex pollen, rough sex, unprotected p in v sex, Ghost manhandling you, (sorry if I missed any)

This was a request!

You’re listening to what your Captain is saying but your nerves are shot, you don’t get along too well with Ghost.

Not for any particular reason, aside from him being a stern man. He intimidates you and the idea of going on a smaller mission, completely alone with him. It’s scary. You’ve never been alone with him before, especially not working together. You’ve heard stories of him getting angry and yelling. You’ve seen him in battle before, how violent he is. It’s nerve racking.

But unfortunately, these are your orders. These are what instructions your Captain has given you, you have no other choice.

Loading everything up into the Humvee was stressful, making sure everything was there, that you hadn’t missed anything. The massive man checking over you to make sure you’d gotten everything. You weren’t excited for the ride to the compound. It was a small underground building not to far off from your base, which is why it needed to be looked over. Laswell said it didn’t seem like there was any movement. The ground around the building seemed undisturbed, like it had been empty for some time. The ride was quiet, the only sound you heard was the rattling of items inside the vehicle and the Humvee itself. Ghost insisted on driving, which you didn’t mind. You stopped a ways away from the building to scope it out. Setting up snipers and watching the building for some time.

It’s quiet. No movement, no vehicles. Nothing. Ghost explains that he wants to watch it for a while. See if anyone comes and goes.

To his surprise, no one ever does.

“Let’s move in. Looks clear.” He demands. You nod your head, he drives the Humvee all the way up to the front of the entrance, only a small dome pokes out of the ground. You get out of the Humvee, walking beside Ghost into the building. He pushes the door open, the both of you stepping into the large doorway. Unfortunately, neither of you noticed the pressure plates under your feet. As soon as your feet touch them, small holes open up on the door frame, exposing a hole. Darts come shooting out of the holes, hitting ghost in the shoulder, missing you by a few centimeters. He’s worried they’re tranquilizer darts, ripping it out of his shoulder in a panic. “Fuck-“ he gasps, stepping forward into the building. He needed to clear it out quickly. He rushes through the building, you following along with him. Once the building is clear, he feels better.

“What do you think that was?” You ask him. He shrugs, pushing passed you. The building is some kind of lab. A large vat of iridescent orange liquid sat in the center of the circular room. Ghost walks toward the door, leaning back. He steps on the pressure plate, another dart shooting out and sticking into the wall on the other side. He pulls it out, seeing the same orange liquid inside of it. “I don’t know what it is.”

“They’ve got to have some kind of information. Specimen information.” You set your gun down, looking through the paperwork on the table. When you don’t find anything there, you click into a computer. Luckily there’s no barrier and you’re in right away.

What you read, it’s pure filth. Going in depth about the mysterious liquid and what it’s meaning was for.

Breeding purposes for an army.

A sigh leaves your lips. “What?” He asks. “You might want to see this LT.” You breathe. Ghost makes his way over to you, eyes scanning across the screen. He scoffs. “Suppose that’s one way to get more members for a squad.” He sighs. He leans over you, muscles flexing as he rests his hands on the table. “Found the effects of the liquid.” He sighs.

- if a subject comes in contact with Specimen 0, arousal sets in after around 15 minutes. Body weight and volume of fluids injected may vary in timing. Symptoms may include

-Increased sex drive

-Increased desire for sex

-Unbearable arousal without sexual stimulation

-Heightened sexual senses

Subjects are at extreme risk of a heart attack without sexual stimulation.

Out of 147 subjects, 107 suffered heart attacks. 67 of which died. The remaining subjects that did not suffer heart attacks were stimulated sexually and used for reproductive reasoning. Specimen seems to affect women more than men.

You’re reading the page out loud. Heart starting to race from nervousness as you read the screen.

“That means.. 100% of the people that didn’t have some kind of relief had a heart attack, only a few survived.” You sigh. Ghost chews at his lip nervously behind his mask. This means one thing and one thing only. “Maybe it’s too old. Maybe the effects of it have been diluted.” He shrugs. “Maybe. So.. we wait. I’ll search for an antidote.” You look through the computer and the stack of papers for more.

As you both settle in, sitting down. You’re waiting patiently. You can’t seem to find any kind of antidote.

Ghost leans forward, it’s been about forty-five minutes. He’s shed a lot of his equipment, just wearing a shirt and pants with a belt holding his gun. He rests his elbows onto his knees, groaning out. You turn to look at him. “You okay?”

You turn toward him. “M’fine. Just hot.” You nod your head.

His eyes rake over your body from behind, desperate to touch you. His eyes are blurring, heart is thumping rapidly in his chest. If he doesn’t get relief soon, he’s fucked. “Fuck- Y/N.” He breathes. “My heart feels like it’s about to beat out of my chest.” He breathes. “You may have to leave me here alone so I can.. fix this.” He breathes. His eyes are on yours, he wants to devour you. You look up at him, catching his attention. When you make eye contact, it lights a fire inside of him. “Y/N.. you need to go.” His voice is deep and demanding. “No, not until you’re okay.”

“I can’t trust myself not to- not around you. Go-“ he growls. He grasps the hem of his mask, tugging it off. “No.” You plant your feet on the ground, his eyes are dark, pupils blown wide from desire. The primal need pumping through his veins is unbearable. He’s going to pounce you any minute. For your own safety, he needed you to go. He closes his eyes tightly, cock impossibly hard in his pants. “Y/N.. if you don’t go.” He groans out, hands clutching at the chair he’s in, the muscles in his arms clenching up. “I can’t promise I won’t hold you down and fuck you until you cry.” He seethes, muscles in his neck flexing and tensing up. The little vial of orange liquid sits next to you. You’re probably crazy for it. You’re eyeing it and he doesn’t understand what’s going through your mind. You pick up the vial, hearing him grunt in what sounds like the worst pain he’s ever gone through. You stab the vial into your thigh, his eyes widening as he watches the iridescent liquid seep into your bloodstream.

“What are you- doing?”

“Figure we can suffer together.” You pull your gear off, tugging your shirt of your head, skin already starting to feel hot. It did say it affects women more than men.

Ghost stands up from the chair he’s in, closing the distance between the both of you in just a few strides of his long legs. His hands glide along your hips, shoving you back into the desk. It’s all over.

He’s biting your neck, feeling your jugular vein pulsing as he glides his tongue over it. He pushes his nose into you, inhaling your scent. Arousal pools between your legs, you need him. “If I hurt you.. just know it’s not me.” He breathes. “I trust you to hurt me, Simon.” You pant. A deep guttural growl rumbles from him. He grasps the button on your pants, unbuttoning it and shoving them down your legs. Your panties slide with them and he swears he can smell you.

Heightened sexual senses.

His hands explore your exposed body, gliding down your sides before resting onto your hips. “Can fucking smell how wet you are.”

“Simon!“ you mewl, tilting your head back. “Want you-“ you gasp. “So fucking horny..” he grits his teeth, fingers gliding along your opening. Another mewl leaves your lips and he draws his hand back from you, your wetness coats his hands. When he spreads them apart, strings of your arousal part between his fingers. He slides them into his mouth, moaning at the taste of you. He returns his hand back to you, soaked with his saliva. He’s rubbing circles over your soaked opening and your legs are weakening, ready to buckle underneath you at his touch. He circles your clit with one hand, his other reaching for his waistband.

You’re ready to drool at the sight of him, you swear he’s teasing you by how slow he’s moving to unbutton his pants. He exposes his waistline and he admires the way you’re watching him so closely, desperate to see every single part of him. His heart is pounding in his chest, he needs your pussy, soon. He pushes his pants down his legs, grasping your thighs and lifting you up. He pushes you up against a wall, hiking your legs up higher on his waist. The tip of his cock nudges against your pussy and he doesn’t have to steady himself, your pussy swallows him right up. “Oh fuck-“ he gasps, resting his forehead against yours as he starts fucking himself into you. “Fuck.. always knew you’d get me in trouble.” He growls. “Walking around base, as sexy as you are. Can barely keep my fucking eyes off of you.” He grits his teeth, hammering his hips into yours. He’s fucking you as hard as he can.

You can’t form sentences, can’t even think straight as he plows into you. You’re clawing at his arms and back. “You looked at me before this?” You whimper. “Course I fucking did.” He moves his forehead from yours, lips right up against your ear. “You avoid my eyes because I intimidate you. Don’t you?” You nod your head. “Nothing to be intimidated by. But I like your little game, like a bunny and a wolf hm?” He smirks into you, your body still jolting up with every hard thrust he takes. You moan out, nearly crying on his cock. Just like he said you’d be. “You like that Bunny? So intimidated by me but so willing to take my cock.” He chuckles. “Good fucking girl- I’ll play your games.” His chuckle is deep and taunting. He pinches your nipple with one of his hands, a cry leaving your lips. He pushes you up further against the wall, arms resting at the bend of your knees. He’s pinning them to your front. Your arousal is soaking him, surely going to leave a mess on him. The thatch of hair at the base of his cock is sticky from you, pushing up against your clit, stimulating you with every sharp thrust he takes into you. You’re getting close already. “You can cum, Bunny. Feel how tight you are.” He smirks. “Not yet, not until you do.” You pant. You’re about to give him a taste of his own medicine.

“Do you like my pussy, Ghost?” The use of his nickname sends him reeling. “Fuck yes-“ he growls. “When you were eyeing me, I didn’t think it was because you wanted my pussy.” You smirk. It fades quickly as he pushes you close to your high with his cock. He attacks your neck with his teeth again, “can’t help myself.” He growls. Returning to mark you as his own. “So. Fucking. Tight.” He growls between thrusts. You can’t hang on any longer, he’s too much. One more nudge of the tip of his cock into your spongy spot sends you spiraling. “Fuck Simon!” You soak him with your orgasm, tilting your head back and grasping at him to hold onto him, squeezing him as he fucks you through your orgasm. He’s trying to keep himself together, knees ready to buckle with how hard he’s going to cum. He pulls you away from the wall, laying you down onto the cold, hard ground. Hammering his hips into yours. He’s desperate. You’re overstimulated, tears slipping from your eyes as he abuses your hole. “Fuck- I’m gonna cum-“ he growls, holding your hips tight against the ground. His hips are moving sloppily, he’s right on the edge. He pants hard as he chases after his high. With a groan, he reaches his peak. Filling you up with his cum before his hips come to a halt. He’s breathing heavily as he feels himself pulsing against your walls, feeling you clench down onto him. You’re throbbing around him, and he can’t help himself as he rocks his hips into yours one last time.

A gasp leaves your lips and you squirm away from him, hearing him laugh through harsh pants. “Fuck..” he breathes.

He slides out of you, watching his spunk spill back out of your hole.

He helps you up, blood still pumping the mysterious iridescent liquid through him. His cock is still hard, refusing to relax any time soon. His heart doesn’t feel like it’s about to beat out of his chest. “Im sorry if I was too rough on you.” He breathes. “I couldn’t control myself, I tried to warn you.” He sighs, looking down. You spin around, bottom half still exposed. He eyes the way his filth drips down your thighs. Reaching down to palm himself through his pants. “Maybe I didn’t want you to control yourself.” You smile. “You’re fucking crazy. Injecting yourself with that.” He chuckles. Avoiding your gaze. He didn’t understand, he didn’t get like this. He didn’t feel embarrassment. “Figured I’d be able to keep up with you better.” You smile. “Did it work?” He asks.

“Yeah I’d say so. Although I’m not sure I’m entirely satisfied.” You chew on your lip nervously. Playing with the hem of your shirt. His blood starts pumping through his veins again, the smell of your arousal filling the room. He needs you. Again.

“Still have another couple hours before we’re expected back.” He breathes.

It only takes another couple seconds before his lips are on yours again, cock seeping into your abused hole for relief once more.

[squadmuse]

ONE DAY, Part II

A WILL HALSTEAD X READER FIC (FT. JAY HALSTEAD X READER; PLATONIC)

A/N: Yet again a huge shout out to @deanstead for being such a great person and helping me out!! Hope everyone loves this… I’m a sucker for dad!Will and it’s my first time ever writing him

It was pandemonium.

Even with Jay’s entire body covering you, all you could hear were screams and cries for help and the shrill sound of the ambulances rushing to the scene alongside the police cars.

Everything seemed like it was starting to blur when the blue eyes of your brother-in-law swam into your view as he pulled you up off the ground and started checking you over.

“Y/N, please tell me you’re okay!” said Jay worriedly, looking everywhere twice to make sure you had been not been hit by any of the flying bullets that had cut through the sky. “Are you hurt, does the baby feel okay?”

You tried to steady your breathing as Jay held your hands, but it didn’t seem to be helping even though you had someone as patient and calm as your brother-in-law. “W-What h-happened?” you asked shakily, looking around as best you could. Mama Garcia’s restaurant was ruined, the windows were shattered and there were quite a few injured people sitting or laid around being attended to.

“Gang drive-by shooting, don’t worry about it, I’ve got Voight looking into it,” he stated as he followed your own gaze, and he pulled you away. “Hey, let's get you two away from this and checked out.”

Nodding, you agreed and walked out the door with Jay slowly guiding you. As you reached the ambulance, you were relieved to see the kind face of your best friend Sylvie there.

“Oh I didn’t know you’d be here, Y/N! I’m going to check you both over real quick,” said Sylvie quickly as she started checking your vital signs and blood pressure readings with efficiency and calmness. Jay still stood beside you diligently, his eyes following every move that Sylvie made.

“Are Y/N and the baby okay, Sylvie?” asked Jay seriously. He didn’t like how long it was taking your best friend to clear you, even though he knew she’d never rush a diagnosis. Sylvie shook her head at his words.

“I’m going to send you to Med, okay sweetheart,” smiled Sylvie gently. “Your blood pressure is still high, and I want to get scans too.”

Now it was your turn to feel worried, and you clamped down on your brother in all but blood’s hand tight. “All I’ve got is a sore back, and I’ve had that for the last week or so, we’re both fine,” you reasoned, looking between the two. Both of them shook their heads. There was going to be no fighting these two that you knew already. Jay Halstead and Sylvie Brett were seriously stubborn people, but you loved them all the same.

It didn’t take long for Sylvie to load you into her rig, Jay helping out as much as possible as Violet pulled Ambulance 61 out to drive. Sighing, you looked over at your brother-in-law who was staring at the floor.

“Jay… this wasn’t your fault,” you said softly, reaching out to hold his hand. He smiled a small smile yet shook his head.

“I know that, but I should’ve just brought you the food home, then you two wouldn’t be on your way to Med,” he reasoned, squeezing your hand gently.

You shrugged your shoulders. “It was my choice, and if you hadn’t been there then we’d both probably be dead right now!” you stated, but it didn’t do anything to calm Jay, and made him shudder violently.

“Don’t say that, I’ve already got to answer to Will when we arrive!” he replied tensely as he ran his hands through his short brown hair.

Both you and Sylvie looked at Jay in surprise.

“You haven’t phoned Will yet?” asked Sylvie, first from where she sat entering information into her iPad.

Jay shook his head. “It’s not that I’ve not tried, the git isn’t answering his cellphone,” he replied, and he ran his hands up and down his thighs anxiously.

“He might just be busy then, but Will will be grateful that we had you there, Jay,” you stated, holding onto one of his hands to stop him fretting. Even before you were pregnant, Jay had been extremely protective of you and now that you were, he would get bouts of anxiety over anything happening to you both.

Sylvie hummed quietly. “I can always send a message to Maggie, it goes direct through the system, that is if you’d like?”

You and Jay nodded, so Sylvie quickly went ahead and did it. At least then Will wouldn’t be surprised at the ambulance bay with your appearance.

———

It was as you were quietly talking away with Jay and Sylvie about the baby when you felt a pain like no other, and you couldn’t help but cry out.

Instantly, both of them were at your side and Sylvie was right away checking your vital signs and checking your body. “What’s wrong?” asked Jay as you clenched down on his hand again.

You couldn’t answer him as you could only clench your teeth as Sylvie poked and prodded with different machines and her hands. A broad smile lit up her face and she looked quite happy.

“I think someone is going into labor!” she said excitedly.

You sat there in shock before turning to look at Jay… but you couldn’t help the giggle that slipped from your lips as you saw his expression. He had turned white, and his mouth literally hung open. It was like nothing you’d ever seen before on Jay Halstead’s face.

“Please tell me you’re joking, Sylvie!” you said with your eyes wide. You did not want to give birth in an ambulance, and especially without your husband at your side. She shook her head.

“Contractions are coming fast, sorry!” smiled Sylvie as she inserted some low level pain medicine into you. “But we’re nearly there, and then you’ll be up in OB.”

Shakily, you nodded and closed your eyes.

Today had turned out to be one of those days.

———

Unsurprisingly, Will was the first person to open up your ambulance.

“Oh god, Y/N! What happened?” exclaimed your husband as he helped take your gurney out of the ambulance. He looked like he had run a marathon and his hair looked even crazier than usual.

You sniffled. “I don’t know Will! One minute Jay and I were having lunch together, then there were bullets flying everywhere,” you replied, cuddling into Will best you could as he and Sylvie rushed you into Med, with Jay following close behind. “I’m so sorry!”

Will shook his head affectionately, and smiled softly. “Hey, hey, I’m just glad you and our little guy are safe, that’s all that matters okay?” he stated, caressing the side of your face. “Jay and you have nothing to apologize about.”

Sighing, you nodded, watching as Will added even more monitors to you as Sylvie removed the ambulance ones. You smiled as she went to leave.

“I’m coming back, okay!” she giggled. “I’m not missing anything about this baby, and especially not the birth!”

You chuckled. Sylvie had been absolutely thrilled when you had announced the pregnancy and thrown herself into helping plan and organize the baby shower, gift registry, nursery, outfits and more. “Wouldn’t dream of it!” you replied, watching as the blonde walked away back to the rig with Violet.

“Anyway Mama, it looks like we’re going to get you up to Obstetrics,” grinned Maggie as she entered your treatment room. “Baby Red is on the way!”

Will and you both chuckled. It felt like the entire Emergency Department was excited about your and Will’s little one’s imminent arrival, as they had been for months, much like Sylvie and Jay. “Here’s hoping it’s an easy birth,” you said, leaning against Will’s side.

Now it was Jay’s time to chuckle and you turned to look at him. “Oh, you haven’t heard the story about Will’s birth?” he asked, and you shook her head. “Well apparently Mom was in labor for twenty-four hours, but you’re much less stubborn than my brother so you’ll do much better.”

Oh, sweet shiitake mushrooms.

———

It had not been quite so twenty-four hours, but after twenty-three hours, you and Will had finally become parents.

Madeleine Theresa Halstead had been born, screaming at the top of her lungs and covered in blood and fluids, but she was the most beautiful thing you and Will had ever seen in your lives.

Will had cried as he had cut her cord and brought her over to you. Your daughter was absolutely tiny, with minuscule fingers and toes and the cutest little nose too. Coming in at 7lb 8oz, she was absolutely perfect.

“Here we were thinking she was going to be a little boy,” chuckled Will softly as he sat beside you in your hospital bed. You had been moved into a private room, and it was just what you, Will and little Madeleine needed. “Somehow Gabriel Patrick Halstead doesn’t quite fit.”

You smiled, but you hadn’t stopped smiling ever since you had brought your daughter into the world. “Jay knew, somehow,” you whispered as Madeleine slept in your arms, swaddled in the blanket that you had knitted months ago.

“My brother, the pregnancy guru,” laughed Will as he kissed your head, watching to make sure Madeleine didn’t stir. “We still good on who we picked for godparents?”

“Of course, they’re perfect.”

Will nodded. “I think Maggie has had everyone gather in the waiting room. Do you want to bring them in?” he asked. You nodded silently and watched as Will wandered out the door.

Cuddling Madeleine closer to you, you sighed. You had never felt so much happiness and love as you had for your little girl. “You’ve got a great daddy, Maddie,” you whispered to her. “We’re so lucky to call him ours.”

Madeleine grumbled softly in her sleep, and you could only whimper a soft noise as she somehow made the same face as Will, her father, did whenever he was asleep. It seemed she even had even inherited his auburn hair also.

You were still absolutely enamored with your daughter when the door to your room opened up again and a small group of people slowly made their way in alongside your husband.

Jay was there, grinning. It seemed he had bought the biggest pink teddy bear he could find. It was easily four times the size of his niece, your daughter. Sylvie was there too, bubbling away with anticipation about getting to meet your daughter. Matt was at her side, grinning happily as he held onto a big pink balloon and white bunny rabbit toy. Maggie had come and so had April, Connor and Daniel, some of your and Will’s closest friends at work. It seemed that word had spread fast that the newest Halstead had been born, and the first Halstead girl in three generations to boot. Cindy and Christopher Herrmann were there, also bearing gifts, and so were Kim and Adam with their little girl Makayla, who was asleep in her father’s arms.

Will quickly sat down beside you, and you softly placed Madeleine into her father’s strong arms.

“Everyone, we’d like you all to meet our daughter, Madeleine Theresa Halstead,” said Will proudly, as he smiled down at his little girl in his arms. The little group cheered so softly and one by one made their way to meet the newest member of their family of sorts.

“Congratulations, she’s absolutely adorable,” grinned Jay as he hugged Will, taking care not to hurt his niece any way. “Mom and Dad would be so proud of you.”

“Thanks, Jay. I just wish Madeleine could’ve met them.”

“She’s going to know them in a way, we’ll make sure of it. It’s a nice touch to give mom’s name to Madeleine as her middle name too.”

Madeleine had woken up in Sylvie’s arms, and yet she had not made much of a noise. Her little gaze seemed to be enamored by your best friend and you giggled. “I think that means she likes her godmother Auntie Sylvie!”

Sylvie’s eyes bugged out of her head at your words. “Oh… you chose me?” she asked softly, tears pooling in her eyes at the fact you and Will wanted her as Madeleine’s godmother.

Will nodded. “If it hadn’t been for you and Matt actually getting us two together, we’d not be here,” he told Sylvie, who nodded, before carefully passing the baby to her boyfriend, who expertly held the baby with a smitten tenderness. It was true, even though you and Will worked in the same hospital department, it had taken so long for either of you to make a move that Sylvie had taken it upon herself, roping in Matt too, to get you both together.

Sylvie hugged you tight. "I already love that little angel so much. She's so precious!" she smiled, wiping her tears. "Who would've thought that what I did would cause all this?"

“That one day was all it took, and now look where we all are.”

[starboyshoyo]

The Summer After Graduation

Characters: Kalim Al-Asim, Deuce Spade, Trey Clover, Epel Felmier x fem!reader (separately)

Fandom: Twisted Wonderland

Genre: Fluff, domestic

Warnings: suggestive jokes, nothing inappropriate.

It’s the summer after graduation and the beginning of the rest of your life. After moving to your boyfriend’s hometown and living with his family, you begin to realize that there may be a future in Twisted Wonderland for you after all.

Part One (HERE) || Part Two (Malleus, Silver, Sebek)

Four years have passed since the Dark Mirror beckoned you forth. Your time at Night Raven College and as the Ramshackle prefect have come to an end. You and your high school sweetheart have made the decision to move back to their hometown and build a new life together, starting with the summer after graduation…

Kalim Al-Asim

‘The Asims are a generous family that love and cherish their son and future daughter-in-law. In tradition with our past, you and your lover will spend the summer at  Port Ormos, a seaside village off the coast of the Land of Scalding Sands. Don’t worry about transport or living situation- it will all be taken care of for you. We love you, Kalim, and we’re so proud of you for graduating!’ 

That’s what the letter from Kalim’s mother and father to him read. Right after graduating from NRC, you and your boyfriend were swept up in a gaggle of servants and guards. Jamil had packed all of your belongings already, and a bashful Kalim informed you that you were on your way to something he referred to as the ‘Asim pre-honeymoon vacation.’ It’s a tradition in my family for newlyweds to spend some time together at the village, he laughed. I guess they were just super excited to know I had someone as wonderful as you by my side, and got a little hasty! I hope you don’t mind.

With that, you were off through the magic mirror and on your way to your new summer home.

Kalim’s parents weren’t kidding when they said everything would be taken care of. Not only had servants transported all of your things neatly and carefully to the Asims’ manor overlooking the town, but a parade and festival had been thrown in honor of your arrival. Why, you might ask? Because the Asims owned the entirety of Port Ormos. You knew they were wealthy, but this was a whole other level. 

Immediately upon arrival, Kalim was dragging you into various shops and restaurants around town. Each time you walked through a door, you would be greeted warmly by eager staff and ushered in to have a look at their finest goods. Point to any one you like, and an attendant will be by your side, packing it into a bag for you or loading it up to carry it back to the manor. Only the best for Lady Asim, you hear managers whisper to their employees. 

In fact, it seemed like everyone in the harbor town treated you like you were part of the Asim family already, even though you were an ordinary student at Night Raven College not even a week ago. For the duration of the trip, you would take on the family name and honored titles. You don’t miss the happy, flustered grin that Kalim gives you every time someone calls you Miss Asim or Lady Asim. You’ve even caught him browsing jewelry shops for rings on more than one occasion… What could he be planning? 

Jamil, as usual, had been chosen to accompany you and Kalim on this trip. However, he wasn’t staying with you two in the manor- he and his own family had been given a beachfront home to stay in. While Jamil did check on you and Kalim from time to time, he mostly gave you your space, and for good reason. His eyes were still scarred from the time he walked in on you two in the dressing room… He’ll stay in his own home, thank you very much. 

Mornings in the harbor town with your boyfriend are much like those in Scarabia dorm, but with a lot more privacy. Kalim likes to sleep in late, and get up whenever he feels like it. So you two will be cuddled up in bed together for a while, even after waking up. If you do try to leave early you’ll be met with arms looped around your waist, and a sleepy Kalim mumbling in your ear, five more minutes? By the time you manage to roll out of bed, it’ll be noon. 

Your room in the mansion is just as luxurious as you could expect from the Asim family- a king-size bed with crisp white sheets, sheer curtains, and a gorgeous view of the sprawling port town far below. Breakfast consists of light sandwiches and wraps to start off your day, plus fresh-squeezed fruit juices or coffees to compliment the meal. It’s all cooked by Jamil of course, and brought up to your rooms by him as well. The Al-Asims weren’t taking a risk with the food prepared for you or Kalim- they would never forgive themselves if the newest member of their family were to get sick. 

Kalim is a very spontaneous person, one of the reasons you love him so much. Every day he’ll think of something new and fun for you to do. The world is his oyster, and you’re the pearl! You could stroll along the docks, holding hands and greeting every sailor along the way, or browse the street markets for artisan goods. Any time you stop to look at something for more than a few seconds, Kalim will drape himself over you and join you in ogling it over your shoulder. Anything fascinating to you is interesting to him too! There won’t be a boring day anywhere in your summer. 

When your time in Port Ormos comes to a close, you can’t help but feel a little sad. You and Kalim will spend one final day around town, enjoying your time together. Another festival is held in your honor- this time, in the evening- and Kalim will bring you out onto the balcony of your room to watch fireworks being launched into the sky. 

When the first round of sparks explode high above your head, you’ll notice he has a ring box in his hand. He even might trip a little as he gets down on one knee, he’s so hasty in trying to get everything right. 

I know this was supposed to be just a little taste of what life together is supposed to be like, but I want this every day with you, for the rest of my life! You bring me so much happiness and my family just adores you, too- not to mention, we’ll get to come back here! So please… won’t you marry me?” 

Deuce Spade

Moving into Deuce’s childhood apartment after graduation was a quiet but well-managed affair. You didn’t have much to transport anyways. However, formal introductions would have to be made when you arrive in the Kingdom of Hearts- you had never met Deuce’s mother before. You already knew what a generous and kind person she would be, though. Deuce spoke highly of her at all times. Her greetings to you are warm, and Deuce’s cheeks are dusted with pink. He looked as if his heart was going to explode- The two people he loved most in the world were finally meeting! Everything was all coming together now. 

Deuce’s family’s apartment is cozy and well-kept. The shelves are dusted and everything seems so homey. Looking down the hallways, you notice small, faded marks low on the wall- crayon scribbles. Frayed edges of carpets and photos on the walls make it clear- your boyfriend had been raised in such a loving environment. It’s not very big, Deuce tells you with an embarrassed look, but it’s the best we can do at the moment. I promise we’ll get a bigger home in the future. You look back at him with love in your eyes. It’s perfect, Deuce. Just take things one day at a time- little steps.  

Though Deuce tried his best in school, he wasn’t able to make it onto the honor roll. Still, the moment his mother saw his diploma from Night Raven College, she gasped and pulled him into a tight hug. His diploma and graduation photo were framed and hung on the wall- and with your permission, Deuce’s mother would frame and hang yours as well, right next to his. You and Deucey are first in our family to graduate, she would tell you proudly, admiring the papers on the wall. I’m so proud. Thank you for looking after him…

Well, you could say the same back to her. 

Within just a few days of returning home, Deuce had to start work. He had been hired in a mechanic’s shop halfway across town, and was gone on long shifts for most of the day. He’s not around much, but when he is, he tries his best to spend time with you. No matter what he’ll kiss you good morning and good night, even if you’re asleep when he leaves or arrives home. On his rare days off, he’ll make sure to take you on a date, even if it’s just eating a meal together in the park on a picnic blanket. He’ll bring you small gifts from the shops around town, from extra tips he’s collected over time. You will never feel unloved under his watch. 

During the day while Deuce is out working, you help his mother around the apartment. She’s perpetually cheerful when her son is around but sometimes, when it’s just the two of you at home, you’ll notice her having to sit down often and rub aching joints. The poor woman has worked herself to the bone trying to care for Deuce by herself all those years. When you ask her about it, she’ll confide in you- I haven’t told Deuce about this, she says with a rueful smile. I don’t want to worry him. But I’m so happy my little Deucey found someone so lovely and kind. I’d be proud to call you my daughter. 

After that conversation, you write a letter to Riddle Rosehearts- an old friend of yours who is studying to become a magical doctor. He agrees to have a look at Ms. Spade, and give her a trial medicine he’s been working on, free of charge- hopefully it will help with the pain. Deuce’s mother tries to protest- There’s no way I can accept such generosity! But in the end, she caves. She’s not quite ready to tell Deuce yet, but that’s alright. It’s just like you told him; things might take a while- we’ll start with little steps. 

Trey Clover

Living with your boyfriend’s family is hard work, but rewarding. Trey is expected to inherit the Clover family bakery when he gets older, and he works tirelessly to keep business up and running. His parents had doubts about you moving in at first- since the Rose Kingdom is on an island, they weren’t able to meet you previously. But with a bit of hard work and effort, they’re willing to look past your inexperience and see you for the wonderful person their son has come to love. 

During the day, when Trey is busy with work, his mother or father will help teach you the basics of running the shop- how to work the ovens and give orders to the employees, as well as use more advanced equipment they use to make the delectable treats they sell. Don’t mind the little ones when they ask for a sweet, Trey’s father tells you, sending a disapproving glance at his two younger children. Chances are they’ve already stolen one or ten from the back counter when you weren’t watching. 

Speaking of Trey’s younger siblings, they absolutely love you. His little brother has a bit of a puppy crush on you and will hang around the bakery when you’re working there. He’ll often have a little gift in his hand when he returns from playing outside. Look, I found this flower on the trail near the stables!  

Trey’s younger sister is just as adoring of you as her brother, but in a different way. She’s so used to roughhousing with two boys, and is super excited to have a sister around now! She’ll chat your ear off about anything and everything, and is always willing to help you out if you don’t know what to do with certain ingredients or bakery customs. 

Though Trey works long hours, the Clovers live above their bakery shop and he never has to deal with long travel times. That leaves him with a decent amount of time to spend with you. He’ll often ask you to accompany him on strolls around the village, where he goes out of his way to help neighbors. You learn that Trey has a bit of a reputation as a heartthrob in the small community where they live- they’re so excited to know someone has finally won his affections! The town’s golden boy is growing up so fast… 

At home above the shop, you and Trey are mostly left alone to your devices. His parents trust you enough not to monitor your every move- but Trey’s father has one rule. You two sleep in separate rooms, and no closing the door when you’re in the bedroom together! We have enough little sprogs running around underfoot already. You have to promise him that no funny business will be going on in the home. (Well, at least for now- but don’t tell him that!)

Epel Felmier

Having visited Harveston once before, the trip to Epel’s home village was like returning home after a long vacation. Epel’s grandmother, Marja, welcomes you back as kindly as ever, all the while nagging Epel for not visiting home more often! You should think about your lonely old granny from time to time, Epel. You aren’t in the village for long, though- for the summer, you would be visiting an entirely new place- a town a few hours south of Harveston, where the rest of Epel’s extended family resided. 

Epel’s aunts, uncles, cousins, and more have yet to hear about you. When you first step into the large farmhouse where the family has gathered, you’re immediately swarmed by dozens of blue-eyed, lavender-haired relatives, all gushing- Epel! Who is this young lady, and why didn’t you tell us about her before? She’s so cute! How did that sailor-mouth of yours manage to snag you someone so lovely? 

Epel might be a little sour over their comments. He gets a bit possessive at times- he wants your attention on him as much as possible, and there are so many people to compete with! I’m not rough all the time, y’know! I can be a gentleman when I want to be. Now hands off’a her, she’s mine. He’ll ease up a bit when you remind him to overstep. 

It’s a bit impressive how similar all of Epel’s relatives look. They’re all a bit on the short side, with the same hair and eyes. Small differences are evident in separate branches of the family, but overall they look very put together. You might feel like a bit of an outsider at first, but don’t worry! The feeling won’t last for long. It’s hard to feel lonely among such a boisterous crowd. 

During the warm months, the apple orchard is still in full capacity. While most of the apples aren’t ripe yet, a small sect of trees, the summer orchard, is ready for harvest. Everyone in the family pitches in to pick apples. Though you’re not as practiced, you join in on the fun! At least, you try until Epel’s youngest cousins grab your hands and pull you away to play with them. Marja tells you not to worry about work- they can handle it. Go have some fun!

Epel glares at his cousins as they retreat, dragging you in tow. Marja pokes him in the back with a smile on her face. Go on, boy, she tells her grandson. You can have the day off- spend some time with your lady love before those little rascals steal her away. She pauses. I wouldn’t mind having a granddaughter in law before I leave this earth. 

Red to the tips of his ears, Epel scurries after the children to find you. He joins you laying in the grass watching the kids nearby and mumbles in your ear- Y’know… I’ve been thinking- maybe it’s not a bad idea to get hitched after all. 

A/N: The Kalim favoritism is so obvious here… 

Comments and reblogs are greatly appreciated! 

[msschemmenti]

The Bodyguard

Melissa Schemmenti x Reader

summary : reader hasn't mastered the art of self-care yet and melissa helps.

a/n: been sitting with this for a bit, hoping to post more now that i'm kinda getting my adult life together :) i also could not tell you what happened at the end of this...

“Good Morning beautiful educators! Are we ready to change some lives?” Janine called, bounding into the teacher’s lounge. All eyes rolled and a collective sigh fell over the room. Despite the less than enthusiastic response, Janine’s smile remained in place as she shoved her lunch in the refrigerator and sat next to Jacob. 

“What’s got you so chipper this morning?” Melissa spoke, eyeing the younger woman over the cat-eye reading glasses she had perched on her nose.

“I just woke up well-rested. With the new schedule I’ve created for myself I’ve had loads more time to get things done. I’m worrying less and feeling my best.” Janine proudly spoke, causing the older women in the room to observe her thoughtfully. 

“That’s great Janine. You have seemed much more confident and that’s great to see.” Barbara smiled. 

“Good for you Kid. That’s often the hardest part of teaching in a school like this. It’s hard to take time for yourself.” Melissa smiles over her reading glasses, leveling the younger woman with a congratulatory nod. Janine beamed at the camera over the older woman's shoulder and turned to Jacob to listen to his spiel for the morning. As everyone went back to their own morning routines, Y/n slumped into the room heading straight for the coffee machine. The cameras followed her as she pulled a mug from her bag and filled it to the brim with the bitter liquid gold. As soon as she added the sugar and creamer she needed she gazed at her watch gauging how much time she had before school officially started. With twenty minutes to spare she trudged over to the couch and sighed as she slouched into the chair pulling out some homework she wasn’t able to finish before bed. With the young woman’s attention focused on her work and coffee, she missed the green eyes that seemed to track her as closely as the camera did. Melissa watched as the fifth grade teacher busied herself with stacks of paper and a book. It didn’t look to be the work of her students, so Melissa’s curiosity peaked. She watched as the younger woman wedged a highlighter between her teeth and flipped through pages of tiny text. Her eyes moved across the screen frantically as if trying to memorize as much of the information as possible in the next 20 minutes. She didn’t realize how long she’d been watching until she felt Barb bump her shoulder subtly. Melissa’s eyes landed on Barbara and was instantly met with a soft smirk lining her friend’s lips. 

“Don’t look at me like that.” Melissa grumbled under her breath, peeking back over to the couch to see if the younger woman had relaxed a bit but she seemed to only have tensed more.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Barbara smirked allowing her eyes to fall to the younger woman as well. “It seems someone hasn’t mastered the ‘taking care of yourself’ part of all of this.” 

“What’s she working on anyway? It doesn’t look like anything the kids would be working on. I know she’s upstairs but they’d hardly be reading anything that long.” Melissa asked, finally turning back to Barb. 

“I’m not sure, but you know she’s still in school so that could definitely be some homework of her own.” Barb shrugged. 

“She’s still in school? What do you mean?” Melissa asked.

“She’s getting her masters. Which you’d know if you weren’t always being so standoffish. She does all her classes and coursework after we get off.” 

“I am not standoffish,” Melissa huffed indignantly, “I just don’t like new people.” 

“Mmhm, I don’t think that’s the case with one though.” Barbara grinned as she watched the red-head’s cheeks heat almost instantly at being called out.

“Oh shut up.” Melissa grumbled as the bell rang for the school day to finally start. She rose from her seat pointedly ignoring Barbara’s chuckle behind her as they made their way to their classrooms. 

-

“Alright, who has an answer they’d like to share?” Y/n asked from her place in the front of the classroom. Lunch was still about 10 minutes away but she wanted to at least finish the rest of the worksheet her students had been working on before sending them off. She let her eyes roam over the classroom patiently but as she saw no hands raise she knew she’d need to entice them a bit. “I know it’s hard you guys, but if we finish the last two problems I’ll let you head to lunch earlier.” 

She waited to see if anyone would take the bait and it seemed to work when Mariah raised her hand from the middle of the room. “Alright Mariah, what ya got for me?” 

“4 over 12.” She spoke timidly. 

“Uh Huh, and what’s 4 over 12 simplified?” Y/n prompted with a smile. Mariah seemed to be working through it but seemed a bit overwhelmed so Y/n opened it up to the rest of the class. “Anyone? What number can we divide both 4 and 12 by?”

“2.” Jamal called from the back row. 

“Yep, but is there a bigger number we could also use?” Y/n asked with a smile glad the students seemed to be getting closer and closer to the right answer. 

“Oh! I know.” Jasmine’s hand shot up from the front. 

“Alright Jasmine, what number are you thinking?” 

“4.” 

“Excellent! That’s exactly right. And if we divide them by 4, 4 over 12 becomes?”

“1 over 3!” Everyone answered. 

“Very good everyone. Let’s do the last one together and then we can head off.” Y/n smiled, heading to the white board and grabbing a marker. 

Melissa really isn’t sure how she found herself in the fifth grade hall. She’d dropped her kids to recess and somehow she’d found herself peeking through the glass window in the door of Y/n’s classroom. She watched as she patiently guided the students through the fractions. She could tell the students really appreciated the atmosphere she’d created in the classroom. Even when someone wasn’t right, there was nothing but support flowing through the space and Melissa had no choice but to admire the work she’d done to capture that. Realizing if anyone saw her up there she’d have no explanation for her behavior, she quickly turned on her heels to head back toward her classroom with the hopes of not being caught. In her descent of the stairs, she missed the camera man down the hall collecting footage.

-

Melissa hurried into the teacher’s lounge hoping to grab a snack before she needed to pick her students up from their art class. She pushed forcefully on the door and headed for the vending machine, letting the door swing behind her with little care. As the door clanged against the doorframe she heard the startled gasp within the room. She turned quickly with her fist up and ready to attack whoever was in the room. She only relaxed when she saw Y/n sat on the couch with her hand over her chest and wide eyes. There was a book in her lap and highlighter poking out of her hair. Melissa figured she was doing homework again but as she looked closer, she could see the grooved pattern of the couch fabric on the younger woman’s cheek. 

“Oh Melissa,” The younger woman sighed as she leaned back into the couch as she started to calm down. 

“Sorry Hon. Did I wake ya?” Melissa said, coming to lean on the back of the chair that was closest to the couch. 

“It's probably for the best. That was a complete accident.” Y/n shook her head a bit and pushed her hands down her face in an effort to liven up a bit. 

“Must not be too interesting, if it’s putting you to sleep.” Melissa commented, nodding her head toward the book still in Y/n’s lap.

“Unfortunately it is not. It doesn’t exactly help that I’m already sleep deprived. A recipe for a great nap.” Y/n chuckled lightly before turning her eyes to her watch. “Looks like it’s time for me to pick my kids up.” As Y/n gathered her things, Melissa watched and hummed in agreement. Once Y/n was done and her eyes met Melissa’s the older woman could see the exhaustion setting back in place. “See you around Melissa.” 

Y/n moved to walk past Melissa to the door, but Melissa hand wrapped around her forearm keeping her in front of her. “Hey, make sure you get some rest hon. We can’t have you collapsing on us like Janine.” Melissa squeezed her arm in emphasis and released her arm when she saw the younger woman nod in understanding.

-

From then Melissa found herself checking in with Y/n more often. She’d shed her ‘standoffish’ behavior and had become one of the teachers Y/n talked to the most. She never spent a lot of time with anyone on the elementary level teaching staff besides Barb, but now she seemed to be running into Melissa more and more. She’d be in the teacher lounge poured over a textbook or a stack of spelling tests and Melissa would appear with a hot mug of coffee. She’d gradually started bringing the younger woman lunch everyday of the week. It had started on a day about two weeks after Y/n had been caught napping on the couch. The fifth grade teacher had waltzed into the room carrying her laptop and textbook and that seemed to be it. It only took Melissa about 5 seconds of seeing her work on homework before she cleared her throat with a raised eyebrow. She, Y/n, and Barb were the only ones in the lounge so far so Y/n was quick to turn her attention to the older women’s table. 

“Oh hi.” Y/n said, meeting Melissa’s eyes. Assuming the redhead was upset she hadn’t greeted them when she arrived, she looked back at her work. 

 “Hello but that’s not what I wanted. Where is your lunch?” Melissa asked, eyeing the younger woman intently. 

“Oh I forgot it. I’m just gonna grab a snack after work to tide me over through class tonight.” Y/n shrugged, lifting the textbook from her lap. 

“You mean after school?” Barb cut in looking at the younger woman skeptically. 

“Mmhmm. No need to worry, I’ve done it loads of times before. I forget my lunch a lot more than I care to admit.” 

“Oh sweetheart, well that’s not healthy.” Barb said, shaking her head disapprovingly. 

“I know, I know. I try not to but I think I’ve done it so often that I hardly notice anyway.”

“Well that’s not happening anymore, get over here.” Melissa said, pulling out the chair next to her. Y/n looked at the older woman in confusion, not fully understanding what was happening. She didn’t move but watched as the older woman pulled a fork from one of the drawers and wedged it into the tupperware dish she’d been eating. When her eyes landed on Y/n’s face she looked at her expectantly. When the older woman didn’t say anything, Y/n grabbed her books and moved over to the older women’s table and sat in the seat obediently. With Y/n situated, Melissa slid the food in front of her and patted Y/n’s back, “Now eat.” 

Y/n went to protest but before she could even speak there was a fork-full of pasta in her mouth. Her eyes widened in shock initially but melted shut when the food hit her taste buds. “Oh this is so good.” At the praise Melissa smirked and went back to scrolling on her phone as Barbara laughed with a smile. From then on Melissa made it a point to pack a bit more food for lunch. And if Barbara asked about it she simply shrugged citing her large portion sized cooking as the reason. As Y/n and Melissa became closer, it seemed easier for the younger woman to take care of herself. With someone checking on her as often as Melissa had taken to, it became second nature. 

One day after a particularly demanding week of homework and tests, Melissa found Y/n sprawled out on the teachers lounge’s couch once again. It was a very similar scene to the first time but unlike last time, when the door closed Y/n didn’t start awake. If anything, she burrowed further into the couch and threw her arm over her eyes. Melissa paused briefly watching the younger woman sleep and sighed. She only looked at Y/n for a few more seconds before making her mind up. She sat her things at her table and pulled her jacket off of her arms. She walked over draping it across the younger teacher and then made her way to her table. She positioned her chair toward the door and watched the door. It wasn’t long before the door swung open revealing Janine ready to talk about God knows what, but as soon as her eyes met Melissa’s she closed her mouth. The older woman sent a menacing glare her way before placing her finger up to her lips. Janine, though confused, tip-toed further into the room and took a seat at one of the other tables in the room. By the time everyone was in the room, Melissa had quietly declared that the teacher’s lounge was experiencing a quiet lunch and with her reputation no one questioned her. 

The bell rang signaling the end of lunch and that seemed to be the only thing to rouse Y/n from her sleep. By this point everyone had made their way to their own classrooms and the only two people remaining were Melissa and Y/n. The younger woman groaned as she opened one of her eyes to scan the room. She paused briefly as her senses were overwhelmed with a very familiar fragrance. She looked down seeing the familiar leather jacket draped over her shoulders and felt her cheeks heat at being caught asleep again. Before she could say anything Melissa spoke leaning against the back of the chair next to the couch. 

“Good morning hon,” She spoke, leveling Y/n with a soft look of concern. “I thought we talked about you taking care of yourself?”

“We did, I’ve just been cranking out a lot of papers this week. Had an extra late night last night trying to finish one before the weekend.” Y/n explained placing her feet on the floor and facing the older woman. 

“Well when is it due?” Melissa asked moving to sit on the arm of the chair. 

“Not until Sunday night, but I use my weekends to plan for the week here and catch up on grading.” Y/n explained. 

“And when do you take time for yourself?” Melissa prompted. 

“When I sleep it’s just me and my dreams. So I count those few hours every night as self-care.”

“Haha, very funny hon. You know that actually does not count right? You just slept through lunch. I think we need to think of some new ways to make sure you’re getting things done. Ways don’t include skipping meals and hours of sleep.” 

“I slept through lunch? I slept through Janine’s latest life update and Jacob’s flailing? I really must be tired.” Y/n said, shaking her head before moving to rise from the couch. “And I gotta go get my kids for recess.”

“Don’t worry about that right now. I told Jacob to take them with his kids. And as much as I agree that you are extremely tired, the teacher’s lounge was having a silent lunch today. But I don’t think we can do that every day so we’re gonna have to figure something else out.”

“Jacob is taking my kids to recess?” Y/n asked, looking at the redhead in disbelief. Before Melissa could confirm, Y/n seemed to pick up on something else she said. “Wait, did you just say silent lunch?”

Melissa shook her head in amusement at the fifth grade teacher, “Yes to both. And before you ask how? Think about who you’re talking to.” 

Y/n nodded with red cheeks realizing the redhead had done quite a bit for her during her slumber. “Thanks.” She finally mustered up the courage to say. 

“You’re welcome, I’m glad to help. But I’d be even happier if you’d meet me halfway with this.”

Y/n nodded in understanding, “I’m sorry, I’ve always just been like this and I overestimate how much I can actually handle. I didn’t realize anyone would care so much.”

“Well I do. Listen, how about we find sometime to get you set up with a healthier schedule? I’ll even  make you dinner and everything.” Melissa suggested hopefully. “I’d really like that. I have to be honest,  I didn’t take you for the mentor type of the group.” Y/n said with a shrug unconsciously pulling the older woman’s leather jacket closer to her chest. 

“Oh I’m not. That’s definitely more of a Barb thing, but I have my moments. And my reasons.” Melissa smiled softly at Y/n. 

“Well I appreciate it and I won’t take your help for granted.” 

“Good girl. Now come on, recess is almost over.” 

Y/n’s cheeks heated at the older woman’s words before she nodded and stood to walk out of the door with the woman. Melissa collected her things from the table and grabbed a tupperware container from the fridge and met Y/n at the door. She pushed the food into her hands as she’d been doing for the last couple of weeks and moved to head out of the door. Just as they were about to cross the threshold of the breakroom she extended the jacket toward the woman. “Oh, probably need this back. Thanks.” 

“No problem hon, don’t leave before seeing me. We can find a night sometime soon. Alright?” 

“Yes ma’am.” Y/n saluted before both women parted ways. 

-

“Knock knock. You ready to go?” Barb asked as she leaned against the door frame of Melissa’s classroom. 

“You can go on without me, I’m waiting on Y/n. We’ve gotta figure out when she’s free.” Melissa said casually turning in her desk chair to face her best friend.

“You finally ask her out?” Barb asked with a smirk causing Melissa’s cheeks to heat. 

“What? No? What are you talking about? I’m just gonna help her figure out how to take care of herself a bit better.” Melissa sputtered. 

“Right because you’re so good at that yourself.” Barb rolled her eyes. 

“Hey! I’m pretty good. And you do the same thing with Janine.” Melissa defended.

“Yes, but I don’t want to take Janine to bed. We are not the same Melissa.” 

“Oh would you get out of here before she hears you!”

“You didn’t deny it!” Barbara grinned. 

“Bye Barb.” Melissa groaned. Barbara smiled in victory before sending a wink over to her friend and leaving the building. 

[paingoes]

Rubies

Web 2.0

(Content: living weapon whumpee, guilt, conditioning, past abuse, caretaker new master)

Apollo had stayed true to his promise of making the room less sparse. He’d brought down books from upstairs so Delta would have something to do besides staring off into space whenever he locked himself in his room. He’d given him a journal too, which Delta found tremendously suspicious. Delta had a habit of destroying everything he’d ever written just as soon as he had finished. He would continue on in this tradition. Anyone having that kind of direct access to his thoughts terrified him. He was grateful for the books, though. 

It was Kitty who offered her old laptop.

“Don’t…look too hard through that,” She said with a nervous smile. She’d done all she could to reset it, but she couldn’t be sure there weren’t still some gems lying around in its SSD. 

Delta reflexively recoiled at the offer. There was such a strong impulse in his head to avoid getting caught with the laptop. It carried over now, even when freely offered. She left it on the desk for him. He would only use it in the dead of night, out of pure habit. It didn’t feel the same as it used to. It couldn’t hold his attention for very long.

There was a practical reason to reintroduce it, though. Kitty acted a bit furtive about it; Apollo said they weren’t supposed to be working. That’s what unpaid leave meant. But there wasn’t really anyone else they could kick it off to. They had to go through the archives. 

Kitty had already backed up everything he had posted publicly, plus all the exchanges they’d had in private. He’d focused in more once she’d mentioned it, agreeing it needed to be deleted as soon as possible so that there was nothing left to piece together about his alleged death. But there was other information on there that only he had access to, that they now needed to preserve before scrubbing.

katkittykat: ok we also were gonna try and offer u whistleblower immunity

katkittykat: but forget it i know u wont accept it

ndhakdvsnnd: im not a whistleblower

katkittykat: see what did i say 

ndhakdvsnnd: can you fuck off

They scrolled through the archived chat logs in dim silence. Kitty was sitting next to him on the floor with the new old laptop up on the coffee table. Neither of them needed to say it. It was weird to go through their old texts while in person. 

It wasn’t Kitty’s first time meeting an internet friend. She had done it more times than she could count. Almost all of them had been shyer and more reserved in person, so she had already expected Delta to follow in that trend. But it was clear that what was going on with him is a different beast entirely.

When she turned to look at him, his eyes were cast down again and his head was bowed. Loose strands fell in his face. He removed his hand from the touchpad, letting it rest in his lap.

“I’m sorry,” he said quietly, “I…shouldn’t have talked to you like that.”

“Just bants, man.” Kitty elbowed him — not a good idea. He winced, the pain reigniting in the handprint-shaped bruise around his upper arm.

“It was disrespectful.” He closed his eyes. It was guilt — not fear — that was audible in his voice.

“I’ve never done anything respectable,” she joked.

He opened his eyes to meet her own. His expression was wholly disbelieving. It wasn’t a joke to him. She remembered how sincerely he’d spoken the other day. Thank you for saving me. She’d tried to brush it off, but her heart had hurt badly afterwards. It hurt again now.

“Don’t worry about it. Seriously.” She had to resist the urge to squeeze his shoulder the way she would with her other friends; she saw how he had flinched whenever she touched him. Thankfully, he didn’t mention it again.

The loading icon went around and around as the account was deleted. Just as soon as it stopped, the home page of the forum appeared. In bold letters, it read Sign Up.

“You gonna make a new account?” She asked.

“Do you think I should?” His hand hovered over the button. 

“I dunno. You were active way before you started posting all the leaks. I thought you were having a good time with it,” she paused, “Guess it might be kind of touchy now though?”

It did make him really anxious to be on the computer. It made him feel too much like he was about to be caught out, as little sense as it made. He started to shrug, then stopped himself. Disrespectful.

“Yes, miss,” he agreed, “It’s…touchy.”

That was putting it mildly, but he had no desire to say more. He pocketed the thought, though. He probably would get back online later. It just felt like too much to do it now, without her explicit guidance. The thought alone was starting to overwhelm him. He shifted uncomfortably.

“Can I go back in my room, miss?” He asked in a soft voice. 

“Yeah, whatever. You don’t have to ask.” She tried to reassure him. He’d gotten scared at some point; she could see it in the way he held himself. She didn’t really want for him to go off to deal with it alone, but she wasn’t going to force him to stay. She watched as he disappeared behind the door. He’d left the laptop behind. She shut it for him, then stretched upwards, climbing up onto the couch.

=======

“Does he talk to you?” Apollo would later ask her. He added, a bit dejectedly, “He doesn’t talk to me.”

“Nah.” She shook her head.

“Well, it’s still early,” Apollo started arguing with himself when she wouldn’t, “I guess he’s still scared. I’m not sure what I can say to him that isn’t going to sound trite. He always hated it when I tried say stuff like that to him over text. So defensive. I don’t know if it’ll go over better or worse now.”

She could tell he’d been thinking about it often. Fussing came so naturally to him. She’d liked it a lot when they were a little younger, when she was even crazier and badly needed someone to try and reel her back in. It isn’t lost on her that Delta has the exact opposite problem, that Apollo’s delimiting nature could have the opposite effect. He badly wanted for things to be clean.

“You shouldn’t take it purrsonally.” The pun slipped into her voice even when she was trying to be serious.

“I know,” he agreed, “I…don’t think he was allowed to talk before. It’s rude to speculate. I don’t want to be presumptuous. But.”

He threw his hands up at the wrists, not finishing the sentence. There was nothing to do but speculate. It was clear enough Delta had not been treated well; the bruises spoke for themselves. But the particulars of his behavior were a kind of puzzle box. He offered no key for it.

Galatea had dealt with Empire’s lot before, both refugees and defectors. Apollo had met many of them personally. There was always a stilted manner in which they spoke. The customs of Empire still remained enigmatic to all those living outside of it. Apollo had no way of telling how much of Delta’s behavior was just a cultural difference — or even a linguistic one — and how much of it was something deeper. He could not tell how much of it was motivated by fear or confusion or simple exhaustion. How much of it was what he wanted vs what he thought he was supposed to do. Apollo wished desperately for some kind of candor between them. Still, he understood that it would be asking a lot of him at that point. He sighed. 

========

The knock was soft and rhythmic. Delta jumped, immediately moving to hide the laptop beneath his blanket. It wasn’t as good as beneath the mattress, but decent enough on short notice. He mechanically slid off the bed, dropping onto his knees at the foot of it. The door did not open.

“Can I come in?” It was Apollo’s voice on the other side. Yes, obviously. It wasn’t locked.

“Yes, sir,” Delta answered anyway. 

Apollo pushed the door open. His eyes widened a little to see Delta kneeling, but he did not show the same visible alarm that he had before. He slid the door shut behind him, leaning back against it.

“I thought it might be good for us to talk,” Apollo said. He tried to read Delta’s body language, but it did not shift by much. Deliberately controlled. He didn’t answer, staring up at Apollo with huge eyes, patient and expectant. Apollo pushed himself on. It was trite, but if there really was any confusion about Delta’s position, it wouldn’t be right to leave him hanging.

“You can sit. That’s what I wanted to talk to you about, actually. Levon told you he wasn’t going to hurt you, didn’t he? And you know that me and Kitty won’t either? You don’t have to be scared of us. You’re safe here.”

Delta didn’t move off of the ground. His head had lowered a little bit, as if he was being scolded. He didn’t take his eyes off of Apollo. 

Apollo squatted down onto his heels, trying to get to Delta’s level.

“Are you scared?” He asked.

“…Yes, sir.” Delta nodded slowly.

“Okay,” Apollo nodded too, rubbing his chin, “That’s okay. Can I ask why?”

Delta’s wrung his hands anxiously; it was a childhood habit, one he’d mostly gotten out of by the time he’d graduated. It’d returned with a vengeance.

“I don’t know.” He said shamefully. “Sir. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to be sorry. It’s okay. I just wanted to check in on how you’re feeling. I can’t tell a lot of the time. You know you can talk to me or Kitty if you’re upset, right? We want you to be comfortable here. You can tell us if something is wrong.”

Apollo doubted it even as he said it. It seemed unlikely that Delta would come to them for anything, that he might not be physically capable of it at this point. But if he introduced the idea early — and reminded him often — it might start to sink in. For the time being, Delta did not respond.

“I’m assuming the kneeling is a habit, right?” Apollo ventured. Delta seemed a bit alarmed at the suggestion. 

“It’s just to be respectful. Sir.” Delta explained in a quiet voice.

He considered this. It might’ve been easier if it was just muscle memory, not a deliberate effort on Delta’s part. The mindset would be harder to get him out of. But Apollo was very glad that Delta had been willing to explain his reasoning to him. It was a good sign.

“Okay. You don’t have to,” He stated very clearly, “You can stand up. We won’t think it’s disrespectful. No one else will, either. You don’t have to do it.”

Again, not much changed in Delta’s expression. He offered the same quiet noise of affirmation, not voicing anything else. 

“Do you have any questions?” Apollo cursed himself for not asking sooner. But Delta didn’t take advantage of the opportunity the way he had hoped. 

“No, sir.” Delta folded his hands in his lap. He’d answered too soon. Apollo wondered if the question had come across as bullying. He got the sense he was starting to push too far out of Delta’s comfort zone. 

“Alright. Let me know if you need anything. Like I said, you can talk to us whenever. We’re right out here.” He stood up, feeling a little bad that Delta was still kneeling. He started to close the door.

He heard a soft “Thank you” just before it clicked shut.

…………

tags:

@catnykit @snakebites-and-ink @vivulapom @scoundrelwithboba @whatwhump

@pumpkin-spice-whump @deluxewhump @fuckass1000 @fuckcapitalismasshole @defire

@micechomper @writereleaserepeat

[pocket-watcher]

ugh, i have an idea that sounds really good in my head but im worried it'll sound cringe on paper...

so sub who has a comfort video game for the reason that they're hopelessly in love with one of the characters

favorite character somehow notices sub's feelings from their side of the fourth wall, trances them, and pulls them into the game world

(bonus points if both sub and fave character!dom are both fem)

》 @/seraphim-in-the-matrix

Please never be worried about cringe. Being cringe is to be human!!!

I’m sure I can deliver on this! Here ya go:

My PC whirred to life as I fit my pink headphones over my ears.

Finally, I thought to myself. No chores, no work, I finally get to just sit here and play.

My cursor hovered over the icon. I mentally checked I had a drink, some snacks, and that my phone was on silent.

I booted up the game.

The screen whirred to life, with bright colours, and there she was on the title screen.

Okay, so she might not be the main character, but she still was so lovely. Her sultry eyes, her outfit, it was perfect.

Or… would’ve been, if she was real. But I pushed that out of my mind and loaded into my current save.

“Welcome back, Kylie! 💕” the text read, her avatar bobbing up and down, her giant blonde curls landing a second after her body. I smiled at the screen, fiddling with my braids for a second.

I clicked through as the characters flitted their day to day, waiting to see her again. Of course, I’d played through about 60 times, so I knew exactly where to focus my attention.

“Oh! You’re here!” She said. Her avatar no longer in her regular outfit but I’n a more relaxed one reserved for her home scenes.

She looked so cute in her sweats and with her hair up. This was the baking portion of the game.

I was just about to start the mini game when my phone pinged. I thought it was on silent?! I picked it up, annoyed at the disruption when -

“Holy shit.”

I read and reread the notification again and again. They were making a sequel?!

I read the article three times to ensure I digested all the information possible.

“Uh, Kylie?” The text prompter read, her avatar now in a more curious pose than her usual excitable one.

That was weird. I’d never seen that pose before, but then again I don’t think I’d ever waited this long on one of her text screens before.

I turned my attention back to the article to ensure I hadn’t missed some mention of her character in the sequel.

“Kylie!” The text prompted flashed again. She was getting annoyed now, so cute in her little pose. I took a moment staring at the screen. Was this a new update?

That was when the screen glitched for a second. Bright colours filled the room.

I clicked to try and start the mini game. Nothing.

“Now do I have your attention?” The text read.

And another flash. I blinked, caught off guard.

I hit my computer, trying to fix the screen error.

That was when the flashing lingered.

Bright colours flashed in quick succession. Words I couldn’t quite read in time were hidden in there. I leaned in closer, cocking my head. Did I break the game?

It seemed to draw me in… I felt my head growing heavy - maybe it was just my headphones. I noticed my mouth was hanging open. It was then I started to process some of the text amongst the flashing lights.

“You’re doing so well!”

“I know you want me.”

“You’re mine.”

“Don’t you want to join me?”

“It would feel so nice to obey.”

My thoughts were at a standstill. Bring replaced by the flashing words and lights. The music was getting louder. My body felt like pins and needles.

And then it all stopped.

I looked around, no longer in my room, and big blonde curls filling my blurred vision.

“I can’t believe it worked!” She helped me up, steadying me as I swayed from lightheadedness.

“Come on, Kylie! This is going to be so much fun!!”

[jooheonspinky]

Trivia: Love Part 5 -Final

Characters: Namjoon x Female Reader

Genre: idol!au, angst, fluff, smut

Warnings: set during the COVID pandemic, mentions of mask-wearing and COVID tests, fluff, fingering, unprotected sex (both get STI tested before visits, as per contract. Not specified in story, but Y/N takes birth control).

Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Part 5

Word Count: 5.3K

November 30, 2021

His day off turns out to be one of my favorite days ever with him. After Mr. Choi comes over to watch us complete our daily COVID test, we spend time reading on the couch. Well, he’s reading while his head rests in my lap and I’m studying for the exam I’ll have a week after I return home.

It’s peaceful and relaxing. Any time I have any dark thoughts about how we will probably never have a day like this ever again I push the negativity away doing my best to hold on to the present time.

We have lunch, and just like at breakfast, we talk. The two of us provide one another with glimpses into our personal lives. The information we’d kept to ourselves, afraid of oversharing in the past, now flows freely between us. The more he tells me, the more my heart warms. The more I want time to stop, to keep us locked in this day where it’s just the two of us and no worries of ruining careers or receiving hate and threats just because we want to be together.

“I have an idea,” he announces as we wrap up lunch and gather our dishes.

“Yeah? What’s that?”

He doesn’t say but grins instead as he leaves the food cart outside the suite’s door. I watch as he casts his phone to the TV and pulls up a website. I smile fondly at him as I see what loads. Namjoon beams at me before sweetly kissing my temple.

“I thought I’d share one of the places I love to spend time in.” He guides me closer to the screen, his arm snaking across my lower back to rest gently at my hip. “This is one of my favorite artists…”

I blink rapidly, willing away the moisture gathering in my eyes. The excitement in his eyes and voice makes me long for things I know I can’t have and it hurts. It feels wonderful, yes, but it hurts even more as I hear him explain each piece of art as we move through the virtual rooms of the various art exhibits. A few hours pass as he encourages me to share my interpretations of what I see and he does the same, the two of us grinning when our views synchronize. We laugh when what I get from the work is vastly different from what he does.

But it’s all perfect. Exactly how I imagined it would be if we were to attend a museum or exhibit out in the real world together.

I’m astonished when I see that night has fallen beyond the windows of our blissful oasis. Tomorrow the interviews, practice, and sound check begin again as we come upon the last two concert days. Soon Namjoon will have to go to bed to have enough sleep to get through the hectic schedule. The idea of wasting precious time sleeping has my stomach clenching. I clutch my abdomen and Namjoon looks down at me.

“Are you hungry?”

The thought of food doesn’t sit well with me and I shake my head, my nose scrunching.

“No, but if you are… that’s ok.”

“Why don’t I order us something light and we just chill the rest of the night?”

“Ok.”

I nod and wonder to myself if he’s trying to extend this day as long as possible as well. After tonight, we’ll only see each other for a few hours in the morning before he leaves and then again when he comes back after the concert where he would only have a few hours to catch some sleep before he has to get up again to prep for the last concert. 

Time is passing extremely fast, and my visit coming to an end much too quickly now that we know exactly how we feel about each other. 

“Food should be up in just a few minutes,” Namjoon informs me.

“Mhm,” I murmur.

I’d been so lost in my thoughts I hadn’t even heard him make the call. I smile at him as he approaches me, his knuckles coming to skim down my cheek.

“Are you ok?”

The low, deep tone of his voice rumbles in my chest and makes my smile widen. He’s so sweet and in tune with my emotional state. I don’t think I could lie to him, even if I wanted to. He would know.

“Not really.” I sigh. “My mind keeps drifting to the day I have to leave. I don’t know how I’m going to be able to do that.”

Namjoon’s eyebrows pinch together, his jaw clenching and unclenching. It’s difficult now not to see his feelings for me. How I could ever have been so blind is a testament to my own insecurities and I try not to dwell too much on all the wasted time because of it. 

“I’m not giving up on us,” he says firmly, tugging me by the hips so that I’m even closer to him. “We’re going to figure this out, so let’s not worry about it tonight.”

I want to share in the same hope; share in the belief that there actually could be a positive outcome to all this. I will that feeling into the smile I give him and lean up to peck his lips.

“Ok.”

“Ok.”

He returns the smile and urges me to the couch where we fall into it, cuddling and watching the baking show I’d had on the day before while we wait for the food to arrive.

December 1, 2021

My belongings lay scattered about the room—books, clothes, and fragments of the days I have spent here with Namjoon. He was at the venue, lost in the rhythm of practice and preparation for tonight’s concert. I wanted the hours to sprint by, each tick of the clock bringing me closer to him. Yet, on the other hand, I wish for time to slow, to savor these fleeting moments before our paths diverge.

I glance around, wondering where to start, but it’s not long before everything blurs as my mind wanders. I think of the contours of Namjoon’s face—the curve of his lips, the intensity in his eyes. How many times did we laugh here, argue there, and get lost in our passion in between? Our shared time here was etched into the walls, into the very air I breathe.

As the night deepens, I trace the outline of our story—the highs and lows, the crescendos and pauses. And I make a silent promise—to hold onto this thing we have, even when miles stretch between us. To remember Namjoon’s smile, the way he says my name and the constellation of moments that defined us.

The suitcase beckons, its emptiness echoing my heart. I close my eyes, willing time to bend—to linger, to stretch, to grant me one more stolen second. But the reality was unyielding. Tomorrow, I will board that plane, and Namjoon will go back to South Korea.

How does one prepare for goodbye? How does one fold deep feelings neatly into a suitcase, tuck it away, and carry on? And so, I pack not just clothes and books, but also the ache of longing—the bittersweet symphony of a farewell. Once everything is put away, I zip up the suitcase, set it by the bathroom door, and sit on the bed.

Outside, the world moves on, oblivious to my inner turmoil. Tomorrow, a driver would arrive—a silent accomplice in our farewell. The stadium would echo with music, and I would sit among the crowd, watching him perform. Applause would rise, but my heart would beat out of sync, knowing that it was quite possibly the final act.

I sigh softly, trying to shake off the sadness knowing Namjoon would be back soon. I climb out of bed and head to the living room to turn on the TV, wanting to be as close to the front door as possible for when he arrives.

The room is dimly lit, the soft glow of the TV casting shadows on the walls. I stand the moment I hear the door beep as the lock disengages. Namjoon steps in already showered and changed, his hair still wet. His hair that just this morning had been a dirty blond now glistens a deep scarlet as he approaches me. He walks with purpose, coming straight to hug me without a word. His skin is still heated from his activities on stage.

“Your hair.”

I smile fondly up at him and he returns the gesture, dropping a quick peck on my lips. 

Carding a hand through his damp locks he asks, “You like it? The stylists thought it’d be a fun change for the last two days.”

I nod.

“I like it. It looks good on you.” I offer the compliment and his dimples deepen. The smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes though. “You ok?” I ask.

“Can I just hold you for a little while?”

My smile widens and I nod. He tugs my hand as he settles onto the couch. I start to sit next to him, but he redirects me to straddle his lap.

“Oh!” I breathe as I acquiesce. 

He rests one hand on my waist, and the other at my lower back. I tuck mine under his, pressing myself into him and lying my head on his shoulder. We sit quietly for some time, his hand absently rubbing my back as he loses himself in his thoughts. 

What must be going through his mind? Most likely the same things I had been pondering on earlier. The hug is as much for him as it is for me. I could sense he was trying to pull comfort from the act, strength to get through our last night together.

Our last night. How had it come so swiftly? This couldn’t be it… could it?

I nuzzle into his neck, pressing a kiss to the soft skin there. Namjoon’s fingers dig into my hip, a soft sigh escaping his lips as he fists my top, gently hugging me tighter to him. I palm his cheek, my thumb grazing his cheekbone as I nip, lick, and suck at his neck, taking care not to leave a mark. His rumble of satisfaction as he squirms beneath me heats my blood, and my heart begins to race in anticipation. 

I can already feel him hardening beneath me and my hips instinctively begin to roll along his covered length. Namjoon lifts my top from me, tossing it to the side, my bra following soon after. His hands skim across my skin, as if he is trying to touch every inch of my body one last time. I swallow thickly, trying to stay in the moment, even while sadness washes over me. He reaches up, his hand on my nape guiding me down to his awaiting lips. He kisses me deeply before releasing me.

“Take these off,” he orders, his voice gravelly.

I stand to take my shorts and underwear off and he does the same before sinking back down into the couch. He stretches his arms out to me, guiding me down onto his stiff cock. We both groan as he stretches me deliciously. His hands immediately caress over my ass as I lean forward. Arching my back, my breasts are shoved into his face and he wastes no time to latch onto one of my pebbled nipples.

His name leaves my lips on a moan as my hips grind into him. His mouth moves to give equal treatment to my other breast while his hands on my ass help to push me down onto him, bringing him deeper inside me. The movements are slow at first, my stomach tightening as pleasure begins to build, but as he begs for more kisses, I oblige, our lips locking again as he picks up the pace. His hands shift to my hips to help me match his pace. It’s difficult to keep the kiss going, but it’s with our lips joined that we find ourselves cumming at the same time, our mouths swallowing up each other's blissful exclamations.

 We remain seated, him still inside me though softening by the second. With our fingers intertwined, I relax into him as our breathing begins to slow. Namjoon is a man of few words, but his eyes speak volumes. I can see the conflict within him—the desire to stay, to hold what we have close, and yet the weight of duty pulls him away. His job demands sacrifices, and this was one of them. We had known this day would come, but knowing didn’t make it any easier.

I lean my head on his shoulder again, feeling the warmth of his body seeping into me. The TV plays in the background, a mindless distraction from the ache in our chests. The characters on screen laugh, love, and face their own trials. It’s a cruel juxtaposition—our love story unraveling while fictional ones flourish.

“It’s not fair,” I whisper, tears filling my eyes as I break the silence.

My heart hurts the most it has ever and I feel as if it will shatter in my chest at any moment. I sit up a little so I can see his face. 

His eyes meet mine, his gaze searching. “I know.”

“What are we gonna do?” I murmur despondently.

He cups my face in his hands, his thumbs wiping away the tears. “I don’t know,” he says softly. “But I’m not going to stop trying to figure this out.”

I nod, because that’s all I can do. 

“Come on. Let’s shower and then go to bed,” he urges as he begins to stand.

I slide off of his lap and let him pull me along to the bathroom. I feel numb as the warm water washes over us, his hands gentle as they glide over my skin, cleansing away the evidence of our lovemaking from moments ago. It takes all of my willpower to keep from crying again. I don’t want to make this any more difficult than it already is.

When I’m back home and by myself, I can let go then.

I help him shower as well and it’s not much longer before we’re done, dried off and lying beneath the covers. His arms envelop me, my body molding into his. 

With a kiss on my shoulder, Namjoon whispers, “Good night, my Nabi.”

“Good night, my Moonchild.”

December 2, 2021

Namjoon’s alarm cuts through my sleep and I jolt up in bed. 

“I’m sorry,” I hear him call from the bathroom as he rushes to the bedside table. “I forgot to turn it off when I woke up.”

“Couldn’t sleep?”

He shakes his head. “Not really.”

“Are you going to be ok to perform today?” I fret.

Namjoon shrugs, a small smile dancing on his lips. 

“Once the adrenaline kicks in, I’ll be fine.”

I nod and follow him to the bathroom. I wrap a robe around myself and then brush my teeth as he finishes getting dressed. He exits, and I follow, watching him lace up his shoes before standing and slipping his phone into his pocket.

“So this is it.”

He swallows thickly, taking my hand in his. We walk to the front door, pausing for a moment. 

“We’ll figure it out,” he says, his eyes locking on mine, the earnestness there bringing tears to my eyes. “It may not be tomorrow or a month from now, but I have to believe we are going to figure this out.” 

I hold back a sob as I press my lips to his, tasting the salt of my own tears. It’s a bittersweet kiss—a farewell and a promise rolled into one. 

Settling back down on my feet, I sniffle. “I love you.”

Namjoon’s eyes widen before pulling me to him. He hugs me tightly and our hearts beat in sync, as if trying to imprint this moment forever.

“I love you, too,” he murmurs into my hair.

We remain in each other's arms, both reluctant to let go. The buzzing of his phone breaks the moment. Pulling away, I rest my palm against his heart.

“I’ll see you at the concert.” I smile, through my tears. “I’ll be the one cheering extra hard.”

Namjoon chuckles, kissing me again. “I’ll look for you. Goodbye, Y/N.”

“Goodbye, Namjoon,” I whisper.

And then he’s gone, slipping out the door like a shadow. 

I stand there, the loss of his presence leaving me frozen in my spot. We were two souls caught in the crossfire of fate—a love that defied distance but couldn’t conquer it. And as the clock ticks away, I can only cling to the memory of his touch, the taste of his kiss, and the hope that someday, somehow, our paths will intersect again.

For now, I’m left with the echo of goodbye and the ache of a love that refuses to die.

The chauffeured car glides to a stop at the VIP entrance of the concert arena. As the driver confirms our post-concert rendezvous for the airport drop-off, a staff member approaches, her steps brisk and purposeful. After I step out, she closes the car door behind me, hands me a lanyard and a tote, then leads the way down a stark concrete corridor. My gaze flits about, seeking a fleeting glimpse of the guys before the curtain call. A pang of longing strikes me at the thought of seeing Namjoon one more time; yet, somewhere within, I know an encounter here woud best be left unfulfilled.

She points to the seat reserved for me by Namjoon and I join the sea of ARMY. I settle in, the weight of the moment settling with me. Delving into the tote, I unearthed an ARMY Bomb, a picket flaunting the group’s visage, a towel, shirt, and photo cards that whisper memories of melodies. I meet each of their faces, my gaze lingering on Namjoon’s photo. Within moments he grows blurry as emotions threaten to overtake me.

“Hi!” The chirp of a voice snaps me back to reality as a young woman nestles into the seat beside me. “Flying solo tonight?” she inquires, the smile in her eyes as warm as the stage lights.

A tear betrays me, but her kindness coaxes a smile in return. Though it’s hidden behind my face mask, I hope she can still sense I’m offering her one. 

“Yes, just me.”

She nods, understanding painting her features. “It’s super exciting and overwhelming, isn’t it?” she muses, offering a tissue with a motherly touch. “But hey, we’re seatmates now. Let’s make our cheers echo louder than the rest.” Her upbeat personality is infectious, a balm to the bittersweet symphony of the night. “My name’s Kyshanna.”

“I’m Y/N,” I introduce myself and we fist bump with a giggle.

As the lights dim, a raucous thunder of screaming and clapping fills the air. The stage, once bare, now thrums with the promise of the night’s enchantment. A VCR begins to play and there is a collective hum of anticipation as the video plays through. Suddenly, performers dressed in all white jumpers begin to get into formation on stage. The opening chords of ‘ON’ fill the arena, a melody that seems to resonate with the very beat of my heart.

The show unfolds like a dream, each performance a tapestry of sound and soul. I find myself getting lost in the rhythm, the lyrics a salve to the ache that had taken residence in my chest. The ARMY around me move as one, a sea of light and energy, and I let their joy buoy my spirits.

Interlude after interlude, the concert moves on, the time for me to have to go drawing ever closer. I watch as BTS split up between two orange motorized boxes filled with purple and white balloons, the clear plexiglass bearing their logo. They draw louder cheers from ARMY as they pass between the pit and level one seats, ‘Telepathy’ being sung collectively by ARMY and BTS. As the car approaches our area, my eyes lock on Namjoon and I watch him dance and hype up the crowd. I notice the instant he picks me out of the crowd. He looks down, but his hand clutches his heart before looking back up and nodding once. Jimin pats his shoulder, bringing Namjoon back to the moment.

Kyshanna elbows me gently, leaning in to muse, “Namjoon seems a little…I don’t know-” She shakes her head as she ponders what word best to describe what she’s sensing. “He seems really sad.”

I swallow thickly.

“Really?”

She nods. “I hope he’s ok. I know it’s been a while since they’ve performed at this large a scale. I just hope it’s not getting to him.”

“It’s the last day. He’s probably just bummed the tour is coming to an end,” I point out, guilt gnawing at me again.

“Hmm,” she hums pensively.

As ‘Telephathy’ comes to an end, the cart begins to bring the group back to either side of the stage, the music immediately going into ‘Stay’. Just as Jin completes his lines, the car drops them off and Namjoon makes his way across the stage, his rap carrying him towards the center pathway.

“Stay!”

Namjoon’s gaze finds mine again across the expanse of faces. It is fleeting, a mere heartbeat in time, but in that glance, a silent message is conveyed—this was not a goodbye that he wanted and he wished I could stay with him.

“Stay, stay, stay, stay (Always)!”

The words sounded like a plea and it breaks me with each exclamation. I decide in that moment I have to go. It is hurting too much to remain.

“Can you hold this for me?” I say to Kyshanna. “I gotta go to the bathroom.”

She’d told me she couldn’t afford an ARMY bomb, so I leave it with her along with the picket. I had others back at home. I did feel bad to leave without saying good-bye, but I can feel myself getting too close to bursting into full on tears. I leave then, my footsteps as quick as they can be in the crowded building. I flash my lanyard at the VIP doorway and a staff member helps escort me back to the awaiting car.

LAX is not far from the stadium and before I could relax enough, we were already arriving. The airport loomed like a threshold—a passage from one chapter to another. Security checks, boarding passes, and the hum of engines—the mechanics of departure. But emotions don’t follow schedules or protocols. They spill over, uncontainable. How could I step onto that plane, knowing that the sky could possibly separate us indefinitely?

An hour later I settle into my seat and imagine his voice—the timbre that makes my heart ache. His laughter, the way he holds me so gently when we kiss, as if he’s afraid to break me. The taste of his lips, the warmth of his skin. These memories were fragile, like paper birds caught in a storm. Was it too late to reach out and tell him we should keep the contract active? That I would rather have him a few times a year than never more?

The airplane begins to move up the runway and soon we are ascending. As I glance out of the window to the land below that is growing more and more miniature by the second, I can no longer keep the tears locked inside. They spill like rivulets down my cheeks as I make my way toward an uncertain future.

December 31, 2021

Curled up on the couch, the glow of my Christmas tree provides the right amount of lighting I need to read the words of the book I’ve chosen. Lo-Fi Hip-Hop plays softly in the background as I try to lose myself in the pages of the story, but if I am being honest, I couldn’t even tell you what I’d read so far. My mind just won’t turn off. Nothing is helping me get out of my thoughts this evening. Maybe I should have gone to a New Year’s party to ring in the upcoming year after all. Perhaps that would have proven a better distraction than staying home alone.

I snuggle deeper into my blanket and glance over at my tea and think, Nah, this is so much better than being out at a noisy party even if I can’t get out of my head.

I just am not in the mood to party, anyway. It’s been almost a month since I said my goodbyes to Namjoon. Aside from him checking in on me to make sure I made it back home ok, there had pretty much been no communication between us since then. And I didn’t blame him. I had seen the announcement from BigHit, letting ARMY know that BTS would be taking some personal time off in order to spend the holidays with their families, something they had not been able to do since their debut. Not wanting to impose on his family time, I have given him the space the company asked for.

It doesn’t mean I’m not a little sad.

This last visit with him had been a roller coaster of emotions. The two of us had definitely not played by the rules and were feeling the repercussions of it. Neither of us was willing to let this go, but neither of us really had figured out how we could make this work. 

I stare at the flickering lights of the Christmas tree, trying to lose myself in the gentle rhythm of their twinkle, when a soft knock at the door pulls me from my thoughts. For a moment, I freeze, unsure if I imagined it. Who would be here at this hour, especially on New Year’s Eve? I reluctantly pull myself from the warmth of the couch, wrapping the blanket tighter around my shoulders as I shuffle to the door.

When I open it, my heart nearly stops.

Namjoon stands there, his eyes soft but intense, his breath visible in the cold night air. He’s holding a small bouquet of beautiful flowers in shades of purple, dusty rose and white, and his expression is one of determination mixed with vulnerability.

“Namjoon?” I breathe, my voice barely above a whisper, the shock of seeing him here rooting me to the spot.

“Hey,” he says quietly, his voice deep and familiar, filled with something that makes my chest tighten. “Can I come in?”

I nod wordlessly, stepping aside to let him enter. He steps inside and sets the flowers on the entryway table before turning to face me, his eyes searching mine.

“I couldn’t stay away,” he says, the words tumbling out as if he’s been holding them in for far too long. “I couldn’t stand being apart from you and having you think that you don’t matter to me.”

I blink, trying to process what he’s saying, the words not quite sinking in. “But… your family, the break—”

He shakes his head, cutting me off gently. “My family understand. I needed to see you. To tell you that I want to be with you. I don’t care about the rules, the distance, any of it. I just… I need you to know that I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”

My breath catches in my throat, tears welling up in my eyes as his words wash over me. I can see the sincerity in his eyes, the determination etched into every line of his face. He’s serious. This isn’t some fleeting impulse; it’s a promise, a declaration.

“You… you really mean that?” I ask, my voice trembling as I try to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to spill over.

Namjoon steps closer, his hand reaching out to gently cup my cheek. His thumb brushes away a stray tear, and his touch is so tender that it nearly breaks me. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life. I want to be with you, and I’m going to do everything I can to make this work. No matter what.”

In that moment, I realize that all the doubts, all the fears that have been gnawing at me since our last goodbye, don’t stand a chance against the strength of what we have. I drop the blanket and lean into his touch, letting the warmth of his hand melt away the last of my reservations.

“Ok,” I whisper, my voice barely audible as the tears spill over. “Ok.”

Namjoon smiles then, a brilliant, relieved smile that lights up his entire face. He pulls me into his arms, holding me close, and I feel the weight of the past few weeks lift off my shoulders. In his embrace, I find the peace I’ve been searching for, the answer to all the questions that have been swirling in my mind.

As we stand there, wrapped up in each other, the soft glow of the Christmas tree casting a warm light around us, I know that we’ll face whatever comes together. Because in this moment, nothing else matters. Not the distance, not the rules, not even the uncertainty of the future.

All that matters is us.

January 1, 2022

My phone pings and I groan, kicking myself mentally for forgetting to switch it to Do Not Disturb earlier. Namjoon shifts beside me, a soft huff leaving his lips. I toss my arm out, blindly searching for my phone to change it to silent mode, but curiosity gets the better of me and I peek at the notification that had woken me up. I gasp, causing Namjoon to perk up.

“What’s wrong?”

His deep voice rumbles up from his chest, the tone thick with worry as he sits up. I wordlessly turn the device towards him, simultaneously switching on my bedside lamp with my other hand. His teeth bite down on his bottom lip, trying to stop a smile from forming. I click the notification in order to see the entire message and Namjoon reads right along with me. 

“Hello.

This is BIGHIT MUSIC…”

There’s a flutter in my chest as the reality of the message sinks in. There is no going back now. The announcement stating Namjoon is currently in a relationship has been posted for all ARMY, and non-ARMY for that matter, to see. The fact that the company included a request to respect Namjoon and his partner’s privacy only helps to settle my nerves a smidge.

“What are you thinking?”

His concerned voice breaks me from my thoughts and I realize I’ve been staring blankly at my phone for a minute. Shifting my gaze to his, I take in the pinch of his brow and the attentive curiosity in his eyes. His hand reaches out for mine and I look down at our entwined fingers before looking back up at him.

“I’m thinking that there is no taking this back.”

The corner of his lip quirks up. “No. Definitely can’t take it back now,” he chuckles. “You still cool with that?”

“I mean, I knew you were serious about being together no matter what, but oof.” I shake my head, a heavy breath escaping my lips. “Now that it’s out there like that…I don’t know.” I shrug. “I’m excited, but I’m scared. I’m scared of how ARMY will react.”

Namjoon kisses the back of my hand. “Yes, it’s scary, but you don’t have to be afraid. We are in this together and just like my brothers, I will protect you from any of the negativity that might come of it.” 

“Yeah?” I gaze at him with adoration and hope. 

“I promise,” he nods earnestly. “Besides, if anyone sends hate your way, they are not a real ARMY, so their opinion means nothing to me. True ARMY are going to be happy for us and it’s their comments that I’m going to choose to acknowledge.”

“Ok,” I smile, trusting him fully.

“Ok,” he beams back, his dimples deepening endearingly. “Come here.”

A shaky giggle full of nerves bubbles up from me, but Namjoon cuts off the sound with a deep kiss as he presses my body into the mattress.

Credits:

Text Divider by @xxbimbobunnyxx

Moodboard by me.

For moodboard, used:

InCollage for layout, title, butterfly and photos.

Except Namjoon’s photo. Credit to RM x GQ Korea, Vogue Korea 2021

Motionleap was used for the movement within the moodboard.

We have come to the end. My heart feels so happy to finally post it after working on it for so long. Thank you for taking the time to read it. I appreciate it so much. Feel free to comment, like, and reblog. Until the next time!

Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

[ghostwise]

Matacuervos, ch. 6 - The friend at midnight 3.3k words - cw: death, canon-typical violence, discussion of childhood trauma, slavery, and child abuse Zevran reels from a revelation about his past. Things do not go according to plan. The night ends with an unexpected visit. Read update on AO3 - Read from ch. 1 on AO3

It was in the Brecilian Forest where Zevran first told Hamal about his parents. 

All of it. The whole sordid story. The dead whore mom with her Dalish gloves. The unfaithful father. A childhood of lice, abuse, and malnourishment at the hands of the Crows. But the telling felt right somehow, there in those groves where Clan Sabrae had brought up young Mahariel. 

If Hamal’s own troubled past was in that frigid landscape, Zevran’s legacy of sorrow could come and intertwine with it. Perhaps both would find some measure of comfort then. 

And so the pines caught up every secret in their needles. The story sank into the damp and mossy earth.

Zevran had not thought of his past since, and he didn’t plan to start now.

The payment that undid your father. 

Over the course of an hour, Gloria Amilcar betrayed every single thing she knew about El milagro’s business with the Crows, including the contract that had led to Zevran’s orphaning. It turned out that his mother needn’t have been a widow. His father had been, contrary to what he’d always believed, a good man.

Or had he?

More than likely the words were just a ploy the woman was using to throw Zevran off his guard. That wasn’t hard to believe; it had worked so well, after all, as he worried and plucked at her story over and over again in his mind.

The payment that undid your father. 

Had his past all been a lie? 

It made no difference. He shut his eyes and pushed the question away.

Sra. Amilcar sat at her desk all the while. It was not just about his parents; with a dagger at her throat, Zevran had cajoled a wealth of information from her, including Crow contracts dating back thirty years, not to mention plenty of material he could use as blackmail against powerful men throughout the country, if the need ever arose.

She looked up at Zevran, her eyes wide.

“So now I’ve told you everything I know. You won’t kill me?”

“I haven’t decided.” Zevran aimed a half-hearted glare at her. “Do as I’ve asked, then we’ll see.”

She nodded grimly and got up.

It was late, and the brothel sang with activity. Sra. Amilcar’s absence had not been noticed, for the hosts were busy collecting payment and escorting guests up to dingy rooms. Bawdy lyrics resonated as she and Zevran exited down the hall, past all the revelry. The back door was through the washroom, which was cramped, hot, and muggy even with the windows open.

The light that spilled out onto the street was golden, but the air outside was all silver, and clouds had rolled in from the east.

Zevran marched the woman towards the apartments. An uncharacteristic silence struck him as they approached. The lively voices from before were gone. Where was everyone?

“Stay here,” he said, slowing to a stop. “Don’t move. If you run, I will catch you within ten paces.”

Warning issued, he crept forward, scanning the nearby alley. There were several sets of footprints in the dirt, leading away from the apartment. An uneasy feeling gripped him. But before he could investigate, the door to the apartment opened to a darkness from which a slight figure stepped out.

“Help!” Gloria shouted, and she stumbled forward as if pulled in by the sight of that figure. “Nadia! Help me! He aims to kill me!”

Zevran whirled around. Sra. Amilcar’s voice cut off in a muffled scream, as Hamal had snuck up beside her, and clamped his hand over her mouth, silencing her. 

“Now, now,” Zevran scolded. “I thought we had an understanding.”

Nadia made no move to reach for Sra. Amilcar, nor did she run for help. Instead she regarded the older woman with a loaded gaze, her eyes carrying something deeper than betrayal.

“Is it true, Gloria?” she asked softly.

Zevran looked at her.

Just a hundred yards away, El milagro stood apart, humble and self-contained, floating in a world where pain and sorrow could be vanquished—albeit, temporarily, and for a set price. But here, in the moonless night, Gloria Amilcar stood face to face with every sin she’d ever committed against her fellows in exchange for a comfortable wage. 

“How many?” Nadia asked. “How long?”

It was too much. Amilcar went limp in Hamal’s arms. 

“Shit! Did I suffocate her?”

“She’s just fainted. Perhaps she finally felt something for the children she’s delivered to their deaths over the years,” Zevran said without any sympathy. More importantly, he was surprised by Nadia; by both her unexpected appearance and her help.

“Bring her inside,” Nadia said in Antivan. “We’re not on a busy street exactly, but we are hardly away from prying eyes.”

Zevran raised a brow, looking at Hamal for some guidance.

“Long story, but I had to tell her the truth,” Hamal explained hurriedly. “Took a bit of luck and a fucking complicated game of charades, but I think I explained the situation. She made sure the children were safe. They’re not here, Zevran,” he added, as he carried Sra. Amilcar into the building. “Nadia took them away. She will be contacting the guard.”

Zevran blinked. That had not been the plan.

“Then I can only be thankful,” he said in Antivan. “To you both.”

What a mess this all was. As they entered the building, Zevran wished he could confer with Hamal in private; tell him what he had learned, plan what they should do next. He had hoped to compel Sra. Amilcar into luring the slaver into an ambush. That was becoming more difficult by the minute.

As for the apartment, it still smelled familiar, like dust and mold and absence, like the black spot in the corner of the room, which had grown in size since he’d lived here as a boy. Zevran cast a quick glance around, noting the toys strewn on the floor, and a pile of books on the table, with titles like El gato con botas and El flautista de Hamelin. The windows hosted a pair of floral curtains.

Hamal laid Sra. Amilcar on the floor, resting her head on one of the soft plush toys.

“My husband tells me you orchestrated an evacuation,” Zevran said, turning to face Nadia. He gave a curt nod, feeling strangely awkward and unlike himself. “Thank you. We… could not have done it on our own. However, I cannot help but wonder… my husband is a stranger to you. Yet, you agreed to help so readily. Why?”

“It must seem odd,” Nadia admitted. “But I suppose… it’s because I remembered the day you went away, Zevran.”

“Me?”

She paused to give him a proper look, curious and lingering. “Yes. It never sat right with me, you know. Even though we were told the orphaned children were going somewhere better—it never sat right with me! Children should not be sent off without a goodbye or a kind word! And knowing what I know now…” She sighed. “Adelmar was heartbroken. We found out you and the others were gone only when we came to read to you the next day. So what if you were orphans? You were—in a small way, you still are—ours.”

“Ah,” Zevran said, struck by the idea that he had ever been anyone’s. 

“Do you remember Adelmar?” Nadia asked.

Zevran thought about it. Nadia and Adelmar had been so kind to him and to the others—of course he remembered. Their visits were one of the few good things he experienced in those years. It hadn’t all been cruel.

“Of course I remember her,” Zevran answered. “I remember you, too.”

“That’s why I helped. Because we loved you. And you love him.” She looked at Hamal with certainty. “So we’ve never met. But we’re still kin. Of a sort.”

Such sweetness seemed out of place here. Zevran glanced up at the molded corner of the ceiling.

“I’m glad,” he said softly. “Because someone is going to knock at that door any minute now. And I need you to do something for me.”

“Anything!” Nadia said earnestly.

“I need you to leave.”

She hesitated. Zevran could see her deliberate over her situation, before speaking. 

“I know what I am getting into,” she said carefully. “I know we are talking about slavers here. You think me naive? In my line of work? Violence and abuse are no strangers to me. I face danger often. And forgive me, but this very much involves me. It involved me even before I knew what was happening, right under our noses.”

“Crows,” Gloria croaked out, half-conscious, from her spot on the floor.

“Gag her,” Zevran snapped at the interruption, and Hamal pulled off one of his gloves to do so—but Sra. Amilcar spat the words as quickly as she could with all her meek strength.

“He’s a Crow, Nadia! I will not help them! He’s the dangerous one-!”

And now came a litmus test Zevran knew well. Though he wished he didn’t.

In the past, revealing his status as a Crow had been an occasional risk he dealt with by killing a person or buying their silence. Now it was a half-truth that could only hurt an already delicate situation. His shoulders tensed, and Hamal exchanged a frantic look with him—he’d do whatever he was told, this Zevran knew. But he really hoped they would not have to restrain Nadia too.

“Is that true?” Nadia asked.

Zevran looked at her evenly. “We haven’t lied to you.”

Nadia’s eyes darted low, then back to him, but each look was tenuous, as if she was struggling to keep him in her view. As if she were reconsidering all those words about kin and memories.

“You are a Crow?” she asked again.

“No! Not anymore, I swear it! And the less you know, the better, believe me.” Zevran urged her further, “But it is all the more reason you must leave! Forget you saw us! Tell no one!”

Nadia shut her eyes.

All too quickly, their time was up. Three heavy knocks sounded at the door. 

“Please,” Zevran whispered. “Run. Hide upstairs. Do anything else. You took the children to safety, you’ve already done your part.”

Zevran grit his teeth. At this rate, he would lose his chance.

“Fuck it,” Nadia said at last with a sigh. “I believe you, Zevran. But I will not leave, and you haven’t the time to argue. Let me help! At the very least we owe each other that!”

.

Fuck it was right.

Despite his best efforts here Zevran was again, helpless against the whims of fate. It wasn’t what he’d planned. But he was flexible.

He wore a placid smile as he stepped through the door to meet the man.

“Good evening, serah. You were expected.”

It was a Crow talent to read your target as quickly as possible in just a few seconds. A cursory glance told Zevran a lot already. The man at the door hesitated. He didn’t answer right away, so it was likely had had been expecting to meet Sra. Amilcar, which meant he was already on the defensive. And he was dressed in comfortable, common clothing, covered with a shawl, so it was likely he was armed.

There was no mistaking it. This was the man who’d taken him and the other children, all those years ago. 

Older and greyer, but it was him.

And he didn’t recognize Zevran.

“Good evening,” the man returned, and he eyed Zevran briefly before glancing away. “I’ve a meeting with the lady of the house.”

“She is otherwise disposed,” Zevran said warmly, knowing very well that in that moment Hamal had restrained her, and was bringing her upstairs. He would be at one of the upstairs windows in probably two minutes’ time. A lot could happen in two minutes. “I will be helping you tonight. Won’t you come in?”

“I only meet with her,” the man said, painting the words with an apologetic gesture. “I’m sorry to hear she’s not available. Perhaps it’s best I come back another day. You her secretary or something?”

“That’s right,” Zevran said. “I am Amrit, her secretary. Surely she informed you of my recent hiring? She is ill, and she apologizes, but I assure you there is no need to reschedule. I am more than capable of managing our business, despite appearances. Won’t you come in?”

The man regarded him, unconvinced, but not threatened yet.

“I really do regret hearing of her illness,” he said at last. “Have her send word when she is better. I will return then.” He turned and began walking back towards the carriage.

“But our agreement!” Zevran hurried after him in the unguarded fashion of an angry man who had very little understanding of his circumstance. “Please! Sr. Rossi will have my head!”

“That so?” The man grunted, pausing at the front of the carriage. “Not my business. Anyway, I’m not walking back the deal. Just waiting to talk to the lady in charge. You understand. Delicate business, this is.”

“What does it matter who you deal with, so long as you get what you need?”

“I suppose you want me to hand all that money straight to your hands, elf?” He gave a dry chuckle. “But do not worry! If what you say is true, then we’ll talk again soon.” He paused and gave him what was no doubt meant to be a lecherous smile. “Maybe we could talk alone then, you and I. Being as you are such an enterprising young man we could work out an agreement of our own. What do you say?”

The suggestion did not escape Zevran, and he nearly bristled; once he would have leaned into it, using it to manipulate his target, but it was all too crass in these circumstances.

“Unfortunately,” he said, “that won’t work for me.” 

It was time for a more direct approach. Not willing to let his target escape, Zevran drew his dagger and aimed a kick at the back of the man’s knee, knocking him down. The man fell against the carriage and steadied himself against one of the wheels. Regaining his balance and drawing a shortsword from beneath his shawl, he stepped towards him.

“You little elven whore!” he spat.

“You say it like it’s a bad thing,” Zevran returned, easily parrying a strike from the man’s blade. He had the advantage as far as his eyesight was concerned; every small detail of his enemy was clear as day to him. But he had no idea what Hamal or Nadia were up to. Only that Hamal would be upstairs any moment now, and Nadia, Maker willing, was flanking their position to get to the carriage unnoticed.

It was clear that the man was familiar with his weapon, but not often called upon to use it. Each strike was just ever so slightly unpracticed. He tried again and again to land a blow upon Zevran, without success, and as he was an older man, having been in this cruel business for over thirty years, he tired quickly.

After trying and failing to disarm Zevran, he made a sudden dash onto the carriage, and took the reins into his hands. But Nadia had done her part with shocking efficiency; they hung from his grip uselessly, and he looked at Zevran with wide-eyed fury.

“You’re dead, Amrit. I’ll gut you quick!”

“Try!”

“Don’t touch him!” Nadia hissed.

The rest of the pieces fell into place. Nadia appeared from the opposite side of the carriage, having climbed up to ambush the man after cutting the horse’s reins. She grabbed her enemy with surprising efficacy—clearly she knew how to incapacitate a violent man—and as Zevran disarmed him, she pinned his arms from behind, and pressed a borrowed dagger against his throat.

The man stood stock still, glaring up at Zevran.

The scuffle had been short, but not effortless. Zevran’s wrists ached from the strength he’d needed to deflect each attack. He climbed up onto the carriage in order to regard the man more closely.

Here was the beast who’d stolen so many of Rialto’s children, who had been selling them for decades, to the Crows and who knows what else.

“Clever. What now?” the man asked. “You cut my throat and rob me?”

“Ah-ah,” Zevran said. “Not so easy, I’m afraid.”

The man spat at him. Saliva landed on his cheek, and though Nadia tightened her hold on the dagger, Zevran retorted with a calm smile.

“Let’s get you inside,” he said, grabbing the cut reins so as to bind his hands together. “We have much to discuss.”

He hadn’t taken him for a mage.

A blast of energy exuded from the man, briefly occluding Zevran’s senses; in that moment he couldn’t see, speak, or hear, and he certainly couldn’t move or react. 

He’d experienced something similar before, in Ferelden, only that time it had been Morrigan unleashing her magic upon their enemies, stunning them. Maker, he missed having a mage on his side.

The mage leapt off the carriage, pushing Nadia off and onto the ground on the way. He’d incapacitated his own horse in the attempt to escape, so he made a run for it, boots striking the cobblestones in a relentless pace.

Zevran came to his senses with a throbbing headache. He let out a shout as he saw the man already far down the street, headed towards the brothel. 

“Hey!” 

Nadia whimpered from where she had fallen. Hamal must have made it to the window, for an arrow zipped overhead with a characteristic whistle. Zevran did not doubt Hamal’s aim; he was a gifted archer, but that was the problem. The arrow struck with enough force to knock the man off his feet. Zevran cursed.

It gave him a feeling that the whole situation was unraveling. An ugly pit grew in his stomach—fear of retribution, perhaps an old response from growing up in the Crows—and worse still, as Zevran ran after the man, another figure rounded the corner, limping along with her cane.

“Amrit?” Rocio asked, seeing him. 

Where had she come from? She must have followed them, Zevran realized. In fact, she must have had hurried all the way across Rialto to get here. She had come, not knowing how fate had worked its mysteries in order to bring them all here: Zevran, Hamal, Rocio, Nadia, Gloria, and this loathsome man at the center of the web. But Rocio was so much like him, after all, so how could Zevran truly be surprised?

Her eyes traveled to the injured slaver, now at her feet. Her expression shifted to one of horrified recognition.

“It’s you.”

“Get away from him, Rocio!”

“I remember you,” Rocio said. “Do you remember me?”

The man looked up at her, bleeding. He didn’t have a chance to answer before she swung her cane in a shining arc, and struck him on his skull. The man cried out in pain.

Zevran urged his stunned body to carry him closer to the scene. 

Rocio had stumbled onto the ground, thrown off balance by the ferocity of her own attack. She struck the slaver again and again with her cane. The blood pooling around him did not deter her in the slightest. 

Zevran had underestimated her. He’d left a crucial clue, by omission, tipping her off to the exact location where he suspected the next group of children would be taken from.

“Bastard!” Rocio cried. She seemed to only grow angrier with each blow. “Son of a bitch! You will never—take another one—again!” 

Finally, Zevran knelt before her, watching his chance of getting answers vanish. But he could hardly be upset about it. 

Somehow in the gleaming moonlight, the sight of Rocio’s vengeance was too stark and beautiful. A well deserved victory, and a catharsis that brought tears to Zevran’s burning eyes. 

[lesvii]

Emotion (Part 1)

Part 2: https://www.tumblr.com/lesvii/723352052120666112/emotion-part-2

Chapter 1: Relationship

Your relationship with El Sin Nombre did escalate pretty quickly. When you first arrived to the cartel quarters or well more like not in your will, at first at least. You've never had a big fight with her, she always treats you very differently, as for her man that work for her, she has no mercy, the way she shouts at them, you're so glad that you're not treated like one of the man that work for her.

``No te quiero volver aquí cabrón, me escuchaste?`` (I don’t wanna see you here, you fucker)

Valeria shouted back in Spanish at the man in front of her desk, he looked like he shitted himself, scared, trembling, probably scared for his life. You were organizing some papers in valeria office on the other side of the room.

The man practically rushed through the door not looking back at Valeria or you.

“Poor guy looked like he was seeing the death itself”Y/N said not looking at Valeria.

and continuing what I was doing.

You felt the light shifting and a body moving closer to you, behind your back a faint hot breath, you felt a chill down your back, everytime you felt that kind of chill It drives you crazy. Y/N stopped for a moment what you were doing, organising some papers, not turning back.

“Did I tell you to stop your work?” Valeria whispered to your ear.

“N-No. Sorry” Y/N said with a faint shiver.

Continuing your work, you felt a heavy hand tracing down your back and grabbing on to your waist. She pulled up Y/N hair to put some faint kisses down the back of your neck. Y/N breathing shifted to a agitated one, Valeria knew what she was doing, she loved teasing. But she was careful when it was at work, you don’t want your enemy’s to find a way to bring you down in a painful way, you didn’t care, in a way. You knew the whole world Valeria was working on, Mafia.

But you’re still here.

With her.

“How about we go out tonight, forget about our worries and then finish in my bed” Valeria said confidently supporting her face in Y/N neck.

“That sounds like a great plan” Y/N chuckled.

“Great then… see you at 8 pm” Valeria stopped the embrace and spanked your ass.

“Hey! I thought the work zone was a “let’s be professional”. Y/N said crossing my arms

“Hmm.. really? Don’t remember. Well I’m still the boss around so that doesn't apply to me then”

Valeria chuckled.

I loved seeing her happy, like if she wasn’t ready to load her gun from her back pocket just 5 minutes ago and shoot that poor guy. Sometimes Valeria… could be explosive with her emotions, I guess this work breaks you a lot mentally and physically. I cannot imagine all the stress she has to bear, she cannot look weak to anyone, since man’s in this business sees woman’s as weak. But they don’t know Valeria, El Sin Nombre, and believe me they don’t want to know her like I do.

Y/N finished working in Valeria’s office.

“Amor, I’m done, I just need to grab a few things from my office and change, see you in a few hours” Y/N said.

Placing a faint kiss on Valeria’s forehead, she didn’t look back at her, her eyes were glued to those papers she had on her hands, reading them, seemed like something really important, but murmured a faint “ok”. Y/N worked for Valeria but Valeria always kept some information to herself, she didn’t want to compromise the life of Y/N no more than already is.

Y/N closed the door from El Sin Nombre office, some tall scary guys standing in front of the door, Valeria always had people protecting her, with all this thing of being a cartel leader, extra protection is always important, it can be your last day and you’ll never know.

The drive to your house wasn’t that far, actually like 15 minutes by car, you where in the back seat lost in the thought that you forgot to hear the driver.

“Miss we're here, do you want me to take you somewhere else’s?” Said the driver.

“No Juan, thanks I’ll be waiting for Valeria” Y/N replied with a warm smile and opened the door from the car.

You took a few steps toward the big entrance to your mansion, you’ll never get enough of it. Y/N knew that Valeria had… well money, but to expect you’ll both be living in a huge mansion, that was amazing but unexpected, sometimes scary it was way too big, easy to be lost, easy for someone to sneak into the hundred rooms in the night and kill your lover. But you knew Valera personal quarters specially this state had the maximum security imposible for enemies to enter and kill her off, at least without them knowing.

By the time you were taking a shower, and dressing on was 7:30 PM, a little late for your liking and Valeria was still not home, though you thought she got busy last minute by something quick, nothing to worry about, after all, it’s been weeks since you two went out, had a normal couple talk, this past few months had been exhausting for both of you, physically and mentally, the cartel has been taking a lot of Valeria time, and you knew what you were signing for the moment you accepted you had feelings for her, it wasn’t going to be an easy road to be fair.

8:00 PM

Still no sign of Valeria.

That was kinda weird since if she couldn’t have come she would have called you back and postponed the dinner, but you still decided to wait, you didn’t want to interrupt her by calling or texting so you decided you were going to wait just a little bit.

8:30 PM

Not trying to be paranoid but you were starting to get anxious, you went downstairs looking for some personal to ask if someone knew where Valeria was or if she had communicated with any, not trying to sound suspicious or anything. Everyone denied having any contact with the boss, so you went back upstairs. Jumped to the big king bed, the sheets still smelled like her, you decided to wait it out just a few more minutes until the tiredness got the best of you and fell asleep.

[superphantom]

Danielle: Model Human

“So what if Dani met Cas and decided to teach him how to be human?” 

So here’s this! 1,421 words, oneshot. Hope you enjoy!

Castiel took his place in line behind a small girl who was standing on her tip-toes to reach the counter. She was engaged in a heated argument with the ticket broker, though the anger was pretty one-sided. The man running the counter looked more tired than anything as he reminded her in a monotone voice,

“I’m sorry, miss, I can’t sell you a ticket without a parent’s permission. Company policy.”

The girl huffed and turned around, starting when she looked at Castiel. She tilted her head back to look him in the face and her pissed expression went to a mischievous grin. She winked at him. 

“Dad! There you are, can you tell this chump I’m allowed to ride the bus alone?” She winked again. 

Castiel tilted his head to the side, squinting. He’d never seen this girl before. Had Jimmy had other children he didn’t know about? 

“I’m no-” 

The girl kicked him in the shin and gave him what Sam would refer to as ‘puppy-dog eyes’. Ah, she was asking him to lie for her. That he could do. 

“I am here to accompany my daughter on the bus.” A flicker of nervousness jolted through his body. He tried to disguise it with a friendly smile. 

The ticket seller looked to him, then down at the girl, then back to him, sighed, and held out his hand. “That’ll be $40.65.”

Castiel patted his pockets. They were just as empty as they were 5 minutes ago. The girl shoved a handful of bills onto the counter before he could say anything, snapped up the two tickets that were given, then grabbed onto his hand and pulled him towards the benches in front of the loading station. She was strong for her size, not enough that he couldn’t stop her if needed but enough that it might actually be somewhat of a challenge. When she sat she drew one of her knees to her chest, letting the other one swing down. Castiel took the seat next to her. 

“Thanks for vouching for me back there,” She said. Her cheek was resting on her knee as she spoke. “What’s your name?”

“My name is C-” He paused. His name was unique, which was never good when trying to blend in. Plus, Sam and Dean usually used aliases when talking to strangers. It couldn’t hurt. He cleared his throat. “My name is…”

He scanned the room for any ideas. On the muted television a man boasted his real estate company. The caption identified him as Daniel Patterson. 

“Daniel.” he finished. “I’m Daniel.” 

“Hey, no way! I’m Dani. With an ‘i’.” she thought for a moment, “Actually, do you know a guy called Vlad?”

“No,” he answered. Neither of them spoke for a few moments. He remembered that humans tend to engage in small talk. “Do you?”

“Yeah, he’s my dad, and a real jerk too. I was worried ‘cuz you kinda look like this other Danny I know except old and way taller,” Dani informed him.

“I understand,” Castiel said. He did not understand.

“Danny’s my cousin,” she continued, “Why don’t you have a bag?”

Castiel looked down then back at her. “I lost it.”

“I lost my bag one time too, ‘cuz Cujo- he’s kinda Danny’s dog- ran off with it ‘cuz I left a sandwich in there. I got it back though,” She twisted in her seat to show off her backpack. A logo of a cracked egg with purple text written across it decorated the small zipper pocket of her bag. 

“Dumpty Humpty?” Castiel read. The name was familiar, but not in a way he could place. Perhaps a football team? 

Dani’s eyes sparkled when she turned around to look at him again, an even broader smile climbing onto her face. “I can’t believe you know them, you’re so old!” 

His lack of reaction must’ve been a reaction, as Dani paused after saying that. “Uh, no offense or anything.” 

“I don’t follow sports, sorry.” For all his time with the Winchesters, there was still much of humanity that he did not understand. Sports of all kinds fell in that category. 

She giggled. “Dude, they’re a band. I don’t think I like sports. I mean, I’ve never played or anything, but…”

“Neither have I.” He pulled his lips tight with a smile. Facial expressions were still confusing, but he felt he was getting the hang of it. “Though I have listened to music before. I like Led Zeppelin.”

“Never heard of ‘em. Hey, what’s your birthday?” 

He jolted at the sudden change of topic. She blinked at him, innocent as a lamb. He blinked back. In the back of his mind, he scrambled to come up with a date, any date. Jimmy must’ve had a birthday, right? He cursed his human mind for its shortcomings. “Thursday.”

Dani responded with a raised eyebrow, her short ponytail brushed her shoulder when she tilted her head in question. 

“What are you?”

Castiel blinked. Dani blinked back. 

“Human.” It was the truth, not all of it perhaps, but he was human. 

“And?” She prompted, gesturing at him to keep talking. How this girl had detected his lie of omission he didn’t know. There was never a time he wished he could at least see souls, or demon's true faces, or have any intuition to somethings nature or intentions or, hell, even the ability to read a damn social cue more. 

“And what? I’m human.” 

“It’s okay, man, I know. I think everyone knows, ‘cuz you’re being real clumsy right now, I understand it's hard to get the hang of but seriously, whoever made you is probably looking for you ‘cuz there is no way you passed training like that.” She spoke with complete confidence, still swinging her leg back and forth. She was so small the toe of her shoe barely brushed the ground. “I’m gonna offer you a deal. If you pretend to be in charge of me, like you did at the counter there, I’ll teach you how to blend in. I escaped from my dad three months ago and he hasn’t found me and he’s got spies everywhere. You can’t be more than a week out of the tube.”

There had to be something he was missing. That or he was having a stroke. Individually, the words she spoke made sense. Together, though? The only logical explanation he could construct was that someone, for some reason was messing with him. “Who do you work for?”

“See, that’s the best part! I don’t have to work for anybody but myself. That’s what freedom’s all about, doin’ whatever you want whenever you want. I know it seems weird at first but, trust me, it’s great.” 

“What are you?”

Dani shrugged, “I’m a clone.”

“And you think I’m a clone?” Against all logic, his gut wanted to trust her. Outside the bus pulled over, spilling people out into the station. He watched out of the corner of his eye as the workers began refueling the vehicle. 

“Or something close. Take it from someone who spent most of their seven-month existence in a lab, growing out of a test tube makes you act weird.” Her smile was perfect and white, although a gap-toothed grin would’ve suited her much better. “It’s up to you, I can take care of myself, but I guess I’m a little more like my original than I thought. Free human tip for you, the back of the bus is the best place to ride. I’m gonna go get a spot before all the good ones get taken. Want me to save you a seat?” 

He stared at her for a moment, looking up because she was just a smidge taller than him when he was sitting down. He tried to study the look on her face, but that just led where it always did, to nothing. Was he really that obvious? Could everyone tell he was just pretending to be human? Dani’s foot began to tap, Castiel recognized this as the sign of impatience it was. She was right. As far as normal went, he was lost. He didn’t know how much a bus ticket was or how to make small talk or to carry a bag. Without the Winchesters, he was lost. It would be nice to have some of that confidence back in his life. It would be nice to be needed again, even if it were just to vouch for Dani at ticket counters. 

“That would be nice.” 

[inner-viper]

What are their kinks? Their sexual intimacy? An overview of their sex life FS (18+ ONLY) PILE 3! (PART1)

ORIGINAL POST HERE

Hello, my name is Viper and I am an intutive seer/oralce tarot reader. I am well versed in finding information through divination and using my intuition~ Today I wanted to do a spicy topic because its so fun. I haven't started explaining some piles and I already feel the heat. Damn, a lot of passion and fiery enegy in this reading.. Its making me horny LMFAO. THIS TOOK ME 2 DAYS AND I WAS NOT EXPECTING FOR IT TO TAKE THIS LONG. All three of these piles wanted me to do MORE DETAILS. My channeling DRAINED ME. That’s why I took so long because afterwards THEY SUCKED MY ENERGY. (Do not worry, I just received loads of messages. It gets overwhelming). Anyways, remember nothing is set in stone. This is for entertainment purposes only. NO MINORS. 18+ ONLY.

TW: MENTIONS OF KNIFE PLAY, and CHOKING. SEXUAL CONTENT!!

CHECK OUT MY SHOP AT: https://innerviper.etsy.com

I’ll be adding cheaper options in the future. I will be updating descriptions too, so SHOP WILL HAVE A NEW LOOK🔥.

Classical Tarot Deck: Three of Cups, King of Pentacles, Page of Cups, Page of Wands, Queen of Pentacles, Justice (in reverse), Ten of Pentacles (in reverse), The Tower

Oracle Deck: The Thinking Woman, Deceit, Yin/Yang, Goddess of The Moon, Community, Victory (in reverse), Envy, Man Holding a Coin, Archangel Micheal/Root Chakra (THIS EXTRA CARD WENT FLYING).

Ok, GUYS, THIS PERSON IS A SWITCH. THEY CRAZY ASF. They definitely are into threesomes, that’s a fantasy of theirs. They probably want to be surrendered by multiple people. Specifically 2 girls, for some 2 men. I also see that they can BOTH DOM AND SUB. This person knows exactly how to switch. They are fucking experienced well. They can please anyone. They will take it as a challenge if you say you never came before. (They going crazy, this person is a master at sex🫣). They firmly believe that sex is about letting loose and it’s a part of being human. They say fuck the taboos, they definitely don’t care about conservative views. They might have grown up with conservative views and this caused their sex life to manifest that way. I’m seeing that you, the one reading this, might have grown up with extremely conservative views as well. I think you guys might have issues with being intimate and vulnerable with another person. This person will make you open up to a heart-to-heart connection. During the act of making love, they will want you to give them their heart. To pour your honest feelings out, to lay there naked and bare in front of them. Honestly, it would be very sweet and passionate. I’m seeing that they will kiss you deeply and passionately. It will be very romantic, expect to feel loved by them. This will be a very intense experience honestly. They will probably either appear to be innocent and shy on the streets but in the sheets, they are nasty asf. (LITERALLY, THEIR APPEARANCE WILL BE THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT THEY ACTUALLY ARE LIKE LOLLL). You MIGHT be that way too. They will like how you will challenge them.

I think if you guys are innocent looking but freak on the sheets, then they will love that you bring this other side of them out. The dominant side of them will want to push you to extreme highs. They will love to chase after you. In bed, they are into changing positions constantly too. WORSHIPPING HERE IS BIG. They will worship you as a god/goddess. They will trail kisses all over you. They may like your feet because they think it’s beautiful. (I’m seeing an image of a dark skin woman with beautiful feet being kissed on their feet by their FS). I also see that once you guys are more comfortable, they will like your dominant side. I’m seeing that you definitely have a dominant side. They will think it’s so fucking hot when you command them to do something. I think people get confused about dominant and being submissive VS giving and receiving. Being dominant doesn’t necessarily mean you are the giver. (For some people who might read this and be like “What! no way!” LMFAO).

CLICK HERE FOR PT 2

(yes, i tried to fit it in one post with no intro and still couldn't upload.....)

Thank you for reading! Send suggestions and questions in the ask box!~

[oraclekleo]

Wanted: Brainstorming Buddies

Hello, my dear followers and occasional visitors to this blog.

Recently I have realised I would like to communicate more directly with people. My intention is to enlarge the little group of friends I talk to on a daily/weekly/monthly basis. I’m not a super sociable person but my interactions fall onto the shoulders of a few close friends and they kinda carry all the weight of my hectic brain functions. I love them and that’s why I would like to enlarge the list of my regular social contacts in order to spread the burden more evenly.

And naturally I thought of you guys, who are my support and sunshine for months and years here. So my first appeal is to be posted here. This is my plan A. I do have plans B, C, D, E, F, G and H but if it works out, I might not need to use them.

I have created a Discord group chat, which I would love to use to communicate directly with a larger group of friends. It’s not only tarot and astrology focused, I have many interests and I would like to share them all.

You can join the Discord by contacting me directly through DMs or my email oraclekleo@gmail.com.

Before you do, you should read the list below.

Why you SHOULDN’T join this group chat:

I’m an INTP MBTI type and it comes with some challenging characteristics. You can check the YouTube video 8 Weird Habits Of An INTP Personality Type for reference. I’m not always the worst case scenario of these but it gives a pretty good sum up.

I question EVERYTHING! Systems, rules, customs, traditions, beliefs… I’m not a religious person myself and if you present me with a problem with some rule, I will question the existence of the rule in the first place, I will probably bend it or find a loophole. I respect all beliefs but if you tell me that you have a problem with certain aspects of your belief, I will question why you stick to it. 😂 You can always tell me to move on and forget about the topic, though. I question my own opinions, rules and habits just the same so it’s not like I’m being unfair.

I’m not a shoulder to cry on or a hugging type, not even virtual hugs type. I’m a problem solver. If you share your worry or struggle or issue with me, you also have to add what reaction you want from me. If you don’t provide this information, I automatically switch to solving mode. You can tell me you just want to rant without me suggesting anything. You can tell me you want me to take your mind off the topic and cheer you up or entertain you or whatever. Just make sure you let me know what you want me to do with your issue because otherwise I will present you with one or more solutions. 😜

My mind is constantly open and I have a great respect towards diversity and freedom but I really don’t tolerate hate in any form. If you want to go for hateful rants or serious nasty complaints about people, this might not be the chat for you.

I like to keep the conversation flowing. If you are the type of person who prefers to only listen in and you are happy this way, not wanting to step outside the comfort zone, this is probably not the chat for you. If you are usually quiet but would like to start using your voice more, feel free to join, though. Effort counts with me.

I love dark sense of humour and sarcasm is my first language and I’m so fluent in it. If you are a very sensitive person, you might have a hard time with me. I’m not deliberately rude to anyone but I will test the waters and make brutal jokes now and then to observe the reactions.

I’m an adult person and I do include adult topics and language. If that’s something you feel uncomfortable about, you should avoid joining the chat.

I’m not a big fan of drama and overreacting. I can deal with occasional emotional load from my friends but if you are the type of person who truly goes nuts when it comes to emotions, you might find me cold and unfriendly.

I love to discuss a vast variety of topics and link them with each other and find patterns. It’s how my brain works. It can be confusing sometimes so you might need to bare with me.

Why you SHOULD join this group chat:

Because of me - there are not many people like me and you might actually discover some of my more intimate sides I don’t show on the blog

Because of yourself - you might want to start socialising a tiny bit more but you don’t have just one interest, you want to talk about anything and everything

Because of the fun - I have many negative sides to me but I’m not a dull or boring person and I will do my best to keep the chat alive and entertaining.

Because of the brainstorming - Are you a creative person yourself? You might need brainstorming buddies! I surely do need some. And when you brainstorm with me, I’m more than happy to return the favour and brainstorm with you.

Because by exploring and communicating our minds, hearts, souls and spirits grow and become more vibrant. This is your opportunity to take one small step towards personal growth.

Because you can leave anytime - if the chat isn’t your cup of tea, you can leave. My feelings won’t be harmed, I respect that each person is different and I don’t have many feelings to be hurt in the first place. 😜

If you have reached here with the reading, you might as well want to join the group chat. Feel free to contact me through DMs or email oraclekleo@gmail.com.

You surely understand that I don’t want to share the invitation link publicly as I would like to avoid trolls and spammers joining your little soul family.

I’m looking forward to your reactions and I’m gonna be delighted by your interest if there is any.

P.S. Brainstorming helps me to stay motivated so once I have my little circle of buddies, I’ll feel more eager to return to tarot readings and other fun activities for you. Just saying. No pressure! (Only I might feel motivated enough to open free readings and I mean all the readings, including fun tarot spreads like the Path of the Dragon and others 😉)

Thank you for reading this far.

Kleo 🦄

[landofzero-archive]

Perplex - Prank Intersection 2

Season: Spring

(Location: CosPro Conference Area)

(Several tens of minutes later)

Yuuta: (Hmmhmm…… I’ve read through the proposal again and again, and it really does seem like there aren’t any restrictions for the prank.

There’s a lot of budget too, so it seems it won’t be a problem unless we do something overly elaborate.

How should I put it, it’s really generous for just a prank. I guess they’re all kinds of loaded since it’s a show during Golden Time.) 

Yuuta: (Weell, let’s leave that aside for now….. The important thing is that I'm doing this alone.

When we’re talking about our pranks, our go-to is twin-swapping; generally, Aniki would be doing it with me most of the time. 

But, this time around, this is a job given to me alone. I can let “Aoi Yuuta” out without any reservations.) 

Fufu. I wonder what I’ll do~♪

Since we’re talking about me, it has to be super spicy food, so I’ll start by digging a trap and pouring Habanero powder in—

Rinne: —Habanero powder you say, are you eating something super spicy again, Yuta?

Yuuta: (Uugh, Rinne-senpai!? Why is this guy always like this during important moments!) 

Rinne: Don’t eat too much spicy food y’hear. That kinda food has a high salt content, right? Cause’ it seems if you consume too much salt, you’ll get high blood pressure. 

Yuta’s already prone to anger without doing anything, and if you’re not careful, you might burst a vein y’know? Gyahaha! 

Yuuta: (Anyway, ignore him ignore him. As usual, once you react, you lose.)

Rinne: Oioi, how cold of you to ignore meee. I’m saying all of this because I’m worried about Yuta’s health, you knoow?

There’s even talk about stress being the reason people feel like wanting to eat spicy stuff. If Yuta were to collapse in a heap, as a reliable senpai, I’d be sad too. 

Yuuta: (Who are you to say that! If I were to collapse in a heap right now, the source of my stress would be you!

—I’ve decided. Let’s make the target of the prank this time be Rinne-Senpai!

I’ll put all the resentment I’ve piled up into this, so prepare yourself~!)

Rinne: Actually, what’ve you been so engrossed in reading, Yuta? Looks like a proposal for something……. 

Yuuta: Wa!? Wait, don’t peep inside! It’ll be a breach of information if you do that!

Rinne: Don’t worry ‘bout it. I’ve got a reputation for being tight-lipped, right? 

Yuuta: Isn’t there no one else who’s as untrustworthy as you!? 

Rinne: Hm? Could it be that this proposal is a prank project entrusted by the Vice Prez Glasses-kun?

Yuuta: Ah, I’ve already been found out!?

My perfect plan to make Rinne-senpai’s face a soppy mess of tears and dripping snot…… 

Rinne: Whaat, so Yuta was trying to set me up in a prank?

If that’s the case, too bad. It’s 10 years too early for you to set a prank on me, gyahahaha♪ 

Yuuta: I mean, just now Rinne-senpai said that this prank project was “entrusted by the Vice Prez” didn’t you?

Rinne: Well, when you think of pranks, you think of me. When you think of me, I'm like the Heaven-sent child (1) of pranks ♪ When there’s a prank project, it’s only natural that I’ll be called for it. 

Yuuta: No no, that job was entrusted to me by the Vice Prez. How did the same information reach you, Rinne-senpai? 

…… It couldn’t be, you’re not stealing the job are you? 

Rinne: What do you think I am, Yuta. Do you think I’m the kinda guy who would do something so underhanded? 

Yuuta: Please put your hand on your chest and reflect on your behaviour up till now. 

Rinne: You’ve got no trust in me, huuh. Well, I won’t steal your work, but I might steal your cuts. (2)

Yuuta: ……What do you mean by cuts?

Rinne: The most important part for pranks is whether or not you can get a sizeable proportion of footage that can be used for the final cut, you see? In which case, the fastest way is to shoot a lot. 

By planning a bunch of projects, the program will focus the makeup of the program based on the footage available for the final cut from there.

Of course, boring pranks are mostly cut by the program. They’ll be well digested, and, in the worst case, they’ll be shelved. 

That’s what I mean, you can’t deny that there’s a possibility that I’ll steal Yuta’s cuts.

Yuuta: …… That means, Rinne-senpai is doing the same project!? 

Rinne: Gyahaha! Did you get seized with the fear of me stealing away your cuts, Yuta?

If you’re that scared, wanna partner up with me to plan it out? In that case, the need for me to rob you of your cuts would be gone, y’know? 

Yuuta: I generally don’t want to. 

Rinne: I’m left utterly helpless by the curt refusal, huh. Rinne-kun’s been hurt by those inconsiderate words. 

Yuuta: You’re the one who has been saying inconsiderate things…… 

I’ve said this before, I don’t know what you’ll be demanding of me if I take your offers too easily. 

But you see, after all, I can’t see any future where things will go well if we work together. 

When I think over the risks, I’ve decided that doing it by myself is more certain.

Rinne: Is that so. Well, when ya change your mind, you can always call for me. 

Yuuta: That won’t be happening, so please do your best on your own, Rinne-senpai—— 

Rinne: Oi, where are you going, Yuta? 

Yuuta: You’re being a nuisance and I can’t think of the details of the prank properly here. 

Now then, thank you for your hard work. Please don’t follow me, Senpai. 

Rinne: When I’m told to not follow, the more I want to follow—— Eh, he’s already gone!? 

He’s too good at running. So I’m being hated……. 

Well, it’s fine. My interest’s kinda peakin’ at what Yuta will do by himself. 

TL NOTES

1.He calls himself 申し子 (MoushiGo) which is a child that is sent by the Heavens in an answer to a prayer.

2.The ‘cuts’ here are 尺 (Shaku), which in this context is short for 尺拍子 (shakubyoushi) which is a clapper board. Shaku can also be a ruler or an ancient measurement unit.

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[bratshaws]

through the hourglass 287. brb x oc

a/n: BRAD BEING A DAD IS MY WEAKNESS SHUT UP (comments and reblogs are super welcome and encouraged!)

pairing: plus size!oc x rooster

warnings: none uwu

goodness gracious (pls read this one to know more what this fic is about!!)

chapter

1/

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(pls let me know if you want to be added to the taglist! )

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-

Bradley, who had been anxiously waiting for the video call, couldn't help but feel his heart racing as the minutes passed. His leg continued to bounce nervously as he checked his phone for the umpteenth time. He had been deployed for what felt like an eternity - and by God, it’s been only two weeks, calm down-, and the longing to see his family, especially his kids, was nearly unbearable.

As the loading circle on his computer screen taunted him, Bradley tried to stay patient. He had been through many challenging situations during his deployment, but waiting for this call felt like one of the most nerve-wracking moments of all. He had exchanged messages and heard their voices, but seeing their faces on the screen was an entirely different experience.

Finally, the screen lit up, and a notification informed him that Beatrice had accepted the video call. His heart skipped a beat as her image appeared on the screen. She looked just as beautiful as he remembered, with her emerald-green eyes and her smile that could melt his heart.

"Brad!" Beatrice's face lit up with joy, and Nikki, who was sitting beside her, turned her head toward the screen.

"Dada!"  she immediately stood straighter,holding herself up by standing on Beatrice’s thighs, eyes wide with excitement.

Bradley couldn't help but smile, his heart filling with warmth at the sight. "Hey there my girls! How have you been?"

“Dada,” Nicole moves closer, holding her stuffed giraffe for him to see, “Wafe!” followed by a long babbling that only a one year old could do. She pushes the stuffed toy to the camera making sure her father can see every little pattern on the giraffe’s neck.

Bradley's heart swelled with affection as he watched his daughter's excitement. He could see every detail of Nicole's stuffed giraffe as she proudly showed it off, her baby babbling filling the airwaves. "That's a beautiful giraffe, sweetie. I love it. Daddy misses you so much."

Beatrice smiled, holding Nicole close to her chest. "We miss you too, Bradley. It's been a little challenging, but we're managing. Nikki here," she nodded toward their one-year-old daughter, "keeps us on our toes."

Bradley's gaze shifted to their older daughter,leaning forward a little bit. "And how's my big girl, Nikki? Have you been helping Mommy?"

Nicole continued to babble and giggle, clearly unaware of the distance that separated them. She reached out her tiny hand, as if trying to touch her father through the screen. Beatrice guided Nicole's hand gently, allowing her to wave at Bradley.

"Nikki," he addressed his older daughter, "I promise I'll be home soon, and we can play together, just like we used to."

Beatrice leaned in closer, her voice soft with reassurance. "Don’t you get too worried,now LC.’

“No promises.” he chuckles, tapping his finger on the desk, “...and the twins?”

Beatrice smiles, adjusting herself on the chair before leaning to the left a bit. He moves closer to the screen and sees the two babies on their respective rockers. Aurora was wide awake, playing with the mobile hanging above her head while Gavin was happily asleep, the gentle lullaby making it obvious that the baby had other things in mind, “They are fine.” she grins, “Honestly, they are great babies,Roos.”

Bradley's eyes softened as he took in the sight of their twin babies. It was the first time he was seeing them in their home and it did something to him, truly. His eyes stung a bit and he hurriedly tried to wipe them off before Beatrice could notice, ‘They look…very comfortable.”

“Aurora is really the most active of the two.” Beatrice says, still looking at the babies “She does not like her diaper changed unless you bounce her a little bit. Gavin is super chill, he’s up for anything and he naps quite often but he’s not loud.” she rubs her chin thinking what else she could tell him “Oh, they also like sunbathing in the kitchen a lot, that’s probably the only time they actually complain together, neither of them want to leave that warmth.”

"They sound like amazing babies," he remarked, his voice filled with tenderness. "Honestly that’s a big mood, who wouldn’t want to stay under the sun?” he turns his eyes to her, “...how about you,gorgeous? How are you? You alright?”

Beatrice's smile softened as she looked back at Bradley through the screen. "I'm doing okay," she replied, shrugging as Nicole remained on her lap. "We're managing, and I’m not alone doing it. Shells comes by often, Evelyn too and my sisters try to help even if Bri is still in Boston.”

“You two are talking a lot?”

“She’s the one who has three kids. I know Gui has four but,” she makes a face “I doubt he could help me with this. He’s a good dad but I think he’s still…uh…he’s going to be in the protective uncle phase for a long time.”

Rooster’s eyes locked onto hers, and his shoulders relaxed. The one thing he worried the most with her being alone was Beatrice overworking herself. But, she looks great, her color was healthy and she looked like she slept nicely these past days considering her eyebags were almost gone, “I know what you mean.” he says, “I just want you to be alright,gorgeous.”

“I know.”

“And, you know, having kids that don’t make a lot of noise during the night helps,right?”

She laughs softly, looking from Nicole to the twins with a small smile, “I think our kids are just special like that. My mom came over a few nights ago and was very surprised to hear that the three of them just…don’t cry unless truly necessary.” she says “Of course Aurora is a bit more…um…dramatic.”

Bradley couldn't help but smile as he watched Beatrice talk about their children.  He just stared at her, the way her mouth quirked up when she spoke and how even when she was talking about Aurora being a complete opposite of her brother, her smile only grew."Well, they got the best mom in the world to take care of them," he said, his voice filled with admiration. "You're doing an incredible job, Bea."

Beatrice blushed at the compliment, her gaze moving back to him. "I'm just doing my best, Roos. Speaking of which," Beatrice then said, "how's the deployment going on your end? Everything okay?"

His smile faded just a touch, and he nodded. "It's been... challenging. I won't lie. Bradley leaned back in his chair, the distance between him and Beatrice feeling both immense and torturous. He had grown used to the weight of his responsibilities during his deployment, but it was moments like these when the distance and separation from his family felt most profound.

"Deployments always have their challenges," he admitted, his voice tinged with a mixture of exhaustion and longing. "But we're managing.It's just... hard, you know? Being away from you and the kids."

Beatrice nodded,her gaze softening just a bit. This truly didn't make it any easier for either of them. "I can't imagine how tough it must be for you, Roos. But you're doing it, you’ll be alright…is it hard?”

“It’s never easy.” he chuckles tiredly “But…you know, we’ve been doing our best,gorgeous. It’s just how we do things and deal with stuff and timelines.”

‘And…how’s Mark?”

His smile drops and he sighs,crossing his arms, “Being a bit of a nuisance but…he knows his place. There is stuff you can do and stuff you can’t. He’s been trying to play like he’s better than us and I’m trying my best to cut him off, you know?”

“Ah…I mean…I get it.” she chews her lower lip ,”Miranda invited me to a Halloween party.”

Her husband’s eyes darted back to hers and his eyebrows furrowed in confusion, his pose straightening a bit, “...Miranda invited you?”

“Yep.”

“...isn’t it a bit early for a Halloween party?”

Bea just shrugs, still holding Nicole, “It is, Shells agreed but it’s…going to happen in October, so…I’m not going Roos,” she reassured him when she noticed how his eyebrows kept lowering, “She’s trying to…I don’t know what she’s trying to do. I thought she’d leave us be to be honest.”

Bradley sighed, rubbing his jawline with a grimace. "I'm not sure what Miranda's intentions are, but you don't have to go if you don't want to, Bea. Your well-being and the kids come first, and I trust your judgment."

"Thank you, Roos. I just don't want to get caught up in whatever drama Miranda might be stirring. We have enough on our plate as it is."

“I know,gorgeous.” he knows his time is short but he still had a few minutes left and he didn’t know when he’d be able to talk to Beatrice again. “As long as you are safe, I don’t mind it. You know that and as long as the kids are okay too.”

“I know Roos. I’ll be alright,I promise…anything else that’s been happening there?’ she asks, pulling Nicole closer so she’d see her father “I don’t think I ever asked you what the base looked like,did I?”

Bradley leaned back in his chair, the video feed showing the backdrop of the base. "Well, the base is like a world of its own," he began, gesturing to the walls . "It's massive, and it looks old as balls here. The living quarters are basic, but we make do. The ocean is right there and it really appears that this place is haunted when it’s night time."

‘But that doesn’t scare you,right Roos?”

“Gorgeous considering everything we’ve been through, a haunted base is the least of my worries.” he says, folding his arms over the desk, “We're often busy with training exercises, maintenance, and mission planning. Three months seems short but it’s so much work involved."

Beatrice listened intently, her eyes fixed on the screen as Bradley described the base.He could read the back of a bottle of car oil that she’d just listen to him without worries. His voice was so nice and she adored how it hit her ears every time "Haunted or not, you guys can deal with it."

“Yeah, sure, unless a ghost-” and he looks around as if to check his surroundings “Tries to tie up my boots or something.”

“Oh,come on, they won’t do that.” she laughs, tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear “By the way, everyone is very excited about the twins at the Hard Deck.”

“Oh?”

“Are you surprised that the patrons at the bar would know about our kids? They’ve been aware of our relationship for so long,Roos.” she giggles and laughs even more when Nicole mimics the sound, waving her giraffe in the air, “They asked me how everything is, some of them even offered to help me out if I need.”

“...That’s…actually really nice.”

“Right? I love that job.” she says “I thought…honestly that’d be harder to, you know, go back to the bar after the kids but I’m managing it? I do miss them terribly but I can do it.”

"That's amazing, Bea," he said, his voice filled with genuine pride . "I'm so proud of you.I really am. You're doing an incredible job with the kids and handling your work at the bar. I always knew you were capable of anything you set your mind to."

Beatrice blushed, her smile widening as she gazed at the screen. "Thank you, Roos. It's not always easy, but like I said I have a great support system. And! I didn’t get sick again!"

"Good gorgeous. I’d hate it if you got sick again, Bea," Bradley said, looking back at his phone with a frown, “Gorgeous,my time is almost up.”

“...oh.”

“Don’t give me that face.” he begs, seeing those green eyes giving him the puppy dog gaze was going to ruin him, “Ugh,I love you, stop being cute.” he turns to Nikki who was doing the same thing “You too, young lady. You have your mother’s charms,I swear.”

Beatrice laughs softly, albeit she is upset that their conversation was cut short, “Alright…it’s okay Roos. We’ll talk again soon,alright?”

“You bet gorgeous.” he smirks, “I love you,so much.”

"I love you too, Bradley," she whispered, her voice soft and filled with tenderness. "And I promise Nikki and I will continue to be as cute as possible just for you. Maybe even teaching the twins a thing or two."

Bradley chuckled, the sound carrying the room. " You know I wouldn't have it any other way, gorgeous. I miss you all so much. But I’ll be back before you know it…okay?"

Beatrice nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I know, Roos. We'll count the days until you're back home with us.Stay safe, okay?"

“Will do,gorgeous.”

With a final exchange of affectionate words and blown kisses, their video call came to an end. Bradley couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions—joy at seeing Bea and the kids, sadness at saying goodbye, and a deep longing for the day when they would be together again.

He was a sap when it came to her.

He watches as the screen turns black with the same loading symbol again before he sighs, forcing himself to stand and leave the room with his hands inside his pockets. He greets a few officers on the way out, rubbing his wedding band with his thumb as his eyes move to the horizon. “At least it’s a pretty afternoon.”

He returned to his quarters, a modest room that he shared with Payback. He sighs, sitting on his cot with his head in his hands, looking at his feet.

Payback, who had also just finished a video call with his own family - which was his sister and mother, since he wasn’t married -, looked at Bradley with a knowing expression. "Tough call, huh?" he asked.

Bradley nodded, sinking into the thin mattress on his bunk. "Yeah, it never gets easier, man. But seeing them makes it all worth it. How's your mom holding up?"

Payback sat down on the edge of his own cot, his expression shifting to a slightly worried one. "She's doing okay, all things considered," he replied. "But I can tell she worries. She tries not to show it too much, but I can see it in her eyes."

"Yeah,it's in their DNA, I guess."

Payback let out a rueful chuckle. "Tell me about it. I mean, it's not like we're kids anymore, but she still asks me if I'm eating well, if I'm staying out of trouble, and if I'm taking care of myself. It's sweet, really."

Bradley smiled, a bit sad that his mom wasn’t alive to ask him those questions…but he did have Beatrice’s family doing that for him. "It is. It can be tough on them when we're so far away."

“A little, but,” the other pilot shrugs, “How’s Bea doing? How’s the kids? I heard the twins finally came back home!”

He couldn’t hide his own happiness after that question "Yeah," Bradley replied with a proud grin, "the twins are finally home, and they're doing great. They've settled in well, and Beatrice has everything under control. I don't know how she does it, honestly."

“It’s been a long time coming,man.” Payback raised an eyebrow. "I bet it's a relief for you."

Bradley nodded, still rubbing his wedding band and chewing his lower lip. "It is. It's hard being away from them, but knowing that they're safe and happy makes it a little easier. Beatrice is incredible, and I'm so lucky to have her as my wife."

“Yep,you're head over heels for her. Shocking.”

Rooster rolled his eyes and couldn't help but grin. "Yeah, I am. And I wouldn't have it any other way. You guys bet on us when we started dating."

“And we are still betting on you.” he smirks, “We just won’t say what it is.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“You are welcome man,” Payback pats his back, “You are very welcome.”

[cal-daisies-and-briars]

🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸 (I love this one, if it isn’t obvious!)

216 SENTENCES GOOD LORD. I am SO HAPPY you're loving it. So as to not post an entire chapter here at once, I will be posting chunks.

ANYONE READING THIS BEWARE OF SPOILERS. I will post particularly spoiler heavy chunks under the cut.

23 sentences:

---

“Do you want to see her?” Bobby asks. “She… She could use a friend, too.”

Buck’s impulse is to open his mouth and say no. This house is under quarantine. No more in or out until Chris comes home. Prevent the spread of anything that could fuck up their chances, like information or awareness. But clearly you tell Eddie to stay put and he’s creeping up in doorways, anyway.

“What do you want, Eddie?” Buck asks. 

“I’d like to see her, yeah.” Eddie says. “If that’s okay.”

Bobby smiles. “I’ll arrange something with Athena, then. All safe. All confidential. I promise.”

Buck exhales. 

He trusts him. It’s Bobby. Of course he trusts him.

Maybe he can finally act on that again. 

---

90 sentences:

---

Eddie confronts Buck not long after Bobby leaves.

He’s feeling tired. Exceptionally tired. Digesting a larger meal than he’s had in ages, and talking more than he has in just as long, is taking its toll on him. That plus the sunlight filtering through the windows, and Eddie needs a nap.

But he needs to talk to Buck first more. 

Sophia has come and gone, dropping off the errands she grabbed, and heading to an afternoon shift at the library. Not before threatening to kill Eddie if he left while she was working, though. Eddie has assured her he will be here when she returns. He’s glad for her brief absence, however. He needs to do the rest of this alone. 

“Can we talk for a minute?” Eddie asks, while Buck empties a hamper into the laundry machine. 

“Sure,” Buck nods. “What’s up?” 

As if it’s any other day. Buck has to know what’s up.

“You destroyed your life looking for me,” Eddie says. 

Buck freezes for a second. Then, he finishes loading the laundry, puts in the detergent, and starts the cycle. 

“Not so much,” he eventually says. “Just… Temporarily.”

“Still,” Eddie protests.

Buck turns his body to look at him. “What do you want me to say, Eddie?”

“I don’t know.” Eddie admits. “I’m worried for you.”

Buck’s jaw drops. “You’re worried for me?” 

“Yes,” Eddie frowns.

“Eddie, you fucked off to god knows where for over half a year and won’t say a word about it,” Buck reminds him. “I’m worried about you.” 

Yeah, well that’s a fair shout.

“Are the two mutually exclusive?” Eddie challenges.

Buck thinks. His expression softens a bit.

“I guess not.”

“I don’t want to hide things from you but it’s hard to talk about and I can’t remember all of it,” Eddie says. “And also I’m exhausted. Really, truly exhausted, Buck. I’m sorry.”

“Hey, no… Eddie, I’m not mad.”

“You can be.” Eddie shakes his head. “You can be mad. I’d be mad.”

“I just missed you. I missed you and I was worried for you.” Buck says. “I didn’t know if you were dead.”

“I missed you, too, you know?” Eddie says. “You and Chris. I just kept thinking about getting myself back, and…”

And coming home to them.

“And what?” Buck whispers, hopeful.

“I wanted my family back,” Eddie says, just as quietly. “Before, I… I spent so much time thinking about what I lost, and what I was supposed to have. But I really lost everything, Buck. I died. I lost my whole life. My kid. My job. You. I had so much.”

“You still have me,” Buck says firmly. “And Chris will be home soon. We will figure out how to make it work so you don’t lose him over this again. I swear, Eddie.”

“Thank you,” Eddie says. “Thank you for all that you’ve done for me. And for Chris.”

“I’d do it all again, Eddie. I’d do it tenfold.” Buck’s eyes are glistening. “I’d do anything.”

Eddie remembers Buck’s lips a hair’s breadth away from his own. He remembers how it felt to be held by him. Touched by him. He craves it again. 

“Anything?” Eddie asks. 

“Yes.” 

“I have something,” Eddie blurts, feeling stupid. “Something else, on top of everything.”

“Name it,” Buck says. 

---

26 sentences:

---

“How much do we tell them?” Eddie asks on the drive. He’s in the passenger seat of the Jeep. Another missing home brought back to him.

“That’s up to you, Eddie.” Buck sighs. “Maybe we suss it out when we’re there?”

Eddie nods. “I want to trust people if I can. The people I trusted here, before.” 

Not his parents. Which means, they can’t tell Pepa either. Or Abuela. Or Adriana. That still weighs heavily on him. 

Lots of things weigh heavily on him. 

“I know you’re scared,” Eddie continues. 

“Yeah,” Buck admits. “I keep feeling like someone’s going to take you from me. Or I’ll wake up and have let something slip and suddenly Chris won’t be coming back.”

There’s a brutal honesty in his words that makes Eddie shudder. He’s glad though. Glad Buck is opening up more. They seemed to have crossed some sort of barrier with each other. 

“It’s not all on you,” Eddie says. 

He’s not sure Buck hears him.  

---

36 sentences:

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“It’s stupid,” Eddie tells him. 

“Name it,” Buck repeats. 

“I’m tired,” Eddie says again. “And… And I don’t want to be alone anymore. I was alone for so long.” 

Buck’s eyes widen with understanding. He nods quickly. 

“I can do that. I can help.”

Eddie swallows thickly. 

“I’d get it… If you weren’t comfortable. With what I am. If you don’t want to-”

Buck steps forward, shaking his head, and raises a hand to cup Eddie’s cheek. The gesture is so strangely intimate that it takes Eddie’s breath away. 

“It’s just you.” He says. “I’ve always wanted to be close to you, Eddie.”

Eddie’s entire body feels so insubstantial, that if Buck took his hand away, he might just crumble to dust. He leans his cheek into Buck’s touch. He imagines if he were braver, and less tired, and more sure of himself, he would close the distance between them. That small sliver of distance that parted their lips last night. 

I love you, he wants to say. Strip away my whole life, everything that I am, and that love still burnt like a flame. 

Buck must notice Eddie’s hesitation. He steps forward and loops an arm around Eddie’s back, then guides him towards the bedroom. 

“Let’s go to sleep,” he says. “I didn’t really get much last night.”

“Careful. Next you’ll be accused of vampirism,” Eddie mumbles. 

Buck exhales a breath of laughter and squeezes Eddie a little.

“Eh, well. I’ve been accused of worse in the past twenty-four hours.”

There’s something regretful in his tone, but Eddie is too sleepy to latch onto it. Instead, he allows himself the comfort of being led into his bedroom, and collapsing onto the bed, and falling asleep with the sound of Buck’s heartbeat directly under his ear.

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15 sentences:

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Eddie feels more at ease than he’s felt in a long time driving with Buck to May’s apartment. Not that there’s a particular reason for it. Things aren’t good. He’s still facing all the same shit he was facing before. He still doesn’t have his kid. He still is facing being a social pariah and more or less a fugitive. He can’t exist, or they lose Chris. That’s all still a huge fucking problem. 

But he is well rested and well fed and he has Buck. Buck who slept next to him all yesterday afternoon. And then again overnight. Buck who has continued to hold him softly when he needs to be held. Buck, who still hasn’t kissed him the way he almost did, but who Eddie feels might. Eventually. If he’s honest about not caring about what Eddie is.

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26 sentences:

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Eddie actually helped Bobby and Athena move May’s stuff into her apartment when she first moved out of the house. As had Buck. So he’s a little surprised when the address Bobby sends them takes them somewhere else. Somewhere quieter, more out of the way. A little rough looking, but not too bad. 

“This doesn’t seem like the kind of place that would meet Athena’s stamp of approval,” Eddie observes. He remembers Bobby saying she’d driven May crazy with how picky she was about location and safety.

“Hmm,” Buck muses. “Some of these places have landlords that won’t ask questions. Neighbors going through the same shit. Plus, everywhere is dangerous for her these days.”

The, and for you, goes without saying. 

They park and climb a flight of stairs, knocking on the door to apartment 2E. 

He hears some shuffling on the other side of the door. Someone looking through a peephole. Fair enough. Then, the latch slides, the door opens, and none other than Sergeant Athena Grant is ushering them inside quickly. She’s dressed in plain street clothes; nondescript, like she’d hope not to be noticed if she stepped outside. Unfortunately, Eddie doesn’t really think Athena is the sort of woman you don’t notice. 

She doesn’t even really acknowledge them until the door is shut behind them again. Once it is, she exhales, and turns to Eddie. 

“God, it is good to see you,” she mutters, stepping forward to hug him. 

Eddie squeezes her gratefully. Every new person who doesn’t think he’s a monster comes as an immense relief.