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#AND ESPECIALLY STOP CALLING IT DOMESTIC ABUSE!!!! IT IS NOT!!!!!!
coreytaylr · 1 year
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izzy apologists/stans stop calling ed an abuser challenge
they're pirates, this is how their punishments work!! any other captain would've either keel-hauled or straight up killed their first mate / crew member for challenging/disrespecting their authority like that. and don't even get me started on how izzy literally threatened ed's life too.
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asgardswinter · 6 months
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A thread of Jon Bernthal being a zionist and why all of you should stop supporting him.
Especially if you actually care about Palestinians and ur going around cancelling zionists like Noah Schnapp and Amy Schummer.
You can read my thread on my twitter page:
https://x.com/aquasuperbat/status/1769431729385648594?s=46
First of all, Jon Bernthal has liked tons of pro-Israel propaganda posts on twitter
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He signed a letter to Biden in support of Israel like many other celebrities
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He never signed the letter calling for a ceasefire. I think that says enough that he still holds zionist views.
He platformed an ex idf soldier on his podcast. Giving people who have killed Palestinians and committed Genocide a safe place.
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Jon Bernthal’s sister in law (his brothers wife) is Sheryl Sandberg, a billionaire who runs multiple technology companies.
She has spread a lot of misinformation about Hamas. Shes very pro-israel
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After all of this, hes stayed silent on the massacres that has occured in Gaza. Hes stayed silent as children have been bombed and are currently being starved. Over 40,000 innocent lives, mostly women and children have been taken, but he doesnt hesitate to stay silent.
If you care about this then you will stop supporting Jon even if he plays ur favourite character. I LOVED his ver of Frank Castle. But i cant stand by him with his complicit in genocide while i see innocent lives being taken.
In the past month he hasnt liked any pro-israel content, most likely because he saw the amount of support Palestinians are getting and that celebs r being outed. Or his team has told him to stop. I dont believe hes changed his views.
In 2022 he followed the official Israel account on twitter but has since unfollowed it.
If ur gonna continue supporting Jon then block me. U disgust me if you do and you cant go around cancelling celebs like Noah Schnapp because then ur just a hypocrite. If ur against zionism then ull stop being fans of every zionist celeb.
This isnt the only disgusting thing hes done, he platformed an abuser on his podcast. Giving people like them a safe place. Most of the ppl he has on his podcast r men, particularly ex cops and military. Hardly any women. Dude reeks of blue lives matter.
Update: 10/09/24
He had Sean Penn on his podcast. A known abuser who got a felony got domestic assault against Madonna when they were married. Jon calls him his hero in a clip on youtube. In that same clip Sean praises Jon for having Shia Labouf on his podcast, another violent woman abuser.
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The Princess and The Pogue | J. M.
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Pairing: JJ Maybank x reader
Summary: Your daughter comes home from school telling you about a local OBX fairytale. It turns out it’s about you and your husband.
Listen to But Daddy I Love Him for full experience
Requested by @idontevenknowbsblog
A/N: This turned out way longer and more angsty than I had anticipated but I’m a sucker for the angst. I just can’t help it. I’m sorry this took me a million years to finish!
As I am an adult, all characters I write for are written as adults. Any minor characters will be aged up to the general range of their actor’s age.
Warnings: allusions to domestic abuse, controlling parents, forced engagement, so much fucking angst, only kinda proofread
Word Count: 3.5k
~
Your daughter’s tiny feet press against the back of your seat as you head home after picking her up from school.
“Mia, stop kicking,” You laugh, “Mommy’s trying to drive.”
“Sorry, Mommy.” Your daughter giggles. “I’m just so happy today!”
“I’m so glad you're happy, Baby.” You smile at the five year old in the rearview mirror. “What did you do at school today?”
“We got to draw all our shapes today and we sang the alphabet song a bunch of times!”
“Ooh sounds like a fun day.”
She claps excitedly. “Oh and Kylie’s older sister told us a fairytale at recess!”
“A fairytale? Very cool. What was it about?”
“Did you know a princess used to live here? A long time ago. She ran away with a pogue because her evil king father wouldn’t let them be together.”
Your eyes widen at her words, a small smile forming on your face as she tells the story that takes you back to what seems like a lifetime ago.
-
“Mom, I’m headed out,” you yelled through the foyer.
“Ok, hun.” Your mom poked her head over the stairwell. “Just don’t stay out too late. We have that business lunch with the Cameron’s tomorrow and it’s very important that you be there.”
“I’ll be back in a few hours,” you promise, “besides I’m just going to hang out with Sarah.”
“We just love that you and Ward Cameron’s daughter are friends. It looks so good for your father’s business for the families to be close. Especially with you set to inherit the company someday.”
With Ward Cameron being the biggest real estate developer in the Outer Banks and your dad owning the biggest construction company, the two men worked closely on most of their deals. They were also the closest thing to friends that either of the men had. The two richest men in the island made for a powerful team.
“Glad I can help you keep up appearances,” you muttered under your breath.
“What was that, hun?”
“Always happy to help the family.” You gave your mother a forced smile and made your escape, slipping outside and into Sarah’s waiting car.
“Ready to go see your man?” She grins at you and you return the gesture.
“God, yes.“
-
You hadn’t expected to fall in love with JJ Maybank. Considering the very different lives the two of you led it was surprising the two of you ever even crossed paths, but that was one of the perks of being Sarah’s friend. When she fell in love with John B and got involved with the pogues she dragged you along with her.
It wasn’t like you had anything against the pogues. In fact, you had admired them from afar your whole life. Their freedom and adventures were something you envied, forever stuck in your kook bubble. You didn’t have a choice but to follow the plan your parents had created for you.
JJ, on the other hand, hated kooks with a passion. He had a hard enough time with Sarah joining the group and when she brought you in, arguably the even bigger kook princess with the even bigger kook king of a father, he vowed to himself he would never accept you. After all, you represented everything he hated, the life he always dreamed of but would never attain.
He would sneer and call you “princess”, his voice dripping with disdain, doing everything in his power to piss you off, but you didn’t mind. You loved his passion and the way he would do anything to protect the people he cared about. You ignored his insults, treating him just as well as you would anyone else.
Before he knew it, your soft words and beaming smile had softened JJ. He began to actually look forward to your presence in the group, feeling sad when you couldn’t get away from your parents to spend time with them. Then, one day the two of you were the only ones to show up to a pogue hang out. You ended up spending hours just talking and getting to know each other. The rest was history and you had been together from that day forward.
Unfortunately, you knew that your parents would never let you spend time around a pogue, let alone be in a relationship with one. So, like Sarah and John B, you and JJ had to keep your relationship hidden. Thanks to the help of the pogues, the two of you had been successfully seeing each other behind your parents’ backs for over a year.
-
“I’ll be back to pick you up at 8:00,” Sarah reminds you. She pulls up to the little cove where you and JJ liked to meet. “We only have a couple of hours tonight because of that lunch tomorrow. Don’t want our families to get suspicious.”
You nod. “Got it. I’ll see you then.” You slip out of her car. “Tell John B I said hi.”
“Will do.”
She pulls away as you make your way around the rocks hiding the entrance to your spot.
“Hi, princess.” Your boyfriend grins at you in the orange light of the sunset, pulling you into a hug.
“JJ,” You breathe him in, soaking up the comfort he gives you. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too, baby. Four days without you is four days too much.” JJ leads you over to the blanket on the sand, sitting back so you can settle between his legs.
“I know. I’m sorry, I just couldn’t get away much this week. My parents are going crazy about this lunch tomorrow.”
“Aren’t they always crazy?” JJ jokes, poking your side. You squirm a little bit, trying to escape his prodding.
“I mean, yeah. They’re just extra crazy this week.” You settle further into his chest, JJ giving up his attack in exchange for wrapping his arms securely around you. He nuzzles his head into the side of your neck. “But, it’s okay because at least we have right now.”
“How long do we have until Sarah comes back to pick you up?”
You let out a sigh. “Two hours.”
“That’s it? Damn.”
“I’m sorry, J.” You look back apologetically, but he just shakes his head.
“Hey, don’t apologize. We just have to make the most of the time we have, like usual. It won’t be like this forever.”
“Right.” You give him a small smile, turning back to face the sunset before he can see the doubt in your eyes. You hoped JJ was right, but you had no idea how things would ever change.
As expected, your time together flew by too quickly and before you knew it Sarah was back to take you home.
JJ was reluctant to let you out of his embrace. “We’re still on for tomorrow night, right? After you finish up with all your kook business?”
“Of course, baby. I wouldn’t miss it.” You give him one last goodbye kiss, distracting him long enough to slip out from his arms. He pouts, but lets you go, knowing if it was your choice you would never leave.
-
You stare numbly at the wall, unable to will yourself to move from your position balled up on the bed. You aren’t sure how long you've been laying there looking at nothing. You didn’t feel anything, having cried out all your tears hours ago. A buzzing sounds from the other side of the room, your phone going off once again, but you don’t pick it up. It’s probably Sarah calling again to see if you’re okay after what happened at lunch. You’re not.
Having sat in silence for so long, you jump when you hear a rattling at your window. It takes you a minute to clamber over to the window with the lights out in your room. You hadn’t realized how dark it had become outside.
You peek out warily, trying to determine the source of the noise. “Shit.” You mumble under your breath as you realize JJ is perched in the tree closest to your room.
You unlatch the door so he can climb inside, turning away from him quickly. You’re thankful for the darkness in that moment as you scramble to make yourself look presentable, flattening your hair and wiping at your face. You pull down the sleeves of the massive sweatshirt you’re wearing, one you stole from JJ months ago, making sure you are completely covered.
“JJ, what are you doing here,” you whisper, “What if someone sees you?”
“I was worried about you. You were supposed to meet me hours ago, remember?” He sounds frustrated.
“Shit. I’m sorry. I totally forgot.” You run your hand down your face stressed. “I didn’t mean to stand you up.”
“You forgot? Y/N, I’ve been calling and texting for hours.” JJ moves closer, but you step back. “I thought something bad had happened.”
He takes another step back. Again you back away, trying to keep him from seeing your face. Brows furrowed, JJ moves towards you again. This time you can’t move away fast enough, bumping your dresser as you try to get away.
“Woah, wait.” JJ takes your face in gentle hands. “Have you been crying?”
“It’s nothing. I’m fine.” You try to pull away, but he doesn’t let you off that easily.
“Baby, what’s going on? Is it something I did?” The worry in his eyes brings a fresh wave of tears to your eyes. You shake your head, willing them not to fall.
“No, no. You haven’t done anything wrong.”
“Something with Sarah?” You shake your head again.
“Your parents?” That stills you. “It is your parents. What is it? Did something happen at lunch?”
You don’t answer.
“Talk to me, baby. I can’t make it better if I don’t know what’s wrong.” JJ’s voice is so sincere and his touch so soft. He really thinks he’ll be able to fix whatever the problem is.
You gather your strength and gently pull away from him, not wanting to see the look in his eyes when you tell him.
“My father and Ward Cameron have decided that it is in the best interest of their respective businesses for our families to be officially joined.”
“What on earth does that mean?”
You feel like you're going to be sick, but you force the words out anyway. “I am set to be married to Rafe Cameron.” You keep your eyes on the floor, waiting for JJ’s response. He stays silent.
“I had no idea they had this planned until my parent’s announced it at lunch.”
“What do you mean you’re marrying Rafe Cameron?” He tries to keep his voice calm. But you can hear the venom behind his words anyway. “You can’t just marry Rafe.”
“I don’t have a choice, JJ. They practically signed my ownership papers over to Rafe right there.”
JJ is pacing your room now, hands constantly running through his hair. “He can’t just do that. You’re an adult, Y/N. Tell him no.”
“I can’t tell him no JJ.” He stops in front of you, the look on his face half shock half anger.
“What are you talking about? You can’t just tell me that your father is marrying you off to Rafe and not even try to fight him on it.” You turn from his intense gaze, unable to handle it any longer.
‘Y/N-” JJ reaches for your arm to turn you around and you flinch back hissing in pain. Your sleeve rides up, revealing a number of dark bruises.
“I tried talking him out of it, JJ. He made it clear saying no wasn’t an option.”
JJ seethes, body tense with anger. “He hurt you.” It’s not a question which is just as well because you have no response.
“I’m gonna kill him.” He growls.
You lay your palms flat against his chest. “No, you’re not. We can’t make this situation any worse than it already is.”
“He can’t just get away with this!” JJ’s voice rises with his anger and you shush him quickly, looking back at your door.
“Please, Y/N.” His voice cracks on your name. “Things can’t just end like this.”
The pain in his words breaks your heart. You let the tears fall freely, unable to hold back the emotion any longer.
“I’m so sorry, JJ.” He cradles your face in his hands like he did at the beginning of the night. “There’s nothing either of us can do to change this.” JJ brushes his thumbs against your cheeks, brushing at the tears. “You should go.”
“No, Y/N.” He has tears running down his face too. “I can’t leave you like this.”
“Please, JJ. You have to go before something wakes him up. I don’t know what he’ll do if he finds you here.”
JJ’s eyes flit down to your wrists, taking in the bruises once more before he nods slowly. He won’t be the reason your father hurts you again. You lips press against his slowly, both of you pouring all the love you have for each other into the kiss.
“I love you,” you whisper against his lips.
“I love you, too. Always.”
With those last words, he slips back out your window, closing it quietly behind him. You watch as he climbs back down the tree and crosses the property. As he finally fades out of blue, you sink down to your floor, your knees unable to hold the weight of your body as it’s wracked with sobs.
-
You don’t leave your room for days. All you can do is lay in your bed and cry, mourning the loss of the man you love and the life you had planned.
If it was up to you, you would never leave that room. Unfortunately, your parents have other plans. They parade you and Rafe all over town, making sure everyone on the island knows the two of you are “madly in love” and engaged to be married in the spring. The whole pageantry of it makes you sick.
The cherry on top of the whole ordeal is the engagement party that you parents planned for the weekend. They rented out the whole club and invited every kook on the island. You’re pretty sure it’s your own personal hell.
Sarah pins one last curl to your head. “Done. You look beautiful.”
You give her a small smile that didn’t reach your eyes. “Thanks, Sarah.” You were dressed in a white sundress that your mother had bought for the party and Sarah had done your hair and makeup to perfection. The whole look was stunning, but you just feel like a trophy being shown off.
Sarah gives you a sympathetic look. “You ready for this?”
“No. But I have to be.”
It takes everything in you to keep a smile pasted on your face as Rafe takes your hand and leads you out to the throng of people. Everyone smiles and hugs you, offering their congratulations. You do your best to seem gracious and excited, but all you feel is emptiness and the faces move before you in a blur.
You make it two hours into the party before you can’t take it any longer. The panic that has been creeping up your throat all night takes hold and you have to break away. You excuse yourself from Rafe, claiming a need to run to the bathroom. He gives you a harsh look and makes you promise to hurry back, but ultimately lets you go.
You hurry away from prying eyes, not letting yourself break until you get inside. Chest heaving, you gulp down air like you’ve just run a marathon. One of your hands is pressed against your chest, the other braced against the walls to hold you up as you stumble towards the bathroom.
Before you can make it more than a few feet an arm catches you around the waist, pulling you into an alcove you had never noticed. You stumble back, trying to pull yourself together, not wanting whoever grabbed you to see your harried state.
“Hey, hey. It’s just me.”
Familiar hands rub up and down your arms, grounding you. You look up to see the blue eyes that you love so much.
“JJ,” you whisper, breaths still coming fast and hard.
“It’s okay, baby. Just breathe.”
JJ holds you close as you will your body to calm, feeling safe for the first time all night.
“What are you doing here?”
“I had to see you, talk to you.”
You sigh, looking at him with sad eyes. “As happy as I am that you’re here, you have to go. If anyone sees you. My father, or Rafe-”
“What if you didn’t have to worry about them anymore?”
“JJ, we’ve been over this. I can’t break this engageme-”
“What if we just left? You and me. Right now.” His eyes bore into yours, willing you to see the possibility.
You can’t act like you haven’t had the same thought yourself, but you just didn’t see how it would be possible. “How would that work, JJ? My father controls my whole life. My money, my future, everything.”
“You don’t need anything he has to give you, Y/N.” His voice is pleading.
“JJ…”
“We can figure it out. You have a degree, I have experience. We’ll get jobs. We’ll make it work.” He reaches a hand into his pocket. “I know I can’t give you a life like this-”
“I don’t want a life like this.”
“-but I will do everything in my power to give you a good life, to make you happy.” He holds up a simple, beautiful band of silver. “Will you marry me?”
You stare up at him with wide eyes. “Are you serious?”
“I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life. Say you’ll marry me. We can leave right now. I have a plan to get us off the island. Your parents won’t know until it’s too late. Just say yes, please.”
“Yes, yes.” You nod vigorously. “I’ll marry you.”
You rip off the gaudy ring currently on your hand and JJ replaces it with the silver band. He kisses you so deeply you think you see stars.
“I love you, JJ Maybank,” you whisper when you part.
“I love you too, Y/N Y/L/N, so much.”
You could stay in that moment forever, but you both know you don’t have time to waste. JJ begins to pull you to a side exit, but you stop him. There’s one last thing you have to do before you leave.
You find a piece of paper, scribbling out a few quick words and titling to your father.
Have fun explaining to the Cameron’s that your daughter ran off with a pogue
Y/N Y/L/N
You set the folded paper on the center table, placing Rafe’s ring next to it.
“Ready to get off this island?”
You grab JJ’s hand. “God, yes.”
-
JJ was right, the two of you figured it out. You both found jobs on the mainland and created a happy life for yourselves. You and JJ got married a few months after you ran off and Mia came along a few years later.
You had kept in touch with the pogues of course and they let you know when your father and Ward Cameron’s businesses had come crashing down, forcing the two men off the island. They had no power anymore, so eight years later you decided to move back to your home. People had gossiped at first, but they moved on to the next big thing when they realized that neither you nor JJ cared what they had to say. You wanted to be in the place where you grew up and fell in love, and you wanted Mia to be surrounded by the friends that you called your family.
Mia was just about bouncing in her seat by the time you got home. You hurried to get her out of her carseat so she could rush inside and see her dad. Friday’s were always her favorite because JJ got off work early and was already home by the time you brought her back from school.
She pulled you along by the hand as she continued on about her fairytale. “The evil king disappeared and they lived happily ever after.”
JJ scooped Mia up as the two of you entered the house, making the little girl squeal in delight.
“Daddy!”
“Who lived happily ever after, Mia-mine?” She giggled as he burrowed his face in her little belly.
“The princess and the pogue!”
JJ’s eyes met yours over Mia, giving you an intrigued look.
“Kylie’s older sister told her a fairytale at lunch about a couple that used to live on the island.” You tell him with a knowing grin.
“A fairytale? That’s awesome, baby.” JJ lowers Mia back down to her feet. “Hey, why don’t you go wash up and Mommy and I will make you a snack.”
“Okay, Daddy!” The little girl runs off happily.
You make your way to the kitchen, JJ coming up behind you and snaking his arms around your waist. “So the princess and the pogue, huh?” He smirks as you turn to face him.
“Who knew we’d become an OBX fairytale?” You reply.
“It makes sense. It doesn’t get much more ‘happily ever after’ than this. Right, princess?”
You give him a gentle kiss. “Right, pogue.”
~
Writing Masterlist
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andvys · 1 year
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I knew you'd linger like a tattoo kiss | part 13
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Warnings: angst! mentions of sexual assault and talks of rape, alcohol and drug consumption, bad parenting, mentions of domestic abuse.
Pairings: Steve Harrington x fem!cheerleader!reader , Steve Harrington x Nancy Wheeler , slight Eddie Munson x fem!reader
Summary: Steve promised to always be there for you when you were little kids and you find out that he had kept this promise.
Word count: 7k
A/N: The beginning of this chapter is heavily inspired by Seven by Taylor Swift, if you haven’t listened to it, go listen to it now! @mysticmunson thank you for the help as always, ilysm 🤍
series masterlist
-
You have never been one to ask for help, whenever you struggled with something, you simply kept it to yourself and dealt with it alone, not wanting to be a burden to anyone. 
Even when you were scared, you didn’t tell anyone, you didn’t ask for comfort, you didn’t call for help, you simply learned how to deal with the fear alone. 
When your parents started fighting and you heard your dad yell at your mom, you hid in the closet, you put your hands over your ears and cried silently, hoping that they would just stop yelling at each other, hoping that he would stop being so mad all the time. 
You suffered, hearing your parents fight. You were scared – scared that something worse would happen, scared that their fights would turn into something more serious, scared that one of them would leave. 
You didn’t want them to fight, you didn’t want them to hate each other, you didn’t want one of them to leave. 
You just wanted your mom and your dad, you wanted your family. 
One night, when you were twelve years old, Steve had climbed up to your window, he sneaked into your room, excitedly. It was the night before your birthday and he got you an early present. The smile faded from his lips when for the first time, he had heard your dad’s angry voice and your mom’s nervous one, when he heard the quiet sniffles coming from your closet where he had found you rocking back and forth with your hands over your ears and tears rolling down your cheeks. His heart broke at the sight of you. 
He startled you when he reached his hand out to touch your shoulder, you flinched and looked up at him, your face scrunched up in confusion and your eyes widened, you stared at him with a quivering lip and glassy eyes that flashed with relief when you realized that it was really him in front of you. 
“Steve?” You whispered, shakily as you removed your hands from your ears, slowly. 
He stepped inside the closet and closed the door again, he sat down beside you and wrapped an arm around you. 
“I’m here, Dolly,” he had whispered, using the nickname that he jokingly gave you when you were both five years old and you went through an obsession with dolls. 
Steve didn’t know that your parents were fighting, no one knew. 
You cried into his shoulder and he held your hand. Even he flinched at the sound of your dad’s angry shouts. He felt so awful that night, he was so worried about you. 
“Why didn’t you tell me?” He asked when you started to calm down. 
You only shrugged in response. 
“You should come live with me, you won’t have to be scared. I’ll protect you.”
When you smiled at his words and looked at him through your glassy eyes, Steve had promised himself that he would always be there for you, that he would protect you and keep you safe. 
He thinks about that night a lot. 
He thinks about how much he failed you. 
He thinks about how he broke his own promise. 
He thinks about how he abandoned you. 
And he hates himself for it, especially when he hears your broken voice and your quiet sniffles on the phone. 
“Steve?”
He straightens his back, furrowing his brows. Chills run through him and an instant rush of worry floods through him when he hears you crying. 
“Y/n?” 
“I-I’m sorry, Steve. I d-didn’t know who else to call.” 
You could have called Eddie or Heather or Chrissy or even Robin, Steve thinks to himself. You are outside, he can hear the passing cars. He wonders if your voice is shaky because of the cold or because you are crying. 
“Where are you, y/n?” Steve asks as he already gets up to put on the sweater he had thrown over his chair earlier.
You sniffle again, it reminds him of the night he found you crying in the closet. 
“G-Gas station,” you mumble, “c-can you please pick me up?”
There is only one gas station in Hawkins, he knows exactly where you are.
“Yeah, of course,” he speaks into the receiver. Steve can feel his heart pounding in his chest, a glance into the mirror shows him that his face is etched with worry. 
“H-Hurry up.”
The sound of your scared and small voice almost sends him into a state of panic. 
What happened? 
How scared do you have to be to call him out of all people? 
“I’ll be right there, y/n. Just stay where you are, okay?” 
“Okay,” you whisper. 
Begrudgingly, he hangs up the phone, he then hurries out of his room, rushing down the stairs. He turns on the lights in the hallway, he quickly puts his Nike's on, he grabs his jacket and his bundle of keys before he leaves the house. 
Steve doesn’t know what to expect but the awful feeling in his chest tells him that you are in a bad state. 
You have never asked for help, not even when you were still together and he already knew about your fears and struggles, he had done his best to be there for you but you have never asked him to be there for you, you didn’t want to be a burden, you never could be. 
Steve keeps running his fingers through his hair, a nervous habit he can’t seem to get rid of. 
He goes over the speed limit, not caring about the risk of getting another ticket. The streets are empty anyways, no cops seem to be in sight. He feels anxious and on edge but he feels relieved, when he pulls up to the empty gas station and he sees you.
You are sitting on the concrete floor, your elbows are on your knees, your hands are over your ears, just like back then. He parks the car and turns it off, he opens the door and gets out, not wasting a single second to get to you. 
You keep your head down, rocking back and forth, you haven’t noticed him yet. Your body is shaking, you aren’t even wearing a jacket. Steve’s heart is still pounding, despite the relief he had felt in his body when he saw you, he still feels very anxious. He takes his jacket off and walks towards you, he crouches down in front of you.
“Y/n,” he whispers as he carefully lifts his hand, placing it on your shoulder as he whispers your name again. 
Your first instinct is to flinch at his touch and push his hand off as you scoot back quickly. 
Steve raises his hands in surrender, “hey! It’s me, it’s just me, y/n!” He rushes, staring at you with a startled look on his face, “it’s just Steve,” he whispers. 
Your eyes are wide and you instantly calm at the sound of his voice. For the first time that night, he sees your face. Your eyes are red rimmed and glassy but you aren’t crying. You got glitter on your cheeks and your forehead, your hair is a mess like you’ve spent tugging at it, all night. 
The look in your eyes can only be described as terrified. 
“Steve?” You whisper in relief. 
He nods with a confused and scared look on his face. 
What happened to you? 
The street light is shining down on you but he has yet to see the rest of your body. 
“You came,” you whisper with a quivering lip, staring at him as though you can’t believe that he is in front of you. 
His gaze softens and his heart hurts to see you like this. 
What happened?
You were doing so good, you looked so happy. 
“Of course I came,” he whispers and slowly inches closer to you, you don’t flinch this time, only staring at him with your wide eyes as though you can’t believe that he is actually here. He wraps his jacket around you, leaning closer to you. He smells your sweet perfume, your shampoo, your vanilla body wash but above the pleasant scents is a heavy smell of  whiskey, cigarettes, weed and the strong scent of cologne, it’s not the same one he smelled on you before, it’s not Eddie’s cologne. 
He swallows nervously. 
You weren’t with Eddie tonight, you wouldn’t be here if you were. Steve might not know him well but if there is something he learned about Eddie is the protectiveness he feels over you. You wouldn’t be alone at a gas station at 1 am if you had been with him tonight. 
He just knows it. 
When Steve lifts your hair up to pull them out from beneath the jacket, a cold shiver runs down his spine when he sees the bruises on the side of your neck, bite marks and hickeys litter your skin. He pulls away slowly, his breathing quickens, he blinks, staring at your face for a long second. You seem to be on the verge of tears but something inside of you keeps you from crying, you look frozen, your body is tense.
Steve pulls back, he looks down at you and his heart drops completely. His lips part, his eyes widen and all color drains from his face when he sees the bruises around your wrists and on your thighs. 
No, no, no, no…. God no… Please no.. 
He keeps staring at the bruises, frozen in place, heart racing and breaking each passing second. 
He whispers your name in shock. 
You raise your head to look at him and when you notice the look on his face, you start shaking your head and pulling at your dress to hide your thighs as though it will get rid of the marks he had left on you, you didn’t even realize how hard he grabbed you, how rough his hands were when he forced your legs apart or when he pinned your wrists against his car, you were too consumed with fear to feel anything. You are surprised that you even managed to fight back, that you got out of the situation before something much worse could happen. 
“D-Do you need a doctor? Should I drive you to the hospital?” Steve asks, shakily. 
You shake your head as the panic begins to settle back in, your throat feels tight and tears well up in your eyes, “n-no, I wanna go home,” you whisper as you look at him with pleading eyes, “please just drive me home, Steve. Please.” 
Steve doesn’t know how to handle the situation, he doesn’t know what to do, he doesn’t know how to help you. 
Who did this to you? 
His stomach churns, he feels sick, so sick. 
You flinch a little when he touches your shoulder again and Steve pulls his hand away immediately. 
“I’m sorry,” he whispers. 
Your eyes shift away from him, you look down and pull the jacket tighter around your body. 
Steve eyes you, watching the way you push yourself up to stand, he follows suit, standing up as well. 
Your knees buckle and you almost fall back to the ground but Steve catches you, carefully holding you by your waist. This time, you don’t flinch away from his touch, he keeps holding you, pulling you closer to him. 
“It’s okay, I got you,” he whispers softly, “I got you.”
His heart won’t stop hammering in his chest and he doesn’t know which emotion inside of him is stronger right now. 
The worry he feels for you or the anger he feels for the person who did this to you? 
A gust of wind makes you shiver, it blows through your hair and you shudder at the feeling of the coldness touching your exposed skin. The smell of gasoline is beginning to make you feel nauseous. 
“I wanna go home.”
Steve nods with a broken look in his eyes. 
He leads you back to his car and opens the door for you. You let go of him when you sit down in the passenger seat. Despite the whirlwind that is going on in your mind and the amount of alcohol and drugs you have in you, you still remember to put on the seatbelt. Your dress rides up in the process, you don’t notice it.
Steve sucks in a sharp breath and he clenches his jaw when he sees more bruises on your thighs, the ones that were hidden beneath your dress. He looks away and clenches his hand into a fist after he closes the door. 
He tries to take deep breaths to calm himself down as he walks around the car, he opens the door and gets inside. 
You are quiet, so very quiet, he can’t even hear you breathing. He glances at you, you pulled the sleeves of his jacket over your hands and you are looking at the window, facing away from him. 
“Are you sure you don’t need to see a doctor?” 
You shake your head, “I’m fine,” you mumble, without looking at him. 
He nods to himself, sighing deeply as he starts the car. 
When the music starts playing and David Bowie’s voice sounds through the car, Steve winces a little. On the drive here, he was so on edge and distracted by his thoughts, he wasn’t really paying attention to the music that was playing. He turns the volume down and he narrows his eyes, glancing at you. You don’t seem to pay attention to anything right now. 
You keep blinking rapidly, staring out the window. 
On the drive to your house, he keeps checking on you to make sure that you are okay. His hands grip the steering wheel tightly, he is feeling too much right now. 
You are silent, so silent. 
It’s been a long time since you have sat in the passenger seat next to him. The last time you did, you were still together. He was yours, you were his, you were both okay and you were safe and happy. 
Now you sit here with tears in your eyes and bruises on your skin – you are not okay, you were not safe tonight and he doesn’t know if you will be happy again after whatever happened. 
Lost in his thoughts, Steve stares at the road ahead, swallowing the bitterness on his tongue and fighting the anger and the guilt he feels for himself. This shouldn’t have happened, this wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t been so stupid all these months ago. 
He was supposed to protect you, he was supposed to keep you safe. 
Steve doesn’t notice the way you look away from the window, the way you look down at yourself, the way your breathing quickens and your eyes widen. 
You stare at the bruises on your thighs, the ones beneath your dress. How rough had he been when he tried to force your legs apart? How strong did he grip your thighs when he tried to touch you where you didn’t want to be touched? 
You push the sleeves of Steve’s jacket up, frowning at the bruises on your wrists. Your heart begins to hammer in your chest, hot tears threaten to spill down your cheeks and you feel the panic rushing through you. The realization of what would have happened if you didn’t find the strength to fight back begins to sink in and the sudden nausea makes you want to throw up but the tightness in your throat makes you feel like you cannot breathe, yet, somehow, the sob that’s been rising up, falls from your lips and you break down in the passenger seat of your ex boyfriend’s car. 
Too many emotions run through you; shock, fear, sadness, pain, disgust and anger. 
Not only did he try to strip you of your powers, he also tore down walls that you have been slowly building up since Steve left you. You hear his voice, all the things he said to you repeat themselves over and over again, you feel his touch, his rough hands on your body. 
A man who has no meaning in your life took away so much from you tonight. 
Steve pulls the car off the road, he hits the brakes and unbuckles his seatbelt. He doesn’t know what to do when he sees you crying that way. The pain in your eyes, the tears streaming down your face and your broken sobs make him want to cry too. 
He whispers your name and he leans closer to you but he doesn’t touch you, knowing that this will only make things worse. 
“I-I didn’t want it,” you whimper as you stare at the bruises on your wrists, “I-I said no, I told him no, I told him t-that I didn’t want it, I said no, Steve.” You ramble as you turn to face him with big, glassy eyes. 
Steve’s eyes are filled with shock, a horrified expression takes over his face. 
“H-He said that I wanted it but I didn’t, I never wanted it, I didn’t– I just wanted someone to like me.” You cry as you pull at your dress and Steve finally notices your bruised knuckles, he hasn’t seen them before.
How often can a heart break in one night? 
Steve feels like his insides are being twisted, the gut wrenching sound of your cries make him feel so helpless and your words make him feel sick. His eyes are burning and his hands itch to hurt the man who hurt you. 
He says your name softly and he places his hand on top of yours, this time, you don’t flinch away from him and his touch. You turn to face him and he wants nothing more than to pull you into his arms, to wipe your tears and take your pain, but he can’t. 
He doesn’t know how to ask you this question, especially when you are looking at him like that. 
“Did… Did he –” Did he rape you? Is what he needs to know but he cannot utter these words, the thought of someone doing such a disgusting and vile thing to you makes him feel sick to his stomach.
Steve doesn’t have to finish the question, you know what he wants to know and you start shaking your head with wide eyes as your tears continue to roll down your cheeks. 
“I fought back a-and he let me go but he was so awful.”
“Who?” He finally asks.
“Ray.”
Steve is not surprised to hear his name, not after he watched you write your number on his hand at the bonfire, last week. He clenches his jaw and nods. 
Raymond Parker. 
Steve knows where he lives.
The haunted look in your eyes tells him that there is more. Things you don’t want to say out loud.
He watches the way your brows furrow, the way your eyes continue to well up with tears. You seem to think about something, something that hurts you, it’s so clear on your face. 
“Why does everyone hurt me?”
Steve’s face falls, his eyes flash with guilt. 
“Why does everyone leave me?” You whisper to yourself. 
Steve knows that you’d never say these things if you were sober and free from the hurt. 
Your dad left, Steve left, your friends are slipping through your fingers and now you are afraid that Eddie will leave too. You saw the anger in his eyes when he found you at Reefer Rick’s house, you didn’t listen to him, you broke a promise and now he is disappointed in you – will your best friend leave you just like they did? 
“And Eddie hates me now, h-he was so angry at me, I-I don’t, I didn’t want to disappoint him,” you mumble, causing him to frown. 
“I ran away from him.”
What could you have done to disappoint Eddie?
Suddenly, you turn around, reaching for the door handle. You want to leave, you need to get out of here but before you can even open the door, Steve locks the car, mumbling something under his breath. 
“You think I’ll let you leave right now?” Steve asks, confused. 
His action seems to wake the anger in you and you turn back around, glaring at him. You stare into his eyes for a long second before you open your mouth to speak.
“Oh so now you don’t want me to leave!?” 
He knows that your question is one out of anger but the sadness is rooted so deep inside of you. The pain in your eyes is so contagious, it makes him sad too. 
“Dolly,” he whispers, using the nickname that he gave you when you were children, that seems to worsen your pain. He sees your quivering lip, the tears that pool in your eyes and roll down your cheeks in an instant. 
Regret and guilt is something that he cannot deal with, to this day. It haunts him and this will haunt him even more. This shouldn’t have happened, none of this should’ve happened. He was supposed to keep you safe from all the horrors in this world but he failed you so strongly and he put you through horror himself. 
You slump back in the seat, sniffling quietly as you turn your face away from him. 
Steve stares at the back of your head for a long moment. 
This is so wrong. All of this is. 
You belong here, with him, but not like this, never like this. 
He takes a deep breath and he closes his eyes for a second before he turns back, gripping the steering wheel again as he restarts the car. 
The rest of the drive home is spent in silence, you continue to cry and it makes his heart ache. He focuses on you, rather than the anger that he feels for the man who hurt you – he will keep that for later.
When he pulls up to your house and he parks his car in your driveway, he notices that the lights are off and your mom’s car isn’t here. The thought of leaving you by yourself tonight, makes him feel uneasy. 
You both get out of the car and he rushes over to you to make sure that you won’t fall again but you hold your hand up, not wanting to be touched. He keeps his distance but watches you closely when you walk up the stairs. 
“Shit,” you mumble, bringing your hand up to your face, you pinch your nose, “I-I forgot my jacket and I don’t have my keys.”
“Oh,” Steve says as he looks at you, he then looks down at the bundle of keys in his hand. He swallows nervously, “I-I uh, I still got your keys.”
With furrowed brows and a confused look on your face, you look up at him. Steve eyes the puffiness in your eyes, the redness in them, the pouty lips that you never notice yourself doing. 
He scratches the back of his neck and his eyes shift away from you, “I forgot to take them off,” he mumbles, unable to look into your eyes. He turns away and walks towards the door to unlock it. 
You don’t say anything about it, you keep quiet and stare at his back before your eyes move down to the keys. 
Is the key to her house on his keychain as well? 
The sound of an approaching car causes the both of you to turn around, the bright headlights and the screeching sound of the tires against the ground makes you both wince. 
You straighten your back when you see him. 
He jumps out of his van. The door on the passenger side opens as well and you see Robin. You watch the way their eyes find you, the way they sigh in relief at the sight of you under your porch light. 
Eddie places his hands on his head and he exhales loudly, happy to see you here. Both he and Robin rush over to you. 
Eddie’s eyes are wide and filled with guilt and worry, his brown eyes take in the sight of you and he almost lets out a gasp when he finally notices what he hasn’t noticed before, the bruises on your thighs, the redness in your eyes, the state you are in. 
What happened?
You are wearing Steve’s jacket and he wonders how or why you are with him. 
Did you call him? Did he find you? Did you walk to his place? 
He whispers your name in shock, frozen in place, he can’t even move towards you. Your eyes lock for a moment and he can tell that you are about to burst into tears, again. He wants to pull you into his arms but he is scared to touch you. 
“Y/n?” Robin whispers as her eyes flash with a knowing look. She doesn’t have to ask to know what happened, if it wasn’t for the state you are in then she’d be able to tell by the haunted look in your eyes. 
You tear your eyes away from Eddie, startling all three of them when you suddenly throw yourself into Robin’s arms and start crying again. Without wasting a second, Robin wraps her arms around you and hugs you tightly, rubbing your back. 
Eddie and Steve watch you with broken looks in their eyes. 
“Shh, it’s okay.” Robin whispers as she lifts her head, glancing at Steve who stares at you, looking helpless. She then looks at Eddie, who looks just as helpless as Steve does but there is also guilt and regret in his eyes, she knows why, he kept beating himself up over appearing so angry to you when he found you at Rick’s house. 
When he called her, he sounded scared and panicked, he asked for you, hoping that you came over to her, you didn’t. He picked her up and they both drove around town, looking for you. Eddie kept chewing on his lip and bouncing his knee, tugging at his hair and mumbling curse words under his breath – Robin had never seen him so nervous and scared before.
Now he stands there like a kicked puppy, he stares at you, not knowing what to do. 
“Come on, let’s get you inside,” Robin says to you. 
You nod and pull away from her, looking down at the ground as you wipe your tears. Robin wraps her arm around your shoulder, glancing at Steve and Eddie as you both walk past them. 
Eddie and Steve share a look before they follow you both inside, watching you walk up the stairs. Robin turns her head, looking down at them, she shakes her head, ‘don’t’ she mouths. 
They listen to your sniffles and watch you until they can no longer see you. They hear your footsteps in the hallway upstairs and when the door to your room closes. Eddie slumps against the door, he presses his palm to his forehead, “shit,” he mumbles, “what the fuck happened, man?” 
Steve narrows his eyes, eyeing Eddie up and down. The worry and the panic on his face and in his eyes, isn’t very hard to miss. 
Looking down at the keys in his hands, Steve sighs before he throws them on the little table in the hallway. He turns on the light and sits down on the stairs.
“She called me from the payphone at the gas station.”
Eddie’s eyes widen, “what?” 
“She asked me to come pick her up,” he says, looking down, “and then uh, then she told me that you were angry at her and that she ran away from you, that's probably why she called me, anyway.” Steve knows that you wouldn't have called him if it wasn't for what happened with Eddie. He is the one you think of first, whenever you need someone, now.
Eddie shakes his head, his eyes flash with even more guilt. He feels ashamed, knowing that Steve knows that he was the reason why you ran. He keeps looking at the ground, continuing to beat himself up for the next several minutes before he hears the door to your room shutting again. He looks up, seeing Robin again. 
“I think you guys should leave,” she says as she walks down the stairs. 
“What?” Eddie asks, “I’m not leaving.”
“Yeah, me neither,” Steve says to the girl he never spoke to before. 
She sighs, rolling her eyes.
She doesn’t know Steve very well but she knows Eddie and she knows how stubborn he can be, he won’t leave. 
“Well, can you at least get her some painkillers and water?” Robin asks Steve with annoyance written all over her face, “you must know where it is, right?” 
She doesn’t like him – obviously. Steve nods, he turns away from her and walks down the hallway. He turns on the lights when he steps into the kitchen, the first thing he sees are the pink flowers on the counter, it’s your favorite ones. 
“C-Can I see her?” Eddie asks, “please?”
Robin’s eyes soften at the pleading look in his eyes. 
“She’s taking a shower right now, but Eddie,” she mumbles, pausing as she looks down with a horrified look on her face, “she has bruises on her thighs, wrists and neck.”
He saw the ones on your thighs, but not the ones on your wrists or your neck. 
“She said that nothing happened, that she got away before he could – you know..” She says, uncomfortably. She can't even finish the sentence but she doesn't have to. Eddie knows.
“Ray did this?” 
She nods and Eddie’s stomach drops.
He shouldn’t have been mad at you, he shouldn’t have scared you that way, he should’ve taken a closer look at you, at least he could’ve taken care of you, instead of scaring you away with his worry and his anger, making your night even worse.
He blinks when he feels hot tears in his eyes. He feels guilty, so guilty.
He encouraged you to go on that date.
“Eddie,” Robin whispers, stepping towards her friends, she knows exactly what he feels like, she feels the same. “It’s not your fault.”
“I-I told her to go on that date,” he mumbles, shaking his head as he looks down at the ground.
"So did I!" Robin says but Eddie ignores her words.
“And then, I got mad at her when I saw her at Rick’s but, I-I was just worried! I specifically told her never to go to his parties alone, Robin!” 
Eddie wanted to protect you but it wasn’t even that place or the people at Rick’s place that put you into danger.
“I know,” she sighs, “she said that Rick found her and the girls she was with were nice, nothing happened, Eddie.”
“Nothing happened,” he scoffs as the anger – an even worse kind of anger, takes over him when he thinks about the guy who did that to you, who would have done worse to you if you didn’t fight back. “I’m gonna kill him.”
“Yeah, you and me both, buddy.”
The sound of Steve’s voice is irritating to Robin, every time she hears his voice, every time she looks at him, she gets reminded of how much she dislikes this guy but even through that, she has to admit that he cares about you – even if you don’t see it. 
She looks between Eddie and Steve, eyeing the looks on their faces as they seem to settle on a silent agreement. 
She quirks a brow, sighing in annoyance, she steps towards Steve and grabs the water bottle and the painkillers from his hands. 
“Okay cowboys, why don’t you let the cops handle it?” She asks as she turns around and begins to walk up the stairs, groaning in annoyance when they follow her. 
“Cops?” He scoffs, “they’re not gonna do shit, Robin.” 
Robin is surprised that he even knows her name. 
“Uncle Wayne is friends with Hopper, he won’t let him get away,” Eddie says.
“Yeah, Hopper won’t but Hopper can’t keep him in a cell in Hawkins for the rest of his life.” 
Eddie huffs. He knows he is right. 
Ray has wealthy parents, they will do anything to keep their son out of jail. 
“And what he did was bad enough but he won’t go to jail for that, you know how it is, guys,” Robin sighs, “men get away with worse, what makes you think that he will pay for this? A young college student, an athlete may I add? He has a bright future ahead of him, no judge will ruin that for him!” Robin mutters, angrily. 
“Yeah well, I can ruin his bright athlete future,” Eddie mumbles as he already thinks of the way he could hurt him. 
“Eddie,” Robin sighs, “she doesn’t want you getting into trouble–”
“No, he’s right,” Steve mumbles, “we can easily ruin his future.”
She looks between them, they are serious about this, she can tell that they are. 
“You aren’t doing anything, I don’t want you to.” 
Your voice startles the three of them and they all glance at you. They didn’t notice that you have opened your bedroom door or that you have been watching and listening to them talk. 
Eddie’s eyes widen again, when he finally sees the other bruises, he feels his heart clench in his chest. The bruises on your wrists will stay for a while. How roughly did he grab you? How much pain did he put you through? 
He feels the hot rage inside of him and the urge to hurt the man who did this to you is so very strong. 
But the urge to comfort you and pull you into his arms is so much stronger. 
Your hair is wet and your face looks clean again, the glitter and the mascara streaks are gone. You are wearing a big shirt, his shirt. 
“He didn’t r- assault me in that way. I-I'm not hurt, I was just upset about some shit he said to me, not what he did,” you mumble quietly, looking back down at the ground as you grip the doorknob tightly.
Never in a million years, would they believe your words. You are standing there with bruises on your body, lying about not hurting. This changes everything.
“A-And I’m okay, you guys don’t have to stay here and watch over me.”
All three of them know that you are lying, they can hear the shakiness in your voice and you are not exactly good at hiding the tears in your eyes.
“Sweetheart,” Eddie whispers. 
You lift your head slightly, looking into his eyes, “I’m okay, Eddie,” you whisper, trying to give him a smile. 
He feels helpless, just like Steve does, just like Robin does. 
“I’m not leaving,” he mumbles. 
“Yeah, me neither,” Steve says, “w-we can go downstairs if you’re more comfortable with that.” 
You look away from Eddie and meet his eyes, you eye the softness in them, the worry and you wonder, has it always been there since he left you? 
“Okay,” you whisper. 
But neither Steve or Eddie go downstairs when you walk back into your room. Robin follows and closes the door after giving them both a sad look. 
They settle on the ground, both leaning their backs against the wall on each side of your door and for the first ten minutes or so, it’s awkwardly silent between them. Only the sound of the ticking clock on the opposite wall sounds through the hallway. 
Eddie stares into blank space, twisting the rings on his fingers as he blinks rapidly, not noticing that Steve is watching him. 
“Stop beating yourself up, none of this is your fault.” He says, feeling just as guilty as Eddie does. 
“I should’ve protected her, I-I fucked up.”
“No, you didn’t,” Steve mumbles, “you didn’t fuck up. Her running away from you isn’t you fucking up, dude. She got scared that you were mad at her, she thought you were disappointed in her for whatever reason, that’s why she ran – she was too much in her head, on drugs and drunk.”
“I was mad and I wasn’t thinking straight, I just saw red when I saw her at Rick’s place, I shouldn’t have gotten so mad, I should’ve asked why she was there.” 
Steve had heard about Reefer Rick and the ‘wild’ parties he’s throwing. He heard about the drugs and other illegal shit that goes down at the boathouse. 
“You wanted to protect her, there’s a good reason why you didn’t want her there.” 
“Yeah but–”
“Stop it, Eddie.” Steve mumbles, rolling his eyes, “you aren’t the one who fucked up, you were there for her all this time and you were there to pull her out of the house before something else could happen.” 
He is right, Eddie knows he is but the guilt is still rooted deep inside of him. He should’ve told you to cancel the date, he shouldn’t have encouraged you to go. 
“I’m the one who fucked up,” Steve scoffs as he looks down at his hands, a look of hatred crosses his features, hatred for himself. 
Eddie frowns. 
“This isn’t your fault either, Steve.”
“Everything is my fault. This wouldn’t have happened if I didn’t break her heart, she would’ve never gone on that date.” 
Steve wasn’t even sure if it was a date, he figured it was. When he saw the flowers on your counter, he knew for certain. 
“This could have been prevented, I shouldn’t have encouraged her to go on that date,” Eddie admits in shame.
“It still isn’t your fault, Eddie.” 
“Well, it’s not yours either,” Eddie mumbles, “shit like that happens to girls all the time, even if you were still together, it could’ve happened.” 
Steve nods at his words, he is right, he knows he is but that still doesn’t take away the guilt. 
Both of them are trying to convince the other to stop taking the blame but it does little to make them feel any less guilty.
The silence takes over, once again and Steve is the first to break it, again. 
“I thought you were together.”
Eddie’s brows pull together, he looks confused when he turns to face Steve, who is already looking at him.
“Yeah, I uh, I thought you two were dating,” Steve adds as he looks away, nervously. “You seem pretty close, the way her and I were before we uh – before we started dating.” 
Eddie nods, “oh.” 
He looks at him, trying to figure out the look on his face. 
“We’re not, we’re friends.” 
“Are you?” Steve asks, “just friends?” 
Eddie nods, “yeah.”
He looks skeptic, unsure of whether he should believe him or not. He eyes the frown on his face, the sadness and the anger in Eddie’s brown eyes. 
“Do you love her?” Steve asks as his heart starts beating faster.
Eddie chuckles at the question, his eyes flash with something that Steve struggles to read. For a moment, he doesn’t say anything, he just stares into nothing.
“Yeah, I do.”
Steve can’t describe the feelings inside of him, right now. Is he surprised to hear him say it? No. How could he not love you? 
Eddie would treat you better than he ever did.
As Eddie looks at him, he notices the sadness in his eyes – Steve wishes that things were different and he knows that you do too.
“But it’s not like that. I love her and I would do just about anything for her, she is my best friend,” he says to him as he continues to fidget with his rings, “she makes me happy and things are amazing the way they are. I never had someone like her in my life.”
Steve feels confused about his words, isn’t that how he felt about you once?
“You love her but you are just friends?” Steve mumbles. 
Eddie snorts, he leans his head against the wall and glances at him, “friends can love each other too, you know that right? It’s a different kind of love than how you would love a partner but it’s still love.” 
“I’m confused.”
“Platonic love, dude.” Eddie sighs, “do you know anything?”
Steve purses his lips, he shrugs, “well our platonic love turned into something else.”
“Then it was never platonic in the first place.”
Yeah, he might be right. Steve loved you, he always did, even when he was a kid and even when he said he didn’t. 
“You love her but you are not in love with her?” Steve asks, whispering the question this time when he remembers that you might be awake and listening in on their conversation. 
Eddie rolls his eyes, he bumps his head against the wall, his bangs fall in front of his eyes but he doesn’t bother to push them away. 
“We can be friends without being in love with each other, right?” 
Steve doesn’t know how to respond to that, he only shrugs. 
Just being friends, never worked out for you and him. 
“I fucking adore that girl, that’s all.” Eddie explains. 
The look on his face is genuine. 
“Things are good the way they are, between us, I mean.”
“Has it always been that way?” Steve asks, curiously. “I mean, from the start?” 
Steve notices the way he hesitates, the way his eyes don’t meet his anymore. Eddie knows exactly why he is asking, he is trying to find something out. He knows that you two have been friends for longer than he initially thought. 
The night at the dance, back in december, Steve remembered seeing you with Eddie at a party he threw back in august and it brought up questions, ones that he never dared to ask you after what he had done. 
He never remembered much from that night, just how drunk he was and how awful your fight had been, so awful that you didn't even spent the night at his place the way you usually did. No matter how bad a fight had been, you had never not stayed with him, except for that night.
“Uh, no..” Eddie mumbles, “we’ve only gotten this close after you two broke up.” 
Steve nods and decides to stop asking questions, it’s better that way. 
But now, Eddie takes his turn, he watches him with a questioning look in his eyes. 
“You love her, don’t you?” He asks, “you always did, right? All this, ‘I’m not in love with you anymore’ bullshit, was just bullshit, right?” He asks, chuckling.
Steve winces at that word, it takes him back to the night in your room, after he had tried to kiss you. 
‘That’s bullshit, Steve! Everything you do, everything you say is bullshit! Y-You’re bullshit!’
You were right about what you said, about what you called him and Eddie is right too. 
“Yeah,” he breathes, “it was just… bullshit. But, I’m with Nance now and things are great.”
Great. Just great.
Eddie raises his brows but he doesn’t say anything. There is more he’d like to say and know but, this isn’t the right time. 
A beat of silence brings back the awkwardness. They glance at each other, not knowing what else to say or do.
But both, get lost in their thoughts so easily. They both think about you, about what happened.
Wondering what Ray had said and done to you. It weren't just his actions that had hurt and upset you, it was something he said to you. Both, Eddie and Steve saw the look in your eyes, the haunted and deeply hurt one.
What words had he thrown at you?
“Hey Steve?”
“Yeah?”
“You know where Parker lives, right?” 
next chapter
tagging friends & mutuals
@mysticmunson @corrodedseraphine @corrodedcorpses @wroteclassicaly @screammunson @hellfire--cult @taintedcigs @trashmouth-richie @xxhellfiregirlxx @take-everything-you-can @nemesis729 @sherrylyn628 @somethingvicked
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dark-konohagakure2 · 4 months
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Sexually abusive boyfriend Sasuke🥳
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tw: noncon, abusive relationship, face-fucking, free use, degradation, threats, dehumanization, sadism, possessiveness, collars
All characters depicted are 18+
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Sasuke is the furthest thing from a sweet and romantic partner, he hardly even sees his so-called girlfriend as a significant other, seeing her as only a glorified sex toy that occasionally makes annoying noise with that useless mouth of hers, when that mouth isn't meant for talking.
Sasuke won't talk to his girlfriend unless he wants domestic chores done or wants his balls emptied, no in between. The only other time he'll converse with her is to degrade and berate her for every little thing.
He isn't very romantic with her, he never touches her gently, he never kisses her, and he especially never even once says that he loves her, because he certainly doesn't, at least not as a person, but Sasuke does love his favorite toy and all it's "features".
One of his favorite things to do is fucking her face, using her warm and wet mouth as his own personal fleshlight. This is a favorite of his, since Sasuke gets all the pleasure and she gets none, unless she's a masochist who enjoys the throat pain.
"Shut up, you damn loser. I told you to suck, so open your worthless mouth and suck my cock. Or would you prefer another beating?"
Sasuke owns all of her holes, so he gets to use whichever one he wants whenever he wants. It's rare that he'll go a day without using at least two of her holes, since they are his property, and so is the person that they're attached to.
In fact, Sasuke is so possessive that he'll even buy a collar just for her, locking it onto her neck and burning the key before her very eyes. Not only does the collar show that she is his bitch, but it also gives him something to yank on when he's fucking her brains out.
He ends up fucking her so much and so often that her holes are molded perfectly for his and only his cock. Sasuke loves this, it serves as a constant reminder that her holes are his possessions, and that no one else could use them as effectively as he does.
Sasuke never fails to leave her crying when he's done with her, leaving her holes stretched and her body covered in red handprints and his cum. While he loves to see her cry, he also wants to stop whining before he gives her something to whine and cry about.
"Idiot. Stop crying, you overdramatic bitch. I wasn't that rough, but I'll be even more rough next time if you keep this bullshit up."
Sasuke isn't loving, but he is loyal in his own twisted way. He'll never even think to fuck another woman, not when he has the most perfect and submissive little sex doll waiting from him at home.
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dinarosie · 21 days
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Let His Story Be His Own
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I believe that people have the right to create their headcanons about characters, but many fanon creators (Especially Marauders fandom) deeply believe every single sentence in this narrative and think it's canon (left image), and they insult the fans of severus snape.
To them, Snape, at best, is Lily’s toxic friend who did nothing in his life besides poisoning Neville’s toad and calling Lily a Mudblood. Yet characters like Pettigrew and Barty Crouch Jr. and Rosier are tragic heroes and victims of domestic violence!!! (The image on the right includes some signs of trauma and depression that I’ve taken from this article; you can see that Snape clearly exhibits some of these symptoms.)
It’s insane that not only do they erase Snape’s name and belittle and shame him for his psychological trauma, but they go even further and falsify his story to favor Death Eaters like Barty Crouch Jr. and Evan Rosier!
People like Rosier, Crouch, and Regulus were neither tortured nor forced into joining Voldemort due to family pressure or trauma. They joined him willingly. Rosier fought and died for Voldemort’s cause until his last breath. Crouch and Pettigrew never regretted their choices, and when given another chance (unlike Snape), they eagerly rejoined Voldemort. They were ready to kill and torture at Voldemort's command. 
Stop crafting dramatic and heroic stories for psychopaths. If you’re looking for a tragic and romantic hero, the only one in the story is Severus Snape.
He is the one described as a poor, neglected child who was abused and physically harmed by his family.
He is the small boy with black hair, crying alone in a corner, watching his mother being abused by his father.
He is the child and teenager who was publicly mocked and humiliated because of his appearance and poverty.
He is the genius child who could have become one of the greatest wizards in history, but his life was never his own. He was a soldier, a tool of war, with no chance to build the life he wanted.
He is the one who, in adulthood, exhibits clear physical and psychological signs of depression and trauma.
He is the one who, due to his insecurity and vulnerabilities, felt forced to join Voldemort in search of a place where he might find some semblance of peace and safety.
He is the one who loses the love of his life and his best friend because of Voldemort and wishes for death because of it.
He is the one willing to give up everything for love.
He is the one who has been manipulated his entire life and battles with guilt and depression.
He is the one who stands up to Voldemort, deceives him, and bravely dies to save others.
He is the one who watches all his friends and loved ones die and is powerless to save them.
It was him who was “'the bravest man I’ve ever known.'”
(That man had nothing in his life; at least let his story remain his own.)
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steddieas-shegoes · 8 months
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cw: implied domestic abuse (zero detail is given)
Eddie was late for school at least once a week. It wasn’t a problem of getting up and getting ready on time, his mom made sure he was moving.
He could hear the way the new neighbors fought sometimes, saw the way the older boy would rush into his vehicle and practically fly out of the park. He’d watch as the younger girl, Red, would follow soon after, backpack slung over her shoulder and feet kicking rocks as she walked to the main road to catch the bus.
He didn’t stop her the first time it happened. To be honest, she looked furious and he didn’t exactly want to be torn to pieces by a girl at least 5 years younger than him.
But the second time, he swore he saw a few tears on her face and he couldn’t not at least try.
When she didn’t immediately murder him, he decided it was probably safe to offer a ride to school. Surprisingly, she agreed.
And this continued for months.
Annie Munson would get a call from the school every couple of times and try to explain, but any Munson excuse was not an excuse they cared to hear.
She didn’t say anything to Eddie about it; didn’t want him to feel like he was doing anything wrong by being kind to someone who needed all the kindness they could get. She saw the way Mrs. Mayfield seemed to stay curled into herself even when he wasn’t around. It didn’t take a genius to figure out what was going on.
But eventually, the school threatened to call child protective services, and Annie couldn’t let Eddie deal with that. He’d already had enough of that before they moved in with Wayne.
So she pulled him aside the night of that call and hugged him hard, told him she loved him for his big heart, his caring soul, but he had to figure out how to not be late to school.
He could read between the lines easily enough.
Max started showing up at their door 15 minutes earlier every morning, not quite smiling, but not looking quite as angry. Annie welcomed her in as she finished packing her lunch for work, didn’t really try to talk to her much. She left that to Eddie, who always came down the short hallway with a beaming smile and a “Hey Red! Long time no see!” or a “You’re looking slightly less murderous this morning, did you already sacrifice something to Satan? Without me?”
Max always tried to hide a smile, but Annie caught it.
Eddie had that energy that made everyone feel just a hint of sun on a cloudy day.
It continued well into Max’s freshman year. Especially after her step brother died in a tragic mall fire and her step dad booked it out of town, she needed someone.
At school, they pretended not to know each other. Eddie explained it was easier on Max that way, and she had other friends, or so she said. He never really saw her hanging out with them, but he just assumed they had different schedules.
Annie saw through it. She was pretty sure Eddie saw through it. Neither of them risked her running for the hills, though.
- - - -
After the earthquake, Annie spent as much time with Eddie and Max as she could. Max’s mom seemed distant, like she couldn’t process any of what happened. Max deserved better than that, so Annie did her best.
It was easy to forget how young she was when she spoke. The boy who sat by her side nearly 24/7, Lucas, explained that she had to fend for herself since she was pretty young, as if she still wasn’t pretty young.
As soon as Eddie was able to leave his bed, he asked to be wheeled over to Max’s room.
“Gotta make sure she didn’t perform any satanic rituals without me,” he joked, though it fell flat when it hit him that most people still thought he actually performed satanic rituals.
Annie had to get home and make dinner for her and Wayne, so the Harrington boy volunteered to take him.
Annie was perceptive enough to see why the Harrington boy, Steve, was around nearly every day. She was also perceptive enough to see the way Eddie blushed when Steve wrapped his arm around his waist to help him into the wheelchair. She’d ask him about it later.
She did at least walk with them to the elevator, listened to their quiet conversation about Max being half blind and her arms being in casts.
The next day, she visited Eddie as usual before work, brought him a hot coffee. He was still asleep, his hand stretched out towards a sleeping Steve. Steve’s fingers were just barely touching Eddie’s, like they’d maybe been holding hands at some point until someone shifted in their sleep.
She set the coffee down on the table by his bed and scratched a note on the pad he’d been using for campaign notes.
Maybe they could bring Steve a cot if he’s gonna be a permanent fixture in your room. Love, mama
She folded it in half and set the coffee cup on top of it so hopefully only Eddie would see.
But if Steve saw it, maybe that would be okay.
- - - -
When Max got out of the hospital, Eddie was waiting for her in his van, only just released from police custody a few days before.
She shook her head.
“I may actually have to do a satanic ritual to get into that thing. I thought Steve was getting me in his car?”
The nurses scoffed at her words, but Eddie ignored her.
“Steve had to take Robin to the school for volunteering. And I brought Lucas to help,” he gestured behind him to where Lucas was hesitantly standing by the passenger door. “Between the two of us, we can get you in and out. No satanic ritual required. This time.”
He winked at the nurse, just to be a shit.
“Annie said she’d bring me cake when I got home,” Max said as they maneuvered her into the passenger seat and waved the nurse away.
“She’s at home baking it as we speak, Red.”
“Oh.” She said it like she actually didn’t believe it would happen. Maybe she didn’t. “Cool. I guess.”
Eddie smirked. “When my mama says she’ll do something, she does it. And if she can’t, she’ll do the next best thing. Never doubt her.”
“Yeah, but I’m not her kid.”
“Neither is Lucas, but she packed him lunches everyday for the last two weeks when she realized he wasn’t leaving your room to get something. Neither is Steve, but she makes his favorite for dinner once a week. Neither is Dustin, but she held him until his mom could get to the hospital when they were trying to set his ankle. If she cares about you, she does it.”
Max nodded. “I guess that’s a nice thing to have.”
“Yeah. And you have it now. So don’t push her away. Or any of us. Got it?”
Max snorted. “I haven’t had a moment alone in over a month. It’s not like I can get rid of any of you.”
“Exactly. Glad we’re on the same page!”
She turned to Lucas the best she could and glared. “You’re taking me to the movies as soon as these casts are off.”
“Yeah! Okay, yep!” He agreed quickly.
Eddie snorted. “Jesus Christ. You two are ridiculous.”
“Whatever,” they said in unison.
- - - -
When everyone was able to go back to school, Eddie drove them all.
He had a diploma, so he didn’t have to worry about being late, but he still woke up early enough to pick them all up and drop them off.
Max was always the last one out of the van.
“No satanic rituals without me,” Eddie would tell her.
“Not until Saturday!” Max would answer him.
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callsign-dexter · 7 months
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Saving Grace 18+
Major Trigger Warning: Domestic and Child Abuse
Request: Ok, I blame your blog for my growing desire on Kelly Severide 😭😭😭 and your smut was soo goood! I'm in Love with your writing !
Sooooo I kindly want to ask you for a little bday (it's Sunday but it's fine if you don't have time) present with angsty Kelly, cause I'm sure we'll love some fluff too 🤗🙊 maybe a little something where they are a couple and she's a paramedic and he's always cute around her and wants her to be save on every call. But one time they're all get called to a gang fight and as she's treating a victim she gets attacked with a knife which nearly kills her and Kelly's world stops when she's in his arms full of blood and barely hanging on. He never leaves her side when she's taken to Med and even there he's by her side begging her to come back to him. Just cute and fluffy Kelly cause daaaaaamn he's so great 🥹 oh and ofc it's a Happy Ending with them 🤗❤️
Pairings: Kelly Severide x Fiancée!Paramedic!Reader
Warnings: angst, fluff, hospitals, stabbing, knife, blood, inaccurate medical talk, smut
Masterlist
A/N: Happy belated birthday to the anon that sent this in!
A/N 2: Yes even though this is fluff with angst there is smut so @imagine-all-the-fandoms and @talesofreading please prepare yourselves!
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You had known Kelly Severide ever since you were both kids, considering you were next door neighbors. You didn't have the best childhood and needed a friend and you found that in Kelly. You two had grown up and had been there for each other through thick and thin. Through bad breakups with shitty boyfriends and girlfriends. You shut down all the rumors going around about Kelly even though you probably knew they were true especially with him being a womanizer, but you had to defend your friend and crush. 
——————————————————————
Middle school hit and your friendship was stronger than ever and you two had stayed thick as thieves no matter how popular he had become. When his girlfriend, and also the captain of the soccer team, tried to get him to stop hanging around you because she didn't like you, he immediately broke up with her. One particular night they yelling and the fighting got so bad at your house that it became physical and your father had hit you and then threw a plate against the wall, breaking it and some of it cut you. Your mother tried to stop it but your father turned on her and she looked at you with a particular look and you ran, you ran to Kelly. When he saw you and the shape you were in, he grew furious but he took you up to your room and cleaned you up and held you that night.  
——————————————————————
When high school came around your friendship and crush were still going strong. It became normal around the school to see each other with each other, so normal that his friends started becoming your friends and vice versa. Around sophomore year a particularly bad night occurred over at the Y/L/N Household. Your mother had just passed away due to some complications from the abuse your father had laid on her, the next day your father started to drink heavily starting in the morning and didn't end at all. You had just come home from school to find your father sitting at the kitchen table drinking. “About time you came home.” He said with a bite in his tone.
“I was at school.” You said slightly trembling. Your father looked up at you in rage.
“From now on you're not going to school. You're staying here.” He said not really in the right mental state.
“Dad, I can't do that. I need to go to school.” You said you wanted Kelly.
“Not anymore. Now make dinner.” He said harshly. 
“No, Dad. I have homework to do and I promised Kelly I would meet up with him to help him.” You said and the anger flashed through your father’s face.
“You're always with him. Kelly this, Kelly that. I bet you've probably fucked him you slut.” He said and that brought tears to your eyes. 
“No, I haven't.” You said “I'm not with him.” You added and your dad scoffed. 
“Whatever. Now, get to cleaning this place is dirty and cooking. I'm hungry.” He spoke 
“No, I need to do homework and then meet Kelly. I've told you this.” You said something must've snapped in him because he was suddenly picking up his glass and throwing it at you. It grazed you and hit the wall exploding in a million pieces and most of those cut you and you ducked for cover. Your dad stalked over to you and grabbed you by the hair and slammed you up against the wall he was yelling and threatening you. Tears were coming out fast. 
“Stop you're crying.” He said and punched you in the face and you cradled your face and that just made him grow angrier. He slammed your head into the wall and then threw you down onto the ground. He kicked you twice in the ribs, breaking some, and several in the stomach. There were plates on a shelf next to you and he reached over and pulled that down over you, they broke all over you and cut you. You were sure you were bloody and not a very good sight to look at. You were close to passing out and you just wanted Kelly. 
“Kelly.” You mumbled and your dad rolled his eyes.
“There you go saying his name. He can't save you now.” Your dad said and then brought his boot cover foot and it connected it with your head and that brought stars to your vision. Kelly, you wanted Kelly and now. Your dad finally stopped his attack on you and then stormed away, grabbed his keys and left considering you heard his truck start up. He left the door standing wide open.
Kelly had just gotten home from his baseball practice when he noticed your car in the driveway but not your dad's. He also noticed the door left wide open and that made his stomach drop. He quickly pulled into your driveway and got out and rushed in and the scene before his eyes made his blood boil. You were laid there in a pool of your own blood and semi-conscious. “Son of a bitch.” He said to himself he made it very clear that he didn't like your dad early on. “Hey, Angel. Wake up for me. Please.” Kelly said while stroking your cheek but nothing had worked. “You’re really scaring me.” He said. You heard a voice and it sounded like Kelly’s.
“Kel?” You asked, slurring your words and eyes cracking open. You saw him crouching down in front of you.
“Yea, it's me.” He said 
“Dad-” You began but he shushed you.
“I know, Angel. I know.” He said smiling sadly and then pulled out his phone. “I’m gonna call 911. Just hang tight.” He said and you just stared at him everything sounded underwater. You could hear him talking but couldn’t pay attention. Your eyes started to close “Hey, hey, hey. Keep those eyes open for me.” He said but they were already shutting “Y/N-” he said and the last thing you heard before you let the darkness win.
The next thing you remember was waking up in the hospital with Kelly asleep by your side. You hurt all over and you vowed to yourself that you would become a paramedic to help people in need. You tried sitting up and groaned and that is what woke him up. “Woah. Hey. It’s ok, Angel.” He said and got up helped you lay back down.
“Dad?” You asked and he smiled sadly.
“He was found with his truck wrapped around a tree, he survived and when he gets healthy enough, he is going to prison.” He said and you nodded and then your eyes were closing. “Go to sleep, Angel. I’ll be right here.” He said and you let your eyes slip closed. 
“I love you, Kel. More than a friend.” You said and he smiled.
“I love you too. More than a friend.” He repeated and you smiled and then fell asleep. When you woke up again, he brought up what you said and told him it was true and he smiled and told you that he felt the same way. From that day you two started to date. 
——————————————————————
When you both graduated high school you decided to follow Kelly everywhere and owed him your life because he saved your life. You ended up going with him to the fire academy and excelling through it and had graduated as a paramedic and him as a firefighter. After graduation he had proposed to you and it was an immediate yes. 
Considering that you both had gotten engaged you both followed each other through the different firehouses and both ended up at Firehouse 51. When you got the position for a paramedic on Ambulance 61, he got his position on Rescue Squad 3 and you both were so happy. It was exciting and both were so happy.
Kelly and you had talked about kids and decided not to wait until you both were married and when it happened then it happened. You loved the thought of getting married but were happy to be engaged with the love of your life. Getting with you and getting engaged changed Kelly for the good, he stopped being a womanizer and he devoted himself to you and only you. 
——————————————————————
You both had been sleeping soundly in your own bed at your house after being off for 3 days and having a lot of fun in the bedroom trying but not really trying for a child. Your alarm had gone off at 6:30 AM and you jolted awake. When you turned over and saw the time you groaned and shut the alarm off. “Is it time already?” Kelly asked with a gravely and sleep ridden voice and you smiled and rolled over looking at him. You didn’t have to go in until 8:00 AM.
“Sadly yes.” You said and kissed him and he returned the kiss. “But hey, we'll be with each other for the next 2 days.” You said and he smiled.
“That we will, Angel.” Kelly said and kissed you rolling over to where he was pinning you underneath him. The kissing got more intense and you were planning on letting it go further but you needed to get to work before Boden had both of your heads.
“As much as I want to continue this. We really need to get to work.” You said and he bowed his head and sighed in defeat. He knew you right. 
“You’re always right.” He said and you smiled and kissed him again but he continued his attack on you. 
“Kel.” You warned but he just continued his attack on your neck and then he was inching his way down your body until he got to the hem of his shirt that you stole from him. “Baby.” You moaned out and he smirked and went lower to your underwear cover pussy. He pushed your legs open and began kissing the inside of your thighs as he slid your underwear down your legs and threw them somewhere. Then he dove straight in and your head was thrown back “Kelly!” You shouted but turned into a moan. Your hands went to his head he licked a broad stripe up your folds as his hands kept your thighs spread. He swirled his tongue around your entrance and then bit your clit gently and that had you letting out a pornographic moan. Your back arched pleasure and that rubber band feeling was creeping up a tall tale sign you were about to cum. “I’m gonna cum.” You warned and he quickened his pace and when he sucked on your clit and gently bit it again for the second time had you coming undone. “I'm cumming!” You moaned out and that rubber band snapped and you saw stars. You came all over his face and he was licking it up like it was his last meal. When you came down from your high, he was sitting up and lying next to you. You laid there for a few minutes catching your breath “That was amazing.” You said and he smiled and leaned over and kissed you, you could taste yourself on his tongue.
“Have to take care of my girl.” He said after he broke the kiss and you smiled.
“Now we have to get ready.” You said and got up. He laid there watching you. Once you had disappeared into the bathroom, he and when he heard the shower running, he got up and smirked. He stripped off his sweats and underwear leaving him nude. He walked into the bathroom and when you heard the shower door open you smiled.
“Just couldn’t stand it could you?” You asked and he smirked.
“How can? Especially knowing my sexy fiancée is in here all alone and may need some assistance.” He said and you laughed as he started to finish what you had started and then it was your turn to help him. As you were soaping him up and rinsing him off you got down to his very erect and noticeable hard on, you smirked.
“Want me to help you with that?” You asked and he smirked.
“I would never say no to you.” He said and you smiled and he helped you ease your way down once he knew what you were doing. All soap was gone and both of you were clean but you always did enjoy standing there under the hot water. Your hand traveled down to his cock and pumped it while you kissed the tip and kitten licked it and that had him moaning. “Oh, Angel. That feels so good.” He said and you smirked and took the tip into your mouth and swirled it with your tongue and then you started moving your head up and down. Kelly’s head was thrown back in pleasure. One hand went to your head and the other braced himself on the shower wall. “Angel.” He moaned out. You kept changing your speed and then you hollowed your cheeks and took him deeper until he hit the back of your throat. You breathed through your nose “I’m close, Y/N/N.” He said and you knew it was true especially when your other hand that wasn’t on his cock went to his balls you felt them tightening up. What did him in was when you squeezed his cock and his balls at the same time “I’m cumming, Angel.” He moaned out and then his thick load shot into the back of your throat and you swallowed it all. When he was done you slowly drug your mouth off his cock and released him with a pop. He helped you stand up and kissed you tasting himself. You smiled at him “Thank you, Angel.” He said and tucked a piece of wet hair behind your ear.
“Anytime babe.” You said and then you both were getting out and getting ready. Once everything was ready to go you looked at your phone 7:20 AM it read and your eyes bugged out of your head. 
“What is it, Angel?” He asked when he noticed your expression.
“We’re gonna be late.” You said and he smirked. 
“Then let me drive.” He said and you groaned but agreed. You both walked out to his Jeep and he booked it to the firehouse. 7:50 AM, you had cut it close but now you felt nauseous.
“Never letting you drive again.” You said as you grabbed your bag.
“Oh, come on. I got us here on time.” He said and you just shook your head and the both of you headed in. Both of you put your bags in the locker room and went to hear the reports and once that was over your 2-day shift started. 
6 hours into your shift nothing really exciting happened, just a few small calls that didn’t require everyone to go out. You were grateful for the silent morning and not much happening because that meant you could spend time with Kelly and plan your wedding with your bridesmaids, Sylvie Brett and Grabriela Dawson and maid of honor, Stella Kidd. “So, have you picked a color yet?” Sylvie asked.
“I have 2 picked out navy blue and sage green.” You said and she nodded.
“Oh, navy blue would look so pretty.” Stella said and you smiled as you flipped through some magazines. You were mid flip when Kelly walked into the room you looked up when you saw him coming over and kissed you.
“How is my beautiful fiancée doing?” He asked and you smiled and you could hear the girls aweing at you both and you rolled your eyes at them.
“Oh hush. I’m doing well. A little bit achy from the rambunctious patient we had last call.” You said and he gave you a look “Kel, I’m fine nothing major happened and we handled it.” You said and he eased up.
“You know I want you to be safe on every call.” He said and you nodded and watched him walk over to the fridge and grab two bottles of water and something to snack on and brought it to you. You gladly accepted them.
“You two are so adorable.” Gabby said and you chuckled and made room for Kelly to sit down and then you leaned into him and started flipping through the magazine again as he fed you some of his snack. “So, you have a cake picked out?” She asked and you nodded.
“We do. It’s a chocolate strawberry cake.” Kelly said “It’s her favorite and I want her to be happy on her special day.” He said and kissed your temple. You smiled and played with your engagement ring.
“Hey it’s your day too.” You argued and looked at him.
“Yes, but to me it’s going to be all about you and celebrating you being with me.” He said and again the girls awed at the both of you and again you rolled your eyes but smiled. The wedding talk continues and Kelly put his input in. When the urge to go to the bathroom was needed you got up and he whined. “Where are you going?” He asked pouting and you turned to him.
“I have to go to the bathroom, Babe. Unless you want to join.” You said as a joke and he started to get up but you stopped him “I was joking. I’ll be back soon.” You said and he pouted again.
“Fine. I’ll miss you.” He said and you laughed.
“I’ll be right back.” You said and the girls all laughed. You went to the bathroom and as you were washing your hands the bells rang signaling for Rescue Squad 3, Truck 81, Ambulance 61, and Engine 51. It must be serious if they were sending everyone out. You quickly rushed the ambulance and he stopped you before you got in and he kissed you hard and you returned the kiss. “I love you.” You said as you hopped into the vehicle.
“I love you too.” He said and then you both got in your vehicles and then you were off to the call. The call was made by a bystander that had witnessed a gang fight had taken place and there were some casualties but also some that needed medical attention as well as a fire that had broken out due to a bullet hitting a gas tank of a car. Intelligence was also called since it was their case they were working on. You were quick to jump out when the ambulance had stopped. Boden gave orders and everyone got to work. You, Sylvie, and Gabby along with Herrmann, Otis, Kelly, Brian and Peter moved people that needed serious attention to one place and the ones that didn't move to another then the deceased to another with sheets laying over them. Intelligence and other police officers were booking left and right. You had just finished with one patient when Jay grabbed your attention. 
“Hey, Y/N! I need you over here!” He said and you rushed over with your bag. When you got there a man in his mid-20s was lying unconscious on the ground but breathing. You knelt down next to him and Jay. Jay was waiting to do anything to help.
“Sir, can you hear me?” You asked while taking a listen to him and everything sounded normal. You still hadn't gotten a response so you made your hand into a fist and rubbed his sternum. That definitely got a reaction out of him because before Jay could stop him, he had grabbed a knife that was in his back pocket and drove it first into your stomach. At first you didn't feel it and Jay was just shocked. You Felt it when the knife pulled out and found its way into your ribs. Jay took action and was quick to apprehend the person and cuff him. He called for someone to get the person off the ground and once they were gone Jay turned his direction to you. 
“Hey it's ok. You're going to be ok.” Jay said as he started putting pressure on your wounds.
“Kelly. Want Kelly.” You mumbled out and Jay nodded and looked up looking for your fiancé and when he found him, he shouted his name.
“Kelly!” Jay shouted and that caused Kelly to look up and his face drained of color when he saw you on the ground with blood and Jay trying to help. He was rushing over to get to you. 
“What the hell happened?” Kelly asked when he arrived and took over for Jay but Jay stayed close wanting to help his friends. 
“I found a guy on the ground unconscious and called her over since she was available. She was checking on him and trying to wake him up and he woke up startled and took out a knife we both didn't see and stabbed her before I could do anything. He was quick and got a second stab in.” Jay said and Kelly nodded, not mad at anyone this could happen to anyone. He knew moving someone without knowing their injuries could end up making it worse for them. 
“Kel?” You asked and he looked down and saw you staring at him with wild unfocused eyes. You looked so scared.
“I'm here, Angel. I'm here.” He said and pressed harder on your wounds. Blood was starting to seep out between his fingers. “Jay, go and get Sylvie and Gabby. Tell them it's Y/N. Tell them to bring the gurney and hurry.” He said and Jay nodded and went to find them.
“I'm sorry.” You said and Kelly looked at you confused.
“Why are you sorry?” He asked
“I didn't see the knife.” You said and he shook his head.
“Nobody could've seen it. You and Jay did the right thing in not moving him.” He said and you nodded and then you started coughing which brought blood and it was getting harder to breathe. “Hey hey, don't you give up on me yet.” He said and grabbed your gloved hand and he could feel your ring through it. He decided he needed to be skin to skin with you so he ripped the gloves off and your diamond ring was out on display for everyone to see.  “We have so many plans, Angel. Don't leave me.” He added you so desperately tried to keep your eyes open and you were winning the fight but barely. 
“Oh my god.” Sylvie gasped and both her and Gabby got to work. The commotion caught the attention of a few others and they were quick to come over. “Hey, Y/N/N. Can you hear me?” Sylvie asked and you nodded your head and looked over at her.
“Kel?” You asked, losing a lot of blood.
“I'm right here, Y/N. I'm right here.” He said and your head lolled over to look at him. Then your eyes closed and your breathing stopped. “Y/N! No no no no.” Kelly said and removed his hands and started chest compression and that kicked everyone into gear. Gabby put a pulse ox on you and connected leads to you and it showed a flatline and tears came to Kelly's, well everyone's, eyes. “Come on. Come on.” He said and continued CPR. About 2 minutes later your heart started beating again and he sighed in relief. Gabby started an IV and Kelly’s hands went to the puncture wounds again.
Everyone started talking and then you felt yourself being lifted up and onto the gurney by several people. You were moving and it felt like you were floating. Nothing was in focus and every sound was underwater. You were loaded into the back of the ambulance and then you were speeding away. Kelly never once left your side and nobody argued with him.
Getting to Med felt like forever but it was only a short 3 minutes but in those 3 minutes Kelly's world stopped again. Your heart was beating strong and then all of a sudden it just stopped. Gabby was quick to start CPR again. “If we don't get her back soon, her chances to survive are low.” She said and just as soon as the ambulance pulled up to Med your heart started again. When the doors opened there was Connor and a few nurses standing there and as soon as the gurney was off the ambulance you were being wheeled away. Talking was heard but you couldn't focus on it. Your eyes were closed. 
“Kelly, you know you can't go back with us.” Connor said
“I know. Just take care of her. Angel, I'll be here when you're done. Keep fighting.” Kelly said, bending down and kissing your forehead and then your ring. “I love you.” Kelly added as tears ran down his face and you were wheeled behind the door. Kelly just stood there not knowing what to do until Otis came behind him and grabbed his shoulders and led him to the waiting room. Before they wheeled you behind the doors, they had taken your engagement ring off and gave it to him. He looked up and saw most of everyone there but nobody said a word. He looked down at your engagement ring and just started to let tears escape. He needed you.
——————————————————————
“Alright I want a quick x-ray and an ultrasound then I want her prepped and quickly.” Conner said and everybody let him know that they understood and then they were on it. An x-ray was taken and the tech froze.
“Uh, Conner. I might want to come and take a look at this.” He said and Connor rushed over.
“She’s pregnant.” He confirmed “Someone call Dr. Manning. Tell her it is an emergency.” He said 
“On it!” A nurse said and was quick to get her on the phone. In no time Natalie was rushing into the OR, she was getting the ultrasound up and running and was quick to get it on you.
“It looks like she is 9 weeks pregnant and it looks like the knife didn’t even touch the placenta but it looks like it caught her kidney.” She said “I’ll stay and monitor the baby.” She said and Connor nodded and started giving directions out. The surgery was stressful but it was coming along great. “The baby's heart rate and breathing are great.” Natalie said just about the time your heart rate was beginning to drop.
“Heart is dropping and her breathing is labored.” The surgical nurse said and that concerned both of the doctors. Then your heart monitor flatlined. 
“Starting CPR!” Connor said and he started the chest compressions. “Come on, Y/N/N. You got a fiancé that is worried sick about you and a baby to grow and raise” he said and you must be listening because after about 3 minutes of CPR your heart started to beat again. “Ok, she’s back! Let’s hurry this and get her into recovery.” He said calmly and they finished quickly. They had to fix your lung and remove one of your kidneys but you were going to survive.
——————————————————————
4 hours is how long everyone had to wait. Your team members, who were your family, weren’t going to go anywhere especially not when one of their own was fighting for her life. Kelly was a nervous wreck and he hadn’t even said a word since he arrived, nobody was going to push him to talk. Boden had declared him off since it was his fiancée in there and that considered him family. Nobody had come out and whenever someone had come out it wasn’t Connor and his heart sank a little more each time. The plans that you two had made and planned on making were running through his head. He thought about starting a family with you and the wedding you two were going to have. As he was thinking about it all, he remembered your diamond ring in his hand, it shouldn’t be in his hand, it should be on your finger. He took one last look at it and then took his chain off around his neck and unclasped it and slid on it, he then put the chain back around his neck.
Finally, Connor came out and he stood there for a minute until he saw Kelly and the crew. He walked over to them and when Kelly heard footsteps he looked up and quickly stood up. “Connor?” Kelly asked Connor, looked at him and smiled.
“They’re both going to be just fine.” He said and Kelly looked at him shocked.
“Both?” Kelly questioned 
“Yes, Y/N is 9 weeks pregnant. I take it neither of you knew.” He said, reading the expression on Kelly’s face.
“No. We’ve been trying but not really trying.” He said and Connor smiled. “How is Y/N?” He asked
“We lost her once but got her back quickly. The knife got her kidney so we had to remove that and we fixed her lung. I’m suggesting a few weeks to a month off from work but she can do very light duty.” Connor said and everyone nodded, mostly Boden. “I can take you to her now.” He said.
“Please.” Kelly said and Connor smiled and nodded. He led Kelly the way and while he was walking past his crew, they gave him a chorus of ‘Congratulations’. They weren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Kelly and Connor arrived at your room and he walked in and sat down on the chair. “If something happens, please grab one of the nurses and they’ll either page me or Natalie or both of us will be here.” He said and Kelly nodded “Oh and Kelly?” He added and Kelly looked up at him. “Congratulations.” He said and Kelly smiled and Connor was off. He was left there sitting with you and letting tears fall.
“You scared me, Angel. When I saw you lying there with Jay putting pressure on your wounds, my world stopped. Then when you stopped breathing and your heart stopped twice on the way here, it scared the shit out of me. We’re going to be parents, Angel. I don’t know if you can hear me but you, I’m so glad you chose to stay with me. I would be so lost without you. I love you so much.” He said and kissed your forehead. 
Nurses were in and out checking on you and the baby and the crew came and saw you but couldn’t stay long and Kelly understood and he knew you would understand too. Kelly wasn’t going to leave your side for nothing and nobody was going to make him and Boden understood. He wanted to put your ring back on but refrained against it because he didn’t want them taking it off again.
2 days had passed and you still hadn’t woken up but that was to be understood it helped your body heal. They kept IVs running to keep you and the baby hydrated and it had some nutrients in it to keep you both nourished from the lack of food being eaten. It was during the night when you woke up and you looked around the room taking in the noise and where you were at. Then you looked over to your right and saw Kelly sleeping. You reached a hand over and stroked his cheek which woke him up and then when he saw you were awake, he was up with a start. About that time Connor and Natalie had come and smiled. “Nice to see you awake.” Connor said and you smiled and then grimaced in pain when you tried to move. 
“Take it easy. You just had some major surgery. We also don’t want to stress the baby out.” Natalie said and you pulled a confused face.
“Baby?” You asked voice scratchy and Kelly was quick to grab the cup of water and bring the straw to your lips and you drank some and pushed it away.
“Yes, we did an x-ray to see where the knife had hit and when the baby popped up, I was called in and I did an ultrasound to confirm that you are 9 weeks pregnant. I take it you didn’t know.” Natalie said and you shook your head but smiled “Congratulations.” She said with a small smile and you smiled back.
“Thank you. We were trying for a kid but haven’t been trying very hard.” You said and she smiled.
“The knife punctured your kidney and your lung. We removed your kidney and repaired your lung. I want you to take it very easy for a few weeks and if you go back to work then it’s going to have to be very light duty.” Connor said and you nodded. He and Natalie went over a few things with you and then left. They wanted you to stay in the hospital for at least a week to make sure everything was ok and no complications and you agreed along with Kelly. 
“We’re going to be parents.” You said and he smiled and nodded then you looked down at your bare hand “Where is my ring?” You asked almost panicked and he smiled and pulled it out on his chain.
“Right here baby.” He said and pulled it off and took it off and put it back on your hand where it belonged. You let out a yawn and he chuckled. “Go back to sleep baby. I’ll be here when you wake up.” He said and leaned up and kissed your forehead again. 
As you fell back asleep you smiled and thought about your baby. The two of you were going to be parents and you couldn’t wait. All you could think about is how good of a father Kelly was going to make and you couldn’t wait. You couldn’t wait to marry him and raise his kid with him. The three of you were going to be one happy family and that was something worth staying for.
Tag list:
@kmc1989
@els-marvelvsp
@atarmychick007
@nyx2021
@grandstrangerphantom
@angenu01-blog
@talesofreading
@docockschest
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alice-after-dark · 4 months
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Vox as an Abuse Victim
So here is that massive Vox post I promised, a day late for...reasons. I swear I have been working on this post for days, even before that StaticMoth discourse influx in my inbox.
After making my post about Vox and Angel and reading @deeply-unserious-fellow's post about a similar topic, I thought it might be finally time to make this post. Most people who have seen my content know how I typically portray StaticMoth. I have mixed feelings about Valentino at the best of times and outright dislike him at the worst. But frankly this post isn't actually about him (well, mostly). It's about Vox and why I am really hoping that Viv keeps the angle of Vox being an abuse victim.
TW for domestic abuse, physical violence, implied sexual abuse, abusive relationships, gaslighting/victim-blaming, and other canon-typical triggers. Contain abusive StaticMoth.
Honestly? The primary reason I hope she keeps it is because it would make him an even more complex character and bring attention to a criminally underrepresented group: abuse victims who are also bad people.
As pointed out in the post I tagged above, the world has become obsessed with this idea of a "palatable" victim, the poor suffering cinnamon roll. An abuse victim is expected to look like a victim. You're supposed to instantly feel sorry for them and want to protect them...but that's not so easy when the victim is someone who also hurts people, is it? It's not so easy to pretend they didn't do bad things too...but they are still a victim. That does not change just because they are a bad person. And thus it becomes complicated and interesting. Because it's not so easy to root for the victim when they're also victimizing others, especially when those others are people we care about...like Angel Dust. At the bare minimum, Vox is doing nothing to stop Valentino from abusing Angel or any of his other employees. Having Vox be a victim of the same abuse that Angel Dust suffers (at the hands of the same abuser no less) and yet also being someone who enables Angel's abuse creates a very complicated situation.
In a most media, the discovery of a mean/bad person being abused is frequently portrayed in a "well, they were abused so you can't be mad at them anymore" kind of light. Like "see? They're just an asshole because they were being abused! Now that we know, they're suddenly a good person!" Except that's not how it works. Someone can be a bad person and also be a victim. And even if them being an asshole was the result of their abuse, those behaviors and the consequences of those behaviors don't just vanish. They still hurt people and frankly I would riot if it came out that Vox was being abused by Valentino and then everyone in the show just up and forgave him for being an asshole. Like...no? He would still need to make up for his own shit and actually work towards being a better person. I like this character because he's an unapologetic asshole. If making him a victim takes that away, then that would be such a missed opportunity.
In fact, one thing I find interesting is that I definitely believe that Vox would have no problem admitting to being a bad person, but would rather fight an exorcist alone than admit to being a victim. His ego won't allow for it. He would probably laugh in your face and call you delusional while literally having a broken screen. Because he can't admit it, even to himself. He would see it as a sign of weakness and that's not acceptable to him (side note that being a victim does not make you weak, that's just what Vox's toxic mindset tells him). While I am fairly certain that he would have moved on from most 1950s mindsets since he is all about the future and progress and moving forward, toxic masculinity is still very much a thing today and I can definitely see him embodying it in some aspects, like needing to appear strong and in control at all times (and Hell's power hierarchy definitely encourages this mindset, so...). Fuck, even now in fucking 2024, men still have a hard time being taken seriously as the victims of abuse. Unless of course you fit a certain mold.
Angel Dust is the perfect example of this. He is a palatable male victim. He's effeminate, he's funny, he's friendly, he's caring, and we actively see him miserable in his suffering. Despite being in Hell just like the rest of them and having been a former mafia member and clearly able to stand on his own two feet it combat, his victimhood is constantly on display and the audience wants to protect and save him. On the opposite end, Vox is shown in a position of power that is constantly reinforced. He's an Overlord, he's manipulative, he's cruel, he's greedy, and he enables abusive behavior from others. He is not a palatable victim, which is why it's perfect.
Now let's get into what I believe is the actual evidence that this dynamic could still be present.
Something I see people commonly say is that Vox being abused by Valentino doesn't make sense because why wouldn't Vox just fight back? He could just shock Valentino into next Tuesday? And to these people I kindly say fuck you. Because while physical strength can be a factor in abuse, it is very rarely the thing that keeps the victim from leaving. Abuse, even when physical, is heavily psychological. It's like telling a victim "well, why didn't you just leave?" It's not that easy. Abusers tend to target those with low self-esteem and it's made pretty clear that Vox is a very insecure person (I feel the need to point out that having an ego and having high self-esteem are not the same thing, in fact having a big ego is typically a side effect of very low self-esteem). It's entirely possible that Vox makes the conscious decision not to fight back because he's afraid of what will happen if he does. He's afraid Valentino will leave. We know Valentino is just as mentally and emotionally abusive to those around him as he is physically abusive and we have actively witnessed him playing into Vox's insecurities and mentally messing with him (specifically in the events leading up to "Stayed Gone").
So let's talk about the scene leading up to "Stayed Gone," because I also see Vox's behavior towards Valentino here used as justification for why it's not possible for Valentino to be abusing Vox. Full disclosure, I myself in the past have even thought that it demonstrated them being mutually abusive towards each other, but have since changed my opinion after reading more takes and doing further analysis. Having rewatched this scene many times now, I have some observations.
There's a small moment that always caught my attention when I watched this scene because I wasn't sure what it meant, but looking at it in the context of this post, I think I can see a possibility. When Vox goes to see Valentino, he approaches the doors and they are opened for him by Valentino's servants. Vox pauses in the doorway, glances at them, then continues on inside.
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What was the point of this moment? It seems out of place. Surely Vox has gone to Valentino's room before? Surely this door opening thing isn't new? And looking at Vox's face here, he looks...concerned? Like...they might hear what goes on inside? And he maintains that expression even as he enters the room, like he doesn't like that those two are out there and might hear them.
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It also makes the entire situation feel so routine. Like Valentino is upset and these girls just expect Vox to show up and take care of it. And the scenes prior to this also sets it up as a normal occurrence. Vox rearranges his entire schedule to deal with Valentino, like he absolutely expects this situation could take up the rest of his day. And Valentino clearly doesn't listen to Velvette in this regard as she had to call Vox to come deal with Valentino despite him wrecking her department. Her comment even further establishes this as normal when she tells Vox that Valentino is "up in his tower, waiting for a flat-faced prince to calm him down." And when Vox arrives? "FUCKING FINALLY!" All of this sets up a standard situation: when Valentino is upset, it is Vox's job to calm him down and make him feel better. Valentino is a full grown adult and yet he has made it someone else's problem to manage his emotions.
Then of course we have the classic moment of Valentino literally throwing his glass at Vox only seconds after Vox has arrived. And this has to have been a conscious decision, because right before that, he throws his first glass on the ground before demanding another. So if he wanted to just break something, he didn't need to throw it at Vox, but he did. And I definitely don't think he cared if Vox got out of the way or not. But how easily Vox moves aside tells us that he fully expected to have things thrown at him and was ready for it. Now, I do believe that Valentino would throw shit at literally anyone when he is mad, but the key here is that Vox, his supposed friend, on-and-off lover, and business partner, is not exempt from this behavior. He even breaks Vox's phone when he realizes Vox is not paying attention to him. He has no qualms breaking Vox's property just to soothe his rage (I would also like to point out that he fucking obliterated that thing; just how hard did he fucking throw it?!).
Something in this scene that did initially throw me as I was writing this is that Vox doesn't seem particularly afraid of Valentino. Not the way we see Angel is when Valentino gets angry. We also see him actively get angry with Valentino, get in his face, and manipulate him. In the past, I believed this behavior from Vox to have established their relationship as mutually abusive. However, after reading yet another post from @deeply-unserious-fellow, I realized that everything Vox does here is only in direct response to Valentino's tantrum.
So let's go through some things here. When Vox initially tries to tell Valentino he can't go to the hotel, Valentino straight up ignores him. Does not respond to Vox's words, completely carries on like he didn't even speak. From this point on, Vox takes an entirely different approach to the situation. He manipulates Valentino into thinking that not shooting up the hotel is his idea and even offers further appeasement in the form of shooting his own employees as a method to satisfy Valentino's temper. I admit to initially viewing this as Vox being abusive, but frankly, when your options are being manipulative or letting your business partner go shoot up a hotel that houses the literal Princess of Hell, yeah, I'd take the manipulation route. Because, as I pointed out above, Vox cannot actually control Valentino. He tries to give him an order and is completely ignored. And even when he does successfully manipulate him, he still has to appease him in some capacity.
Now, there's also something here that is often played for shits and giggles, but I'm taking it 100% seriously right now. Many people point out that Vox's screen gets brighter when he gets in Valentino's face. Valentino is a moth demon and after Vox does this, he seems to be dazed for a moment, enough for Vox to rapidly switch back into manipulator mode and does his thing. It seems to have snapped Valentino out of his rage and I literally can't help but think that Vox has learned this as a defense mechanism. Valentino can't see very well, so it's very likely Vox's hypnotism doesn't work on him, so Vox had to find other ways of manipulating him and calming him down when he's in one of his rages.
Something I also want to point out is that it is made very clear through a single solitary moment that Valentino is in no way afraid of Vox. When he tells Vox about Alastor, Vox screams in his face, manhandles him, and Valentino just...pushes him off and saunters away, grinning like the cat that caught the canary. He doesn't even look upset or concerned when Vox grabs him. He just...laughs it off...like he knows Vox won't actually hurt him. Because I genuinely think Vox won't. Later in the episode, we hear Valentino's voicemails to Angel Dust and how he's emotionally manipulating him, telling him he can't really get better. I wouldn't be surprised to find that he's given Vox a similar treatment, especially considering that it's obvious Valentino knew what kind of reaction he would get out of Vox by bringing up Alastor. And sure, he brushes it off with a kink joke, but in all seriousness, why did Valentino keep Alastor's return from Vox? We know Angel has been at the hotel for a little while and Alastor has been involved with it as of a week prior to the beginning of season 1, so why suddenly bring it up? It's almost like he was specifically holding onto this information, waiting for the perfect time to use it that would be the most beneficial to him.
There's also another little scene that always caught my attention. It's when Valentino is getting pissed about the shadow construct that Angel Dust is flirting with.
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Valentino starts getting pissy again, demands Vox's attention, gets annoyed when he doesn't get it, then immediately switches to mocking and confident when Vox starts bitching about Alastor. Like...he's so fucking proud of himself for getting Vox all worked up over Alastor. Like it's some kind of game for him. Riling Vox up and messing with his emotions is fun for Valentino. Alastor dredges up some real shit for Vox and Valentino exploits it. And from here on, he just keeps egging him on. Now, I'm pretty sure "Stayed Gone" would have happened with or without Valentino, but the point here is that he is definitely playing with Vox's emotions here.
As for the not being afraid aspect, again, Valentino hasn't actually threatened him with something that truly scares him. I don't think he's afraid of what Valentino could physically do to him. It's more likely to make him mad than anything else, even if he doesn't fight back (he'll probably go take out his anger on someone else). The thing about Vox is that we see that he does not like to appear weak in any capacity and I think this extends well into his own psyche. If he admits, even to himself, that he's a victim...to him, that's admitting weakness and he just can't do that. So Valentino's not abusing him, they just had a fight. He didn't hit back because he's in control of himself and he knows he could totally toast Valentino. It's Vox's own fault for pushing his buttons when he knew Valentino was mad. It wasn't rape cause he never said "no".
TLDR: Vox can be both an asshole and an abuse victim and it would be a really interesting aspect to his character as long as the show does it right and doesn't scrap his assholeness to make him a more palatable victim. Show him being a victim and also victimizing others. Show him not wanting to accept that he has been abused. LET PEOPLE BE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH FEELING SORRY FOR HIM.
(that's all for now, I have literally been working on this post for days and I'm exhausted)
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charmandabear · 7 months
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Office Hours - Chapter Six
Summary:
Astarion surprises you with a night at the theatre that doesn't go quite according to your plan.
Pairing: Astarion/F!Reader Rating: Explicit Word Count: 4.7k Tags/Warnings: rough/angry sex, hair pulling, emotional manipulation, dubcon, bad BDSM practices, angst, daddy kink, reminiscent of Ascended!Astarion, discussions of domestic abuse (in Taming of the Shrew)
Hi. Hello. My sweets. My darlings. This is it. The chapter where you absolutely must mind the tags. Just know that I won't take you anywhere that we won't be able to come back from. Know that I, too, am an absolute baby when it comes to intense subject matter in fics. But I want you to take care of yourselves and your hearts. As always, shoot me a message if you'd like more specifics.
Photo credits: Zaria for Green Pussy Suit Astarion and Nephi Garcia for the incredible dress.
Read on AO3 ~ Masterlist
“In the library? Babes, are you insane?” Shadowheart's voice reaches a pitch you’re fairly sure only dogs can hear. You curl your knees into your chest and cover your face in your hands, feeling the exact appropriate amount of shame.
“I know, I know. All logic goes out the fucking window around him. All I can think is ‘mm, good dick makes brain go brr.’” You let out a frustrated sigh into your hands.
“Do you want to get fired?” She pulls your hand from your face so you can't hide from her pointed stare.
“Oh trust me, I ran about forty different scenarios of that happening through my head on the drive home.”
“Did you, now? And in how many of these did he also get fired?” Shadowheart presses, knowing how your anxiety can get out of hand.
“Like, two,” you groan and drop your head back onto the couch cushions. “I don't know what comes over me. I feel like I can't tell him no.”
“Wait, wait.” Shadowheart grips your knee, suddenly worried. “You can't tell him no as in it feels too good to stop? Or as in it doesn't feel safe to say no?”
“Nine hells, no, the first one!” you respond, horrified. She squints at you and you squirm under her gaze until you’re finally more truthful, both with her and yourself. “Well, I mean, mostly. Like it's not like that. But like also not not like that, you know?”
“I can assure you I do not,” she says in a flat voice, not interested in joking around. You sigh dramatically, trying to find the right words to describe how you feel.
“Like. Okay. Am I fully consenting to everything we do? Yes. 100%. Oh gods, yes.” Your cheeks tinge pink even thinking about it. “But like… am I going against my best judgment? Do I feel like I should say no? Does part of me kinda wish I would say no? Like… maybe?”
“Tav, that's not okay. You need to talk to him about this.” Shadowheart’s voice is soft with genuine worry. Which is ridiculous, because she’s focusing on the wrong thing.
“No, see, that's the thing. It's not actually a him issue, it's a me issue. Like there's something wrong with me, I see his most toxic traits and suddenly I'm like a horny teenager!” Your voice increases in pitch as you grow more hysterical. “How am I supposed to call him out on it when the only words that will come out of my mouth are ‘yes daddy, more please’?”
“Is there anything redeemable about him at all? Besides being good in bed?” She leans back, taking a sip of her wine and fixing you with an incredulous look. 
“I mean… yeah. He’s witty, and bantering back and forth with him is fun. He’s incredibly smart, as loath as I am to admit it, and I like hearing his ideas on things, especially his interpretation of Shakespeare’s text.” You don't even notice the smile growing on your face, but Shadowheart does. “And he’s got this unexpectedly soft side. Like he seems cold and aloof on the outside, but he cares, deeply. About his students, about his cat, about-”
“About you?” she interjects, and your smile falters.
“I don't know, Shade,” you say quietly, almost ashamed to look her in the eye. “I think so. I hope so. But it's not like we've been seeing each other for that long, he’s under no obligation to feel anything.” You practically swallow the last sentence, a truth you're reticent to voice. 
“And you?” she asks softly.
“Man, I don't fucking know. I just want to keep getting laid and not catch feelings, is that so much to ask?” you whine. She laughs, but you can tell that she's only humoring you.
“For you? Probably.”
***
It's been several days and your busy schedules have kept you and Astarion apart for most of it. Save the occasional tension-filled passing in the hall, you've barely interacted at all. You're almost beginning to believe that your whirlwind affair has come to an end when you find a mystery package at your apartment door.
It's made out to you with no discernable return address. You bring the box into your apartment while examining it, trying to ascertain its origin. It doesn't even really look like it was sent through the mail, it looks like it was dropped off.
You take out your phone and call down to the front desk. It rings a few times, then a somber voice answers.
“What dost thou require?” His voice is deep and crackled, like some ancient eternal being.
“Hi Withers, it's Tav in 3C. Do you know anything about this package that was left at my door?”
“I have inspected it, and determined it safe for you to open. It was brought by someone claiming to be a friend.”
“Can you tell me anything about this someone?”
“No.”
And the line goes dead. You laugh and shake your head. If Withers says it's safe, then it probably is. You’d trust that wrinkly old man with your life, honestly. You cut open the tape sealing the box shut and lift off the top.
Inside is something wrapped in tissue paper with a note stuck to it in Astarion's immaculate handwriting. 
Tomorrow evening The Rosewood Seven o’clock Wear nothing underneath
You let out a small involuntary moan when you read the last three words. You carefully unwrap the tissue paper to find a fabric that looks like it's made of starlight. You pull out the midnight black dress and go slightly breathless when you get a good look at it. 
It’s a backless dress with a sweetheart neckline and intricate gold embellishments that almost make it look like armor. It has a lavish gold neck piece attached by several gold chains that drip over the skin. The skirt is made of a weightless black fabric that shimmers with gold as you move it in the light. It almost appears to be cut into two panels with dual hip-high slits.
With a dress cut like this, you wouldn't be able to wear undergarments even if you wanted to.
Your heart hammers in your chest as you think about what he might have in store for you. You're not even sure what's running at the Rosewood right now, but it could be complete trash and you wouldn't even care. You probably won't even be able to pay attention, too distracted by Astarion sitting next to you for two hours.
You feel a pulsing between your legs at the thought. You think of his hand sliding up your knee while you struggle to keep a straight face. Or him reaching an arm around you, gently sliding his fingers into your hair before giving it a sharp tug.
Another moan works its way out of your throat and you follow it up with an annoyed groan. You can really get swept up at the most inconvenient times. It’s not like you don’t have any work you need to do or anything. You roll your eyes as you stalk off to draw a bath.
***
Waiting in the lobby of the theater, you’re feeling surprisingly nervous. The dress, though beautiful, is not particularly comfortable. With all of its various chains and pieces, you needed Shadowheart’s help just to put it on. It helps that she’s also incredibly talented when it comes to hair and makeup, so in truth you feel positively glamorous. 
When you see Astarion, however, everything goes silent. You’re certain that he’s posing for you the way he’s stopped to adjust his cuff. The cut of the suit he’s wearing is exceptionally flattering and you imagine running your hands all over the emerald velvet. His crisp white button down is almost sheer and you desperately want to pull him into you by that forest green silk tie. 
But you can’t tear your eyes away from his face. This is the first time you've seen him wear makeup, and the simple smokey eyeliner look makes his red irises pop. He’s decided to forgo his glasses, presumably opting for contacts instead to show off the makeup. He’s also swapped out his standard silver hoops for little daggers with a red rhinestone glimmering at the hilt. 
He looks up at you the moment you lay eyes on him, or more specifically, the moment your heart starts to beat out of your chest. He flashes you a devastating smile before striding up to you and pulling you into a deep kiss. You can’t even be bothered to care that the other patrons are probably staring as he slides his hand onto your bare lower back, his cool touch sending a shiver up your spine.
He pulls away from you just enough to breathlessly ask, “Are you ready to sit down?”
“Huh?” You’re distracted, too busy plotting a mental path to the bathrooms to fuck him. He lets out a winded chuckle.
“The play. House is open, would you care to find our seats?” His palm is still pressed against your back and you can barely form coherent thoughts. You still don’t even know what play you’re here to see. You just want—no, need—to be near him.
“Um, yeah,” you respond, still trying to get your bearings and remind yourself how to be a person. You let him lead you into the theater, and only once you're in your seats do you realize that neither of you grabbed a program. You pull out your phone to see if you can look it up, but service in the Rosewood is notoriously bad. Instead you just need to sit still next to Astarion, who looks like a dream and smells even better. 
He glances at you as your heart quickens again and his lips curl into a smile. He slips his hand behind your neck and lightly runs his finger along the seam between the golden collar of the dress and your flesh, sending goosebumps down your arms. He leans toward you until his lips are almost brushing your ear. 
“You look absolutely ravishing, my dear,” he whispers, his breath tickling your earlobe. You turn your face toward him on instinct, your chest heaving as you try to steady your breathing. Your lips hover inches apart, anticipating the kiss, when suddenly a throng of noisy actors come barreling down the aisles. You snap away from Astarion as the cacophony of their shrieks of laughter, calls across the audience to one another, and drunken banter fill the house.
One of them clambors onto the stage and shouts, “For God’s sake, a pot of small ale!” He’s dressed in rags and appears by far to be the drunkest of them all. Three servingmen swarm him with various shouts of, “Will’t please your honor?” He shoves them all away and proudly takes up space center stage.
“I am Christophero Sly! Call not me ‘Honor’ nor ‘Lordship,’” he bellows as the rest of the players make their way onto the stage.
Christopher Sly… you’re wracking your brain to remember which play he serves as a framing device for. Most productions cut this scene because it’s long and completely irrelevant. You just can’t for the life of you remember which play he appears in.
The scene continues with their drunken antics and slapstick comedy as the players address Sly as “my noble lord,” making him believe he’s a king that they’re about to perform for. Eventually they carry Sly out on a makeshift palanquin as the “play within the play” begins. Two handsome young men in preppy clothes enter, holding a book and wearing glasses that aren’t too dissimilar from Astarion’s round metal ones. The one without the glasses speaks first.
“Tranio, since for the great desire I had to see fair Padua…”
Tranio? Isn’t he one of the characters in Taming of the Shrew?
He knows you don’t like this play.
Well, if it’s all that’s playing at the Rosewood right now…
But if that’s the case why not just, like, see a movie?
You shift uncomfortably in your dress and cast your gaze towards Astarion. He smiles, taking your fingers and placing a gentle kiss on your knuckles before turning back to the stage. He keeps your hand in his, absentmindedly stroking the back of your hand with his thumb. 
You can feel your heart pounding in your ears and you find yourself wondering what’s running through his head. Just when you think you have him figured out, he does something to surprise you. And honestly, not always in a good way.
Maybe it won’t be so bad. You know the creative team at the Rosewood wouldn’t pick this show if they weren’t going to try to do something with it. 
But even still… is this text even redeemable?
You sit through the entirety of the show cringing as the audience around you laughs at flagrant displays of domestic abuse. The actors, several of whom you’ve worked with before, are trying their hardest to make the lines playful, but some things just can’t be recovered. Between the forced starvation, physical intimidation, and gaslighting, you wonder why companies even bother performing this play anymore. No matter how witty the writing is, it’s just too out of date to be a good season choice.
When the time comes for Kate’s final monologue, you watch in pain as the actress tries to wink-wink-nudge-nudge her way through lines like “place your hands below your husband’s foot.” She’s young, and you wonder if this is one of her first professional gigs. You get a little sad knowing that she’s probably just desperate to do anything, even if it’s trash.
Maybe you’re being a little harsh. All of the individual elements of the show—the acting, set, costumes, direction, lighting—were quite good. You just can’t get over how irredeemable this text is. Worth teaching, yes, and maybe even taking Act II out of context just for the fun banter and clever wordplay. But professional theatre companies should really just retire this one.
In the Lyft back to your apartment, you decide to get Astarion’s take on the matter.
“Do you think it’s possible to redeem a text like Taming in a modern age?”
He pauses for a moment, continuing to look away from you and out the window.
“I do, yes,” he finally answers. “I think it takes a skilled hand, but it can be successful when done well.”
You sit on his response, chewing it over. You decide to take a different route.
“I guess a better question is do you think it’s worth trying to? Like, what are we getting out of it anymore?”
“Is entertainment not enough?” he says with a laugh. You wrinkle your nose at him.
“Sure, if you’re a basic ass bitch. But I want my art to mean something. And I can’t think of what this play can possibly mean if it’s not ‘shrill women are annoying and should learn their place.’” You cross and uncross your legs, trying to keep yourself decent.
“Last I checked, you enjoy being put in your place,” he says in a low hum and your pussy betrays you with a clench. 
“Shut up,” you grumble, and you’re grateful that the dark car hides your reddening cheeks. “It’s different.”
“Is it, though? Ultimately it is a text about two dysfunctional people finding comfort in one another.” His sincerity catches you off guard, and almost makes you angry that he’s been taken in by the propaganda.
“That’s only a valid interpretation if you ignore half of what happens in the play. They’re not equally dysfunctional, Kate literally gets beaten into submission and pretends to be happy about it. Petruchio is exactly the same from the start to the finish, he has no fucking character arc.” Your hands start to shake as you try to keep your cool. You’ve had this conversation far too many times with men who think they can interpret out the sexism by simply glossing over Kate’s abuse.
The Lyft stops in front of your building and you thank the driver as you get out. Astarion follows you, and you’re not even sure if you want him to accompany you upstairs. But you remain silent as you walk past Withers and into the elevator.
“You’re overreacting,” Astarion says once the elevator doors close. “People are drawn to this play for a reason. The text is excellent, and no one truly thinks of Petruchio as an abuser.”
“Are you joking?” Your voice gets shrill and the similarity to Kate isn’t lost on you. “The whole thing normalizes his abuse. The fact that people don’t think of him as an abuser is the problem.”
“It’s a slapstick comedy,” he snaps, his voice growing stern. “Are you going to tell me that we need to cancel the Three Stooges because it promotes violence?”
“Don’t be fucking condescending,” you spit. “It’s not the same and you know it.”
“How is it not the same? Suddenly because it’s a woman in the role it no longer counts? Are you implying that women should be barred from certain types of performance because of their gender?” He walks past you into your apartment and you throw your keys and bag on the counter, not even bothering to see where they land.
“No, that’s not what I’m saying, now you’re just twisting my words,” you grumble, more frustrated than ever by your inability to match his eloquence.
“So use your own words,” he sneers, whirling around to face you. “How is it not the same?”
“It’s because- well, I- It’s different, just- argh!” Your head is clouded by your attraction to him, which has annoyingly only grown over the past few minutes of shouting. You’re suddenly reminded of the smug arrogant bastard that you first met. He lets out a jeering laugh.
“See? You can’t even defend your own point.” 
His sardonic cruelty sets something off in you and you angrily grab the lapel of his green suit. Your intentions are a complete mystery even to you, because as soon as you’re within inches of one another, instincts take over. You crush his lips into yours and pull him backwards until you thump against the door behind you. He paws hungrily at the dress, sliding his hand under the slit and around to grab your bare ass. You gasp into his touch, feeling equally frustrated and aroused that he even controlled what you wore tonight.
Your fingers make their way into his hair and you pull hard, breaking the kiss and leaving his mouth open, panting. His eyes are sparkling with a fire that you haven’t seen yet and a low growl manifests in your throat. He smirks and buries his teeth into your shoulder, something he usually asks bespoke permission for. You cry out in response, twisting your hands tighter into his silvery locks.
He unlatches from your shoulder and pushes his knee past the front of your skirt and up onto your bare cunt. You grind wantonly against the velvet as he kisses you with bloody lips. He grabs hold of the delicate chains of the dress and yanks, detaching them from the collar and making the entire bodice crumple and pool around your waist. Your nipples immediately harden at the sudden exposure to cold air and he pinches one sharply between his fingers. Your hips roll into his leg as you groan, fully ruining his pants. He continues to bite around your neck and shoulders, placing little puncture wounds in his path, marking you as his.
You grab onto his tie and push him away so you can shimmy out of the rest of the dress. You’re now down to just the gold collar of the dress and your heels, a look you wish you could hate but don’t. You pull him across your living area and toward your bedroom, shoving him down onto the edge of the bed. 
“Thou hast hit it, come, sit on me,” he says, quoting Petruchio with a sinister grin. Kate’s retort falls out of your mouth reflexively.
“Asses are made to bear, and so are you,” you hiss as you straddle his hips, wrapping his tie around your hand until you’ve gripped it up to the knot. Your other hand violently unbuckles his belt, yanking it through the loops with a snap.
“Women are made to bear, and so are you,” he says with a caustic laugh, digging his nails into your ass cheeks. You tug sharply on his tie, bringing his lips close to yours.
“No such jade as you, if me you mean,” you snarl and silence him with an angry kiss. You don’t want to encourage his idiotic behavior, but you’d be lying to yourself if you said this wasn’t a fantasy you’ve had before. You fumble with the buttons of his suit jacket, trying to get him undressed as quickly as possible. You’re not sure if you feel more vulnerable or more powerful being undressed while he’s still fully clothed, but either way you want him naked, now. You get about three buttons into his shirt before you grow impatient, ripping it the rest of the way open and sending buttons flying. 
Good. Let him need to repair his clothes for once.
You push him flat onto his back and descend onto his chest, alternating kisses, licks, and bites. Your dull human teeth don’t have nearly the same effect as his fangs, but it just means you get to bite twice as hard in order to leave a mark. He writhes beneath your touch, and you feel a twisted satisfaction at the quiet little grunts and gasps you’re finally pulling from him. He’s rarely this vocal during sex, and it’s only serving to spur you on more.
His groans build until you capture his nipple in your teeth and bite down, causing him to shout and buck his hips up into you. In a flash he flips you around onto your back and he bears down on you, eyes dangerous. 
“Little love, do you think you’re in control?” he asks in a low growl, his hand gripped around your jaw. You sneer and slide your leg against the strained bulge in his pants. He hisses and your smile widens.
“Right now? Yes,” you coo, continuing to press your calf against his velvet-covered cock. You grab the tie still hanging around his neck and pull him close. 
“If you want it back, fucking take it.”
If I put my hands around your wrists, would you fight them?
He kisses you roughly, catching your bottom lip in his teeth biting hard enough to puncture the skin. He pulls back slightly, a drop of your blood running down his chin and a snide grin. He makes like he’s about to kiss you again but shoves your face away before your lips make contact.
This is the worst you’ve ever seen him—the most arrogant, the most condescending, borderline cruel even. And you have never been more turned on.
If I put my fingers in your mouth, would you bite them?
“Is that all you’ve got?” you taunt, licking the blood from your lips. “Go ahead, choke me, daddy.”
The feminist in you is horrified, but the little gremlin controlling your libido is having the time of its life. It squeals with delight when his hand closes around your throat, just barely constricting your breathing. 
“You insolent little brat,” he breathes into your ear, pulling up on your jaw. “I will absolutely ruin you.”
And there will be no tenderness, no tenderness.
“Do it, coward,” you spit, and he lets go just long enough to finish undressing from the waist down. He grabs your still heeled ankle and presses your leg up by your shoulder, stretching you wide enough to take him without any prep. You gasp as he fills you, the stinging pain outweighed by the gratification of finally feeling him inside you.
The only thing that I ask, love me mercilessly.
He sets a punishing rhythm, one knee on the bed and the other foot still firmly planted on the floor. He bottoms out with each long thrust and you grab hold of his hair to brace yourself. He winces with the pain but doesn’t slow down, and your moans grow high and loud as he continues to furiously pound into you. 
“Gods, fuck, Astarion,” you keen, your desire coiling in your belly and threatening to explode. “Keep going, daddy, fuck me please.” He grunts with the effort and your dirty talk seems to be having an effect as his pace falters. You jerk your hips up into him, chasing your orgasm, until finally it barrels through you like a runaway train. You pull on his hair as you come and that sets off his, his pulsing cock pressing against the clenching walls of your cunt. 
He stays deep inside you as the aftershocks reverberate through both of you, until the only sound remaining is your heavy panting. He drops his forehead to touch yours, a pleasantly tender moment after some of the roughest sex you can recall having. He starts to giggle and you follow suit, suddenly giddy. He pulls out of you with a squelch and walks to the bathroom to get a towel to clean up the mess you’ve left behind. He wipes you down gently, a surprising bit of aftercare you’re not accustomed to with him. He plants a tender kiss on your lips and you feel dizzy with affection for him.
You settle up against the headboard of your bed, his arm around you and both of you looking at your phones in a companionable silence. After a moment, he lets out a small chuckle. 
“What?” you ask, turning your head towards him quizzically.
“I’m just shocked that worked, is all,” he laughs, shaking his head. Your confusion grows and you furrow your brow.
“What worked?” you laugh with him, but something doesn’t feel right.
“The whole night, taking you to see Taming, getting into just enough of a fight to result in,” he vaguely waves his hand, gesturing to the edge of the bed, “all of that.”
“Wait, what? What do you mean?” You pull away from him and your stomach drops. Surely he can’t be suggesting what you think he’s suggesting.
“You get riled up so easily, I thought this might be fun.” He still doesn’t seem to have picked up on your heart pounding in your ears, which is frankly unusual for him.
“Are you saying… Wait, are you saying that you planned that fight? So, what, we’d have angry sex?”
“Of course, you don’t think I actually believe anything that I said, do you? Taming of the Shrew might be well-written, but it’s a rubbish play to produce.” He finally turns to you and sees that you’ve gone white as a sheet. “Oh, darling, don’t take it like that, you’re positively adorable when you’re angry, I couldn’t resist.” He tries putting his hand to your cheek but you flinch away like he’s burned you.
“Get out,” you say in a low voice, unable to even look at him.
“What?” He’s still laughing. He doesn’t get it. “My sweet, didn’t you-”
“GET. OUT.” Your voice has a venom in it that even shocks you. He stares at you in horror until you shoot him an icy glare. “Now.”
Without a word he stands and quickly puts his clothes back on. You stay in your bed, naked and curled under a sheet, until you hear the front door of your apartment slam. With shaking hands, you call Shadowheart.
“Moonmaiden’s delight, did you enjoy yourself? It certainly sounded like you did.” The sound of Shadowheart’s bubbly laugh usually makes you smile, but right now it seeps into your skin like poison.
“Shade, please come over,” you whimper, and the second the words leave your mouth, the tears begin to fall. You don’t hear her hang up, but you do hear a muffled, “I’m going to fucking kill him!” through the wall. You pull your knees further into your chest and sob.
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mamsieur · 11 months
Text
Don't mess with the Storm | Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Reader
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Summary : Sometimes, Cyclone could live up to his call sign. Especially when it concerned you, his youngest daughter, his little Storm.
TW : slight violence, mention of alcohol, family/domestic fluff
Length : 6753 words
AN : You can't make me believe that Beau Simpson isn't a family man with lots of kids. That's what he radiates.
posted on AO3 August 21, 2023
Your mom always said you took after your dad, but if he was a Cyclone, you were a Storm ; smaller and less destructive. Storm has always been your nickname. 
It described you quite well as much in your way of doing things than in your personality. You were passionate about everything you did and you often left a mess after you.
Being a Vice Admiral, Beau managed to control himself for his work but when it came to you and your well being, he could literally destroy everything on his way. Not that your father was in any way abusive or violent, but he sometimes could over react.
You were your parents’ precious little baby.
You were the youngest of four children; you had three older brothers, all in the military. Two of them, Nathan and Jamie, were naval aviators, like your father, and one, Aaron, was a Marine Officer. 
Needless to say, you were well taken care of ; you liked to think that you had a small ‘army’ for yourself.
But as much as they thought of you as their little princess, they never treated you like one, and you never wanted to be. You were tough and very capable of defending yourself. Your father always encouraged you in whatever you wanted to do. 
You wanted to join the soccer team? Let's go. Switch to boxing lessons? Done. A new passion for karting? He had your back. An interest in mechanics ? He bought you your first tool box.
As long as you put your heart and soul into whatever you did, your family would support you.
So when you told them you wanted to work for the Navy after your engineering degree, they were as supportive as they could be.
You were a genius engineer - your mom’s word, not yours - and you loved working on jets, inspecting them, gathering as much data as possible to make them as efficient as they can be. Working at Top Gun was heaven. Since the pilots were supposed to be the best, you loved pushing them and their machines to be better and better.
Of course, the fact that you were working on the same base as your father had raised some eyebrows. But neither of you cared, and he got you no special treatment.
After the uranium mission, you were assigned to check the status of the Dagger Squad's F-18s. Everything seemed to be in good shape, and while your computer analyzed the flight data, you inspected the engines. You liked to work alone when you could, it helped you stay in your bubble of concentration.
The sun was slowly setting as you finished diagnosing the last jet. Being alone in the hangar, you took the opportunity to put on some music. You hummed and swayed a little while you waited for the analysis to finish on your screen and inspected the engine.
Your head was - quite literally - in it when you heard footsteps behind you. They stopped a few feet away from you to let you finish what you were doing.
"I'll just be two minutes," you muttered and then shrugged, getting no response. You finished inspecting the seemingly defective part and stood up. Your face was covered in dust and motor oil, and your hair was starting to fall out of your ponytail.
You sighed and turned to your mysterious guest.
"Oh! Good evening Lieutenant Bradshaw. May I help you?" you smiled a little and wiped your forehead with the back of your hand.
"Good evening Second Lieutenant Simpson, to tell you the truth, yes, you may..." he grinned charmingly, crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back against the plane, "I was wondering if you'd forgotten our date? It's 7:20, and we agreed to meet at 6:30 ?” 
You stopped smiling and looked at the clock. Crap! You hadn't seen the time.
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry! I was servicing the jets and didn't realize what time it was! I should have set an alarm, I'm sorry. Jesus, how could I be so stupid?"
You were starting to mumble excuses as you gathered your things when you felt his hand on your wrist.
"It's okay, I know how you get when you're focused on something. We’ll find another day for that. I'll wait for you at the bar, okay?" he reassured you with a grin.
"Uh yeah, yeah okay! I'll be quick!" you nodded and smiled back at him. He tucked a strand of your wild hair behind your ear, a few inches from you, making you blush slightly. His thumb stroked your cheek. He had that cheeky smile he always had when something was on his mind. He took your hand and kissed your knuckles, his beautiful brown eyes never leaving yours.
" Or , I can also wait for you in the changing-"
" Lieutenant Bradshaw, Second Lieutenant Simpson, what are you two still doing here? "
Your father's stern voice echoed through the hangar, taking you by surprise. Bradley took a quick step back and straightened his posture to greet him.
"I, uh-"
"Lieutenant Bradshaw forgot his keys, sir, he was out. I got carried away with the diagnostics, I'm almost finished here," you replied quickly as Cyclone’s eyes narrowed as he stared at Bradley then at you.
"Hm. You better hurry then, Second Lieutenant, overtime is not allowed. You're free to go Lieutenant Bradshaw."
"Yes sir!" you said in unison and Bradley left as quickly as he could, flashing one last smile in your direction before disappearing down the corridors.
As you started to clean up the mess you'd made, you heard an amused sigh.
"What?"
"Nothing, nothing. You're still living up to your nickname."
"Ha ha, very funny Dad," you rolled your eyes and closed your toolbox, "Don't wait for me, I'm going out tonight."
"Mmh. Is Bradshaw involved?" he asked as he helped you carry your stuff to the storage room.
"Yes? I mean the whole Dagger team is, I need to get to know them to understand how they work."
That was only half a lie. You knew they most likely were all at the Hard Deck, you'd met them there a few times. You got along well with them, especially Natasha, Bob and Mickey. And of course, Bradley... But it was different with him.
You'd known him for years and your very first assignment had been with him. Your friendship had evolved over the years into a kind of friends-with-benefits/fuck-buddies relationship until a few weeks ago. Since the uranium mission, he wanted more than that, and so did you. You two tried to keep your relationship secret because you suspected it could jeopardize either of your careers, and mostly because you knew your father would not approve.
He always thought the guys you dated were not good enough for you. And as annoying as it was, he was always right. He scared away some of them and when you thought back about it, it's a good thing he did.
Truth be told, you have been in love with Bradley for so long that sometimes it hurted. 
You had tried to tell him so many times in the past, but you were afraid of losing what little intimacy you had with him. So when he asked you out, first thing after the uranium mission, it felt like a weight had been lifted off your shoulders. The hope that your feelings would be reciprocated had invaded your heart and mind, and you felt like it was the first time you were in love. It wasn’t of course, but you were all giddy about it.
You didn’t like to lie to your dad, he knew you too much to know everything in just one look. 
But it was worth it, wasn’t it ?
You hoped it was.
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After a well-deserved shower, you changed into clean, comfortable clothes that actually suited you. You put on your helmet and rode to the bar with your motorbike. Your mother hated when you used that ‘death machine’ and your father wasn't really fond of it either. It reminded him of Maverick. He wasn’t fond of Maverick. It always made you laugh watching your dad trying to remain calm in front of the Captain. You’ve never seen a man getting on his nerves that much.
The Hard Deck was already busy when you parked ; a totally normal Friday night , you thought. Looking around, you spotted Natasha’s, Javy’s and Bradley’s cars.
Penny nodded at you with a smile as you entered. The Daggers were in their usual places and Bradley seemed to be winning the pool game against Jake. In a desperate attempt to break his concentration, Jake chuckled, "Your girlfriend's here, Bradshaw”.
The whole team had discovered your relationship, of course, but swore to keep it a secret. You were grateful to them, but Jake being himself, he couldn't resist taking a dig at you. 
You rolled your eyes and took a seat next to Bob, watching the two eternal rivals finish their game. You caught up with Mickey and theorized with him on the last episodes of Kenobi then made your way towards Penny at the bar to buy your round of beers. As you waited for your drinks at the counter, you felt two hands around your waist.
"You're late, Second Lieutenant ."
"Had to fix your teammates’ jets, Lieutenant , tell them to be more careful," you grinned, leaning your back against your boyfriend's torso. You heard him chuckle softly as he whispered that you were an ‘idiot' and kissed the top of your head.
"Sorry about our date, I'll make it up to you."
"You bet your sweet ass you will," Bradley snickered at the squeal you let out as he spanked you a little, “But right now, you owe me a dance to celebrate my victory against Hangman.”
He took your hand as you rolled your eyes but followed him. Your whole body pressed against his, arms around his neck, the room faded away. All you could feel and see was him; one of his hands on the small of your back, the other on your hip, guiding you. The warmth of his body was like a spell that kept you close, not wanting to let go.His hands roamed down your back making you shiver. It felt like you belonged there.
You couldn’t let go of his eyes, hypnotized. He had such beautiful eyes ; those hazel brown orbs were magnetic, so infuriatingly charming. 
One of your hands gently stroked his scarred cheek and he leaned into your touch, smiling like an idiot and humming the song you were slow dancing to. His smile always sent butterflies to your stomach and heat to your cheeks. It was almost annoying how easily you fell for his charms.
The two of you danced until the song ended and you pulled him by the collar to kiss him. You felt his hands slip into the back pockets of your jeans, shamelessly squeezing your ass, and his proud grin against your lips. You bit his as you pulled away from the kiss.
"Okay, lovebirds , get a room," Jake complained and you flipped him off, still in Bradley's arms.
"Don't be jealous Jakey, your time will come," you teased, making your partner chuckle.
"She's right Seresin, just wait till you're a big boy."
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The evening continued quietly, with one beer after another, a few games of darts and pool, and a few songs on the piano for Bradley. 
You watched him from the bar, mesmerized, an affectionate smile on your face. You still wondered how you'd managed to get his attention; this man could have anyone he wanted with his smile combined with a little song, the sweetness with which he spoke, his sarcasms, his eyes so soft and intense at the same time, his stupid, stupid, cocky grin... God, you were definitely and undoubtedly under his spell, mind and heart.
Your eyes never left his form for more than five seconds. You looked at him as if you wanted to learn every aspect of his physique; but to be honest, you already knew him by heart. 
You could locate every beauty mark, every scar - and tell its story - and where his birthmark was. You could describe every shade of brown in his eyes, depending on the light or his emotions. You knew every expression on his face; when he was angry, frustrated, sad, or playful. You knew exactly where and how to touch him to make him putty in your hands, every positively sensitive area and those to avoid.
And yet, every time you looked at him, behind the piano, laughing with his friends, you discovered a new detail that made you love him even more.
The way he cared for all of them - even Jake, his "archenemy" - and knew just what to do to make them feel better and laugh. How he always listened to what they had to share, good or bad, and offered to help. How he'd always protect them as if they were his siblings, his rather hazardous family.
Speaking of hazardous family, it always made you laugh how Bradley could be so like Pete and like your dad. It was sometimes a mixture of arrogance and calm, defiance and seriousness. Part of you was sure that if they tried, your dad and Bradley would get along. But were they willing to ?
As you were lost in your thoughts, you didn’t notice a man, a little younger than you, sitting next to your stool. He started talking, trying to flirt, but you didn’t really pay attention, still absorbed by your boyfriend’s silliness, until he clicked his fingers in front of your face.
“Hey, ‘m talking to you doll. You should really pay attention when someone is talking to you, got it ?”
You sipped your beer and looked at him out of the corner of your eye. He continued his flirtatious attempts, bragging that he was one of the best in his class at Top Gun. He kept trying to get your attention by snapping his fingers or grabbing your arm. His breath was clearly too close to your face and stinked a mixture of beer and chips. 
It really started to annoy you, so it was your turn to snap your fingers in his face.
"I'm not interested,” you snapped your fingers again, “If a girl ignores you, it's because she doesn't want to talk to you, got it ?"
You got off your stool, ready to join the Daggers by the piano. But a hand gripped your wrist and the man pulled you close to him. You could see a hint of anger and annoyance in his eyes, but it didn’t scare you. You were used to guys like him, thinking they own every woman they see. 
“Listen doll, I was nice until now. Give me your number and I’ll forgive you,” he grinned, his buddies sneering behind him, as if they were proud of him. You couldn’t help but giggle at the scene. What kind of bad joke was that ?
In one swift motion, you released your wrist and pinned his arm behind his back. You bent him violently over the bar and locked him in that position, pressing down just enough to hurt and immobilize him. 
"One false move and I will dislocate your arm," you threatened in his ear as a few glances turned in your direction. "Now listen to me carefully. This is the last time you'll talk to me or any woman like that. Understood?"
He grunted and struggled a little. You pressed harder and repeated, "Understood?"
"Okay! Okay, I understand! Get off me!"
The man growled again and you finally let go. Penny gave you a look that you understood as a warning and you smiled innocently to her. The man and his group walked away with a grunt, giving you one last murderous look. You smiled broadly and made a mocking curtsy. 
Bradley raised an eyebrow as they passed him, muttering that you were a "crazy bitch". You joined him with two beers, one for him and one for you.
"What happened?"
"Nothing to worry about, just some big macho guy. He didn't like that I wasn't paying attention to him. I just put him in his place."
You shrugged with a smile and Bradley shook his head, laughing a little, knowing exactly what you meant. He put his arm around your waist and kissed your temple. 
"I know you can defend yourself, but don't get yourself in trouble, Stormy."
"Don't worry, if I get in trouble, my knight in shining armor will come and rescue me, won't he?" you teased. He chuckled but nodded before taking you on his lap at the piano. He started a new song that had the remaining customers singing and dancing.
***
The end of the evening was a bit hazy.
You'd had too much to drink to get back on your bike, so it was Bradley who drove you home. You pulled your boyfriend into your small house - he offered no resistance - and kissed him as if your life depended on it, as if that simple contact made your heart beat. His hands roamed your body with hunger, and yours tore his Hawaiian shirt from his back. You thought of nothing but Bradley, his soft lips devouring your jaw and neck, leaving a few marks where he passed, his hands so warm on your skin, his breath making you shiver. 
You wandered back to your room, kicking off your shoes, and your clothes ended up in a pile at the end of your bed. 
You loved doing it with Bradley. He gave you everything you wanted and so much more. You'd never been as fulfilled as you were with him. It was as if he knew everything about how your body worked, that it held no secrets for him. 
Your nightly activities have drained you both of what little energy you had left, and you fell asleep hugging each other, as if afraid the other will evaporate.
The next morning, it was not your massive headache that woke you, but the sound of several cars and children laughing outside your house. What day was it? Was it Saturday? It was Saturday!
You jumped to your feet as Bradley mumbled something unintelligible.
"Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit!" You shook your boyfriend and wrapped yourself in a blanket as you heard the sound of a key turning in the front door lock.
"Bradley, get up!"
"Mmh, five minutes..." he mumbled, burying his face in the pillow. You heard the door open and small footsteps running toward your room. You panicked and shook him harder.
"We don't have five minutes! Get your ass up!" 
You grabbed the first thing you could get your hands on: panties and Bradley's tank top. You stumbled to your bedroom door to get out before one of your nephews’ innocent eyes discovered their aunt and a man they didn't know naked as worms in her bed. You tried to look as natural as possible as you quickly closed the door behind you. Standing in front of you was Jack, your three-year-old nephew. He was Nathan’s, your oldest brother, son. He laughed as he threw himself on your legs to give you a hug.
"Oh my God, hi sweetie! You're early!"
"Dada said we'd surprise you, Auntie! And Pop-Pop is here too!" the little boy laughed.
"What a nice thought!" you tried not to sound too ironic as you picked him up to give him a kiss and rearrange his wild blond hair. "Auntie needs to get dressed, okay? Go wait with your dad in the living room!"
You gave him one last kiss and made sure he ran to the living room before storming back to your bedroom. How could you forget that your brothers were visiting today? You were so screwed! A million thoughts went through your head and one thing made you snap out of it; Bradley yawning and taking his sweet time getting up. You grumbled and attacked him with a pillow.
"Hey! What was that for?"
"We're in deep shit Bradley! My whole family is here! They weren't supposed to be up this early!"
"What?" he blinked and narrowed his eyes, trying to process what you'd just told him. You started to rattle on about how your brothers got their permission for your mom's birthday, but your brothers were here super early with their wifes, their kids, and your mom and dad. Bradley had trouble following what you were saying because you were talking really fast. 
“Babe,” he tried to interrupt you, but you kept mumbling and pacing next to the bed, “Y/N, baby, calm down!” 
He grabbed your wrist, pulling you to sit in front of him. His free hand cupped your cheek tenderly as he guided you into breathing to calm yourself down.
“Okay… mind explaining slower what is happening here ?”
You sighed and nodded before re-explaining the whole situation to him. “But they weren’t supposed to come here this early ! The surprise lunch for my mom was supposed to be at home, not in my flat ! And my dad is here. My dad ! What are we going to say ?”
You cursed again, rubbing your temples. Bradley took your hands in his to make you look at him and stole a kiss from you. You sighed against his lips, your tension going away slightly. He then pressed his forehead to yours, stroking your cheeks to soothe you.
“How about we get dressed and just… join them in the living room ?”
“You really want to face my dad ?” you raised one eyebrow, surprised but really relieved that he didn’t propose to just sneak out.
“Yeah ? I mean, the man already has doubts, you’ve said it yourself… and it’s your mother’s birthday, your whole army of men won’t be able to kill me. Not today at least.”
You chuckled at his joking tone and at the silly smile he has on his face. You pecked his lips with a grin. “Okay then Lieutenant , let’s get dressed.”
“Yes ma’am!” 
He gave you one last tender kiss, and when the two of you went to get up, a little giggle made you both freeze.
“Auntie who that ? And why he nakey ?”
Your nephew’s voice asked. He was standing by the door, a playful smile on his chubby face, and his little finger pointing at your embarrassed boyfriend. Bradley quickly covered himself more, lifting the sheet at his chin, and you ran to get little Jack in your arms.
“How did he get here ??” Bradley scream-whispered at you, hiding himself while trying to get dressed.
“I don’t know !” you scream-whispered back before turning your attention back to the toddler who was babbling in your arms, “Jack, honey, why aren’t you with your dad and pop-pop ?”
Before he could answer, your sister in law was by your bedroom, apologizing. She didn’t notice Bradley right away, but when she did, a small cheeky smile curled on her lip.
“Hi there, sorry to have him interrupted you two.”
“Annie, it’s not what it looks like-” you blushed when you understood what she implied but Bradley interrupted you by presenting himself and shaking her hand with a wide smile. They chat while you put on a pair of jeans, keeping on Bradley’s tank top. Never in your life had you been this embarrassed.
Little Jack looked at your boyfriend with wide-eyed wonder. He loved meeting new people, and Bradley seemed fascinating to his young eyes. It was no wonder when every time Annie spoke to you, Bradley would make faces at the little boy and make him giggle. 
Bradley already had him in his pocket, so that was a good thing. Annie seemed to like him too, at least you thought so from the mischievous looks she gave you. 
As you crossed the hallway to join the rest of your family, a wave of nervousness ran through you. You grabbed Bradley by the sleeve of his Hawaiian shirt and turned him toward you. You pulled him into a hug to relax and to give yourself courage.
"Promise you won't hate me?"
"Why would I hate you?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"They'll probably try to impress you, my brothers I mean... and my dad... you know how he can be..."
"Oh honey... It takes more than that to scare me. I'll be fine."
He kissed your forehead and you walked into the living room.
You greeted everyone, your father not immediately aware of Bradley's presence. You introduced him to your brothers first, Nathan, Aaron and Jamie, and they didn't do anything strange at first; they were probably waiting for you to introduce him to your father to see what sauce to cook him in.
Beau and Vivian, your mother, were too busy admiring your niece, five-month-old Juliet, to notice Bradley's presence. She was fast asleep in the arms of Jamie's fiancée, Alice. She greeted you with a smile when you waved.
"Awake at last, Stormy?" your father asked before freezing and losing his smile at the sight of your boyfriend, " Lieutenant Bradshaw. ".
His cold, hard tone made you sigh a little as the two men shook hands in greeting. 
“Good morning Vice Admiral Simpson.” 
They were way too formal, it was ridiculous. Your mother had the same reaction as you and introduced herself to Bradley with a warm smile and a hug.
"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Simpson."
"Oh, please, just call me Viv!" she laughed a little, waving her hand. Then she turned to you, discreetly gave you both thumbs up and winked at you. 
Good. Bradley seemed to have charmed your mother with just a smile.
Still, you could feel your father tense up behind you as Bradley got to know everyone. He remained very polite and smiled, even letting Jack, Oliver and Tommy - Aaron's twin sons - pull him out to play in the little garden. Your father grabbed your arm. "Kitchen. Now. We need to talk." He seemed a little upset, and you could understand; you'd lied to him.
"Care to explain yourself?" He crossed his arms on his chest, a stern look on his face. 
You didn't like that look. He used to have it when he scolded you when you were a teenager, when you would sneak out of the house to go to a party or to meet up with your then-boyfriend. For a moment, you were 16 again, caught in the act.
You sighed at his insistent and questioning look.
"I uh... He’s... we’re... we've been seeing each other for… a few weeks..."
"A few weeks? So you've been lying to me for weeks?"
"I haven't lied! At least not completely..." you mumbled, biting your fingernail.
"Y/N. Why didn't you tell me?"
"Seriously Dad? You've made it pretty clear that you don't really like him, I mean outside of work."
"I never said that."
You widened your eyes, shocked at his bad faith. 
"Are you kidding me? You've made it clear that you don't want me around him because he's too much like Maverick! Every time I mentioned him, you made your… disapproving face. The same one you made every time I mentioned my old boyfriends, or when I wanted to get a motorcycle, or when the boys tried to bleach their hair in high school !"
"I don't have a disapproving face," he grumbled, "and it's not because he’s like Maverick that I don't want you around him, it's because he can be called back on a mission at any time. I don't want that to break your heart."
"Oh ! But it's okay for Nathan, Aaron, and Jamie to break the hearts of their partners? Of their children? It was okay for you to risk breaking Mom's heart and ours? What kind of cardboard argument is that, Dad?" You raised your arms in disbelief as you started to walk out of the kitchen, but you stopped and turned back to face him. "I know you want to protect me, but... you can't do that about things like that. I know you know better than anyone the risks of this job, the sacrifices it requires. But Bradley knows them as well, if not better, than you do. And as much as it scares me, as much as it scares us... we want to try… And even if you don't like it, we'll give it a try. Because I almost lost him once without really being able to be with him..."
Your father sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. From the kitchen window you could see Bradley playing with your nephews, under your mother's and in laws’ amused and tender eyes. A small smile crept across your lips as the little ones called you over to help hold Bradley down. You hurried to join them, and your mother joined your father.
"Our boys and the little ones seem to like this Lieutenant…”
“Seems like it…”  
“He reminds me a little of you when we first met..." Vivian chuckled to Beau as she hugged him. 
"Really?" the man wondered, "and how?"
"Well, he has that same sparkle in his eyes... the one that calls for adventure, that gentle and loving look when his eyes land on our Storm... and he's also very good with children," she laughed at his slightly embarrassed expression, "You should give him a chance... our princess looks so relaxed with him... look at her… look at her smile…"
He lifted his head and watched the two of you having fun with the three little boys and sighed. His wife was right. You looked so happy in Bradley's arms, waltzing and laughing with the kids. He'd never seen you look so radiant, as cliché as it sounded. Your brothers also seemed to have accepted the newcomer without too much fuss. So Beau seemed to be the only one who was uncomfortable with the whole situation.
He nodded and kissed his wife on the forehead. "Okay, I'll try... but I'm not promising anything."
Vivian rolled her eyes with a smile on her face. She knew for a fact that your father would quickly accept Bradley as well.
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Lunch went off without a hitch, Beau swallowing his pride not to be as awkward with Bradley as possible, although he did draw a few murderous looks from your father when he put his hand a little too high on your thigh or lower back. After dessert, he helped your brothers put the kids down for a nap and let them share the convertible bed in your little study. Your sisters-in-law and your brother-in-law, Evan - Aaron's husband - helped you with the dishes. They gently teased you that Bradley was a very handsome young man and that you had chosen well. 
"I know I did. Look at you all, we Simpsons always have good taste," you sniped back with a wink and a teasing smile, making them laugh.
"Wait, wait, wait... So he was your regular booty call after your first assignment?" Evan seemed to realize. You shushed him and made sure that your parents didn't hear him say that. Annie laughed a little and grabbed your shoulder, making you look into her eyes. 
"I can see why you qualified him as the best sex of your life after the upper body I saw this morning," she teased you again, making your face completely flush. You practically begged her to stop talking about your sex life, very embarrassed. But the three of them could be little bullies and they loved to tease you sometimes.
"Guys, please stop. If my father hears you-"
"Hear what, Stormy?"
You turned and paled a little under your father's cold gaze and tight smile. Your sister-in-law and brother-in-law took the opportunity to run off like teenagers, and of course Bradley arrived just then, smiling carelessly. 
"The three cataclysms are finally asleep. Is everything okay in here?" he asked as he joined you in front of your father. He immediately wiped the smile off his face when he saw the look on Beau's face.
"You're lucky it's my wife's birthday, Bradshaw," he growled, his eyes staring straight into your souls, "but if I hear one more detail about your... nocturnal activities, I'm going to make sure that the two of you are as far away from each other as possible, even if it means sending one of you to Japan or Korea. Are we clear?"
"Yes, sir," Bradley replied promptly, "Clear as day.”
"For God's sake, Dad, aren't you being a little extreme? I'm a responsible adult-"
"I'm warning you, I don't want another grandchild too soon. Keep it in your pants."
"Dad!!"
Just when you thought you couldn't get any more embarrassed, your dad had the right words. He left the two of you in the kitchen, muttering that he was getting too old for this. 
"Oh my God..." You cursed as you hid your face in your hands and turned towards the sink. Of all the weird things that could happen, you'd really hoped no one would mention your sex life. You felt a little angry, but more than that, you were extremely embarrassed. You let out a shaky breath, your hands gripping the counter as you lowered your head. You felt the warmth of Bradley's body enveloping you as he wrapped his arms around your waist, his front against your back and his chin resting on your shoulder.
"I'm so sorry..."
"Why are you apologizing, babe? I told you it would take more than that to scare me off... Maybe your dad hasn't fallen for the Bradshaw charm yet, but I'm working on it..." he tried to cheer you up, "And now I have an army of kids who love me, I can order them to defend me."
You smiled, amused at his silliness. "You're really good with kids, but I think it's them who will command you..."
"Maybe you're right," he laughed a little and kissed the hollow of your neck, his mustache tickling you, "but your mother has already adopted me. I'm protected."
You laughed with him, your embarrassment and anger disappearing. You leaned against him, enjoying the hug he offered you. These simple gestures were so comforting that it was almost frightening how quickly he could soothe you. You closed your eyes as he hummed and softly danced with you in the kitchen. It was so cliché, right out of a rom-com, but you couldn’t care less.
After a few minutes, you regained enough courage to join the rest of your family in the living room. Your in-laws gave you apologetic looks, and your brothers were a little lost, but didn't dare ask. 
For the rest of the afternoon, Bradley learned every little anecdote your mother had to share; whether it was about your brothers, you, or even your father, she was more than happy to share with him. Jamie and Alice had fallen asleep in the garden, making your mother smile in awe. Nathan laughed a little with Aaron. "We warned them that a newborn was exhausting, but they insisted on coming here their own way...". 
You laughed a little too, it was true they looked exhausted. But little Juliet was so cute that they forgot how tired they were. 
Speaking of her, the baby phone warned everyone that she was waking up. You volunteered to warm her bottle and Bradley went to get her. Alice had put the travel crib in your room so the other three children would not be disturbed if Juliet woke up. 
When the milk was at the right temperature, you joined Bradley in your room. Your cheeks flushed and you felt butterflies in your stomach when you saw him holding the little one. He rocked her gently, stroking her cheek with his index finger. He seemed so natural that it made you fall even more in love with him. 
You shook your head, your father's voice echoing in your head: "No more grandchildren for now.”
You joined him and let him gently place the baby in your arms. You smiled and fed the hungry five-month-old in your arms. Bradley leaned against the doorframe and watched you with a soft smile. You, too, were a natural with children. Juliet seemed so comfortable in your arms and you seemed so relaxed. He found himself daydreaming about the two of you having children together. He blushed as he imagined you pregnant with his baby... and Nathan giggled behind him. "Calm your horses Bradshaw, you're not putting a baby in my sister anytime soon."
Bradley's face turned as bright red as yours. "Nathan, shut up!" you yelled-whispered at him, careful not to disturb the eating baby in your arms.
“What? You heard our old man, "No more grandchildren for now!”” Nathan grinned and put his arm around Bradley's shoulders.
"I can't promise that..." Bradley mumbled softly, mesmerized by the sight of you holding Juliet against you as you burped her after she had finished her bottle. Nathan's eyes widened and he tried his best not to burst out laughing. "What did you say, Brad’ ? I think I misheard you?"
You blushed as you realized what your boyfriend had just said.
"I... Nothing!" Bradley defended himself weakly, very embarrassed. Nathan teased him until your mother told him to stop, threatening him with no cake after dinner. He immediately stopped and went to get his son after whispering to Bradley that he wouldn't forget what he had just said. You decided not to talk about it, feeling a little embarrassed as well.
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It wasn't long before dinnertime arrived, and your father was relaxed and talking with Bradley. You even caught them laughing together. This interaction was reassuring for the rest of the evening.
As usual, your mother had cooked for a regiment, and your refrigerator was full of leftovers. She made Bradley promise to stop by the family home and look at the family albums and your childhood bedroom. He laughed a little but agreed. 
You walked everyone back to their cars, helped them with the kids' stuff, and your dad gave you one last hug and said good night. He said goodbye to Bradley with a slight smile and a quick hug. 
When everyone was gone, you collapsed on your sofa, drained of all energy. Bradley joined you with a smile and pulled you right into his arms.
"That didn't go so badly after all..."
You nodded, yawned and put your arms around him. You thought back to the day that had just passed, to that roller coaster of emotions, and laughed a little.
"So... eager to put a baby inside me Lieutenant?"
"Oh my God Y/N!!" Bradley blushed, hiding his face behind his fists in total embarrassment. You laughed and teased him about it. You preferred to take it as a joke because neither of you were anywhere near ready to have children of your own, you both agreed on that. Or did you?
He turned to you, a serious expression on his face.
"And what if I am? Would you... would you be on board to have kids with me? Not right now, of course, but... I... I can't imagine a future without you in it, and I'd like to have kids with you. I know we haven't really been together that long, but we've known each other for a long time... and oh my God, I'm rumbling," he groaned, rubbing his face before looking back at you. "What I mean is that I love you and I don't want to live without you. Maybe it's rushed, maybe you-"
You interrupted him, pulled him by the collar and kissed him. You didn’t know what came over you; maybe it was the fact that he had just admitted his feelings, or the fact that he was already planning a life with you. Maybe both. Certainly both.
"I love you too," you whispered between two kisses, "and I don't want to be without you either... and I would love to start a family with you someday, Lieutenant Bradshaw..."
You smiled, your forehead pressed against his, and he chuckled in relief.
"Today was really like you... a storm..." he sighed, smiling and stroking your cheeks.
"I know... are you sure you can keep up with my family?" you teased, "Now that you've messed with the storm, the cyclone will never be far away."
"Wouldn't have it any other way, Stormy."
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learnwithmearticles · 7 months
Text
A Violation of Two Amendments
If you’ve seen a lot of posts online about KOSA, it’s because it has the potential to drastically change the internet.
The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) is a proposed bill receiving U.S. Democratic and Republican support.
It pulls on strong concerns about the safety of children, especially the fabricated concerns of LGBT+ topics propagandized by conservatives. It would permit the government to censor the internet at will, restricting what information is available online for everyone, even people in other countries.
The bill would permit attorneys general to prevent basic information about healthcare, mental health, world news, and more from being accessible online, keeping adults as well as children from finding important information and resources.
There are valid concerns about the internet and its ability to harm people, especially children. I have written a thesis specifically about the relationships between mental health and social media. In no way would I ever advocate for increased censorship in the way that this bill does.
It specifically violates the First Amendment of the Constitution, inserting governmental control over people’s speech, the sharing of news, and the sharing of opinions. This would be placing the responsibility of parenting on the government, and allowing them to determine exactly what children -and adults- are allowed to learn.
Furthermore, it is disguised as a bill to ‘protect children’, and that phrase itself has unfortunately become a dog whistle for conservatives referring to LGBT+ topics existing in the world. This bill is extremely dangerous to young LGBT+ individuals.
It is also dangerous to people of different races, nationalities, economic backgrounds, and gun owners. This is because it would virtually mandate age verification. This poses danger for children, people facing domestic abuse, and houseless people, as well as violating the Fourteenth Amendment, which asserts that the state cannot exert undue control over its citizens’ private lives.
Many organizations and websites have initiated petitions and calls to action to express disapproval of this bill, outlining its rights violations, and helping individuals find out how to contact their senators. Some of those resources are linked below.
Additional Resources
1.https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2024/02/dont-fall-latest-changes-dangerous-kids-online-safety-act
2. https://www.stopkosa.com/
3.https://www.change.org/p/save-our-free-and-open-internet-stop-the-kids-online-safety-act4. https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/censorship-wont-make-kids-safe?nowrapper=true
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thatfreshi · 1 year
Note
can i request the reader has an emotionally abusive parent and astarion finds out and protects and comforts her?
TW - Emotional abuse, gaslighting, domestic violence
Recommended Song: The Archer - Adam Melchor
After settling down in Baldur's Gate again, you and Astarion have been slowly trying to fit back into the city. It's hard though, after such a long adventure, after trauma and perilous feats, to just be a person. You've reached out to a couple of old friends, trying your best to explain everything without revealing too much, especially without Astarion jokingly baring his fangs and saying "Be warned, I bite." The dumbass seems to think reverse psychology works on everyone.
So word slowly gets out that you're back in town. People that you knew forever ago suddenly stop by the house, and each time Astarion has to double-check that you know them, paranoid about people coming into the home you've built for the two of you. You don't blame him one bit.
It's a Summer afternoon, and you've just come in from tending your little backyard garden. Astarion calls out to you as you come in the back door.
"Darling, there's yet another person here to see you."
He gets a little overwhelmed by all these people wanting to come see you, but he tries his best to be supportive.
"Alright, coming."
You take off your gloves and hang them up by the door, making your way to the front of the house.
"Who is it?"
"Not sure, she wouldn't say."
He opens the door, and a shiver runs down your spine. Your mother.
"Oh, it's so good to see you Tav."
She lunges for an embrace before you can step away, your body is in shock. 'Why is she here?' 'How did she find out?' 'Who could've possibly told her you were back in town?'
"And who is this handsome man?"
Astarion realizes you're a little stunned, and he takes over the conversation for you.
"Astarion, and who might you be?"
"Well I'm Tav's mother of course! I'm sure she's told you all about me." He words are lined with spite, poison dripping out of her mouth. Your vampiric lover senses the tension, and yet you quickly switch tones.
"Come on in mother, we can show you around."
A fake smile, a facade. He's taught you well how to hide your intent, especially in peril.
"Yes, of course."
His voice trails off, wondering what you're up to. You simply start a tour of the house, acting like you would with any old friend.
"So obviously here's the little living space. I'd like to have some more plants in here, but somebody has to have a place to store all his books."
You try to shoot him a playful look, but when you meet eyes both of you know it's wrong. You chuckle a little too late, almost robotically.
"Ah yes, Tav here used to read all the time as a little one. Read all those silly little adventure books, even wanted to go on one."
"Yes, but-"
"BUT, instead we kept our lovely little offspring around to help with the business for a while, convinced Tav it was best to help the family."
Something triggered in Astarion's brain, the way she said family.
"Yes, of course mother. It was the right thing to do after all."
He realizes you never spoke about your parents, or about any of your family members for that matter. You've always spoken so freely, without a care in the world. Suddenly you were stiff, conforming to a conversation that you had no control over.
"Well, everyone must leave the nest eventually."
He smiles, trying to relieve the tension, still analyzing your movements.
"Well, my child here just up and disappeared a couple years back, left me and my husband in shambles."
Clearly she didn't know about the nautiloid, or about any of your adventures.
"And yet suddenly here you are, a house, a lovely man, and you feel no need to tell your parents you're home? After all, we could always use the help."
"Well, Astarion and I have been very busy mother, finishing up the house, settling in."
"You know I could've helped with all that."
"We've been managing fine."
The conversation starts to get aggressive. Astarion goes into that protective stance of his, standing tall next to you and wrapping his arm around you.
"Yes, if we ever need help we'll certainly reach out."
There's a slight hiss at the end of his sentence, and you nudge him in the side, trying to get him to keep his composure.
"No need to get all defensive. Tav and I, we understand each other. I just worry, my child being out in the wild, adventuring through forests with all those miserable monsters."
"Would've been better being away from the worst of them."
You mutter under your breath. It's frustrating, this woman coming back into your life, trying to convince you to come back and 'help' her out with the business. You did almost all the work, under her hand. And when you said you wanted to leave and go out on a grand quest...
"You know what, you need to leave."
You finally speak up.
"Excuse me?"
She's shocked.
"Yeah, before there's another accident. Would hate if I broke my leg again."
Astarion's grip tenses.
"That was a sad coincidence and you know it Tav."
"No, you pulled the ladder out from under me while I was climbing to fix something on the roof, and I fell and shattered my leg, and this just so happened to be the day after I told you I was going to leave the city."
"I was trying to stabilize it after I saw it was falling. Don't blame your poor mother."
"And what about when you refused to have a cleric come see me, and I was on bed rest for months on end, while you did nothing."
Your mother goes to speak again, but Astarion cuts her off.
"As my lovely partner here has already said, I think you need to leave, now."
He unwraps himself from you, stepping towards the defensive woman.
"There's no way you believe Tav's idiotic lies. Don't be a fool."
"You're the fool, a fool who's about to lose their head if you don't turn around and leave this house."
She goes to say something else, watching as he goes to grab his trusty dagger. Instead she simply huffs, and storms out the door. Astarion slams it behind her.
"You'll come back Tav, you'll see reason!"
He quickly deadbolts the door and comes back over to you, and you finally break down. That woman, she terrorized you your entire childhood, and some mind flayer ship took you away from her, thankfully.
"You... you never told me about your mother."
"Yeah, I didn't think it really compared to all of your shit."
You wipe at your eyes.
"Now, we don't need to compare apples and oranges my love. It's abuse, all the same, all evil."
He holds you for a while. You're still nervous you'll hear banging on the door, but hopefully Astarion scared her off well enough.
"She'll never be back here, not if I have something to say about it. Here, come sit."
You make your way to the sofa, and he just holds you for a while. It's silent, except for his breathing and a few soft sobs from your sorrows.
"You know, I don't mean to pry, and you don't have to answer if you don't wish to... but did she really let you suffer like that? With your leg just, shattered?"
"Mhm. I couldn't walk for months. I still don't think it ever healed properly. I begged for her to get someone to come look at it, and she just kept saying 'no Tav, they'll just charge us for some bogus potions' and that was that."
He wraps his arms around you tighter than ever. He's lost in thought, going between thoughts of your pains and his own.
"We're so lucky."
You're a little surprised. It's not often he's such an optimist, especially at times like this.
"What do you mean?"
"I think we understand each other better than anyone. Your griefs echo mine, it just makes sense. Not to say I'm happy you went through that... but we're just lucky, lucky to have each other."
You plant a gentle kiss on his hand.
"I agree darling. Thank you, for always being here for me."
"Only because I know you'd do the same for me, my love."
The two of you stay cuddled there for a long time, not really saying or thinking anything. Just two people, sitting in the air of each other's freedom. Just two lovers who were the first to be loved by one another.
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Alastor x Reader Chapter 2
Whiskey Cake and Beignets
TW: Death, Racism, Misogyny, Murder, Violence, Sexual Themes, Domestic Violence, Abuse, AFAB Reader Chapter 1 | Chapter 3
Edited by @willowaudreykeyes
Set in the 1920s, the reader is a young intern at the new hit broadcasting studio in New Orleans. She originally came from a small town in Texas, so she has a thick southern drawl and a personality that drips like honey. She left home due to her more liberal views compared to her family. Because of this, she seeks out the first job that would take a female: an assistant to the new hit voice in New Orleans.
Alastor is put off by the overly sweet southern girl, expecting that when she is alone with him, her distaste for his skin color will come out. However, it never does. As they have wacky mishaps, murder, and love, they intertwine their fates in life and especially in death.
You were awoken by the sound of your alarm clock and the gentle breeze through your bedroom window. Glistening light from the sun showers around you angelically as you stretch, looking at the time. You silenced the loud sound and lay in your bed looking at the ceiling; you couldn’t believe it had happened. You were on your own and in a new city; two days had passed since seeing your mother and watching your father destroy your family. You didn’t know what you hoped for more, waking up and it all being a dream or that you successfully escaped where he couldn’t harm you anymore. 
Rolling onto your side, you looked at the empty spaces in the room. This differed from your childhood room with all your drawings, medals, and stuffed toys. This was barren, blank, brand new to you. Looking at the time again, you only had an hour before needing to be at the employment offices. Sighing, you stood and stretched again, taking it all in; you could choose to be sad or make the most of it. You could become something. 
Making your way to the closet, you picked out a lovely dress; it was dark green and complimented your skin and eyes. Heading to the bathroom with your dress, you hang it up and turn on the shower. As you looked in the fogging mirror, you saw a stranger. Your whole life, you had been Michael and Carla’s daughter. You had been their prodigy—your father’s toy. Shuddering at the thought of the beatings and abuse your father would dish out, you looked away and entered the shower. The piercing hot water dwelled your nerves slightly, yet your mind continued to wonder. Would you get a job? Women working was blasphemous where you were from. They were to be homemakers and child bearers. Would you have to go back home? That thought chilled you to the bone as you remembered your father’s face. He would kill you; No doubt in your mind, he would either lock you up and abuse you more or kill you. Swallowing harshly, tears began to form; what will you do if none of this works out? 
Trying to empty your head before your meeting, you quickly washed up, ensuring you looked prim and proper. Exiting the shower, you saw the scared little girl in the mirror this time, the one who begged her father to stop beating her mother, who begged her father to stop touching her. Fear coursed through your veins as you thought of what he could have possibly done to your mother. Shaking your head, you grab the dress and change quickly. Pulling your hair back into a bun, you held it down with a black bun bonnet with little white pearls. It was the last good thing your father ever gave you. Looking in your bag, you realized you had no makeup; your father, always calling it devil's paint, must have neglected that in your forcefully packed bags. 
You sighed and exited the bathroom. You still needed to cash Dianna’s check, and then you could go and buy food and makeup, maybe even new clothes if you got a job. Nodding, you entered the living room and grabbed your clutch; slipping on your black Mary Janes, you exited. Fishing for your keys to lock your door, you heard the beautiful voice again, the one from the radio. Listening carefully, you realize it was singing this time. Dear Radio Host sang a smooth jazz beat to welcome New Orleans to the new morning. You smiled softly, feeling at ease. His voice was so soothing and made your troubles seem to go away. Locking the door to your apartment, you began to hum the last bit of the tune you heard.
Your first stop was the bank just down the road; Rika had said just past the back was the unemployment office, so it would be a quick one and done. Nodding determinedly, you are headed in the right direction. As you took in the sights and sounds around you, your mind raced with wonder and possibilities. You could see across the river there were big mansions; up the road, you were walking quaint houses, and on the other side of it all, some smaller homes and what you assume, as Rika put it, the Bayou. It was breathtaking during the day, but at night, it was beautiful just from the view you had in your apartment. 
The bank was small but also beautifully cut out of rich stone. Putting on your best smile, you approached the teller and handed her the check. “I would like to pull this money out, please.” The teller looked over the document and scrutinized it. Only a moment later, though, did she hand you the $500 back. 
“Be careful with that. Letting your husband come here for large amounts like that would be best. You don’t want to get robbed, do you?” You nodded at her words, laughing nervously. As you counted the money, you made sure to flash her your left hand so she knew you were, in fact, not married. 
“I will be careful, ma’am. Thank you,” You bowed softly and made your way to the exit. Before leaving, you slipped the money into your clutch and walked to the next-door unemployment office. Even being there early was hectic; people left and right, pushing and pulling, trying to be first. Nervously, you took a number from the roll and sat down; you had never seen so many races and colors before white, brown, caramel, tan, fair. It was beautiful; you couldn’t help but smile. Though, yes, some of the men here were making nasty comments that displeased you, the fact that the whole town wasn’t lynching anyone was astounding. You reminded yourself this was the right decision. 
As the number before yours was called, Alastor, a familiar face, passed you. Rika told you very little about him, but why was he here if he was working as an intern at the radio office? He had some documents in his hands and a warm smile. One of the workers patted his cheek gently, and another stood and hugged him. Was his family well known? As you contemplate the insinuations of the formalities, your number was called. Pulling out of your daze, the young man put you in. You entered the office to speak with one of the representatives. 
It felt like hours of back-and-forth. The whole thing felt demeaning and condescending, especially regarding your family and why you were here. You held firm, allowing for the onslaught of questions and comments. Once the man speaking to you finished, he escorted you out. “I would recommend going home and tending to your husband. If I find anything fitting for a lady, you will be contacted.” He turned up his nose and closed the door.
You sighed, rubbing your temples. You turned to walk when you bumped into someone. “Oh, I am so sorry.” Looking up, it was Alastor. His hands held your arms gently as you had just run into his chest. Up close like this, he was even more gorgeous; looking up at his eyes, it was almost like he had you in a chokehold. 
“No, it is my fault; I should have been watching where I was going. My apologies…” While he spoke, he helped you stand up straight and dusted himself off. He was such a gentleman.
“Oh, um, Y/N. My name is Y/N.” You sounded like such an idiot. If anything, he could tell your nerves were shot as you shook your head and sighed. “Sorry, that whole thing just went horribly. I am a little overwhelmed by it all. Thank you for helping me to situate myself. Have a nice day,” You quickly scampered off your tail between your legs. It was horrible to get privately humiliated by that man in the office and then run into the most handsome man alive. 
Making your way out of the employment offices, you began to walk down the street. You weren’t ready to head back home and explain to Rika how you failed, and Momma D would be so disappointed in you. Aimlessly taking the streets, you see a small cafe called the Cajun Cafe. It was a little on the nose for you, but hey, you were hungry and needed a break from walking. Stepping into the building, it smelt heavenly; maybe even if it was a little on the nose, this was wonderful. You walked up to the counter and ordered a beignet and coffee. You would order tea, but you doubt they would make it as your momma did. Taking your food, you sat in the back corner; you opted to people-watch and enjoy the views before letting doubt cloud your mind again.
Looking out the window, you saw the road Rika took you down to get to the apartments, so the radio office should be nearby. Shaking your head, you scolded yourself. Why do you care so much about that stupid place anyway? You already royally embarrassed yourself in front of Alastor. A heavy sigh left you as a loud noise was heard by the ringing bell of the cafe. The noise came from a young blonde woman rushing in, the same blonde woman from the previous night. Trying to be discreet, you shifted in your seat, ducking your head. You didn’t want her to notice you were here listening and watching.
“Oh, please, I need five black coffees, four orders of beignets, and one whiskey cake.” She spoke rapidly and out of breath. Looking at her, she was gorgeous. Thin, tall, blonde in a nicely tailored baby blue dress. She looked at the time, tapping her foot gently. As they came out with the order, it was clear she would be overrun with the items. Standing, you handed your dishes to one of the workers, their eyes lighting up as you kindly helped them out. You just smiled and nodded at their thank yous. Even if people were more progressive here, classism, misogyny, and racism still seem to be problematic. Looking back at the blonde woman, she looked nearly like she would fall over. Going against your better judgment, you rushed over.
You carefully helped re-situate the food and drinks, holding on to some of it yourself. Thankfully, the woman looked at you, a large smile plastering her face at your generosity. “Oh, thank you so much. They always order so much and send me alone to get it all.” You nodded softly and smiled at the woman yourself.
“It’s not a problem. I am happy to help, lead the way, and I’ll assist you in not ruining that beautiful dress.” Her smile widened at the help and compliment leading the way for you. 
“I do appreciate it so much. Oh! You have such a pretty voice, by the way. Where is your accent from? It is not here from Louisiana or New Orleans, that is for sure.” You looked at her incredulously. How did she know so quickly? Was your accent that much of a dead giveaway? Laughing softly, you gently shook your head.
“My name is Y/N; I am from Texas. Here is my home now.” She looked at you with awe as she led you down the slowly busying street. You saw the Radio Office coming into view. Did she work there too?
“Well, my name is Valarie, and my family is from here; if you just waltz down this road to the end of the street and cross the river, that’s my Daddy’s home.” She was so confident in herself; did she even realize she told you where she lives and was also loaded? Sighing, you continued in time with her, the Radio Office entirely in view, big golden letters spelled out Bayou’s Best Radio. You held back a smile and looked back at the woman.
“Ah, I live in the apartments down the street over there; I don’t know how long I will be living there, though,” You were instantly reminded how you failed at getting a job. You reach the door as your demeanor shifts, and a frown slowly sets in. Opening it for her, you entered the bustling building. It was fascinating: people running around with papers galore, workers looking for the next big hit piece, and four offices with lit ‘ON AIR’ signs. The place took you aback. As you looked around, you could hear Valarie’s voice talking to someone; suddenly, you were pulled from your thoughts when she started taking the drinks from you. Looking at her, you saw just behind her an older man. Could this be Valarie’s father?
“Tony, I know I am late. Can you please stop yelling at me? I just wanted to get the crew something to tide them over until lunch; our call times are so early in the morning.” You looked at the man named Tony and then back to Valarie. So, no, not father but boss. Why would someone like Valarie need a job? 
“Val, I am telling you, kid, you can’t be doing this. I do not care if your father funds this place; I need reliable workers.” You winced at his tone. He sure seemed like a stand-up guy. You watched as the interaction continued. Valarie sighed and crossed her arms stubbornly as Tony kept talking. You felt really out of place. Slowly, you started to back away towards the door. That’s when you bump into someone.
“You know, bump into me anymore, and I will think you are stalking me, woman.” You tensed at the sultry, sweet voice. Looking above you, Alastor stood, his hands holding your arms. You pulled away, watching him dust off his outfit once more. Now that you are trapped and less embarrassed, you look him over. He was wearing some brown dress pants and brown loafers. His button-up shirt was uncuffed and rolled up at the sleeves with a red sweater vest covering it. Simple oval-wired glasses sat on his face. His brown eyes bore into your soul; you could see coffee grounds, honey, autumn, and so many other beautiful things in his eyes. Swallowing, you hear your name.
“Oh hey, Al! This is Y/N. Tony, you can meet her too, I guess. She was at the cafe down the road. I got everyone’s favorites,” You could audibly hear Alastor groan, a dissatisfied look on his face. As she pulled out the beignets, his sour expression only got worse. “Oh, cheer up, sour puss; you are worse than a cat, Al. I got you your Whiskey Cake. They even put extra drizzle on it.” You looked between the two. Was she working here because she was dating Alastor? That would explain why, at least. 
“Why, thank you, Valarie. I do appreciate it. However, I have a job to do. Why don’t you give it to this young lady who seems to keep POPPING up out of nowhere?” His voice held a bite to it even though he was smiling at you. You shook your head, feeling the whiplash at the two instances. As you went to speak, Tony interrupted.
“Wait, Al, you know this broad too? Well, I’ll be damned; look, kid, I need another intern; Val here already works to keep my three lower-tier stars in check. Yet I have been struggling to keep an assistant for this bloke. You seem to be nice with each other; want the job?” You gaped at him like a fish, very unladylike, but you were utterly confused. Did he choose not to hear the bitter undertones in Alastor’s words to you? Or was he playing dumb? 
“Oh no, no, no, it is okay. I had a meeting with the unemployment office. I would feel bad if I didn’t wait for their official response before I take a job.” You heard a snort behind you. Whipping around, you saw Alastor covering his laugh.
“Oh yes, a final response. It looked like you were told to get out because you were a woman.” Your face flushed. What game was this man playing? Was he seeing if you could withstand his torment? Was he trying to scare you off?
“Interesting you were there earlier this morning, Al; I asked you to submit paperwork to get you an assistant. I will ring them up later and tell them we got the perfect girl for the job. You have a nice voice, too, kid. Can you sing at all? Ah, it is alright. If not, we can train you; women’s voices are becoming as popular as men's nowadays.” You looked at the man bug-eyed. He was dead serious, with not a fraction of hesitation in him. 
“No,” you turned to look at Alastor, both of you speaking simultaneously. He also dropped his head to look at you as you made eye contact. He looked offended that you dare say the same thing as him.
“Look, okay,” You took a step away from the conversation. “I didn’t mean to cause a fuss, y’all. I just wanted to help Miss Valarie out. I saw her struggling, and I felt like she could use it. I will be taking my leave.” You made your way to the door, looking up at Alastor, pleading with your eyes for him to move. He didn’t instead, a deep smirk was plastered on his annoying face. God, how the hell did you think this man was gorgeous? He’s annoying. 
“Oh, Tony, isn’t her voice just to die for! You don’t hear a drawl like that around here. I think she would make a great addition to the team. Look at the chemistry between them, too!” You whipped around and looked at Valarie. She stayed pretty quiet until now when she opened her mouth. You grew tired of all these people making choices for you. 
“Look, I will say this one last time: I don’t want your stupid job, okay? I want to go home, so why does an intern need an assistant anyway? There is no way there is that much work and this,” You flailed your arms towards Alastor, he was leaning against the door and checking his nails. “Could need that much help.” As you finished, you saw Valarie smile and look at Tony knowingly. As if the gods hated you more than ever, a new employee came out of one of the ‘ON AIR’ rooms and spotted Alastor. 
“Ah, Al, good that you are here, bud. Your prerecording is almost out; we need you back to get the ball rolling.” He smiled at the group of you. He saw you, though and he rushed over. He was dressed in a similar outfit to Alastor. It was almost too similar, as the colors were all that was different. Where Alastor wore a handsome fitting red, as much as you hated to admit it, this man wore an off-color yellow. It didn’t suit his dirty blonde hair, cornflower blue eyes, or pale white skin tone. He looked out of place; his hair should be slicked back, and he needed more blue in his color palate, whereas Alastor pulled off the disheveled look as much as you hated to admit it again.
“Ah, Richard, my son, look at this fine young lady. Her name was what again?” He looked at Valarie instead of you. You crossed your arms and scoffed.
“Her name is Y/N, sir.” She smiled at you with a thumbs-up. You wanted to give a thumbs-down, but honestly, this was overwhelming. You knew you needed a job, and Alastor was right. You got rejected off the bat. Yet, working here with him after the personality he just showed you, you wondered what happened to the sweet, innocent-looking man at the restaurant.
“Ah yes, Y/N here is gonna be Alastor’s assistant; that way, you can return to just doing sound crew.” You threw your hands up, looking exasperated.
“Do I not get a say in this?” Of course not. You are a woman, though. Still, you thought you would have more choice after leaving your father.
“Now look, Y/N, I understand you are frazzled, as most women are. However, this young man next to you is the hit star of our little production in good ‘ol New Orleans—the infamous Dear Radio Host. However, as you can tell by Al’s complexion, he can’t be seen or my sales and profits tank. I need you to be sure his identity doesn’t get out and help him here and there, too, with whatever he needs.” Tony smiled at you with a creepy grin and moved about the room. “Alrighty, with that settled,” 
“She will not be working for me; I have done perfectly fine running my one-person show. You are the one that said Richard has to help me. I can keep my identity hidden just well enough. This girl here has been popping up out of the blue around me for the last day. How do we know she isn’t some crazed fan.” You glared at Alastor as he spoke. You popped up out of nowhere; that was bull. He could just as easily have been stalking you.
“Al, Y/N lives around here, just up the road. So I highly doubt that she is stalking you,” Valarie said, sending you an apologetic smile. You sighed. You know what? If he is going to be a prick about you helping out, then fine, you will take the job, if only to make him eat his words.
“As I was saying, Tony, this woman and Richard can both.” He began to speak again. Your blood was boiling. Now or never, you guessed.
“I’ll take the job. When do you want me here?” You could feel his cold gaze, a chill running up your spine. Not only had you interrupted a man, which was a big no, but you had also interrupted the man trying to make your life as uncomfortable as possible.
“Oh well, that is settled then, the doll said she would work. I want you here bright and early at four am; we can get you all set up and do some basic training on what you will need to do.” Tony smiled, patting Richards’s back. He walked to the back of the building, lighting a cigar. You sighed and turned to leave, only to be stopped by a face directly in front of yours. 
“Who the fuck do you think you are?” He barely spoke above a whisper, but his voice was threatening; he meant to scare you. You swallowed, looking him dead in the eyes; this was no different from when your dad would get in your face and try to scare you over your decisions. 
“My name is Y/N. It is a pleasure to meet you, Alastor, formally.” You stuck your hand out to shake his. “I am your new personal assistant here at Bayou’s Best Radio. I begin working tomorrow.” You kept your stare steady. You wouldn’t cower down to him or any man any longer. He just smirked, slowly morphing into a smile. He stood up and walked past you.
“You won’t make it past a weak woman, I will ensure that.” He continued standing next to Richard before entering the booth. As soon as the door closed, you took a deep breath, trying to recover from that excitement. He terrified you, but you wouldn’t lose this job; you had to make Dianna proud and put that cock in his place. 
Valarie came bounding over to you, a smile on her face. She picked up your hands and shook them happily. She was going on about how excited she was for a new girl in the office. All you could focus on were the eyes of Alastor, brown like Whiskey Cake, looking back at you through the office’s blinds. He was threatening you, but you would stand firm. Holding his gaze, he turned away first, giving you the first victory of your little game. Smiling, you tuned back to Valarie talking. You were beyond lost at her words, but it was fine as long as Alastor or Tony weren't around to trip you up more. 
Once Valarie was done informing you of some policies and about her job roles, you took your leave. Exiting, you felt those eyes on you again. Not wanting to give him the satisfaction, you kept your back to him as you walked out. Taking your leave, there was still time in the day. You walked through the town, looking at the shops and markets. It was beautiful out, and all the people were kind and pleasant, too. You could see people from all walks of life conversing and standing side by side. A smile reached your lips as you lackadaisically walked around. You managed to pick up a few more dresses, getting them in complimentary colors to Alastor’s apparent wardrobe. If you were working for the man, you might as well look decent at it. Once you got that covered, you stopped at a little market table with some makeup.
Carefully, you tried on varying shades of lipsticks and blushes till you settled on a dusty pink shade. As you purchased your items, a woman stopped you. She was worn down and older, her dark skin having seen the trials of time. She was beautiful and homely, though; she gently took your hand as she sat. She reached into her dress pocket and pulled out a necklace; on the necklace was a strange symbol. Gently, she set the silver chain and pendant in your hand and closed your hand. It felt oddly warm to the touch even though, seconds ago, the metal was freezing. She pulled her hands away and smiled. 
“You have encountered a great evil child; it lurks around you. Keep this on you for protection. Stay out of the back alleys; those who work with evil spirits take refuge there.” Her hoarse voice was laced with concern for you. Gently dropping to your knees before the woman, you retook her hand.
“What do you mean? I have just arrived, and my God protects me. What evil is there?” You were genuinely confused. You had never had someone stop you like this. The only time something close to this happened was when you were a new woman freshly eighteen, and your priest stopped you. He warned you of an evil resting on your father and how you needed to help him while you could. You were only just leaving childhood back then, so what help could you have given?
“You young one, have a light; it attracts the dark. Something is seeking you; Voodoo surpasses your god and many others alike. Keep this amulet on you for protection.” She smiled once more and shooed you off. Standing, you bowed and thanked her again. Turning away you looked down at the amulet once more. You didn’t heed the priest's warning about your father; should you head this woman? Were you just cursed to run into evil things in your life? 
You returned to talk to the woman again, but she was gone; you looked around, confused. There was no way she could just up and leave like that. Frantic, you walked back over to the stall owner and asked him about the woman. The man looked at you like you were crazy, saying something hateful about not letting ‘colored’ folk near his booth. You shook your head and retreated. Looking down at your hand, the amulet was still there; it happened. Swallowing the lump in your throat, you put the pendant in your dress pocket and walked to the nearby store for food. You were trying so hard to keep the bubbling feeling of fear from overflowing.
When you finished shopping, it was dark out, beautiful jazz played all around you, and of course all could hear Dear Radio Host’s voice all over the open shops. Sighing, you laughed to yourself. There was no danger here; you left the threat. The old woman must have meant your father; you were very safe from him. You strolled to your home, passing the Radio office. Not wanting to give Alastor the time of day, you kept your head down and walked past it. That’s when you felt that cold chill up your spine again. Quickly, you turned around, looking for his glare, yet Alastor was nowhere to be seen. Sighing, you chalked it up to being paranoid about what the lady said to you. 
You turned on your heel to continue your way home when you bumped into a sturdy chest. You saw a red sweater vest, caramel skin, and a white rolled-up button-up shirt. Gulping slowly, you looked at Alastor. His smile seemed wicked, he held you in place not allowing you a chance to escape. You had nowhere to run, and panic began to set in. “Well, look at you appearing out of nowhere again. It seems we keep BUMPING into each other, huh?” He looked right through you and into your soul almost. You brushed his hands off, backing up from him. Clearing your throat, you rearranged the bags in your hands.
“I am just on my way home, Alastor. It is getting late. I shouldn’t be out on the streets,” he nodded, looking you over. You felt that chill again. It stopped, though, shortly after its assault. As soon as the chill disappeared, so did Alastor's smile. It was replaced with confusion before switching right back.
“Why yes, yes, it is far too dangerous for a woman of your caliber to be out this late, isn’t it, Y/n? Wouldn’t want a black man or someone like me to SNATCH you up, huh,” You felt the venom in his words as he spoke them. Was he trying to scare you or see if you were a racist? You hardened your gaze and looked deep into his eyes, your two auras practically bouncing off each other.
“I am not afraid of you or anyone because of their skin tone, Alastor. I am scared because I am a young woman out in the middle of the night.” He smirked at you and backed away, stepping to the side. He motioned for you to continue your journey past him. Right as you passed him, though, he decided to speak.
“Oh, but you should be afraid of me, Mon Chere….” You shuddered at the words and continued walking. He was trying to get a rise out of you. Make you quit while you are ahead. You finally made it to the entrance of your apartment building. Taking a deep breath, you looked around to see if he was following you. A sigh of relief left you when you realized you were alone. You entered the building and made your way upstairs. 
Entering your apartment, you let out a long-held breath. Gently, you put away all the items you bought throughout the day. As you went to change into your nightgown, you felt something hot touch your hand. Looking down, the pendent the woman gave you was no longer silver with black etchings; it was now pitch black with red etchings. Dropping it as it grew hotter, you yelped, only for it to go back to silver and black once more. Confused, you picked it up and looked at the back. There was an engraving, ‘Pwoteksyon kont sa ki mal ki mare ou’. You had no idea what that meant. You gently sighed and set the pendent down on your dining room table. A chill from the wind ran up your spine as you walked to close your balcony door. Once you reached it, though, you could have sworn you had seen Alastor walking away. Yet when you stuck your head out further, there was nobody. 
Shaking off the feeling, you returned to your room and prepared for bed. Waking up at four a.m. for work would be challenging, but making Momma D and yourself proud would be worth it. Slowly, you drifted off to sleep, unaware that chocolate brown eyes had shadows lurking nearby.
* * *
Taglist: @pan-to-the-head @wendds @satansdaughter123 @mook14 @xalygatorx @psychesetra
Thank you for reading <3
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imtryingbuck · 10 months
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Never Giving You Up Again
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~ gif not mine credit goes to owner ~
Pairing: Bucky Barnes x fem!Reader
Summary: Reader is in an abusive relationship and calls Bucky (the man shes in love with) when something bad happens
Word Count: 1,436
Warnings: Angst. Domestic Abuse NOT BUCKY. Don’t read if it makes you uncomfortable. And the endings really bad – I’m sorry.
Masterlist
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Staring at herself in the mirror Y/N didn’t recognise the person staring back. The blackish purplish bruise on her cheek was too dark and big to cover up, the open cut on her eyebrow stung ever so slightly. No matter how much it pained her seeing her own reflection, she simply couldn’t pull her eyes away.
It started four months in to their relationship, it was just a smack across the face which he apologised profusely for and the next day she had woken up to flowers and more apologies. A few months or so later the smacking turned to punches, punches turned to kicking, kicking turned to having objects thrown at her. At first there was a “reason” for the abuse she suffered, but now all she had to do was breathe in his direction and she would be on the receiving end of his rage.
He controlled every aspect of her life especially her food intake, she was so skinny now because of him. The reason for the most recent beating was because the woman he was interested in refused his advances, and because of that Y/N was black and blue with cuts littering her very slim frame.
During the meal she had prepared for him she sat in her usual spot - the floor - whilst he ate and spoke about his shift at work, she paid no attention until “we arrested the prick, he beat his wife up! He beat his pregnant wife up and had the audacity to tell us it was her fault! Y/N he blamed her that prick!” It was ironic that he was calling another abuser a prick but when he did the exact same thing to her, it was out of love.
Later on that night he was getting mad at the football game that was on, his team was losing and she knew she was going to be punished.
After the game had ended the only sounds that filled the apartment was the muffled cries and pleading and the sounds of his fists plummeting down on her timid body. Bless his poor little heart, his fists started to hurt but his anger was still at full force, so he made his way to the bedroom to grab his “favourite” belt. On his was he kicked her in her chest.
She knew, she knew that if she didn’t get away she was not going to survive and with his finding the belt she managed to drag her frail body into the kitchen, surprising herself with the strength she had left of pulling her body up against the counter to grab the knife. She was going to end it all.
His footsteps echoed loudly in the now quiet apartment, he stops and stares at her with nothing but fire in his eyes. “Whatcha gonna do with the knife bunny? Huh? Gonna stab yourself? You wish bitch! I’m the one that gets to kill you!” And then he lunged himself at her. Letting out a scream with her eyes closed she felt warm liquid on her dominant hand, slowly opening her eyes she sees him gasping for breath, his eyes darting back and forth between her eyes and her hand, where the knife was wedged in his stomach. It’s felt like forever with them both looking at the knife until she finally pushed him backwards. They both fell to the ground at the same time.
Y/N couldn’t take her eyes from him even long after his chest stopped rising and falling. Before she knew it the sun had made an appearance, decorating the destroyed space in a warm orange, rosy hue. The pain throbbing her entire body faded rather quickly and was replaced with panic. She murdered her boyfriend, albeit he was abusive but mutrdered him nonetheless. 
Pulling up her weaken form of the ground she took fearful steps to where she knew her phone was, picking it up with shaking hands she dialled the only number she knew off by heart.
“Hello… Y/N? You there doll?”
“H-hi I know we hav-haven’t spoken in a while but B-Bucky I need your help”
“Where are you doll?”
“My um my apartment”
“I’m on my way okay, don’t worry”
Not even 5 minutes later there was a knock at the door which made her jump, when she gathered what little strength she had left, she opened the door. Standing in the hallway was the only man she was ever in love with, the first person to ever break her heart - not that he meant to - the man who she hadn’t seen nor spoken to in two and a half years. Bucky.
Oh and the rest of the avengers was standing behind him.
His face dropped and paled at the sight before him - the only woman he was ever in love with, the first person to break his heart, the woman he hasn’t seen nor spoken to in two and a half years. But this woman wasn’t necessarily the same woman who captured his heart the second he laid eyes on her. No, no this was a woman covered in blood, bruises and cuts. Whose eyes held so much pain and terror. 
Stumbling a little bit and refusing to pull his eyes away from her “baby wh-what happened”
“I-I-I-I ki-killed him Bucky didn’t mean to I swear just wa-wanted him to sto-p” Her whole body shuck whilst stuttering, trying to get the words out without spluttering was extremely difficult for her to do with the tears pouring out and a hiccup here and there.
“Breathe doll! Baby calm down it’s okay I’m here, don’t worry”
At her confession Tony and Steve pushed everyone into the once cosy apartment, they all saw the chaos, blood and finally the body of the man they all hated. Bucky gently took Y/N hand in his and made his way to the bedroom with the team trailing behind, he sat her down on the bed and knelt in front of her. Once she had finished telling them what she had been through the past few years and what she had done to him in the early hours, there wasn’t one single dry eye. The anger radiating off the team was justifiable.
Steve made Bucky and Wanda take Y/N back to the tower and get Dr Cho to take care of her wounds, whilst the teams stayed to clean up the mess.
It was late in the afternoon her body laid in the hospital that seemed way too big for her, she slept peacefully. Bucky had refused to leave her side and held her hand, every now and again he would place kisses to her knuckles. When she awoke her nonbiological family was dotted around the room. He was the first one to noticed she had woken up, he cooed her back to sleep with the promise that everything was okay, that no matter what he wasn’t leaving her ever again.
For once in two and a half years she was finally free and safe with the man she loves.
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It’s been a year since that dreadful night. The cuts and bruises had long faded, the nightmares came in waves. No charges were pressed against her, but she did have to go to therapy which obviously she was grateful for. Tony refused to let her go back to the apartment, giving her her own room in the tower, even gave her a job. The whole team did their part in her recovery in anyway they could. Bucky refused to leave her side for weeks, always on guard even when he didn’t need to.
“I let you down Y/n I should of protected you”
“don’t be silly Buck, it was my own fault”
“No it wasn’t! don’t think that please baby”
“Well stop blaming yourself then”
It took a while for both of them to realise that what had happened was neither of their faults.
Falling asleep in Buckys arms she hears him whispering “I love you, I promise you I’m never going to give you up again”
“I love you too and I’m holding you to that promise Bucko”
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~ banners credit goes to @sweetpeapod ~
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gyupinkys · 1 year
Text
AMANDA?
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LEE SEOKMIN X READER
WC: 4.1K
"DK, I know you're trying to kill me."
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
WARNINGS: MURDER, GORE, DOMESTIC ABUSE (Obviously not from DK.), CHEATING, GUNS, unprotected sex, oral, face sitting, thigh riding, cream pie, and a whole lot of DK fucking you better than your asshole husband. 
“Why does she need to die?” Seokmin asks, feeling unsure about this situation.
“DK, You’d think after all these years you’d be fine with killing people. Especially him” Cheol says, raising his eyebrow.
“But, She’s innocent. We should just kill him.”
“Trust me, we are gonna kill him but this would hurt him more. You know she’s his prized possession, he has some kind of sick obsession with her. I expect her to be dead in the next two weeks, make it look like an accident, but I want him to know it was us.”
“How am I supposed to get her to talk to me? He probably keeps watch over her 24/7.”
“I don’t know, but figure it out. Do not disappoint me”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Every time he enters the room, you feel the same despair you always have. He’s an anomaly, he’s a fucking monster. You look up at him as he enters your shared bedroom. He’s drunk. Great.
“Can you sleep in the other room tonight?” you ask as gently as possible, trying to not upset him. 
“Why would I do that?” he slurs.
“Because you’re drunk.”
“And? My wife doesnt want to share a bed with me because I’m fucking drunk?” he says starting to get upset. This is what you’ve been trying to avoid. 
“I’m sorry, you can just stay. I don’t know what I was thinking.” you can feel the tears forming in your eyes. 
“No, I think you just don’t want me.” he spits getting close to you. “I give your stupid ass everything. Without me you’d still be poor and fucking useless. You’re not good for anything, you fucking need me. I saved you! ”
You just stare at him, too scared to respond. He didn’t save you. He forced you to marry him.  “Answer me you fucking bitch.” he spits grabbing your hair.
“I don’t know what you want me to say.” you cry out trying not to upset him further. 
“If I knew you were such an idiot I wouldn’t have looked your way.” he growls, slapping you across the face. You just stay silent, anything you do makes it worse yet doing nothing makes it worse. There's no winning. You just look at him with tears in your eyes but a harsh punch to your jaw only makes you give up. You sit there and take the beating, there's nothing you can do to stop it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You do a good job at covering the bruises, it’s been a few days so they aren't as prominent. After two years of dealing with this, you’ve learned how to pretend. Days like this you wish you fought him harder, told someone what he was doing before it was too late. You walk around the city and put on a brave face, trying to cheer yourself up. You walk into your favorite boba shop, nothing can cheer you up like a strawberry milk slush. As you’re sipping your drink a man sits in the chair across from you. 
“Amanda?” he says in a questioning tone, looking at you.
“Uh, that's not me.”
“Oh.” he says with a pout.
You just look at him, unsure of what to say next. “Are you sure that's not your name?” he asks with a wide smile. Wow, his smile is so bright. The way his eyes shrink up makes him look so cute. You can’t help but smile, his presence is somehow so comforting and warm. 
“I’m quite sure, but why don’t you tell me your name?”
“I’m DK.”
“Your name is DK?” you ask in disbelief.
“Well my real name is Seokmin, but my friends call me Dk, which is short for Dokyeom.” 
“Why does your nickname have a nickname?”
“I’m not sure. My friends are pretty weird.”
You can’t help but laugh. 
“Well my name is Y/N.” you say with a bright smile.
“Well that’s quite far from Amanda.” he jokes.
“Can I ask why you thought I was Amanda?”
“I didn’t think you were actually Amanda, I just didn’t have a pick up line.” he admits sheepishly.
You can’t get the smile off your face. “Oh that's definitely a new one.”
“Did it work?”
“It would have if I wasn’t married.”
He dramatically falls back and clutches his chest. “I feel my world falling apart.” he says as he fake dies.
You can’t contain your laughter. What an idiot you think to yourself. 
“You’re so dramatic. You just met me.”
“But now I have to call the venue and cancel the wedding.”
You smile and shake your head. If your husband saw you right now you would be dead meat. Just the thought makes you shudder and withdraw from the conversation. He senses your sudden change in mood. 
“Am I making you uncomfortable?”
“No, no it’s not you.”
“You’re worried about your husband?”
“Yea. He just wouldn’t like to see me talking to you.”
“Because I’m a guy?”
“Yea.”
“He sounds like an ass.”
You give him a small smile. “He’s just overprotective.”
“Well we can just be friends.”
“He doesn’t let me have friends.” 
He looks at you bewildered. “He doesn't let you?”
“He says they aren’t good for me.” you say embarrassed. Who isn’t allowed to have friends?
“The more you speak of him the more I want to beat his ass.”
“Trust me, you don’t want to get involved with him.”
“What, you don’t think I could take him?” he says as he flexes his muscles dramatically, obviously trying to make you feel better. 
“Maybe I shouldn’t underestimate you, DK.” 
“Maybe you shouldn't,” he winks.
“Can I have your number?”
Your eyes widen. “My husband would actually murder me if he found out I gave someone my number.”
“Stop talking about that dude. Do what you want for once.”
You weigh your options. This will end badly for you if he finds out but it’s not like the outcome would be different from any other night. He punishes you no matter what you do, you might as well have a little fun. 
“Ok. but don’t text me after 7pm. That's when he comes home and if he sees me texting someone he’ll flip.” 
“Yea, yea i’ll be careful of the evil mean husband.” he smirks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next time you see him is a week later in the mall. He’s at the register with a man, speaking a little too loudly.
“My wallet is too deep in my bag, can you just pay for it?”
The person he’s with looks at him with contempt. “How many times are you going to do this?”
“We’ve been friends for years and you can’t buy me a fucking pretzel?”
He is so ridiculous. You laugh silently at him as they hold up the line causing the people behind them to start complaining. His friend eventually folds and pays. You stand up and walk up to him.
“Quite a show you put on there, DK.”
He turns to you with wide eyes. “Y/N! What are you doing here?” he nervously chuckles eyeing his friend.
“Shopping?” 
“Oh that’s nice. C’mon I’ll go with you.” he says and grabs your wrist pulling you along with him.
Well that was weird.
You two walk around the mall for a bit, going in and out of stores, window shopping, buying things you don’t need. He leaves with three new pairs of clown-like shoes, ignoring your teasing.
“I like to think I’m the best jester in the king's court.” he responded with a charming smile making you burst out laughing. 
DK is feeling conflicted as he looks at you. This would be much easier if you weren't so cute. You're looking at him like he’s the sun, like he’s a fresh breath of air and with the way that fucker you call your husband treats you, he might just be. This is why he’s not cut out for this killing shit, he feels like he’s already attached to you.
“Do you want to come to my place? We could watch a movie or something?”
“Oh, I don’t know.”
“Whatever you're thinking, forget it. Stop thinking about him. You need to live your life, fuck him if he’s mad.”
It's easy for him to say when he’s not the one dealing with this life. 
“What if he finds out?”
“So what? Y/N, you can’t live your whole life in fear.”
You sigh. Even though he’s on a business trip this still isn't a good idea, but you don’t have it in you to say no. “Ok.”
He smiles brightly at you. “We're gonna have a good time.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Wait so let me get this straight. You picked up the plastic bag?” you laugh, the alcohol starting to get to your head. You’re making sure to not drink too much, you don’t need anything going wrong.
“You should've seen the look he was giving me! You would’ve picked it up too.” he exclaims, making you laugh harder.
“I’m just imagining you on your knees looking upset.”
“Y/N, You want me on my knees? Kinky.”
You feel a blush shoot to your face. “Seokmin, stop.” you say, hiding your face.
He pulls your hands from your face. “I never said I was against it.” he says, sliding off the couch and sinking to his knees. Your eyes widen. “What are you doing?”
“I’m granting your wishes,” he says.
“Oh.” you say, suddenly out of breath. 
He just smirks, putting his hands on your thighs, making your body stiffen.
“Do you want me to stop?”
“What are you planning to do?”
He leans forward and places a kiss on your neck, then another, and another, making you let out a deep sigh. What the fuck? He kisses up to your ear.
“I’ve wanted to eat that pretty pussy from the moment I saw you. I know he doesn’t treat you the way he should. I’d have you crying out for god, pretty girl.”
You must be losing your mind. 
“I can’t even lie, I’ve got off to the thought of you sitting that ass on my face. I want to feel you all over me. I’d make you cum so many times sweetness, it’ll be all about you, I don’t even care about me, I just want you to feel good.”
If he keeps talking like this, the little restraint you have is going to break.
“What do you say?” he groans into your neck. “I want you so bad. Do you want me too?”
You nod. “What else do you want to do?”
He chuckles, kissing down your body until he’s seated on his knees again. 
“Fuck around and find out.”
You lean forwards and kiss him, his hands immediately start roaming your body, trying to pull off whatever clothes he can get his hands on. He bites your lip making you groan into the kiss, giving him access to the rest of your mouth. By the time all of your clothes are off the kiss is nothing but tongue and teeth. His hands grope and squeeze your entire body, indenting his hands into your ass. You're grateful the bruises on your rib have healed, because if he saw them it would be a shit show. 
He sits on the couch and lays down, pulling your body on top of his without breaking the kiss. You’re sitting on his thighs, grinding yourself onto him, leaving a wet sheen on them. He breaks the kiss and groans into your neck. 
“Fuck, sweetness. Grind that pretty pussy on my thigh, use me to make yourself feel good.” 
He grabs your hips and pushes you down harder, flexing his thigh so your clit is constantly stimulated. Your moans are getting louder and louder, making him harder. He doesn't think he’s ever been this hard, if he doesn't control himself he’ll cum right on your stomach. You’re incredible, so beautiful, and you’re already doing so good for him.   
He can feel you’re clenching around nothing, making your wetness leak out of you more. Without hesitation he pulls you up his body and onto his face. He dives right in making you yelp. His tongue runs through your folds multiple times before going straight for your clit, sucking hard. 
“You taste like heaven baby” he groans. “I never thought I’d be jealous of him, but fuck, just the thought that he gets this sweet pussy every night makes me so angry.” 
You moan loudly, pulling his hair, making him groan. He takes his anger out on your cunt, wrapping his strong arms around your hips, grinding you onto his tongue. As he fucks you with his tongue his nose bumps your clit repeatedly, throwing you over the edge. He doesn't stop eating you out, ignoring your attempts to pull yourself off.
“Oh my god, DK please I can’t.”
He smiles against you, placing a kiss on your clit and sliding you down his body. You rest your head against his shoulder, trying to catch your breath. 
“Baby. We aren’t done, I need to get my full taste of this pussy before I send you back to that fucker.”
He leans forwards and whispers in your ear. “I want him to find my cum leaking out of you.”
Fucking hell, this mouth is going to be the death of you. He lifts you up and bends you over the back of the couch. 
“Tell me if it's too much.”
He slides straight in, stretching you out in the most delectable way possible. He gives you some time to adjust but in reality he’s forcing himself to not cum. There’s no way he can kill you, not when you have a tight cunt like this. “Fuck, baby. You feel so good.” he says as he begins to thrust. Gradually picking up his pace. He feels so good inside you, hitting every spot your husband couldn’t. You can’t help but moan and groan with every thrust, the force behind them pushing you further and further into the couch. You feel like you’re floating away, the intense pleasure taking your breath away.
“Tell me. Can he fuck you better than me? Can he reach the places I can? Make you feel like you’re on another planet?”
You can only groan and whimper in response, making him smile victoriously. 
“Don’t stress that pretty head on more than you need to ok? Just take this dick and cum for me, baby.”
“Oh my god” you groan. He’s so deep and he’s hitting your spot everytime.
“Say my name instead. Call out for me, I’m the one making you feel this good, right?” he smirks into your neck.
“Seokmin, it feels so good, please don’t stop.”
“Trust me I would never. I want to die in this pussy.”
He pushes down on your shoulders, arching your back more, making him somehow reach deeper. 
“Fuckkk” he groans, reaching under you to rub your clit harshly making you jump.
“Cum for me baby, I need it so fucking bad. I want to feel this pussy clench around me.”
You cum harder than ever, squirting all over him and his couch. You don’t have it in you to care, getting lost in the pleasure. DK is doing no better, forcing himself to let you finish before he cums himself. You’re squeezing him so tightly, milking his cock for all he’s worth. He cums with a loud moan, fucking his cum deep into you. “Just like that, take all my cum baby, I want him to see it.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You’ve been texting DK a lot more than you should. Things have clearly changed after that night and you don’t have it in you to feel guilty.  He keeps trying to meet up with you under the guise of a “besties date” but you’re too scared. People don’t normally fuck their besties. What if your husband sees you with him? You risked too much last time. This is so stressful. How did your life end up like this? It feels like one second you had your life together and the next you’re forced to live with him. You stare  at your messages with Seokmin. 
Deekayy: What do you say? It’s strictly as besties.
You: ok. I’ll meet you there
Deekayy: I knew you would come to your senses.
You can’t lie and say you're not excited. Your one meeting with DK was the most fun you’ve had in years. He makes you feel so bright and alive, his happiness is contagious. You hear the keys in your door turn, jumping. You quickly delete your messages with DK. 
“Pumpkin”
Shut the fuck up. “Yes?” you pop your head up over the couch. 
“Come here,” he says with a sweet smile. This can't be good. Your mind starts racing; what did you do wrong this time? You slowly walk towards him but stop a few feet away, feeling the anger radiating. 
“Y/N. I must be neglecting you. Because there's no reason for you to be going out with other men.”
“What?” you say trying not to cry. 
He pulls out his phone and shows you pictures of you and DK. Your breathing picks up, you feel like you’re going to have a panic attack.
“He’s just a friend.”
You hear the slap before you feel it. Fuck that hurt. “Don’t lie to me Y/N.”
“I swear I literally just met him.”
His hand flies to your neck, choking you. “You’re fucking him aren’t you?”
Your eyes widen. “NO! I’m not I promise you I would never cheat on you.” You lie, trying to sound sincere. 
“Fucking slut” he growls and throws you on the floor. The hits and kicks come but you barely feel them. Trying your best to zone out, leave your body and escape into your mind. Your mind drifts to DK. After living this same boring life he was a breath of fresh air, sunshine to your constant rainy day. As tears fall from your eyes you manage a smile. You know you’ll never see him again but the feeling he gave you will stay with you forever. 
You’re rudely pulled from your mind by a rough shake. 
“Y/N. Did you know your little boy toy is trying to kill you? Laughable right? He’s a fucking assassin you dumb bitch. I have people after me, I should've known they’d come for you. I want you to meet with him, tell him you don’t want to see him anymore and that you don’t know where I am.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re my pawn in this game” he smirks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You’re sitting at a cafe waiting for Seokmin. You check your makeup every five seconds, worried the bruises will peek through the makeup. You focused especially on your black eye, the concealer starting to crack. 
You hear the bell on the door ring and you can feel his aura. He immediately sits across from you with a wide smile, which promptly drops when he sees your disheveled state.
“Are you ok?”
You just nod, too scared to speak knowing you’re being watched.
“Y/N.”
You look up at him and see his face suddenly turned hard.
“What happened?” 
“DK, I know you’re trying to kill me.”
He looks even more upset. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
You feel the tears start to flow, rough wiping your eyes. “DK, we shouldn’t see eachother again.” 
He gently grabs your chin. Fuck. The concealer on your hand tells you all you need to know. “He did this?” he asks, sounding very upset.  
“He didn’t like that I was talking to you.”
He looks to the ceiling and takes a deep breath. “I want you to come stay with me.”
“So you can kill me?”
“Y/N, if i wanted to kill you, you would already be dead.” he grits, getting frustrated only making you cry more. 
“Love, don’t cry. I’m sorry for yelling at you. I just want you away from that man. I’ll make sure he will never hurt you again.”
“DK, what are you involved in?” you say hesitantly.
“I don’t want you to know.” he sighs.
“Please.”
He’s obviously debating whether he should tell you or not. “I’m involved in some shady shit. I know what your husband does for a living. A lot of people want him dead.”
“So why were you trying to kill me?”
“Because it would hurt him more.” he says as he grabs your hands. “Y/N, I would never hurt you, Ok. I swear on everything, I will do nothing but cherish you for the rest of your life. I know we met a few weeks ago, but I know I love you. You’re all I think about, all I see, I can’t imagine a future without you.”
You believe him. Even if it's foolish, nothing is worse than what you’re going through now. 
You know your husband is nearby watching but you can’t live like this anymore. “Ok, but I can’t go now.”
“Why.”
“He’s waiting for me outside.”
Dk sighs. “Ok. Go with him, I’ll come get you.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You're laying in bed when you hear your front door creek open. You couldn’t sleep knowing he was coming to save you. Your back is turned to the bedroom door when he walks in, but you’re confused when you hear multiple sets of footsteps and voices. You sit up to see DK in a tight black t-shirt and cargo pants. You admit he looks very handsome. There's two more guys with him, one with bright red hair and the other who's a  literal giant. “Y/N let's go.” the red haired one whispers coming close to you. The whispering proves useless when DK lands a hard punch to your husband's face waking him up. He shoots up confused just for another punch to land on his jaw.
“You like to beat women?” DK spits.
“What are you doing here?”
Instead of answering, DK punches him again, and again. 
“Just take her! Isn’t that what you wanted?” your husband whimpers.
That pisses the giant off and he literally pulls your husband out of bed by his shirt and throws him to the floor, landing a heavy kick to his side making him empty his stomach. “You’re disgusting.”
“Let's get you out of here.” the red haired man says but you refuse.
“No. I want to watch” you say, making his eyes widen.
DK turns to you. “Love, you shouldn’t see this.”
“Love? I knew you were fucking him you slut.” your husband spits from the floor. 
DK looks down at the man in contempt. “You shut the fuck up.” he says, punctuating his sentence with a kick to his jaw, most likely breaking it. 
“Well, now you can’t speak,” DK smiles.
“Seokmin, please. I need to”
He walks over to you, cupping your face. “I don’t want you to look at me differently.”
“Right now I’m looking at you like my savior.” you smile.
“You’re gonna make me blush” he giggles making you roll your eyes. 
“Can we end the romance and deal with this fucker.” the giant says. 
Dk walks towards him and pulls out a gun from his holster. 
“You really don’t know the gem you had when you had it. But don’t worry I’ll make her real happy.”
Your husband can only slit his eyes, unable to respond. He spits on DK’s face, smiling victoriously. The same look you saw when DK saw the bruises is the same look he gives your husband. He cocks his gun and shoots him straight in the balls. 
“I’ve always wanted to do that.” he giggles
Your husband begins screaming for help, tears flowing down his face. Dk shoots him again in the foot, only laughing more.
“This hurts right? Imagine how much it hurts everytime you put your hands on her? I want you to suffer.”
The giant stomps on his foot making his scream more.
“We gotta go, the cops are coming.” 
DK points his gun at your husband's head. 
“Wait” you jump up. “I want to do it.”
His eyes widened. “Alright.”
You get up a bit too excitedly making everyone turn to you. You take the gun from his hand and lean down towards your husband. 
“I hope you burn in hell and you were right, I am fucking him. I’m shocked you never noticed his cum spilling out of me everytime I would come home to you. ” You spit, exaggerating just to piss him off. This somehow gives him a burst of energy, he grabs you by the neck.
“You’ll never escape me.”
“Oh, I think I will.” you smile and push him away from you and shoot him between the eyes watching his body slump to the floor.
“That was really hot.” the red-haired man says. 
“Minghao, fuck off.”
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