#Angst is nice here and there but I'm mostly a fluff man personally

[somegrumpynerd]

Angstify cross

Bro this guy comes with angst pre-installed what do you mean?? Comfort for my little guy he's suffered enough

[forever-rogue]

you asked for fallout request, so here i am, eagerly writing this…

i’ve been craving a cooper howard x reader oneshot where him and the reader are navigating through life in their own way. maybe a run in with tricky people?? angst?? fluff??? it’s up to you best friend. THANK YOU!!!

AN | Alright, let’s goooo. First go around with Cooper and we had to go with some fluff because that is my specialty. I’ve loved Fallout for a long time and I love the show too❤️

Pairing | Cooper Howard (The Ghoul) x fem!reader

Warnings | language; gun violence

Word Count | 3k

Masterlist | Main 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

You weren't sure if you'd call yourselves friends.

More like…an unwitting duo of sorts. Unwitting on your end more than anything.

You'd promised him that you absolutely didn't need company or anyone to assist you. He'd insisted that the only way he'd let you go on your own was over his dead body. You'd contemplated that idea for a few moments. Given his reputation, you decided not to push him too much.

The realization that he was a stubborn old man who wasn't going to change his mind was the only reason he was still next to you. Begrudgingly, mind you.

“How much further, darlin’?” His deep voice cut through your internal monologue and you shot a glare in his direction, “I'm starting to think you're not the best judge of distance.”

“If you're just going to complain,” you pointed over your shoulder back to the last town you'd passed through, “you're more than welcome to go back and terrorize that town. I told you that I didn't need you to come with me.”

“And why would I listen to you, huh?” He rolled his eyes lightly as you scoffed, “you'd be dead before the sun went down, sweetheart.”

“So what?” You turned on your heel, walking backwards so you could face him, “why do you care?! You don't even like me!”

“Contrary to what you believe, I do have somewhat of a conscience,” his voice was gruff but somewhat soft, “and if I let you go and then heard that you were killed, I'd be a little annoyed.”

“Why?” 

“Because I’ve already saved your life once,” he so sweetly reminded you as you sighed heavily, “and I didn't just save your life so you could go and be killed by someone else.”

“Ain’t that sweet? You’re a modern day prince,” you mocked his twang as his expression refused to shift. It was almost annoying how unfazed he remained the majority of the time, “I had it handled. You happened to come at an inconvenient time.”

“If that's what helps you sleep at night,” he had to fight to hold back a laugh as you turned back around and you marched in front of him, making it a point not to look back at him. He had to be the most infuriating person you'd ever met. He'd had two hundreds years to perfect being annoying and he had done exceedingly well.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The two of you had been traveling together for a number of days. You'd managed not to kill each other, luckily, but otherwise things had remained mostly the same. Silence, and if it wasn’t silence, it'd be harsh words and fast quips.

You didn't hate him - not really. You hated the idea that anyone, let alone a man, believed that you needed help. You'd had things handled and would have kept yourself safe. He'd just happened to come fight when you were in the midst of either killing or getting killed. 

He wasn't going to let that go anytime soon. That much you already knew about him.

“It’s cold,” you announced as the two of you made camp for the night. You pulled your jacket tighter around your frame but it was no use, “I’m cold. Can we make a fire?”

“That, princess, is one of the many reasons you need someone out there to keep an eye on you,” if you didn’t know any better, you’d almost have thought that he was being kind - nice. 

“Listen,” you sat down and leaned against one of the trees near the clearing you’d decided to call home for the evening, “I know it’s not exactly safe or the best idea, but I’d rather do that than freeze.”

“It ain’t even that cold,” he mused, stripping off his overcoat and tossing it over to you. You made a sound of surprise, but didn’t hesitate to put it on, “life really was different for you, wasn’t it? I’d say it was almost as easy as those vaulties had it.”

“It wasn’t…” you knew he wasn’t wrong. You’d come from a place of privilege, having been born into a family with wealth, new world wealth anyway, and had it pretty easy for a surface dweller. You’d lived in a large, well stocked and safe home with people around to do your bidding. Those were some of the perks of having a father that was some sort of merchant prince, “it wasn’t like that.”

“Yeah?” he rolled out his bedroll, a bitter laugh escaping him, “sounds like you had nothing to do and everything done for you.”

“I mean…” you trailed off, knowing it was futile to lie to him. He’d known your father after all; Cooper Howard was the one sent to fetch you and return you home once your father had found out you’d run away, “it was…good sometimes. There were a lot of bad times too. But I still know how to do things for myself. I could kill you with my bare hands if I wanted to. I’ve done it before.”

“Huh,” he grabbed a vial and downed it one go, his eyes never leaving your face, “guess that makes you a killer. Just. Like. Me.”

“I did what I had to do,” you swallowed thickly, blinking back tears that threatened to well up. Cooper knew that you had run away, but he didn’t know the full extent of what had happened to cause you to run away, “and we’re here.”

“Tell me what happened,” your eyes snapped to him as you tried to weigh his words in order to see if he was being serious or not. He’d never really taken an interest into your personal life, but you wondered if that was because he genuinely didn’t care or if he’d just created some sort of creed for himself that didn’t allow him to get close to anyone, “what made you run away from your sweet little life, darlin’?”

“Cooper,” you wiped your hands on your thighs and shrugged your shoulders nonchalantly. You’d never really said his name before and that caught him off guard, “does it really matter?”

“It’s still buggin’ you, clearly,” he mirrored your position and crossed his arms over his chest, “and we ain’t got nothing but time.”

You inhaled deeply before slowly exhaling and looking at the sky. You could feel his attention still focused on you, “my father told me that there was a man I was going to marry. I told him no and he told me that I didn’t have a choice. Said man found me shortly before the wedding was supposed to happen and he…he tried to…”

You paused for a moment, wiping away the tears that had unwittingly rolled down your cheeks. Cooper’s gaze had darkened but he was still watching; the expression on his face looked like he was ready to commit murder.

“He didn’t get a chance to do anything,” you said softly, “I killed him before he could. But he managed to get me a little bit when he was trying to fight me off. That’s why I had a black eye and all the bruises.”

“Darlin’-”

“I didn’t hesitate, Coop,” your expression steeled as you looked him in the eyes, “and I won’t hesitate now. A man will never tell me what to do. And I don’t need anyone thinking I need someone to protect me.”

Cooper had been listening with rapt attention, his mind already thinking of the things he could do to your father.  Bringing you back to him definitely wasn’t one of those things. He’d made up his mind about that almost the moment he’d met you. You’d been sporting a black eye and cut lip, dried blood caked on your hands and arms. He was smart enough to put two and two together.

“For what it’s worth,” he looked back at you with the gentlest expression you’d seen on him, “I’m sorry for what you had to go through. Those are not men, those are monsters.”

“And you’re going to bring me right back to him,” it was a question presented as a statement. You weren’t entirely sure what his plan with you was; you’d been scared to ask. But he also wasn’t hadn’t mentioned a word of bringing you back to your father, “aren’t you?”

“I ain’t bringing you back,” he admitted and you couldn’t keep the surprise off your face, “I never was. I’ve been around a long time, little girl. I know what your father is. I figured it was a better option for me to find you than someone else.”

“You’re not?” you hated how small your voice sounded; how you almost sounded scared. In a way you were. Scared of going back to the place that you hated and would surely make sure you suffered, but you were also scared of forging a new path. You didn’t really know where you were going or what you were going to, “really?”

“On one condition,” of course. You waved your hand, motioning for him to go, “you admit that you have no clue where we’re going and we’ve basically been making this hell of a trek for no real reason.”

You tried to look serious for a moment, but you couldn’t help but start to laugh at how well he could already read you. Cooper was so taken aback by the soft, sweet sound that he couldn’t help the smile that tugged up the corners of his mouth. When you managed to catch your breath, you looked at him and cocked your head to the side, “I have no clue where we’re going and we’ve been making this hell of a trek for no real reason.”

“Honesty,” he pulled one of his knees toward his chest and drummed his fingers on it, “it’s refreshing. You’re gonna be alright, kid.”

“There’s a place,” you murmured after a few moments of silence, “that my mom told me about when I was little. She made it sound like this magical place. I guess really, that’s where I want to go.”

“I hate to break it to you,” Cooper said, “but magical places don’t really exist. They never really did.”

“I know,” you admitted softly, “it just seemed like that when I was young. She died a long time ago, but I’d always think about that place, going there someday.  She said it was west - just go west and you’ll know when you’re there.”

“Hmm,” he nodded and paused for a moment before getting up and grabbing some nearby sticks and bringing them to the center of the clearing. He started making a fire before you could even question him, “if it draws anything out, I’m sure we can handle it.”

“Thanks Coop,” you watched him work, an odd feeling settling in the pit of your stomach. Once the fire was going, he settled down near you, “Cooper?”

“Hmm?”

“We are going west, right?” your question caused him to chuckle before he reached into his pocket and pulled something small out that he passed over you. It was a small silver compass worn and weathered just like him.

“I’m sorry to tell you, sweetheart, but we’ve been goin’ east for the last couple of days,” he shrugged as you groaned at yourself. At least you didn’t have anywhere to be at any particular time, “had I know we’ve been searching for a magical place, I could have told you we were going the wrong way.”

“I guess I’m not as handy as I thought,” you grumbled to yourself, clutching the compass tightly in your hand, “you know you don’t have to come, right?”

“I know,” he nodded, “you think anyone could force me to do something against my will, you don’t know me at all, sugar. Now stop your yapping and get some rest. We’ll start heading west at sunrise.”

You paused for a moment, pulling his coat tighter around you, “thanks, Coop.”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The next couple of days of trekking passed in relative peace. The two of you were now making your way west for whatever magical place your mom had made you dream of you. You weren’t sure why Cooper was still with you, but you weren’t about to complain. He provided some decent company since you’d had your little heart to heart, but he owed you nothing. You weren’t exactly complaining; he was the closest thing to a friend you’d had in a long time.

But, as things would have it in the wasteland, life threw a wrench in your plans. A wrench in the form of two raiders that definitely weren’t looking to get chummy. 

“Ugh,” you groaned as the two figures approached from a distance. The two of you were outside of a saloon, trying to decide whether to keep pressing on for the evening or staying put and turning in. Cooper followed your line of sight and made a sign of annoyance, “why do I feel like they’re going to make trouble?”

“Well, darlin’, that’s because they’re about to make trouble,” he touched the brim of his hat and pulled it further down. 

“Look who it is,” one of the men sneered at the two of you. He looked about as unfriendly as they came, “the Ghoul of the hour and his little bounty.”

“We heard you were having some trouble delivering her back home,” his partner came up and eyed you without shame. He looked disgusting with greasy hair and rotting teeth, a sinister expression on his face, “so we came to take over.”

“Go fuck yourself,” you spit at him, reaching for the dagger that was at your side. You felt Cooper reach for your hand and gently squeeze it in order to stop you from making any rash moves.

“What this charming sweetheart means is that she is not going back with you,” Cooper smirked at them, “so you can run along now.”

“Fucking Ghoul,” the first man snarled at him, “you couldn’t even do your job. Turn the bitch over and we’ll let you go alive…or whatever the hell you are.”

“You can go back to my father and tell him that he can go fuck himself too,” you hissed, blood boiling with sheer annoyance and anger, “and if you don’t turn around right now-”

“What?” His voice was sticky sweet and filled with vinegar as he smiled at you; both of them had pistols in their hands and that made your stomach churn. They could easily get the jump on you, “you’ll kill me?”

“No,” Cooper pushed you behind him and looked at them with a grin on his face. Of course he’d  be enjoying this, “but I will.”

“Why don’t you just-” but the man couldn’t get another word in as the sound of the gunshot rang through the air, causing you to stumble backwards and cover your ears. A second shot rang out within seconds and you saw the other body fall to the ground. 

It happened so fast that you couldn’t help the shock that ran through your body, causing you to let you let out a loud sob. You’d seen death before, you’d seen things much worse than before but there was something about the moment that was overwhelming. 

Blood spattered the side of the building, causing you to dry heave as you noticed the bits of brain and bone clinging to it. Your ears were still ringing as you tried not to completely lose your grip on reality.

“Hey,” you heard his voice cut through the fog and you felt his hand on your shoulders, helping to keep you steady and upright. You shifted your gaze up and found his eyes concerned, “hey.”

“I-I…” you couldn’t even form a proper sentence as you looked at him, “they…you. You saved me.”

Before he could even respond, you threw your arms around him and held tightly onto him. He was taken aback for a moment before he hugged you back, and you could feel his breath of relief. There was something so good and reassuring about the feel of his arms around you.

“You would have had it handled,” he insisted and you shook your head. 

“No,” you looked at him and to your surprise he gently wiped away your tears, “I couldn’t have. I couldn’t have saved myself this time. Thank you.”

“No need to thank  me, darlin’,” he took your chin in his hand and kept your gaze on his, “I’ll be right here if you need me.”

“I do,” you wrapped your fingers around his wrist and nodded slightly, “I do need you. Don’t go.”

“The only place I’m going is west,” there was that smile again, the one that rarely graced his features. The same one that made your legs feel like jello, “are you comin’?”

“Yes,” you promised, “I’m coming.”

“Well then, we best get goin’ sweetheart,” he glanced over the carnage that he left behind, “before someone else comes to make trouble.”

He checked himself over to make sure he had everything ready to. You missed the feel of his touch almost immediately. 

Once he made sure he had everything, he held his hand out to you.

You took it without hesitation. 

[bonny-kookoo]

Jungkook

𝐔𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄 | Crossed Lines

Some things are better left unsaid.

Tags/Warnings: Alien!Jungkook, Human!Reader, dystopian AU, space/Sci-fi/cyberpunk-esque, Enemies to lovers, Angst, Violence, Drama, romance, adult, angst, potentially triggering content, mentions of prostitution, fluff??, injury, I'm sorry for this one don't hate me

Length: 3k words

There is no taglist for this fic.

-> Masterlist

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You never really thought of Jungkook as the jealous type- and maybe you're interpreting his foul mood entirely wrong too.

But you've got a feeling that his clear displeasure is mostly due to the very tall and very charismatic Alien who's been all over you ever since you woke up.

"I'm pretty sure she doesn't need help eating her food, Jin." Jungkook growls, eyes a vibrant green with a little red swirling around sometimes, as he watches you on the lap of the tall Alien currently feeding you. Jungkook's arms are crossed and he honestly looks ready to tear someone's throat out- and while you're still learning what the colors of his eyes might mean, you're starting to somewhat connect certain colors with certain feelings.

"Pah, just let me enjoy this before you take her away again!" The man named Seokjin whines, pulling you a little closer. "I can't believe you found such a sweet thing.. you don't even want her, just leave her here with me!" He complains, and Jungkook's eyes turn a little hotter in color, orange burning bright as his anger seems to rise. Why that might be you're not sure- you don't understand why he's not letting you stay here either. Seokjin seems like a nice person, and Yoongi, a cat-like Alien who'd taken care of you while you were resting, told you that the three of them are all very good friends. So why did Jungkook suddenly change his mind?

"Shut up." Jungkook barks under his breath, turning his face away. "…she can stay if she wants to. Who cares." He mumbles more or less, and at that, your heart skips a little uncomfortably. In a way, you knew he wanted to get rid of you sooner or later- but to hear it too, makes it all the more real. Maybe deep down, that small hidden innocence in you had thought he was warming up to you- but maybe that was just your imagination after all.

So you shrug, and look down at your plate of food, shaking your head when Jin offers you another piece to eat.

"I can't believe that you're worse than me, Jeon." Yoongi says, shaking his head in disappointment. "That was mean, even for my standards." He mentions from his spot near the only window in the small metal shed Jin lives in, his tail swaying a little. "Humans are sensitive. You can't just say things like that." He says, before he adjusts his position, crossing his legs.

Jungkook however just scoffs, and refuses to look at you.

You truly want to say something, but your voice just comes out horribly strained, making you cough- so you just leave it, trying to clear your throat, as Seokjin holds the inhaler you got from Yoongi to your lips.

Only that the hand is.. tattooed?

One look upwards and yes, there he is- it's actually Jungkook who acted so fast, eyes a slightly stressed pale blue, as he carefully helps you use the plastic container with the medicine inside, face a mix of worry and annoyance. You just let him, for now- and decide that maybe, this is his actual issue. You're now sick, you're gonna use up a lot more resources, let alone the cost of your medicine and everything. You're no use for him, only baggage.

Jungkook sighs, sits back down before he puts the inhaler away into his canvas bag. "If she wants to stay, she can, I guess.." He says, crossing his arms again. "If she wants to come with me, she can. It's whatever." He huffs, and Yoongi sighs to himself, while Seokjin chuckles.

"Well, I guess that's as much of an invitation as you'll get, little thing." He shrugs, looking down at you.

And this time, you don't feel like running after Jungkook like a lost dog.

So you just quietly shrug, and eat the rest of your meal.

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You're still hiding in Seokjin's bedroom, upset and saddened by the fact that Jungkook is truly preparing to leave you behind, when you hear someone walk through the pearl curtain that disconnects the bedroom from the main living area of the little house. "Here." He mumbles, throwing something on the bed- a plastic box, a rubber band around it to keep it shut, you guess.

You don't react, but you hear him sigh, as he sits down on the mattress, bed dipping down a little under his weight. "At least look at it, so I know I didn't buy the wrong shit." He huffs, and you roll your eyes, before taking the scratched up box, pulling the rubber band from it. And inside-

-are two, different colored knitting needles, a small pair of scissors, and two balls of grey, thick yarn.

"So?" He urges, and you can hear him play with the keychain in his hand a little. Is he nervous? Or just impatient?

What is he really thinking about you?

Why did he buy this, if he didn't at least mildly care about you?

You turn around towards him, and tap his shoulder to gain his attention- which you get, as he turns a little towards you- clearly caught off guard when you hug him. You want to see something- you need to check if your instincts are correct with this.

And when his arm- admittedly rather awkwardly- wraps around you and pats your back, you get your answer.

So you get up, put your clothes and the plastic box into a bag given to you by Jin, and stand by the pearl curtain quietly, nodding outside.

"Are you sure?" He asks, not getting up yet. "Jin's a good guy. Yoongi visits regularly, and he's got a human partner. Knows all about human health." He explains. "I mean, the planet's climate sucks, but it's at least somewhat peaceful." He says, and you just roll your eyes, and cross your arms. "..guess that's a no." He sighs to himself, though you don't miss the warmth in his eyes as he gets up, and takes your bag from you, walking out to say goodbye to Yoongi and Jin- well, mostly Jin. Yoongi just.. quietly bumps his head against yours and Jungkook's, before he simply leaves.

But Seokjin? He goes in for the hug, and it's honestly a little funny how annoyed Jungkook seems at that.

"You'll have to stay in contact!" Seokjin whines. "I need to know she's okay, and that she eats well, and that she's not getting lonely, or sad, or-" He rants, and Jungkook groans, clumsily taking your hand in his to pull you closer.

"Yeah yeah whatever, I'll look after her just fine." He argues, before he turns with you to walk off- letting you wave to Seokjin for a bit, before he tugs on your hand. "Look ahead. You'll trip otherwise." He scolds, though he keeps holding your hand-

The moment you're both back on the ship, he immediately runs an entire scan of the system and Ship's interior- telling you that he doesn't trust the mechanics on this planet too much, and that he wants to make sure they didn't leave anything here that doesn't belong. What exactly he means by that you're not sure- but after noticing how he even physically searches your room for anything off, especially the camera up in the corner, you're starting to have an idea of what he meant by that.

and it feels oddly kind, the way he keeps you both connected with a surprising tender amount of strength.

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"Do you want to stay here or come with me?" He asks, and you shrug, taking a blanket from the bed with you to instead walk closer to him. "…I really made you clingy now, didn't I?" He sighs to himself, looking at you a bit annoyed- though the faint pink-ish hue of his eyes gives you hope that he's just trying to act tough, and not genuinely upset over the fact that you'd like to keep him company from now on.

If Yoongi was correct, Jungkook simply has trouble attaching himself to others- the cat alien had told you that he didn't have the greatest upbringing, and that it left him with permanent scars.

Scars that one might not be able to see, but they're still there.

"Alright, let's see.." Jungkook mumbles to himself, as he logs into his system's autopilot, taking over the controls as he reads through all the info flying past on the screen. It's impressive to you how quickly he can seem to soak up any information practically flying past him, and it shows you just how long he's probably been doing this.

Yet, now that you think of it, you're not actually sure what exactly Jungkook does for a living, besides selling cargo here and there. But then again, should you really question it? He's putting food on the table, and gives you a safe place to stay. Better not ask too many questions, you tell yourself.

So you instead sit down somewhere near the windows, studying the pictures of the faded paper instruction manual that came in the plastic box of knitting stuff- the language foreign to you, though some words seem to click in your mind. It doesn't seem too hard to do, and considering that you've tried it in the past, it's not that difficult to pick back up where you left off years prior.

And the entire time, you don't even notice Jungkook occasionally watching you, the sight of you happily occupied with your new present doing something special to him. After all, usually, to his kind-

gifting things is considered something only mates do for one another.

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"Hey- come here for a second." Jungkook says one morning, urging you a bit closer as you enter the command center where he already sits in his usual seat, though he doesn't seem as relaxed as he's been these past few days.

Your throat has been healing well, and the entire ship by now is filling with your little animal shaped knitting work- one better than the last, after Jungkook had picked up some other colors of yarn for you at one re-fuel stop. It's been a good handful of days now- and you feel like you're actually getting comfortable with the Alien. "I'll be turning course today. I'm.. gonna leave you with Jin for a while." He says, and you instantly furrow your brows in confusion, unsure what's wrong.

"Why?" You ask, voice still a bit raspy, but it at least doesn't hurt as much to talk anymore.

Jungkook just sighs, looking away. "It's not for long, just a few weeks. I'll pick you up before the seasons change-" He explains, but you won't have it.

"That doesn't answer my question." You say, clearing your throat after somewhat getting that small sentence out. He runs his hands over his face.

"It's.. urgh, fuck!" He groans out agitated, and it's honestly both funny and a little unnerving to see Jungkook so.. embarrassed.

"I'm-… It's mating season for my kind." He huffs out defeated, arms crossed. "And since you're a female, it's kind of.. distracting." He explains, and you take that info in for a second.

And Bolku people are a proud but reserved kind, only really staying in pairs, never in groups. But Jungkook doesn't quite fit the visual characteristics, apart from his eyes- so maybe he's a hybrid too?

"Oh." You simply answer, unsure what else to say. Well, you didn't really think about that- but yeah, you remember reading something about Bolku people's.. well, mating traditions, so to speak. Not really because you ever thought anything of it- it was just interesting to find anything to read back on earth, and when you stumbled upon a common book about foreign galactic humanoid variants, you read through it.

It's how you know that Seokjin must've been some sort of human-Shairo hybrid; with his tall body and caring nature, but otherwise rather human appearance. The short, thick and scaled tail gave him away, mostly, and you read in your book back on earth how his kind has a problem with gender in their kind. They're mostly male- females are incredibly rare to be born for some unknown reason.

What's interesting now however, is how the past few days and Jungkook's actions during them, change in nature to you. The gift of the knitting stuff. The blankets he kept bringing to your room. The way he'd cuddle you throughout the journey through Cryon- all of it suddenly feels odd to you now that you know he's near his kind's mating season.

Does that mean that those weren't acts of kindness? That you weren't making any progress at all? That he was just..

..acting on instincts?

"I can just stay in my room again for the time being." You shrug, and he notices the way your posture and tone change. He's become quite good at reading your body language and subtle hints here and there- be it the tone of your voice, or the way you avoid eye contact, or how you'd change topic if he was to talk about something that made you uncomfortable. And right now, it seems as if he said something that made you almost.. defensive. And he's not sure what.

"No, I don't want to.. lock you in there again." He shakes his head. "You're not a prisoner anymore. Or anything similar." He denies.

"Then what am I?" You ask, looking at him- and he can't help but feel a little called out by you.

"That doesn't matter." He responds, but that's not enough for you anymore. You've become bold- mostly because you're not scared of him any longer, and because he's slowly, unknowingly, nurtured your will to survive back to life.

"It does to me." You croak out, coughing right after, making him cringe as his eyes turn a concerned blue hue. But he knows not to try and do anything right now- you're on edge, and he feels as if he's arguing with a cornered animal right now, any wrong move or word enough to set you off.

"Then what do you want to be?" He asks instead, making you look at him with a gaze that just screams uncertainty.

You don't know what you want to be. Especially not what you want to be to him.

When you came onto his ship, you didn't care what happened to you. You'd given up, you were ready to take whatever was thrown at you- but now you actually want to live. You want to be alive, and most importantly, you want to stay with him, and stay on this ship, and stay in this little space where everything seems okay. The amount of safety you feel here has spoiled you at this point, causing you to feel protective over it.

You don't want to stay with Seokjin, no matter how sweet and kind he is. He isn't Jungkook, and he isn't this ship.

"I don't care!" You huff out at him, moving to sit in the middle of the control center, grabbing your blanket before you throw it over your head, and hiding underneath it as you sit down facing the large window, face barely exposed. "I'm staying." You growl to yourself, and Jungkook can't help the slight amusement tickling in his chest at the fact that you're starting to pick up on some of his own behaviors.

Though your growl is anything but intimidating. It's cute, but nothing dangerous at all.

"It's just for two weeks. Three at max." Jungkook sighs, turning on the autopilot before he walks closer, tip of his boot gently tapping your back. "Hey." He calls out, but you don't answer. "I'm talking to you."

"And I'm not." You respond, pulling the blanket close so he can't see you as he crouches down next to you to catch a glimpse. "You'll leave me there."

"I thought you wanted me to leave you?" He wonders in an oddly soft tone, but you can't help but feel as if this too is just his instincts, and not actually him.

"Shut up." You respond, and he laughs.

"You kind of sound like me." He tells you, sitting down in front of you with his legs crossed. "Doesn't fit you- so stop it." He argues, pulling on the blanket- but you got a steel hold of it. "Come on, stop being a brat-"

"No!" You bark out, scooting away from him a good bit.

"I'll pick you up again." He sighs. "Promise."

"Your promise is empty." You mumble, finally giving in as he manages to pull the edge of the blanket enough with his fingers to expose your face.

"How so?" He wonders, face clearly confused, and somewhat upset.

"Cause you said it!" You argue. "I'm distracting you because you're like- horny or whatever. That's not you. And when your.. mating season is over, you'll just.. leave me with Jin." You say, looking at the ground.

"How come you humans always get so horribly attached to things so easily?" He mumbles, as if he's mostly talking to himself- eyes distant as he looks at you, hands in his lap. "Attach yourself to Jin. Not me."

"Why?" You ask timidly, unsure what he's getting at. You're not even sure yourself what you're thinking of him. You don't know why you're so attached to him.

"Because he's.. a better fit." He shrugs. "He's nice. Knows human social norms, since he's partially human as well-"

"So are you though?" You ask, testing the waters, and the way he tenses up, eyes flashing a pale, unreadable color, gives you the answer you were looking for.

So he is a hybrid too.

Suddenly, his face seems angry, jaw clenched and tongue pressed against the inside of his cheek as he looks to the side, eyes a blazing red as he gets up and walks away. "I changed my mind." He says, tapping away on his control panel. "Go stay in your room or whatever. I don't give a shit." He growls, and for some reason, you suddenly feel guilty.

So you quietly leave, door hissing shut behind you-

before it clicks, small display near it offering only a single, pulsating message.

[Locked by Administrator]

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[ithinkabouttzu]

More than meets the eye || Harry Welsh

a/n: Hi @crazyforkasey-blog ! I’m so excited to be your secret santa this year! 🎅🏼 I heard you saying that there wasn’t enough Welsh content on here (which is totally true) so i decided to make a little something you might like! I hope you enjoy and have a wonderful Christmas if you celebrate! ❤️

synopsis: Living in a conservative southern town in the 40s can be hard, especially when you look like the long lost sister of Morticia Addams. But fortunately, there was always Harry to treat you just the same as everyone else.

genre: Angst and fluff

warnings: Swearing, name calling, cow tipping? (not really though), Brief fighting and arguing. (Harry welsh x Shy and goth! female reader!)

word count: 4.7k

taglist: @executethyself35 @linhkhanhcps @1waveshortofashipwreck @grumpy-liebgott @barbeygirl @samwinchesterslostshoe @ronsenthal @sweetxvanixlla @mstiemountainhop @imaginethatneathuh @goodluckbabeheffron @resting-distressed-face @bossboudicca (If you want to be on this list, let me know!! :))

It was easy to say you were never an Audrey Hepburn or Rita Hayworth. People had always managed to look past your beautiful smile, genuine personality, or your soft and calming presence. Instead you were infamous for your different style and edgy looks. It was just fashion. Why should it matter so much? Shallow comments spread like wildfire throughout your small town, all commenting on your appearance and what you wore.You had managed to grow a thick skin in spite of this, but still every time someone made a joke at you, you couldn't help feel that familiar sting in your heart. The people you grew up with in this town were mostly cruel to you, always was and probably always will be. However, you always remembered that one boy who loved you and treated you the same as everyone else.

January 23rd, 1943. Somewhere in Georgia

It was a Friday night and classes had just dismissed not too many hours ago. Teenagers and young adults filled the downtown streets with cheers and excitement. The new movie,“Casablanca” Had just arrived in theaters. A new romantic movie that had to do with the war. It was expected that a lot of people would want to watch the movie during its release.

You walked through the little crowds by the theater, waiting for your ticket. It was no doubt you were excited, you hadn’t watched a movie in months. “Going to a funeral, y/n?” you heard a familiar voice shout at you. You felt embarrassment spread across your cheeks, why did they have to start now?

You look behind you to see where the comment came from, not surprisingly, it came from Roy Smith, a boy you grew up with, along with his girlfriend, Barbra Jones, and his other malicious friends that stood with him, laughing along at his joke. You rolled your eyes in annoyance.

“Does it look like I'm going to a funeral?” You asked the rhetorical question, clearly in line. You got a couple scoffs in return from the group and a sarcastic laugh from Barbra.This is where the majority of name calling and insults originated from. Surprisingly, you and Barbra used to be friends growing up, all of them really until secondary school came and they started to care what people thought of them.

You finally got through the line and got your ticket before they sold out, along with your popcorn before heading into the theater to find a seat.

You looked around at your seating options in the theater. “There” you thought to yourself, a seat in the corner of the cinema, one on the last row up. It was a nice secluded spot where you could relax and enjoy the movie to yourself, you wouldn’t have to worry about Roy and his friends ruining the movie for you.

You sat back in your seat and took a couple bites of the buttery popcorn in your hands. You started to relax once the movie started, You watched attentively before someone shuffled right beside you. You looked up to see who it was, a man with curly hair and a cheek-ish smile. You couldn’t point out any more features from the darkness in the room but you could tell he was mid height, he was someone you hadn’t met before.

“Mind if I sit here?” You heard him speak, he had a nice, comfortable tone in his voice. And a northern accent that gave away the impression that he wasn’t from here.

“Sure” You said reluctantly, trying to focus back on the movie. He could hear the timidness in your voice so decided to introduce himself, “I won’t bite. What’s ya’ name? You can call me Harry.” He gives you a reassuring smile while holding his hand out for you to shake.

The closer you get to him you can see his face more clearly, the light from the movie falling onto his face.

“I’m Y/n” You say, accepting his hand shake lightly, before returning your eyes onto the movie.

“Y/n, what’s a pretty girl like you doing by yourself on a night like tonight?” You were shocked by his recent words. Was this a joke? Was he a friend of Roy’s trying to make a fool of you?

“Who put you up to talking to me huh? Roy? Barbra?” You turn to him frustrated, not even watching a movie could be peaceful anymore.

He looked confused, “I don’t know a Roy or Barbra from here, are they giving ya’ problems?” You looked at his face to see if he would give up any other emotions. Nothing. Either he was a really good actor, or he genuinely didn’t know either of the two.

“Sorry, I guess I thought you were someone else.” You replied, taking a bite of your popcorn before turning back to the movie.

It seemed as though he had understood you had wanted to watch the movie in peace, so he remained silent throughout the film, still turning to look at you every so often.

Once the movie had finished, you were surprised Harry was still there beside you. The movie was pleasant but you had to get out of the cramped space. The lights turned on again as you sat up from your seat, stretching your legs and arms.

“Movie was good huh?” You heard Harry say, also sitting up from his seat.

You turned to look at him, once he saw you fully in the light, he would completely change his demeanor, turn cold like the others. Better to go ahead and get it over with.

You waited for his face to change, for him to walk past you and run away as if you had never been there at all. Still, nothing. Instead, he threw a flirty smile your way. “Is there any way you would wanna go to dinner with me? Fries and a milkshake on me?”

You looked at the boy in confusion, he was serious about this surprising pursuit. You smiled to yourself before giving in, “Sure, but only because you’re paying.”

He returned a smile back to you, “ladies first, you pick where we go.” He extended his arm, helping you leave the narrow row of seats. As you and him were walking out of the cinema room you threw your trash away and thought of a place that would work. “How about phillies? It’s a burger joint a couple blocks away from here.” You asked him, still walking towards the exit.

“Sure, maybe you could show me more popular spots in town. I’ve never been here before.” He opened the door and held it out for you.

“Yeah where are you from if you don’t mind me asking? It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that your accent isn’t from Georgia.” You laughed while taking a turn on the street corner where the restaurant was.

He smirked at what you said before replying. “I’m from Pennsylvania, I came down here for training. We’re shipping out soon.” He said while pulling out a carton of cigarettes. He offered you one before lighting up his own. You politely declined.

It made sense. A camp was only a couple towns away from here, loads of young men poured out onto the streets during the weekend, plenty of new faces you had never seen.

“Army?” You had asked him, the other men that stopped into town had all worn army uniforms, it wouldn’t hurt to ask.

“Yeah somethin’ like that. Airborne division.” He said while taking another hit of his cigarette. He proceeded to tell you what exactly that entailed and how his experience had been so far.

“So i’m guessing you’re not scared of heights?” You laughed at the idea of him jumping out of a perfectly good plane by choice. It seemed fit for him, he was already breaking mental standards you had for the men in this town in only one night.

“I want to be the best of the best. You’ve gotta be pretty damn good to jump out of a plane and still not have a scratch on your shoulder.” He shrugged his shoulders and put his cigarette out on the ground. You and him had finally arrived at the diner. He opened the door for you as you led him into the quaint area.

~

“So none of you got caught?” You asked him as you took the last sip of your milkshake. You and him had been chatting about almost everything, including one of his most recent escapades that included his comrades at Camp Toccoa.

“Not one of us.” He said while giving you a smirk. You couldn’t help but blush at his confident demeanor. It had only been two or three hours with Harry but you were growing onto him rather quickly.

“Maybe you could show me around town more. I have yet to find a good drinking spot. That is, if you drink.” He said while the waitress brought him the check.

“I personally don’t drink a whole lot, but I'm sure I could give you a couple recommendations off of some I know.” You reached into your purse for your wallet.

“What are ya doing?” He looked at you in confusion as you brought out your wallet.

“Helping with the bill, of course.” You unzipped your bill folder and before you could actually put out any money, he stopped you.

“What kinda guy do you think I am, making a girl pay on a date? You think I'm a bum or somethin’?” He chuckled as if you had lost your mind. You smiled to yourself as you put away your wallet. So you guys were on a date? You felt giddy at the thought. It had been so long since you felt this kind of connection with another person your age, it felt refreshing yet nerving. A part of you was still waiting for him to confess that taking you out was some sick joke, and the connection you felt was just something you made up in your head.

“So where do we wanna go next?” He asked you the question with a glimmer in his eye, his engines were churning at something, but you couldn’t quite tell what it was yet.

“I can’t think of anything else to do. You remember we’re in a small town in the south right?” you said as you and him slid out of the booth and started walking towards the exit.

As you walked out of the restaurant you heard a shout from behind you two. “Y/n did you kidnap that guy or somethin’? Pal you know that gal’s crazy right?” The voice said. Unsurprisingly, you knew who it was.

For a second time this evening, Roy came into your plans and had the same opportunity to ruin them. You closed your eyes, trying to collect your emotions together before saying something back.

Harry spoke up before you could even begin to speak. “Hey, you country hick, why don’t you mind your business!”

You were taken back by Harry’s comment. You suppressed a laugh when you heard absolute silence from Roy. You turned around to see his face. He looked dumbfounded. All those nasty comments he had made over the years had seemed to catch up with him.

“Let’s go. We don't want the idiot to follow us.” Harry said, before wrapping his arm around your shoulder, forwarding you to walk into the other direction.

Once you were out of Roy’s sight you let out the laugh you held in for so long.

“So i’m guessing that’s Roy?”

“Sadly, yes.” You replied back to Harry’s question. You had never seen anything like that happen to Roy before.

“Good. He deserved it. Speaking of what we’re doing, I have somethin’ in mind, one of my buddies that had a farm told me about it.” He looked for your approval before continuing with his proposition. He moved on from the previous situation swiftly. “Do you trust me?”

You looked at him with curiosity. How bad could it be? It seemed as though the night was already full of ideas and surprises, so why not go ahead and add a couple more to the collection.

“I guess so.” You shrugged with a smile on your face. This guy was unbelievable. On any other occasion you would have told a guy to mess off, but something in your gut told you to follow his lead.

He called for a taxi. One of the only ones you had in town. “It’s not far from here, just a mile or two out.” He explained as the opened the cab door for you.

“Where to?” The cab driver asked Harry.

“Keep going about two miles or so down Sunset Road. I’ll tell you when we’re there.” Harry replied as he paid the driver.

“Tell me you aren’t taking us in the middle of nowhere.” You sighed as you heard Sunset Road. The only folks you knew who lived out there were Roys family, cow farmers.

“I’m not. Well sorta not. Just wait and see.” He wrapped his arm around you during the small duration of the ride.

The drive wasn’t long. Maybe five or so minutes before Harry told the cabby to stop the car.

“In the middle of the road sir? You sure?” The driver asked him, in which Harry replied with a “yes” again.

You were confused. There wasn’t anything out here other than cows and pastures.

“You guys have a good night. Stay safe.” The cab driver gave a questioning look as you and Harry got out of the car and onto the side of the road.

As the driver sped off, you looked at Harry as if he had lost his mind. “So we are in the middle of nowhere. Please don’t tell me what you have planned is illegal.”

Harry looked everywhere but at you. “It’s not necessarily illegal. I swear it doesn’t hurt the cows.” He waited for your response.

You continued to look at the man like he was insane. “Hurt the cows? What are you talking about? Maybe we should just walk back.” You made a sigh of frustration. A man you barely knew had you out in the middle of nowhere.

“Have you ever heard of cow tipping?” He asked you.

You looked at him in disbelief. Cow tipping? Really? “That's all you could come up with? Does it look like i’m dressed in farm clothes?”

You shook your head at the thought of soiling your black dress with cow manure. You just couldn’t.

Harry pleaded with you, “That Asshole back there, Roy? This is his farm. Why don’t we get the son of a bitch back? It’ll be fun, Scout's honor!”

Why did Harry have to be so convincing? Along with that, you couldn’t help but think of how entertaining it would be to do some harm towards Roy.

You sighed, giving in. “Are you sure it won’t hurt the cows?” You asked him.

“I promise it won’t. Just trust me.” Harry gave you a mischievous smirk. One that sent you butterflies flying in your stomach. You couldn’t help but admit to yourself that he looked good in the moonlight, a little too good.

“Okay.” You reluctantly agreed with him before heading towards the wooden fence that protected the pasture and cows.

“I’ll get over it first, and then I can help you.” Harry Climbed up the fence and jumped on the other side.

“I can do it. I’m not made of sugar, you know.” You said as you put your foot on one of the side fence and jumped to the other side of it. He smiled at your stubbornness instead of challenging it like other men had in the past.

“So what do we do now?” You asked, brushing off any wood chips that were left onto the end of your dress.

“We go find the cows.” He said with that familiar smirk of his.

You and him walked into the open field. It was quite dark. The only thing that was keeping you from being totally blind was the light from the moon.

“You know, I've been meaning to tell you this, but I think you look really pretty tonight. I’ve never met a gal quite like you.”

When Harry said that, you went silent. You weren’t sure what to say, or if you should say anything at all. You looked at him, His eyes lingered on your face, as if he was taking in every detail there was to offer.

You felt nervous under his gaze. As if right on cue, a noise interrupted the moment.

“MOOO!!” The loud noise came out of nowhere, making you jump a little off of your feet.

You sighed in relief when to your surprise you saw that it was in fact, a cow staring right at you and Harry.

“What about this one first?” Harry said with a laugh.

You scoffed at the joke before continuing to reply. “As long as it doesn’t hurt the cow, and only hurts the owner.”

You followed Harry and went to the side of the cow. You still continued to follow his league when he put his hands on the side of the cow.

“Push on three okay?” He said, pulling up his sleeves.

Three came sooner than later, and you were now pushing with all your might, the cow wasn’t budging a bit.

“Maybe we should find a smaller cow? Eh?” He asked after a couple minutes of trying. A part of you was glad he was finally giving up on the big heifer in front of you and settling for something smaller.

You two walked a couple more yards around the farm. “There.” Harry said, pointing to a small cow standing in the dark.

It looked so cute. You couldn’t help but smile at the little creature. You looked at Harry before replying. “No. He’s too cute. Besides, can’t we do something else to get Roy back? I know you’ve got some good ideas somewhere in that brain of yours.” You crossed your arms while looking at Harry with pleading eyes. You couldn’t possibly try to push the cute calf down.

“You think the little guy is cute, why don’t we help him escape from his terrible owner?” Harry smiled at you while waiting for your agreement, that same smirk appeared on his face as once before.

“Okay, but how.” You asked curiously as to how he would be able to execute this impulsive plan.

“On the other side of the field, it’s protected with barbed wire. I can cut it with my knife.” He reached for his switchblade to show you, flicking it out with his hand smoothly.

“Do you really think you’re gonna be able to cut the thick wire with a hand knife?” You were questioning his thought process even more than before. You wanted to hurry, worried you would’ve gotten caught by Roy. He probably would have been on his way home any time now.

“Trust me, I’ve been sharpening this bad boy the moment I got to Georgia. I think he can withstand a couple wires.” Harry Flicked his switchblade around, showing you a couple tricks.

“You down, doll?” He looked up at you with enticing eyes that made you feel a chill down your spine.

“Okay! I guess.” You smiled while uncrossing your arms.

It didn’t take long for you and him to get to the other side of the fence. Thankfully, you didn’t step into any cow manure or hidden holes. You sighed in relief when you got to the other side with no damage done to your shiny black shoes.

“Here it is. Where should we cut first?” Harry said while taking a good look at the fence. It wasn’t big at all. Just a couple lines of barbed wire and that was it.

“Maybe right there?” You pointed to the part of the fence that stood right in front of you.

“You got it, sweet thing.” He crouched down to the bottom row of wire, starting to saw into it immediately.

You stood there in silence. Not quite sure what to do with your hands or where to put your eyes other than to watch Harry cut into the thick layer of fencing.

“So I didn’t tell you, but I'm leaving in two weeks. We’re going up north for more training.”

When Harry told you that, a part of your heart slumped. You weren’t necessarily sad, but you had only just met him, and wanted to know as much as you could. Only two weeks.

“That’s not much time. Are you ready?” You asked, right as he surprisingly cut the bottom part loose.

“Ready as i’ll ever be. But don’t worry, we have more than enough time to get into trouble like this.” He threw a wink your way as he said it, making you laugh.

While he cut the other pieces of wire, you and him talked about all sorts of stuff, his life and yours, what you liked to do in the free time you had. Almost everything you could talk about during the short time.

Once the last bit of wire was loose, you were surprised. You didn’t think he would actually be able to cut through them all. But in the short time you had known him, you could tell that he wasn’t the type to give up on something he started.

“Now we have to wait for the cows to leave. Wanna go back into town?” He asked you as he stood up from his crouched position.

“Sure. We need to hurry though. I don’t want Roy seeing us.” Harry agreed and you and him walked the mile and a half back into town.

As you finally walked back into the downtown strip, almost no one was out. It was like a ghost town. You looked around at all of the closed lights, shivering at the light wind that passed through your thick dress.

“Ya cold? I’ve got my jacket?” He didn’t even wait for your response before he put his jacket on you. It was warm and smelled of wood and leather.

“Thank you.” You said lightly, trying to suppress your yawn.

“Should I walk you home? I don’t want ya to sleep walk around town with me.” He said with a laugh, pushing the side of his arm lightly into yours.

As you walked by him, you felt his hand brush yours every so often. You hesitated to go any further. If you were going to hold hands with him, he was going to be the person to initiate it. Almost immediately, his hand enclosed yours. Giving it a tight squeeze. You leaned onto his shoulder as you and him walked.

“Sure. I’m just a couple streets up.” You replied back. The walk wasn’t too silent. Harry filled the air with playful chatter. Making you laugh every so often. He was so full of character. Never going a beat without making a silly joke or telling an eventful story.

Only a couple blocks later and you two were standing at the doorstep of your quaint home. “Well, this is it.” You turned to him, slightly removing your hand from his grip.

“It was really nice meeting you. Maybe we could hang out again sometime.” He smiled at you as he pushed a part of your hair back. You stood there staring at him in the quiet seclusion of your neighborhood. Your eyes locked onto his. Oh how you didn’t want this night to end. The tension in the air was thick, you couldn’t tell if it was from the anticipation for him to make a move or a truth to how bad you wanted him.

He didn’t waste any time for you to take matters into your own hands. He kissed you hard, almost melting into you. The kiss made you feel all sorts of things inside.

“Goodnight, y/n.” He whispered in your ear before heading off back to base.

December 18th, 1945

As time worked, eventually Harry left for more training up north, and eventually to England and France. The last two weeks he spent in Georgia he visited you as much as he could. Going to the theatre or roaming around downtown talking.

Roy was furious about what happened to his fencing and cows. He never did figure out you and Harry were the ones who were responsible.

When he left a part of you was sad, but it wasn’t totally a surprise to you. You knew it was going to happen. Might as well rip the bandaid off as soon as possible.

“I’ll promise to write to you, okay?” He said to you before he left.

He broke his promise.

From D-Day to VE day you didn’t get a single letter. You waited by your mailbox for the first month or two, until you gave up. You figured either he didn’t make it, or he realized what a fool he was to go out with you.

You tried moving on. But a part of you made it so hard to forget the boy you had met 3 years ago.

It was now Christmastime. You had just finished up the decor on your tree. You had managed to find ornaments and other items that fit your personality perfectly. The weather was cold, you stayed inside during this time of year. It was just easier that way.

You had a christmas record playing in the background as you put up the empty boxes that once held your christmas decorations, when you heard the doorbell ring.

You furrowed your eyebrows. No one was expected to come over any time soon. You hadn’t invited anyone over in God knows how long. You reluctantly went to the door and opened it.

Him. It was him.

If your heart could medically drop into your gut, it would’ve. You forgot to breathe for a second.

“Hi.” He said quietly, a part of him looked guilty, the other part just looked happy to see you.

You were genuinely surprised. “I thought you were gone.” You opened the door wider than it was before. Now fully looking at him.

“I’m sorry I didn’t write. I didn’t think I was gonna make it the moment I left. I didn’t wanna put you through that ya’ know. I promised myself I would come back and formally apologize. So here I am.” He chuckled awkwardly at the end of his speech.

You were so shocked. You didn’t know what to say. “So. Not one scratch on the shoulder?” You laughed a little bit, remembering the speech of his about paratroopers.

“Not any big ones.” He returned a laugh. You could see his body relax from the joke.

He paused before speaking again, with a more serious tone. “I hope you know that, I didn’t go a day without thinking about you and what you were doing. I dreamed of you day and night.

You tried to be understanding, and in all honesty, you didn’t have room to hold a grudge. He was back in the states and safe. You could have written him, but you didn’t for the same reasons as his.

“I’m sorry. Truly.” Never did you think, an old winter fling from three years ago, one that you couldn’t help but think of whenever you watched a movie, saw a cow, or felt a drop in the temperature, was outside of your doorstep practically begging for you to forgive him.

You looked into his eyes. He showed nothing but honesty and desperation in them. You took a breath before speaking out. “I believe you.”

He smiled at your words, “I missed you.” He said softly.

You took another look at his face. His hair was shorter, you could tell that he hadn’t been sleeping enough. The faint bags around his eyes hadn’t changed. Those same eyes that you stared into for those two weeks three years ago stared right back at you as if time hadn’t been lost at all. Your heart almost exploded as you thought of how to respond.

“I missed you too.”

I hope you enjoyed again friend! I hope you all reading have a wonderful holiday! 💝

[ramblinscramblin]

Hi!! Omg I'm the person who requested the Honeymoon Phase hcs with Sniper, and I loved it so much! He's the best.

Could I please maybe request how you think he would act after a few months into dating , or maybe a year? Just a suggestion, no pressure! Tysm :3

-🎃

→Long Term Relationship with Sniper

Genre: fluff some angst

Characters: Sniper obviously

Thanks so much for the request!!! Yk I love Sniper I’ll always write for him! Oh and for anyone who hasn’t read the original that 🎃 anon here is talking about and have an interest in doing so that’s here!

Sniper

Sniper eventually does get used to being a relationship and stops acting so awkward around you.

He may even be so bold as to actually initiate physical contact with you, who knows!

I think Sniper would not be the biggest fan of PDA, he’s a private man. While he’s happy to tell people of your relationship and show you off to everyone, anything beyond hand holding is a big no no.

Sniper just likes spending quiet quality time alone with you, after a hard day at work that’s really all he wants.

Like I said in the first post any conflict in the relationship with normally comes from Sniper being an emotional shut in. Feels ridiculous talking about his emotions and so he refuses to put himself through it.

Will bottle things up and then explode about something inconsequential causing a huge fight that’s probably “about” you closing the door too loudly but it’s really about something else.

Once he realizes how much strain it’s putting on you and your relationship he starts working to be better with it.

Feels like such an idiot every time you two fight, he loves you so much and hates when he treats you anything less than the royalty you are.

Sniper loves the idea of sharing a space with you full time, if you’re willing, he’s expressed the idea of buying a bigger camper to accommodate for another person. But in the meantime you two make do.

Snipers dates are mostly camping trips, whenever the two of you have some time to yourself Snipers takes you on some very romantic retreats.

He loves to spoil you, but he’s really nonchalant about it so he’ll never be direct and it’s done in super discreet ways.

You were digging through you bag one day talking to him “I’m not sure where I put it actually and— what is this doing in here?” You ask pulling up a fistful of cash.

Sniper appears coy suddenly and shrugs passively “oh? Who knows.”

You give him a skeptical glare “this is from you isn’t it? I told you you don’t have to do that.”

“But what if ya see somethin’ nice an’ I’m not there?” Sniper whines.

“I’ll buy it myself?” You say, Sniper protests against that idea very vehemently.

You also find many carved trinkets around your space and in your pockets out of nowhere, Sniper will think it’s just the strangest thing if you bring it up… he has no idea how that got there… how bizarre.

Feels so very lucky to be with you, just wants to keep you happy, so he’s willing to do whatever it is he has to do to get that to happen.

You’re the first serious relationship he’s ever been in, others have tried, but they weren’t as patient as you were.

One night when the two of you were alone in the darkness of the van Sniper whispered “thank you for giving me a chance.”

You say up in bed a little, trying to get a better look at him, but it was too dark to do so, of course he knew that, which is the only reason he felt confident enough to say it out loud.

You searched in the darkness for his face, finding it and rubbing your thumb along his cheekbones “you don’t have to thank me, I’m not doing charity work,” you lean forward to place a kiss next to his nose, breath tickling his face “I love you, you know that?”

His heart leaps to his throat, “yes,” he says a little wetly “yeah of course I do love.”

Things become very domestic and very uncomplicated about a year or so in, Sniper likes being with you and you like being with him, not much else is needed aside from that.

He actually makes me so sick what the hell. Thanks so much for requesting!

[allexthakatt]

Hi there!

I would like to request something with angst/fluff with Derek Morgan! He does not have enough fics.

Have a nice day:)

Heyooo! Thank you so much for this request! You didn't specify whether you wanted it fem! Or male! So I'm gonna just stick with gender neutral! I hope that's okay!!

PAIRING- Derek Morgan x FEM! Reader

CW- None really, just mostly fluff and some mutual pining. Lots of self doubt from reader tho, does that count?

Mixed Signals

"Reid, Prentiss, I want you both to go to the coroner's office. JJ, go with Dave to the police station. Y/n, you and Morgan go look at the crime scene, see if there was anything we missed. I need to see the Mayor about his ties to the victims. We'll all meet back here."

Hotch's authoritarian voice ordering the team to their respective tasks. You look over at your partner, already with a smirk on his face.

"Looks like it's me and you sweetheart. You ready?"

With a nod, you both get in the SUV, you preparing yourself for what you'll be exposed to in the next 20 minutes. It's one thing to see it in photos in your binder, but to see right in front of you can always be a bit unnerving. No matter how long you've been doing this job, you never really get used to the dead bodies you see almost daily. Especially the more brutal murders.

"You okay?"

Morgan's voice pulls you out of your thoughts, nodding your head in response.

"Oh yeah. You know me, just gonna prepare the ol' noggin before we see some fucked up shit, ya know?"

He nods in agreement, keeping a mental note to check in on you periodically.

Yours and Morgan's friendship is a weird one. There's always been this lingering tension in the air when it's just the two of you. You have a guess as to why, but never really let yourself explore those outcomes.

If you were honest with yourself, you really liked him. More than a friend. Morgan was there for you when you needed him most. He was so charming, so charismatic, yet such a goofball in his own way. Not to mention how stupidly handsome he is.

A big reason as to why you never made a move or said anything is because he confuses you to no end.

He flirts with you constantly, and not the playful flirting he does with Garcia, either. It's genuine, he checks you out, your hugs are longer and closer than with all your other friends. It's times like those where you think he may reciprocate the feelings toward you.

But then, every single time the team and you go out for drinks, he's getting all these women surrounding him. Which, of course he does, look at him! It wouldn't make you feel as bad if he didn't so obviously enjoy the attention. The confidence oozes from him, he grinds right back on them, more often than not going back home with one of them at the end of the night. And that's not even mentioning the numerous female detectives he's got in his phone.

You'd never been so confused about your feelings in your life.

Reid had been quick to attempt to ease your insecurities. 'Morgan is... a ladies man, he never really has had a serious long relationship before. I know he likes you, he wouldn't flirt with you like he does if he didn't. However when it comes to feelings, Morgan isn't exactly known for putting them in the spotlight. He deflects it by showing his flashy personality around the people he's afraid to be vulnerable with. That way he has the upper hand at all times to avoid getting hurt.'

Reid rambled on that night after you'd confided in him about it. You have to admit, it does make sense- Show the confident side so you'll never have to show the vulnerable one.

Doesn't make it hurt any less, nor any less confusing.

-

The case was prolonged yet again. The unsub had an upper hand in knowledge of what the police and FBI were doing regarding the investigation, due to a certain police officer having a hand in some of the victims untimely and unfortunate deaths.

After all was done and unsubs were apprehended, the flight home was... tense.

There's always that dread hanging in the air on the way home after every case.

We could have saved more.

We should have seen the signs.

We should have done this specific thing sooner.

Regardless, you were all happy to be going home after almost two weeks of dealing with this case.

All the team was doing their own thing on the jet. With about an hour and a half left in the air you were just busying yourself. Reid, of course, is reading. Prentiss and JJ talking about something Will said over the phone. Hotch and Rossi discussing the case that is now closed. You attempting to write in your journal; something your therapist had suggested a while ago that is now almost a daily thing.

And then there's Morgan. Who's trying to sleep. Trying.

You keep doing little things that just drive him crazy. The hair flip you have to do to get hair out of your face. When you think, you push the back of the pen near your lips, puckering them in the process.

That? Right there? Is going to be the death of him.

He's trying to keep it cool, trying to make it seem like he definitely isn't harboring the fattest crush on you. But with you just being... You; it's getting harder and harder to pretend he isn't thinking of all the ways he could call you his.

This was new for him. He's usually so confident and suave. When it comes to you, though, he's tripping over his words, second guessing himself, trying his hardest not to embarrass himself in front of you. It's like he's 13 again.

-

When you finally land, Emily suggests the idea of going to the bar. It's not too late, and you could use a little something to take the edge off. All but Hotch and JJ agree, having to go home to their children.

After agreeing to a bar, you, Garcia, and Reid pile up in your car. Due to Reid not driving and you and Garcia carpool anyway, it's easier to all go together.

"So... Y/n are you finally gonna make a move on Mr. Derek Morgan?"

Penelope's voice breaks your concentration on the road, having to clear your throat and shift your legs to cover up your embarrassment.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, pen pen."

"Oh I think you know exactly what I'm talking about, my sarcastic love. Derek talks about nothing but you and you give him the heart-eyes every time you see him! When am I finally gonna see some action!?"

Penelope, while you hadn't told her, it doesn't take a lot for her to put two and two together. She sees the way he hugs you, the longing stares you give each other. However Penelope was not known to sit and watch, she had to get involved.

"Look Pen, I love you like a sister. But I don't really think anything is gonna happen between the two of us. Even if I did like him like that, I truly doubt he likes me back."

You're trying to focus on the road and not on the fact there's going to be several girls dancing on the man of your dreams in less than an hour.

"Y/n I told you he does! We're profilers, you'd think you'd know to trust us."

You rolled your eyes slightly,

"It's not that I don't trust you guys, because I really want to believe it. Fuck, I wanna believe you so bad but then nights like these happen and there five girls surrounding him dancing on him and he's dancing right back. Then he goes home with one of them and does God knows what with them and I gotta watch from the sidelines and pretend it doesn't hurt."

You were rambling now, you couldn't stop yourself.

"You've just admitted to liking him, I hope you know! And if him grinding up on all these women bothers you why don't you do the same? Find a hot guy and dance all sexily with him. Hell, why not go home with him? If Derek really likes you (which I'm confident he does), give him a taste of his own medicine!"

Penelope was getting excited! Was tonight the night? Was it finally going to happen? She couldn't wait to see this evening unfold!

'She has a point...' You thought, doing your best to keep up the nonchalance you'd grown to fake very well.

If he could do it, there was no reason you couldn't either. It's not like you had to be faithful, you weren't even close to being an item. There truly was nothing stopping you, and honestly, you could use a distraction from him for a night.

"You know what, maybe you're right, Pen. We'll see where the night goes then, I guess."

Penelope squealed in her seat, Reid rolling his eyes. 'This is definitely coming to a head tonight..'

-

The music was loud and the lights were dim, the air was a little stuffy and people were crowded on the dance floor. By the time you three got there Derek was already on the dance floor, and you noticed a few women lock in their target with him.

Typically, you'd spend your night at the table nursing your mixed drink with Emily and Reid. Watching from the side the man you loved catch the attention of every lioness in the club. Tonight was different. Tonight, you were joining the hunt, it was time you weren't on the side, but a lioness herself.

Reid and Penelope waved you off, wishing you luck as you made your way to the bar to get the first drink of the night. Regardless on if you find a 'distraction man' tonight, you were planning on getting tipsy at least.

Ordering a simple rum and coke, you see a fine man in the corner of your eye.

'Let the hunt commence', you gave yourself a quick pep talk and sent him a small smile. One you know he saw, as he was already eyeing you as well.

He raised his glass and took the last drink, before making his way to you.

"Hi there, I'm Tucker."

He held his hand out not sitting down next to you quite yet. Something you take notice of. You also take notice of his handsome features up close. Ear-length dark fluffy hair, dark eyes that looked so cute, button up flannel, slacks, and a heart throbbing smile slapped on top.

You shake his hand, giving him your name in response and sending him a matching smile his way.

He took that as his okay to sit in the empty seat next to you, immediately striking up conversation.

'He should be a fine distraction man, I think..'

Derek decides maybe it's time to sit down for a sec, finding Penelope's bright red hair easily in the midst of tables. Emily and Reid were there too, but where were you?

Promising to meet up with the pretty blond again later that evening, he makes his way to the table, Penelope seeing him and pulling out a chair for his arrival.

"Hello hello y'all, how are we doing this fine night? Where's Y/N?"

Reid and Penelope shared a quick look, before Penelope smirked and pointed to the bar where you sat, sipping your drink and laughing along with some guy.

It was quick, but Derek's facade broke. So quick if you weren't a trained profiler you wouldn't have noticed. Oh, but the table noticed, and they won't forget it.

"Looks like Y/n might get some action tonight, huh?"

Emily subtly studied Derek's face and- oh there it is. The wall slowly breaking as Penelope spoke up too.

"I told her she needed to get laid. 'Put yourself out there' I said. She seems to be enjoying herself, too."

She too was watching Derek like a hawk, looking for a reaction. It was subtle, but it was there.

Emily kept going,

"He's cute, too. Nice and tall, strong arms. He's not getting too close to cause discomfort but he's leaning in quite a bit. Certainly interested in her."

All three noticed Derek's stiffness, the silence radiating off him. He still hadn't sit down, instead standing tall watching you like a hawk, not even knowing he's gripping the back of the chair visibly hard.

All this time he'd been hoping you'd get jealous and take him for yourself. That you'd stomp onto the dance floor and steal him away from these other women and make him yours. How could he be so foolish? Trying to make you jealous? He should have known, he should have been straight up with you on how he's feeling rather than try this wild act of being a ladies man. Of course you'd not rip him off these girls, you're a grown woman. He's not in high school anymore, this old trick won't work on a real woman.

But now you're sitting another man, sending him flirty smiles and leaning in just as much. Could he have missed his chance? Missed the opportunity to finally confess all these feelings he's been hiding deep inside for so long? Why couldn't you lean to him like that, wink at him like that? How could he fix this?

Penelope has seen enough, her friend was suffering and to be completely honest, she was a little fed up with the whole 'dancing around each other' thing.

"You know if you don't act now, she'll be going home with that guy instead of you."

She continued to eye him as she brought her drink to her lips. Derek snapped back to reality, loosening his death grip on the chair.

Finally he looked to the table, catching eyes with everyone seated and he knew they knew. Of course they would, that's their job to know things. He couldn't keep up the facade for much longer, and that scared him.

"So I guess you all know, huh?"

Finally taking his seat and rubbing his hands together.

"Yup. We also know about the poor show you put on every night with these other women. You know you're sending the completely wrong message, right?"

Emily didn't really want to scold him, but to be fair he wasn't exactly making all the right choices.

"It's occurring to me now, thank you," Sarcasm dripping from his tone. "Now I have no idea what to do. I'm all outta tricks."

His hope was dwindling, and everyone could see it.

"How about you just try being honest with her? She's confused, Derek."

Penelope pushed his arm a bit, trying to emphasize the weight of his situation.

Looking up, he sees you stand up and shake his hand in a friendly manner. With that, you walk back to the table with your drink in your hand.

"And who was that tall delicious specimen?"

Penelope was the first to want the gossip. Did you get his number? Will there be more than just a flirty conversation later tonight? What about Derek??

You finally notice Derek sitting still as a stone, but decide to not mention it.

"Well... That was Tucker! He's a professor at the university, and he was actually really cool. I told him I'll meet up with him again later tonight."

Your voice got lower as you went on, all that confidence about tonight gone now that Derek was sitting right in front of you listening to it all. You tried not to look at him that closely, knowing you'd get blushy and awkward even more than you are right now. Plus, you were scared that if you did look at him you'd see him uncaring or even worse, supporting you.

Boy, did he wish you would look at him.

"I think we all know what that meannsss!"

Penelope had a few drinks in her, getting more uncensored the more she drank. Spencer chuckled slightly, a brandy or two in him as well. However that was all for him though.

Emily patted you on the back, "just remember to use protection, pretty lady."

Derek knew they were all trying to drum up a reaction from him. He knew it. But fuck, was it working.

He'd let this go on for long enough.

"Y/n, can I talk to you real quick? Just you and me?"

His eyes were pleading, almost hopeful. Really, how could you say no to him?

With a nod, your hands gesture for him to lead the way, and before you know it you're both leaning against the wall outside the bar.

You tried not to be awkward, you really did- but with how Derek was standing next to you, all stiff and puppy-eyed, it was hard to keep your composure.

Eventually, you'd had enough.

"Okay, Derek. What did you wanna talk about?"

You hoping-no you were praying- that this was the moment. That he was finally gonna be upfront with you and you'd finally get your answer. Will you have to suck it up and move on? Or will this be a happily ever after?

He was silent for a few more moments, trying to find the right words to set the record straight.

"Look... I'm.. Not the best at admitting what I'm feeling, okay? But my bag of tricks are all up and frankly, none of them seem to be working..."

He pushed himself off the wall, standing directly in front of you now staring deep into your eyes.

"I think it's time I'm actually honest with you, Y/n. No matter where I am, whether it's at home, or on a case somewhere on the other side of the US, Or at some bar I never even knew existed until that night, you're the only one on my mind."

Your eyes gave him a pleading look; begging him to continue.

"I've never been good at being open and vulnerable with the people I like. But I think, with you, I really want to be. There's not a day that goes by where I don't think about you in my arms. I want to be there for you in so many new ways I'll never have enough time to list them all. I'll be honest, it wasn't my most clever idea to try to make you jealous with these other women. I should have known better."

He grabbed both of your hands, rubbing soft circles in them with his thumbs.

"If I can have a chance with you... I promise I will make it up to you for the rest of my life. I want to be in your life as more than just a friend from work."

At this point the tears in your eyes are dropping down your cheeks, makeup be damned. He's looking at you with so much love and adoration you can practically see it flowing off him. There's nothing you can say that will top that, so you opt for showing him instead.

Wrapping your arms around his neck and leaning in, he knew what that meant, and met you halfway.

His lips finally met yours and holy shit did it feel good. It was like your lips were supposed to be molded together like this. His arms wrap around you and pull you tight against him, leaving no room for escape. Not that you would, anyway.

When your lips finally part, you stay in his arms, swaying a little from side to side.

"So I'll take that as a yes?"

A slight giggle escapes you before giving him another kiss on his cheek.

"Of course it is."

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Holy shit i suck lmao I'm so sorrrryyyyy this took so long!!! I don't even have an excuse I'm just the worlds best procrastinator 😅

I hope this was worth the wait... If not then... welp.

[lazyalani]

Blue Lock Boys As Songs

| Blue Lock Masterlist

| Main Masterlist

Ft. Itoshi Sae, Itoshi Rin, Mikage Reo

•Part 2 (Michael Kaiser, Chigiri Hyoma, Bachira Meguru)

| Written mostly from the characters' thoughts, Written from my opinion and thoughts of them, Fluff- Reo, Angst- Sae, Rin, The lyrics written are the ones connected to the "storyline", Gender Neutral Reader, no pronouns mentioned or used except for the lyrics on Sae's part.

SAE

"I Broke Her Heart 'Cause She Was Nice."

"She Was Sunshine, I Was Midnight Rain."

"She Wanted It Comfortable, I Wanted That Pain."

"Chasing That Fame."

"All Of Me Changed Like Midnight."

Itoshi Sae has always been someone to set a goal, or more like a desire, and consider everything that would affect it. Itoshi Sae does not desire something that he cannot aquire, he does not set a goal that passes the boundaries of reality.

Itoshi Sae does not need, he wants.

He does not need distractions, he does not want obligations.

He has always centered himself in reality, philosophies and beliefs going around his interests, and things surrounding it. He was always a focused person, once he wants something, the entirety of his mind centers around achieving and gaining that want. In his mind, there will always be such thing as

"Sacrifices have to be made in order to obtain what you want." He allured himself into that thinking and told himself to erase distractions that might negatively impact his desires. He isn't one to take risks, he does everything that could increase his chances of victory.

And so he does.

Itoshi Sae is selfish, he takes and takes, and then he tosses.

RIN

"What's Wrong?"

"I Said, "I Can't Stay, Do I Have To Give A Reason?""

"It's Just Me, Me, Me, It's What I Want."

"So How Did We Get Here?"

"Better If We Do This On Our Own."

"Before I'm Someone You Leave Behind,

I'll Break Your Heart So You Don't Break Mine."

"I'm Asking Myself, Why I'm So Caught Up."

"Even If I'm Not Here To Stay,

I Still Want Your Heart."

Itoshi Rin's first heartbreak was caused by his own brother, on that snowy night, on a supposed heartwarming reunion, turned heartbreaking conversation. The Last Play. Ever since then, he was so obssessed with his dream of crushing his older brother that nothing else mattered to him. Except you.

Or atleast you thought so.

Itoshi Rin became tired of chasing his brother's lost affection that he started craving someone else's. You just happened to be that person. You thought yourself lucky of being the person Rin had decided to dedicated his affection to, of being the person he opens to, being the person who gives him the love he deserves.

Rin was a selfish man, much like his brother. Despite telling himself not to turn into a cold-hearted man like Sae, he was unconciously drowning himself in so much bitterness and turning exactly into his brother. When Rin had realized his feelings for you, he fell deeper knowing that you were the light that would prevent him from sinking further into the depths of hatred. He knew you'd always pull him back when he's about to fall, he got ised into thinking you'd always be there, and you were, until your light had started to fade.

Itoshi Rin fell deeper and deeper into the bitterness in his heart without you to pull him back. He wasn't blind, he started to notice that the light that was once in your eyes, was not there anymore. He wasn't an idiot to not know the reason, either. He felt guilt, but not as much as he expected. And he realized, ah, he was too selfish, too caught up on his own desire to crush his brother to even care further. The love you had given him was not enough to fill for the heartbreak his brother had caused. It wasn't enough for him to be completely pulled out of the dark side of his desires. He realized that the guilt he was feeling was buried in his own selfishness and bitterness. A part of him tells him to bring back the light into your eyes, to save your diminishing realtionship, but a huge part of him tells him that he doesn't have time for that, that he doesn't deserve another chance from you, that he was too caught up in himself to even care further.

Rin had always known he didn't love you to the fullest, but he always thought that the love he felt for you was enough for both of you to stay until he can fully give himself to you, until he finally crushed his brother.

Or was it that he always known it had to end, just not this way?

Not when he still loves you, but is too caught up on his personal problems to make you stay. Not when his selfishness has extended to still want your love even when he knows he cannot stay. He does not know why he is so hung up on his bitterness, was it because he was so used to his and Sae's closeness? Or was is because he was just like his brother, cold, selfish, lets their personal emotions ruin them?

Rin does not know when your relationship started to crumble before him, but he does know that he cannot stay, and he knows that you definitely cannot either.

But even then, he still wants your heart to the very end.

REO

"You Got That James Dean, Daydream Look In Your Eyes."

"And I Got That Red Lip, Classic, Thing That You Like."

"When We Go Crashing Down, We Come Back Everytime."

"We Never Go Out Of Style."

"He Can't Keep His Wild Eyes On The Road."

"Takes Me Home."

Mikage Reo is a man that is hard to please, mainly because he almost has everything, he can almost get anything. Second is because he doesn't care about the things that don't interest him, that doesn't benefit him.

When Reo met you, it was Autumn. The leaves falling down from the beautiful tree infront of you serving as your background, your hair shining in the sun, the wind blowing it as you make eye contact with him. The view that was infront of him was mesmerizing, his purpose for going out during class hours was to find the missing Nagi, probably sleeping or playing games somewhere.

Your first reaction was not quite was he expected.

"What are you doing here? It's class hours!" You frowned upon being disturbed.

Reo was pulled out of his stare, clearing his throat. "I could say the same thing for you."

"It's none of your business."

"Then mine isn't yours either."

"I asked first, so it is my business."

"What kind of logic is that?"

"My logic. Now please go away, Mikage Reo-san, I was trying to have a moment."

He grinned. At that moment, he decided you were interesting. Why? He doesn't know, and he doesn't care. Afterall, Mikage Reo always takes what he wants without having to care.

Being in a relationship with Reo was weird, happy, frustrating, saddening, and free. In short, it triggers mixed feelings, but who cares as long as he takes care of you and you love being with each other. In didn't matter to Reo what happens around him as long as he gets to take care of you and you give him the love he deserves, the feeling of freedom with you. He spoils you, whether it'd be material things, or with his affection. He loves to gift you with things, to give you everything you want and need, to take care of everything do wouldn't have a problem with anything. It does make you frustrated at times because you feel like he thinks you can't do anything or that he treats you like you're too fragile, but as they say, communication is the key. When you tell Reo your thoughts, it does sadden him a bit, but it also makes him feel guilty because he doesn't mean to make you feel that way, but respects your thoughts and lessens his actions.

But it doesn't make him less affectionate. Reo loves to kiss your hand, like a true gentleman, especially when he's driving, taking you hand into his and kissing your knuckles, looking at you, and you need to remind him to keep his eyes on the road or hospital bills will go brrrr, or driving with one hand while the other rests at your thigh. Reo didn't know how to drive, but he learned how to just so he could take you home while also having personal moments with you, and also because he thinks it's romantic and always wanted to try the hand on your thigh thingy.

Reo loves matching your outfits, especially when you go outside for a date or something. He also gets you matching pajamas and video calls with you at nightime until one of you falls asleep.

Communication is the most essential part of your relationship. Reo does not understand the meaning behind everything well, so you have to explain to him bit by bit.

Mikage Reo loves you more than the amount of money he has on the cards on his wallet combined.

[starfirewildheart]

Chapter 5

Scars and Souvenirs 

Summary: Sy and his lady both retire from the army but not before tragedy befalls Sy. He slowly tries to adjust to life again on their ranch.

Pairing: Sy / OFC

Word count: 1,568

Rating: some angst some fluff

(Personal note: real life has been kicking my ass lately and it's taking its toll. I struggled with this chapter. I hope it's OK. Also if you wanna chat about Henry, any of his characters, movies or even has out stories feel free to DM me.)

Sy laughed as his three year old niece gave Deb the third degree. Millie was completely enamored with Sy which he was so shocked by since he spent most of her life in the middle east but was incredibly grateful for it. 

"Why didn't ya bing mah unka Sy sooner. He coulda skeered da torm away?" Millie huffed at Debbie. She believed her Uncle Sy could fix everything, even bad weather.

"I'm sorry sweetie but he had to help your grandma with some stuff earlier," Debbie explained. Millie was the cutest little girl with blond hair and blue eyes and at three already had Sy's stubbornness and attitude. Seeing them together, Sy huge and Millie so tiny was cute but watching the big, bad, marine be bossed and pushed around by this tiny little girl was the most adorable thing ever.

"Why didn't you do it?" Millie pouted at Deb.

"Cause she didn't want me too. She wanted to spend time with Uncle Sy," She explained. 

"Why not?" Millie questioned. "You do it den Unka Sy be here wif me!"

"Cause she said she wanted him, not me" Deb shrugged. 

"Why?" She asked again.

"Stop bein stupid 'silly millie'." Amy and Mike's oldest kid, Robbie sneered. He was six and he thought little sisters were the worst. 

"Hey," Amy, Mike and Sy all said at the same time. "We don't call people stupid young man," Amy finished.

"Yea poopy head!" Millie stuck her tongue out at him.

"No ma'am," Sy shook his head. "You don't get to call him names either."

"Whhhhyyy?" She whined. "He is a poopy head!"

"Silly Millie, silly Millie," Robbie sang.

"Cause it's not nice," Sy explained while trying not to laugh. "But mostly because I said so." He pointed at Robbie. "That means you to."

"Otay," Millie nodded and played with the doll she had in Sy's lap.

"Fine," Robbie sighed.

Sy's phone rang and he looked at the screen before turning it to silent with a huff. Deb looked at him quizzically but before she could ask her phone rang. She looked at the screen and did the same thing Sy had done.

"What's going on?" Amy asked but just as she did her phone rang. "Hello?"

"Are they there?" Sara demanded.

"Hello to you too mom," Amy rolled her eyes as she excused herself to the kitchen for privacy. 

"Are they there?" She huffed again.

"Yes they are here. The storm was worse down their way and they couldn't get home. They were exhausted and not in any shape to be alone anyway."

"They were here but she decided I didn't need to have a discussion with my own son. She has no right to try to come between us. He's my son and I have a right to know what…"

"No you don't!" Amy yelled into her phone. "Yes, you are our mother but that doesn't give you the right to know every tiny detail of our lives. Whatever Sy went through over there we know it was awful and if he doesn't want to retell it or doesn't want us knowing then we should be ok with that. All that he needs from us is for us to love him just like he loves us. Is that not enough for you?" Amy was near breathless from her rant but when she heard the click of Sara's phone turning off her blood boiled and she growled rather loudly.

"Don't ruin your relationship with her because of me." Sy had stepped into the kitchen when he heard Amy's raised voice. "I don't know why she's being this way but she's dead set on knowing it all and I don't just don't think I can do it."

Amy hugged him. "You don't have to, Sy. If talking about what happened helps you I will gladly listen to every detail. I will continue to love you just the same if you never tell me anything that happened. You are my little brother." 

He walked over to the counter and leaned his hip against it, arms crossed over his chest. "I should just disappear.  It would make everyone's lives easier."

"You better not disappear! We need you," Amy insisted 

Millie came running into the kitchen ending their conversation.  "Unka Sy!" She ran up to him with her little arms in the air and he scooped her up.

"And what do you want?" He asked her as he tickled her and made her squirm and giggle.

"Come pay wif me!"

He sighed dramatically then flipped her upside. "I guess,  if I have to."  

They spent time playing with the kids before they had their dinner and got ready for bed both falling asleep after a story.

Once it was quiet Sy's mind started to go into hyper vigilance again and he was getting antsy. His eyes were darting to all the windows and doors searching for the enemy. When Amy came back downstairs and called them to the kitchen so they could all eat dinner Deb got an idea. "Amy, do you have any card games or board games?"

"I do!" She jumped up excitedly and went to gather them up.

"You did it now woman," Sy shook his head. "She loves playing games."

Deb held out her hand to him and tried to pull him up which was futile until he helped. "Games are a good distraction," She explained as she guided him toward the kitchen. Once he was in front of her she smacked his ass. "Woman?" She growled. 

He bit back a shocked squeak and spun on her quickly wrapping his arms around her and roughly squeezing her ass with both hands. "Yea, woman." There was a playfulness in his eyes as she reached back and swatted at his hands. "Mine", he growled deep in his chest as he pressed his forehead to hers.

"Only yours, always," She promised. He kissed her until she was breathless and leaning heavily against him. "Mmmm," She sighed contentedly.

"Found em," Amy held up the boxes triumphantly. 

Thirty minutes later they were deep into a game of 'Syverson rules Uno' which she learned ment the deck had three special make your own wild cards, one of which Sy made a draw 10 card and you could 'stack' draw cards. The first hand Debbie had to draw eight and Sy enjoyed that just a little too much. So now, about half way into the game, Debbie was in a fit of hysterical laughter, Amy was in tears from laughter, Mike was trying to hide his smile and Sy was cursing. "Biggest bunch of fuckin bullshit I've ever seen in my life." He grumbled. "You keep laughin'" he shook his finger at Deb. It only made her laugh so hard she snorted which led to Amy's hysterical laughter and poor Aika looking at them all like they were mad. "It's not that funny!" Sy huffed at his sister.

"You," gasp, "had to," snort, "draw," guffaw, "18!" Tears from laughter streamed down Amy's face.

He shook his head and glared at her before picking up a pretzel twist and throwing it at her head which Aika happily munched as soon as it hit the floor. "Play!" He growled. 

Deb tried to control her laughter but failed, earning her own pretzel to the head. "They're your rules Syverson! I'm just playing by them," she explained innocently. 

"Uh-huh," he nodded, giving her a look that was supposed to be of anger but he couldn't hide his grin. 

They continued to play games for a couple of hours before Deb noticed Sy starting to wear out. "I hate to end a fun time but I'm getting kinda tired. I think I'm ready to stretch out."

"Of course," Amy stood up and gave her a hug. "You know where everything is but if there is something you can’t find just let me know."

"Thank you again for letting us crash here," sis. 

"You know you're welcome here anytime. " She gave him a hug then shooed them off to bed.

~~~~♡~~~~

Deb made sure Aika had been walked then crawled into bed where Sy was already waiting. The coolness of the sheets was welcoming on her sore, aching body. She wasn't really sleepy but physically she was beyond exhausted. Sighing contentedly when Sy pulled her against his side she pressed a kiss to his chest. "You feeling better sweetheart? "

"Still not right but much better than earlier. I'm so sorry you have to go through this with me. You deserve so much better."

The sadness in his voice broke her heart. She raised up on her elbow and looked at him. "I'm sorry you have to go through it baby, that you went through any of it. You're wrong though. I don't deserve better because there is no one better."

He turned on his side and hugged her to him pressing a kiss to her head nearly purring as she ran her nails lightly up and down his back.

"Mine," She said softly.

"All yours sugar. Only yours."

Tag list

@shellyshellshell

@enchantedbytomandhenry

@mrsevans90

@summersong69

@mollymal

@warriormirkwood

@bloodyinspiredme

@kneelforloki

[ukranianacearo]

Death won't do us apart

Gn!Reader

Word count: 1459

Tw: mentions of death, mention of enslavement

Pairing: Doom x Reader

Genre: hurt with comfort, maybe🤞

Tags: @futuristiclanddinosaur

Synopsis: Death tried to claim you from his grasp, but he won't let it be so simple. Even when it seems like you want nothing to do with him or his family.

Author's note: I swear I'm not allergic to fluff😔🤞 I just don't usually get ideas that don't include hurt or angst at some point 😭 Anyway, please enjoy this fanfic. Sorry for any mistakes this is not proofread and English isn't my first language.

---------------------------------------

You never liked to work for Innocent zero nor his sons. It felt like going back to square 1, to the root of the problem, to the origins that you oh so desperately tried to run away from. But as a lachmagic that used familiar artifacts to steal others' magic and also as a "Disgraceful Mage" to the naked eye, you didn't have other options. Death was much more preferable, but who knows what'll happen to your body after that.

You'll be on the losing end anyway. Might as well save some dignity, if that's the case, and don't mind the blood you'll have to dirty your hands with.

You didn't like each and every one of Innocent zero's family, including that man himself, even if his oldest son was the same age as you were. Since the first day of your 'work' here, you did mostly dirt work, as expected. Killing, spying, manipulating, illegal research and more to count. Though, sometimes you did some side work, all of which were orders from the crazy family. Find and bring back Doom's sword, chain new victims for Famine to torture, buy ingredients for special pudding for Epidem, or bring more elves' blood for Delisaster. Working for them since you were 10, made you develop immunity to their crazy thoughts, not even Famine making you lose your mind. But, the one who you were wary the most was the eldest don, Doom. Ironic, isn't it? The most calm sibling of all of them makes you tiptoe around like a scared cat. Usually, he was calm and pretty nice compared to the rest of the family, but you knew that that happens only when he's calm. And it's not that he's easily irritated or something, growing up the eldest of all the siblings made him develop a lot of patience, you just didn't want to test your luck, any day.

Standing in the kitchen, making Pancakes, because Doom requested them, you found a little bit of peace for the day. If it weren't there brothers disturbing you, it was Cell War, and you swear there's no one more annoying person between the servants, than him. As of now, Cell War with Domina in Walkis academy, doing something that was none of your concern. Your peace didn't last long when while taking the last piece of pancakes off the pan, you felt Famine's presence approaching in your direction. You sighed, taking the apron off and putting the plate with pancakes on another table. Famine entered the room and you immediately bowed down your head.

...

Another day, another victim chained. You were about to leave the basement, but you heard Famine talking with Delisaster and Doom outside.

- "They're not your personal maid, Doom. It's no fun if only you get them around you." - Famine said, to which Doom didn't answer. You couldn't know for sure what they were talking about. Delisaster sighed at Doom's silence.

- "You can't have them all to yourself, brother. Remember, they're our servant too. And I'll like to keep it that way, they're very useful." - Delisaster answered Doom's silence. Then, he turned around and started going somewhere else. But before going too far, he added. - "They're just a servant and you should remember that. There's nothing more of them that could relate to us." - After saying that, Delisaster left completely. You decided it's time to get out. Imitating your usual walk you left the room, bowing your head to both Famine and Doom while standing next to the door that lead into the basement.

- "Greetings, Sir Doom. Sir Famine, the victim has been chained securely." - You greeted Doom and informed Famine. Famine immediately went to the basement and Doom just looked at you without saying a word. His stare was burning holes in the top of your head as you still bowed it. Soon, he left.

...

These giants specifically were too tough for 'normal' giants. They had magic flow through them, so you still could kill them. But life you take it's life you give; that was the rule of the spell. You also could deal damage to them enough for them to take time to recover, but that would mean coming back empty handed AND bruised badly. So, in the end, you decided to kill them all with one fatal blow. It will take your life with it, but you didn't mind. In fact, it would save you from this oppression. You weren't sure if you could call it exactly enslavement, since it wasn't as bad as the former enslavement you went through in your home land. With ache in your chest you casted the spell, your necklaces blowing, while the giants had stepped on the crosses on the ground, lining one after another.

...

- "Father, I ask you for a favor. Help me resuscitate them." - The room was silent after Doom said that. He had a little bottle in his hand that contained some of your blood. It was the blood he could recollect when he arrived where your battle with the giants occurred; it was the blood he'll use to resuscitate you.

- "They were indeed a good servant. But why should I go such a length for a mere servant? You better give a good reason for it." - Innocent zero answered his son with cold voice, not even looking at Doom. But, Doom was prepared for this. He prepared a good reason and explanation for your return.

- "Their specialty is too rare. If I remember correctly, they're the only one left alive with such family heirloom. They're a lack magic, but they make those arounthem magicless too, leaving almost any enemy helpless against them. Won't it be too much of a waste to let them be dead? Our enemy doesn't know anything about them and has no one that could compare to them." - Doom said in a confident yet calm voice. Innocent zero had to contemplate the thought in his head.

...

Bang. A loud bang have been heard by everyone. Innocent zero has been shot by someone right before he could give his speech to the people of the Magic Realm after Mash defeated Doom. No one knew what was happening and it was confusing. Everyone was looking between each other, trying to find someone who could explain this. The only one to know what was happening was Doom, but it didn't make anything less shocking. Soon, you appeared in front of Mash and his friends, the defeated divine visionaries and Doom. You had your iconic gun in one hand and a cold and calm look on your face. As you were only a few meters away from Mash, you stopped and put your free hand on your hip, while putting the weight of your body on one leg.

- "Why would you betray father..?" - Doom asked you and you looked at him confused.

- "I never betrayed him, because I never vowed to him. He decided by himself that I'm his servant and I enjoy bringing people to the high sky of delusion and then drop them into the ground of reality." - You answered amused at his reaction. It's not a betrayal if you never vowed to them. And even less of a betrayal it was in your situation. - "I really couldn't believe it was your idea to revive me. Such a silly idea is not appreciated. It's not cool that when I die, thinking I'm finally free, you go and revive me just like that." - After you finished talking the silence was consuming in the room. While the people outside celebrated the victory, the people in that room were half dead trying to solve this confusing string of timeline.

...

- "Wondering what they'll do with his body? Cell war."

- "You keep coming when it's time for me to feed the cows, seriously? And well, I don't know. But I heard sir Doom was upset. Probably because of how you rejected him when saying those cruel words after his defeat against Mash."

- "He might as well be upset because his father is fucking dead and I'm the killer, Cell War. I'm thinking they'll extract Innocent zero's knowledge and them destroy the body for better."

- "Don't think so."

- "About what?"

- "Sir Doom's reaction."

- "Why?"

- "... You seriously didn't notice? Even the look in his eyes tells a deep story about his love for you."

- "I think you're going crazy. But even if we entertain such an idea, I'm not into Master x Servant trope you know. Wouldn't want to become that trope."

- "Whatever, just help me feed the cows."

- "Okay."

----------------------------------------------------------

This is it 😔 I wrote one down, now I have two Mash x reader fanfics to write and another Doom x Reader🫡 The grind begins now lol anyway thanks for reading and bye bye!🌸 <3

[markberries]

television romance ﹒ km [preview]

synopsis﹕ being a self made singer was not simple, nor was it handed to you on a silver platter. a decision between your management and those at pledis ent. to have you date kim mingyu was not making your life any easier.

genre + ﹕ fluff, angst, idol au, fem reader, bit of wonu x reader in the FUTURE (what do u expect i'm a wonwoorideul.) y/n is a girl boss 🤞🏻

wc ﹕ 691

warnings ﹕ none

note ﹕ a lil something ive been working on! enjoy!

“you have got to be kidding me.”

you look between your personal manager and the ceo of the company you were signed at, dream records. they purse their lips, your manager looking down awkwardly.

“i don’t need to have a fake boyfriend for more traction, my last album did well without it,” you try your best to reason with them.

“yes, that is true, but more sales is always good!” your manager, junho explains with emphasis on the sales aspect.

ever since you were a mere teenager, you craved being onstage. you wanted to sing in front of crowds, change people’s lives, and hopefully make a difference.

you got signed to the dream record label when you were eighteen, fresh out of high school. before that, you were making cover videos on youtube in your tiny bedroom. your record label wasn’t huge, the only reason you joined was to assist one of your friends who was a producer.

you were fairly popular now, mostly in the west when it came to your pop punk sound of music. you worked hard to get where you are, and you thought that it was enough for the company you were under.

“i was doing okay without any pr stunts, i’m sure i’ll be alright without one now,” you huff, sinking into the black leather chair.

“i’ll talk to her,” junho states apologetically to the ceo. he pushes you by your shoulders outside of the office into the brightly lit hallway, and as soon as you’re out of earshot of the ceo, you turn to junho with a glare on your face.

“i don’t want to fake date anyone,” you grumble, placing your hands on your hips, “you’re one of my closest friends but i wouldn’t do this for anybody.”

“y/n, just think about it! yes, you’re doing great, no one is discrediting you for that, but you could always do better,” junho reasons with you. you roll your eyes, walking away but he follows you.

you weren’t a difficult or mean person, but what they were asking of you was just unbelievable. you’ve been working here for years, and you were their main money maker. you’ve given up so much for the sake of this company, and now they were asking you to give up the freedom of choosing your own relationships.

“i’m just frustrated, and the fact that you didn’t consult me before talking to the other party in this business deal irritates me too, this guy could be a complete weirdo!” you exclaim, pacing towards your studio.

“he’s not, i promise, he’s actually quite nice.”

you look at junho with an unimpressed expression, “how do you know that?”

“i.. met him..”

“you’ve even met him before me! junho, you know i trust you with my life. i’d do anything for you but listen to what you’re asking me to do,” you open the black door to your studio, flipping the light switch on your left. you’re greeted by your soft lights and awards sitting on your shelves.

“then trust me when i tell you this is good for you,” junho plops down on your black leather couch, the short man leaning back into the cushions. “his name is mingyu, and when we met he seemed very kind. he already signed the contract.”

your face contorts into a grimace while taking a seat in your comfortable office chair, still not even a bit convinced to go along with this agreement. you aimlessly begin spinning the chair, tapping your fingers against the arm rest.

“would you like to meet him?”

your head snaps towards your manager’s direction, eyes squinting with suspicion.

“why are you asking me this?”

junho shrugs his shoulders, “maybe if you two got along you wouldn’t mind it as much. you’ve probably heard of him anyway, he’s in the kpop industry.”

you weren’t unfamiliar when it came to kpop groups, you had quite a lot of songs in your playlists. you just weren’t an avid fan of it, probably only listening to title tracks and you didn’t know that many groups.

“hm, what group?” you ask out of curiosity.

“seventeen.”

[cato616]

NEGOTIATING OVER US (part nine)

roman roy x fem reader

I haven't been writing for this series for some days I'm sorry and I feel this part it's a bit short, I'm kind of busy these days:(

summary: roman will try his best to work with you and help saving your coffee shop that you value very much, let's hope there's no bumps on this road and that roman will give you a happy ending.

content/warning: fluff and angst (as always lol), trauma, daddy issues?

Waking up with roman beside you, both on your bed, it has been something circulating your mind from time to time, however nothing but a thought deep inside your brain. Although, it came true, and for instance, you excepted that roman would've already left, but there he was, right next to you, sleeping peacefully, he was safe with you; a man like roman is always on alert and defensive, as for now, wasn't much on alert.

There was a weird feeling to it tho, didn't know if you should go to the kitchen and prepare something for the both of you, as if this is something normal, or just try to wake him up. Perhaps breakfast it's too much? today it's not normal, some things must be fixed.

You put your arm on his shoulder very slowly, doing your best to not startle him, waking him up peacefully. You see how he opens his eyes at a slow pace, he realizes he's not in his bed, widens his eyes and quickly sitting up to straight himself up. "woah okay, good morning?" Thinking he was already in a bad shape. "oh, yeah, im here..." you can perceive that he's clearing his head. "yes... good morning." affirming it was actually for him, a good morning, being with you.

There's silence filling up the room, then suddenly both of you starts speaking on top of the other. "wait sorry, you go ahead." As you let him speak first. "...I know what you're thinking, and yes, I will try to make the best out of it... but, I don't wanna start my day like that..." Roman looks at you, waiting for you to share some ideas. "well... I do have a coffee shop that I gotta open." You caught him rolling his eyes on purpose, as he tries to be the same old roman, although he accidentally slipped a tiny smile, secretly feeling excited accompanying you, doing something else that is not all business and corporate; and mostly to be there by your side.

Both you and roman decided to walk to the café. Your clothing were complete opposites; while you were wearing a total casual look, however still tried to make look good, roman was in his corporate outfit like always, blue navy pants and a stripped tight shirt; it was probably a little too much for your taste, the style you mean, although you thought the shirt was doing its best work; he's a short man but surprisingly pretty buff, you liked that.

"Here we are." You said when arriving to your shop. "nice walk but it's my time to get to wo-" You stopped talking the moment you both hear roman's phone ringing. He takes his phone out and looks at it, then looks at you, he tries to mouth a response, but doesn't do it, and takes the call, while looking the other way, as he was ashamed to even take the call. "yes... nope, not there... I'm uuh- somewhere else." Roman was giving his back to you and whispering to his cellphone, and weirdly talking in code, as if to not let, you nor the person on the call, know what he's talking about. "yeah yeah see you there da-.... dying to see you..." He immediately hung up. The person on the other side was in effect, his dad, that not only was a little weirded out by his last sentence, and honestly not too shocked he would say that, but also, he was on this too.

"I guess duty calls, I'll see you later..." He waives and walks run, down to wherever he was going, without saying another word; you see from a far that he was making another call, probably to call one of his guys to give him a ride. His ways and manners was making you suspicious, after all, he was roman roy, and you haven't forgotten.

Roman was dropped off at Waystar's, making his way up to his father's office. "hey son, how was your morning, wherever you were?" Logan teamed up with roman, but his dad wasn't all that informed of roman's plan. "I was, on my mission dad-" Logan seemed already annoyed, as if his voice is what was making him upset like that. "first of all, your mission, was to convince that girl to let go of her little shop, to avoid any lawsuits, that we can always win, but are still pretty bad for our reputation... so, son, I don't think you've achieved your quest... I think you failed... you're lying to me, not only I can see it, I can hear it, and even smell it." Logan was made of stone, an angry stone, staring roman, waiting for an answer; by now, roman was already pretty nervous to even speak, hiding his anxiety with a cocky smile, but scratching his head, clearly feeling on edge. He doesn't say anything back, Logan closes his eyes and sighs out of frustration. "you fucking moron..." Roman stops walking around the room; he's fucked. "you fell for the woman, haven't you?" Roman tries to answer but doesn't know if he should keep lying or say the truth, but was too afraid to make either of those options. "I always knew you were soft, and weak... repeatedly trying to put your dick where you're not supposed to." Logan was one each away from roman, staring at his soul, while rome was eating his nails off, afraid of his dad, like a little kid all over again. Logan stands down and sits back to his chair. "well, you tried your best son, and it's already done, so you may go."

Roman knows what he's talking about, and once again, doesn't speak, and leaves the room. He walked away towards his office, but with his head somewhere else; while making his way over there, he looked sideways and noticed someone was in his office, caught him out of trance. He walked in, and realized, it was you.

You were looking at the view he has inside, he haven't seen your face yet. "y/n? you're here..." You turn your body to him, he gets to see you, and you were miserable, tears were filling up. "what the fuck roman? huh? you fucking sociopath." Roman was perplexed, as you were justifyingly defensive about it, you took out from behind, a letter, the letter. "it was inside the shop when I got in, looks like there weren't any other ways..." Roman carefully takes the letter you left on top of the desk, and reads it, and of course it was the warrant, his father sent this morning, to demolish the café; roman was just the puppet in this play, to console and convince you to tear down the shop, so that it would look like you agreed to the negotiation, although they were going to do it anyway.

He felt busted when knowing what was going on, and doesn't know how to react, except you do. "you tell me nice things, I tell you nice things back, we have some moments, and this morning, you start acting all suspicious... and then oh my god, I realized you were playing me all along for fuck's sake." you weren't yelling, but notoriously upset, having your hands holding your head, as if you were about to explode. "I trusted you because I had no else to trust, but I'm really that stupid, I chose daddy's boy and thought he wouldn't be the betraying type, ever again." Roman doesn't seem to respond, avoiding eye contact. "and you can't even say sorry... put up a fight, anything..." Your eyes were shinning with hope as you frowned to him, expecting an answer, that was nowhere to be found, he doesn't speak; he sat down on his chair, and tries to compose himself and looks through you as you weren't even there, like a ghost. Your heart shatters. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised you wouldn't want to disappoint your daddy, and lose everything you have." He wasn't fazed at all with your teasing, and made you even more helpless. "honestly, roman... I don't know why, but I could think of so many ways to forgive you... if I wanted to hate you, I would, but I can't... and you won't even apologize." You tilt your head to see if he would say something. "and that makes me want to hate myself, and not you! you understand what I'm saying? how crazy that sounds?... but I don't care, i would do anything to hold you again... I guess you don't feel the same, you never did."

You walked away, thinking you could've burst out crying, but you didn't feeling like it, instead accepted the situation and everything else, the only thing you could do to make this the best out of it, accept the money, and move on, nothing you could do.

Roman kept his pose very still until you left. When you were gone, his tears started to build up and his body to shake, he was almost about to blow up. He couldn't hold his emotions any longer and uncontrollably starts crying, but gets embarrassed right that second, feeling he was maybe a bit too loud; he turns his chair to the window, slides down a little bit, and covers his mouth with his arm, to not feel too exposed; and so he starts sobbing without no one watching.

You were in acceptance, or at least taking the path to it, meanwhile roman was very much in pain. He never thought he would be in such agony for someone like you. However it wasn't a hard call for him to decide which side to be on, betraying his family it's never part of his plan, but betraying you, crushed him even far more than he could imagine.

He stopped crying, he felt he could catch his breath. His eyes were swollen and lost of aspiration, tears coming down his cheeks, while viewing the city from his desk. The day was getting darker, and the lights of his office was getting brighter, allowing him to see his reflection on the window. He looked at himself, analysing his whole self, started to overthink. Although, it made him change perspective; he didn't like what he was seeing, and tho some arrangements can't be done, some changes can be made, like himself.

Roman abruptly decides to storm out of his office and runs away. He's ready to do things differently, to do things your way.

[z0mbieb0ybyersblog]

Wild Hearts - chapter one

(WH master list)

pairing: Wolfstar, + side ships that will be added later

warning: mature, strong language, maybe some suggestive things 👀, angst, fluff

word count: 1.1k

ao3 tags: Cowboy Remus Lupin, Cowboy AU, cowboy like me on full volume, I love cowboys, save a horse ride a cowboy type of shit, Disabled Remus Lupin, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Tooth-Rotting Fluff, I Wrote This Instead of Sleeping, inappropriate use of lassos, Wrote This While Listening to Taylor Swift's Music

notes:

I made a playlist for the fic if you guys wanna check it out!

summary:

Sirius Black is a runaway, burdened by a troubled past, who escapes the confines of his old life and seeks refuge, looking for work on a remote ranch.

The ranch is owned by Remus Lupin, a rugged cowboy who keeps to himself, haunted by his own secrets. Who is looking to hire someone to work on the farm with him because Remus is unable to do the work alone after a farm accident that left one of his legs permanently disabled. Remus had other farmhands but needed someone to live on the ranch with him and take care of the rest of the work.

(originally published on ao3)

The Homestead

The scorching sun beat down on the vast landscape, casting its golden glow over the Silver Crest ranch that stood as a sanctuary amidst the rugged wilderness. Sirius' heart pounded with anticipation as the cab pulled up the property's driveway; it was nothing like where he grew up.

"You sure this is the right place?" The cab driver said as the car came to a stop. Sirius slung his only bag over his shoulder. "Yup." He said, getting out of the cab. He had paid the driver beforehand, so the cab drove off, leaving Sirius to admire where he would work and live for a while.

As Sirius ventured into the ranch, he couldn't help but take in the breathtaking beauty surrounding him. The sprawling fields, dotted with grazing cattle and sheep, hinted at a simpler existence, far removed from the complexities he had left behind.

Sirius approached the opening of the barn. It wasn't that big, but it was a decent size, and its paint was old and chipping away. There was a tan man inside the barn. He wore a dirty white tank top and circle glasses, and his hair was a mess and slick with sweat.

"Hello?" Sirius said to capture the man's attention. The man turned around, confused, but his confusion was quickly replaced with a bright grin. "Hey! What can I do for you?" He asked, walking over to Sirius, "Oh, uh, I'm supposed to start work here today." Sirius stated, and the man took a second before finally realizing, "Oh! You must be Sirius; I'm James. We spoke on the phone." James said, sticking his hand out, "It's nice to meet you in person, James." Sirius said, shaking his hand.

"Well, anyway, about the job, you don't start today; today's mostly getting you situated and showing you around," James explained, and Sirius nodded his head to say he understood. "If you follow me, I can give you a quick tour and show you where you will stay while you are here," James said as he exited the barn, and Sirius trailed after.

James showed Sirius around the property, and they stopped outside an old cabin house. "Here is the bunkhouse; this is where me and some other ranch hands stay," James explained as Sirius examined the building, "Though you won't be staying here." "Why not?" Sirius asked, a bit confused. "Well, your job has more domestic work, so you'll stay in the main house," James said. "The main house?" Sirius asked, and James pointed up the hill to an off-white two-story farmhouse with a metal roof and a porch wrapping around it.

"Who else stays in the main house?" Sirius asked, examining the house from the bottom of the hill. "None of us ranch hands stay up there; it's only Remus up there. I and Peter go up there for a bit, but we don't necessarily stay long." James explained, mentioning someone named Peter, and Sirius assumed it was another ranch hand.

James started going up the hill to the house, and Sirius trailed behind, "Remus said you'll be staying in the extra room. It's kinda small, but it's liveable." James said as they walked up the porch stairs. Sirius didn't care if the room was tiny as long as he had a place to stay.

James opened the screen door and knocked loudly on the entry door; it took a second before Sirius heard loud thudding noises from inside the house approaching the door. When the door swung open, Siriuis was surprised at the sight of the man before him. He expected an older gentleman, but instead, he was met with a young man, maybe around his age; he was taller than him and James. The man had stubble on his chin and scars trailing along his face. The man looked Sirius up and down, confused, before asking James, "Who is this?" "This is Sirius; he is the new farm hand who will be helping you around here," James explained as the man whom Sirius suspected was Remus went back inside the house James followed after, Sirius followed slowly as he went into the home. It was cozy; it looked well lived in; books lined the walls in the living room, many ashes lay in the brick fireplace, and framed pictures lined the mantel over the top.

The three reached a door that sat down the hall from the kitchen, "This is your room." Remus said, opening the door to reveal a small room that was now Sirius' living quarters. Remus walked away before Sirius or James could say anything. As Remus walked away from the pair, Sirius finally noticed that Remus walked with a small limp and was accompanied by a wooden cane.

"Sorry about him. He's not very keen on someone staying here to help him. The others and I had to try everything to convince him to have someone be up here." James sighed and chuckled. "So, what am I here to help him with?" Sirius asked, "Well, you will help him when he is down at the barn. He likes to push himself 'cause it is a lot of work for him and in general, so you'll help minimize that workload. You will also be doing normal stuff around here, like helping care for the animals, but that's mostly it unless Remus says otherwise." James explained. "Oh, one more thing: Remus is a little sour to people, especially newer people, but he means well, I promise," James said, and Sirius mentally noted everything James had told him.

"Alrighty, I'll be heading out back to the farm. You can get yourself situated in your room and prepare for tomorrow's work. Tomorrow, Marlene will help learn the ropes. She's another ranch hand. You'll like her. Anyway, see you around Sirius!" James said cheerfully as he left the farmhouse.

Sirius entered his room finally; it wasn't that bad. He would make do with it. As Sirius put away the clothes he had brought inside the old wooden bureau, he heard a voice behind him, "You don't snore, do you?" The voice said, and Sirius turned quickly to see it was Remus in the doorway. "Um, no?" Sirius replied, and Remus nodded. "Good, the walls are thin, and I don't want to hear it." And he walked off.

A little while later, Sirius shut the door to his room and sprawled out across his bed. Sirius had to get used to being here; it was such a change from his past home; well it wasn't ever home, not to him at least. But this, he hoped, would be his home, a place where he could be him without the constant ridicule of others. A place to be free.

[saiorse-irvyne]

Looking for Beta-readers!

Hello, you beautiful people <3

I'm looking for beta readers for an a/b/o AU I just finished writing the other day! All I need is people who are willing to read and give me their honest thoughts and opinions about it, as well as answer a few questions for me after they’re done.

The story is edited to the best of my abilities and my best friend can to help me with any grammar or spelling mistakes I've missed if i find no one whos interested in that. so no worries about any work in that regard, if youre just here for reading, thats already enough!

What I need is people that can tell me if the story does what I intended it to do.

If it is well paced, if the character progression makes sense, if the romance is believable, if the emotional beats hit right, all that stuff.

(And I have one story beat that I'm not sure work in general, aswell as general uncertainty about the humor i tried infusing this with from time to time)   

About the story: 

You’re looking at 69k words (nice), so it's kind of a slow burn, but not really. Once things get moving, they move fast. It’s a ‘strangers to friends to lovers’- romance situation, with the added caveat of alpha/alpha.

We have Dean and Castiel as the mc’s with both their POV's (and Sam on the side), but apart from that, every additional character is original. 

I really focused on the aspect of how to navigate the struggles of adult love life, with themes like self love, overcoming your fears, dealing with internalized homophobia, emotional maturity, and learning to deal with, and love again after, major heartbreak. 

Although this is Omegaverse, I wanted to approach it from a mature and real angle, hence why the whole alpha/alpha-homophobia setting. It’s really just the a/b/o-equivalent of our current day homophobia, in that regard. 

I made a point about not deriving conflict and tension from anything but real world issues and the problems that come from interhuman connection, because being a person with trauma and issues living alongside other humans with their own, individual struggles is hard. 

So, no misunderstandings in this one. In this house, we talk about our feelings and learn to face our fears when we discover them!

Although the vocal point is all of that, this story IS explicit and has two detailed sex scenes that tie into the development of the plot and are important for character growth. So if that isn’t your cup of tea, this story isn’t for you. 

Additionally, as this is alpha/alpha, the smut has minor sub/dom characteristics. It's very tame and mostly psychological, but I loved exploring the whole dominance/submission angle such a pairing would logically bring about. (On that note, its top Dean/bottom Castiel, just fyi) 

We got a healthy pinch of angst in the beginning and will end with fluff and a happy ending. And a metric fuck-ton of hurt/comfort, so if youre into that, there you go. (Seriously though, i made my lonely ass fucking depressed with this shit. Imagine having someone love you unequivocally for who you are, what a concept) 

I’ll wordvomit some more things here in no particluar order so you can get more of an idea of what you’re working with, as well as the very start of the story as a lil’ sumthin' to get you hooked.

If you are interested in helping me out, send me a DM with your email address and I'll give you access to the google doc! 

All the love!

Sarcastic Castiel, Booksmart Castiel, Angsty Castiel, Dean is an asshole at the start, He will do better, Character growth, Dean is a typical man, Dean is everything i want in a man by the end, Factually not very sound descriptions of working as a mechanic, All the smut tags, Seriously all of them, Sam is significantly younger than Dean, Emotional deepcuts, leaning onto friends, Hurt/Comfort, Writing this was a bit like therapy for me, Unspecified big city, Bitter Exes, Falling out of love, Unhealthy relationships with love, Toxic relationships, Explanations of A/B/O biology, The doctor does doctor things, I can’t think of more things right now, it's late, okay?

Heres the snippet:

Dean threw back the whiskey and sharply sucked in air as the liquid amber burned its way down his throat. The shiver running up his spine while the heat swirled downwards and pooled in his stomach was just what he needed. The confirmation that he could escape from himself, if just for a few hours. 

Usually, he didn’t run from his problems. He had always been the kind of man who pushed ahead, despite any and all obstacles obstructing his way. 

No matter what it was, nothing couldn’t be solved by simply running it over. Even if the resulting chaos kind of hurt.

But that was just how life was- in all its horrific and beautiful glory. It wasn't merciful with the blows it dealt, but it wasn't cruel with it either. A mostly neutral state of affairs, to be dealt with however one could or pleased. 

Which was healthy aggression in Dean's case.

At the end of the day, he'd rather do things that way than sulk in a corner, getting lost in the would haves, could haves, and should haves. Overthinking was the enemy of progress, and he hated nothing more than feeling stuck. 

He lifted his hand and signalled the barkeeper for a refill, not even bothering to call for the man. The music in this joint was cranked up way too high to verbally communicate with anyone who wasn’t literally right in front of you anyway. 

Although rather small, the establishment was positively drowning in people. It had startled him a bit, as this was a bar at the edge of town, and it wasn’t even the weekend or any holiday that would prompt this kind of crowd, but it was exactly what he had been searching for. 

Strangely, the building it was housed inside looked expensive as hell. Sleek and modern, like it had been built by some rich landlord to be rented out for ludicrous prizes. Which was why Dean had expected a relaxed lounge bar or something of the like. Not this madness. 

Well, under different circumstances, this probably was said lounge bar.

Right now though, every single table and booth was occupied, with lots more people standing around with drinks in their hands, making idle chatter that could only consist of short utterances at best. 

A dancefloor had established itself in the middle of the room where a shapeless amalgamation of bodies, clothes and hair moved along to the pumping music. 

From the few words he had been able to decipher as he had asked the barkeep about the occasion, it was some kind of motto-party. Something about 80s and 90s music-night that happened once a month. 

Most likely for the less city inclined folks to get their freak on, without having to go downtown and into an actual club. 

Dean didn’t really care, all he needed right now was to be around people. Be in the presence of other humans, be just one more face in the crowd. The feeling of overwhelming loneliness that had taken hold of him on his drive home had just been too much for him to spend the evening by himself. 

The houses and people had shot by, made to look flat and strangely lifeless in the mellow twilight of countless street lamps lining the road, when it had sunk its claws into him out of nowhere. 

So all encompassing, so vicious. As if it had waited for him to be worn out enough, skulked for the moment of weakness where he would not be able to restrain it anymore. 

Given how he had been living in the past year (and the years before that, if he was honest with himself), it wasn’t a complete surprise why he felt this way. But its intensity was still strange. 

It had quickly grown to be so unbearable that he had pulled over at the first opportunity and had fled into the night, searching for anything to distract himself with. Anything to not feel it anymore. 

Technically, he should really go home and sleep. There was an awful lot of work waiting for him tomorrow, and he would need to get to it as early as possible if he didn’t want to fall behind. But even knowing that, he couldn’t be bothered to care for the problems of his future-self right now. 

Another glass of whiskey appeared in front of him, and Dean picked it up with a thankful nod towards the barkeeper. It met the same fate as the first one immediately. Before the man could turn away to tend to the other people at the bar, Dean shoved the empty glass across the counter and motioned for another refill. 

The feeling of loneliness and anxiousness still circled his mind from the shadows he had forcefully banished it to. Prowling. Waiting for him to let down his guard just enough to pounce and sink its teeth into his neck again. He needed more to shut it out for good. 

“Someone’s motivated tonight,” the man laughed and poured more whiskey into the glass in a trained motion. 

“You know how it is, life’s a bitch and she’s not yet pretty enough for my taste,” Dean said with a crooked grin. He finally started feeling the buzz of the alcohol, and he was delighted by the sensation. It promised freedom. 

Dean chuckled along as the barkeeper laughed at his crude comment and took another sip of his whiskey. This time he savoured the taste while he turned and let his gaze wander over the crowd. Maybe he would find himself a pretty omega to distract himself with. It hadn’t felt like that kind of night at first, but the idea actually didn’t sound all too bad right now. 

What better way to get rid of pent up stress than to pound it away into a willing victim? It was what he did best, actually. Not that that was be anything to be proud of, really. 

Thankfully, that kind of relief wasn't exactly hard to get for him. If there was one thing Dean could count on, it was his looks to make anything of the like to happen, whenever he so pleased.

He didn’t think of himself as vain. But he knew that, objectively, he looked good. Apart from the plentiful statements from others that had echoed the notion over the years, the effect that a friendly smile combined with a flirtatious comment alone had on omega’s was proof enough. 

It wasn’t like he had an ego about it. A little one maybe. But he wasn’t about to complain about the fact that the genetic lottery had blessed him with good looks. And he wasn’t above taking advantage of the luck of the draw to satisfy his desires either.

Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath to get a general idea of what he had to work with. As much as he appreciated what his own looks did for him, he couldn’t give less of a fuck about those of others. It was a nice bonus at best, but what really counted was their scent. 

Anyone could be beautiful, but only few omega’s managed to entice his alpha on a deeper level. And if he was going to do this, he wouldn’t just take anyone with a pretty face. 

He would seek out someone who made his instincts rattle. Someone who triggered his primal urges to run away with him. 

Someone who would bring salvation from the melancholic maelstrom that still faintly threatened to pull him down into its depths. 

The flourish of odours and fragrances that hit his palette was a lot to take in. With so many people stuffed into this cramped space, the room was positively overflowing with airborne aromas. 

The sweet, flowery scents of omegas, the harsh, earthy scents of other alphas and the mellow, flat ones of betas. All of it, fused into the general smell of sweat, perfume and spent air. 

Dean let the concoction rest on the back of his tongue, searching. In this first breath, there wasn’t anything that piqued his interest.

Scent compatibility was technically not required for a hook-up, because there was nothing really wrong with any omega’s scent. None had ever been as boring as those of betas, or as passively acrid as those of most other alphas. 

But in Dean’s personal experience, only the owners of scents who truly stirred his alpha were the ones that he didn’t feel kind of empty with after the deed was done. 

If someone only met the basic requirement of being an omega, it would just be flesh on flesh, meaningless and depressing when the post nut clarity set in. And few things were less enjoyable than being knotted to someone for an hour, who painfully reminded him of the escapism he had just partaken in by merely existing. 

Dean kept searching, growing more disheartened with each breath. Of all of these people, no one smelled enticing at all. Was there truly not one omega here who suited his taste? 

He was about to give up and just accept that it wasn’t supposed to happen for him tonight, when something entirely different hit his palate. 

Something unique. And intoxicating. 

It had concealed itself behind the translucent curtain of scents, almost like it had been hiding from him. 

It was like one of those ludicrously expensive perfumes that didn't smell like much in passing, but revealed a deep and layered complexity once you really focused in on it.

A few more drags, and he was sure. It seemed like he was about to get lucky after all. 

Dean emptied his whiskey and pushed himself off the barstool, ready to track down whoever smelled this delectable, and make them his for the night.

[richtofens-hips]

Task Force 141 x F! Reader part 1

I know no one requested this but y'know.

Idgaf *says that jokingly but sounds mad passive aggressive*

Well, ig this story will contain some fluff, angst, lots of swearing, flirtatious reader, dark humor/thoughts, and probably some more but I forgor

At the end, I will make separate x readers (Ghost x reader, Soap x reader etc) so you can choose who you want to be with at the end!! (I know, I'm evil for making you choose deal with it)

Here's your call sign that I spent so hard on figuring out: Casanova

Ik, when you look it up, it's mostly for men, but guess what? I d g a f and now I adopted it as both genders 😈 I mean it's either that or Coquette 🤷‍♀️

<story begins now yippe>

"Ye heard? Someone's joinin' the task force," Soap drawls, idly spinning a ball point pen between his fingers.

"Oh? Who is he?" Rudy asks, looking up.

"She," he corrects with a coy smile. Ghost leans against the wall, with a barely noticeable roll of his eyes.

"A woman?" Alejandro asks, appearing to be a bit surprised.

"Aye. I took a peep over Price's shoulder at her file. Apparently, she's the only survivor from her entire company. Mission gone wrong." Soap shrugs. "I didn't get to read much more before Price kicked me out."

"The only survivor? In the entire company? How the hell is that even possible?" Gaz remarks, astonished.

"Might've been lucky. Who knows. She should be arrivin' soon."

***

You hop out the heli with a small grunt and raise your gaze to the skies. The sun's glare forced you to cover your eyes with a hand, and you couldn't help but grin.

You were going to be on the Task Force 141. The group known for their badassery. You must've had enough badass in you to join the band of badasses.

Or perhaps, no other compnay or squad wanted you.

A dark thought crosses your mind, but you quickly shake it out. No time for negativity! You had some men to sedu- AHEM. Meet. Some men to meet.

You turn to your pilot with a cocky smile. "Thanks for dropping me off past the due time."

He rolls his eyes, exasperated. "It was you, Sergeant. Not me. I was already here but your stubborn arse wanted to take such a long f***ing time."

You throw your head back and laugh. "Nah, it wasn't me, mate. All you."

The pilot flips you off and ducks back inside his cockpit, put up with your shenanigans. A lot of people were annoyed by you, but did you care? Nope.

"Sergeant L/N, you're late," a gruff voice announces behind you, a tinge of irritation lightly coating his tone.

"I prefer chronologically challenged," you say, turning around as you said it. You came face-to-face with a man with a handelbar mustache and a funny hat. His blue eyes pierce through you and you had to admit it, this man had an aura surrounding him, the kind that warned you not to mess around with this guy.

But aside being intimidated by him, you were like 'Hot damn!' He looks delectable in person.

Captain Price arches a brow at your response. "Is this how you greet your new superior officer?"

You stop staring at the new eye candy and salute. "Sergeant Y/N "Casanova" L/N, at your service, sir!"

A look of slight approval flashes behind his eyes. "Nice to finally meet you, Casanova. I'm Captain John Price, and welcome to the task force."

There are other men behind him, and you tilt your head a little to get a good look at them. Two Hispanic looking men (awooga), another with a mohawk (sweating for real), one with dark skin staring at you (hey baby boy) and one more beside him with a skull mask (he could mess you up for all you cares with them mysterious eyes) and to the left of this guy, was one still wearing his combat gear, helmet, goggles, and all. Not gonna lie, he looks very pouncable...

"...Nova? Casanova!"

You jerk out of your fantasies with a sheepish smile. "Yes, sir?"

"I'd appreciate it if you quit daydreaming. We have work to do," Price orders as the soldiers behind him turn on their heels and began walking in the opposite direction.

You nod earnestly, trotting beside the captain as you all head towards the training area.

"Says in your files you're excellent with a gun," Price says more to himself than you, looking over the notes your old officer had made of you. He glances up at you and nods his head at a pistol on the table. "Why don't you show us?"

"I got you, Cap'n," you answer with another grin. You take the pistol and reload it with one smooth move. If you knew anything, it would be weapons. God, you loved the sleekness and the shine of any rifle, the loud thudding of the machine gun, the clean shot of a sniper... The guns you handled before were a real beauty.

What? Guns are very sexy.

After putting on the necessary equipment for the shooting range, you embrace the natural stance of holding a weapon and aim at the target. You slow your breathing until it completely stops, and squeeze the trigger.

Bullseye.

"Nice shot," he comments. "But can you handle targets that move quickly?"

You scoff inwardly. Was this handsome man doubting you? Oh, you'll show him alright.

Price gestured to Gaz to the switch. The targets come to life, going side to side slowly.

With zero hesitation, you aim and fire. Every shot hit home, right in the center, a bullseye everytime. Gaz increased the speed. The ringing of your gun echoes through the warehouse. Faster. Non-stop reloading and shooting, each done precisely and effeciently.

Soap whistles under his breath and turns toward Ghost. "She almost beat your record, LT."

He didn't respond.

You glance behind you to see Roach holding up a timer and Alejandro flashes you a grin full of white teeth. Rudy next to him gives you a thumbs-up. Your heart rises a little. Roach shows it to Price who gives it a look, then looks back at you.

"Maybe we should skip a few things." Your heart swells. He asked, you delievered. Perfection.

You would show them that you belonged on this team. Even if the implications meant that you shouldn't have been here at all.

<End of the first part, yay!>

I hoped you enjoyed it! if so, drop a like and a reblog!!

The next part will be longer, I promise 😎

Edit: part 2 is here!

[fayes-fics]

Moments: Chapters 7-8

Moments Masterpost

PREV | NEXT

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader

Summary: Slow-burn fic. Follow on to No Good Advice probably best to read that first. Read previous chapters of this fic here and here. In these chapters, James & his mum meet the Bridgerton family and Benedict makes a decision.

Word Count: 4.3k (these chapters only, 12.2k total for all chapters to date)

Warnings: none really - pining, fluff, humour, touch of angst. Ratings/warnings will increase in future chapters.

Authors note: I hope you all enjoy the latest adventures of little James Darby. Thanks as ever to @makaylan for her fantastic betaing and advice. Couldn't do this without you lady <3

Chapter 7: Moments from a family visit

Your carriage pulls up the long drive to Aubrey Hall, and your heart leaps. What a beautiful building, resplendent in flowers and vines. James leans forward excitedly, huffing mist onto the glass as he peers at the approaching house.

“Is this where Benedict lives?” he asks excitedly.

“It's his family's country home, darling, like Darby Hall is our family home. But it is not his; I believe he has his own cottage. Just like we do.”

“Oh, ok,” he nods, understanding better. “Can we see his cottage? I bet he has so many paints! Oh, mama, please? Can we? Can we?”

You huff a laugh. “Darling, I don't think his cottage is that near to here; I believe it is down in Wiltshire. This is Kent - that is a long way away.”

“Oh,” he looks a little deflated.

“But I'm sure Benedict has plenty of painting supplies right here,” you add, seeing James instantly brighten at that. “You like Mr Bridgerton, don't you?” you venture, a little trepidatious.

“He likes painting as much as me, so he is my favourite person ever,” James smiles gleefully as if that is the full measure of a man. “Except you, Mama,” he adds as a charming afterthought. The adorable little rascal.

“What would you say if I told you he wanted to spend more time with you?” you ask carefully, “not just painting,” you add as James goes to speak.

His mien turns thoughtful. “Why would I spend time with him other than to paint Mama?” he asks - a perfectly reasonable question.

“He is a… very special friend to me, from a long time ago. And a friend of mine must be a friend of yours too, James.” you reason. “Or the… friendship… cannot be.”

“He is very nice, Mama,” he says, looking far away. “Issy told me about him in a dream.”

“Who is Issy, my love?” you ask, wracking your brain for someone with that name.

“You haven't met her yet, Mama,” he says breezily.  

You can't think of a single person he knows you have not met, so you just assume it's one of his imaginary friends. He has such a rich imagination you marvel at him sometimes - every day, raising this child is a new adventure.

Your carriage pulling to a halt outside the main entrance has your mind turning to your hosts. Butterflies roar as you see the entire Bridgerton family emerge from the doorway. Chief amongst them, Benedict. He is all you can see as the footman opens the carriage and holds out an expectant hand for you to descend. The urge to run and fling yourself into his arms alarms you - a person of comfort in a sea of mostly new, expectant faces.

“Lady Darby,” Violet greets warmly as you step out. 

“Lady Bridgerton,” you reply, “thank you so much for inviting me early to spend time at your beautiful family home.”

“Please call me Violet,” she says.

“Then it's y/n, for everyone,” you insist, looking around politely.

Anthony steps forward with his beautiful wife “Apologies, my lord.” you correct yourself. “This is actually your home as the Viscount, isn't it?”

“Indeed, but my mother has always been best at leading introductions,” he smiles warmly. “Lady Darby, this is my wife, Viscountess Bridgerton.”

“Oh, it's been years, and I'm still not used to that title,” she says with a slight comic frown, “Please call me Kate.” warmly shaking your hand.

You see out of the corner of your eye Benedict is hovering expectantly, almost shyly, off to the side, slightly behind them.

James comes leaping out of the carriage behind you. “Benedict!” he cries happily and practically launches himself at the man. On instinct, Benedict crouches down to hug James.

That is rather a conversation stopper as everyone’s eyes crane to watch the young boy.

“That… is my son, James,” you say apologetically, “he has umm, been receiving art lessons from Mr Bridgerton,” you offer by way of explanation.

Violet has an enigmatic smile as she tears her sights away from James and back to you.

“He is a talented artist?” she inquires politely, but you feel there may be more to her question.

“Well, he is only five years old….” you begin.

“He's a master in the making,” Benedict finds his voice, “aren’t you, James?”

James nods happily, holding onto Benedict’s leg as he straightens back to standing.

You feel everyone looking at you, James, Benedict and back. A lot of thoughts behind silent eyes.

“Shall we head inside?” Violet announces. “You can meet everyone else later. I'm sure it's been a long journey from London, and you would like to freshen up and rest before dinner.”

“That sounds wonderful,” you reply, reaching your hand for James, making brief but meaningful eye contact with Benedict. He gives you a reassuring nod and smile.

“Come here, James,” you call gently when he doesn't move.

“I’d like to stay with Benedict,” James announces, grabbing his arm. “Mama said you might have some paint here,” he looks up hopefully.

Benedict huffs a laugh. “Maybe later, James, go with your mummy for now. I will see you at dinner, okay?”

James looks ponderous and then agrees reluctantly, “Okay.”

“What a delightful child,” Kate murmurs as you ascend the staircase into the house, “he has very striking eyes,” she adds a little too pointedly, with a smile you know has more meaning. 

You know. You just know she has already figured this out; she seems too fiercely intelligent not to have.

“Thank you” is all you can say. 

This is Benedict’s announcement to make to his family if he chooses to. You wouldn't blame him if he didn't; they seem quite a formidable bunch, friendly but rambunctious when gathered together. What a day this could prove to be.

___

By the time you appear for dinner, you are refreshed and ready to face what could be a gauntlet. No doubt there have been precious few other topics of conversation, but the young widow with the little boy who ran straight to Benedict. 

“Lady Darby,” Violet gestures, “you and James are sat down here with me”. You take your seats and realise Benedict is opposite you, next to his mother. His eyes meet yours over the table, and he smiles. 

You itch to ask him what his plan is for this dinner. You really don’t want him admitting to being James’ father while he is in earshot.

You are introduced to the remainder of the family around the dinner table, minus Daphne and her husband and child, who you’re told will arrive the following day. 

Conversation flows spiritedly as appetisers are served. It’s unusual that all the children, including Kate and Anthony’s eldest son, who is three, are also at the table, but you’re glad James can join in. Experience what it’s like to be a part of a social evening. It’s been just the two of you for so long that you’re worried he will become anxious around other people. Luckily he seems unphased and engaged with everyone. Like his father, he can have an easy-going natural charm when he wants to. He has Eloise and Kate wrapped around his little fingers in no time. 

“Benedict, can we paint tomorrow?” James calls out across the table as dessert is served. The conversation seems to quieten suddenly.

“If it’s okay with your mummy, yes, I think so, James,” Benedict answers, “if the weather is good, perhaps we can paint outside again.”

“That would be so nice!” James chimes, “I really like the easel you gave me. I’ve painted so many things with it.”

“You bought James an easel, my love?” Violet inquires gently, touching Benedict’s wrist, “Do you do that for all of your art students?”

“No, mother, just the very talented ones,” he replies, attempting nonchalance but coming out somewhat awkwardly.

Violet hums and takes a bite of dessert, then turns to your son.

“Tell me, little James, do you collect anything? Perhaps, oh, I don’t know, pressed flowers or something like that?” She glances briefly at Benedict as she asks.

“Yes!” James chimes, “I collect rocks! From places I visit, or when I see one in a pretty colour.”

“That’s fascinating!” Violet enthuses.

You look over and see Benedict staring at James open-mouthed. You'd neglected to mention that little inheritance. Frankly, there are so many similarities you almost wouldn't know where to begin.

“And what a coincidence! My lovely second son here used to do the exact same thing as a child, didn’t you, darling?” she pats Benedict’s hand affectionately but pointedly.

“He still does,” it has slipped out of your mouth over your wineglass before you’ve even engaged a thought.

Oh shit.

It’s hushed around the table now. Benedict's shocked look swaps from your son to you.

Your cheeks burn hot, “…or that’s what he told me,” you mumble mortified, putting down your glass to stab at your dessert. Too little, too late.

You can feel Violet’s eyes on you. An enigmatic smile.

“Benedict, dear, is there anything you wish to share with us?” Violet asks, feigning innocence.

“Perhaps later, mother,” he responds with a pleading look, glancing at James briefly and then back to her.

She pats his hand and smiles, then addresses the whole table. “Come on, eat up, my dears. This delicious gooseberry pie won’t finish itself!”

The buzz of conversation picks up again, and Benedict shoots you a look. You mouth ‘sorry’. This wasn't how you wanted things to go. You decide you have probably had enough wine for the night.

“Benedict, can I see your rock collection, please?” James pipes up as he cleans his plate.

“Yes, James, but sadly, it’s not here,” Benedict explains.

“Is it in Wiltshire? Mummy says that’s where your cottage is. We have a little cottage too, and it’s my most favourite house we own. When can we visit your cottage?”

You almost drop your spoon. If it was quiet before when they conversed, it’s silent now. 

“James, it’s rude to ask for an invitation to someone’s house,” you admonish tacitly. 

“No, not at all. Of course, you are most welcome. You can accompany me to Wiltshire next time I go,” Benedict nods, “I shall invite some other students of mine, make it an artists retreat, as such” you can tell he is covering his tracks a little.

“Fun!” James exclaims. 

Benedict clears his throat as dessert gets cleared away and after-dinner chocolates are placed on the table. “Everyone, I would like to make an announcement later in the drawing room. For just the adults.”

“What? why?” Hyacinth whines, “Why do we always miss out on the best information? I am fifteen now, brother.”

“Yes, and I am sixteen,” pipes up Gregory.

“I'm sorry, are either of those numbers higher than eighteen?” Benedict queries sarcastically, raising an eyebrow at them.

They both groan and cross their arms defensively.

“I'm five,” James announces proudly to the room, half understanding the game but enthusiastic about being included. 

Everyone peals with friendly laughter, and Colin leans over and ruffles his hair affectionately. “Indeed you are, James.”

James' nanny comes to collect him and take him to bed, just as you all spill into the hallway on your way to the drawing room.

“Goodnight, everybody,” James calls, the little charmer he is.

There is a chorus of goodnight Jameses’. He takes his nanny’s hand, but sudden runs back and hugs you, throwing his hands around your waist. 

“Aww, goodnight, my love,” you whisper lovingly, swaying him a little.

“Goodnight, Mummy,” he looks up at you with his big beautiful eyes, so you lean down and kiss his cheek.

Then he runs straight over to Benedict and hugs his legs.

“Goodnight, Benedict,” his little voice says.

A universe of emotions crosses Benedict’s face, and everyone else freezes in place.

“Goodnight, James,” Benedict replies quietly, patting his hair.

“Can I have a kiss on the cheek, like the other day?” James asks sweetly.

Benedict’s cheeks dust an adorable shade of pink. Out of the corner of your eye, you see Eloise's mouth drop open.

To your utter astonishment, Benedict leans down and hauls James into his arms, placing him on his hip. “It's time for bed, young man,” he lectures softly, then kisses his cheek as requested. “Now, do you need a bedtime story, or will you be able to read one yourself?”

The two of them together are your whole focus. You watch them clutching your chest, not even noticing the eye tennis of the rest of the gathering. 

“I can read all by myself,” James answers proudly, looping his arms around Benedict's neck.

“Well, that's because you are such a smart boy, aren't you?” 

“Yes. Mummy says I get my brain from her,” James replies, and Benedict laughs.

“I don't doubt it for a second.”

“She says I get my charm from my Daddy,” he adds with a winning smile.

Benedict looks over James' shoulder at you, and your cheeks burn. “I bet she did,” he chuckles.

You feel Violet looking at you again.

‘I'll join you all shortly,” Benedict says over his shoulder, giving you a lingering glance, then starts to walk away towards the staircase, James still in his arms. The two of them engaged in a quiet conversation, your nanny following behind them.

“I don't think this announcement he has to make will be much of a surprise, do you?” Colin pipes up cheekily once they are out of earshot.

You'd like the ground to swallow you up right now.

“Colin!” Violet admonishes, “whatever Benedict has to say to us all, his family, will be treated with the utmost respect and sincerity.”

“Yes, mother,” he grumbles dutifully, with an eye-roll.

As everyone drifts into the drawing room, Kate comes over and loops arms. “Pay no mind to my brother-in-law,” she counsels, “You'll get used to him. If you marry a Bridgerton, you’ll have to; they’re sort of a package deal,” she winks.

It's only after you sit down do you realise what she said.

___

Benedict slips into the drawing room about five minutes later and crouches down behind the chair you are seated in as you listen to Eloise rhapsodise about the book she is currently reading.

“I hardly think it’s going to be a surprise now, but I am going to announce James as my child,” he whispers, “I would like you to stand with me if that's alright?”

“Really,” you murmur, “why?”

“Moral support?” he shrugs, and you see a slight tinge of anxiety on his face for the first time.

“Of course,” you offer.

He moves to stand next to your chair and offers his arm. He walks you in front of the fireplace; you feel the literal heat on the back of your legs as you prepare for heated glances from the gathered family.

“Everyone,” he annunciated clearly, “I would like to announce to the family some important news.”

“When’s the big day?” Colin teases. Eloise violently tosses a cushion at him.

“Oh... no… it's not… that” Benedict suddenly looks flustered and drops his arm from yours. You lower your head. Nothing could be further from the reality at the moment, much to your chagrin.

“Tell us then, brother,” Anthony prompts, acting very much the patriarch.

“You all met James earlier, and well, although this can never be public knowledge, I very much wanted you all, my family, to know that… he is my son” his voice wavers a little. “Many of you may remember about six years ago I was… in a relationship with Mrs Darby before she got married to the man she was promised to her whole life,” he rushes to add, “and that resulted in, well, little James.”

He looks over at his mother.

“Mother, I know this is not the ideal way you would want to hear about another grandchild, who is already five years old, but well, I wanted to be truthful with you. And with you all,” he gestures around the room, “I only just met him myself a few days ago, but he is very important to me.” 

Your eyes mist as he speaks plainly but passionately about your son. His son.

“Benedict dear, I am so very happy for you. And another grandson, I am overjoyed, and I look forward to spending so much time getting to know him this week. But, you do realise, this is not exactly the news we were expecting you to announce?” she says gently.

“Whyever not?”Benedict looks shocked.

“Darling, the minute he stepped out of that carriage, I knew. We all knew,” she explains slowly. She gestures at a row of miniatures on the wall depicting all the Bridgerton children. “Do you really think the spitting image of you would not be a total giveaway?”

You are instantly drawn closer to the picture; it looks so much like James you are speechless. 

“This is Benedict?” you gasp.

“Yes, dear, aged seven,” she confirms as you run your fingers reverentially over the miniature painting. He has the same hair, eyes, and face; it's disconcerting how much James looks exactly like his father at a similar age.

“We honestly thought you knew that we knew already. And certainly wouldn't feel the need to announce it so formally,” she chuckles, “Kate and I had already discussed buying him some family blue outfits.”

You steal a glance at Kate, who just smiles and shrugs a shoulder.

“Wait?” Anthony says, standing, “You all knew?” 

All the women in the room nod.

“I didn't,” Colin opines from the couch. “Well, not until he put the little whelp to bed, then I couldn't exactly unsee it.”

“I had no idea,” Anthony remarks, frowning to himself and then looking pointedly at his wife. Her smirk gets even bigger.

“What a surprise, always the men who are the last to cotton on,” Eloise mutters, rolling her eyes.

Anthony shoots her a look and then clamps his hand onto Benedict's shoulder. “Well, maybe not traditional circumstances, but I’m happy for you, brother. Welcome to fatherhood.”

“Thank you, brother,” Benedict exhales, looking relieved.

“So... no other news?” Violet inquires.

“No, mother,” Benedict says brusquely and a little too pointedly. 

“Hmm, shame,” she mutters under her breath and smiles indulgently at you.

A little while later, you see Violet take Benedict's arm and whisper something in his ear. You have no idea what, but it looks like he is getting a stern but loving motherly lecture. 

When she is done, he looks over at you in a way that is so intense and full of longing it steals your breath. 

Suddenly light-headed, you have to excuse yourself for the night.

Chapter 8: Moments from a country ball

The next evening the ballroom of Aubrey Hall is humming with people and looks beautiful. The bustle of staff setting out flowers earlier in the day has been replaced by the lazier-paced members of the Ton admiring the floral displays and quaffing their champagne.

You nervously smooth your gloved hands down over your blue dress. You specifically asked Madam Delacroix to make you a gown that would match the Bridgerton family colours. She had just winked. “Certainly, ma cherie, they are quite the family”. The lady knows far too many secrets.

With James tucked up in bed for the evening after a fun day exploring the estate just the two of you, it’s your chance to enjoy some grown-up company. You grab a glass of champagne and watch the assembled young ladies and gents take their place for the first dance.

Suddenly you feel a presence by your left side.

“You look beautiful,” Benedict murmurs. All of your body lights up from just a simple compliment.

“Thank you,” you say quietly and bump him lightly with your shoulder, “and you look very handsome,” you add, looking up into his eyes.

Oh god, that was a mistake. Trapped again. Unable to look away.

“I was hoping you would do me the honour of a dance, Mrs Darby,” sotto voce, your gaze still locked on his.

“Don’t call me that,” you implore, “please just call me by my first name.”

“Will you do me the honour of a dance, y/n?” he amends a little smirk on his lips.

“Yes,” you are far too breathy.

You have never danced with him before. The simple act of being in a respectable hold sends your thoughts scattering. In the past, you have mapped every inch of this man’s body with your tongue, but the feel of his arm curled gently around your back undoes you.

You are swept up into the dance. Into him. The father of your child. The best lover you ever had. The person that feels most like home and an adventure all at once.

“What are you thinking about?” He asks quietly after a few minutes as you move around the dancefloor, “you look so wistful.”

“You,” you admit simply. 

“Oh,” he looks bashful, “what about me?”

“How different things can be after so many years, but also strangely how it can be as if no time has passed at all.” you sigh.

He inhaled sharply. “I couldn’t agree more” his intense gaze drops to your lips as the music ends, but you stay locked in each other’s arms.

“Benedict…” you stutter, “I….”

“Is this the reason?” A woman’s voice cuts into your reverie.

You look over to see Miss Elliott standing nearby, arms crossed, looking at Benedict with a sour expression.

“Miss Elliott?” You greet hesitantly.

Her head whips to you, and she frowns when she recognises you “wait… Mrs Darby?” she shakes her head a little “You? You are the one he…” she stops mid-sentence looking stunned. 

“Oh….” She turns her heel and bustles away.

“Miss Elliott,” Benedict calls, “wait.” 

He gives you an apologetic look and then takes off after her, leaving you suddenly alone on the dancefloor.

You feel eyes on you, those who just witnessed the odd moment. So you walk briskly to grab a refreshment before anyone can corner you and ask questions. You plan to retire to the terrace to get some air, your thoughts a jumble. 

As you step outside, you revel in the feel of the evening air, cool on your skin. You take a sip of lemonade and look around for a seat until you hear voices below. Curious, you move into earshot.

“…I thought we had an agreement,” the woman sighs.

“Circumstances have altered,” is the reply. You’d recognise that voice anywhere. 

Benedict.

You know you shouldn’t, but you draw closer, standing behind a stone column so you'll be hidden even if they look up.

“How?” she asks; a peek around the column tells you it's Miss Elliott.

“I am reconsidering how my future may look,” he says slowly. “I have recently received news that has, well, it’s changed my whole life. My whole perspective on everything; I desire and want for things I thought impossible.”

Your heart pounds.

“What?” She asks. 

Yes, what? You think.

“A wife I love. Children.” 

Those five words have you spinning.

“I thought that the exact opposite of what you wanted?” She argues

“It was,” he admits, “but sometimes life throws you the most… amazing surprises, and I would be a fool not to at least try to get what I want. What I’ve always wanted.”

You feel your hands shaking. 

“Is it her? Mrs Darby? The one to whom your heart belongs? I saw the way you two were looking at each other when you were dancing.”

“It’s not just her,” his voice emotional, “it’s someone else. A very special someone I recently met.”

Oh god, he means James.

“Someone so perfect and wonderful. The love I feel for them. Even though I’ve only spent a few precious moments with them… It’s so profound and life-altering. I never knew…” he sounds choked up.

You feel a tear roll down your face.

“You are irrevocably in love, aren’t you?” She says quietly, resigned.

There is no audible response.

She sighs. “Where does that leave me?” 

“I am so sorry,” he replies sincerely, “I will try my best to find you another who would be favourable to this type of match. I know of some artists who have such arrangements. Perhaps they have friends seeking the same. So you can be free to love who you love.”

“Mr Bridgerton, thank you, but… I will be okay. I am not annoyed. Just disappointed. This was always about convenience. I wish nothing but the best for you. I just hope it works out for you.”

“So do I”, you hear him sigh. Then the crunch of footsteps on gravel as one, if not both, of them walk away.

You stay leaning against the column, closing your eyes, your head spinning with all you just overheard. 

So wrapped up in your thoughts and feelings that you don’t hear footsteps up the stone steps from the garden below until it’s too late to flee.

“Y/n?” You open your eyes and see him standing a few feet before you. “Are you okay?”

“Yes, it's a little stuffy inside; I came out just this moment for some air,” you lie.

He steps closer. “Why have you been crying?” His voice suddenly filled with concern.

“Benedict…” you breathe, and his arms enclose you in a tight embrace.

“What happened? Tell me,��� he implores, rocking you gently. His cheek pressed against your temple. The warmth of his body seeping into yours.

You can’t tell him you are crying because you overheard him, all the beautiful things he said; it feels like such an invasion of his privacy.

“No, no, I’m okay,” you dismiss, “just happy tears,” your explanation is intentionally vague.

“Happy tears? What do you mean?” He cranes his head back slightly and looks at you, confused.

“I… just… I can’t explain it. But please just hold me,” you whisper.

“Of course. Always,” he breathes, and you wrap yourself around him, pressing your face into his neck, inhaling his scent. He says nothing, just lets you stand in his arms.

Unseen by you both, Violet appears in the doorway to the terrace and smiles to herself. 

[marvelettesassemblenow]

Miscommunication

Pairing: Stucky x F Reader

Summary: You were a retired Shield Agent and enjoyed the quiet life. Steve Rogers came over to your house to lay down and suddenly he almost moved in with Bucky Barnes. But it seemed like not all three of you were on the same page where your relationship stands.

Word Count: ~3.5k

Warnings: a little bit of angst, but mostly fluff (I think) and all of them are idiots, swear words

A/N: I actually have no clue what this is or where it came from. But I was in the mood for some fluff and couldn’t decide, if I should write Steve or Bucky. So this is the first time that I wrote Stucky

There was a small knock on your door and you knew that the person who was knocking had a key to your house, but he insisted on making himself known before he'd enter.

„Come in, Steve,“ you yelled, knowing that he would hear you through the closed door. Not a second later you heard the key being turned and him entering the house. He came up to you and put his arm around your waist and kissed your cheek before he let go. „Smells good,“ Steve commented and noticed that there was way more food in the pan than one person could eat.

„Buck isn’t with you today?“ you asked and turned around although you heard that Steve came alone.

„He's on a mission.“ Steve walked to your cabinet and pulled out some plates for the two of you and put them on the table. You didn’t have to point out where anything was. This was like his second home.

You had worked for Shield before everything went down and you were actually there when Steve was chased by the organization. You were injured then and Steve came to you to make sure you were okay. That was the start of your friendship with Captain America. Not long after that you met Sam Wilson and Natasha Romanoff, before they all had to disappear. After that Steve came back with another person for you to meet: James Buchanan Barnes.

You didn’t know what happened then, but you became friends with him also and it almost seemed like the two super soldiers moved in with you. They even had their own bedroom in your house, which used to be a guest room. They lived in the compound, but some days when they just wanted to feel like normal people they were found in your place.

You didn’t have a conversation about the relationship of the two. They didn’t kiss in front of you, but you were sure that the two of them were an item. They shared the bed in the guestroom, right? You didn’t want to bring up a conversation why they didn’t look for a place on their own. Not when it felt too good that they came to your place.

They did show affection, to each other and to you. It blurred the line of your friendship often. Both of them were cuddlers and when you first noticed that there might be something between the two men you felt bad one day when Steve came through the door and found you cuddling on the couch with Bucky.

But when you wanted to move, Bucky's arm tightened around you and Steve placed a hand on your shoulder and told you to stay, he would join you after a shower. Things like that confused you and made you question if it was really only friendship you felt for the two of them.

„Well, then it should be at least enough food for the two of us. Will you stay the night or do you want to wait for him at the compound,“ you asked when you put some food on the table for him.

„I'll stay here, he won’t be back for two days,“ Steve said when he took the plate from you and placed it on the table.

„I should take rent from you,“ you joked when you sat down after Steve placed the second plate.

„You really should!“ Steve agreed. The discussion had come up before, but you only made them buy groceries from time to time because stuffing two super soldiers was expensive!

„Can I ask you something?“ you spoke up when there was almost no food on your plate anymore.

„Anything,“ Steve answered without missing a beat.

„Why don’t you get a place on your own with Bucky?“

Steve’s movement stopped. „Are we a bother? You should have said something sooner,“ he started to ramble, afraid that they had overstayed their welcome.

„No, no. That’s not it, I swear. I was just wondering if it wouldn’t be easier for the two of you. I like having you around, I swear I’ll tell you if it’s too much,“ you reassured him.

„Okay. Well, it feels nice to leave the compound and everything superhero related behind. It’s nice to come home to something relatively normal. And it’s rare for Bucky to open up to someone, when he started to take a liking to you I was so happy.“

„I'm happy you feel that way. What do you say to popcorn and a movie?“

„Sounds good to me. Get comfortable, I’ll do the dishes,“ Steve offered and you didn’t complain.

Bucky and Steve were sitting on your couch when you stepped into your house. Not that you were surprised because they were often there and they had texted you that they had ordered pizza.

„Hey, where were you?“ Steve asked and did a double take as soon as he turned around and saw you standing in the hallway.

„I was on a date,“ you answered while you were still busy slipping out of your shoes. There was a choking noise and you looked worried at Steve who held out a drink towards the brunette, whose head was turning red as a piece of pizza has found its way in the wrong tube. „Are you okay?“ you asked and rubbed his back.

„Why were you on a date?“ he asked once he could breathe again.

„Because I was asked. I didn’t think it is a big deal. And I didn’t know you’d be here, aren’t you supposed to be on a mission still?” You didn’t see the point in telling them that it was a setup from one of your coworkers. And that you had tried to get out of it, but you went there in the end. It wasn’t a horrible date, but it wasn’t... what you had with the super soldiers. Not that you would tell them that part.

“It’s postponed to the next week. Will you,” Steve cleared his throat. “Will you go on a second date?”

“Are you afraid that I’ll kick you out of the house?” You pushed Bucky a little to the side and took a seat next to him. “No, I don’t think I will,” you finally said before you took a bite out of the pizza. “Why are you making such a big deal out of it. You have to know that this,” you pointed with your finger at the three of you, “won’t stay that way forever.”

“Do you want us to move out, doll?” Bucky asked and he looked so hurt that you had to place your pizza on the table and had to hug him.

“No, that’s not it. But don’t you want a place of your own?” you asked into his neck.

“Without you? No,” Bucky said without missing a beat. You let out a short laugh and let go of the big man. You could stay a little while in the bubble, thinking that this will stay that way. That night you fell asleep on the sofa and you woke up shortly when you were placed onto something soft and a kiss was placed on your forehead.

“I see you brought your girlfriend,” Sam greeted the three of you, when you entered the compound and entered the hearing range of the outspoken man. Steve and Bucky had asked if you wanted to come along to the party, seeing as you knew the Avengers and you agreed when you heard that a few of your ex-colleagues were also there.

You forced a laugh at Sam's greeting and hugged him. You hadn’t seen each other for a while but you were fond of him. He was keeping Bucky on his toes, but he was also one of the nicest people you have ever met. “How are you?” you asked before you let go of him.

“Oh I’m good. What about you? Do you miss the action or are you still enjoying the quiet life?” he asked instead.

“Still enjoying the quiet life,” you answered with a big smile. You saw an old coworker of you and excused yourself, telling Sam that you were sure you would see him later again and nodded at your two roommates before you made your way over.

It was about two hours later when Sam walked rather quickly over to his two friends. “I need to talk to the two of you in private.” He didn’t leave any room for objections. Bucky and Steve shared a glance before they followed Sam into a debriefing room not far from the party.

“Did you told your girlfriend that she should deny a relationship with you?” he came straight to the point and looked into the confused faces of his friends.

“No?” Steve finally said.

“Did you have a talk about how you are going to approach today with her?” Sam asked next.

“No, why are you asking these weird things? And why did we have to leave the room for that?” Bucky was just as confused as Steve was.

“Because I thought you might not want everyone to hear this. Why is your girl telling everyone that she’s single then? And why was her laugh so forced when I called her your girlfriend? I thought maybe it was because you wanted to keep everything private, but I saw you looking at her and each other the whole night and now I am just confused.”

“You are the one who is confused? I think I am the one who can’t follow you.”

“Okay, well then I have a simple question for you. Does she know that you are in a relationship?” Sam asked and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

“Yes,” Bucky and Steve said at the same time.

“And you are in a relationship with her too, right?”

“Yes,” the answer was spoken at the same time again.

“And did you have a talk with her where you told her specificly that she’s your girlfriend?”

“We don’t have to discuss every little detail when it’s clear,” Steve started to say and Sam threw his arms in the air to show he was clearly frustrated with the big guys in front of him.

“She doesn’t know that the three of you are in a relationship. It all adds up, now. You need to have a talk, because she clearly thinks she is single. I heard herself saying that more than once tonight.”

Steve looked at Bucky. “Do you think he’s right?” he asked his boyfriend.

Bucky just raised his hands and shoulder to show he had no idea. Until now he didn’t even question it, but he thought they had made it clear after you had come back from the date and they were confused as hell. The three of you were almost always cuddled together on the couch or on the chairs in the garden, when one of the two insisted that you could still fit on one of their lounge chairs. Or the little dates they went on like the little café a few streets down your house.

Or the stroll around the little park when it had suddenly started to rain and he had given you his baseball cap while Steve insisted you would get his hoodie because he wouldn’t get sick. You had held Bucky's hand on the way back to the house after you had waited under a tree for the rain to stop.

“Do you think that is why she always asked if we wanted to get a house of our own?” Bucky concluded.

“You are so dumb. I think you have to fix that,” Sam said and was the first one to leave the room.

You were surprised when suddenly Steve and Bucky were around you and after the fourth time they had hinted that they were tired you asked if you wanted to leave the party. They agreed eagerly after you said goodnight to a few people you were on your way to the house.

You sat on the passenger seat, although you had argued that you’d be fine to sit in the back. Now Bucky sat behind you and you had pushed your seat forward so he could have at least a little space. Steve’s right hand was on your leg and he only took it away to change the gear.

“Okay, what is wrong with you? You’re acting strange,” you said finally and turned around so you could see Bucky which caused Steve to lose his hold on your leg.

Bucky thought about denying it, but it didn’t feel right.

“Can we talk about it at home, honey?” Steve asked instead and you nodded. You turned back around and the rest of the drive was quiet. When Steve parked the car in front of your house and you loosened the seatbelt, Bucky had already opened your car door and held out a hand in front of you. You raised an eyebrow at that but still accepted it. What was going on?

“Do you want to change into something more comfortable?” Steve asked when you stepped inside.

“No, I want to know what is going on.”

You decided to sit down on the couch, so you could at least sit comfortable and you tucked your feet under your legs. It looked like the two men didn’t know where to sit, but they decided on the other side of the couch next to each other. “So, will one of you finally tell me what is going on?”

“It seems like we’re not all on the same page with what is going on here,” Steve started and made a motion with his finger to the three of you. You cocked your eyebrow again to show him he should continue, because to be honest you were lost. “You know that Bucky and I are in a relationship, right?” Bucky’s hand had grabbed Steve’s. And did he seem nervous?

You nodded. This was where they would tell you that you had crossed a line. Although when you thought about it, Steve’s hand had rested on your thigh not even 20 minutes ago.

“Doll, the point is... we thought we made it clear that we’re in a relationship,” Bucky stepped in.

“You did, I knew from the start. I mean you share the room with one bed. This is where you can be whoever you want to be. I won’t judge you,” you said quickly.

“Doll, Steve and I thought we had made it clear that we’re in a relationship with you. Steve, you and me.” It looked like he wanted to grab your hand but then he pulled back as if he was afraid of your reaction.

You mouth was open and you only closed it when you noticed that your tongue got dry. “The three of us? I’m so confused. Since when? I mean we haven’t even kissed,” you rambled.

Steve decided to be brave and grabbed your hand then. “Love is shown in many ways. It doesn’t always have to be physical and we just thought that wasn’t what you wanted. It took Bucky a long time to get comfortable with touching and it sometimes is still hard for him. But I think I do have to make it clear, honey. I love you and not just in a platonic way. It’s the same love I hold for Bucky and if you want to and if you feel the same, we’d love to be in a relationship with you.”

“If you need time, or hell,” Bucky swallowed, “if you don’t want to be with us or doesn’t want us around anymore, just say the word and we’ll leave.”

“I’ll grab a glass of water. Give me a moment, I’ll be back, okay?” You couldn’t answer them right now, there was so much going on. They wanted to be in a relationship with you? And they assumed that you already were an item? You wondered what had changed. Wait, was that why Sam had greeted you as their girlfriend? It hadn’t been a joke. And if they had told Sam, or maybe even Natasha... that means that this was something serious. But you still couldn’t figure out why they hadn’t talked to you.

“We need to work on your communication skills,” you said when you walked back, the glass of water long forgotten. “I'm not sure how to go from here,” you admitted.

“We can continue just as we were. Nothing has to change except we don’t see others romantically. We can go just as slow as you want or we don’t have to change anything.”

“Can we talk about this in the morning and just cuddle right now?” you asked and you could clearly see the relief on the guys face.

“Of course, doll,” Bucky answered and opened his arms.

“Let’s go change into something comfortable before, okay?” You took his hand and the three of you walked into your respective rooms. When you walked out of your room in some comfy clothes you could hear Steve and Bucky talking in their room. You couldn’t understand what they were saying, but you knocked on the door. The talking stopped and Steve opened the door.

You stepped from one foot to the other. “Maybe we can cuddle here,” you said when you looked up. Why you were suddenly so nervous around them you didn’t know. Steve nodded and stepped aside so you could enter the room.

Bucky noticed you hesitating and took your hand again. “Come here,” he said and lead you to the bed. He got comfortable on the right side and when you crawled after him he pulled you to his chest. Steve got on your other side and put an arm around your waist.

You felt Bucky's breath on your neck. “Just to make it clear, doll. I love you too,” he said and a feather light kiss was pressed into your neck.

“I can’t believe that you let me walk into a room full of people who knew about your feelings for me and I didn’t. Why couldn’t you just say anything? And why did you tell Sam and not me?” you said after a while because you couldn’t just wait for tomorrow.

“We thought it was obvious. And Sam just called your our girlfriend once and we didn’t deny it and then we called you our girlfriend. That’s kind of how we told them.”

“I always felt so guilty when one of you cuddled with me, but then you showed me in affection wen the other one was around and it was just so confusing. I’m glad we cleared that now, though,” you said and wrapped your hand around Bucky’s while your other one rested against Steve’s chest.

“We’re sorry,” Steve mumbled. You laid there and enjoyed their presence until you got sleepy. But you weren’t ready to share the bed and so you started to get up. “I’ll go to sleep, we’ll see each other for breakfast.” When you were about to walk out you stopped in the doorway. “I’m really glad you came clear. Goodnight boys.”

“Sleep well, doll.”

The next day you were woken by a knock on your door. “Good Morning, honey. We prepared breakfast.” You tried to raise a eyebrow.

“Am I in a parallel universe? I’ll come soon,” you said and pulled away your blanket to make your way to the bathroom. When you made your way to the kitchen you were greeted with the smell of food and you did a double take when you spotted the flowers on the table and the stuff that was neatly arranged.

“We wanted to make it special for the first date that the three of us will be aware of. We went to the bakery you liked so much,” Steve explained while he filled some glasses with juice, not really noticing that the juice was spilling over as he waited for your reaction.

“Well, thank you, boyfriends,” you said with a smile on your lips as you sat down. You were aware of the pressure that fell from the tall guys in the room.

“I'm glad you like it, doll,” Bucky pressed a kiss to your cheek before he sat down on the chair next to you, while Steve was busy cleaning the counter. He was about to sit down in front of you, when you asked if you wouldn’t get a good morning kiss from him. You knew he was a super soldier and he had good reflexes but you were pretty sure you have never seen him move so fast before. He was about to kiss your cheek but you turned around and stunned him when suddenly your lips connected. He was shocked, that much you could tell, but it didn’t hinder him from kissing you back gently.

He shared a quick glance with Bucky when you disconnected, but the other man wasn’t about to say anything. He meant what he said when he told you the night before that they would go in your pace. But when you looked at him and asked if you could have a kiss from him too he didn’t hesitate to kiss you.

“So, now that that’s out of the way. I’m starving,” you said and started to put some food on your plate. “What are we going to do today?”

“Whatever you want,” Steve and Bucky said at the same time which caused you to laugh

Masterlist

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