#He's got a lot of groveling to do. At the same time I get why he did what he did. He started out with good intentions.

[maddie0101]

desperate measures

— based off of THIS request. I hope you like it nonny! ❤︎

summary: murphy’s thirst for revenge forces bellamy into an impossible choice, himself for the reader and jasper. But deals with the desperate rarely go as planned, and the aftermath leaves nothing the same.

warnings: fem!reader, friends to lovers, violence, unhinged murphy (we love him in later seasons tho), mentions of hanging, bell almost dying, blood, reader has a mouth on her, protective!bell, hurt/comfort, happy ending, cussing, we don't like murphy in this fic, guns?, taunting, groveling!bell, reader gets injured, lmk if I missed anything?

word count:8.3k (yes, I’m actually insane)

note: based off the episode ‘we are grounders part one’. it is NOT exactly how the episode goes. I loosely wrote my own version but kept the same plot. I know the episode was a lot different to how I wrote this but idc, lol. enjoy!

The first thing you noticed was the cold, hard floor beneath you. The second was the dull, pounding ache at the back of your head. You groaned softly, shifting, only to realize that you couldn’t move your arms. Your wrists were bound behind your back, a rope biting into your skin and around your ankles, too.

Panic flickered through you, sharp and sudden. You blinked, trying to force your vision to adjust to the dim light around you. The metal walls, the familiar scent of rust and old fire—the dropship.

Why the hell were you in the dropship?

A groan beside you made you turn your head, your breath catching as you spotted Jasper slumped against the wall. His head lolled forward, and a thin streak of dried blood trailed down his forehead.

“Jasper,” you hissed, nudging his leg with your foot.

He let out a sharp breath, blinking sluggishly. His eyes flickered open, unfocused at first before they darted around, taking in the metal walls, the ropes, you.“What the hell?” Jasper mumbled, shifting against his restraints. His face twisted in confusion as he tugged at them. “Why am I—”

“Finally,” a voice cut through the air and your blood ran cold.

A slow, mocking clap followed, the sound bouncing off the dropship’s walls. Jasper inhaled sharply, his entire body going rigid beside you.

Murphy.

He stepped into view, his movements slow and deliberate. The rifle hung loosely at his side, his fingers drumming against the barrel. His eyes gleamed with something dark, something unhinged, as he looked down at you both. “About time you two woke up,” Murphy drawled, tilting his head. “Thought maybe I hit you too hard.”

Jasper stiffened. “You knocked us out?”

Murphy grinned. “What can I say? Didn’t think you’d come quietly.”

Your jaw clenched. Anger burned beneath your skin, hot and sharp, pushing back the fear threatening to take hold.

“What’s the matter, Murphy?” you sneered, lifting your chin. “Got tired of playing the victim, so now you’re back to being a psycho?”

Murphy’s grin twitched, his fingers tightening around the rifle. “There it is,” he mused. “That sharp tongue of yours. Always thought you were a little too bold for your own good.” He took a slow step forward, crouching in front of you. His eyes flicked over your face, his smirk widening. “Bet Bellamy just loves that about you.”

Your stomach twisted, but you kept your expression neutral.

Jasper, however, wasn’t as composed. “What the hell do you want?” he demanded, his voice sharp and laced with frustration. His breathing was uneven, chest rising and falling a little too fast — the panic was setting in, even if he was trying to hide it.

Murphy’s smile stretched wider, that twisted, smug grin that always made your skin crawl. His fingers flexed around the rifle at his side, a casual movement that felt far more threatening than if he’d actually raised it. Like he was just waiting for an excuse.

“Revenge,” he said simply, like the word itself should be enough to explain everything.

“Oh, give me a fucking break,” you muttered, your voice thick with sarcasm. “This is about the hanging, isn’t it?”

Murphy’s smile faltered, his expression hardening. His grip on the rifle tightened just enough for his knuckles to go white.

“Jesus, Murphy,” you scoffed, shifting against the rough rope that cut into your wrists. “You tried to kill people. Hell, you killed Charlotte. And now you’re throwing a tantrum because things didn’t go your way?” You let out a dry, humorless laugh. “Yeah, that totally screams ‘victim.’”

���Careful,” Murphy warned, his voice low and sharp like the edge of a knife.

“Or what?” you shot back. “You’ll bore me to death with your sob story?”

His eyes darkened, something ugly flickering behind them. The air in the dropship seemed to shift, suddenly heavier, colder. Murphy took a slow, deliberate step closer, boots scuffing against the metal floor. “You always were a mouthy little bitch,” he muttered, voice curling with contempt.

You didn’t flinch, you refused to. Instead, you met his gaze and gave a cold, humorless smile. “Yeah?” you drawled. “Well, you always were a miserable little prick, so I guess we’re even.”

Murphy’s jaw tightened, a muscle in his cheek ticking. “You really think this is funny?”

“I think it’s pathetic,” you snapped. “You’re pissed because Bellamy didn’t let you die? Seems like your real problem is that you’re still breathing.”

For a second, Murphy’s face twisted with pure rage that sharp, barely-contained violence that always simmered just beneath his skin, but then something cruel flickered across his features. His expression shifted, cold fury melting into something far more calculated.

His lips curled into a smirk.“I bet that’s why Bellamy likes you so much,” he sneered. “He’s got a thing for the feisty ones.”

Your stomach twisted. “Screw you,” you snapped, but there was an edge to your voice now, too sharp and too defensive.

Murphy’s smirk widened, and you knew he’d caught it. “Yeah,” he drawled, stepping closer until he was towering over you. “I’m sure that mouth of yours drives him crazy.” His gaze dragged over you, slow and deliberate, like he was peeling back your defenses layer by layer. “Maybe that’s why he’s always hovering around you.”

Your chest tightened. “Go to hell,” you spat, but the words didn’t feel as steady as before.

Murphy chuckled, low and dark. “Guess we’ll find out, won’t we?”

Jasper’s fingers twitched against the dusty floor of the dropship, eyes flicking toward the old radio lying just inches from his hand. Murphy had left it behind, probably too caught up in his own rage to notice.

Carefully, painfully slow, Jasper stretched his arm out, moving slow enough not to draw attention. His fingers brushed the edge of the radio. Murphy’s back was turned, still pacing and spitting insults your way.

"Go to hell, Murphy." You spat, anger only rising in your frame.

Murphy’s boots scuffed loudly as he stopped in his tracks, turning to face you again. “Careful,” he warned, voice low. “You’re not exactly in a position to be running your mouth.”

Jasper’s hand finally closed around the radio. He kept it close to his side, thumb pressing down on the transmit button. His pulse thundered in his ears.

“Or what?” you snapped. “You’ll whine me to death? Cry some more about how no one likes you?”

“You really wanna push me right now?” Murphy shot back, stepping closer.

“You already pissed off half the camp,” you said coldly. “What’s one more person who hates you?”

Murphy’s face twisted with rage, and before you could react, his hand shot out — backhanding you hard across the face. Your head snapped to the side, a sharp sting blooming across your cheek.

“Shut your mouth,” Murphy growled.

The radio crackled softly in Jasper’s hand, still broadcasting everything.

Bellamy was at the campfire, a rare moment of calm as he stripped a branch for kindling. The sounds of the camp buzzed around him. People chatting, the clang of metal, footsteps crunching on dirt. But none of that mattered when a voice — your voice, crackled suddenly over the radio.

“…already pissed off half the camp. What’s one more person who hates you?”

Bellamy froze, his hands tightening around the branch. His head jerked toward the source of the sound. What the hell?

The sharp crack of skin hitting skin shot through the speaker, followed by a sharp gasp. His heart dropped into his stomach. “Shut your mouth,” Murphy’s voice growled.

Bellamy was on his feet before he could think “Where’s that coming from?” he barked, spinning around.

Octavia bolted from the tent, the radio clutched in her hand. “It’s Jasper’s radio — it’s them. Murphy’s got them.”

Bellamy snatched the radio from Octavia, fingers curling tight around the device as he held it close to his ear. His chest tightened as Murphy’s voice came through again, smug and taunting.

“You think you’re so tough, don’t you?” Murphy sneered. “Bet you’re not feeling so smart now.”

“Oh, go to hell,” you shot back, your voice sharp and unwavering.

Despite the panic clawing at Bellamy’s ribs, he felt a flicker of pride. That’s my girl. You were still running your mouth, still fighting, but that pride was quickly swallowed by something else. Murphy’s not stable, Bellamy thought. She’s pushing him, and he’s just crazy enough to kill her for it.

His fingers tightened around the radio like it was the only thing anchoring him to the earth. His mind raced, anger boiling beneath his skin, fear gnawing at his chest.

“She’s gonna get herself killed,” Octavia muttered behind him.

Bellamy’s jaw clenched so tight it hurt. He knew you. Knew that sharp tongue of yours, that stubborn streak that never let you back down — even when you should. Part of him was proud, hearing you stand your ground like that. But the rest of him? The part that knew Murphy was just unhinged enough to put a bullet in your head for pissing him off? That part was fucking terrified.

“She’s not gonna die,” Bellamy said, more to himself than anyone else. “I won’t let that happen.”

The radio crackled again.

“Look, man,” Jasper’s voice broke through the static, rough and desperate. “You don’t have to do this.”

Murphy’s bitter laugh followed. “Yeah, I really do.”

“No, you don’t,” Jasper pushed. “You got your revenge, right? He's already dead—”

“This isn’t about him,” Murphy snapped. “This is about me. About what’s gonna happen when your fearless leader finds out what I did.”

Bellamy’s fingers tightened around the radio, his heart hammering in his chest.

“What did you do?” you demanded, your voice sharper now.

“Shut up,” Murphy growled, his tone low and dangerous. “You’re just a bonus. You weren’t even supposed to be here.”

“Yeah?” you shot back. “Well, lucky me.”

Bellamy closed his eyes briefly, frustration boiling in his blood. Damn it, why couldn’t you just stop pushing him?

Murphy let out a dry chuckle. “You think you’re funny?” he sneered. “I’ll tell you what’s funny — the king losing his goddamn mind when he finds out."

“Finds out what?” you shot back, your voice sharp.

Murphy’s smirk widened. “That I’m the one who killed Connor.”

Your breath caught. Jasper stiffened beside you.

“You’re lying,” you said, but your voice wasn’t as steady as you wanted it to be.

“Am I?” Murphy’s eyes glinted with twisted satisfaction. “Ask Jasper.”

You turned to Jasper, who wouldn’t meet your gaze. His silence told you everything. A sick feeling curled in your stomach. “Jesus,” you muttered, turning back to Murphy. “You actually killed him?"

Murphy grinned, sharp and cruel. “Damn right I did.”

Jasper swallowed hard. “That’s why you took me,” he said, his voice quieter now. “Because I saw you.”

Murphy gave a mock bow. “Bingo. Knew you’d piece it together sooner or later.” His expression darkened. “Couldn’t have you running to Bellamy, now could I?”

You clenched your jaw. “And me?”

Murphy’s smirk returned. “You?” He chuckled. “You were a bonus.” He leaned in slightly, voice dropping into something almost conspiratorial. “See, when I heard you moving around upstairs, I thought, ‘Well, shit. That’s my lucky day.’ Knocked you out cold before you even knew I was there.” His grin widened. “Because what better leverage against Bellamy than you?”

Your stomach dropped.

“Oh, don’t look so surprised,” Murphy went on, his voice dripping with satisfaction. “You really think he wouldn’t do whatever the hell I wanted to get you back? Hell, next to Octavia, you’re the best damn bargaining chip I could ask for.”

Outside the dropship, Bellamy’s grip on the radio tightened until his knuckles went white. His jaw was locked so tight it ached.

Murphy kept talking. “So yeah,” he continued, pacing now. “I’ve got all the cards. Bellamy’s gonna come running, and when he does—”

“You so sure about that?” you cut in, forcing your voice to stay steady. “Because from where I’m sitting, it kinda looks like you’re just another dead man walking.”

Murphy stopped pacing. His smile twitched, fingers flexing around the rifle at his side.

“You know,” you said, your voice tight with defiance, “for someone who acts like a victim, you sure seem to enjoy being a miserable asshole.”

Murphy’s expression darkened. “You really wanna run that mouth right now?” he growled.

“Why not?” you shot back. “You’ve already proved you’re a coward. What’s one more tantrum?”

His eyes flashed with rage. In one swift motion, he raised the rifle and pointed it directly at you.

Your pulse hammered in your ears, but you refused to flinch. “Go ahead,” you sneered. “Prove me right.”

“Murphy!” Bellamy’s voice exploded from the radio, sharp and furious.

Murphy jerked in surprise, whipping around to face Jasper, who was gripping the radio tightly, his thumb still pressed on the button.

“Where the hell did you get that?” Murphy snapped, storming over and snatching it from Jasper’s hands.

“Murphy,” Bellamy’s voice came again, colder this time. “You hurt either of them, and I swear I’ll kill you!”

“You’re in no position to make threats,” Murphy sneered into the radio, his fingers tightening around the device. His eyes glinted with twisted satisfaction. “But I’ll tell you what—I’ll make you a deal.”

The silence that followed was suffocating. You swore you could hear your own heartbeat pounding in your ears. Murphy’s smile widened, sharp and cruel. “You for them,” he said. “Trade yourself for Jasper and her.”

Your stomach dropped. No.

Your head snapped toward Jasper. His face had gone pale, eyes wide with the same dread you felt clawing its way up your throat. He knew exactly what this meant. Bellamy wouldn’t be walking away from this — and Murphy fucking knew it.

“Don’t,” you whispered, voice barely audible. Your chest felt tight, like you couldn’t get enough air. “Don’t do it.”

The radio crackled.

“Deal.”

Your breath caught. “No!” you burst out, voice ragged. “Bellamy, don’t—”

Murphy clicked off the radio before you could finish “That’s enough out of you,” he muttered with a smug grin. Slinging his rifle over his shoulder, he turned to Jasper. “Well,” he drawled, voice dripping with mock cheer, “looks like we’re making a trade.”

“You’re gonna kill him,” you shot back, your voice shaking with rage. “That’s what this is — you’re setting him up to die.”

Murphy gave an exaggerated shrug. “Yeah? Not my problem.”

Your blood boiled. “You son of a—”

“Save it,” Murphy snapped, stepping forward and grabbing Jasper by the arm.

“Wait—” Jasper struggled, his eyes flicking desperately to you as Murphy hauled him toward the dropship door.

“Don’t,” you said, your voice cracking. “Murphy, don’t do this!”

Murphy didn’t even glance back. He shoved Jasper hard toward the exit, and Jasper stumbled forward, almost tripping over his own feet. Jasper turned, his gaze flicking between you and Murphy. His expression twisted in confusion and then realization.

“What the hell are you waiting for?” Murphy barked.

“You said both of us,” Jasper said, his voice low and uncertain.

Your heart thudded painfully. Murphy’s smile stretched wider, colder. He turned, looking straight at you, and the smug glint in his eyes made your stomach turn.

“I lied.”

The sound of the dropship door clanging shut felt like a gunshot in your chest.

Bellamy stumbled forward, barely catching his balance as he pushed through the curtain. His gaze locked on you instantly, wide and frantic, but then his eyes shifted.

Murphy stood too close with his hand fisted in your shirt and his gun jammed against your ribs and Bellamy froze. His body went rigid, hands curling into fists at his sides. His chest rose and fell like he was barely holding himself together. “Let her go,” he said, his voice low and dangerous.

Murphy grinned, that smug, twisted smile that made your stomach turn. He didn’t move the gun “You’re in no position to be making demands,” Murphy sneered.

Bellamy’s eyes flicked to you again. You saw the way they dragged over you, the tension in your shoulders, the way you kept perfectly still, like any sudden movement might make Murphy pull the trigger. The rage simmering beneath Bellamy’s skin seemed to burn hotter.

“I said,” Bellamy growled, “let her go.”

Murphy snorted. “Yeah? And what’re you gonna do about it?”

Bellamy took a step forward and Murphy’s finger twitched on the trigger. The barrel pressed harder against your ribs, and you sucked in a sharp breath.

Bellamy froze again, teeth clenching hard enough to make his jaw twitch. “I said both of them,” Bellamy snapped, his voice shaking with fury. “That was the deal.”

Murphy’s smile stretched wider, like he’d been waiting for Bellamy to lose it. “Yeah…” Murphy dragged the word out, mockingly casual. “But here’s the thing…” His gaze flicked back to you, cold and calculating. “I’m never letting her go.”

Your heart stumbled and Bellamy’s face twisted into something dark and dangerous. “What the hell does that mean?”

“It means,” Murphy said, his voice tightening, “she means too much to me.” His fingers curled tighter in your shirt, dragging you closer like you were some kind of prize. “I’m not stupid. I know how much you care about her. You think I’d give up something that valuable?”

“You’re fucking sick,” Bellamy spat.

Murphy’s grin turned sharp. “Maybe,” he said with a shrug. “But you know what’s funny? I don’t think you’ll do a damn thing about it.”

“You think I won’t kill you?” Bellamy shot back.

“Oh, you will,” Murphy said, pressing the gun harder into your ribs. You bit down a wince. “But not before I put a bullet in her first.”

Bellamy’s eyes widened, panic flickering behind the anger. His gaze shifted to yours again, and you knew exactly what he was thinking. Murphy kept his gun trained on you as he took a slow step back, dragging the moment out like he was savoring it.

“You know what’s funny, Bellamy?” Murphy mused, a bitter grin curling on his lips. “You standing here, looking so goddamn righteous—acting like I’m the bad guy.”

Bellamy didn’t answer, his jaw ticking as his glare burned into Murphy.

Murphy let out a dry chuckle. “Let’s take a little trip down memory lane, yeah? Let’s talk about how you kicked the box from under my feet and almost let me fucking hang.” His voice sharpened, the anger cutting through the mockery. “Let’s talk about how you banished me—left me to die—all for what? Justice?”

Bellamy’s throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, but his face remained unreadable.

Murphy scoffed, shaking his head. “Yeah. That’s what I thought.” He took another step back, finally putting some space between himself and you, but his gun didn’t waver. His free hand shot out, grabbing a nearby box, and with a loud scrape, he dragged it to the center of the dropship.

You glanced at Bellamy, confused, but he was just as lost as you were.

Then, without breaking eye contact, Murphy found couple of long, thick straps—seatbelts and ripped from the wreckage of the drop ship.

He tossed them toward Bellamy’s feet and Bellamy barely spared them a glance before his glare snapped back up.

Murphy smirked. “Make a noose.”

Your stomach lurched. “Murphy—”

“Shut up,” he snapped, not even looking at you.

Bellamy didn’t move. His jaw was clenched so tight you could see the muscle jump, his hands flexing at his sides like he was seconds from lunging.

Murphy sighed, rolling his eyes. “C’mon, Bellamy,” he drawled. “You’ve done it before.” His smirk turned razor-sharp. “Should be muscle memory by now.”

Bellamy’s chest rose and fell, his breath coming heavier now. “You think this’ll make it right?” Bellamy said, voice low, shaking with restrained fury. “You think this makes you the good guy?”

Murphy’s face darkened. “I don’t give a shit about being the good guy.” His finger twitched on the trigger. “Now, make the fucking noose.”

Bellamy’s hands trembled as he twisted the seatbelt into a knot, his knuckles white from how tightly he was gripping the worn fabric. The room felt suffocating, almost too quiet except for the faint sound of Bellamy’s ragged breathing.

“You know…” Murphy’s voice cut through the silence like a blade, cold and sharp. “The more I think about it… the more it makes sense.”

Bellamy didn’t react, keeping his eyes locked on the knot he was tying, but you saw the way his shoulders tensed.

Murphy leaned back in his chair, still keeping the gun trained on Bellamy. “The king and the queen,” he said with a mockingly sweet smile. “That’s what you two are, isn’t it?” He snorted. “Clarke’s the princess, the one everyone listens to… but you two?” He shook his head. “You’re the real power couple. Always side by side, always whispering to each other — doesn’t take a genius to see what’s going on there.”

“You’re full of shit,” Bellamy muttered, voice low and tight.

Murphy grinned. “Am I?” He gestured vaguely between you and Bellamy. “’Cause I remember how it started — you two couldn’t stand each other. Always bickering, always at each other’s throats.” His grin widened. “But then something changed, didn’t it?”

Bellamy’s hands stilled on the noose, fingers curling into fists.

“You started sticking close to each other,” Murphy continued. “Backing each other up, sharing those little looks. Always so protective of her…” His gaze flicked to you, and his smile turned colder. “And her? Man, she followed you around like a fucking shadow.”

“Shut up,” Bellamy snapped, his voice breaking.

But Murphy wasn’t finished. “I mean… it’s not hard to figure out why. I saw the way she looked at you — like you hung the goddamn moon.” Murphy chuckled darkly. “I bet she still does.”

“Murphy, I swear to God—”

“And you?” Murphy’s eyes slid back to you, sharp and calculating. “You’re just as bad.” His smile twisted into something cruel. “What’s it like knowing he’d do anything for you? Must feel pretty fucking special.”

“Stop,” Bellamy warned, his voice tight with barely restrained fury.

Murphy ignored him. His eyes stayed on you, cold and gleeful. “Tell me…” His smile sharpened. “Did you have to sleep with him to get him to care that much? Or did you just bat those pretty eyes and hope he’d notice?”

The words hit their mark like a slap, heat rising to your face. Bellamy shot to his feet so fast the chair beneath him scraped loudly against the floor “Watch your fucking mouth,” Bellamy snarled, his voice dangerously low.

Murphy just laughed, dark and humorless. “See?” he said, waving the gun toward Bellamy. “Look at him — all worked up just ‘cause I talked about you.” He smirked at you. “Man’s got it bad.”

Bellamy’s fists clenched at his sides, every muscle in his body tight like a wire about to snap. “You think this is funny?” Bellamy’s voice was rough, his eyes burning with rage. “You think you can push me until I break?”

Murphy’s grin widened. “I’m counting on it.”

Bellamy’s chest rose and fell in sharp, angry breaths. His fists were still clenched at his sides, his entire body coiled like a spring about to snap.

“Go on,” Murphy taunted, his grin widening as he turned the gun back on you. “Be a hero, Bellamy. Step out of line — give me a reason.”

“Don’t,” you said quickly, your voice sharp with panic. Your eyes locked with Bellamy’s, silently pleading for him to keep his cool. He was barely hanging on, you could see it in the tight set of his jaw, the fire blazing behind his eyes.

“Look at her,” Murphy sneered. “So worried about you. Almost sweet, isn’t it?” He chuckled darkly. “Guess that’s what happens when you’re in love with someone.”

Bellamy’s eyes flicked to you again, something raw and unspoken flashing across his face.

“Don’t know why you two keep pretending,” Murphy went on, voice smug and cruel. “I mean, we all see it. Even the damn kids back at camp talk about it.” He smirked wider. “Hell, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you two were already screwin’.”

“Shut the fuck up,” Bellamy growled.

Murphy’s smile sharpened. “What’s the matter? Don’t like me talking about your girl?”

“She’s not—” Bellamy started, but Murphy cut him off.

“Please,” Murphy spat. “I know you’d die for her. And her?” He shot you a pointed look. “She’d do the same for you. Stupid, isn’t it? All that loyalty, for what?”

“Because he’s worth it,” you snapped before you could stop yourself.

Murphy’s smile faltered, just for a second, and then he was laughing again, cold and sharp. “Yeah? We’ll see how much you believe that when he’s the one with the noose around his neck.”

Bellamy’s fingers twisted the belt in his hands, the makeshift noose tightening as he pulled the knot into place. His hands shook, sweat beading along his hairline despite the cold air inside the dropship. He kept his head down, jaw clenched so tightly you swore his teeth might crack.

“Alright,” Murphy said, voice smug and satisfied. “Get on the box.”

Bellamy’s fingers stilled. His head lifted slightly, eyes locking on Murphy. “You’re out of your mind,” Bellamy muttered.

Murphy’s smile widened. “I said, get on the goddamn box.”

“Bellamy, don’t,” you blurted, unable to stop yourself.

Murphy’s expression twisted, all smugness gone in an instant. Without warning, he whipped the gun toward you and pulled the trigger.

BANG.

You flinched hard, a sharp yelp tearing from your throat as the bullet struck the metal wall inches from your head. The sound rang in your ears, and your heart hammered against your ribs.

“Next one doesn’t miss,” Murphy warned coldly, his gaze snapping back to Bellamy. “Now, get your ass on the box, or she dies.”

“Alright!” Bellamy barked, pushing himself to his feet so fast the chair skidded back. His voice shook with anger and with fear. His eyes flicked to you for the briefest second before he turned and grabbed the wooden crate near the center of the room.

“You’re insane,” Bellamy muttered under his breath as he dragged the box into position.

Murphy grinned. “Yeah? Maybe. But you’re still the idiot standing on the box.”

Bellamy shot him a murderous glare but stepped onto the crate anyway. The wood creaked under his weight. His broad shoulders tensed, muscles coiled and ready, but there was no fight left to pick. Not when Murphy’s finger twitched so damn easily on that trigger.

“Bellamy…” Your voice was barely a whisper.

He didn’t look at you. He couldn’t. His focus was on Murphy, on the shaking gun, on whatever slim chance there was to turn this around.

“Alright,” Murphy said with a grin, tossing the loose end of the noose over the metal beam above. “Now we’re gettin’ somewhere.” Murphy tossed the loose end of the noose over the metal beam, the seatbelt strap hissing as it slid through his fingers. With ease, he secured the knot, yanking it tight until the loop hung in place, waiting.

Bellamy stared at it, his jaw clenched so tight you swore his teeth might shatter. His hands curled into fists at his sides, but he didn’t move. Didn’t reach for it.

Murphy cocked his head, a cruel grin tugging at his lips. “What’s wrong, Bellamy? Cold feet?” He tugged at the strap, testing its hold before stepping back. “That’s funny. Didn’t hesitate to kick the box out from under me.”

Bellamy’s eyes flashed with something dark, but still, he didn’t move.

Murphy’s grin widened. “Oh, I get it,” he drawled. “It’s different when it’s you, huh? When it’s your neck on the line?” He shook his head with mock disappointment. “Guess you’re not as tough as you like to pretend.”

Bellamy stayed silent. His body was rigid, tension rolling off him in waves, but he didn’t react, not in the way Murphy wanted.

Murphy’s smile twitched. He hated that. So, he turned to you. “Or maybe…” Murphy mused, his voice slow and taunting. “Maybe you just need the right motivation.” Murphy’s eyes slid toward you, and before you could blink, he raised the gun and fired.

The crack of the shot ripped through the air, deafening in the tight space. For a second, you didn’t feel anything, just a cold, hollow shock spreading through your body, but then the pain hit.

White-hot and searing. You screamed, clutching your thigh as blood poured from the fresh wound. It was everywhere, spilling through your fingers, soaking your clothes, pooling beneath you. The agony stole your breath, your vision blurring with tears.

“No!” Bellamy lunged toward you, but Murphy was faster.

“Back the fuck up!” Murphy barked, jerking the gun toward Bellamy’s chest. “You so much as breathe wrong, I’ll put the next one in her head.”

Bellamy froze, chest heaving, face twisted in fury. His eyes flicked back to you, and you could see it, the panic, the helplessness, the rage simmering beneath it all.

“Put it on,” Murphy ordered, gesturing to the noose. “Now.”

“Murphy,” Bellamy gritted out, voice low and dangerous, “don’t do this.”

Murphy’s eyes narrowed. “I said put it on.”

Bellamy’s gaze darted back to you, to the blood still pouring from your leg and something in him broke. Hands shaking, he grabbed the noose and slipped it around his neck.

“Good,” Murphy sneered. He gave the strap a sharp yank, dragging Bellamy closer until his boots barely touched the box. Bellamy choked, rising onto his toes, his fingers instinctively clawing at the strap.

“Stop!” you gasped through the pain, pushing yourself up on your elbows. “Please, stop!”

Murphy shot you a twisted smile. “Hurts, doesn’t it?” His gaze flicked back to Bellamy. “Hurts worse watching someone you love bleed out right in front of you.”

Bellamy’s face was turning red, veins standing out on his neck. His furious gaze never left Murphy.

Murphy chuckled darkly. He grinned at Bellamy, eyes gleaming with twisted satisfaction. “Guess I can see why you love her. She’s a fighter — I’ll give her that. Not to mention…” His eyes dragged over you, lingering too long. “She’s easy on the eyes.”

“Don’t,” Bellamy ground out, voice raw.

“What?” Murphy smirked. “You pissed ‘cause I noticed?” He gave the noose another sharp tug, forcing Bellamy higher on his toes. “Or are you pissed ‘cause she’s bleeding out right now and you can’t do a damn thing about it?”

Tears streaked down your face as you squeezed your eyes shut, attempting to block out the pain. Bellamy’s face was darkening, his muscles straining to keep himself upright.

“You know,” Murphy mused, “if I were you, I’d start thinking about your last words.” He grinned. “’Cause I don’t think you’ve got much time left.”

Murphy’s grin widened as he gave the noose another hard yank. The strap dug deeper into Bellamy’s throat, forcing a ragged, strangled sound from him as his boots scraped against the box, barely keeping him upright. His face was turning red, veins bulging at his temples.

“You’re turning colors there, Bellamy,” Murphy sneered. “Starting to think you’re not gonna make it.”

Then there was a noise, faint but distinct coming from beneath the dropship.

Murphy’s head snapped toward the sound, his expression twisting in irritation. “Bet that’s your little grounder-pounder sister,” he muttered. His eyes narrowed, and before anyone could react, he fired a shot through the metal floor.

“No!” you screamed.

Bellamy’s instincts kicked in. Fueled by desperation, he lunged forward, yanking hard on the strap around his own neck and knocking Murphy off balance. The gun fired again, but the shot went wide, sparking off the metal wall.

“Son of a bitch!” Murphy growled, shoving Bellamy back and this time, his boot shot out, slamming into the box beneath Bellamy’s feet.

The box tipped over, crashing to the floor. Bellamy’s body dropped, and suddenly he was hanging, gasping, choking, his fingers clawing desperately at the noose cutting into his throat. His legs kicked out wildly, searching for something — anything to catch his balance.

“Bellamy!” you cried, panic crashing over you like a wave. You fought against your bonds, your fingernails tearing at the rope around your wrists. You twisted and yanked, sobbing through the pain.

Bellamy’s face was darkening, his gasps turning to garbled, desperate sounds. His fingers struggled at the strap digging into his throat, his eyes flicking to you wide with fear and pain.

The dropship door suddenly groaned and flew open, slamming against the wall.

“Shit,” Murphy hissed. He bolted for the ladder, scrambling up toward the second level.

“No, no, no!” you sobbed, still sawing at the ropes with your fingernails, desperate to break free as Bellamy’s body jerked violently above you. His kicks were getting weaker. His face was turning a sickening shade of purple.

“Hold on,” you begged him. “Please hold on.”

Murphy’s boots clanged against the metal rungs as he scrambled up the ladder, his breath ragged and frantic. He reached the second level, slammed the hatch shut behind him, and shoved the lock into place just as Octavia rushed inside the dropship.

“Bellamy!” she cried, her eyes widening in horror as she saw her brother dangling from the noose. Without hesitation, she ran beneath him, gripping his waist and trying to lift him. Bellamy’s weight sagged against her, his face blotched red and purple as his strained gasps turned weaker.

“Jasper!” Octavia shouted. “Cut the rope!”

Jasper didn’t hesitate. Grabbing a jagged piece of scrap metal, he lunged for the rope, sawing at it with desperate force. The fibers began to fray, splitting one by one. “Come on, come on,” Jasper muttered through gritted teeth.

Finally, the rope gave way, and Bellamy dropped like dead weight into Octavia’s arms. He collapsed to the floor, crumpling in a heap, his body jerking as he gasped for air.

“Bellamy!” Octavia knelt beside him, her hand on his chest, trying to calm him down. “You’re okay. You’re okay, just breathe.”

Someone rushed to your side, fumbling with the ropes around your wrists. The second they fell loose, you tried to stand, but pain shot through your leg like fire. You cried out, stumbling, barely able to keep your balance.

“Whoa, hey, easy,” the Harper said, looping an arm around your waist to steady you.

“I’m fine,” you ground out, teeth clenched against the pain. “I’m fine.” But you weren’t. Every step sent agony tearing through your thigh. Still, you forced yourself to limp forward, dragging yourself to Bellamy’s side.

His breaths were still rough and uneven, his face pale and drenched in sweat. His hand clutched at his raw, bruised throat, and his fingers shook violently. “Bell,” you rasped, dropping to your knees beside him. “Hey… hey, I’m here.”

His bloodshot eyes flicked up to meet yours, and something broke inside you.

“I’m gonna kill him,” Bellamy choked out, his voice hoarse and ragged. He shoved Octavia’s hand off his chest and lurched to his feet.

“Bellamy, wait—” you grabbed for him, but he was already staggering toward the ladder. He barely felt the pain, barely noticed the way his legs threatened to give out beneath him. All he could see was red.

He reached the ladder and climbed, ignoring the ache in his throat, the burn in his muscles. Reaching the top, he slammed his fist against the locked door.

“Open the damn door, Murphy!” Bellamy roared, his voice raw and broken. He pounded again, harder this time. “You think you’re safe up there? I’m gonna kill you!”

“Open the damn door, Murphy!” Bellamy roared, his voice hoarse and ragged. He slammed his fist against the hatch, metal rattling beneath his knuckles. His body ached and his throat was raw, his muscles screamed but none of that mattered. Not after what Murphy had done.

“You think you’re safe up there?” Bellamy bellowed, pounding again. “I’m gonna kill you!”

Suddenly, there was a click, the faintest sound, followed by Murphy’s twisted laugh from above “Yeah?” Murphy called back. “Good luck with that.”

Then came the boom. The explosion ripped through the dropship like a thunderclap, deafening and violent. Bellamy stumbled back, nearly losing his footing as the force of the blast knocked him away from the hatch. The floor shook beneath him, metal groaning in protest.

Smoke billowed from above, filling the air with the sharp scent of gunpowder and scorched metal. Bellamy’s ears rang, but through the haze, he saw it — a gaping hole where the side of the dropship used to be. Chunks of metal still crumbled away, clattering to the ground outside. And Murphy that bastard was already sprinting through the trees, making his escape.

Bellamy lunged toward the twisted wreckage, climbing over the mangled metal. “Murphy!” he roared, but the coward was too far gone, his dark figure disappearing into the woods. Bellamy’s fists clenched so tightly his nails dug into his palms. He could still feel the rope burn on his throat, still see the way you’d screamed when the bullet tore through your leg. He was going to kill Murphy.

“Bellamy!” Octavia’s voice yanked him back. He spun around, heart pounding as he stumbled down the ladder, nearly tripping in his rush to get back to you.

You were on the floor, pale as a ghost. Blood soaked your jeans, spreading fast. Harper was pressing a wad of cloth against your thigh, but her face was tight with panic. “She’s losing too much blood,” Harper said, her voice strained.

Bellamy dropped to his knees beside you, hands shaking as he took over. He pressed down hard, too hard and you let out a sharp cry. “Sorry,” Bellamy muttered, voice thick. His hand lifted just enough to ease the pressure. “I’m sorry… I just — I need you to stay with me, okay?”

Your eyes flickered open, glassy and unfocused. “I’m not going anywhere,” you mumbled, but your voice was barely a whisper.

“You better not,” Bellamy said, forcing a shaky breath. His hand found your face, thumb brushing along your dirt-streaked cheek. “I mean it… you don’t get to quit on me now.”

Your fingers twitched, weakly curling around his wrist. “I won’t,” you rasped. “I promise.”

Bellamy swallowed the lump in his throat and nodded. “Good.” His voice broke. “Good… just… just keep your eyes on me, okay?”

But he felt your grip weaken your fingers slipping from his arm. Bellamy’s hands were slick with your blood, his fingers pressing desperately against the wound. His breath came in ragged bursts, panic clawing at his chest.

“No… no, no, no…” His voice shook as he pressed harder, trying to stop the steady flow of crimson. “Stay with me!” His voice cracked, raw and broken. “You hear me? Don’t you dare—”

Your head lolled to the side, eyes barely open, your skin deathly pale. Bellamy’s heart slammed against his ribs.

“Shit…” He whipped his head around, voice sharp. “I need something, anything to stop the bleeding!”

“Bellamy—” Harper stammered.

“Now!” Bellamy barked, his voice snapping like a whip. But before Harper could even move, the sound of footsteps pounded against the metal stairs outside. Bellamy’s head jerked up, muscles tensing as the door burst open.

“Clarke?!” Harper's stunned voice broke the silence.

Bellamy’s breath caught in his throat. Clarke stood in the doorway, chest heaving, her hair damp with sweat and streaked with dirt. She was back.

“Oh my God…” Clarke’s eyes locked on you, on the blood pooling beneath Bellamy’s hands and her face paled. “What happened?!”

“Murphy—” Bellamy’s voice wavered. “He—he shot her.” He swallowed hard, his voice breaking again. “I—I can’t stop the bleeding.”

“Move!” Clarke barked, already rushing forward. Bellamy didn’t hesitate, he slid back just enough to give her space, his hands hovering above you like he couldn’t bear to let go completely.

Clarke knelt beside you, her fingers moving fast as she ripped open her pack and grabbed supplies. “She’s lost a lot of blood,” she muttered under her breath. “Too much…”

“She’s gonna be okay, right?” Bellamy’s voice was sharp, desperate. “Tell me she’s gonna be okay!”

“I don’t know yet,” Clarke shot back, pressing gauze hard against your wound. “But I need you to calm down.”

“Calm down?!” Bellamy’s voice rose. “She’s bleeding out, Clarke!” His voice cracked on your name.

“I know!” Clarke snapped, eyes flashing. “And if you don’t shut up and let me work, she won’t make it!”

Bellamy staggered back like he’d been slapped, chest heaving. His hands curled into fists, your blood still warm and sticky on his fingers.

“Please…” His voice broke softer this time, barely above a whisper. “Please… save her.”

Clarke’s expression softened for a heartbeat, but just as quickly, she refocused, her hands steady as she worked to save you.

A dull, aching pain throbbed through your thigh as you slowly drifted back to consciousness. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and faint traces of smoke from the campfire outside. Your limbs felt heavy, exhaustion still clinging to you, but you forced your eyes open.

Dim candlelight flickered across the canvas walls of the tent, casting soft shadows. It took a second for your mind to catch up, to remember what had happened. The dropship, Murphy, the gunshot...You sucked in a sharp breath, your body tensing in panic.

“Hey, hey,” a familiar voice broke through the haze, rough but gentle. “It’s okay. You’re safe.”

Your eyes finally focused on the figure sitting beside you, slouched forward in a chair like he hadn’t moved in hours. Bellamy. His dark eyes were locked onto you, filled with relief but shadowed by worry. He looked exhausted, his jaw clenched, his hair a mess like he’d been running his hands through it over and over.

“Bellamy…?” Your voice was hoarse, barely more than a whisper.

His whole body seemed to sag at the sound of your voice, like he’d been holding himself together by a thread. “Yeah. I’m here.” He leaned in, his hands hovering like he wanted to touch you but wasn’t sure if he should. “You scared the hell out of me.”

You swallowed, trying to shift, but a sharp pain shot through your thigh, making you wince. Bellamy was up in an instant, his hands gently pressing against your blanket-covered leg to keep you from moving too much.

“Careful,” he murmured. “You lost a lot of blood. Clarke patched you up, but you’ve been out for almost a day.”

A whole day? No wonder your body felt like lead. You exhaled shakily, letting your head fall back against the pillow. “Jasper?” you asked, your voice still weak.

“He’s okay,” Bellamy assured you. “Thanks to you.” His jaw tightened, his gaze flickering away for a second before he looked back at you. “You shouldn’t have put yourself in danger like that.”

A small, tired smile ghosted over your lips. “Didn’t really have a choice.”

Bellamy let out a quiet, humorless chuckle, shaking his head. “Yeah, that sounds like you.” His expression softened, and this time, when his hand reached out, he let it rest over yours. His palm was warm, grounding. “Don’t ever do that to me again,” he said, voice rough with emotion.

You gave his hand a light squeeze, your eyelids already growing heavy again. “Can’t make any promises…”

Bellamy huffed out a breath but then his fingers curled around yours a little tighter, like he was anchoring himself to the feeling of your skin against his. His jaw clenched, his eyes flickering down to where your leg was still wrapped in bandages beneath the blanket.

“I should’ve done something different,” he murmured, his voice thick with guilt.

You frowned slightly, trying to shake off the haze of exhaustion. “Bellamy…”

“No,” he cut you off, shaking his head. “I should’ve—” His throat bobbed, his grip on your hand tightening. “I should’ve just listened to Murphy. If I had, maybe he wouldn’t have—” His breath hitched, and he looked away, jaw clenched so hard it looked like it hurt. “You wouldn’t have gotten shot.”

You stared at him, barely processing what he was saying at first. “You think this was your fault?”

Bellamy let out a bitter laugh, dragging a hand down his face. “Of course it’s my fault. Murphy wanted revenge on me. I hesitated and didn't listen, and because of that, he turned his gun on you.” His voice cracked, raw with self-loathing. “I should’ve done something...anything to stop it.”

You could see it now, the weight of it pressing down on him, the guilt drowning him. He wasn’t just shaken up from almost losing you. He truly believed that if he had done something differently, you wouldn’t be lying here, weak and wounded.

You hated seeing him like this.

Summoning what little strength you had, you shifted your fingers beneath his, giving his hand a small squeeze. “Bellamy, look at me.”

He hesitated before finally meeting your eyes, and the sheer torment in his gaze nearly shattered you.

“This wasn’t your fault,” you said firmly, even though your voice was still weak. “Murphy was unhinged. There was no guarantee he wouldn’t have shot someone anyway. The grounders will take care of him now.” You swallowed against the dryness in your throat. “You did what you thought was right and that's all that matters.”

Bellamy let out a slow, unsteady breath, like he was trying to believe your words but couldn’t quite let go of the guilt. His free hand hovered over your blanket-covered leg, his fingertips brushing the fabric just above the bandage. “I just… I can’t stop thinking about it,” he admitted. “The second that gun went off, and you—” He cut himself off, inhaling sharply. “I thought I was going to lose you.”

The quiet confession sent warmth and pain curling through your chest all at once. You’d never heard his voice so raw, so vulnerable. “You didn’t,” you murmured. “I’m still here.”

His lips pressed into a tight line, his gaze searching yours like he wanted to believe you, but the guilt was still lingering, still gnawing at him.

For a moment, neither of you spoke. The only sound was the distant crackling of the campfire outside, the muffled voices of the others going about their night.

Then then Bellamy did something that nearly stole the breath from your lungs. He lifted your hand to his lips, pressing the softest, most fleeting kiss against your knuckles.

When he pulled away, his eyes locked onto yours, something unspoken burning in them. “I’m not gonna let anything happen to you again.” His voice was barely more than a whisper, but the weight behind it was unshakable.

You felt your heartbeat stutter in your chest, your breath catching as you stared at him. There was so much you wanted to say. So many emotions swirled between you. Relief, exhaustion--something unspoken that had always lingered beneath the surface. But now, with his hand still wrapped around yours, his lips barely parted like he was holding back something important, you weren’t sure you could keep pretending anymore.

Bellamy exhaled slowly, his fingers twitching like he wanted to touch you again, like he wasn’t sure if he should. His eyes darkened, flickering down to your lips for just a second before meeting your gaze again. "I don’t think I can do this anymore."

Your brow furrowed. “Do what?”

His grip on your hand tightened as he leaned in ever so slightly, his breath warm against your skin. “Pretend like I don’t feel something for you,” he said, voice barely above a whisper. “Like I haven’t felt something for you since the moment we met.”

Your breath caught in your throat. The exhaustion, the pain in your leg, everything else faded into the background.

He shook his head, his expression twisted in frustration, almost like he was angry with himself. “I was so damn scared to say it before. I told myself I couldn’t--there’s too much going on, too much at stake. But when I saw you lying there, bleeding out, I realized something.” He let out a shaky breath. “I can’t lose you. Not before I tell you that I—” He swallowed hard, his eyes locked onto yours. “I love you, Y/N.”

Your chest tightened, emotion swelling up inside you so fast it nearly stole your breath. You had dreamed about hearing those words from him, but hearing them now, spoken with so much raw, unfiltered honesty, was almost too much. Your lips parted, but no words came out. Instead, you reached up, your fingers curling weakly around the fabric of his shirt, tugging him closer.

That was all it took. Bellamy closed the distance in a heartbeat, his lips crashing against yours, urgent, desperate, like he had been holding back for far too long. His hands framed your face, his thumbs brushing gently over your skin, a contrast to the sheer intensity of the kiss.

You melted into him, your body still weak but your heart pounding, your fingers gripping onto him like he was the only thing tethering you to the world.

When he finally pulled away, his forehead rested against yours, his breath ragged. “I should’ve told you sooner,” he murmured.

A small, tired smile played on your lips as you ran your fingers lightly over his shirt. “You’re making up for it now.”

Bellamy let out a soft, breathy chuckle, but when he looked at you again, there was nothing but pure devotion in his gaze. “I’m not going anywhere,” he promised, pressing another soft kiss to your forehead. “Not ever.”

And for the first time in a long time, despite the chaos of the world around you, you truly believed him. "I love you too, bell." You whispered with a soft smile on your lips.

author’s note:

heh, that was a long one 😅 if I’m being honest I really didn’t want to follow the episode exactly, so I just wrote from memory—but tweaked a few things.

also, I know I villainized murphy in this fic but I promise he’s still one of my favorites! I did hate him in s1 & s2, but he eventually grew on me and became of one my favorite characters in the 100.

I hope you liked it, nonny! y’all don’t be shy and send in some more requests! I don’t bite, I promise! ❤︎

— requests are open.ᐟᅟ please read request rules.ᐟᅟ

tags:

@rubydacherry42 @chalametsangel @imsiriuslyreal

If you would like to be tagged please fill out THIS form and I will add you to the list! ❤︎

my works ❤︎

© maddie0101 do not copy or repost my works without my permission.

[wwerasliin-sideblog]

Jimmy continuing to show a little growth and maturity this week, in some aspects —

"We Are The Ones." - Roman. "Yea, but we're not though." - Jimmy. — Jimmy is starting to see things for what they truly are, he's seeing the here and now, reality, not living on past laid, power and accolades (as Roman mentions), he's being realistic about their situation, where they're at, right now. In this moment.

He sees they need help, he sees it for what it is, as it is. He's not got unrealistic expectations - he's had the opportunity to see it more *clearly*, from afar, being stuck at home, giving him some time and some clarity.

He's had time, time away; from being sucked into the epicenter of it, from the chaos mulling all around, at every turn, and every corner... It's given him the space and time to think, contemplate, reflect, learn and grow. He knows better now, he's more level-headed. At least, he seems to be for now.

He's got another thing coming though, if he thinks that Jey is going to drop everything and come running to them, just cause they ask nicely. Especially after what they BOTH did to him, hurting him and tormenting him, manipulating him and using him, playing with him, with his life like that; everything they put him through.. But, I will say, I'm glad to see Jimmy humble himself enough to acknowledge that they need help.

And I get that Jimmy has his own issues with Jey, but most of all, it comes from a place of hurt. He's only ever wanted to protect Jey, at least that's how it started out, but it slowly festered into something more nefarious, bitter and ugly..

But right now, there's a bigger problem to deal with. They may just have to put aside their issues, just for a moment to deal with this ridiculous monstrosity in front of them. They will surely have to circle back to and deal their own issues once they've dealt with this, this hideous and convoluted excuse they call the new Bloodline. Or, prove me wrong and sort fix yourselves first, before you try and sort fix something outside of yourselves.

There's a lot of healing to be had.

[inkandapex]

In the Slopes

Lando Norris x Reader

Chapter Summary: Lando and Y/N have always been inseparable, but during a snowy getaway with friends, their usual dynamic starts to shift. Unspoken feelings begin to resurface.

Word count: 6.1k

Warnings: some swearing angst & fluff

Winter isn’t exactly Y/N’s favourite season; she’d much rather be lounging under the warm sun, with her feet in the water and sand tangled in her hair. But alas, Quadrant's annual team-building getaway was set in the snowy slopes of Whistler.

"What could you possibly need this for?" Lando pauses his game and turns in his seat as he hears Max hysterically laughing at the whistle he found in Y/N's luggage.

"Give me that! Why are you two even here? Don't you have to pack your own stuff or something" Y/N whines and snatches the whistle from Max, tossing it across her bedroom.

"Max, be nice. It took a lot of grovelling to get her to agree to be in the video, let alone come with us," Lando laughs, turning back around to focus on his game.

"You better not be messing with my sims Lando, I spent hours building that house from scratch" Y/N sighs as she sits on the floor with a pile of clothes in her arms

"I don't know what you're so worried about Y/N, I'm not the best at skiing either. You'll pick it up quick" Max says as he sits on the floor helping her fold the clothes

"Yeah, remember you did so well when we did that karting video. You even ended up liking it more than you thought you would"

"Alright enough pep talk, i'm not used to you muppets acting so nice. Pizza's here. Norris get your ass off my computer and help me fit all of these into my bag" Y/N stands up as she receives a notification on her phone

Lando sits across from Max as Y/N leaves the room. Max watches his friend attempt to tidily fold a shirt before he lets off a scoff.

"What?"

"Please tell me you're finally telling her this week, I can't keep a secret any longer. P is starting to notice"

"Keep you voice down! And what do you mean P's starting to notice" Lando hisses, leaning back to peek out the door checking if Y/n was anywhere within earshot

"Mate, I get so nervous when she asks about you two! The other day, she asked if you two were together, and I just got all weird and defensive, trying to explain why you'd be hanging out together, when she was clearly just asking cause you both played padel that morning and she needed to ask Y/n about a dress" Max explains, almost out of breath, running his hand across his hair

"You're acting like it's so easy for me. Oh, thanks for being such a great friend for the decade I’ve known you, Y/N. By the way, I have feelings for you—no, scratch that—I’m in love with you." Lando chucks the shirt at Max, rolling his eyes as he lies back on the floor.

"That works"

"Shut up.... I just— its y/n, you know? I fuck this up, everything changes. Its not just about me and her"

"Look, I don’t want to get in your head, but I honestly think she might feel the same way. She shows up to races, she’s there for you whenever you need her, shit your family loves her. You're overthinking this, tell her how you feel. That's a good start"

Lando sits up, propping himself on his elbows, a defeated look crossing his face. "Exactly, she might feel the same way... if she doesn’t, it’s gonna get weird. I can't ruin our friendship like that"

"I can meddle"

"No! No meddling! This ski trip is for the team. When I find the courage to tell her, i will"

"More like when you find your balls..."

"Foods here! Come out here, no eating in my bedroom!" Lando kicks Max's leg just in time for Y/N to announce her return, pizza boxes in hand.

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

After a long day of skiing and filming, the group made their way back to the cabin just before sunset, just enough time to unwind before dinner. Y/N sank into the plush sofa by the crackling fireplace, the warmth from the flames making her sigh in relief. Wrapped up in a thick, soft blanket, she leaned back, absentmindedly scrolling through her phone.

"Wanna grab a little snack before dinner? I saw this cute cafe near by" Pietra plops down beside her, laying her head on her lap

Y/N lets out a groan, putting her phone away "P, please i'm so sore. I honestly think you'd have to drag me by my feet for dinner tonight"

"Oh but you did great today. You should've seen Max his first time on the slopes, it was almost sad." P sits up to give y/n some relief

"Where is he anyways? Go ask him to go to the cafe with you- bring me back a muffin while you're at it"

"He’s with his boyfriend, going over clips from today…" Pietra pauses, crossing her legs and narrowing her eyes at Y/N, a mischievous smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Speaking of my boyfriend’s boyfriend—what’s going on between you and Lando?" She leans forward slightly, her gaze sharp and accusing, as if she’s piecing something together.

This makes y/n frown, confusion spreading across her face "Me and Lando? What do you mean?"

"Come on, Y/N," Pietra says with a playful grin, leaning in as she pokes Y/N’s arm. "Ever since the season ended, you two have been hanging out way more. And didn’t you spend Christmas with his family? Oh, and let’s not forget today! On the slopes, he was literally stuck by your side the entire time—he’s usually off showing off or racing with the guys." She wiggles her eyebrows, clearly enjoying the tease, her gaze never leaving Y/N as if waiting for some kind of confession.

Y/N laughs, giving Pietra a gentle shove. "Did you hit your head out there?" she teases.

"I have no idea what you're talking about. Lando and I hang out all the time, it’s just that we’ve had more time recently. Plus, it’s not the first time I’ve spent Christmas with the Norris family." She shrugs casually, then continues, her tone softening slightly as she recalls the day. "And as for today, well, it was my first time skiing, and Lando insisted I join the trip to begin with. I guess he just wanted to make sure someone was there to keep me from falling on my face the whole time." She laughs again, shaking her head, clearly not fazed by the teasing, but her explanation still carries a hint of warmth.

"Huh... I could've sworn you were hiding something. I mean even Max acts all weird whenever I bring the two of you up"

"Max? What? About Lando and I?"

"Yeah, he gets all defensive whenever I bring up the two of you," Pietra says with a shrug, her eyes narrowing playfully. "I thought you two finally sucked it up and acted on whatever’s going on between you."

"Whatever's going on?"

"Come on y/n. You clearly have feelings for Lando. You may lie to everyone else but I see through you" Pietra laughs

"I’m— no. Me? Feelings for Lando?" Y/N stutters, her voice faltering as she shifts uncomfortably in her seat, suddenly feeling a knot tighten in her stomach. She tugs at the edge of her blanket, avoiding Pietra's gaze.

She forces a nervous laugh, but it sounds hollow, the tension in the room thickening. "Yeah, right. No— no, that’s not…" Her sentence fizzles out, her mind racing, but she can’t quite find the right words.

Pietra's jaw drops, her eyes widening in surprise before a sly grin slowly spreads across her face. "Oh my gosh..." she murmurs, her voice rising with the realization. "I was just messing with you, but—" She leans in closer, her smile growing wider as she watches Y/N squirm. "You do have feelings for him!"

Y/N's heart skips a beat, the words hitting her harder than expected. Was it that obvious? Did everyone see it? The weight of it all settles heavily on her, her stomach flipping in a way that both unsettles and excites her. "No, I—" she starts, but her voice is barely a whisper, unsure of what to say next.

"Y/N!" Pietra exclaims, her voice filled with a mix of disbelief and excitement. "He obviously feels the same way. Why else would Max be acting like that whenever I ask about you two?"

Y/N's stomach tightens, a wave of nervous energy making her insides churn. Could it be? Was it really possible that Lando felt the same way about her? Her heart skips at the thought, but then the doubts creep in, drowning out any sense of hope. No, he couldn’t possibly... Lando was Lando, the guy who was always surrounded by people, always the center of attention, effortlessly charming everyone around him. And she... she was just Y/N. Just a friend.

He only sees me as a friend. The words loop in her mind. Nothing more than that. They’d always been friends, nothing had ever suggested anything different, right? She feels a strange tightness in her throat, as if even acknowledging the possibility of something more would shatter the delicate balance they’d always had.

"Oh, honey, I’m sorry," Pietra says softly, her tone shifting as she notices the distant look in Y/N's eyes.

"I didn’t mean to make it weird," she adds, her voice softening. "But you know, everyone’s been kind of... wondering." Her eyes meet Y/N’s, a mix of empathy and understanding in them, as if offering a lifeline in the middle of the uncertainty.

Y/N lets out a laugh, shaking her head as she looks at Pietra. "You're just saying that to make the voices go away," she teases, trying to deflect, though her tone carries an edge of nervousness.

Pietra grins, unfazed. "No, seriously! A few of the newer people on the team genuinely thought you two were a thing when they first joined Quadrant." She leans back, raising an eyebrow as she watches Y/N's reaction, knowing full well that the thought might have crossed her mind too. The comment lingers, like an unspoken truth that makes the room feel a little smaller.

The sound of footsteps coming from the stairs behind them makes both Y/N and Pietra turn their heads in sync.

"You're not getting ready yet?" Max says, his voice teasing but with a hint of impatience. "Our reservation's in an hour, and we're starving. We can't be late."

He walks down the stairs with Lando trailing just behind him, moving toward the two on the sofa. Max leans down, planting a gentle kiss on Pietra's head as he passes, a small smile tugging at his lips. Lando follows closely, his gaze briefly flickering to Y/N before he glances away, his expression unreadable. The atmosphere shifts again, subtle but charged, as everyone feels the undercurrent of what’s unspoken.

"We might have to drag Y/N by her feet to the restaurant—her words, not mine," Pietra laughs softly, her voice playful as Max sits beside her, pulling her closer for a quick cuddle.

This catches Lando’s attention, and he pushes away from the counter in the kitchen, his footsteps quick and purposeful as he strides across the room toward the couch. He stops just short of them, his eyes narrowing slightly with concern. "Why? What’s wrong? You feeling okay?" he asks, his tone laced with genuine care, though his usual confident swagger seems a little softer.

"No—yeah, I’m okay, just sore, really," Y/N says, her voice a little shaky as she forces a smile at Lando. "I’ll be fine. P, we should get ready."

She stands up quickly, giving Lando a brief but reassuring smile before turning towards the stairs. As Y/N begins to head up, Pietra stands too, shooting Max a knowing look that doesn’t go unnoticed. Max raises an eyebrow, but Pietra simply follows Y/N up the stairs.

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

Dinner went by smoothly, the lively chatter and laughter around the table giving Y/N the perfect distraction from the lingering thoughts she’d been trying to push away. Lando’s presence felt comforting, like a steady anchor, though she couldn’t help but notice the occasional glance he threw her way—just enough to keep the butterflies fluttering in her stomach, but not enough to make her feel overwhelmed. For now, she was content to enjoy the evening, letting the connection with her friends fill the space that her doubts had briefly occupied.

Y/N lies on her bed, the soft glow from her phone casts a faint light across the room, but her mind is still tangled in the conversation earlier. She barely notices the time passing until a soft knock at her door pulls her attention away.

She sits up quickly, smoothing her hair back, and calls out, "Come in."

Lando slips into her room quietly, a bottle of water in his hands. He stands at the foot of the bed "Hey, sorry, were you about to sleep?" he asks, his voice gentle but with an undercurrent of concern.

"No, you're good," Y/N replies with a small laugh "Just on my phone... struggling to sleep, honestly." She smiles up at him, her eyes warm as she pats the space beside her. "What's up?"

Lando hesitates for just a moment, he crosses the room and sits down, the familiar weight of his presence settling next to her. He reaches into his hoodie pocket and pulls out a small pill bottle, offering it to her along with the water bottle.

"Painkillers," he says, his tone casual but with an underlying kindness. "Thought you could use some if you want to be able to hit the slopes again tomorrow. We’re doing the sled race, remember?"

Y/N lets out a relieved sigh, her shoulders relaxing as she takes the pill from him, followed by a sip of water. "Thank you," she says, her voice soft. "I can’t believe I forgot to pack some."

Lando waves it off with a small grin. "All good," he says, his eyes meeting hers briefly. "Take one tomorrow before we head out too if you're still hurting."

She nods, feeling the knot in her shoulders start to loosen. The warmth of his presence is more comforting than she expected, and for a moment, the weight of everything else melts away.

"Do you fancy an ice cream?" Lando asks, a mischievous smirk creeping across his face as he nudges Y/N gently with his elbow.

Y/N raises an eyebrow at him, laughter bubbling up in her chest. "Ice cream? It’s almost midnight— and, uhmm... oh right, it's freezing outside," she says, her voice light with amusement. She shakes her head, grinning at his antics, but the playful glint in his eyes makes it clear he’s not giving up on the idea so easily.

Lando shrugs dramatically, the smirk never leaving his face. "Who says you can’t have ice cream in the middle of the night?" he teases, nudging her again as if trying to convince her to join his impromptu late-night mission.

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

The two walk back to the cabin, their laughter echoing in the crisp night air as they reminisce about the day’s adventures. Every so often, their arms gently brush against each other, the shared warmth a quiet comfort between them.

"Aren’t you glad I made you come up here?" Lando says, a playful gleam in his eye. "Next year, you could even try snowboarding" He wiggles his brows at Y/N, his voice teasing as if he’s already picturing her falling all over again.

Y/N groans dramatically, her breath visible in the cold night. "Can't we just go to the beach or somewhere warm that doesn’t require me to fight for my life and fall on my ass every couple of meters?" She stops walking, planting her feet firmly in protest, her face scrunched in exaggerated annoyance.

Lando laughs, his eyes twinkling as he glances at her. "Come on, you big baby," he teases, reaching for her hand and pulling her gently toward the cabin. "Let’s get inside. Your nose is so red."

Y/N huffs but lets him pull her along, the warmth of his hand in hers making her forget the cold. She can’t help but smile, even if she’d never admit how much she enjoyed their little banter.

They stand just outside Y/N's door, Y/N looks up at him with a playful smirk, her arms crossed loosely in front of her. "Thank you for tonight," she says with a hint of warmth in her voice. "Though if I wake up with a cold tomorrow, I’m blaming you and your ice cream escapade."

Lando chuckles, his eyes softening as he leans against the doorframe, his smile lazy but genuine. "I’ll be sure to nurse you back to health," he says, his voice low and easy, but with an undertone of sincerity. "I’ll be across the hall if you need me."

For a moment, neither of them speaks. Silence hangs in the air, a tension growing, subtle but undeniable. Their eyes meet and linger, flicking back and forth between each other's lips, the space between them feeling smaller with every passing second.

Lando’s breath catches slightly as he notices the way her lips part just a fraction, and Y/N, almost without realizing, shifts a little closer, the energy between them thickening.

Y/N takes a deep breath, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her jacket as she glances at Lando. “Lando... I— I’ve been thinking about us—” Her voice is quieter than she meant it to be.

Lando’s eyes widen in a split-second of panic, and he quickly cuts her off, almost too quickly. “Us? About us?” His tone is a little too sharp, his expression tight, as if he’s bracing himself for something.

Y/N freezes, but then gathers her thoughts, forcing herself to look him in the eye. “Yes, our relationship—” She bites her lip, her heart pounding in her chest as she takes a step forward.

Lando blinks rapidly, trying to process her words. “—our relationship?” His voice cracks slightly, and his gaze shifts to the floor before quickly snapping back to hers.

Y/N nods, her hands trembling slightly at her sides. “Yes, well, no, I mean, our relationship as friends, of course!” She laughs nervously, her voice trailing off, trying to downplay the growing knot in her stomach.

Lando lets out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “Yeah, of course... uhmm, what about it?”

Y/N’s heart sinks a little, but she tries to push through the discomfort. “I just… I don’t know, Lando. I’ve been wondering if maybe we’re both feeling the same thing, you know? About... more than just friendship?” Her voice falters at the end, uncertainty creeping in.

Lando’s face flushes slightly, and he takes a step back, a defensive edge to his tone. “Oh well I mean, yeah we’re good friends, right? Best friends even, you and Max.” He says it quickly, almost too quickly, his words stumbling over themselves as if he's trying to convince himself just as much as her.

The silence that follows feels like an eternity. Y/N looks away, her stomach sinking, the words she was about to say hanging heavy in the air between them. She clears her throat, trying to force a smile, but it feels like it’s made of glass, fragile and thin. “Right,” she says softly, her voice almost too quiet. “I get it.”

Lando stands there for a moment, his expression caught somewhere between relief and regret. He can feel the weight of the situation, but he’s not sure what to say next. He couldn't bring himself to tell her how he really felt. "You... feel that way right? I mean you see me as your best friend?" he says quickly, reaching out as if to comfort her, but stopping short when he realizes how awkward it feels. "Maybe even your bestest friend, even over Max or P" Lando lets out a nervous chuckle in the attempt to ease the uneasiness filling the air.

Y/N nods, her eyes not meeting his. “Yeah, of course. Max isn't even top 3. Hey, I’m gonna head in and get some rest.” y/n attempts to return the banter as she turns slightly, her hand already on the doorknob, her pulse still racing from the conversation.

She pauses at the door, giving him a quick glance over her shoulder, the faintest trace of a smile tugging at the corner of her lips, though it doesn't quite reach her eyes. "Goodnight, Lando," she says softly before stepping inside and closing the door behind her.

Lando stands there for a moment, his hand still lingering in the air, unsure of whether he should follow her or just walk away. After a few moments, he sighs, shaking his head as he walks back toward his own room, the unspoken tension lingering in the silence of the hallway.

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

Lando laid on his bed, staring at the ceiling for what felt like hours, the thoughts of the conversation with Y/N replaying over and over in his mind. He couldn’t shake the feeling of regret, the missed opportunity to tell her how he really felt. Every time he closed his eyes, her face kept coming back to him, the look in her eyes that made him realize he might have just ruined everything by not saying what he’d wanted to say.

The sun was barely up when Lando found himself standing in the hallway, his heart racing as he made his way to Max and P's room.

"Max, you've got to get up, mate," Lando whispered urgently, his voice low but insistent, shaking Max awake.

Max let out a groan, his eyes barely open as he tried to make out his friend’s figure in the dim light of the room, the sun just starting to peek through the closed curtains. "What? Lando. What time is it?" His voice was thick with sleep.

"It’s... it’s early, I know. But I need to talk. I can’t stop thinking about it, mate. I messed up."

Max rubbed his eyes, finally managing to sit up, his confusion turning into concern. "Wait, what happened?" He yawned and stretched, still groggy but fully aware that Lando was rarely this urgent unless something serious was going on.

Lando ran a hand through his hair, pacing a little as he tried to find the words. "I didn’t tell her how I really feel, Max. And now I’m just stuck. I can’t stop thinking about it. I— I think I might’ve blown it." His voice was strained, frustration seeping through every word.

Max sat up straighter now, fully awake as he processed his friend's words. “Wait you’re talking about Y/N, right?” He rubbed his face, trying to make sense of Lando’s sudden shift in mood.

Lando paused, looking at Max, his face tight with the weight of everything. “She brought it up, she asked about us- our friendship and I just froze. I panicked, Max. I said I think she's my best friend, my closest friend and if you could've seen the look on her face... now I don’t know what to do. It’s messing with me."

"You idiot" a sharp toned voice makes the two look to the other side of the bed, a once sleeping P has now pulled her eye mask off, a dissatisfied look on her face. "She obviously likes you too Lando. You two are just too scared of actually facing how you truly feel. I literally had her confess to me last night before dinner"

Lando blinked in surprise, the realization hitting him harder than he expected. He opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. Max, on the other hand, sat back with an amused expression, taking in the scene unfolding before him.

"Wait—what?" Lando managed after a beat, completely caught off guard.

Max let out a heavy sigh, his tone softening. "Lando, you’ve been dodging it for how long now? What did you expect? That she’d just magically figure it out? You’ve got to be honest with her, mate. If you really feel something for her, you can’t just pretend it’s nothing. You owe her the truth".

Lando nodded, taking in his friend’s words. "Yeah, you're right. I just... don’t want to mess things up more than I already have."

Max shook his head, a knowing look on his face. “You’ve got to take the chance, mate. Just... talk to her. Don’t wait any longer. I can't even begin to think about whats going on in her head right now- you pretty much shut her down”

Lando sat back down on the edge of the bed, rubbing his face in frustration. “I don’t know what to say. What if she doesn't believe me— I don't want her to think i'm playing with her feelings on purpose, it was a genuine lapse of judgement I panicked.”

"Well, that’s the risk, isn’t it?" Max replied, his voice matter-of-fact. "But at least you’ll know for sure. The worst thing you can do is keep holding back. You’re already in deep, mate. Just go for it."

Lando sat silently for a moment, taking in Max’s advice, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety swirling inside him. He knew Max was right, but it didn’t make it any easier. With a long sigh, he stood up from the bed, a new sense of determination in his steps.

“Alright,” Lando said, giving Max a look of appreciation.

Max gave him a reassuring nod. "Just don’t overthink it."

Lando nodded, heading for the door. Before he left, he turned back to P speaking up as she put her eye mask back on. “You know, if it goes horribly wrong, I’m gonna kick your ass for hurting her.”

Max chuckled, leaning back into the pillows. “Yeah, i'd take that as motivation to fix this. Go get her, Lando.”

As Lando walked down the hallway, his mind was set. He couldn’t let another day go by without telling Y/N how he felt. It was now or never.

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

Lando had been pacing around the kitchen for what felt like hours, trying to gather his thoughts. Max and P walk towards him, the nervous energy was starting to crawl back under his skin.

"Have you guys seen—" he started, but P immediately cut him off, her tone firm yet surprisingly quiet.

"What did you do?" she asked, a knowing look in her eyes as she crossed her arms. "I thought you left our room this morning ready to fix things between the two of you."

Lando's mouth went dry, his words caught in his throat. He shifted from foot to foot, suddenly feeling like he was fifteen again and in trouble with his parents. "I tried, I peeked in her room and she was sleeping and I felt bad i didn't want to wake her. I came back a few hours later she wasn't in her room" His voice was a little shaky, and his hands fumbled with the sleeve of his jacket as he tried to avoid their eyes.

P raised an eyebrow, her expression a mix of frustration and disbelief. "So you didn’t do it? That's why she won't leave her room" crossing her arms even tighter, clearly not buying his half-hearted excuse. "You’re seriously going to stand there and tell me you didn’t even try again?"

Lando swallowed hard, the weight of the situation settling in. "I... I didn't know she was back. I don't even know where she went this morning— wait she won't leave her room?"

"She said she's feeling sick and that she caught a cold but she's clearly been crying. Lando she won't even tell me about what happened last night, she's hurting"

Max, who had been listening quietly. "Mate, you’re a mess," he said, sitting down on the counter with his arms crossed, his tone matter-of-fact. "You’ve been overthinking this for months now. It’s honestly exhausting. Now you've managed to drag her into this mess."

Lando exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair, his frustration clear.

Max gave a short laugh, shaking his head. "Mate, you’re already screwing it up by not talking to her. Go up there and fix it"

P stepped forward, her voice a little gentler now, but still firm. "Just go talk to her. Tell her exactly how you feel. You’ll either get your answer, or you won’t. But you can’t keep pretending like nothing’s going on."

With a deep breath, he nodded. "I’ll go talk to her. Try to occupy the rest of the team while we're gone" He straightened up, trying to shake off the nervousness that had settled in his stomach like a knot.

Max smiled, though there was a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Don't worry, we'll figure something out. And Lando?" he called as he started to head for the door.

"Yeah?" he turned back, his mind already racing with what to say to her.

"Don’t come back until you’ve told her. And if you screw it up, you’re buying us dinner for a week" Max said with a wink.

Lando shot him a look, but couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips. "I’ll keep that in mind," he muttered, and with one final deep breath, he turned to head toward Y/N’s room.

This time, there was no turning back.

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

Another knock echoes through the room, causing Y/N to stir in her blanket cocoon. She sniffles and clears her throat, trying to hide the evidence of a long night’s worth of tears.

"P, I told you I’ll be fine. I don’t want anyone catching my cold. You guys go have fun," she calls out, her voice thick with exhaustion.

"It’s me," Lando’s voice filters through the door, catching Y/N off guard. She sits up quickly, her heart racing—what on earth could he want now?

Y/N hurriedly wipes at her face, but the mirror doesn’t lie. Her eyes are swollen, her cheeks streaked with dried tears, and her nose is a fiery red. She exhales in defeat.

With a soft groan, she cracks the door open "I already told Max and P I won’t be joining you guys," she says quietly, her voice heavy with guilt. "I’m really sorry, Lando. You should go... Everyone else is probably waiting."

Lando’s gaze softens, his brow furrowing as he steps closer, his tone gentle but knowing. "You’re upset about last night."

"I don’t know why I said what I said, but that’s not how I really feel," Lando insists, his voice laced with frustration, but the sight of the frown etched on Y/N’s face only deepens his anxiety.

Y/N’s gaze drops to the floor, her voice barely above a whisper, soft and tinged with hurt. "She told you, didn’t she?" The words feel like a weight she can’t shake off. She never imagined P would share something so personal, and now, she feels more exposed than ever.

Lando hesitates, shifting uncomfortably. "Yes, well… technically, she overheard me talking to Max about last night and—"

"You told Max about last night?" Y/N interrupts. She lifts her gaze, her eyes wide with disbelief. "What, me trying to confess my feelings for you and you immediately dismissing it wasn’t embarrassing enough? You had to go tell Max?"

“Y/N, no! That’s not what I—" Lando stammers. He takes a breath, gathering his courage. "I like you. I’ve liked you for months now. Max was the only person I’ve told.” The confession spills out before he can stop it, and for the first time, a sense of relief washes over him.

Y/N’s expression falters, a deep frown settling on her face as she tries to process his words. "Don't do that... please," she says softly, almost pleading. Her voice cracks slightly as she shakes her head. "You don’t have to lie to make me feel better about this." She struggles to fully comprehend what he’s just said.

"But I'm not lying!" Lando insists, his voice filled with urgency. His hands shake as he tries to convey the truth, the weight of his feelings finally spilling out. "For months, I’ve been debating whether or not to act on it. I didn’t know if you felt the same way... I didn’t know what I’d do if you didn’t." He reaches out, his hand trembling as he gently tries to take hers, hoping for a sign that she might believe him.

Y/N is still caught in the confusion of it all, but as his hand brushes against hers, something settles in her chest. The warmth of his touch brings a surprising sense of comfort, and she swallows back the confusion that’s been choking her. "But... last night?" she asks quietly, her voice shaky.

Lando’s eyes soften, and he looks down, clearly conflicted. "I panicked," he admits, his words coming out in a rush. "You bringing up how we might feel about each other was the last thing on my mind. Fuck, I didn’t even think it was possible. All the scenarios I made in my head were about how I’d finally tell you... how much I wanted to be with you." He looks up at her then, vulnerable and raw, his expression filled with regret. "I was just so scared you wouldn’t feel the same."

Y/N takes a deep breath, her chest tight with emotion. She finally meets Lando's gaze, and the moment their eyes lock, it’s as if time slows. The words that have been tangled in her mind for so long finally slip free, and she whispers, "I do... feel the same way."

A small, almost hesitant smile begins to form on Lando’s face. It’s the kind of smile that tells her he’s been holding his breath, waiting for this moment, unsure if he’d ever hear the words he desperately needed to hear. His eyes soften as he takes a step closer, and for a moment, everything feels like it’s falling into place.

Lando’s hands gently cup her face, his touch tender and careful, as if she’s something precious he’s afraid of breaking. His thumbs lightly brush against her cheeks before he reaches up to tuck a few stray strands of hair behind her ear. He lets his fingers linger there for a moment, feeling the warmth of her skin under his touch, before his hand gently rests on the side of her neck.

There’s a quiet intensity in the air now, a shared understanding that neither of them wants to break.

Lando’s smile widens ever so slightly, his thumb brushing along her cheekbone in a way that sends a warm shiver down her spine. "You have no idea how much I needed to hear that," he says softly, his voice still tinged with disbelief, as though he can’t quite believe this is happening.

Lando leans in, his forehead gently resting against hers, as if allowing the moment to sink in. There’s no rush, no need to fill the space with words anymore. All that’s left is the feeling between them—a feeling that says more than words ever could.

Lando’s breath catches as he hovers just inches from her face, his gaze flickering between her eyes and her lips. In a voice barely above a whisper, he murmurs, “I’m going to kiss you now.” his breath warm against her skin.

Y/N’s lips curl into a soft smirk, her eyes glinting with a mix of playfulness and something deeper. “About time,” she teases, her voice light, but there's a knowing edge to it. “For an F1 driver, you're quite slow.”

Lando’s eyes flash with amusement, a soft laugh escaping him as he shakes his head. “You’re lucky I really like you,” he responds, his voice warm with affection and the lingering hint of a smile. Before she can say another word, he closes the gap between them, his lips brushing gently against hers.

The kiss is slow at first, a gentle exploration, as if both of them are savouring the moment that’s been so long in the making. Lando’s hand moves to the back of her neck, pulling her a little closer as the kiss deepens, a surge of relief and longing finally being released between them. For all the uncertainty, the teasing, the games—they’re here now, and everything else fades away.

[iwaasfairy]

┌─ “ ! „ HEARTBEAT

tw. pseudocest, noncon, possessiveness, grooming?, age gap, blood, murder, a lot of trauma bonding

wordcount. 6k

a/n. thank yoUUUU rhi for betaing you are my favorite as alwaysssss I love you soooo much ♡♡

okkotsu yuuta x fem!reader

Blood is splattered on the ground of the dirty alley, and there’s another heavy thump when his kick once again lands on the kid’s skull and he moans in pain. He calls him a kid in his head because he’s got that shit-faced little attitude, and now an ugly gap where his front teeth used to sit, but he should be old enough to know better. As a couple passes by the narrow street, he shields things from view a little, before using the long edge of his sheathed sword to push the dumb, bloody face to the side. Because his eyes are starting to look like two overripe tomatoes from the impact, he couches down before the sandy brunet.

“You know what this is about?” Yuuta’s voice is hoarse. He hadn’t really noticed it before, but it’s been a busy week cleaning up your messes. Don’t get him wrong, he doesn’t mind. If anything, it makes him feel sort of useful. You’re good and kind and don’t get into trouble on purpose — which is why he’s here late at night making sure things get handled. Niisan’s got it, after all. He doesn’t bother to clear his voice. “Hey.”

“Take my cash,” the young man below him now whistles through the missing teeth, teary eyes darting around as he pats his hand all over himself to look for a wallet.

Yuuta scoffs. “I don’t want your money. If I did, you think I’d waste my time beating your face in like you had it coming?” The anxious, almost nervous lilt to his own voice doesn’t escape him. If you could see him now, you’d probably say that he was enjoying this too much - and while he is, the idea of this getting back to you doesn’t escape his mind. It won’t though, logically speaking. The kid probably wouldn’t be able to see straight for a couple hours, and you will never find out. “I want to know why you’re hanging around Rika’s kid sister.”

“Kid? W- I don’t know any Rika!” He yelps when he tries to lift his head and gets the handle of the weapon hit hard onto the bridge of his nose again, adding more blood to the mess that’s running all over the bottom of his face. Yuuta really can’t see it, lifting his top lip in slight disgust. Handsome, where? Just as much as this boy isn’t really a kid anymore, neither are you. But you’re younger, and deserving of protection — is it really so bad he wants to imagine you as his baby sister for a bit longer before you start trying to escape from under his wings?

Not that you’re going to go anywhere.

“I don’t know a Rika,” the blond whines again now, hiding his face into his hands to drool and hiccup against the cold floor.

“Orimoto Rika, has a kid sister.” Yuuta bites back, patience running really thin.

“O-I- I kn- oh, we’re in the same uni prep class!” He gets up to close his eyes and focus all his attention on not just kicking against his skull until the answers fall out. He knows that, how else would he even know to ask? The head damage takes it a few seconds to make the guy continue, sniffling. “We’re friends- or- my friend knew her. I liked her so we hung out a few times.” Yuuta’s hand is cold around the worn handle.

He takes a slow breath, watches the cloud of air as he lets it out. The promise ring glints in the light of the street, and it’s all familiarity and instinct that makes him brush his thumb over it. “Were you serious with her? Or did you tell her whatever so you could fuck her? Hm? Did you fuck my little sister?” The brunet snivels and whines under him when his foot lands back right before his face, demanding attention.

“I won’t talk to her anymore, I swear! I swear I w-won’t even - it’ll be like I never existed. Please.” The pitiful whining he’s doing, groveling like a dog below him - sort of reminds him of a younger him. Someone who didn’t have a purpose yet, and was scared of everything for it. The heavy weight of the ring clings to his hand when he lifts it to unsheath the katana, seeming to wrap a comforting palm around his own. If he could, he'd tangle fingers with her.

“P-please, let me go home! I didn’t do- I wouldn’t touch your s-sister, I didn’t know.”

“I hate guys who aren’t serious with her.” He clicks his tongue, and has to spit out the nasty taste that this entire situation leaves on his tongue. The weight of the sword is barely an inconvenience when both hands wrap around the handle properly. He’s doing this for Rika and him. Always. “She deserves so much better.” A mean flash of possession crosses his thoughts - how no one except him will ever be good enough. But he pushes it back, because that has nothing to do with why he’s doing this. Nothing.

+

“Yuuta~” Her voice haunts when he closes his eyes.

He’s in the sandpit of the Children’s hospital, rocking back and forth softly on the edge of it as he waits. The sun makes the sand nice and toasty, it warms his feet when he plants them down. “Yuuta!” It’s instinctive, when he looks up at the familiar voice. Rika’s hair travels in a perfect arc behind her when she runs to make it catch the light like a halo. Pretty blue dress making the shine of her hair even brighter, cheeks rosy, and her eyes glittering diamonds when they find his and she crashes down next to him. Her scraped knee is proof that it’s too hard, but he can’t help but smile when her cheek touches his arm on the landing.

Something hits the floor with a loud thump.

Yuuta turns over his shoulder to watch. There’s a smaller child that’s chin down on the earth behind them two, thick crocodile tears threatening to spill when Rika gasps. “Rika neechan~ Wait.” You pout, straightening up quicker than you should to reach your hands out to her. The girl hurries over to dust your cheeks off and drag you along behind her. It’s such a nice day out, Yuuta’s sweater is just thick enough to make his entire body warm. He stares at your face a little too long, before glancing between you two.

You’re still rounder than she is, but it’s undeniably eerie. “Your sister?” He asks softly, and Rika grins wide. She gently maneuvers you by the hand to sit next to her, then pulls you into a hug.

Her lips are pretty pink when she licks them. “This is Yuuta. Say ‘hi Yuuta’.” You parrot your sister obediently, as she waves your hand around at him. “Me and Yuuta are going to get married. So you should be very nice to him, okay?” Her sweet cheeks are the exact same as yours, long lashes and big, knowing eyes that always have him staring. You just look absentmindedly at the grass when Rika holds you into her side, but nod.

He smiles softly when your big eyes find his again. And Rika giggles. “And she’s gonna be your sister one day, so you gotta protect her well. We’re gonna be one happy family, promise?” She extends her arm to hold out a pinky finger at him. “That’s what I want.”

+

His fingers are pressing indents into your arm. It’s unusual. Yuuta’s always gentle, he’s soft and cares, but today his hand is screwed almost protectively tight around your upper arm, and you can’t say that you hate the feeling. Maybe childishly, you want him to squeeze even harder - so you’ll have no reason to get out.

You don’t come here a lot. Not since the accident tore open the painful scarred memory of it, but even before then, it wasn’t exactly your favorite place. It’s at Yuuta’s gentle prompting that you even managed to dress, and now walk however slowly between the low stone walls. The rain taps impatiently on the umbrella above, as the older boy casts you a careful glance. Then slowly bends to sit on his ankles, and grabs your hand ever so softly, meeting your eyes. His hands, though big enough to dwarf yours now, are almost velvety when they clasp around yours. It feels like he’s exponentially grown, while you’ve stayed pretty much the same.

Partly the illness. Mostly the age.

“Think you can go on?” he softly asks, kind eyes sympathetically regarding you. Like he’s making a judgment call about whether to turn back after all - debating the long walk back to the hospital. “I’ll be right here with you.”

“You’ve already gone before, haven’t you?” Your voice sounds a bit accusatory, a bit pouty too. Can’t be helped. Yuuta could be a living saint and you’d still find it hard. He clearly doesn’t take it to heart, because he smiles. His one hand then moves up to ruffle your hair.

“It’s still hard for me too, though,” his lips quirk up in an almost smile, but you can tell he doesn’t mean it. It’s sort of comforting to know that even someone like him feels it. Of course he would. Your neesan was family, but Yuuta probably knew her better than you ever could. He was beside her when she got out the two times, and was waiting when she had to get re-admitted. He was there when she got hit— there’s a comforting brush of your cheek when he stands back up and the umbrella gets so much higher. Yuuta blinks. “Come. I think you can do it.”

Your chubby cheeks flood with warmth, as you take his fingers into your hands with a nod. “Okay.”

It’s like this that you wind up at the headstone, stepping through dredged earth that’s been walked on too much. It seems to cling to the bottoms of your shoes with intent - you squeeze Yuuta nii’s hand tighter at the sight of the family grave. It now holds three of your kin in a warm embrace under the several bouquets of wilting flowers, and however morbidly, you think that maybe you’ll be joining soon. You’re young, but it’s not lost on you when the nurses send each other pitying looks.

“Is this where neesan’s buried?” Your voice sounds pinched and small, and sort of pathetic. You imagine Yuuta nii cried when he came to the funeral, but he wouldn’t have whined. You’re whining. You don’t want Yuuta to get fed up with you. Not when he’s the last semblance of ‘family’ you have left. After a while of staring blankly at the stone, he nods, and turns over his shoulder to smile at you again, pulling you a little closer to him. Your arms loop around his waist, staring down at the pretty whites that shake under the rain. “Is this where I’ll be buried when I die?”

He freezes. You feel bad about the double take he does when his spine goes more straight, rigid limbs dropping by his side as a deep, uncomfortable breath makes its way out. Your hands wring together instead.

However long it takes for him to unlock his limbs is however long you breathe through your tears as they well up stubbornly along your lash line, before your head is pulled to his ribs into an embrace. He swallows back emotion himself. “That’s not- I’m not going to let anything happen to you. I promise. I promise.”

“I’m sick-”

“No.” His eyes glint with something silvery when he takes your face between both hands and lets your childishness wash over him, clenching his jaw. “What happened to Rika was an accident- I- I couldn’t do anything then. But nothing’s going to happen to you as long as I’m here. I need- you to believe me.”

You don’t flinch when he uses your cheek to turn your face his way, but the urge still sits. His eyes study your face too intently, like he’s looking for something he can’t quite find. “I promised that I’d be a niichan that protects you.”

Rain splatters into a million glistening flecks as it meets the headstone.

“Okay,” you say.

It isn’t lost on you that his jaw is set too tight as he drags you back by the hand towards his bike, fist clenched around the umbrella. He breathes a tiny, ‘Later, Rika’ before turning on his heel. You don’t manage the same. Your voice gets stuck in your throat, even when he helps you up onto the bike rack in the back, pulling your face into his chest too tight- squeezes you to mold against him. He smells nice for a teen boy. The kiss he leaves on your crown is gentle, and leaves a soft warmth on your skin — You doubt it is really meant for you.

+

The door pushes open as you’re putting clips into your bangs, tongue trapped between your teeth. You cast Yuuta a glance through the mirror when he lingers at the door, and try to smile. “I’m almost ready.” You’re no longer too keen on fighting, the longer the silent treatment drags on. After a while of watching you with his arms crossed over his chest — he walks over to your bed to plop himself down and lets himself fall backward.

“I’m sorry,” the noiret sighs at nothing in particular, as you put on a necklace and after debating for a second, some perfume. The noise makes Yuuta look, studying you when you turn. It’s easy to forget sometimes that Yuuta didn’t have to stay with you, and he sure as hell didn’t have to give up a lot of his youth to take care of you like he does. Like your other family refuses to do when all the cards are on the table. He catches your stare. “You know I love you. I… worry when you’re not right here where I can see you. We stick together.”

“I know.” Your smile only barely makes your lips move, but you do mean it. You just wish realizations like this didn’t always have to come at the cost of fighting. “For what it’s worth, I’ll probably always forgive you.” You try to laugh, and brush your hair out of your eyes a final time before grabbing your bag. “I’m only going to be out for a few hours, max.”

Yuuta frowns when he sits up. His dark hair is brushed out of his face, damp and soft from the shower. “You’re still going?”

You blank. “Yeah, Himari and Shota are waiting for me. We’re going to see a movie.” He only has to let his eyes travel over your body and clothing once, for you to read what he’s thinking. You yank the edge of your skirt a bit lower, and pull your shoulders up. “What, what?! I can’t go out looking like this? It’s basically the same length as my uniform, what’s wrong with that?!”

“I didn’t say anything,” he breathes back, empty eyes regarding you with a static sort of- indifference, you guess.

“You don’t have to, niichan! God!” You turn to walk out the room, but Yuuta grabs your wrist when you pass by the bed. Sat down like he is, eyes tracing you like a lion- Yuuta no longer looks like the boy that used to draw stars on the ceiling of your hospital room for your amusement. Your cheeks heat when he basically glares straight at you for your attitude, and mulls the answer around in his mouth. Your anger subsides as you take a breath. This is the guy who makes you fresh apple juice in the morning, and calls you up between shifts. Because he cares. He just cares.

“Can I please go, Yuuta nii?”

After a few seconds, he clicks his tongue, staring at the edge of your skirt before tugging at it too, barely hiding a frown you can see dig between his brows. “You know I don’t like that Shota kid?”

Your lips jut out. “Yeah…” It’s getting awfully close to time to leave. You take a step back just to get his hands away from you. It’s distracting, and this is your brother you’re dealing with. “But he’s really nice. He started high school already but he used to be in my class the last three years, so… so you don’t have to worry. He knows I can’t do everything because I’m sick and he says—”

“Yeah, I’m sure he says everything you want to hear… You’re smarter than this. You don’t actually believe that.”

“He’s my friend.” A friend that makes your heart beat a bit faster when he smiles at you, but what’s it to him? “He doesn’t lie.”

Yuuta grimaces when you stare him down. “Don’t tell me about teenage boys, I used to be one.” He bristles before sitting up straighter, and though he’s technically below you, you still feel his energy tower as those big, dark eyes stay on your face. “Are you really ‘going to see a movie’? Or are you just going to sit in a boy’s room all night while I’m worried sick-”

You’re about ready to walk out, but his fingers are still looped around your wrist. “We are going to the movies! Himari and I! Just because a boy is there- ugh! Niichan, don’t make it weird!” The heat burns higher on your cheeks when you ball your fists, ignoring the pressure behind your eyes. This is so embarrassing. “I want to go.”

It’s quiet for much too long, making goosebumps appear all over your exposed skin. Then he breathes. “Come here.” His voice has more of an edge than it used to. You used to like the way your name fell from his lips. You’re not so sure you do anymore. Instead of storming out and forgetting all about him, you stare back at the sharpness in his eyes. When he pats his lap with familiarity, you jerk a brow. But you sit. His breath brushes along your neck too softly where he’s seated. It tickles on the way down.

It almost feels like… like he could wrap his hands around your neck and squeeze until you stopped struggling.

Yuuta nii wouldn’t do that. He wouldn’t.

Fingers come to your necklace, undoing it, and it drops into your lap on the pretty, blue skirt. It’s suddenly much too cold in the room, and you resist the urge to wrap your arms around yourself. It’s fine. You’re fine. Yuuta is family.

Still the untouched skin of your neck feels too exposed.

If he notices your rigid posture, he doesn’t bother fixing it. Just reaches, then pushes your head forward. The childishly familiar pink, bedazzled heart he holds up instead glints, swaying from where you left it on your side table for the night. “You get back at 9,” his lower voice sounds, “or else I’m driving out to wherever you are and dragging you back to my car.” When you don’t say anything in response, he brushes away your hair from your shoulders.

“Yuuta nii,” you start, clamming up when he drapes the dainty thing around your throat and does the closure for you. “I wasn’t going to wear that one tonight.” You don’t always want to wear whatever Rika left behind until infinity.

“I think you will,” he breathes back, and kisses your exposed shoulder. It’s less sweet, more something to punctuate his statement. If he wasn’t so familiar and soft, you’d immediately fight against the way his strong arms wind around your waist to anchor you in his lap. “Just wear it.” His hands stay against your skin, long after he’s finished. Too long, and after seconds of sitting in the tense silence, you jerk up off his lap to grab your discarded bag from the floor. The other necklace drops to the carpet somewhere, but you don’t care.

“Fine,” you bring out tightly, before giving him a last look. Your bottom lip trembles a slight bit, so you suck it into your mouth to make it stop. And tears sting at the corners despite yourself. “Later, then.”

“Tell Himari that niichan says hello. It’s been so long since she’s been here.” He gets up from your bed too, and you resist the urge to rush out the room before him when he steps around you. You can’t fight the feeling that somehow… you were just caught in your lie. Your phone beeps in your bag, as Yuuta nii disappears around the corner. Shota, probably.

+

Blood. The door creaks, swings against the wind.

Dead.

You hope he’s dead. Blood pools at the center of the showers, sinks down the drain too slowly. It sticks to the pretty porcelain tiles of the old school locker room before the water gurgles it down.

They’re dead.

You don’t have to question it before it’s confirmed. Before the heavy, silver cleaver is lodged into the side of the already ruined skull. All of them. All of the boys of the soccer team seem to be present, though you don’t want to try and count. Counting makes it real. This shouldn’t be. The heavy thump makes way for a gross squelch when he yanks the metal out, and keeps the body down with his foot.

The spatters on his face are still wet. You can’t help the way your voice comes out when you breathe in deep and try to keep the tears from spilling over. The cleaver’s red and sticky and so is his hand, up to his forearm, his forehead from wiping his hair away. All of it, ruined.

“Y-yuuta nii?”

The metal door of the locker slams closed with the wind and hits you in the back, sending you skittering forward a few steps before you force the air out of your lungs with a stuttered pant.

With a soft smile, he turns over his shoulder. “Shhh.” The blood’s crusted under his nails when he presses a finger to his lips, then waves you closer. “Help niichan out?” His eyes glint over, before his smile goes a little wider, and he whips the blood off the weapon onto the ground. “S’ your fault I had to do this after all. We can clean up together. Hm?”

Your breathing is so shallow that you can feel your heartbeat in between your ears. You aren’t sure why you nod. The guilt tastes bitter on the way down.

+

Rika was dead on impact. She didn’t have a chance, even after she fought so vehemently against what took your mom. You know that. Even if she didn’t get struck by misfortune then, she might’ve not lived past her teens.

Yuuta doesn’t seem to know. He also doesn't seem to consider the same for you either— letting you toy with the edge of his shirt where you’re curled into him in your too-small bed. The hospital wants you back for another check-up.

It’s true that you’ve already outlived your sister, but that doesn’t mean it’ll last forever. Yuuta nii doesn’t want to hear it. As he brushes your hair with his fingers, you scratch the arm where the IV’s always get attached with an absent minded pout. Until Yuuta notices, pouting down at you. “Are you still feeling dizzy? I can make you some green tea if you’ll let go of me for a few minutes. Lots of honey like you like.” You quickly shake your head.

To him this is final, the worst you’ll ever get, and in reality that’s probably not the case. You don’t tell him though. His deep eyes stay on you a little too long. “What’s wrong?”

Sometimes you wake up and can’t open your eyes past a blurry sliver, your head tight enough to make your skull feel like it’s caving in. Times where you have to clasp your stomach painfully tight to hold yourself together — stumbling in tears into Yuuta’s room. Like you’ll disintegrate in his arms unless you lock him around yourself. This isn’t as bad, but you still feel bad.

Feverish and cold all at once, achy where your stomach goes up and down. You can’t mention the possibility of having to go back into urgent care without aniiki spiraling, so you keep your mouth shut. “I don’t like green tea,” you guiltily admit instead, and stare up at him when he holds a few knuckles to your head, studying you.

His expression scrutinizes you a little tighter, before he pets over your crown. He presses a soft kiss onto your lips. It’s Rika that loved it, you want to say, but for some reason you can’t make the words come out. He sighs, slightly put out, but then nods. “If you’re feeling better later, maybe you can help Yuuta nii with the curry. Okay?”

“Mhm,” you smile up at him, and you can see how the muscles in his jaw unclench.

His soft hands cup your face intently, staring down at you too intently. It starts sweet, until the feeling of his breath dust over your face and you watch as he flicks his eyes all over you. “You look so much like her. I can tell now that you’re getting older though,” his thumb smoothes over your soft cheek. “We should see if there’s something in Rika’s stuff you can still wear.”

“Won’t be able to fit it anymore, niichan.” Your voice comes out apologetic, though you don’t know why.

“Hm. You might be right.” His look goes more distant before he pulls you closer. Legs tangled, arms loosely looped around you. “You’re still smaller than me though. Luckily.” He takes a deep breath, before nuzzling his nose into your crown to breathe long and deep. His warm hands trail over yours before squeezing. “I love you, you know that? Always will.”

You stare at the wall of mementos past Yuuta’s shoulder. Suffocatingly cram packed. Her pictures. Her music poster. Her pre-teen bottle of perfume you wear only on special occasions. Your hands stop toying with the edge of his shirt to brush instead along his forearm until you meet something that isn’t skin. Yuuta’s quiet, but his breathing is slightly pinched— you don’t mean to.

You glance between you two to the plastic your finger hooks onto. The bracelet she made in the hospital care ward for Yuuta that he still wears despite the fact that the color has long peeled off of the cheap beads. “You loved neesan, right?” Your lashes almost brush when you look back at him, watch him trap his tongue between his teeth for a moment as pink sits on his cheeks. His hand wraps around yours to tangle fingers.

“I… did.”

He swallows. “She made the hospital seem a little less lonely.” The mementos seem to stare at you from across the room as he speaks, and the uncomfortable feeling in your stomach refuses to fade. If anything, it gets more painful. Tighter. “We’re going to be together forever though. And I,” he squeezes your hand, voice fading to barely a whisper, “I love you. Love you so much.”

There's a cold slid over your fingers when he moves. You allow him to slip off the band, gently, and almost as if he wants to give it to you without you noticing, his fingers slide the cursed thing onto your hand instead. His smile is gentle, makes those dark eyes look a little less pressing. “When you’re cleared from going back to the hospital, we can find me a matching one. We still have to get married, right?”

The room feels cold.

“... Okay.”

+

“Let’s kiss?”

It’s too late to be early when the shared bed gets crowded over on your side. “St- I’m going to sleep, Yuuta nii. Stop.” You don’t open your eyes to the touch, definitely not to the gentle brush of his fingers over your lips when he gets too close. Always too close- it’s suffocating. “I don’t wanna talk about it anymore.”

“Don’t be like that.” He sounds happy. He always sounds like that when it has to do with you, and it doesn’t take long for your eyes to flutter open when the thumb instead pushes into your mouth. “If we get married, this will be normal. Don’t pull back.” He pushes onto your tongue to make you hold it in your mouth all heavy and tasting of him, then leans in to push his forehead to yours. Deep, possessive eyes pinning you in place.

“You don’t want to?” It almost sounds mocking. You know you brought this on yourself. You asked to go home early, you asked to invite friends. Maybe this is payback the way big brothers give it. There’s tears that spring up anyway when his other hand slips under your shirt and he squeezes your soft belly. As the spit he wipes on your lips gets kissed away by an impatient sigh. “I’ve wanted to for such a long time. You wouldn’t ask me to wait more.”

“Yuuta nii. We’re siblings, aren’t we?” The ring glitters. Your hand is clenched into the front of his shirt as warm hands grab down your body— hands you love. Hands you trusted.

“Of course we are. That’s why I’m doing this, silly girl.” Hands that push your underwear down your round hips despite you fighting to keep them up. He giggles when you burn with embarrassment, before pressing kisses to your temple. “I love you. I love you, I love you. Who better to kiss you than big brother?” You shake your head, try to push- he doesn’t budge. Just keeps your body in place under his with his weight.

“G-get off of me, Yuuta! Stop being so weird!” You cry, pushing until he grabs your wrist and forces it down beside your head. He’s still smiling though, like he doesn’t have a care in the world. Like you’re still a child acting out. It’s that which makes you squirm more, and the glare digs into your forehead when he gets on top of you. “Stop~ I don’t want to kiss.”

Instead he laces his fingers with your ring hand, as the other patiently flutters down to rub over your pussy. You don’t want to. You don’t. Yuuta just smiles when he tilts his head to regard you, and squeezes your fingers a little tighter. “Rika-chan asked me to take care of you. Don’t get so mad.”

+

It’s getting cooler and cooler and cooler the longer he stands. Pressed in the corner of the sterile, greenish blue atmosphere with white sheets draped over your body. He takes a long, deep breath until the nurse finishes up with the checks, taking freshly drawn blood away in a vial. “You’re the guardian?”

The red stands out against your complexion as your restless sleep drifts deeper— he shifts in his seat to lace his hands together. “Her big brother, yes.”

She doesn’t bother to pretend to care when tapping her clipboard, gives a distracted smile. “The doctor will be here within the next hour, okay? Please wait here until then.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Yuuta’s quick not to let the smile quirk up onto his mouth when she’s already walking out before he finishes. As soon as the door falls into lock he gets up from the uncomfortable chair to kneel by your bedside and grasp your hand.

Soft. Small.

He hates to admit that he could spend hours here by your side; but the truth is the truth. He could, and he has. And he will, until it is no longer necessary.

Yuuta kisses your hand with a gentle smile, feeling your heartbeat thump under his lips. You mumble, he swears he can hear his name. “I’m here. Niichan’s here.” He smiles a little more when the soft fingers wrap back around his hand and he watches your expression relax even in your sleep. He can’t help it, the soft thumping against his cheek makes his entire body warm.

You’re so alive, and so close- every cell in his body yearns to be beside you. He kisses the area between your thumb and pointer in an attempt to soothe the feeling of biting down entirely. Instead he clasps your hand with two of his before standing up. “You would have loved Rika.” His mouth tingles. “She would’ve hated you- but you would have loved her. I think she would have been a bit jealous though.”

He dips to press a soft kiss onto your lips, humming softly when your warm breath dusts over his cheeks. “You’re so cute.” A few years ago, you would’ve had visitors waiting for you. “I know you were looking forward to graduation, but I’m still here for you.” He places his hands on both sides of your face to hover over you instead of pulling back, can’t keep himself from it.

“You don’t want to leave your niichan, right?” It’s not your fault that everyone else wants you to move on. He’ll take you just as you are. He has to force himself to pull back before he kisses you again, so you don’t wake just yet. You will. And you’ll cry into his chest about missing your precious graduation, and about being stuck here again, just when you were getting better. He never much wanted you in uni anyway.

From his space sat on the edge of your bed, he can easily see how the blanket squirms. How the motion curls and wiggles until he easily pulls the sheet down your chest, then your stomach.

Two beady eyes stare up at him as he brings his face a little closer. The fly head is still clinging to your stomach, hasn’t moved from where he left it. By now it’s become an accessory every few months. It’s not strong enough to kill you— just barely enough to keep you believing you’re still sick, and that’s all he really needs. You need his care, need him. He resists the urge to pick the thing up at least until he can take you back home.

Instead he nudges it up a little higher, so he can place his palm onto your belly to stroke gentle circles in its place, feeling the heat through the gown. He can feel your heart bounce all the way down your body, it’s so cute. When the little fodder curse crawls onto your chest, lids shooting open as you gasp. “Yuuta nii-” Your eyes are lined red, and as soon as they find him you start bawling.

More than happy to let him hike you up from the bed and into his arms, where you bury your face into his neck. Your hiccups are so cute. It’s easy to kiss them quiet when you don’t have enough breath to ask him to stop. He’s sure this time he could slip his tongue into your mouth and you wouldn’t say a thing.

All Rights Reserved © IWAASFAIRY 2024. Works are exclusive to this Tumblr.

[primofate]

Once upon a time there was this fanfiction that I read... [Genshin Spin]

TW: Death, angst, misunderstanding

It was a very, very long time ago, maybe in 2008. I can't even remember what anime it was anymore, but I'm taking those memories and that idea and spinning it into Genshin.

If anybody knows which fanfiction I'm talking about, please let me know as I would LOVE to read it again.

Pick a Genshin Character of your choice.

In the story, you were arranged into a marriage to him for efficiency's sake. As all arranged marriage tropes go, you gradually and actually fall in love with each other.

However, before the wedding happens, you find out that there's something undesirable about him.

For instance, Tartaglia's thirst for battle and his connections with Fatui.

Diluc's guardedness, and how you always felt like you never got the whole of him.

Wriothesley's past. How he has killed people.

Alhaitham's lack of emotion and his logic first approach.

Scaramouche's terrible mouth and lack of respect for anyone at all.

Xiao's unwillingness to open up to you.

Zhongli's experience which far surpasses yours. Sometimes it's like you're not even on the same wavelength.

He gives you a chance to back out of the arrangement. And you, being young and fearful, decide that there is still much of the world for you to see and more people for you to meet. This man can't be the one you'd spend your life with.

So you leave.

Years pass and the more you see of the world the more you realize that no one in this world is perfect at all and, strangely, you find yourself yearning for someone your heart already knows. Your past, arranged lover.

Sure, there were a lot of things wrong with him, but there were also a lot of things wrong with you and when you finally find him, he's even more guarded than before.

He did really take a liking to you back then, so now as he sees you approaching again, you can't blame him for the caution that he shows.

You don't exactly pine for his attention nor his love. But you accepted that you had to start all over again.

You start by getting to know him again, what he's been up to, what he likes to do, what his goals are in exchange for stories of your own. You support him as much as you can, and fondly take care of him as you did before, maybe even more.

Truthfully, to someone looking from the outside, it pretty much looks like you're clinging on to him and in some senses, you are. You took him for granted back then, but you're now willing to repay that mistake with genuine love and care.

Until one day, the enemies you've made come looking for him. You've just been sticking to him real close these days that it's hard to get a hold of you alone, when it's easier to bully you.

So, your enemies feed him lies.

"Duke Wriothesley, correct?"

"Master Diluc, right?"

"Iudex of Fontaine,"

"Former Geo Archon,"

"Balladeer"

and proceeds to tell them a secret that only you would know.

"Y/N? She's disgusted that you killed your own parents."

"She thinks you're pathetic, grovelling over your father's death,"

"Uncaring. Justice always comes first over everything else,"

"You bore her, talking about history the way you do,"

"Pah! Why would she bother with someone rude like you, really?"

and your enemies deal the final blow.

"We've paid her to follow you. Why do you think she's come all the way here looking for you again? You don't really think it was for you? All your secrets? She's sold them to us for a hefty price. Enough to cover her for a lifetime,"

and perhaps it's hard to imagine him believing it on first thought. But this was a man you had already turned away from once and then just happened to reappear into his life randomly again.

So the next time you come looking for him, smile on your face, packed lunch and all... He looks at you with a cold gaze, and accuses you of things you had no idea about.

"Leave. You've made yourself clear,"

"Get lost. You're even more disgusting than I am,"

"I know you're being paid, so cut the crap,"

"You can stop acting now,"

And you... Poor you who really just wanted to gain his favour. Who really just wanted a second chance to love him again, try to ask him what he means but he responds with despise.

"I know why you've been following me. Stop acting like you care and leave,"

Hurt, you leave without further questioning him. Not even a day later, your enemies come knocking at your door. Finally, you're alone.

Finally, they can make a move without worrying about that pesky man of yours.

And finally... they kill you. Just like that, in your own home.

Fortunately, he knows your new address.

Fortunately, he comes looking for you after a few days of mulling over his words. Perhaps he just had to hear your side of the story first. He didn't let you talk last time out of anger, but maybe this time it would be clearer.

Maybe this time it would be different.

Maybe this time...

...

...

...it would be the end.

Does it fit into a Genshin context?

If this is a trope, what trope is it?

What similar tropes like this have you read and liked? Would love to read them :D

Kinda reminds me of a MAFIA thing and I feel like it fits more into that but for the life of me I CANNOT find the fanfiction anymore. It used to be on fanfiction.net

:(

[judysxnd]

If you're taking requests for Lando, and are comfortable writing angst. I'm in one of those moods where I need gut-wrenching neglected girlfriend being called clingy and then him grovelling for forgiveness. You don't have to write it, I just really have been in an angsty mood.

Sparkle anon

As usual I don't like what I did, but I have been starting this like a thousand times and never finished it and this time I did. So I'll go with the flow. I hope you'll like it !

I took so much time to write this that your mood probably changed like a thousand times 😭 I'm sorry 😔

———————————————————————

These past few days have been hard for you. Lando has been away for the past three weeks because it was a triple header and you couldn't come with him because of work. You always thought that being famous too would help you have clear weekends to come to the races, but apparently not. You had ads to film, shoots for magazines to do, interviews to prepare and do too, and it was getting overwhelming.

And Lando being in a different time zone definitely didn't help. You barely could texts, or one would respond hours later, the phone calls only last a few minutes (when you can actually call each other) and it wasn't enough for you these days. Your anxiety was getting the best of you, resulting in a few panic attacks daily.

Usually Lando helps a lot, but he had enough stuff on his plate too. He was in a tough battle with Max for the championship, and from what you've seen and what he had told you a bit, he was struggling with the car this week-end. You tried to make it work as much as you could. But you just couldn't do it anymore. You were back at Monaco after working hard until Saturday afternoon, actually coming home at Lando's place around 9pm, crying yourself to sleep, not even eating.

You knew Lando would be back for a few days from Vegas for a couple of days before flying to Qatar. But you definitely didn't expect to wake up at almost 5pm the next day by noises in the kitchen. First of all, how did you sleep that much? You were tired but damn, that's like 18hours of sleep ! And second of all, who was in the kitchen?

You slowly walked, carefully listening to the noises. After leaning a bit, you saw Lando searching the fridge for something to eat.

"Oh my god" you said relieved it was him. "you scared me so much!" you said walking to him, hugging him from behind.

"I scared you- in my own place?"

"yeah as you were in a different country" you leaned onto the counter next to him. "how did it go?" you asked about the race. Yes you didn't watch it as you slept half a day. You were going to watch it as you woke up, before Lando gets back, but well, you definitely didn't have time for that apparently.

"not good" Lando said barely looking at you

"oh" he walked out of the kitchen "but where did you finish?"

"You didn't watch the race?" he asked, going to the living room to eat at the table

"Well, I wanted to, but as you can see I.. overslept" he stared at you, as he was judging you "and you came back before I could watch it, so might as well tell me directly" you sat in front of him

"Well I lost the championship and finished P6, behind Max at the race. Happy?"

"Why are you so mad at me? It's not my fault, I'm just trying to know what happened to support you"

"support me? You weren't even there for that"

"ugh, excuse me? Sorry for having a career of my own, which I might give up with everything happening at the same time"

"like you can't take at least one day to come watch the race"

"that's the only thing you got from what I just said?" you stood up "what the hell Lando? What happened for you to treat me like that? I've been working my ass off, trying to contain my panic attacks all alone because you also have a career and can't be by my side 24/7, you barely even answer my text, you don't call me, you don't even ask me how I am doing!" He just stared at you, not saying anything. "you know what? I think I was better alone" you said, leaving the room, heading to his bedroom to gather your stuff.

"Wait- where are you going?" he said following you, like he suddenly cared.

"I'm going to my parents for a while. I haven't seen them in 2 months between my work and the races. And you're leaving like in two days anyway so, might as well try to have a good time with people that actually care about me" And before he could say anything, you were out of his sight, driving to the nearest airport to fly to your parents (trying to avoid to cry and have many panic attacks on your way).

You knew Lando wouldn't fly to you for the next two weeks with the races getting all of his time. But he did harass you with texts, tried to call you, which you ignored. He also sent you flowers, many flowers, gifts with little cards, apologising and asking for you to answer his texts and calls. You did feel guilty, even if you made it clear that he neglected you, you felt bad for keeping it to yourself that long and just lashing onto him like that.

You watched the last two races of the year, a knot in your stomach. You felt like you made it worse by acting like that and ignoring him. Hell he could have an accident and not make it back and that would be the last thing you said to him? That is a very bad scenario but still. And at the same time, your pride was telling you to keep ignoring him, that you were right and that he was the one to come back to you (which he was actually trying to do).

Until the next Monday after the last race, when you heard a knock to your bedroom. Innocently thinking it was your mom, you told "her" to come in, only to be faced by Lando holding flowers in his hand. You were laying in bed, in your pyjamas at 3pm, scrolling on your phone.

"Lando? What are you doing here?" You said, sitting up.

"You didn't give me other choices" you nodded, admitting that it was true. "I'm sorry for being a bad boyfriend" he said, taking a step closer to you

"keep going" you said, crossing your arms

"I shouldn't have neglected you like that even if I get too busy at work. I know you always take time for me even though you're working too and I should do the same thing" he sat down at the edge of your bed

"hm hm" you nodded

"I know you didn't read my texts nor listened to my voice messages or voicemails, but I've been apologising for a thousand times and, I've been begging you not to breakup with me" you couldn't help but laugh

"I've listened to them" you admitted

"w-were they good?" you tilted your head "you know I'm not good for that type of stuff"

"You're getting there"

"So what are you saying? Are we good?" you leaned a bit closer to him

"No we're not good Lando. It's not a bunch of texts, calls and gifts that are going to make me forget what happened. Hell I told you I wanted to abandon my entire career and you didn't even react" he was about to say something but you cut him off "and I know it's been very tough for you too for the races, that's why I gave you the benefit of doubt when you were away, but- you were sitting in front of me Lando-"

"I know, I know" he sat right in front of you, holding your hands "we've been dating for a year and- honestly I don't know what happened. When I came back from São Paulo you were there for me, and thank god you were, but I think it's just, it went to my head and I was under so much pressure" you wanted to cut him off but he didn't let you "and I'm not making up excuses for what I did. I just don't want to lose you. I'm so sorry, I'll do anything for you not to leave me, just please, don't go. It won't happen again, I promise" you sighed

"I wasn't going to leave you Lando" you had a little smile. You could see it in his eyes. He was scared he really messed up to the point you were actually going to leave him for good. Maybe stepping away for a few weeks made him think, like for you.

"Really?" He seemed genuinely surprised

"Yes, but I needed some time, like you did too"

"yes. I'm so sorry. I love you so much. I won't do it again"

"You better not" you both laughed a little. "I love you too"

"Not as much as I do" and he immediately leaned in to kiss you. "Now I need to give those flowers to your mother because she helped me to get to talk to you" you gasped as he stood up

"of course she did" you laughed "and to think those flowers were for me? I'm offended" you joked

"Didn't you get enough with everything I sent you?" you tilted your head "too soon?" you both laughed

"yeah, too soon" he left the room. You got up and followed him down the stairs.

[sdmnpact]

hey! are you opened to requests?

if so. can you write something where harry keeps forgetting important events with reader (one of them being their anniversary). after being stood up again, y/n is done and leaves harry. y/n decides to leave the country in which harry has to grovel and find where she is. (harry once said he travelled boarders for a girl). no one is helping him do so because all of their friends like her and think he fucked yo big time.

Travel.

Wroetoshaw x Reader angst

A/n: There are going to be a lot of pov changes and time jumps. Sorry if it gets confusing but I still hope you enjoy!! This one is really long and personally I really like it ♡

~~~

《 Y/n's Pov 》

I sat there alone for the last hour. The patrons came and went while I sat there filling up on the free bread. I could feel the sorry expressions people had towards me. I could tell the wait staff needed to kick me out but they felt just as bad. They would come every now and then to check if I was ready to order.

It was quite evident that I was here to meet someone. Someone who would never arrive. Someone who couldn't even send me a message about what happened. About why they weren't here on all days.

I was just about ready to leave. I was embarrassed to say the least. A sad story about a girl who sat at a restaurant alone for an hour. It's ridiculous. It's not like I didn't try calling, he just wouldn't answer. Maybe something happened to him? Maybe he got busy. Either way, I was done waiting. I felt bad about just leaving like this after I waited for so long without ordering.

I only waited this long because I had hope he would arrive. Hope he would walked through those doors holding a bouquet and a story about why he was so late. It was foolish of me to think this way, after its happened so many times before. I should just be used to it at this point but a part of me is still just a lovesick fool.

>>>

I took an Uber back to our shared flat. Our shared flat. A place that was supposed to be comforting to me, but I did not want to be there. I wanted to go literally anywhere else.

I stood in front of the door, debating if I should go in or not. Maybe I can go to a friend's house? Even sleeping on a park bench would be better. I didn't want to see him. I didn't want to be in the same room as him.

I finally mustered up the courage to open the door. I heard a faint noise coming from inside as I unlocked it and opened it partially.

His shoes sat near the door, letting me know he was home. I walked inside and into the living room, seeing the TV lit up and Harry sat on the couch in his golf clothes.

"Hey baby." His words seemingly emotionless as he continued watching the television, not even turning to look at me. I didn't respond, I just went straight to our room.

I went to the closet and took out a suitcase, placing it open on the bed. I quickly began taking my stuff out of the closet and drawers. Not many things, just anything that I thought was important and a couple changes of clothes.

I heard footsteps and the door open more as I had partially closed it. "What are you doing?" He said with concern in his voice. I turned around to face him, tears that I hadn't realized I've been holding in finally being released upon laying eyes on him. "Baby, what's wrong?" He said coming closer trying to grab my hand. I coldly pulled it away.

"What's wrong? Harry do you know what day it is?" He didn't seem phased and just shook his head. "Wednesday?" He questioned, sounding unsure.

"You bastard." I said turning back around grabbing more things and quickly shoving them into my suitcase finally finishing and closing it.

"Seriously y/n, what's the matter?" He sounded genuinely upset like he was about to cry. "Why are you packing?"

"IT'S OUR ANNIVERSARY!" I finally shouted at him. "It's our anniversary. You know, it's only the day we met and fell in love, or so I thought." I said my voice breaking as I spoke those words.

"No it's not- I thought it was next week?" He said rushing over to the calendar that was sitting on the bedside table. I had clearly noted that it was our anniversary on there, drawing hearts all over that little square yet he didn't notice.

"Oh shit." He muttered under his breath.

"You do this all the time Harry. All the fucking time! You forget everything. How could you forget this! The most important day ever. I forgave you when you forgot my birthday, I forgave you when you forgot to pick me up from the airport, and I forgave you when you had to travel for a sidemen video and I went to my best friend's wedding alone but this! This is a new low, even for you." I finished storming out of the room with my luggage in hand.

"Baby please, I can change." Those meaningless words left his mouth as he rushed behind me grabbing my hand. "You've used that line already. What was even your excuse this time? You said you had a sidemen shoot and I understand that but why are you wearing your golf clothes!?" I said, hot tears streaming down my face as I pulled my hand away again.

"I went golfing with Simon and Josh afterwards." He said quietly. "Just great. I'm done now." I said opening the door and slamming it behind me. I walked down the hallway quickly.

"Y/N! Wait!" He said opening the door coming down after me. The lift opened and I got in quickly, closing the door and hitting the 1st floor button. I saw the tears streaming down his face right before the doors closed. I wiped at my own face, my makeup coming off all over my hands.

I got into the first taxi I saw. I think ill just go to a hotel for the night. I don't want to ask a friend because I don't want to burden them with this. I'll just figure it all out by myself.

>>>

I woke up the next day, my head banging and my face stiff as the tears hardened. I cried myself to sleep last night after checking into a hotel. I couldn't stop myself and just let the tears flow until I eventually fell asleep.

I reached over for my phone. I turned it on revealing the tons of messages and missed calls from Harry and a couple friends. I guess he called everyone he thought I would be with. I had about 59 missed calls and 72 text messages just from Harry. I wish he had put that much effort into our relationship.

I wasn't going to call him back, I was done. I've had enough. I've always been second, it was always the sidemen and his career first. Maybe he didn't have time for a relationship anymore. Those three years were just nothing. All that time we had spent together was for absolutely nothing. It's a good thing I know now.

Last night, as I lay there crying, I thought about what my future was. I thought we would spend the rest of our lives together. That's just how in love I am with him, well was.

Now that doesn't matter. Now I need to focus on myself. I don't want to live here anymore, I need to leave the uk scene. Maybe travel, explore the world. I have some savings that I was saving for our future but I guess this is my future. I've always wanted to see other countries. I've spent my whole life in the uk, I've only traveled twice with Harry to the Maldives and Dubai.

This is the start of my new life.

---

《 Harry's Pov 》

Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck.

How the fuck could I be SO stupid! How could I do this to her.

Harry: Mate, have you heard from Y/n?

I sent that text to about everyone I know. Where the hell is she? I've been up all night worrying about her. No one knows where she's at. Fuck.

Why am I like this? I just lost the greatest thing that ever happened to me.

There was a knock on my door. I ran over to check if it was Y/n. No. It was just Ethan and Josh.

"Hey boys." I said as I opened the door letting them in.

"Jesus, Harry you look horrible." Josh said as they sat on the couch. I walked over to a mirror. My eyes were bloodshot and there were dried tears all over my face.

"Well, I've been worried sick over this. Speaking of, did you hear from her or did your girls?" I said hoping she would have contacted one their girlfriends as she was pretty close with them, especially Freya.

"No, sorry mate." Ethan said as they both shook their heads. I ran my hands through my hair plopping onto the couch.

"Boys how could I have done this? How could this have happened?" I felt the tears beginning to fall again.

"Harry, I don't know if you can fix this, but if you do. You need to be better. You can never let this happen again." Josh said with a serious tone. "I know and if I get her back, I promise I'll treat her like the queen she is."

>>>>>

** three months later **

《 Y/n's Pov》

"Thats amazing! They are really such majestic creatures!" I said smiling at the tour guide. I was in Africa on a safari. The tour guide was talking about the elephants that were grazing nearby. They're so much larger up close. They could step on a human like we step on ants. Nature is just beautiful.

I had created an Instagram account where I post about my travels. I said I would never be a travel influencer but I couldnt help sharing my experiences. They are so eye opening and this massive world we live in is just incredible.

The elephants were the last stop on this safari and now it was time to go back to the hotel.

>

I made it back and plopped onto the bed looking through all my pictures. This is by far my favorite place I've been to. The last three months were insane! I went to France, Mexico and now Africa. I wouldn't trade these experiences for anything in the world. My life was going great.

There was a knock on the door. I didn't order room service or anything so I wonder who it is. I got up and opened the door. My face immediately fell and I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach.

"Y/n!?" Harry said, his voice shaking.

"How did you find me!?" I shrieked. I've tried to hide where I was, only sharing with very close friends. The account I made was anonymous so no one should have known it was me.

"It wasn't easy but I finally found your instagram. I knew it was you based on what you told me last year. You said you've always wanted to visit France, Mexico, and Africa. Your account was on your tagged pics and I knew based on the way you wrote that it was you." Damn it. I guess I accidentially tagged my personal instagram handle. I had a long flight that day and I was quite tired.

"Okay well, it was nice seeing you I guess but now you have to leave." I said trying to shut the door.

"Wait-" He said holding the door open. I sighed as I opened the door wider. I placed a hand on my hip waiting for his response.

"Y/n, I've been searching for you for months. I've missed you so much. I would have kept searching for you for the rest of my life if it's what it took to find you." He said. I rolled my eyes but felt my heart flutter. As annoyed as I was with his presence, deep down, I still have feelings for him.

"Can I come in so we can talk?" He said, his eyes pleading. I sighed a bigger sigh but let him in, not saying a word. I sat on the bed grabbing a donkey plushie I had bought in Mexico.

"Cute." He said smiling. "Yeah- so what do you have to say then?" I said wanting him to hurry up.

"Y/n, listen. I'm a stupid jerk who really doesn't deserve a second chance or to even be with a person as amazing as you. But, I can't let you go without a fight. I love you, I have always loved you. You were the missing piece in my life. Before we met, I was nothing. I might as well have not even existed but you came into my life as a light. A light that shined so brightly. All these years we've been together have been the best years of my entire life. I know I haven't been the best partner and I can't change the past but I can change the future. I promise you that I will be different. I will only breathe for you. You will be my entire life. Nothing else will matter. I'll even quit the sidemen if that's what it takes to not lose you. I seriously adore you so much and want to keep you in my life forever. Please, just consider it." He finished, tears streaming down his face.

I felt hot tears streaming down my face as well. I don't know about this. I don't want us to spiral back into this cycle but, I still love him. I don't know if I will ever love someone like I loved him. Can I go back to this life? I like my life now. Being able to go and do whatever I want at a moments notice is so freeing but being with the love of my life is also something I deserve.

"I don't know, I don't know if I can believe that for certain-"

"I know! I know. But please trust me, trust that I can change. If I don't then you can leave and I will never contact you again." His face looked desperate.

My mind doesn't know what I want to do, but my heart wants to say yes. I want him back but I don't know if I can handle heartbreak again.

"Come back tomorrow and I will tell you." I said unable to think about it while I look at him. He nodded, getting up. "I love you." He said as he left the room closing the door behind him.

This is gonna be a rough 24 hours.

>>>

** two weeks ago **

《 Harry's pov 》

"Please just tell me where she is!" I pleaded to just about everyone I knew.

Currently I was at her best friends house asking if she could let me know where Y/n was.

"She doesn't want to see you and I'm not gonna be the one to tell you where she is!" She said shutting the door in my face. My shoulders dropped as I went to the car. I sat in it contemplating what I should do next. Maybe I should just stop and hope she comes back home. Most of her stuff is still at our flat so she has to come back for it. Right?

I pulled out my phone and checked her Instagram. She hasn't posted anything on any of her socials. It's like she vanished into thin air. I looked through her tagged pictures to see if anyone spotted her.

I've had the best time in Mexico!! Stay tuned because I'm on the way to the third country on my most wanted places to visit list!! Africa!! 🤭💚

The pictures and the caption were on her tags as it tagged her on it. This is exactly what I needed. I quickly drove home and packed a backpack of essentials while I booked the first flight I could get to Africa.

---

** Present **

《 Y/n's Pov 》

It was the next day and I have been debating all night on what I should do. I've been going back and forth on my decision because I don't want to make the wrong one.

There was a knock on the door. It was time.

I walked over and opened the door. Harry was standing there holding a bouquet of flowers, my favorite flowers.

"Hey, can I come in?" He asked. I nodded as he handed me the flowers walking in. "These are for you." He smiled widely. I took them, taking a huge whiff. "Thank you."

We sat down on the little loveseat that was in the room. "So, have you made a decision yet? No pressure." He smiled looking at me with the cutest puppy eyes.

"Yes." Seeing him again was the confirmation I needed. "I'll come back- but you seriously have to work on yourself, I don't want to be second anymore. You don't have to quit the sidemen, I would never want that. I just want you to focus on me a bit more. I don't have to be your main priority but I need to be a priority." I smiled. Tears began to well up in my eyes, his as well.

"One hundred percent, my darling. You will be my main priority no matter what. I love you so much and I will do whatever it takes to have you happy and in my arms forever." He said taking a hold of my hand. I put my hand up to his face wiping away the tears. Both of us were crying to eachother but we were finally together again.

"I love you, y/f/n y/l/n."

"And I love you Harry Lewis."

>>>>>

** 1 year later **

《 Y/n's Pov 》

Harry and I were finally happy. After that situation, I came back to the uk with him, well after spending a week in Africa together because I still had a whole list of things I wanted to do.

He supported me through all of it, giving his full attention to me. Even now, I still run my travel account and travel to a new city every other month. Of course Harry joins me and sometimes he misses Sidemen shoots and I've told him he didn't have to but he insists.

He, in fact, did change. He gives me so much attention now, some would say too much. He loves traveling with me and supporting everything I do. I'm so grateful to have him in my life again.

"You ready, babe?" He said grabbing my bag. We were on our way to another city in another country. "Always." I smiled kissing his cheek. He smiled kissing my lips lightly. "I love you so much." He said grabbing my hand and rubbing circles into the back of it.

"And I love you."

[peaches-and-creamm]

LOVE LANGUAGES!

a/n: thanks 🎥 nonnie for requesting sm! means a lot! hope i do ur requests justice 🙂‍↕️

also i read throu this once and saw how much i did acts of service/gift giving LOL

and nonnie if you're seeing this i'll most likely do the other request you asked for!

featuring: Megumi, Nanami, Toji, Yuta, Toge, Yuji, Satoru, Suguru

warnings: breeding kink in suguru's, fem!reader in suguru's and gn!reader everywhere else!

MEGUMI'S love language would be 🥁🥁

quality time with a sprinkle of words of affirmation!

✎ it's no secret Megumi prefers the idea of "together alone", aka just sitting in the same room each of you doing different tasks or even just scrolling on your phones. (you don't even have to be near each other, honestly-)

✎ one of his favorite activities to do with you is when it's later at night and you're sitting nearby him while he just rambles on about random facts he finds interesting.

✎ the fact you'll just sit there, smiling at him like an idiot while you hold him close to you as you listen to every word he says- even asking him questions about whatever it is he's talking about makes him feel all fuzzy.

✎ at this point you know every little thing that's going on in his book he sometimes likes to read outloud to you, saying his theories or random things that happen to contradict themselves in whatever it is he's reading currently.

✎ a lot of the time he'll awkwardly just clear his throat and apologize for rambling, but each and every time you compliment him by saying you love his voice as he speaks about anything he's passionate about he thinks he falls harder for you(if that was even possible-)

NANAMI'S love language would be🥁🥁

acts of service/gift giving!

✎ Kento really appreciates coming home from a long day and being surprised by the fact the kitchen was clean when he was supposed to be the one doing it- or the smell of something cooking in the kitchen flooding his nose the second he opens the front door just, he just. he really likes it, ok?

✎ He knows he isn't able to be there for you a lot of the time (missions, teaching, ect.) so if you ever come home and he's somehow there before you you best believe there's some sort of little trinket on the table waiting for you.

✎ He's not one for pda all that much but you bet your ENTIRE ass that if he sees you after a long day he doesn't care where you two are because he is about to just hide in your arms while you rub at his back.

✎ And god forbid if he ever returns home and sees how excited you get to show him some random trinket you saw in the store- handing it to him and claiming it reminded you of him. He's literally teared up before over this- (don't call him out though he'll deny it-)

✎ Has an ENTIRE shelf just dedicated to random shit that you've gotten him, and if anyone even looked at it wrong he'd almost get offended (once again, don't call him out-)

TOJI'S love language would be 🥁🥁

acts of service and gift giving! (home made gifts bc bro BROKE!)

✎ ok so we know the dude's kinda a jackass but he does NOT skip out on just randomly giving you just absolutely HIDEOUS homemade gifts.

✎ like? how does he even MAKE them so ugly ?? isn't he good with his hands....??

✎ anywayyy, he'd probably kill anyone(like, actually kill them-) if they ever tried insulting the fact you gave him an ugly stuffed animal that you said reminded you of him

✎ like "why does a grown ass man have a stuffed animal of an ugly monkey...?" then boom, they just got punched in the face

✎ do NOT interrupt this dude when it comes to anything you need. he may be pretty 'cold hearted' but he strikes me as the kinda guy to just stand in front of you if you even slightly squinted from the sun.

✎ he'd get a fucking plank of wood if there was a puddle so you don't ruin those new shoes you've been so excited to get.

✎ so tldr; he'd grovel for you for SURE- and if anyone questions if he loves you they're going home with a black eye 🥰

YUTA'S love language would be 🥁🥁

words of affirmation/physical touch!

✎ ok let's be completely honest here- the dude's just everything starved. So when the two of you started dating (with A LOT of long months of convincing Rika to not obliterate your entire bloodline-),

✎ he was basically just all over you- though it did take a while for him to actually realize it was OK to want to touch you, that you actually liked it, that you weren't just pretending to enjoy it to spare his feelings or something.

✎ as much as he loves going out on dates with you (he'd spend all the money in the world just to see how your eyes sparkle whenever he buys you a new dessert you've been wanting to try-)

�� his ideal thing would just be the two of you- his head on your chest listening to your steady heartbeat as you caressed his hair- your nails scratching at his scalp every now and then.

✎ and there's been MANY times he's just started crying into your chest while you hold him- just because you remind him how much you love him, how proud of him you were- you would go on and on for hours if it's what he needed to hear.

TOGE'S love language would be 🥁🥁

words of affirmation!

✎ he just needs to know it's okay that he can't talk to you- that it's okay that at night when the two of you are alone holding each other close that it's enough that he's just there with you.

✎ toge loves whenever you compliment him- especially when it's about the marks on his face/tongue.

✎ the way you'll pull down the zipper of his uniform just to plant a kiss against each of his cheeks makes him melt.

✎ compliment him on literally everything please! he loves it so much and it means so much to him- like way more than you could imagine

✎ sometimes(ok, basically nightly-) he'll just be laying in bed, flushed face in his hands while he repeats the compliment you'd given him that particularly made him want to just get on one knee and propose on the spot

✎ I stg this guy is just a big baby- hold him and tell him it's ok and that's all he needs to make his day better tenfold.

YUJI'S love language would be 🥁🥁

physical touch!

✎ I feel like it's so obvious that if you spot him from the corner of your eye you better believe he's about to full sprint to you in excitement and squeeze the ever loving SHIT out of you

✎ he's a spinner for sure- picks you up, spins you around just to hear how you giggle before complaining about how he's making you dizzy

✎ there's rarely a moment where he doesn't just want to squeeze the hell out of your cheeks, and he just fuckn LOVES to squeeze both his and your cheeks together while he tightly hugs you.

✎ if you're in bed together his face is always buried in your shoulder, laying gentle kisses against your skin.

✎ if he isn't being gentle and loving with his kisses he just grabs you by your cheeks and just SMOTHERS your face with kisses.

✎ also he thinks it's really funny to steal some lipstick from either you or nobara just to run up to you and put a FAT kiss against your forehead- leaving a hard to get off mark lasting for hours

✎ he insists on using the waterproof ones because he thinks it's funny to see you walking around with a mark on your forehead because of him-

SATORU'S love language would be 🥁🥁

gift giving(as if that wasn't obvious enough- rich lil asshole)

✎ he does NOT care where you are, what you're doing- NADA

✎ he's runnin' up to you just to shove a shopping bag in your face and proudly putting his hands on his hips while he waits for you to open it.

✎ a few times you were too busy to open one of his gifts and he literally just opened it right in front of you and went "LOOK! LOOK, IT'S THAT BRACELET YOU WANTED- LOOKKK!" like a toddler trying to get his mom's attention.

✎ it always ends in a giggle and a "you need to stop buying these things, you're enough of a gift as is."

✎ he'll pretend to listen but at this point you know better than to believe he'll genuinely stop giving you random shit that reminded him of you.

✎ like what do you mean this ugly shirt that was WAYY too expensive that's also too big reminded him of you??

✎ what do you MEAN you had a mental breakdown because the shirt is a light color and you spilled wine on it and there was a stain that didn't want to come out-

✎ so tldr; DON'T LOOK AT SOMETHING IN THE WINDOW OF A SHOP. HE WILL BUY THE FUCKING STORE-

SUGURU'S love language would be 🥁🥁

words of affirmation/gift giving receiving-

✎ he's on his hands and knees for you- NOPE- don't care if he's supposed to be the leader of this wacky ass cult- you're the only person who's aloud to even remotely give him any sort of order to do somethin'

✎ he likes to give you gifts also, but barely to the extent of Satoru- he prefers handmade gifts over anything store bought. But that's just because he's used to everyone buying him whatever he wishes.

✎ so it's a really nice change of pace whenever you bring him a new origami animal you've been trying to master.

✎ he even has a little table by where he sits up on the little stage, your little art projects resting on them as "beautiful decorations done by my lover."

✎ ^ that's what he says anytime someone asks them about it. he'll happily ramble about how excited you were to gift him each one.

✎ he's addicted to praise, it's actually kinda crazy at this point-

✎ you made a breakfast a small child could've made? he's kissing the ground you walk on for blessing him with a meal in the morning-

✎ plus- if you ever do anything for the girls just know he's about to give you an amazing gift- that gift being his cock while he overly praises your motherly actions.

✎ maybe he'll make you an actual mother just to see how much your loving actions change..

M.LIST!

[zappedbyzabka]

Some of my general thoughts on CK season 6 part 3

Ralph and Billy's tearful scenes with 'Miyagi' and Kreese were phenomenal. They're such great actors 10/10.

I have a lot to say about Johnny's scene with Kreese but just to keep things short, I'll talk about that another time. But wow wow wow. Dominique Swain applauds.

Daniel's nonstop anxiety about his family getting hurt :/ least he had fun getting tipsy with his wife. Amanda looked gorgeous with that new hair (though she always does.) He really tapped into offense side this season. Looove how he knew exactly what to say to make Silver blank-face and leave lmao.

I'm SOOOO never getting over 'You're alright, Lawrence!' and lawrusso recreating the nose swipe scene with Daniel acting as Kreese for Johnny to inspire him. Johnny was MUCH enjoying that.

Daniel basically buying Johnny his building back?😭 AGHHHH. 'I believe in you'....

Tory being dressed in the same gi as young Johnny, and Robby being dressed in the Miyagi Do gi with a hurt leg—paralleling Daniel—in combination with those scenes being where they get back together makes me insane. Like, lawrusso in another universe.

I feel Robby could have gotten a more smoothed out and rewarding end but at the same time, I'm glad he's happy and taken care of now. Angel.

Sam and Tory's scenes together were so heartwarming. Especially the scene of Tory getting emotional over the LaRusso's kindness and generosity to her. Finally getting some one on one with Daniel and Johnny.

When Sam brought up having something to tell Daniel but being worried he'd be disappointed in her, my mind instantly went to a coming out scene tbh.

The montage of binary boyfriends and samtory as Bobby's reading the vows? What are you trying to say???

Bobby and Johnny meeting up again <333 Bobby still gives him that special 'I would actually do for you' stare (whether platonic or not) and I squeal about it. I love that Ron got some time to shine<333 I thought Jimmy would appear, but he sadly did not.

I also thought Anoush was gay but I was obviously mistaken since he was kissing Ralph's daughter (Julia's performance was hilarious.)

Silver speeding away with Johnny in that car was crazyyy. Billy had yet another Scott (not the werewolf) Mccall moment except he didn't get locked in a tower this time. You would've thought the employees would have seen Silver in the papers months ago and called the cops.

His envy over Daniel and Johnny having things to live for and people that actually love them was sad—especially with him being ill. If you think about it, Kreese was all he had besides the money, and when he didn't have Kreese the only way he had anyone around him was pretending to be someone else.

His jealousy over Kreese's love for Johnny really shined through as well with that 'I don't know why you messed up what I was doing with Kreese' (paraphrasing) and the way he called Kreese pathetic for groveling to Johnny no matter how many times he rejected him. Silver felt that he himself was pathetic for having always crawled back to Kreese no matter the rejection he faced.

Also the fucking grenade boat explosion scene??? INSANE???? Literally died in each other's arms. I know many people have problems with it but I don't see what else they really could have done for the two villains with endless crimes (which I love about them alright) that wouldn't be worse.

Think about how Silver probably thought he'd die alone, but didn't. When I realized Kreese was set on offing himself and taking Silver with him the whole time, and that was the reason he spent most of his scenes apologizing to the last few people he loved...

Would like to know more about what happened to Wolf. His bitchiness almost rivaled Johnny's, and damn did he eat up every scene he was in. Just a great character.

Johnny with the tailor? There's my prissy brat.

Considering everything wrong with the baby plot, I at least liked how they did end up choosing to show it. Johnny going full girl dad and being so sweet and coddling to the baby + Miguel and Robby made my heart SOAR. He's always been tender with them but the writers never really did let him to just relax and love. He deserves to be happy, like every imperfect victim irl and in fiction who gets bashed for not meeting people's standards does.

Carmen is a baddie. Just chilling truly

[cardcaptorsakura96]

Taxes, Taxes, Taxes-Chapter 1

Summary: What if superheroes had to pay a property damage tax every time they had a fight in the city?

Kara is seated at a cubicle in her Supergirl costume staring at a typical pencil pusher hurriedly typing in the numbers. She looked around and saw Clark sitting in another cubicle behind her. He turned around and wave. 

“Let me know if you need any help!” 

Kara winced, hurriedly turned back around, and slouched in her chair. She looked back at the desk and saw the paper that brought her here. She was being charged $10,000 in property damage to the city while as Supergirl. Clark got the same paper, but he only has to pay $5. Her eyes started glowing red in rage while she gripped the chair. She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths.

 “I hate being jealous, but it isn’t fair! I was supposed to be his defender, not the other way around. I even had military training before coming to Earth, but Clark makes everything here seem so effortless. It just makes me feel….irrelevant.”

It was a sobering thought that had been haunting Kara each day. If she couldn’t serve her purpose, what was she going to do? She was nearly drowning in her sorrows and self-hatred when she felt the office lady’s hand on her arm. She looked up at the lady and saw she had a cheerful disposition. Kara forced the smile back into her eyes and lips. 

“I am sorry that I drifted off there….um Connie. Isn’t that your name?”

“Oh, you remember my name!”

Connie’s smile looked so genuine. Kara would have found it cute if this pencil pusher wasn’t about to clear her out of cash. She forced her smile even brighter hoping to charm the pants off this lady to lower the cost down.

“Yes. I try to be good with names as I can. Were you able to find anything that can bring the cost of the bill down?”

Connie’s smile grew dimmer. 

“Shit!”

“Well, we can’t lower the cost…”

“Even though this is my first time?” said Kara with a pout on her face. 

She wasn’t above groveling. She didn’t have this type of money, and she will be damned if she had to beg Clark for help.

“I know this seems very steep, but when villains and superheroes fight in the city, it causes a lot of property damage. The tax was created to help discourage these types of situations.”

“Even when we are saving the city?”

“If there was no way to get the villain out of the city, there would be little to no charge.”

“Which is what happened in my case.”

Connie’s face fell a little and started twisting her hands.

“Well, not exactly. While fighting Livewire, you took out several buildings before taking her down.”

“Yes, I remember.”

“Property could have been saved if you had utilized the fire hydrant and open pool in the area to stop Livewire due to her water vulnerability instead of using brute force.”

Kara slid further in her seat and sighed.

“I could have been more careful, but I was just in a hurry to prove I could do things faster than Clark.”

Kara looked back and saw that Clark had finished his payment and left. She looked back to Connie solemnly and asked, “What can I do now? Is there some type of payment plan I can do since I don’t have that type of money on me?”

Connie smiled a bit and said, “There are tons of options. We have a variety of payment plans, or we have different volunteer opportunities that you can choose to work off the payment.”

Connie passed her the book of all their volunteer opportunities and perused it for a minute. She was bored until one entry caught her attention and brought a smirk to her face. 

“I choose this one.”

Kara watched Connie’s face changed at her choice from a smile to a frown instantly. 

“Umm, are you sure you want to do this type of work.”

Kara smiled, and said, “Why wouldn’t I want to bring smiles to sick kids in a Children’s Hospital?”

“But…um… it is run by Lena…”

“Luthor. Oh, I am aware. I believe in judging people for their merit and not by association.”

“Okay, if you’re sure.”

“Oh, I am sure.”

“Me working for the sister of Clark’s greatest enemy. This will so get under his skin.”

Kara laughed wickedly as Connie eyes her warily while signing her up for the volunteer gig. 

[systemadministratorclu]

I don't even know what's going on here, but this has been living in my head so I'm making it the internet's (you all's) problem: Atlantis as that one song from Wicked.

This song:

Scene 1: The Museum Lobby/Outside the Museum (implied to be the Smithsonian)

HARCOURT: Milo, why couldn't you have stayed calm and taken "no"? Instead of flying off the handle!

BOARD MEMBER 1: I hope you're happy BOARD MEMBER 2: I hope you're happy now BOARD MEMBER 3: I hope you're happy how you've hurt your cause forever BOARD MEMBER 4: I hope you think you're clever

MILO: I hope you're happy I hope you're happy, too I hope you're proud how you would grovel in submission To feed your own ambitions MILO, HARCOURT (WITH BOARD MEMBERS): So though I can't imagine how I hope you're happy right now

HARCOURT: Milo, listen to me, you've got a lot of potential You can still make some big discovery! What you've worked and waited for You can have all you ever wanted (MILO: I know) MILO: But I don't want it No, I can't want it anymore

MILO: Something has changed within me Something is not the same I'm through with playing by the rules of someone else's game Too late for second-guessing Too late to go back to sleep It's time to trust my instincts Close my eyes and leap

It's time to try defying gravity I think I'll try defying gravity And you can't pull me down

HARCOURT: Can't we make you understand You're having delusions of grandeur?

MILO: I'm through accepting limits 'Cause someone says they're so Some things I cannot change But 'til I try, I'll never know Too long I've been afraid of Losing love I guess I've lost (gestures to the museum, HARCOURT and the BOARD MEMBERS) Well, if that's love, it comes at much too high a cost

MILO: (getting into a car, which will take him to Whitmore, he hangs out th window waving as the car pulls away) I'd sooner buy defying gravity Kiss me goodbye, I'm defying gravity And you can't pull me down!

Scene 2: The Pool After the Swim, ROURKE trying to talk MILO into joining him to take the Crystal

ROURKE: Milo, come with me Think of what we could do, together

Unlimited Together, we're unlimited Together we'll be the greatest team there's ever been Milo, dreams the way we planned 'em MILO: If we work in tandem MILO AND ROURKE: There's no fight we cannot win

Just you and I, defying gravity With you and I defying gravity ROURKE: They'll never bring us down

ROURKE: Well, are you coming?

Scene 3: The Bridge as the crew prepares to leave with the Crystal

MILO: (addressing the whole crew)I hope you're happy Now that you're choosing this (ROURKE: you, too) MILO: (still addressing the crew, ignoring ROURKE) I hope it brings you bliss I really hope you get it And you don't live to regret it I hope you're happy in the end I hope you're happy my friends

Scene 4: MILO preparing to follow ROURKE and return the Crystal

MILO: So if you care to find me Look to the western sky As someone told me lately "Everyone deserves the chance to fly" MILO: (getting on Atlantean flying machine) And if I'm flying solo At least I'm flying free To those who ground me Take a message back from me

MILO: (taking off in his fish vehicle, seeming to not notice others joining him. Scene transfers to dormant volcano where fighting eventually breaks out) Tell them how I am defying gravity I'm flying high, defying gravity ROURKE: (boarding the balloon as it starts to ascend) And soon, I'll match them in renown And nobody in all the world No power that there is or was Is ever gonna bring me down

MILO: (fighting with ROURKE) I hope you're happy (CREW AND ATLANTEANS: Look at him! He's wicked, get him!) ROURKE: (preparing to end MILO) Bring me down! (CREW AND ATLANTEANS: (as MILO slashes ROURKE with the shard) No one mourns the wicked! So we've got to bring him) ROURKE: (as he starts to crystallize) Oh! (CREW AND ATLANTEANS: (as ROURKE dies) Down!)

-----------‐--------

Yeah, don't ask. I have thought way too much about other versions of this even, including one centered on my AU Rourke that includes him defecting and joining the good side starting in Scene 2, with Rourke taking over Milo's lines and Helga taking over Rourke's for the rest of the song.

If you read this whole thing you are amazing. I'm afraid I have no reward for you because I honestly did not expect anyone to read all this. nonsense. So thank you, thank you, thank you!

[asherlockstudy]

Thank you so much for the reply! :) When you mentioned the moment where Rhett said 'that's his new motto 'I'm not contributing'', I remembered how it sounded like when a couple are at odds about something and they can't help making jabs in public at opportune moments, and people around them are just left feeling awkward ^^; I also think you are right and you are onto something serious about Link and GMM… And I have to say that it's true, then Rhett/crew really dug their own graves on that one, because if Link wants to quit, it's not just because the show doesn't fulfill him artistically, it's also because it doesn't fulfill him emotionally, since he is always the butt of the joke, the loser, and so on. A lot of it falls on to him and his personal issues/communication, but some of it also falls on to the fact that Rhett enables it (to make himself look better by comparison) and on to the crew, because they don't have proper boundaries with them. Sometimes I bulk at the subtle yet palpable ostracization of Link during some episodes, and how he basically feels like he either has to disproportionately apologize to a grovelling degree, or double down and behaves even worse. So it's not that farfetched to think that he might want to remove himself at some point. In recent years, they've also created a lot of other channels, and ventures, so I think besides expanding their business these are also seeds they planted that could maybe one day grow to replace GMM, or to make it possible that they could at least slow down their involvement with it. But I truly believe that if Link was honestly having a good time and felt he was in an environment where people truly respected and appreciated him (which I don't really get from the crew) he'd weather the mundane and the boredom. If he expressed any thoughts of eventually dipping out, Rhett would probably be terrified, not just because of the financial implications, but because I think he is insecure without Link, despite being a bit complicit imo in painting Link as the lesser one, and egging the crew on. But even without their regular presence on GMM, they would continue to do well, given how many pies they have their fingers in, but that's not the same for Stevie, so maybe that's why she is taking it more personally, and at this point R&L are like guest stars in the main show, other people write, plan, and develop the episodes, they are just presenters, so as a producer maybe she feels extra responsible. I also agree with you that it sounds like Link wants to get on an RV and see the world, haha! I could totally picture him do that, and maybe he will do something similar after their youngest kid goes to university... Despite their fame and life in LA, I think they both lived relatively sheltered lives until they exploded on YT, not to mention that they got married and had kids very young, so they had to be responsible early on, and so I could see Link wanting to travel, meet new people, party, and just relive his youth (which is probably an expected midlife compulsion as well). Sometimes I think Link is disappointed by Rhett exactly because he used to idolize him so much, but then Rhett backed down from something pivotal (and I'm right there with you on what that was during the tandem jump era...) and it hurt Link. Rhett is also probably hurt, because Link doesn't always think things through, and doesn't understand that not everyone jumps without thinking and calculating, and he probably feels misunderstood as well. It's the case when two people love each other but ultimately want two different things, so either someone concedes but feels miserable, or he doesn't concede so they have to go on separately. I saw some scenes of this year's GME, and that moment on the couch made me think that Link in his heart of hearts hasn't given up hope, but something tells me that Rhett has decided to let the momentum of the last few years pass them and fizz out and is happy to only revisit it in fiction, like their scripted content...

100% to all of that

I am still owing that GME post... You know, when I rant I don't like GME... I mean it hehe. So I will have to push myself a little to examine some data......... more thoroughly before commenting on that part.

A tiny little moment in the latest EB caught my attention. During their irrelevant answer to a random EB question submission, Link said something like: "We have a mantra here, it's a new mantra but it's good. It's 'Don't talk about it'". You bet I found this curious, it could be the mantra smoothening their recent fights. Like, let's not talk about it because it always makes us fight, let's pretend the problem does not exist. IDK

On the other hand, about the GMM atmosphere, I got the impression (and that's over a very little number of the most recent GMM episodes) that Link seems to try to regain his place in the show. He does not try to sabotage himself that hard and Rhett and the crew both seemed more okay in the last episodes. Perhaps they got the cue from the comments that are lately siding with him and Link felt supported? Time will tell because I noticed that only in very few episodes yet.

[artful-aries]

Genshin Headcanons: How They Apologize (Itto, Albedo, Jean)

​​

​​Itto:

​​Depending on what you fought about, at first, he would be too proud to apologize

​​The One and Oni Arataki Itto, being wrong? Fat chance

​​Yet as you give him the cold shoulder, he grows increasingly pouty. Why aren’t you talking to him and giving him kisses? Don’t you love him anymore? He begins to grow almost insecure the longer you draw out the punishment

​​It doesn’t take long of being ignored till his resolve is crumbling to dust. Depending on how mad you are, Itto might be extra and even get down on his knees as he apologizes to you

​​“(Y/N), my babe, my doll, my honey, my numero two, please don’t be mad at me anymore! I won’t do it again, Oni’s honor! Just please, please stop ignoring me babe. I miss being in your arms, and kissing you.”

​​If you don’t have the patience to ignore him for a while, or his groveling for your affection isn’t enough, you can always talk to Shinobu

​​Within the hour, she will have him whipped into shape with a written apology that he will read out in front of you

​​It would be a nice apology that addresses the issue nicely thanks to Shinobu’s advice. It’s just hard to ignore the giant whelp that Itto seems to have on the back of his head after spending an hour under Shinobu’s strict gaze

​​He will be super grateful that you’ve forgiven him, vowing to never make the same mistake again

​​Itto does surprisingly well about not repeating past offenses, the problem is that he seems to always come up with new ones

​​

​​Albedo:

​​Arguments with him are rare and mostly one sided. It’s not that he doesn’t care, it’s just that he’s usually confused about why you are mad

​​It takes him a while to get around to apologizing to you

​​Albedo not only wants to make sure you have had plenty of time to cool off, but he also wants to make sure that he prepares an articulate apology for you

​​Given that he tries to plan out his apology, it comes out as a bit stiff and script like, but the small furrow of his brows and the concern in his eyes shows that he really does care about your feelings

​​He’s more than happy to talk about your feelings; why you got mad, where things went wrong, and how to not make the same mistakes in the future

Albedo will handle the situation in a very mature way, and make sure that you don’t confuse his stoicism for lack of feeling. He cares very much about what you think, he just has a hard time showing it

​​He’s very keen on making sure there is healthy communication between you two. Albedo isn’t dumb, he knows he can be a bit cold and aloof externally, and communication is the tool he uses to try and combat potential misunderstandings

​​When you have forgiven him, he will give you a tender kiss to your forehead, a wordless promise that he will try to do better for you in the future.

​​

​​Jean:

​​She usually feels a lot of guilt before the argument is even over

​​When it’s possible, she will find a way to interrupt your ranting to apologize, and ask you to calmly talk about the issue with her

​​If you storm out before she gets to apologize, she’s actually very internally distraught, barely able to concentrate on her work with the Knights

​​As soon as the opportunity arises, she’s giving you a bouquet of dandelions to apologize

​​Jean will explain that she knows what upset you and why, and that she feels terrible about it

​​She doesn’t want you to think that just because she’s busy that she doesn’t think about the best way to resolve problems with you

​​Her job is super stressful and she isn’t perfect, but she appreciates your understanding

​​With her apology, you almost completely forget what you were even mad about to begin with; her apology is just that sincere and heartfelt. How could you stay mad at her?

​​Even after she’s forgiven, she will still feel a little awkward and guilty about the argument until you give her a kiss for reassurance; whether it’s on her forehead, cheek, lips, or hands, you’ll have her blushing like a schoolgirl and forgetting what she was torn up about

[clairedaring]

zhou xiang my dear boi, my love, my pookie... sighs... i think one of the reasons why zhou xiang was such a compelling characters is because of his earnestness and down-to-earth personality that distinguish himself from other 188 novels' mcs.

i remember reading a post about how zhou xiang is beautiful but the kind of beauty that makes one wants to protect but at the same time ravage ╮⁠(⁠.⁠ ⁠❛⁠ ⁠ᴗ⁠ ⁠❛⁠.⁠)⁠╭ and i honestly kind of agree. when other 188 mcs get hurt i just get mad and kinda want to stop reading whereas while reading pbd, i was overtaken by a kind of sadistic mindset, wanting to watch zhou xiang persevere and grovel in pain facing all his misfortunes.

different from all the 188 mcs, even when zhou xiang ends up in dubious consent sex with ming xiu he doesn't really fight back or at least throw a verbal insult at ming xiu. zhou xiang just resigns and in those times i just wanna give him the biggest hug. zhou xiang is just going through it and whereas 188 mcs often bit back especially when scum mls do the chasing, zhou xiang doesn't do that, he politely rejects ming xiu and just calmly tell ming xiu that they're over and to let him go.

tbh one might even say zhou xiang is kind of a doormat because yes at the beginning of the novel, he often lets people step on him (re: wang yu dong) but i kinda like that a lot in him. but it's not like zhou xiang doesn't have the ability to fight back, it's rather because he has such a soft heart and he's weak to see others in pain so he is just the type to take on the pain for others (⁠っ⁠˘̩⁠╭⁠╮⁠˘̩⁠)⁠っ

i've always felt like there's kind of a well of sadness behind zhou xiang's eyes as i was reading the novel so when we got news of poom phuripan as joe, i knew he was the perfect actor to play zhou xiang. if there's ANYONE with the terribly sad eyes, it's him.

[survivalove]

Kinda random, but what made me really start shipping Kataang was how determined Aang was to get Katara's necklace back from Zuko, especially when we know how important said necklace is for her both as part of her family and part of her culture. And the thing is, Aang is always doing nice things for Katara without expecting any reward, like offering to fly her to the North Pole and refusing to train under sexist Pakku. Things that made me go from "this is a cute ship with good development" to "this is my OTP."💙🧡

So true, anon that’s a great scene!! Hmm I don’t know what made me ship it cuz I was 5 when I watched it for the first time so I really didn’t care about ships. But as I got older I started watching the show for Katara and she kept touching him and asking him how she looked dhdjfj it was beyond obvious TO ME (bass amplified).

That and every time she cried over him. It just felt really intense I’d be like why are you crying queen 😫😫😫 she’s so extra I can’t.

But I think a singular scene that really made me ship them was in The Serpent’s Pass when he said she made him believe in hope and she cried. When I think about it, Aang’s opinion seems to mean a lot to Katara and I think he notices that and makes sure to praise her so she won’t doubt herself. I liked seeing the fmc be praised and loved by the boy she liked without having to grovel and look pathetic, you know?

That reminds me of a meta I read the other day about how Sokka (yes I have to mention sokka or katara when I talk about the other 🤪) doesn’t really take compliments and I think Katara is also like that in a less extreme way.

Like when she tried to discredit herself when she revived him with the spirit water and Aang was like hello you literally saved my life??? dhdjdj I don’t care what delusional fanon shippers have to say, Aang compliments and appreciates Katara more than anyone, and that’s my fave part of their dynamic.

Anyways yes I agree with you. Aang always does what Katara wants simply because he wants to and she wants to. They don’t really force the other to agree with them either, even tho they both clearly care a lot for each other’s opinions. I think the show does a great job of setting the foundation for their romantic relationship this way through all these platonic moments.

Back to my fave scene in the Serpent’s Pass, I especially like how that scene shows Aang letting go of one of his beliefs for Katara which is linked to bigger moment of him refusing to let go of her to master the avatar state in the Guru, and eventually finding a whole new way to end the war while still staying true to himself. I don’t wanna say Aang and Katara getting together is integral to his arc or her arc, but I do think they link it in this way on purpose, and it’s why a lot of people that claim “Aang never changed” often don’t ship Kataang and the same for people that hate Katara and call her annoying then say they didn’t understand the ship. Like clearly my guy.

Anyway, to sum up this ramble 🤭 this is why I love the Serpent’s Pass scene and think it’s very underrated among kataang fans. I’m curious to know what kataang scene made oomfs ship too? I loved this ask and thank you for sharing that with me anon xx

[ke1ng3hirn]

𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐏𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐲 ♥︎

Service top Denji x (afab) Power bottom reader

MDNI! NSFW BELOW CUT!

Character: (aged up) Denji

Scenario: he’s been waiting all week, so pent up he’ll even beg…

Stuff involved: slight petplay, you for reader, begging, penetration

*･゜ﾟ･*:.｡..｡.:*･'*'･*:.｡. .｡.:*･゜ﾟ･*

It was hard, being Denji, in more ways than one. Turns out having a fucking gorgeous partner meant his already high libido was spiking almost constantly. It wasn’t his fault though, that your cunt was always so warm, so perfect, and your body was absolutely delectable, and it most definitely was not Denji’s fault that whenever you even looked at him it made his cock jump a little, most definitely lot.

But that’s why it was so hard being Denji. Normally you were more than willing to bend over, part your panties, and ride him until he felt like nothing but a fucked out ‘good puppy’, you were always so kind to him, so rewarding, but also strict. You had got a call from Aki, complaining to how your perfect little puppy was feral and needed to be trained, so you had prevented him from fucking you until he learnt to behave.

It had been almost 2 months since Denji had fucked you and god did it hurt. No matter how much he tried to bribe you with gifts and puppy dog eyes, Aki was on speed dial and he refused to do what the stubborn “pineapple” said. But Denji was desperate.

That was why one day when you came home from work late, you opened the door to Denji on his knees, nothing but a grovelling mess, begging for just a little release, and who were you to resist the sight before you?

Denji ecstatically dragged you to your bedroom, waiting patiently for you to command him. Giggling, you started undressing, leaving all but your panties and bra, and gesturing for Denji to do the same. The resulting “good boy” that was given to him send shivers down his spine, and made his cock throb.

“Kneel” you said, and Denji instantly knew what to do, crawling all hands and knees until his face was right by your damp pussy, and he immediately began licking and sucking all your favourite spots as soon as you tugged the plain underwear off, your small moans spurring him on. You felt yourself getting close, and then gently tugged Denji away, giving a sweet kiss to the pouting face of the boy beneath you, before gesturing to the bed with a list filled smirk. At your silent command, Denji leapt onto the bed, spreading himself out just like a toy ready to be used, so you did. As you rode Denji, the bouncing breasts in his face and warm, perfect heat he had missed for way too long, made him into a nonsensical, whining mess, blubbering at how perfect it was, how much he missed this, that he’d always be your good puppy just please please please don’t stop. Your highs kept drawing closer with every thrust, until you both came in unison, your fucked out puppy going limp as he fell asleep immediately with a satisfied and blissful smile.

A/N: two things, firstly this is my first time writing smut so constructive criticism is much appreciated, and also sorry if there are errors/weird formatting shit I did this all on mobile, thanks!