#I don't even want a vehicle in any form and yet still this hurts me

[dragonner0]

"My PS1 car render can go off-road, as long as I stay on the designated, flattened paths throughout the hilly countryside. It's flawless!"

Also if all the rust stuff is true than that person can now patent a camo pattern for mars, jesus christ.

[skiyoosmi]

post-break up heartaches

verse 1. in the car that used to drive us to our home

⤷ kuroo tetsurou, oikawa tooru — more characters coming soon

⤷ verse 2 | verse 3

⤷ play. never let me go by ghostly kisses, forget about us by clinton kane

commissions: open

⇢ KUROO sighs for the umpteenth time of the day. he was so fucking exhausted and his body's about to give in to sleep any moment now. work has been beating his ass; there was this newbie who kept on messing up the documents needed by the board and for the whole day, he had to be the one to fix said issues. it's not like he wasn't paid enough for that; if anything, his paycheck was one of the most beautiful things he laid his eyes on— but god, even his body has its own limits and yet...

"ya.... yer not supposed to do this anymore. y-ya left me, remember?" you slurred, index finger pointing right at his chest as he circled his arms around your waist, huffing as you practically dropped all your weight on him. here he was, suddenly given the task of having to take you home after your supposed-to-be designated driver, miya fucking atsumu, also drank his brains out with you.

"be patient. still heartbroken because of you, y'know?" kenma softly tells him despite the tipsy feeling lurking in the back of his mind, shaking his head as he looked at you, whose system finally shut down and were now dozing off in the black haired man's arms.

"..... still?" he mumbles, looking down at your figure and he feels his heart contract with pain all over again.

"you can't expect her to be fine immediately, kuroo. it was your wedding day, supposed to be the greatest day of her life and yet it became the worst one... you left her at the altar alone."

he didn't reply anything— or rather, he was unable to. because what can he say to refute the truth? nothing. instead, he proceeded to his car with you still in his hold. he places you on the passenger seat, locking the seatbelts before jogging to the driver's side.

the car ride was calm as you slept soundly with your head occasionally hitting the window lightly as it swayed from side to side. he was sure as hell that if you were sober right now, you wouldn't even have the thought of seeing him cross your mind. he just knows for sure that you despise him with your whole being... at least, that's what he thought until...

"i'm sorry, tetsu. please come back," you whimper in your seat, voice quiet but he heard it nonetheless, "tell me what i did wrong so i can fix it."

the pitiful sounds and mumbles you made struck kuroo right in the heart and which makes him pull over an empty but safe road, just a block away from your (previously shared) apartment. looking over your form, he finds himself reaching out to touch your face, caressing your cheeks as drops of tears fell down slowly on them, "you didn't do anything wrong. you were fine. you were so perfect."

you squint your eyes at him, probably wondering if this was real or just a part of your drunken imagination. nonetheless, you hiccuped, "y-you... you left me and i... i still can't even bring myself to hate you... i just wanna ask you why? i just want to understand."

he thought he also knew the reason why but every single time he thinks about it, he's only led to one conclusion: because he was a coward. no way was this any of your fault— it's definitely not your fault that right at that moment, as he stared at the mirror, wearing the black suit you chose for him, the sudden fear of commitment loomed over him. it's not like it was your fault he suddenly got scared of losing you the way his parents lost each other. but now he thinks it's ironic, because he lost you anyway.

maybe... just maybe, if he had just met you where you stood at the altar, instead of leaving you alone in it, maybe he would've been happier. maybe his days would've started more with a smile from you as you helped him fix his necktie before going to work. maybe, the working hours he spends in the shitty corporate world would've been more worth it if it meant he can come home to you at the end of the day. maybe... maybe he wouldn't have to be stuck with this lump in his throat as he wonders what could've been happening if he just chose to show up and vowed his life to you.

but he didn't.

"i realized i wasn't just ready to tie my life with anyone yet. that's all there is to it, yn."

so with a heavy feeling stuck in his chest and a quiet promise to never see you again for the sake of not hurting you further, he starts the car's engine again, ignoring the words you replied but he was sure they will haunt him for a very long time... again.

i can wait for you no matter how long it takes, tetsu, you know that.

⇢ OIKAWA gives you what seems like a guilty smile as he stands in front of you, opening his arms and gesturing you to come closer. but the stoic expression on your face takes him back to the reality that the last thing you wanted to do today was to actually fetch him from the airport. it just so happens that his three best friends were caught up with work that they had no choice but to send you, the main ex-bestfriend slash ex-girlfriend, to him.

why did you agree when you practically loathe him with your whole being? well, it was probably because you weren't the devil who would reject your friends when they were literally on their knees as they begged you and for some reason, you thought he'll look pitiful going back to his home country after five years with no one to welcome him. yeah, that's it. it's not like you're still in love with him or anything.

"my car's just around the corner," you begrudgingly walk towards the car park with him quietly following. at the moment, he knew better than to get on your nerves or else there would be war. he hates that this happened to the both of you but he can't blame anyone else but himself. because who wouldn't hate their ex-boyfriend if they suddenly broke up with them over a phone call?

tension filled the car as you both sat beside each other. perhaps, this was what other people were talking about when they say that it's impossible for exes to be friends again, to not feel any awkwardness because you were sure as hell that the word "awkward" was an understatement of your situation right now. nevertheless, your eyes couldn't help but wander to his figure as he adjusted his body, opting for a more comfortable position in the passenger's seat.

he looked more youthful and you felt bittersweet— proud that his whole aura screams of "success" which meant that gone were the days where he longed to get that winter cup trophy, nor the times when he overworked himself and put a strain on his knee which led to countless arguments with you. if anything, he looked happier and it sucks because you're not even close to feeling that way... not without him.

"i heard you've finally gotten yourself your own condominium? that's great, yn!" he exclaimed as soon as you began driving to your destination, a hope lit within him that maybe you might just respond to him. just one smile, that's all i need, he thinks.

but you remain focused on your driving, choosing to reply with a single nod and a soft "yeah..."

disappointment fills his heart as he faces the truth that your relationship has really been ruined, along with your friendship. all because he was foolish to think that he couldn't handle the physical distance between you two. realization dawns upon him that he just made that same distance worse as you pull your heart further away from him.

"... i actually bought it for the two of us, you know?" he whips his head to your direction in surprise, heart clenching as he watch you let out a sad chuckle, "i just... i thought it would be nice if we had a place to permanently stay at and for you to have a home to go to when you're at japan. but yeah... i guess things doesn't go our way sometimes, does it?"

"i'm sor—"

"it's okay. i'm fine now," you quickly reply, shaking your head but keeping your eyes on the road. he tries to ignore the tears that start to form in them because he has no right to stop them, knowing full well that he was the one who caused them in the first place.

as if on cue, you halt your vehicle in front of a familiar apartment and much to your dismay, you find yourself looking back in the past when you used to live in that same place, making wonderful memories with the chocolate haired lad with you. you clear your throat to stop the sob that desperately attempts to escape your throat, "uhm... we're here."

"oh, yeah. we're here," he numbly states, already missing you despite the mere inches of space separating the two of you. you just felt so far away and he hates it. but this was the path he chose so he gets out of your car along with his things, turning to you once more, "uhh... thanks for the ride, yn. i know you probably hate me but yeah... it's very nice of you to put that past us and i guess i just want to say sorry for hurting you... i just..."

"i don't hate you, tooru," you softly tell him, "i just don't want anything to do with you anymore. to see you this happy, without me, is like a slap in the face because i'm not. it still hurts and i'm not fine. i just hope this will be the last time we'll see each other. be safe on your trip back to argentina. welcome home."

and with that, you start the car's engine again, no longer having the energy nor the strength to hear his reply. but he wishes you did because as he watches your car drive further away from him, he can't help but wish that he can take back time so that you don't have to go to that condominium and instead, go inside the home you once shared with him.

but i'm not happy, yn. because how could i call this place my home when you're not here with me?

at that moment, unbeknownst to the two hearts that long for each other break at the same time, you finally let out the tears and cries that you've been keeping since you saw him, knowing that no matter how much you try, you'll never be as happy as you were with him— simply because he left you with a hole in your heart that no one else can fill.

© SKIYOOSMI, 2021. reposting, translating, editing, copying and any kind of plagiarism are strictly prohibited, thank you.

[apixrl]

DRIVER'S LICENSE.

katsuki bakugou x fem! reader

WARNING(S): angst. cheating. swearing because it's bakugou.

word count: 4.5k

song: drivers license // olivia rodrigo (i wonder why...)

note(s): so i captioned this *at the time of writing* 'hello and welcome to i've had the worst two weeks ever so i wrote a katsuki oneshot to cope' and it's probably one of my most personal pieces of writing tbh

"-come Tuesday and we'll potentially see an end to this heavy downpour of rain. Temperatures will be on the rise to around-"

The talk on the radio cut short at the jab of your finger, heaving a great sigh which faded into the muffled pitter-patter of rain from outside. The streets had been showered with heavy downpours for the last week or so, no sign of sun or a still and restful day. Notwithstanding the miserable outdoors, the windscreen wipers on your car never ceased in their duty to grant you a clear view of the road ahead. And whilst you were grateful for their devotion, it didn't feel clear in the slightest. In fact, the road had never felt so blurry.

Shivering against the cold night chill and tucking your knees cosily to your chest, you eyed the raindrops on the windows. They raced against one another before they dripped down to your car's body, their glossy presence obvious thanks to the many hues of street lamps that surrounded them. You could have watched them for hours, being honest. Something about the droplets of water battling it out quite enticing. Anything to take you away from the cruel reality you were living in.

Your heart ached and yearned. But to no avail, the one you ached and yearned for didn't love you back.

Not anymore, at least.

Just the mere thought provoked a pulsating pang to resonate throughout your entire body. A pang filled with grief and sadness. Anger and hurt. You missed his sun-kissed face on the sunny mornings. You missed his eyes and how they gazed at you from across the room. You missed the smiles and laughter he would only show for you and you alone. The sense of glee and euphoria that came with that honour. Yet all of it was gone and there was no way you could get it back.

The memories of what had been triggered more waterworks. Hot, salty tears dug at the corners of your eyes and trickled down your face. Your motionless car concealed your cries and sobs. Every thrash against the wheel as you questioned to nobody in particular what went wrong and why. How you didn't see the signs sooner. What you could have done better. When he stopped loving you. If he ever planned to stop loving you. Whether it would have hurt more if you found out sooner.

All these questions with nothing to answer them.

Katsuki Bakugou had always fascinated you. From the very moment you met. You accompanied your friend on a double date, and he was the guy who she matched for you. Whilst he originally acted as though a blind date was the last place he wanted to be, underneath the aggression you could tell there was something much more genuine and true.

And your assumptions were correct. Truth be told, Katsuki Bakugou was one of the most genuine and truest people you had met (at the time). Once it was just the two of you, he allowed his true colours to unveil. Through the smallest of kind gestures that still haunted your mind to this day. Then upon confrontation, as you bid each other goodbye at your back door, his denial resulted in a flirtatious contest which then proceeded to an intimate night that changed your life forever. From there your mind was set.

He was the one.

Emphasis on was.

So blinded with a fairy tale love you grew so accustomed to, you never saw it coming. Never in your two-year relationship - that had so much strength and commitment built on top of it, never did you think that Katsuki Bakugou would throw it all out of the window like it was nothing. Disregard your loyalty and adoration for a drunken one night stand that slowly became an occasional hookup. Which soon became a mandatory pastime once a fortnight. Then twice. Maybe more than that. You wouldn't put it past him with what you knew now.

He kept it from you for nearly six months. Six months. The only reason you discovered his lies and deception was because you were let off early one night from work. You worked a night shift, see. Your last job had fallen to shambles, and it was temporary whilst you searched for a new one. And whilst that did take a toll on your relationship with Katsuki Bakugou, mostly finding time for intimacy since his working hours were during the day, none of that gave him any right to go and do what he did.

That wasn't one of the only reasons, you knew that for sure. There were other motives for his lack of loyalty. But you were never told. After you froze at the sight of another woman under his hold and stormed straight back to your car to flee. After he chased you down the flights of stairs in nothing but baggy pants into the streets of a twilight Musutafu. After you screamed into the darkness and belted your fists against his chest. Fists that were driven with rage and hurt and every emotion that burned like the hottest of fires and froze like the coldest of ice. He never even told you. He never made an effort to address it. Nor had he attempted to call or even try to visit your Mom's house - where you stayed as you searched for a permanent place to live. Just because you retreated for your car and cried that it was over, he never tried. But that didn't mean you weren't allowed an explanation. An apology. Something to give you a form of closure and a reason to move on. But you never did.

That wasn't even what hurt the most, either.

As silly as it was, the thing that hurt you the most was the very car you sat in.

EIGHT MONTHS AGO . . .

The red glow of traffic lights hit Katsuki's vermilion irises as he stared dead ahead at the long line of vehicles, the ash-blond heaving a sigh into the air. His finger tapped impatiently against the steering wheel he gripped with one hand, the spare rested casually against your upper thigh affectionately.

"I can't believe we have to sit through this torture just to go to some damn party," Katsuki grumbled, taking a glance over at you. His brows furrowed when he met you peacefully slouched down, nose dug into your phone as you presumably played some sort of game to pass the time. Like you had no care in the world for your predicament.

"It's your best friend's birthday, love," You mused back, Katsuki surprised you even listened based on your focused expression directed towards your phone. "It's not like we can just miss it,"

"Yeah, but we could have missed all this pain by taking the train instead of driving across town during rush hour,"

"Trains are icky, the seats would have ruined your suit and my dress," You pointed out, looking at the blond over your screen, sending him a sweet smile. He cocked a brow, a smirk creeping its way onto his lips as a scoff of a laugh broke out between them.

"Right, and laying down like a sloth is gonna help keep your dress uncreased?" He returned, amused at your realisation. At his comment, you sat up faintly and pouted your lip.

"Driving means more time to play Gravity Pops, and so does traffic,"

"Seriously? That's the game you're playing? You're such a dumbass,"

"Yes! I'm in the top 11% globally! I need to get to number one!" Was your protest, your arms flailing ahead of you briefly for dramatic emphasis. Katsuki clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes, though the small smile plastered over his lips betrayed his initial reaction. Unable to deny your determination, he spoke with confidence and almost a sense of pride.

"Number one, hm? Clearly rubbing off on you aren't I?"

"In a way, yes,"

"That's my girl," Katsuki remarked, earning a giggle from you that was uplifting to hear. It was there your attention went back to your phone, but Katsuki wasn't done. "So, speaking of cars, Y/N," Hearing his chosen tone - which sounded suggestive, you eyed him closely. Hesitant to reply as you had a sense of what he planned to say.

"...Yes?"

"Have you thought any more about getting your driver's license yet?"

Called it.

"...No,"

"What?" Katsuki began, tilting his head. He was surprised that he felt surprised. You had said those words in regards to this topic countless times. Still, he persisted. "Is that a no meaning you haven't or no meaning that you don't want to?"

"Both?" You half-guessed, sheepishly grinning at the look you were sent. "Look, cars scare me okay? And so do roads. And people. My nerves wouldn't be able to handle it! I can barely communicate with people face to face, so me being on the road is a recipe for disaster!"

"I know but -," Katsuki exhaled sharply, understanding your reasoning. You had voiced these concerns when confiding to Katsuki about your fears of the road. Something built and corrupted from social media as well as phobias and fears in general, it was a battle you had yet to overcome. You wanted to drive but was terrified of messing up or causing chaos on the road. Potentially inflicting harm to someone and yourself. You still weren't sure what triggered it all, but over the years it had manifested into something quite irrational, to say the least. Katsuki had been supportive of it and whilst he truly would love to always act as your personal taxi - you couldn't hide from it forever. It wasn't his job to keep you in your comfort zone. That, and he couldn't always be there for you that way. What if he was miles away and you had somewhere urgent to go like the hospital? "It's not as scary as you think. I know it's hard to believe that but seriously. The freedom you get from driving is amazing,"

"I'll think about it a little longer, okay?" You said with hesitancy, looking at Katsuki for a sign of confirmation. He nodded in defeat, knowing you probably needed more time and felt put on the spot. So he averted his eyes back to the road to check if the traffic had moved at all. It had not.

"Okay," Katsuki said. "But I can't be your taxi service forever,"

"But I like you being my taxi service," You jokingly said, a little sadness in your tone. "Your road rage is funny and I like watching you get out of the car and walk to my door after pulling up in my driveway,"

"What do you mean?" Katsuki asked, catching the twitch of a smile on your face upon saying those words. It struck his interest in what you could mean.

"You know, like when you say you're coming to pick me up?" You explained. "You pull up at my driveway and I don't know... simple things like that just remind me of how much I love you. It's dumb really, but it's important to me,"

"Really?" Katsuki questioned in disbelief. How something so small and meaningless could mean so much was puzzling. He couldn't understand why it was so special to you. But that didn't invalidate it in any shape or form. So he pushed that aside, replacing his wonder with gratitude. He returned to your bashful and flustered features, feeling a smile grow on his face.

"Yeah," You said, shrugging to downplay your words. "I love you. Stuff like that means a lot to me,"

"I love you too, even though you're a dumbass," Katsuki said, humbled by what you had said. The two of you shared a gentle exchange, your hand grabbing hold of Katsuki's as you gave it a squeeze. He squeezed back, and silence ensued. Had he realised such a thing sooner, then Katsuki would have pulled up in your driveway much more than he had been doing. But at that a thought struck his mind, victoriously smirking as he had an idea on how to potentially sway your worries. Or begin swaying it. Something was better than nothing, after all. "But what if I wanted you to pull up in my driveway one day?" His words caused you to look over at him in curiosity, hearing the seriousness in the question. It caught you off guard momentarily, having to contemplate as you gradually concluded that he had a point.

"Well one day, maybe I will," You vaguely replied and sat up a little bit. The hand holding yours pulled back and lifted to land on your shoulder, gripping reassuringly tight.

"I hope you do, I'd like to get in on this driveway action," He joked and smirked, faith riddled in his expression. You giggled ever so slightly, tempted to lean forward and peck Katsuki on the lips in thanks, but never a thing was to happen as the alerting red light from outside switched to warm amber.

"Ah!" Katsuki yelled in triumph, his attention leaving you swiftly as he got back into the driver's seat. Giving you no opportunity to respond to him and overall ruining the moment. "Took fucking long enough!"

The light turned green, and he set the car in motion, leaving you with your thoughts and the words he had uttered that day as the traffic stood still.

All your efforts, all your time devoted to getting over your fear of driving and the road as a whole... all of it was pointless. You did it for him. You promised him you would overcome your fears and better yourself. He built that motivation up brick by brick until you could grab hold and seize control. He wasted all that time to get you to reach such a stepping stone only to abandon it once it was through.

Just so you could pull up in his driveway, just like he requested. And what did you get in return when you finally did? A stab in the back and the loss of your other half.

You wiped your eyes via the sleeve of your hoodie, dampening the cuffs. Sniffling and exhaling a shaky breath, your gaze landed on nothing in particular. Yet somewhere within your clouded mind, you found interest. As that was where your gaze remained for a certain amount of time. You weren't sure how long exactly. It could have felt like an hour and only been five minutes. Or it could have felt like five minutes and was actually an entire hour. Either way, the clock ticked on and didn't wait for you to stop.

It was a good thing you had pushed your fears down and rose above them. It just pained you that you didn't even do it for yourself. Without Katsuki Bakugou, you never had any intentions of doing so. As a matter of fact, you had set out to take the train or bus for the rest of your life. Hell, you were going to use a bike and scooter if you got desperate. Had he even acknowledged how much work you put in just to get where you were? Was all that effort part of the reason why he decided to cheat? There was absolutely no telling. Absolutely no telling at all.

You wondered what he was doing now. Was he laid in bed resting peacefully? Out with his friends for a boy's night only? Maybe cooking his favourite curry? Possibly on a late-night jog despite the harsh weather? It never stopped him other times.

Did he ever think about you? Regret what he did and the actions he took? Had he ever considered apologising? Would he ever apologise? What if he was celebrating the fact you were no longer in his life? Had there ever been any love there for you in the start? Did he ever actually want you to get your driver's license because he believed in you? Or was it so he could get rid of you with much more ease? Make his departure less severe and less selfish? A way to justify his choices because it's not like you were hopelessly left to suffer everyday life now that you had a means of transport. Was he really that cruel?

Your thoughts were interrupted by the sharp jingle of your phone, the device lighting up as it sat in the passenger seat to your left. It took two or three rings for you to glance over at it, E/C eyes sore and drained from crying out. You squinted them to read the caller, seeing the name 'Work' fade in and out on the brightly lit screen. For a second or two you argued back and forth on whether to even bother picking up. Something about reaching across for your phone requiring a magnitude of energy you no longer possessed. Having spent it all on your cries of agony and the deprivation of your old life as a whole.

However, you had ignored your work in the last couple of weeks too many times now. So many times that pulling the same stunt again would probably risk you losing your job. It's not like your work was interested in why you felt such overwhelming pain... all they cared about was you turning up to do what you were hired to.

So using a forceful hand, you leaned over to pick it up. You fumbled to grip your phone and accepted the call with a dainty tap of your thumb. Then you blinked away your tears and subtly sniffed, pressing your phone to your ear to address the caller.

"Hello?" You practically croaked, quick to clear your throat and push any signs of upset down. It was presumably dry from how much you'd cried in the last two hours.

"L/N! Hey! Glad you finally picked up!" Unlike the droll and unvarying tones of your boss, the person on the other end was much more lively and greeting. So much so you could only assume it was none other than your work colleague, Etsuko. Probably the only person you genuinely liked where you worked, and the only person who made the time pass by faster. "I was worried you were gonna leave me on answer phone again,"

"Hm, what? Oh right. Yeah. Sorry about that. Haven't been feeling too great," You lied, even though it wasn't a complete fib. You hadn't been feeling great at all. You had never felt so rock bottom. It all just originated from your mind over anything else. But when did work care about that?

"Sounds like it, I hope you've been okay!" Still cheery as ever, Etsuko followed up with a laugh to fill the silence you created by not saying anything. "Is everything well? It's nothing serious, is it?"

"No. It's not. Just some dumb cold I caught," You excused. "I'm better now, though," Slouching down in your seat, you decided to ask the question that had been roaming your mind the last minute or so. "So why are you calling?"

"Oh, right!" Etsuko said. "Mr Kobashigawa was just wondering when you planned on coming back - for schedule reasons and to get people to fill in for your shifts,"

"I er...," Not entirely sure how to answer, you stuttered as your words cowered away in your attempt to speak. "I don't -,"

"It's okay, he doesn't need an answer yet," Etsuko reassured. "Maybe in the next day or two, though? He wasn't really specific, being honest,"

You sighed at the guilt brewing in your stomach. You weren't even sick for crying out loud! Why were you lying just so you could wallow in your own sadness?! Like that was going to change anything! Sitting around and crying wasn't going to give you what you wanted. You weren't getting him back. Katsuki Bakugou wasn't yours anymore. He made that clear by cheating. By making minimal effort to give you an explanation. By causing you so much pain with little care or concern. Why couldn't you get it through your thick skull that your feelings didn't matter anymore?! That they were being wasted on a lost cause. A lost relationship!

"Well I mean -," You started, running a hand through your hair as you tread carefully on your words. "I could come in tonight? Has Mr Kobashigawa got someone to fill for me yet?"

"Um... no? I don't think so?" Etsuko answered, uncertainty in her voice. "Let me go check. Be right back!" And with that, the line fell dead. The call didn't end, just Etsuko placing the phone down to get an answer for you. Leaving you all by your lonesome once more.

Reflecting, you could see the logic in your thoughts. The best course of action would be to hold your head up high and live life the way it was before. When you were happy. Just... excluding the factors that actually made you happy. Which was him. Wouldn't that be healthier than crying all the time?

Yes, it would. But was it what you wanted? Not really.

"L/N!" The voice in your ear startled you to the point you nearly dropped your phone, panicking through a gasp as you fiddled to grab hold of it again.

"Wa-! Careful you nearly scared me half to death!"

"Oops, sorry!" Etsuko giggled softy, sounding as perky as ever. "I'm just excited to tell you that nobody's filling in your shift! You can still come in for ten-thirty!"

"I-I can?" You asked. After an upbeat 'yeah!' filtered through your ears, you considered your options. Remaining in the serene, quiet confines of your car with only the downfall of rain to accompany you sounded like utter bliss, given how you felt. But you felt an internal kick up the backside which told you - no... demanded you to just get over this moping attitude of yours and look on the bright side. To get over the lack of closure and simply... move on.

Yeah... if he found out you were an utter train wreck thanks to the damage he inflicted; Katsuki Bakugou would probably revel in it. He had a history of gaining pleasure from other's misfortunes... or it was rumoured he did (during his younger years, anyway). You had never wanted to believe it but you couldn't find a reason to refute it anymore. After all you had been through, it seemed to fit his character and personality more than ever. So with that fact apparent, you held a firm forefront and searched for a determined tone, and made your answer to your friend.

"You betcha I'm coming in! I'll see you in half an hour!"

Too enthusiastic? Probably. Still, it was better than acting pessimistic and hopeless. No matter, however, because that was exactly the attitude Etsuko had been hoping for.

"Alrighty!" She exclaimed, smile audible in her voice from the other end. "I can't wait to get our dynamic duo going again! I've missed you!"

"Yeah, me too, 'Suko," You hummed in agreement.

"Great! Catch ya later my partner in crime,"

"Heh. You too, dumbass," You found a reason to smile from her childish behaviour, though your choice of wording seemed to hit a nerve. It did more than that, it practically reverted all that confidence and progress you had made in the last ten minutes of being on the phone. All from one innocent word that escaped your lips.

Dumbass.

That's what he used to call you.

The phone call had ended without you even noticing, your phone still pressed to your ear as a small buzz sounded into it. You stared dead ahead, flashes of all the times he had said that word to you running through your memory. It was his form of a pet name. Some might see it as a little degrading on the surface, but you never minded. Once you learned the deeper meaning of the name, it became something equivalent to the likes of 'Sunshine' or 'Angel'. If anything, you ended up preferring it to those sorts of nicknames. Hence why Katsuki Bakugou had called you it on so many occasions.

No. Stop it. You can't let something like that bother you. Not after the efforts you just went to. Stop. Shaking yourself out of it, you returned to reality and permitted your phone to drop onto your lap. Your hand once holding it gripped onto your steering wheel, the other following shortly behind to do the same.

"I love you too, even if you're a dumbass,"

That rung in your head one final time, tormenting and mocking your present. The things you'd be willing to do to hear him say that to you one last time...

"No," You firmly shook your head, banging it lightly against the headrest to return yourself to reality. An attempt to knock those words to the back of your mind where you could lock them in a securely tight safe for the rest of eternity. "Just... just don't think about it. Easy. Just focus on what you're doing now," You reached for your keys which sat in the ignition, taking hold and turning them ever so slightly. Your car stirred to life, engine rumbling and the dials lighting up in a form of warm greeting. "You're going to work. No more feeling sorry for yourself,"

No more feeling sorry for yourself.

Your eyes set themselves on the road ahead. The vacant, dark and solitary road that didn't wait for you to make your decision. Life moved on after all, so if you were going to do anything - it was to catch up and take the winning lead.

So despite your circumstances; your inner desires and wishes and begs for what you wanted back but to no avail would ever get, you pulled out of your parking space (which had long exceeded the time limit, thankfully nobody was around to see) that drowned in pitiful rains of the night, and began to make your way down the street. In search of a place better than the one you were trapped in.

An endless road that wasn't all that clear, you were going to tackle it. Not for anyone else, unlike the last time you met difficulty and hardships. No, no, no. This time it was for your sake. All the mental energy to recover and become a better version of yourself, in the endgame it was all for you. You could push past all the deceit and lies you had been told and you could push past your normality which was him. Katsuki Bakugou. The man that hurt you as nobody had ever done before. You could create new normality without him.

A thought of forever he created and destroyed, resorted to driving alone past his street, never to be thought of again.

[dualnaturedscientist]

Carl frowned at seeing his nephew becoming sad, thinking of his sister. "You are right. She does deserve to know. Please tell me. Why were you nervous? I wouldn't have a problem with you telling your family you're alive. It's only fair. Even if your dad does find out. Who says we have to talk to him right away? I'm angry at him too but he is your father. As careless and hurtful his words are. I don't hate him. I know you don't either. But you're mad at what he said, aren't you?" "He didn't have any right saying any of that to Gene. Making him feel like that. Making him believe such nonsense. Yes I'm furious with him, i still want him to suffer a little bit for being so cruel. I suppose you're right though. He will know but let's keep him waiting to talk to us abit longer. Atleast until he swallows his pride and actually apologizes to Gene. I miss Jessica. I miss Mom. Of course I still miss Dad as much as I'm angry with him." Carl nodded in understanding. "We'll get someone to contact them for us. It might take awhile for Thomas to actually apologize though. I know he can be just as stubborn as I am. Maybe even more. Made our fights all the more worse when we were younger. Both of us were too stubborn to apologize right away. But I know he will eventually. And see just how much of a gigantic...jerk he was." Carl had remembered to at least censor himself this time. Still quite embarrassed for his stream of swears from the night before. He didn't mean to around Becky. He still has to properly make up for that to both Becky and his son.

Victor finally pulled into the driveway of his brother's house, he was there to figure things out further between his family. Well that was one of the reasons he was there. He had several. To make sure his family was alright. To see how they were holding up. He has to convince Margret to set something up so they could get some type of therapy for what they've went through. He knew it wouldn't take that much convincing. Victor was also there to keep a very close eye on Matthew. It was honestly a good thing that they needed him to keep in one place. It would do no good for Matthew to be out loose in the world causing who knows what kind of chaos. He did try to ionize blast someone to death last night already. Even if he claimed it was to protect the others. That was yet another reason he needed to come. To give them some form of protection. He was going to bug the place. Place cameras and miniature listening devices. It was to keep an eye on Matthew while he wasn't physically there. Victor was going to place them all over once everyone was distracted enough. He had honestly hoped they wouldn't notice them any time soon. There was something else Victor had to do. Take all three aside for detailed questioning. He was going to have to reveal his true work to Matthew, Carl and Steven. He honestly wasn't looking forward to that. Not that he thought they'd care. He just preferred people thinking him as the toy maker of fair city. His true passion. Not his obligation to protect his family. That he liked to keep to himself. He gave Eris an unsure smile, his boyfriend gave his hand a reassuring squeeze before they got out of the vehicle and over to the house.

Everyone was exhausted from the eventful day. Dr.Two-Brains had put the mice pups on a makeshift little bed for them to sleep on. They seemed to have grown attached to both Becky and the mad scientist in the short amount of time they were taking care of them. When they put the mice pups down they squeaked to be picked up again. When they finally fell asleep, full from their dinner, Becky and Dr.Two-Brains quietly left. Though Becky didn't want to leave the pinkies alone. The villain spoke softly. "They will be okay there. I promise. Let's be quiet and let them sleep." Becky stared at her father for a moment. She had a thoughtful expression, following after him. Dr.Two-Brains had put his kid to bed. Once she was tucked in. Bob too. He kissed her forehead goodnight. "Goodnight my little ray of hope. Rest well. I'll never let anyone hurt you anymore. I promise. You'll be safe from now on. I'll never let you out of my sight again." He mumbled this, his eyelids feeling so heavy now. He drifted off to sleep, head on the bed. Becky untucked herself and made herself comfortable near her dad. Bob made himself comfortable as well on the opposite side. Both of them curled up next to him. The others had already left for their own home. Leaving Carl, Steven and Matthew with them. Carl and Steven had been taken to the spare rooms while Matthew had only the couch to sleep on. If he was going to be honest it was still much better than the poor excuse of a bed they forced him to sleep on during his time in Maximum prison. The facility where he was transferred was so much worse. He was going to take what they gave. As his son in law wished, he was on his best behavior. It would stay that way until they didn't need him anymore. The truth was, he wants his kids to be happy. Just like any other parent would. Once he was of no use anymore, he will make sure they never see him again. He'll be far away. Just like they wanted. Despite what happened, Gene was still his favorite. He was so proud that his son turned out to be so brilliant, kind from what he saw. He was still all that despite the mouse brain. His son was strong. Maybe even more than him. He gave in, Dr.Two-Brains didn't give into it for the sake of his daughter. Matthew finally allowed himself to drift to sleep.

The next morning, Matthew was woken up by his son cooking breakfast for everyone. Well everyone but him. He assumed that Gene would want to feed the man he hates. Matthew felt guilt. Over hurting his son like that. Everyone else woke up soon, gathering around the table. Once it was set up, everyone helped themself to the delicious and cheesy meal. Matthew stayed in the living room though. Becky glanced over at him, puzzled why he wasn't joining them. Dr.Two-Brains felt his insides twist. As much as he hates Matthew he couldn't let his little girl panic like that. If he's staying here, he must eat as well. He spoke in a less than enthused tone. "You want your plate over there or are you going to join us?" Matthew blinked owlishly. He saw that the table seemed a bit crowded and he doubted they wanted him to sit with them. "I'll fix up my plate and eat on the couch. Thank you." There was no sarcasm in his tone. He was genuinely thanking his son. After they ate, Matthew and Dr.Two-Brains were alone in the living room. It was tense. Matthew wasn't looking at his son, not wanting to make the situation worse. He didn't see the expression Dr.Two-Brains was wearing. Grim. He wanted answers. He was finally able to ask this question he had been dying to ask for years. "Why did you do it? Why did you massacre all those heroes? Rebecca?" Two-Brains found himself even more emotional, bringing up his late best friend. There was anger in his eyes. Sadness. Hurt. Matthew only felt guilty when it came to his family. He hated seeing them hurt. A thought he always had. If he hadn't massacred the heroes, maybe he could've done something to prevent Carl and Steven from being kidnapped. Prevent Gene from going through all that. "You wish to know? I'll tell you. Just a heads up. I'm telling you why and it's not an excuse for what I did. I'm simply telling you what happened." Matthew paused for a second, frowning at the memory. "A good man died so many years ago. Not one hero shed a tear for someone whose intentions were good. Despite his less than legal ways of achieving his goals, he was on their side. They never saw it that way. It didn't affect him in the least. He still fought for what was good. They said horrible things about him. Yet he never retaliated. Never spoke against them in anger. My uncle. He hated this vigilante just as much. Hated that he was teaching me just as much. I didn't realize it at the time but this vigilante was more of a hero than the others were. Not one of them, including my uncle, mourned for him. They never even mentioned his passing once. The one who killed him, he wasn't going to stop. I had to make him stop. The anger I felt. I wiped him out. With his goons. They didn't care how many lives were lost. That added so much fuel to my hatred of heroes. So much so. It blinded me. Making me no better. I became the malicious monster that my uncle said I was. The rage grew in me. He disowned me. So did my mother. When the rage grew, I only had one thought. One goal. I was unfortunately blinded by this. Not seeing the damage I've done after I executed my plan. All of my rage was released. I don't remember killing most of them. But I know I did. I truly love you and your siblings. Your father, I never stopped loving him. Yet my hatred was stronger. I gave into it. I know this is the consequence of my actions and I accept it. If you wish to get revenge, I won't fight back. Do as you please. I'm truly sorry. I know it doesn't mean anything to you since it's from me. But my apology is genuine. I am sorry. I don't expect forgiveness. But I thought you deserved an apology."

Dr. Two Brains sat stunned at Maddrix's explanation. He had no idea Matthew used to be a hero. None of them did. He didn't know how to react to his apology either. It was a little too late to say sorry. Yet on the other hand, Two Brains could tell he was being serious and genuine. Maddrix's explanation though, it opened up more questions for him as he reflected on his past before the massacre, analyzing Matthew's actions and comparing it to what he knows now. "Is that why you raised me to be a villain? So I wouldn't end up like the heroes you hated so much?" Two Brains asked. Matthew shook his head. "I had that hatred festering, but it wasn't the main reason I raised you to be a villain. I genuinely saw the natural spark and flare you had for villainy at an early age. When you acted sweet and innocent as a cover to get what you want or to get away with biting people that made you mad." Matthew paused a bit as he chuckled a little at the memories. "I honestly lost count of how many people you bit." Two Brains couldn't help but smirk at that. "It was the only way I could get back at those who made me upset. Neither you nor dad would let me gain access to tech until I was 13." Two Brains quipped. Matthew nodded with a bittersweet smile. "True. We were both slightly afraid what you mind would do if we gave you access to tools and tech before you were mature enough to use them." Matthew then frowned. "The true reason was I didn't want you to end up like me. I had a lot of anger and aggression issues when I was growing up. I don't exactly know where they came from. I just know that my uncle nor my mother never gave me the help I needed. My uncle saw me nothing more than a weapon that made him look good until I didn't. My mother was a spineless fool who went along with anything my uncle told her. I wanted to help channel your villainous impulses into something productive. I wanted to give you the helping guidance I never got. Even after you got me arrested. I was miffed yeah but I was never truly mad at you. I'm proud of the person you grown up into. Not because of the villain part. It's because you have a lot more control over your priorities and better restraints over your impulses than I ever did." "So that's why you told dad you were an orphan." Two Brains muttered as he processed what Matthew told him. Maddrix just shrugged. "Well your biological grandfather walked out when I was a toddler and the only true parental figure I had died when I was teenager. It was easier to say I was an orphan than to go into the nitty gritty." Dr. Two Brains leveled Matthew a hardened look. "You kept a lot of secrets from dad, including the part about you and me being villains. I remember you said it was best that no one else in our family knew the truth about our villain work. Even though they wouldn't be bothered about it, you still didn't want them to know. Why was that? Were you afraid of them getting hurt if they knew?" Dr. Two Brains interrogated. Matthew's expression became pale before he turned his gaze away Dr. Two Brains looked at the man with annoyance and confusion for not answering his question in a rude manner. A thought then struck his head. That evasive and somewhat rude reaction. He knew it all too well. "You were afraid dad would hate your for being a villain and kick you out like your mom and uncle did. That was why?" Two Brains muttered quietly. Maddrix didn't reply. He didn't have too. Dr. Two Brains could see clear as day the prickling tears the villain was trying to blink away. Two Brains gave a bitter chuckle. "I guess I did take more after you than I realized." Two Brains mumbled. Both he and Matthew never wanted their loved ones to see the true them, consumed by their fear of being hated and alone by those they cared the most. The difference here, while Two Brains found a better way to cope with his fears and learn to be more open to others, Matthew didn't. @dualnaturedscientist

[voidstilesplease]

in another life

part two

Stiles assures Theo answers for all of their questions -god knows they have so many- tomorrow. Theo's reluctant at first, doesn't intend to let go of Stiles's words hanging in between them: "You think she's alive?" Eventually, Theo nods, finding something in Stiles's eyes and placing his trust in him. An odd feeling of protectiveness settles in Stiles's stomach at the vulnerability that Theo freely displays - in the past, he used to act guarded like everyone was out to get him. Granted, Theo had conned most of them before with charm and fake tears, and it's not above him to try it again if Theo could gain something worthy from it. But Stiles doesn't feel the usual tingle in his bones when he meets some shady criminal mastermind. His instincts have gotten him this far, so he gives it credit.

Stiles sighs. Innocent until proven guilty. He hopes Deaton has answers that expose the truth.

In the meantime, they have saddled him with more responsibility: bringing Theo home with him. Theo refuses to be stuck with either Liam or Mason any longer, it is unwise to put Theo alone with Melissa, and stupid to leave him unattended. So Stiles is the only viable choice. Plus, Theo thinks they're together. It only makes sense. Maybe.

It probably won't to his dad initially, but hey, after a while of normalcy, even he will acknowledge the need for something to go down - even dressed as Theo Raeken.

•••

They're in Stiles's Jeep, driving home to the Stilinski's, and it is a little disconcerting how Theo seems to be accustomed to his car. Theo had seen and been in the Jeep before, but this is different. He's too comfortable in the cramped space, even knows how to operate Stiles's defective radio. And the way he leans against the seat on the passenger's side and knows where to keep the screwdriver Stiles uses to manipulate the ignition is boggling his head worse than the snow outside.

Stiles draws in a breath, glancing sideways to his quiet company. "So, um, Deaton," he says, "we're going to Dr. Deaton tomorrow."

Theo turns to him, frowning. "What kind of doctor? Are you taking me to a shrink? Babe, I'm not crazy. What happened is freaky, but you have to believe me."

Okay, the babe thing, they're going to have to iron that wrinkle as soon as possible. Not even Lydia called him babe when they dated, and certainly not Malia. It's a cosmic joke that the once bane of his existence gets to call him that first. "No, he's not a shrink," Stiles promises him. "He's a veterinarian. But he knows about these things."

Theo arches a brow, "He knows about teleportation?"

"Telepor-" Stiles creases his forehead, jerking his head to Theo. The latter is expectant when he looks back. Stiles blinks, disbelieving and a little horrified. There's also a small bubble of hysteria beginning to form in his stomach. Somehow, this takes the cake in the weirdness of the situation. Because, of course, Theo also doesn't remember he's a chimera, does he? Blowing a heavy breath, he turns back to the road. He rubs the side of his temple, where it's starting to hurt, and purses his lips. "Yeah, sure. Teleportation."

Silence hangs in between them for a moment, Stiles sighing when he takes the last turn to his street. He can feel the burn of Theo's stare at the side of his face.

"You really don't remember we're together?" Theo sounds genuinely small when he speaks. "Then why are you here, if not to take me home? The two -Liam and Mason- are accusing me of having amnesia. But it's you who can't remember."

Stiles opens his mouth, but he doesn't know what to say. He knows that if he tells Theo that he remembers an illusory life, it's only going to invite more questions Stiles has no answers yet. In honesty, he's still reeling until now, and he's too tired to consider diving into research mode immediately, much less form a cohesive plan other than to bring Theo to Deaton first. And the best thing for them both to do before then is rest. They can't do that if Stiles stays up all night convincing Theo that they're not even friends, that he was a lying, conniving chimera asshole that tried to break his pack once, before turning a new leaf and helping them, and then disappearing on them like a bubble one day. Oh, and yeah, that it's so twisted for him to think his sister was alive when he had allowed her to die when he was nine.

No. Rest, Deaton, and then fuck up some shit - Stiles is doing this in that order.

"Hm," is what he ends up saying. Stiles pulls in the driveway, noting the blue truck already parked there. He's relieved to find a change of topic. He clears his throat, pointing at the vehicle. "That's your truck. Corey, Mason's boyfriend, drove it here."

Theo doesn't look away from him for the entire minute it takes Stiles to turn the engine off and gather his belongings. When he looks at Theo, that's only when the other man lowers his head and breathes. Theo nods and gets out of the car, moving towards the truck. Stiles silently prays for more strength if this is how awkward it is going to be for the whole evening until the morning.

Theo is studying his blue truck, eyeing it with trepidation. Stiles slings his messenger bag and stands beside him. Theo turns to him, shaking his head. "This isn't my car."

Stiles moves to the bed of Theo's pickup. "It is," he tells Theo. 

Stiles is, unfortunately, familiar enough with this car, and not with pleasant memories. Stiles lifts the haphazardly strewn cloth covering most of the space of the truck bed and makes a noise of disgust with what he finds underneath. It was definitely tidier before.

Theo also peeks under the cloth and pulls his face in a similar reaction. An alarming amount of empty plastic noodle cups and take-out boxes litter the covered area. "It can't be mine because I'm not crazy for instant ramen."

Stiles drops the cloth and walks to the driver's seat. He cups his hands on either side of his eyes and looks inside through the window. He finds a folded blanket at the backseat and a pink sweater on top of the pile of clothes. The chimera wore the hell out of those, Stiles remembers grudgingly. Transferring his scrutiny on the passenger side, he sees empty water bottles and coke cans, and old receipts. What the hell has Theo been up to that he can't even throw his trash out or attempt to be less sloppy?

One thing is sure, though. The car is where Theo lives; the pizza in the backseat looks stale but not molded. He faces Theo and gives him a grim nod, "Let's discuss the condition of your car and your unhealthy lifestyle tomorrow, yeah?"

Theo huffs, wanting to protest and eyeing his car in disgust, but shrugs in agreement.

•••

His father is working the night shift, so explaining Theo is a problem for future Stiles, which makes him sag in relief under the hot spray of his shower. When he's finished, he changes into clean sweatpants and an old Christmas ugly sweater and goes back to his room.

Theo is already sitting on his temporary bed on the floor. Stiles refuses to make him sleep on the couch where the kitchen and knives are near. At least, inside his room, he can fight him should Theo attempt anything at all. Stiles has gotten better at hand-to-hand combat since the FBI, and also a very light sleeper and sometimes prone to insomnia, especially on stressful occasions like this. Any minor shuffling from Theo will alert him. Not that he thinks Theo will do anything. His impulses tell him that Theo's memory dilemma is not made-up, and he's truthful this time, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Theo looks up when he enters, offering a small smile. Stiles's eyes catch sight of the outline of a necklace hidden underneath the collar of Theo's borrowed shirt. Stiles's clothes look a bit tight on him but otherwise, more comfortable than the dirty jeans he was wearing earlier. 

"It's so weird to see your old bed," Theo says, looking at the said bed. "Noah brought you a bigger one so that we can share when we visit. I wonder what happened to it?"

Stiles drops onto his bed with a small bounce. He didn't expect that. "Oh, um,"

Theo meets his eyes, "And Roscoe," a shadow crosses his face. "You took down all of the polaroid pictures we put of us. You even replaced the screwdriver that I gave you with an old one."

He sounds so betrayed that Stiles is stunned by what he's hearing. What startles him most, though, is: "You know my Jeep's name?"

At this question, Theo looks downright affronted. But Stiles has every reason to be surprised. His mom, his dad, and Scott are the only people apart from him who knows his Jeep's name -not another soul. Not even Lydia.

"Of course, I know your Jeep's name," Theo responds with a deepening scowl. "We've been together for four years, Stiles."

Stiles raises a hand to halt Theo as his cogs turn in his head. A swell of panic takes root in him. This memory thing is more serious than he initially thought. Theo's not only hallucinating a different life but he also somehow knows things he shouldn't. The screwdriver compartment, his broken radio, his Jeep's name -what else does he know that he isn't supposed to?

"Okay," Stiles finally says, lowering his hand and barrier from Theo, who's still glowering. It seems he has lost his patience with Stiles, as well. If this continues, Stiles might snap, too. So he says as appeasing as he could. "Let's say that whatever happened to you affected our memories of each other. But we'll go to Dr. Deaton for answers tomorrow, and then we can go back to our normal lives. Yes? Do you trust me?"

As soon as he says it, Stiles wants to take it back. It seems like a strange concept to ask Theo, of all people, to trust Stiles after everything. As crazy as Stiles actually trusting Theo. But here they are.

Theo doesn't reply for a long time, but he looks pensive and considering as he glares. In the end, he huffs in surrender, shoulders drooping in defeat. For the first time, the bags under his eyes become more prominent in his features. He looks so weary, hurt, and confused. Stiles is well acquainted with that look. It's the look of someone who hasn't been sleeping well. With the state of Theo's truck, Stiles has no problem picturing the man twist-and-turning to find a good position and not finding any.

Theo dips his head, replying with a rough voice, "Yeah. I trust you."

Before Stiles can say any more, Theo gives him his back and reclines on his mattress. He pulls the covers on himself, like a shield, and mumbles good night to Stiles.

Sighing, Stiles turns the desk lamp off and lays on his bed, staring at the ceiling for who knows how long. After a while, he exhales and rubs the bridge of his nose. His body is exhausted, and so is his mind, but they're not shutting off like they're supposed to. He almost wishes he is back in his dorm room in Virginia, staying up to piece the puzzles of a case. He has dealt with mundane human crises for so long that coaxing the supernatural mojo back appears to be an impossibly draining affair.

When he glances back at Theo on the floor, he pauses as he notices it. There's a blank inked mark on Theo's nape: a tattoo that Stiles knows for sure he didn't have the last time they saw each other. He turns to his side to look closely at it.

The tattoo is of a circle interlaced with three interconnected ovals. It reminds him closely of Derek's triskelion tattoo. But unlike Derek's, Theo's mark gives him an ominous feeling.

Because Stiles is sure, it isn't an optical illusion when it glowed in the darkness of his room for a second.

~•~

[tsukki-rising]

Pairing: Tokoyami Fumikage x Gn!Reader

Genre: fluffy angst, it gets a little emotional

Summary: You meet Tokoyami in the woods directly after the LOV attack at the summer training camp and comfort him.

Word Count: 2.2k

A/N: Reader has an illusion quirk like Camie from Shiketsu 

Extra lessons. You don't necessarily have an issue with taking them, you value you education and understand that this is an important step to raising your grades. You are a little bummed out however that you won't get to accompany any of your closest friends for the nighttime activity being put on by the Wild Wild Pussy Cats. You specifically feel a little anxious that you can't be with Tokoyami right now.

At the beginning of the school year, Tokoyami was a quiet student, but there were a few of his classmates with which he had created friendships. You had the honor of being a close friend to the boy along with Tsu and Shoji. You had found his interest in you slightly ironic due to your quirk. You have an illusion quirk that you often use for disorienting light attacks.

You felt quite overwhelmed by most of your classmates, most having large and often overbearing personalities with goals of being a top pro hero. But Tokoyami was a calming presence and he found you to be the same so you two got along great and a friendship blossomed.

As you sit in the classroom now, staring straight ahead at the whiteboard, you fondly remember your favorite times with Tokoyami. The first time he spoke to you in hero training, the first time he offered you to sit with him at lunch, the times you'd studied together at each other's houses, and of course, the time that you realized that your feelings for your classmate were more than strictly platonic.

You begin to reminisce on a certain memory with the boy that had you falling even deeper. You two were finished with your studying and you were looking around and admiring the décor of Tokoyami's room, noting how he prefers darkness.

"You know, I found it kind of funny when you wanted to be friends with me. You prefer dark conditions due to your quirk yet, with mine, I'm always using light." you noted while looking over some of the book spines on his shelves (classic literature, gothic mysteries, poetry).

"I wouldn't let that get in the way of a friendship. To be honest, I think you're quirk might've only worked to have me all the more interested in you." He was sitting in his desk chair and occasionally telling you stories behind some of the things he had in his room. Suddenly though, it felt like you were the decor being looked at, the story behind you being told. "I remember as everyone was getting to know each other in class and you made that illusion of a light show, it reminded me of all the nightlights I had when I was really young. My parents were cautious of dark shadow so I always had multiple in my room."

You note his words, looking around and observing the numerous small light sources littered around the space. "'had'?", you look over to him with a teasing smile.

He appreciates the jest and chuckles lightly before responding, "Ok, ok. Well, in my defense, I have a lot less now than I used to. I'm trying to feel out my limits with dark shadow and exercise working with him rather than letting him take over completely.", with his finishing statement the atmosphere grows slightly tense. This seems to be a bit of a sore subject for him.

It makes your heart ache to see him upset. "Tokoyami, I haven't known you long but I have seen you in action multiple times now and the way you work with dark shadow is so sinuous it almost seems choreographed.", you compliment.

You see a small smile creep onto his face before he elaborates, "You have seen me in the light. Dark shadow is stronger in deep shadow, much stronger, but also much more difficult for me to control. I want to increase my ability to remain calm while using that strength with precision, so that I can be an asset in the dark rather than a hazard.", he frowns, "It scares me to think of losing control. I want to be a hero but if I lose control...I could hurt someone."

He's looking off now with concern on his face. You really can't stand seeing him like this so you take his hand to gain his attention.

"Then I'm all the more impressed that you continue to follow the path of becoming a hero. What courage you must have to strive for such goals, determination, passion." You look him in the eyes and let your heart speak freely for just a split second, "You are an inspiration Tokoyami.", you quickly shut your heart up the moment after, "It's awesome to be friends with such a person.", you give the most platonic smile you can muster before pretending to receive a message from your parent about needing to leave and doing so.

Now, rather than taking notes, you doodle images of those gothic light fixtures across your notebook's page. You've got nearly half the page filled when Mandalay's message comes in.

The group of students in the room aren't too concerned. There were only two reported villains fighting against two classes of aspiring heroes and four pros. But when a group of students who were out for the activity join the class with Vlad King, they give more details and it's difficult to stay optimistic.

Looking out the windows, you struggle to even make out the shapes of the trees and worry about your friend who is out there somewhere in the night's darkness.

Time passes slowly as you try to distract yourself with small illusions in the palm of your hand. When the fuss breaks out in the classroom over whether or not to fight when Aizawa's permission is given, you stay back. You're antsy to find out how Fumikage is doing but you lean towards agreeing with Vlad King that Aizawa meant the message to apply only for self-defense. When Aizawa himself comes in to deal with the fake fiery villain it's only solidified and you must wait oh so impatiently. Worrying about your closest friend, somewhere out in the trees.

When the emergency vehicles begin to arrive after Vlad King's call, students are let out of the building as the area surrounding is found clear of villains and many go out to search for the students littered throughout the forest. Koda is a big help in this effort, communicating with the animals of the area and locating groups of students. He is a quiet boy, but an observant one. He tells you which direction Tokoyami is in hopes to calm your nerves, as soon as you get the information though, you run off to find him immediately and ignore the yelling of the officers telling you that the scene is unclear past the trees.

You run and dodge the obstacles in your path and run faster, you pass Midoriya quickly and find Tokoyami not far from him.

He is quite clearly in shock, standing still with his back to a tree and breathing shallowly. You approach him slowly and announce yourself so you don't scare him. When his sharp gaze makes contact with yours he seems to be broken from his overthinking trance and falls to his knees. You rush over and meet him in the dirt, placing your hands on his shoulders and assessing his body for any big injuries. There doesn't appear to be any so you look back to his face, he looks like a child who just woke up from a nightmare, like he lost everything.

"Tokoyami, breathe.", you realize you need to help him calm down, rubbing your hands up and down his upper arms, longing to hold him as close as possible to reassure yourself as well as him that he is ok.

You remember his words - "It scares me to think of losing control." -

"I did it...I let go. It was so dark and I let him take over." He's not looking you in the eye, shivering, though it's not cold out in the summer evening.

You remember his room, the lights. Using your quirk you recreate the candles and crystal balls, placing them all around the two of you and illuminating the space with a soft purple glow. You slowly surround yourself and him with the light as you continue gently rubbing his arms.

"You're ok though. You're here and you're ok. I'm here with you." Maybe your words served to console yourself slightly more than they worked to console him but you did grab his attention, his eyes lifting to meet yours. "Breathe. You're ok."

He caves into your steady form, hugging you tightly, his arms under yours and head tucked into your chest. His breathing seems more intentional at this point, relieving you. You move your hands from his shoulders to stroke at the feathers on the top of his head.

"I just- it was so fast and Shoji- He- and I couldn't-" He starts rambling, constantly stumbling over his words. You knew he didn't talk much, he preferred only to speak when it was necessary or directly useful for conversation.

"Tell me about it.", you rub up and down his back with one hand.

He takes a few deep, shaky breaths to steady himself before he pours out the story of him losing control to dark shadow. How he was trapped, enveloped in the darkness and at it's mercy as he watched it chase down Shoji and then Midoriya with lethal intent. How he figured out their plan to lure dark shadow over to others who could help and how he prayed to the gods it would work and no one would get hurt in the process. How bright and hot the flashes were next to him as Bakugo and Todoroki blasted their quirks on either side of his body to stop dark shadow. How he was shaking, walking with the others on the way to the summer camp's building before he got captured with Bakugo by a masked villain. The feeling of being trapped in the tiny marble of the villain's quirk. He was almost kidnapped himself along with Bakugo.

He's been talking for some time now, crying into your shirt and holding onto you tightly. He looks up at you then. You're also crying but there's a shakey smile on your lips. The furrow between his brows deepens as he looks at you.

You bring your hands to the sides of his head. "And you're ok?" You look over him again looking for any obvious wounds. "You're ok." You pull him back into a hug with his head on your shoulder and you cry, embracing him as tightly as you can manage. "I was so worried."

You realized as he was talking just how deeply you were in love with him, how much care you had in your aching heart for his safety. It surprised you how well you had been avoiding your feelings, concealing the full extent from even yourself and now you were a wreck. He could have been hurt, he could have hurt others and been unable to deal with the guilt of it, he could have been kidnapped. You held onto him now as if you were attempting to keep him safe from the dangers that were really gone for the time being.

With your arms around him he feels safe. With the lights around the both of you he feels at home. Hearing your heart beat slows his own down to a more healthy pace and he realizes too how much you mean to him. You've always been there for him, you've listened to his concerns, helped him in hero training and regular studying. You had become a part of what home meant to him and you grounded him. These feelings over came him and he reached up to pull your hands from his body to hold them in his own. Pulling away from you just far enough to look you in the eye.

You sat there with him on the forest floor, bodies pressed close and hearts beating loud. He looks you in the eyes for a second before bowing his head to rest his forehead against yours. You close your eyes to soak in the moment while you can.

"Thank you.", he says.

You separate from him by an inch to look questioningly into his eyes.

"You- You being here, the lights. Thank you Y/n. You mean so much to me and this,", he looks around "this is perfect. Thank you." He smiles and huffs out a small laugh, you really made things perfect in your little bubble of light in the woods even after all that's happened, he's calm now with you here.

You're speechless at this. He misses being as close to you as possible and surges forward with a bit too much force, capturing you in his arms before you both hit the soft dirt. You both share a little laugh at this that almost sounds like a sigh of relief and he nuzzles his head into your shoulder.

"You won't have to worry in the future. I want to be with you all the time Y/n, we'll stay close and when the next attack comes we'll fighting side by side."

He says it like no big deal but you hug him back that much tighter. "Close?" You don't want to get your hopes up.

"Close" He turns his head to nudge your cheek and you smile because he's safe and in your arms. Because he's with you and you're with him.

[embracethecringeside]

OK, here's one: do you think that there's any genuine good in Rick? I can't make up my mind about that one. I don't think he's evil or a sociopath (a lot of fans called him that in the early days, that term is so misused), but his intense self-hatred seems to be the only redeeming thing about him. He must have some sense of morality because he knows he's done horrible things, but he makes zero effort to stop doing horrible things unless it benefits him somehow.

My short answer is yes, Rick has genuine good wrapped up in there but my full answer is a bunch of examples from the show that I would like to call Soft Sanchez moments, where Rick either does something good/says something real and genuine/or his goodness is talked about in some fashion.

Meeseeks and Destroy 

Morty: Look, I want to leave now. You win the bet, okay? (Searches Rick's lab coat for the portal gun) Just give me the portal gun and let's go, please!

(Rick sees the badly beaten Mr. Jelly Bean walk out of the bathroom and pieces together what happened)

Morty: Please, I just want to... go h-home. (Tears up and holds onto Rick)

Rick: Okay. Listen, Morty. I just won a bunch of shmeckels. Why don't we use 25 of them to pay slippery stair here for a ride back to the village, and then we'll give the rest of the shmeckels to the villagers, huh?

Morty: Really?

Rick: Sure, Morty. Yeah. You know, a good adventure needs a good ending.

Rick: Good job, Morty. Looks like you won the bet.

Morty: Thanks, Rick, but I don't know if I should. You know, you were right about the universe. It's a crazy and chaotic place.

Rick: Well, you know, maybe that's why it could use a little cleaning up every now and then, you know. This one's wrapped up neat and clean because we did it Morty style.

(They portal away, but Rick makes another portal back and sticks an energy pistol through it and shoots Mr. Jelly Bean, splattering him all over the screaming villagers)

A Rickle In Time

(Puts his own collar on Morty, who disappears) 

Rick: I'm okay with this. Be good Morty. Be better than me. Holy shit, the other collar! I'm not okay with this! I am not okay with this! Oh, sweet Jesus please let me live. Oh, my God I—I've gotta fix this thing, please God in Heaven, please, God, oh Lord, hear my prayers. Yes! Fuck you God! Not today, bitch.

Mortynight Run

Rick: Screw this. I’m out.

(Rick forms a portal and leaves through it. Morty tries to start the car as a Gromflomite approaches, but it stalls.)

Morty: Oooh…! Come on, come on!

Gromflomite: Get out of the vehicle made of garbage or we will open fire!

Morty: *still trying to start the car* Oh no no no!

Gromflomite: Open fire!

(A portal appears directly above the guards and water pours out of it, flooding the room. Another portal appears on the floor, and the water and Gromflomites are sucked into it. A third portal then appears and Rick emerges through it, walking up to the car.)

Rick: Stupid-ass fart-saving carpet-store motherfucker! *shoves Morty out of the driver’s seat and takes the wheel* Move!

Auto Erotic Assimilation 

Rick: You got that right. But... baby, listen. Y-you're talking about taking over planets and galaxies, you gotta... you gotta just... remember to let go sometimes, you know.

Unity (Administrator): I can let go! Hey, look! You see that town across the river? Watch this.

(Planes fly past and bomb the town, blowing it all up)

Rick: Whoa!

Unity (Administrator): Ha ha! Woot!

Rick: Whoa! That's not what I meant!

Unity (Administrator): [laughing] It's okay! It's okay, I evacuated! I evacuated the town, look!

Unity (Townspeople): Hey! Right here! We’re fine!

Rick: (laughing) Oh, that was awesome! My grandkids weren't in that town, right? A-are my grandkids alive? ... H-hey, my drink is empty

Get Swifty 

Rick: Take it from me, Ice. *burp* You can’t just *burp* float around space not caring about stuff forever.

Morty: Tammy… gross. Birdperson, you always stick up for Rick, but he doesn’t care about anyone but himself. He doesn’t think about the consequences of anything he does.

Birdperson: And as a result, he has the power to save or destroy entire worlds. And he is the reason you and I know each other. And the reason I’m alive at all.

Look Who’s Purging Now

Arthrisha: Wait, stop! Please, don't kill me! I-I never intended to harm you, I swear. I am trying to end the festival. W-w-what do you mean? I was going to use your ship to destroy the rich assholes that run our society and save my people from the horrors of this yearly festival.

Rick: I'm not here to judge. I'm just a guy from another planet. But this girl is one of your poor people, and I guess you guys felt like it was okay to subject her to inhuman conditions because there was no chance of it ever hurting you. It's sort of the socio-political equivalent of, say, a suit of power armor around you. But now things are evened out, so, Arthrisha?

Morty: I can't help but feel ashamed about what I did back there, Rick. I guess you were right. I've got a lot of repressed stuff. I need to deal with. 

Rick: Don't worry about it, Morty.Remember those candy bars earlier that we got in the first act? 

Morty: Yeah, what about them? 

Rick: Turns out they have a chemical in them called purgenol that amplifies all your violent tendencies. 

Morty: Oh, boy. Whew! Thank goodness for that, huh? That's a relief. 

Rick: Yep. Don't even sweat. You're still the same old Morty. Your character's totally protected. (camera pans out to reveal the label on the chocolate bars reads “now purgenol-free”)

The Wedding Squanchers

BirdPerson: The guest list at this wedding includes 17 of the federation's most wanted. We have committed numerous atrocities in the name of freedom.

Rick: But... but... Here's the thing. Birdperson is my best friend, and if he loves Tammy, well, then I love Tammy, too. (Cheers and applause) To friendship, to love, and to my greatest adventure yet... opening myself up to others.

The Whirly Dirly Conspiracy

Rick: And you know what? I’ll cop to it. I put a lot of strain on your marriage. It wasn’t fair. I’m sorry.

Jerry: What?!

Rick: I didn’t respect your marriage. I certainly didn’t do it any favors. And for what it’s worth, I’ll apologize to Beth for it when we get home. Whoo! Whirly Dirly! Yeah!

Pickle Rick

I’m trying to let the scripts show all the ways Rick is good before I jumped in but since this is really weird without just watching the episode I’ll just explain that Rick doesn’t kill Jaguar after he finds out he has a daughter and then they work together to escape. 

The Old Man and The Seat

Tony: Can I look at a photo of my wife while you kill me?

Rick: Sure, but I'm doing her a favor. She either has terrible taste, or she's trapped in a marriage to a toilet thief. 

Tony: She's dead. And I don't mind joining her. Life has been hollow since I lost her. Using your toilet was nice, though. I'm a bit of a shy pooper. I'm ready when you are. 

Rick: Stay there. (goes through a portal, comes back with another Tony) Tell him what you told me.

Other Tony: What is this? What's happening? 

Rick: Tell him what you told me. 

Other Tony: My wife's still alive. Sh... sh... she went into remission 10 years ago.

Rick: And what did you do today? 

Other Tony: Oh, I, uh, pooped on a really awesome toilet I found... Oh, ow, ow, ow, ow, oh! (Rick shoves him back through the portal)

Rick”: Don't use your dead wife as an excuse. You ( Bleep ) on my toilet because you don't know your place, and your place is nothing. So next time you stumble onto a toilet that feels too good for your ass, trust me, it is. 

Tony: You're not gonna kill me?

Rick: Don’t tell me what to do!

Tony: You can make a perfectly-realized, toilet-filled simulation of heaven, but you can't share a toilet? 

Rick: Don't insult my craft. The chemical is Globaflyn. It connects the whatever-you-want section of your brain to the whatever-you-have section. If your heaven is toilets, that's on you. 

Tony: All of these people... 

Rick: Are living their wildest, meaningless dreams and leaving me out of them.

Tony: People you refuse to kill and refuse to let into your life.

Star Mort Rickturn of the Jerry

(Rick reveals he has saved what he could of PhoenixPerson)

Okay and on to the big one where I am actually going to talk instead of just letting the script go off Rest and Ricklaxation. We see two sides of Rick, Healthy Rick and Toxic Rick. After Healthy Morty slaps Healthy Rick, and he slaps him back, he discovers the machine doesn’t actually know the difference between what is truly healthy and whats actually toxic, it goes by each person’s individual definition. Shortly after we as the audience learn that Healthy Rick? Is actually apathetic. He doesn’t care about others. All the caring and emotions are wrapped up in Toxic Rick. Everything Healthy Rick did and said is all stuff he believes are good, he apologies, he takes responsibility for his actions, he’s polite, he’s trusting, and he doesn’t try to control others, but he is doing all of this simply because he thinks he should. So it is completely selfless when he makes the bargain so Toxic Rick will merge with him, because, and he even says it, he hates having what he considers his toxins inside of him, but it’s the right thing to do.

Then of course Healthy Rick calls Toxic Rick out, knowing that he is the one with all his, “irrational attachments” as he puts it, and as much as Toxic Rick no longer wishes to be a part of Healthy Rick, he merges with him under the pretence that he will then be able to save Toxic Morty. Both act selflessly for different reasons, Healthy Rick believing it is the right thing to do, while Toxic Rick does it for Morty. 

So do I believe that there is good in Rick?? Heck yes!! Good is stored in the garbage grandpa! 

[zuffer-weird-girl]

'What does the devil fear..?'

You know those days when you wake up and feels like... not wanting to exist at all?

He was having one of those. And he didn't like it one bit. All due to a night terror of his.

Just about two months ago you were almost shoted and kidnapped due to your relationship with him and your strings with the yakusa... not only you were a easy target by many rivals gangs, but also the heroes were constantly at your back... his rage and disgust only growing even more at them for involving someone that he parcially apreciated and wanted to leave them at peace.

He felt like utterly trash when he scolded you once for being late for a date, only for you to explain that one hero named sir. Nighteye stopped you along with bubble girl on the street to interrogate you about what were your exactly affiliations with Chisaki Kai.

He knew that when he entered your life... your whole world was turned upside down. You weren't exactly safe in anywhere, everyone on this stupid and sick society looked down at his angel for only being with him.

Guilt wasn't a constant feeling on this man's life... but now? He felt that this was consuming him, little by little.

Not only that but... he is a mess. Despite his arrogance, he knew ever since he was little; due to those two that he reduses to call mother and father; that he was... broken. Not physically but mentally ill.

Cursed.

Pops was kind and generous enough to take him out of the streets and the once hell he lived in... but yet, after so many years, never he found a way to show his gratitude to the old man... and the solutions he had to bring the yakusa to their once glory were neglected immediately by his mentor.

This angered him to no ends... why didn't he listened? Was he that... useless and broken?

Normally he would voice out his frustations to you... he felt light and relaxed when he just vented with you for the first time... yet extremely frustated at himself for just depositing all of his own frustations on the first and only person who said it out loud that loved him and him reciprocated... honestly loved him, not by fear or because someone or him demanded it.

Love... also another thing he couldn't understand... neither voice it out loud. He was a man of action, not words. But he was just so awkward and his cursed mysophobia didn't helped him at all.

Never on his life he felt good about touching someone. You weren't sick, nothing about you made him cringe in disgust. Yet he was so hesitant and aprehensive of touching you... corrupting that sweet and angelic skin with his own disgusting disease called 'quirk'.

He sighed, feeling all of his body way too cold than normal... his hand coming to fist the area where his dark and cold heart layed on.

He didn't deserved living. He didn't deserved being taken in by the yakusa.... He didn't deserved his angel.

All he deserved was to burn on the deepest flames of hell... and he didn't even doubt or neglected tgat as soon as he died he was going straight forward to this place... where he belonged.

Away from the one he loved. Yes, he loved (Y/n)... it took way longer tham necessary for him to realize that... but what does it matter?

You will be taken away from him at any moment or just leave him in the dark by hatred, fear or even disgust.

The thought killed him, hurted more than one or two stabs would... he was already used to pain... but not this kind.

His breath quickened and he tried to take slow breaths, in and out, but he was far too gone when the disgusting warm liquid accumulated on his eyes and were threatening to spill from his eyes and fall on his pillow.

A knock on the door caught his attention, he didn't even bothered looking at who was opening the door as he numbly stared at the ceiling, still gripping on his shirt and bed sheets like his life depended on it.

"Kai, Pops asked me to call you." Kurono spoked, frowning hsi eyebrows at seing that his childhood friend didn't even looked at him "we... are going to-"

"I don't want it." He hoarsely spoked out, cringing at hearing how his voice sounded so weak.

"Want to at least come? Probably the old man is going to spill some news from the others gangs. It could be useful."

Kai shooked his head and did something that left Hari with wide eyes, noticing how Chisaki was NOT well at all.

"You can leave Hari. Just please leave me alone." He numbly spoked as he still looked up at the ceiling.

Hari. Not Chrono, not Kurono, not block head or other stupid title. Chisaki NEVER used his first name. Not even comenting that HE ASKED for him to leave. Not demanded.

He nodded hesitantly and closed the door, scratching at the back of his neck as he made his way to where Pops was waiting. Just as he entered he started to tell Pops about the situation... the elder widening his eyes before letting out a sigh and getting up as well.

He knocked on the door and put on a smirk before completpy falling when he heard numb sniffles... Chisaki still layed on his back and gaze on the ceiling, just like Hari described it for him.

"My boy you're feeling sick?" He asked with crossed arms, furrowing his eyebrows at not receiving a answer "Chisaki." He called again, the young man only blinked before muttering that he was listening.

"What happened Kai? You surely aren't okay..."

"... Hari will take my place on my duties today. Tell him that if it isn't much asked Pops."

Okay. This was dead serious. Chisaki trusting other people to do his own work? His brat wasn't alright. Definitely not.

"Pops with all respect I have towards you... I would likd to be left alone, if its not much asked." Pops furrowed even more his eyebrows and nodded, freezing in worry when he heard his sucessor's trembling breath.

He got out and was soon metted with Irinaka and Chrono, both with crossed arms whille waiting.

"He is sick?" Mimic asked, Pops shocking his head as he brought one hand to his chin as he thought for a second.

"He is acting weird since the accident with miss (Y/n) but never on my life I saw him on that state." Chrono muttered, turning his head at Pops when he hummed.

"... the only person who can put some sense and easy the usual beast that is Chisaki, is that girl..." Pops mused out loud before snapping his fingers with a 'oh!' before he looked at both Chrono and Mimic.

"What's the order boss?" Mimic already spoked, Pops furrowing his eyebrows a bit at looking at the closed door before he sighed.

"Bring Chisaki's little medication. I will call (Y/n) to warn about you both picking her up."

Both nodded before they went towards the exit of the house, Pops walking away thorigh the halls as he picked his phone and started to hit the spefic numbers.

"Good morning my dear (Y/n). I apologize to bother you in such a hour, but mind doing me a big favor? I would be very grateful of it" He spoked with his phone om his ear.

~

You nervously fisted the material of the clothing of your leg as Hari drived with Mimic's on the passing seat.

Both had picked you up just when you got out from your last therapy session. You had to apologize to your therapist for receiving a call on the middle of the session, but she was understanding on seing your look of worry when you saw Pops calling and explaining the situation.

"(Y/N). Not going to lie. I was fucking scared when he called me by my first name and with that tone of voice." Chrono spoked suddenly as he turned on a street.

"Yeah. Things are dead ass serious. He didn't got up ever since then." Mimic agreed with his friend as be looked a bit at you "Think you can fix it?"

"I hope so... if neither of you knows what is happening or got him out even despite knowing him more than I do... what gives me the vhance of vhanging something?"

Both bitterly let out a chuckle, Mimic almost quacking at your coment while you arched one eyebrow at both.

"Fuck miss you're not that dumb. Come on. Overhaul is with you for a reason."

"We may know Chisaki longer, but you're definitely the only one that actually know his... whole persona. After all... tell us one more person that touched him and he reciprocated without intentiond of killing?"

You furrowed your eyebrows together, adoring the words but yet still worried. Pops himself told you that Chisaki was... devasted, and he didn't even knew the motive.

The car stopped and you didn't even let neither of the man open the door for you, anxiously getting out if the vehicle and making your way inside the Shie Hassaikai residence.

"I'm relieved that you came." Pops smiled for a bit before he guided you through the halls, even despite you knowing already that place like it was your own.

You stopped in front of the door, Pops pattimg your shoulder and saying that no one would be listened, but gently asked you for at least ease down the storm that it was probably inside the dark brow haired man.

You took a shaking breath before gently opening the door and closing it behind you. Your heart shattwring at seing that what Kurono and pops described you of was the true.

The only difference and the most hurtful one... was that you saw that even despite the numb face he was wearing it, he had tears slipping down is face.

You took slow steps to be on his side, before you jumped a bit at the suddem breath he took.

"What are you doing in here?" He asked, voice broken but a hint of annoyance on it.

"I was worried. I got the news that you didn't even moved ever since morning." You sitted on the bed, feeling your form shake a bit die to your nerves.

"... you should go." You made a confused and hurt noise before your eyes soften in worry at seing the frow on his face as he still didn't broke his look from the ceiling.

"Don't play dumb. You should go. You're only getting hurt due to my affiliations..."

"Well-" you cooed blocking his view with your head, smiling down at him as his eyes widen a bit at seing you in there instead of the monotonous and cold ceiling. "I did sign up for it when I fell for you didn't I?"

Wrong choice of words apparently. You noticed that the moment Chisaki jjst closed his eyes to prevent him to look at your own as he let out a shattered breath.

"You're sick. Sick. Definitely sick." He shook his head and you furrowed your eyebrows as you distanced your self a bit from him.

Chisaki could call you by 1001 nicknames or titles, but 'sick' was one that he neglected of ever using it on you unless he was rarely feeling playfull... never like this. Complete serious.

"Why is that? I will have you know i did my exams." You tried to joke a bit but flinches when he got up abruptly, looking at you with what anyone else could be described with rage.

But you knew better... his eyes were screaming only one sentence.. 'don't say that.'

He wasn't mad at you... no. He was mad at himself. But why though?

"You still has the courage of asking? (Y/n)." He growled while lowering his head, fisting the back of his head in one glived hand "How can you say this without a hint of regret? Without a hint of fear for your life? Hell you were almost shoted and kidnapped some months ago because of me!"

"Hey, if this is about that, you know it wasn't your fault my devil, we ta-"

"No. You can't convince me that it wasn't my fault. Because it was. It is my fault that your damn life turnes to hell because of my selfish wish of having you by my side." He growled while you furrowed your eyebrows at seimg the familiar yet undesirable hives start to form on his skin.

"Kai, love, calm down-" you tried to touch him but he flinched away with wide and red eyes.

"Don't. Don't just be a damn suicidal idiot! You do know what my quirk does, so why you still insist on touching me?! Don't you know I can kill you qnd put it back like nothing ever changed?! I do this everyday without regrets!"

The hives were getting bigger while he got up on his feet, he started to scrub feevently at his forearm and left hand as you got up hesitantly as well.

"Kai. I know this. I know all that. But you never used your quirk on me without a damn good reason."

"See it? I already used it. Nobody can tells that I won't just-"

"But do you WANT to kill me Chisaki Kai?" You spoke a bit more sternly, getting a bit creeped out when he laughed bitterly.

"Of course I fucking don't! But I didn't had the intentions of killing that garbage either when I was young! Although I have no regrets of that decision." He growled while he scratched his skin as his eyes were wide and a vein was almost popping out in his temple.

"Kai this has nothing to do with us-!"

"Oh please don't act like you didn't feared me once in your life. You will sure one day woke up from that delusion you vreated of me and will leave me on the dark." He growled while lowering his head, cringing when he felt that known red fluid.

"Why do you say that?! Why do you keep thinking that I will just ran or leave you Chisaki?!" You opened in your arms in disbelief as you almost screamed.

"BECAUSE YOU SHOULD DAMMIT!" You flinched at the string and thundering shout he let out, he stopped scrubbing in his arm to make desperate and angru hands gestures while he sinply gave up on controling his tears.

"WHY CAN'T YOU SEE THAT I AM A CURSE ON YOUR DAMN LIFE (Y/N)?! FUCK!" he brought one of his hands to cover his face as he cringed at felling his glives getting wet from his tear "I AM A MONSTER! A KILLER! A YAKUSA! A MURDER! HELL, A DAMN SOCIOPATH!"

You felt all fo your body going cold but not because of fear... it was because you were seing your lover most probably worst breakdown...

"Kai-"

"NOT EVEN COMMENTING THAT THOSE DISGUSTING SICK HEROES GET ON YOUR BACK BECAUSE OF ME! WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU COULD SIMPLY WALK ON THE STREET WITHOUT DIRTY LOOKS?! HUH?!"

His tears fell almost violently on the floor as you slowly took one step at a time towards him... calmly, slowly...

"I RUIN EVERTHING (Y/N)! AND AS MUCH AS I LOVE YOU, CRAVE YOUR PRESENCE BESIDES ME, I CAN'T JUST PRETEND THAT I DIDN'T DESTROYED YOUR LIFE WITH MY SELFISH WISH OF HAVING YOU AS MY GIRLFRIEND DAMMIT!"

He hund his head low, his shoulder shaking violently as he still continued his vent.

"Why..?!" He cried hand once in his head falling miserably on his side as he looked at you, the most broken and saddest loom you ever saw on Chisaki's face.

"WHY CAN'T YOU SEE THAT I DESERVE IT BEING LEFT ALONE AND THAT YOU ONLY WILL GET HURT, BECAUSE AND BY ME?!"

You blinked your own tears while Chisaki just let out a miserable sob and fell to his knees on the ground, gripping each dide of his face with his hands as he miserably let out all what he had bottled up...

You wiped your tears away from your face with a scowl, more determined than ever as you kneeled down in front of him.

"Hey." You called, no response. "Look at me." He inly shook his head stubbornly as he bitted in his own tongue to stop the river of tears.

You clenched your teeth together as you grabbed onto his shoulders and touched foreheads with him.

"Chisaki Kai look at me!" You whisper yelled, finally catvhing his attention as he looked into your eyes, still with jaw clemvhed while the tears stopped with a fraction of seconds... eyesbrows furrowed.

"First. I did shower and sterilized my hands." He sobbed while you winced... okay this only worsened.

"Second. Kai for God's sake, I knew where I was getting into when I met you... being part of the yakusa or having a relationship with the leader leads to that! You warned me!"

"So why the hell didn't you lis-"

"Because I am in love with you!" You said gently while carefully lifting his head a bit while cupping his face in your hands, him lookimg down at you. "Kai you made me fall for you! Being whatever you are or aren't."

He scoffed and went to look down before his breath got caught on his throat when you were close to his face... your warm breath spreading on his face as you looked up at him.

"Is it so wrong of me to love you?" He wemt to speak but you grabbed his hand with a hush "No is not. I am a full grow adult just as you, and know damn well of the consequences of dating the leader of the Shie Hassaikai."

He started to calm down with his tremblimg, savoring like a starved animal from your sweet carress of your thimbs in his face and hand.

"Heroes on my back and dirty looks on the street? One answer to them. Fuck. Those. Sick. Bastards." You giggled at the look he gave it to you "I am dating the most handsome and overprotective man I ever met. I feel safe around you, it doesn't matter what you do or did, because I know who at least my boyfriend is."

He breathed out a sigh, shoulders sagging as he got enough strength to get up alomg with you to sit on the bed instead.

"And one last thing... I can take many bullets or shouts... but what truly hurts me more on this, is seing the love of my life suffering over something he can't control it..." you nuzzled your nose against his as bis breath got caught on his throat "And that's alright. Because when people love each other they suffer with the other pain and problems... and Kai, even if you don't say that out loud, you show it to me, everyday, that you care. That I matter something for you." You wiped one tear away from his cheek woth a smile

"And that is all I ever wanted. You're honest Kai. Bold honest. And I am so lucky to be yours... don't just say that I should leave you... because not only I know you would send precepts to haunt me, but because I won't do it. Simple as that. Trust me..." you pleaded with a smile.

His breath catched on his throat again as he finally let out a mixture of a broken sob and a scoff, burring his face on your neck as he let out more cries, grabbing onto your shirt like if je let it go, ghose words he just had listened were mere lies or hallucinations.

"I'm sorry..!" He muffled cried on your neck as you sighed through your nose with a smile... hugging him with one arm as your hand came up to stroke his hair.

"Sorry about what I wonder..?" You sadly commented "For being the men you are? Please dont be sorry about that... I love with all my soul the man I fell for..." he let out a broken whimper as he buried even more his face on your nevk to muffle his cries.

"I am a fucking sociopath-"

"My sociopath."

"(Y/N) stop. We both know that you would be-"

"Crying like a baby alone in my room watching series if I didn't have you." You giggled and stroked his hair more, feeling his eyebrows furrowing in your skin.

He scoffed but relaxed a bit in your hold, getting up from your neck to rest his head on your forehead with a sigh.

"My head... dammit." He growled while lifting his hand a bit to rest on his temple.

He opened his eyes when he felt you wiping a liquid that was scrolling down his nose... his face burning in embarrassment and disgust. But yet he sighed while nuzzling his head on you.

"Don't just touch that, is disgusting." He growled at your giggles but smiled no less...

His angel was here to stay... whether he derving it or not.

[ms-rampage]

Eden’s Gate: Left Behind Chapter 19 - Jackson

Warnings: Angst

Word count: 2.2k

Summary: In the series finale Kate and Morgan leave Hope County, Montana and move back to Jackson, Wyoming. John and Kate say their final goodbyes. 

Guest OCs: Joel Winchester [mentioned]

Guest characters: Castiel (Supernatural), Gabriel [mentioned], Lilith [mentioned]. 

Note+UPDATE: The Mother will continue to be posted, then Aftermath, then the New Dawn series will finish off the entire series. Thank you to those who shared, and read my Lucifer forsaken writings!!. 

************************************

Ever since Kate told John about her leaving Hope County, he spent every second of every day with her.

Wanting to be by her side all day, everyday. When that day came, November 2nd. It was tough for him, the love of his life leaving him.

Kate constantly reassured him. Telling him that she’ll come back, and they can talk on the phone all day, every day. Video calling, all of it. 

Her and Paige finally settled their differences, after uncle Brent gave Paige an hour long lecture on the phone, talking about family and shit. They were to leave that afternoon. John never, not once left Kate’s side.

He spent the night at her house, sleeping in the same bed as her. Cuddling with her the whole night, never letting her go. Had a little sex here, and there. He even let her do all the work, let her go on top, and ride him.

“I love you” he says in her ear, playing with her hair.

She chuckles softly, “I love you too”. 

Kate and Morgan were gonna leave around 1pm, the 7 hour drive that will be ahead of them from Hope County to Jackson.

“I can’t believe you’re leaving” John tells her.

She sighs, “Yeah me too. It’s gonna be hard, leaving all of my friends and you behind”. She signs again, resting her head on his chest, “It’s gonna be a tough one, but I’ve dealt with worse. I think I can manage”.

John chuckles, “What about me? I’m gonna need you. I need you here. How are we gonna keep us alive?!”.

She lifts her head up, and looks up at him, “I may have a few ideas”. 

Kisses him on the lips before getting up off the bed, and over to her shelf. She grabs a bluetooth earbud.

“What is that?!” he asks, sitting up.

“A bluetooth earpiece. You hook it up to your phone, and we can talk on the phone for hours. Well it works up to 12 hours. We can talk on the phone without even holding them” she explains to him. 

The whole day passed by so slow yet so fast. Going from Montana to Wyoming, then Wyoming to Pennsylvania. Who knows how long this demon shit is gonna be. Demon deals can only last for so long, 10 years usually. 

Kate knew this would be a long trip. A long and painful one.  That afternoon before they left, she had an angst worthy conversation with John. well actually she had two. One with John, and another with a feathery boy.  He left that morning to work on some Cult stuff, and he returned that afternoon before Kate and Morgan left. 

They both had a heart to heart conversation. Kate and Morgan were packing up the trailer, and the car with their stuff. They planned on leaving some furniture behind, donating it or leaving for the trash collector to pick it up.

“Katie?!” John singfully calls out for her as she packs up the trailer.

“Hey!” she replies, wrapping her arms around his neck and kissing him.

They smile at each other, they step away from the vehicle. Away from where Morgan can hear them. John looks down at her, his eyes glossy. She knows he’s gonna cry, and he knows it as well. 

He clears his throat and says with his voice cracking, “You know I love you, and I would do anything for you. You changed me. I never loved anyone like how I do with you. I never cared for anyone the way I do, other than my brothers. I never thought I would be able to have these feelings for someone. You changed me, you made me feel”.

Tears start to form in his eyes, his breathing goes shaky. 

“I don’t want to lose you” he continues, “I don’t want anyone else to have you”.

Kate shakes her head, “You won’t lose me” she says softly.

“I know I won’t, I’m just scared you’ll find someone else” he tells her.

Tears streaming down both of their faces, “You don’t have to leave” he pleads with her.

“I’m sorry” she mutters, “But I have to”.

He nods his head, “I know”. 

They stand in silence for a few moments, time seemingly seemed to freeze in place. 

Kate looks around, and sees that time is going at its normal Earth pace. 

“I love you” he tells her.

“I love you too” she responds back. 

They pull each other in for an embrace, Kate rests her head against John’s shoulder. 

A few hours later, Kate and Morgan packed up the car, and trailer. All set to go back to Wyoming. Resting on the floor inside the somewhat empty house. 

“So are you gonna do anything else before we leave?” Morgan asks Kate.

“Yeah, Yeah I have a few things I have to do before we leave” she tells her.

She gets up off the floor and goes outside to the backyard. Going behind the fence, Haley follows her outside. Kate sits down underneath a tree. She takes a deep breath, slowly petting Haley.

She closes her eyes, and prays to Castiel.

“Hey Cas” she starts, “It’s me Kate Winchester. If you can show yourself that will be great”. 

A few moments of silence followed by a whooshing sound, and a slight breeze to her left.

“You prayed?” the Angel in the beige trenchcoat asks in his monotone, hoarse voice. 

“Yeah” she responds standing up, “I never got to properly thank you for bringing me back”.

He looks at her in slight confusion which is normal for him. He never really understood human emotions to begin with.

“Of course” he says.

“I just wanted to say thank you for bringing me back from The Other Side, and letting me see my dad for the first time” she tells him with a smile on her face.

“It’s my job. It wasn’t your time, and I had to bring you back to Earth” he says to her. 

“Yeah I know” she says, staring off into the distance, “What do you know about dreams?”.

Once again he looks at her confused, “Dreams? They’re images, visions and stories that one’s subconscious manifests when in slumber. It can be in many different forms”.

Slightly shaking her head, “No, no I mean. What does it mean when you have the same dream over, and over again. Everytime it happens it never progressives. It always ends the same way, nothing else happens”.

“What is this dream you’re having?!?” he asks, head slightly tilted.

“It’s with Lilith, she threatens me that if I don’t say yes to her. She’ll hurt Paige, and then Gabriel shows up, and banishes her. It’s the same thing over, and over, and over. It never goes any further”.

Castiel narrows his eyes at her, eyebrows furrowed, “I could mean that Lilith is somehow manipulating you into saying yes, and harvesting your soul”.

Kate nods her head, “Yeah I assume, but she won’t get the answer she’s looking for”.

“Now the part with Gabriel, well that means because he’s your guardian angel, and he has to protect you”.

“Yeah I figured that” she responds, nodding. Exhaling. 

Cas sighs, “You know he’s proud of you. He talks about you whenever I go up to Heaven”.

Kate smiles, “Gabriel talks about me?”.

He awkwardly clears his throat, “Well actually. Your father. Joel, he talks about you and Paige a lot. He’s proud of both of you”.

Kate gasps softly, smiling through her tears, “Oh, he um, he talks about us?!?”.

Nodding his head, “Yes”.

She wipes her tears away, her breath shaky. “I’m leaving Hope County”.

He nods his head, “I know. I heard about the deal Flora made, and the 10 years ends soon”.

“And that’s why I’m leaving” she says, “Again thank you for everything”.

“I know, I’m glad I can help. See you soon” he tells her with a smile. 

Before Cas could disappear. She stops him.

“Cas wait!!” she exclaims. He turns to face the young Winchester, “Why didn’t you come to my save when I prayed to you all those months ago?!?”.

He sighs, looking at the ground, “I can’t tell you much, but I will tell you this. I was told by God, Chuck not to get involved because of his plan for you, and your family”.

She stares at him in utter disbelief, “I-I don’t get it!?!”. 

Nodding his head, “I know. I know, I didn’t understand it at first. I still don’t, I just want to leave it at that”. 

With that said Castiel disappears, leaving Kate by herself outside by the trees with Haley sitting at her side. 

She goes back inside the house. “Are you ready to go?” Morgan asks as she walks in.

“Yeah all set” she responds, nodding her head. 

They put the remaining of their stuff in the car, Haley jumps in the back seat, Morgan in the passenger seat and Kate drives. Starting up the car, and Carry on Wayward Son plays on the radio. 

Once I rose above the noise and confusion. Just to get a glimpse beyond the illusion. 

I was soaring ever higher. But I flew too high. 

They drive off down the road as the song plays. 

Driving out of Holland Valley, driving past the fields, and small businesses. Over the bridge, passing the University and the diner. Entering the Henbane River. 

Though my eyes could see, I still was a blind man. Though my mind could think, I still was a mad man. I hear the voices when I’m dreaming. I can hear them say. 

Carry on my wayward son. There’ll be peace when you are done. Lay your weary head to rest. Don’t you cry no more. 

The Henbane River, the toxic bliss flowers, drugged up angels and blissed out animals.

“Not gonna miss this place” Morgan mutters to herself as she looks out the car window. 

Joseph’s Word, the eye sore of a statue. Someone should destroy that shit, blow it up. Destroy it into teeny tiny unfixable pieces. 

Masquerading as a man with a reason. My charade is the event of the season, and if I claim to be a wise man, well. It surely means that I don't know. On a stormy sea of moving emotion

Tossed about, I'm like a ship on the ocean, I set a course for winds of fortune, but I hear the voices say. 

Carry on my wayward son. There’ll be peace when you are done. Lay your weary head to rest don’t you cry more, no.

Halfway out of the Henbane River, only a few miles away from the Ancient Bison Tunnel, one of the two exits leading out of Hope County. 

Kate stops the car in the middle of the road, putting the car in park. Pausing for a brief moment. 

Lowering the volume on the radio, Morgan looks at her in confusion. 

“What is it?!?” she asks.

Kate sighs, and says “I can’t believe we’re doing this. We’re leaving this inescapable town, only because of John, and I have this feeling that. That once we leave, we won’t be welcomed back”.

Morgan tilts her head in confusion, “What makes you say that?!?”.

“It's just a feeling I have. Like if we were to come back for our friends. It’ll be ugly, bloody and violent. Bad shit will happen, I just- I just feel it, and it won’t be good. Chaos will happen”.

“You’re just feeling guilty about leaving John, and all of our friends here. They know, they understand. They get that family is important to us. We told them we’ll be back, not sure when, but we’ll be back. John will see you again”. 

She reassures her friend, and to continue their exit out of Montana.

“Yeah, yeah. You’re right” she says before taking a deep breath and an exhale, “Let’s go”.

Kate turns the volume on the radio back up, and Kansas finishes playing. 

Now, Turn The Page - Metallica plays. 

She lets out a soft chuckle, putting the car back in drive and they drive up the road towards the tunnel guiding them out of Hope County.

On a long and lonesome highway, east of Omaha

You can listen to the engines moanin', out this one-note song

You'd think about the woman, or the girl you knew the night before

“Here we go” Kate says with a hint of relief in her voice. Morgan looks over at her friend with a smile on her face. 

But your thoughts will soon be wandering

The way they always do, when you're riding 16 hours

There's nothing' much to do, and you don't feel much like riding

We just wish the trip was through

They go through the tunnel, on the other side, they see a sign that says “Next stop Missoula - 5 miles. Jackson, Wyoming 386 miles”.

Kate sighs, “Jackson, here we come” they drive down the long, and lonesome road of Montana. Going back home. 

THE END

[whumping-every-day]

ohhh, you take requests, yay! how about something with a whumpee who is given to a new captor, and they find that they don't hurt them as badly and they even offer them comfort sometimes, so they start to like them because things aren't as bad as they used to be, and if they're good then maybe they can just be happy together... sorry if that's too weirdly specific but I've been thinking about it all day :) -S

WHOOO HEY I GOT CARRIED AWAY. I meant to do a small drabble and I went overboard. And it’s… only sort of what you asked for?? O.o Enjoy!

Tags: Aftermath of torture and conditioning, captivity, sold, obedience, fear, rescue(?), male AND female caretakers, male whumpee, comfort

–

Gabriel’s knees hit the cold gravel, and the boy bit back a whimper. He didn’t know where they were, and the blindfold over his eyes prevented him from seeing. Master hadn’t explained when he’d come to collect him; the man had only dragged Gabriel out of his corner of the cellar, bound and blindfolded him, and then dropped him in the trunk of his car. 

That had been hours ago, and Gabriel couldn’t stop shaking. Master never let him out of the house. Most of the time, Gabriel wasn’t even allowed out of the basement… but here he was, kneeling somewhere outside, with the scents of dirt and motor oil in the air. A garage? Pavement? What was going on? 

“Stop thinking so much,” Master growled, reaching down to grab a handful of his dark curls. Gabriel flinched, whining softly. He didn’t know what was happening, and that thought had his chest tight, a low simmering of panic bubbling just under the surface. “You’re going to behave,” Master hissed. “You’re going to shut up and look pretty, not a thing more, you understand?” Master’s grip in his hair did not loosen, and Gabriel nodded frantically, as much as he could. He couldn’t handle being punished again so soon, he just couldn’t… 

The sound of tires approaching made Gabriel’s stomach drop, and his Master abruptly released him. Gabriel huddled low on his knees, shivering faintly in the cold air. The gravel stopped crunching, and then there were two quiet thuds. Then footsteps; one set heavy and masculine, the other lighter and clicking faintly with each step. Gabriel felt icy trickling into his veins as they stopped. 

“I assume this is him?” It was the voice on the right; feminine and detached, almost cold. 

“Yeah, this is him,” Master replied. “You got the cash?” 

Cash? Gabriel’s heart stopped, then began to pound again much more quickly. Cash. Money. He was being sold. After all those years locked in Master’s cellar, and the training, and the beatings and punishments and suffering - he was being given away? Just like that?

“Yes, we have the money. Right here.” 

There was a rustling sound, someone counting bills, and then, without warning, Gabriel was being kicked forward. The boy yelped softly, going sprawling face-first in the gravel at the couple’s feet. He felt something slice open his cheek, and he bit his lip to keep in any noises, unable to push himself back upright with his arms bound behind his back. 

“Jeez, really?” It was the second stranger; the one that Gabriel hadn’t heard speak yet. Male, and tall, from how high up his voice was coming from… weighted footsteps approached, and Gabriel whimpered quietly, waiting for the boot to the ribs, or the kick to the face. Instead hands settled on his shoulders, large and warm. Gabriel couldn’t balance or help at all, but those hands pulled him back upright, and steadied him till he got his knees back under him. Then they were gone, and Gabriel was left breathless with the lack of pain. 

“I think we are done here.” It was the woman’s voice again, and this time it was definitely cold. Gabriel shivered. His Master (or former Master, now) grunted quietly, and then his footsteps moved away, back towards the car they’d come in. Gabriel felt a tiny, misplaced surge of panic; surely Master wouldn’t just leave him here, with these two strangers - but there was the sound of a door opening, then closing, and then the engine revved as the man drove away. 

“Poor thing,” the woman murmured. “Stefan, get him in the car, please.”

The man hummed in acknowledgement, and then the woman’s footsteps drew away, followed by a faint beeping… a phone? Gabriel had a split second’s curiosity, but then that large presence was crouching in front of him again. 

“Hey, buddy,” the man murmured, and Gabriel’s breath hitched. Buddy… but he never got called nice things. "You’re going to be coming home with us,” the man - Stefan - continued. “Can you stand?” Gabriel hesitated, but nodded timidly. “Okay. Good. Up you go, come on…” His legs were aching, and his left side below his waist was asleep, but the man helped him up, keeping a firm hand on Gabriel’s upper arm. “There you go. Come on, to the car.” 

Gabriel didn’t understand why the man was being so patient, but he didn’t even think about resisting as he was led to the stranger’s vehicle. He waited to be put in the trunk, and was surprised when instead, he was guided into the back seat. Gabriel didn’t know what to do once inside, and he still couldn’t see. In the end he sunk down onto the floor, once again curling up with his knees underneath him. 

“Okay, good. Hold still for me, bud.” His new owner - or one of them - gently took his chin, and Gabriel flinched and then immediately went pliant. The man tisked softly, but all he did was loosen the blindfold. Gabriel tensed, and he automatically squeezed his eyes shut as the fabric fell away. Sight was a gift for his Masters to bestow, it was not something for him to take… even if he was desperate to see the man’s face. There was silence for a split second, and then a sigh and a gentle pat to the head. “Sit tight.” 

The door thunked shut, and then Gabriel was alone in the car. What… what on earth? He hadn’t been told to open his eyes, and he would be punished if he did, surely. There was not much to be heard from inside the vehicle… Gabriel could make out his new mistress’s voice, low and urgent, and then Stefan, quiet and soothing. Then the voices drew nearer, and Gabriel flinched as the doors were opened again. 

“Hello, sweetheart.” This time it was the woman, and Gabriel shrunk a little lower as he felt her approach. A long time ago, the softness in her tone might have lulled him into complacency… but he knew better, now. She did not try to touch him. “Can you open your eyes for me?” That was what he’d been waiting for. Gabriel peeled his eyes open cautiously, not quite daring to look up near his owner’s faces. “Good,” the woman praised, and Gabriel felt his chest flutter. “That’s much better, hmm? My name is Maria. This is my brother Stefan.” Gabriel’s eyes drifted over to the man’s feet for a moment, before back to center. “Can you tell us your name?” 

At that, the boy balked. Didn’t he need permission to speak? He glanced up for clarification, but there was only calm instruction in the woman’s eyes. Gabriel opened his mouth, but it took him a second to make sound. “G-Gabriel, Mistress,” he whispered. 

“Okay, Gabriel,” the woman murmured. “We’re going to get you home, and get you cleaned up and fed.” Her hand was slow as it reached out to cup his jaw, firmly tipping his chin up. “I have no desire to harm you,” she murmured, thumbing gently over his bruised cheek. “And Stefan is a softy.” 

“Hey,” Stefan mumbled in token protest, but it was… teasing? Had Gabriel caught that right? 

“We’re going to take good care of you,” Maria finished. “Can you be good for us, sweet boy, and let us take care of you?” 

For a long moment, Gabriel couldn’t form words. He was - baffled, astonished, suspicious, disbelieving. It couldn’t possibly be this easy. Where was the pain, the punishment, the calibration period as his new Masters adjusted his behavior to fit their wants? They would hurt him in the end. They always did. 

But still, the question had been simple… and it was already too late to crush the spark of hope. Maybe, maybe, if he could behave himself, things could be better here. “P-please,” he whispered, and it was quiet. “Please, I - I want to be good.” 

His Mistress smiled, and his Master nodded faintly. “We know, buddy.” 

“Why don’t you come up onto the seat,” Maria murmured, patting the soft fabric. Gabriel pushed himself off his knees awkwardly, and half fell onto the seat, his wrists still bound behind him. He understood the continued restraint, of course; his Masters couldn’t let his hands free till he was properly locked up again, after all. Something fuzzy settled on top of him, and Gabriel blinked at the blanket for a long moment, utterly uncomprehending. 

“You can nap on the way back, if you’d like,” Stefan said, tucking the edges in around his bound form. Gabriel shuddered under the warmth, watching the man with a wide, perplexed expression. Once he was covered, the seat belt was wound under him to clip in, properly securing him in place. In a way, the restraint was almost comforting. Now he didn’t have to worry about sliding off the seat. 

His Mistress had moved to get in the driver’s side, and Stefan stroked through Gabriel’s hair briefly, before getting into the front. “You can rest, sweetheart,” Maria murmured. “We’ll get you some water very soon. You’re going to be so good for us, I can already tell.” 

They stopped speaking to him after that, and under the softness of the blanket, and the soft cushion of the seats, Gabriel found his eyelids drooping. He hadn’t been allowed to rest in so long, and it was warm in the car, with the foreign sensation of a blanket, covering his bruises and scars from the world. It took a few minutes, but soon enough, Gabriel was curled up asleep, his nose tucked up against the seat. Maybe things could be better here. Maybe. 

[END]

Next

[witness-protection-official]

Today’s chapter art is actually fanart made by Amiy_trash on Instagram! Check her out, she’s really good!

Warning; contains heavy swearing in some parts. Song mentioned in chapter will be linked at the end

Witness Protection- An Eyeless Jack x reader

Chapter 3

"So why do you look so uncomfortable?" You tilt your head. He remained silent. "Hey, come on, after what just happened I deserve to know something about you,"

"What just happened doesn't matter," He stated, back to using that monotone voice. You huff.

"We kissed!"

"You and I both know it meant nothing,"

"But still-!"

"Dropping the subject now," he shut up. You groan and smack your head against the window. You mutter an ow, sitting up properly.

"Does the radio work?" He shrugged. You reach over and try to turn it on, only met by static on all of the channels before it shut itself off. "Great," you grumble quietly to yourself. You pat a small beat on your lap, the silence driving you mad.

"Stop that," your head rolls back against the headrest on the seat, rolling your eyes and glaring at him.

"Well then do you have any idea what I could do to entertain myself? Don't get me wrong I'm really enjoying these 'chats' of ours where I try to strike up a conversation and you completely ignore me, but I'm kind of going insane," you groan loudly. "There's like nothing for me to dooo,"

"Play a road trip game or something,"

"You need two or more people for those, and you're highkey too boring for them,"

"I'm going to pretend I know what highkey is and tell you to figure out how to do it yourself," You groan again, leaning forward to smack your head on the dashboard space right above the glove box.

"I spy with my little eye, an annoying bitch," you huff, crossing your arms.

"You?" Your eye twitches. "No? Damn. Ok, my turn, I spy with my little eye an annoying little cunt that is going to be gutted and left to bleed out in a river if she doesn't shut her fucking mouth,"

"Lemme guess. You?" He made a 'wrong' buzzer sound.

"Wrong, try again,"

"Me?" you sigh.

"Bingo, now shut up," You grumble some unheard curses and lean your elbow on the weird arm rest thing on the side of the door, resting your head in your open palm. There was a long silence. It felt like it must've been half an hour, at least.

"I'm still bored,"

"It's only been 10 minutes since you told me that," he stated.

"Feels like longer, now entertain me,"

"In case you don't remember, I kidnapped you and am in no way obligated to entertain you,"

"Can't I like, borrow your phone or something?"

"I would be an idiot to let a hostage use my phone," It's becoming painfully clear that he is not going to cave anytime soon. You sigh and stare out the window, watching other cars pass by with a half lidded expression. "Eat or something,"

"Bored eating is how I get fat,"

"Then suffer in silence," Another silence washed over you, the uncomfortable humming of the vehicle becoming the only thing you could use from drifting off into insanity. The car stopped after a long while, and he climbed out.

"Where are you going?"

"To eat," You raise a brow.

"Why would you need to get out to eat?" He smiled at you, condescendingly. The effect of the meds had worn off by this point, revealing sharpened teeth. You gag, remembering what he had eaten back at the hotel. "Yeah, please do that far away from me,"

"Planning on it, I don't need puke in my truck," He slammed his door shut. It is only five minutes after he's left the truck that you are even more bored than before. Yet another heavy groan leaves you. Patting a small beat on your legs seemed to help, but only barely. You glance behind you, seeing him in the back of the truck. Well, you could only see his back, as he had it facing the cab section of the truck. Should you go out and bother him? One on hand, there was a strong possibility of you vomiting up your lunch from earlier. But on the other hand, he was your only source of entertainment. Your boredom won over your common sense and you unbuckle, trying your door. Child locked, of course. Your gaze flicked to his door. Glancing back out the back window, you sneakily climb onto the drivers side seat, trying the door handle. The door popped open and you felt like cheering. You wouldn't though. If he was gonna be mad about you sneaking out of the car you might as well spook him too by surprising him.

A small tune hits your ears as you step out of the truck, closing the door quietly. Your footsteps fell silently on the dirt as you approached. Granted, the heels made walking uncomfortable, but you'd rather suffer through the curse that is your work shoes than walk around barefoot. Random thought aside, the tune sounded like quiet singing. It was barely audible, barely above a whisper, but pleasant sounding. Your brain caught up with your ears and eyes and quickly came to the conclusion that Jack was singing, very softly. The song was unfamiliar to you, but his voice did sound nice, so you quietly hop onto the bed of the truck, next to him, all while ignoring the empty freezer bags that used to hold what you knew to be some poor man's insides. He paused for what seemed to be an instrumental break, as he nodded his head a little to the rhythm in his head.

"For a murderer, you're pretty good at singing," you comment, breaking the silence. Nothing will ever compare to the joy you felt as Jack's eye sockets shot open, and he squeaked loudly, standing in an apparent flight reflex before almost tripping over the rim of the bed in his shock. However, you did not laugh, for you were no fool. Although it was increasingly tempting as his grey face grew to be a bright red, non existent eyes widening in pure shock, terror, or embarrassment.

"How much," he muttered, blinking with a gulp.

"What?"

"How much did you hear," he elaborated.

"Not much, I've only been here for maybe a minute or so,"

"Too much," he took a shaky breath.

"What?" he repeatedly shook his head.

"Too much," he muttered again before muttering something very quietly to himself.

"Truck. Now," he vaulted himself over the edge. You raise a brow and climb off the bed of the vehicle. He gripped your arm and guided you to your side of the truck, opening the door. "In," You scurry in, clicking the seat belt into place. He seemed… stressed. He climbed in a little bit after, seemingly having cleaned up the remnants of his meal.

"So uh-,"

"Don't- don't talk,"

"But-,"

"Shhhh," he whispered, holding a shaky index finger to his lips to signify silence. With a deep breath, he strapped in and turned the car on, getting back on the road. Despite the radio not working, the clock did, and you stared at it. For an hour. You knew because you had watched an hour pass on the old digital display. Finally, he sighed.

"You can talk now, I guess,"

"What the hell was that?"

"Probably a nice mix of anxiety and embarrassment smooshed together to create a hellish combination of wanting to die,"

"You have anxiety?"

"I don't want to talk about it," you nod slowly.

"You're singing was nice," you murmur.

"Uh, thanks," he muttered. "I don't uh- I don't typically like people listening-,"

"That would be totally understandable if you weren't that good at it,"

"If you think complimenting me will make me let you go, you're wrong," he visibly tightened his grip on the steering wheel, the black fabric of his gloves pulling taut.

"Wasn't what I was going for, but ok,"

"Then what were you going for," he sighed heavily.

"Could you sing something? Like, louder than a whisper?"

"No," his response was immediate. "Absolutely not,"

"What? It's not like I'll be able to tell anyone," he did a small leg bounce.

"Will you shut up about being bored if I sing one song?" A hum and a nod from you give him his confirmation. "Shit…," he sighed under his breath. "Did you have a song in mind?"

"No," he groans quietly.

"Not a single one?"

"No," you shake your head. "Hadn't planned on you saying yes, so just pick one you like," He threw his hand up in what could only be exasperation.

"Fine, fine," he took a deep breath, looking about ready to start. "Do I have to do this?"

"If you want me to shut up," He whined under his breath.

"But-,"

"Stop stalling and you can get it over with," You lean forward to see his face, which is still beet red with embarrassment, but this time with pursed lips.

"Gah, fine," he huffed, defeated. With another deep breath, he began. "I can't get a hold, hold on myself, tossin' and turnin' and screaming' for help. So much to say, so many words, but sometimes, you're lookin' so good that it hurts,'' You blinked slowly, eyes slowly widening. He'd probably stop if you said anything, so you remain quiet and avert your eyes from his head, leaning your head in your open palm again as you listened to the song. It wasn't a very fast paced or high energy song, making it sort of soothing to listen to. Mixed with his strangely superb singing voice, it melded together into a calming melody that was slowly making you relax and be ready for a nap.

"I know I'm not right, I'm messed in the head, so hurt me, desert me, just leave me for dead. I'm thinkin' 'bout thinkin', now my sun is shrinking'. I know I can float, but I'm sinking' instead. I don't wanna lose you, glad that I knew you, don't wanna be in my own head," he seemed to be enjoying himself as much as you were, except he wasn't dozing off like you. As he neared the last few sound effect things that were in the song, you had closed your eyes, breathing slower. In your half asleep state, your brain registered that he had finished singing, but it didn't matter to you as you slipped into unconsciousness, willingly this time.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

She was out cold and he sighed in relief, leaning his head against the back of the seat. Never again. Never again will he sing like that for someone else. Too much pressure on him to make it sound good, even if he didn't give a flying fuck about her opinion of him. Her sleeping form made him realize just how tired he was and he yawned. He'd gotten a max of two hours the night before, and even then they were the suckiest two hours of his life. This just meant he needed to get to his next hotel set up. He pulled the car over again and pulled out his phone, scrolling through nearby hotels. The closest was two hours away. He groaned silently and checked the bookings for it anyway. There were also no double beds. Peachy. Just peachy. His bottom lid twitched before he smacked his forehead on the broken horn again, sighing heavily in exasperation. No doubt she was going to bitch, but he really didn't have a choice. He needed proper sleep and she'd have to deal. He booked one of the rooms and took a breath to recollect himself before shutting his phone off and stuffing it back in his pocket. If he was lucky this place would have booze or something, it would be great to have a nice bottle of whiskey or something when dealing with this woman. The drive was obviously quiet, her soft snores the only noise to drown out the sound of everything wrong with his truck. In the silence, his mind wandered, as it usually did, which led him to the question of what the hell was this woman's name. It had been on her name tag, probably, but that had been stained with blood and removed earlier that day. Damn, he didn't even know what it began with.

Regardless, he drove in complete silence. Fastest two hours of his life, if he was being honest. With how tired he was, the promise of a nice bed and possibly alcohol made him a little giddy. The parking lot of the hotel came into view and he cheered quietly.

"Yes!" he sighed in slight celebration, pulling into the lot and quickly finding a place to park. He shut the car off and got his pills and took two. He liked to call them 'normal pills' because they made him look, well, normal. Anyway, he climbed out of the car and walked to her side, opening the door and climbing up on the step. The button clicked once he pushed it, and the seatbelt came up to go back to it's weird resting position against the side of the cab. He scooped her up bridal style. He was going to have to sell the dating thing again, not wanting to risk the weird look his mind guaranteed would be sent his way. He shook his head, removing the thought from his mind and hopping off the step, using his shoulder to push the door closed. With a quick grip adjustment, he headed for the door, barely making it through the sliding doors, as he was too impatient to wait for them to open fully. He did the usual checking in process, the person at the front desk only glancing at the sleeping woman in his arms.

"Girlfriend?" They hum. He nodded. "Keep any noise you make tonight to yourselves,"

"What?"

"Be quiet," They clarified. He flushed up at what they had implied, and began to stammer over some of his words. They snort. "Calm yourself down boy," He swallowed.

"S-Sorry," They shake their head.

"Anyway, the pool is that way, the exercise room is right next to it, there's a bar over by the breakfast area. Pool hours are 9 AM - 11 PM, same with the exercise room. Bar is open from 7 PM - 6 AM," They hand him his key card. He nods a thank you and hurries to the stairs. It's more than a few floors up, but he didn't feel like going to find the elevator just yet. The woman stirred in her sleep, but he was too absorbed by his thoughts to notice.

"Jack?" He almost dropped her down the stairs in fright.

"Yeah?" he shook his head, resuming his climb.

"Where are we?"

"The next hotel,"

"Oh… what city are we in?"

"Only a fool would tell his hostage what city he's moved her to," he huffed. "And I am no fool," She grumbled.

"Dammit,"

"Don't pout about that, I've been fairly decent to you so far," She glanced up at him, brows furrowed.

"Yeah, but why?"

"You're more obedient when you're well taken care of,"

"Oh really? And what proof do you have for that?"

"You didn't tell that woman I had kidnapped you," he hummed.

"Because you were right next to me,"

"You've listened to my orders, more so when I'm not being violent,"

"I-,"

"You aren't resisting now, either, especially since you have the chance," That one was a test. He just told her she had a chance to escape. She remained still, cradled in his arms. "You aren't going to even try?"

"The stairs are really steep, I don't wanna risk falling," He nodded.

"Fair," He glanced down. "But I would fall too, wouldn't I?" More testing. He had to be sure she wouldnt run off on him if he had to leave her alone in the room for something.

"Just because you kidnapped me doesn't mean I want you to fall to your doom on a hotel staircase," she crossed her arms, huffing.

"Ok, Ok," he stopped talking. She continued to pout while he made his way up the rest of the stairs, onto their floor. Their room was at the end of the hall. He grunted as he shifted her onto one arm. She grew a bit flustered, probably because she was being held on one arm and that was kind of weird. He pulled the key card out of his pocket.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ok ok ok, yeah, he's pretty cute when he's 'normal' looking. But now he's holding you on one arm. He's fucking strong. Like, really strong. 'Lord give me strength,' You think to yourself. He slides the card into the slot and opens the door, shifting you back so he was using both arms to hold you. He walked in and threw you on the bed.

"Why- why is there only one bed?" you tilt your head.

"There weren't any double bed rooms available when I booked it,"

"So we'll be sleeping on the same bed?"

"I don't care if you sleep on the floor, or the bed, or even the bathtub," he shrugged.

"Bed sounds comfy,"

"Then sleep on the bed, I'm too tired to care," he flopped back first onto the bed, sighing in relief.

"What if we accidentally spoon though?"

"Oh nooo, physical contact, what ever will we dooo??" Sarcasm was evident.

"You know for a guy who panicked when I saw him singing you're awfully chill about straight up cuddling me," He shrugged.

"I'm tired, and tired me just does not give a shit," he rubbed his eyes. "Besides, human bodies are cooler than demon ones, you'd be like the cold side of a pillow,"

"What the fuck," He let out a strained laugh.

"Sorry," he sat up, running his fingers through his hair. "I'm gonna go get my stuff, you gotta promise to stay here,"

"I make no promises," you cross your arms.

"I could always lock you in the bathroom with no means of entertainment, or you can stay out here, in a decent, air conditioned room, with a tv. Your choice," You sigh.

"Fine," a quiet grumble leaves you.

"I'll bring the clothes and toiletries up first, so you can take a shower,"

"Are you saying I need one?"

"We both need one, I'm just saying yours will probably take longer," You mull it over.

"Fine," He gave a thumbs up and stood.

"I'll be back," He left the room. You sigh and crawl onto the bed fully, closing your eyes.

(Song is Alonely by Public)

(I also use this song as a voice claim for Jack)

(Here’s the link)

https://youtu.be/b-MsOr5LCHI

[the-fangirl-way]

5: Stitches

It had been about a week since Tristan had decided to stay with Devlin and I. He hadn't been much trouble, he helped cook and clean, he did laundry, it was actually sort of..nice.

But even through all of it, by the following Sunday when he was due to go back to work, meaning he'd have to go back home; I was secretly glad and tremendously relieved that there had been no sign of Harry since the night at the skating rink.

I was helping Tristan load his car, he had a few overnight bags and some odd and end things, mostly I was just out there to see him off.

The temperature outside had dropped brutally, it was down to sixteen degrees outside, the weather channel had been calling for snow any day now and I had stocked up on the essentials for a snow day.

I had been back to work Monday morning, reporting to Callahan about Harry's bail out, he was disappointed to say the least, having to call the DA and tell them that the trial was off until further notice, he had hight hopes that Harry would screw up again and land himself back behind bars; I wasn't so sure that he wasn't right.

Tristan shut the hatch on his vehicle and turned to me, flashing me a grin that I couldn't help but return. "It's too bad really, I enjoyed living with you for the past week." He said pulling me into him, kissing me on the forehead, I wrapped my arms around him, leaning into his body to get warmth, I was freezing.

"I know, I'll miss having someone to sleep next to at night." I teased and he nodded in agreeance.

"It's a lot nicer than cuddling a pillow I will agree." He said chuckling and I giggled and then sighed.

"Well, I guess I should get going, I have to unpack and do some laundry at my own house." He said rolling his eyes and I laughed.

"How about lunch tomorrow?" He offered then and I agreed.

"Let me know when you get home." I said and kissed him goodbye before he got in the car, I waved as he drove off.

I headed inside and Devlin was sitting on the couch messing around on her phone.

"Damn this game!" She said exasperated and I laughed.

"What are you playing?"

"Some bejewled game, I got bored, Tristan gone?" She asked turning her attention to me and I nodded plopping down on the couch beside her.

"Will you miss him?"

"Yeah, I will, but I'm glad to have our apartment back to us, having to share my bathroom was torture." I joked and she rolled her eyes and laughed.

"Better hope it doesn't get too serious or you'll be permenantly sharing a bathroom."

"It's not that serious yet." I said smirking and she rolled her eyes.

"Yeah yeah I know, you just now got to the sex part of your relationship, by this time five years from now you'll be engaged."

I smacked her on the arm and she laughed harder.

"I like Tristan though." She said seriously and I smiled.

"He's a good guy."

"He's good for you. He's just what you need." She said matteroffactly.

"Oh yeah? And how's that?"

"Well, he's smart, he's nice, he's attractive, and he's crazy about you."

I felt my cheeks heat up and I averted my eyes to the floor.

"Plus, he must be good in the sack as many times as I've heard you two this week."

I blushed even harder and she laughed harder. Just then we heard a knock at the door.

"I bet that's Tristan, he probably forgot something." I said getting up and heading towards the door.

I opened the door and on the other side, clutching his side, his white tee shirt torn and blood seeping through his fingertips stood Harry.

His eyes were wild and frantic, his hair was tousled and I didn't notice right away but he had a bruise forming on his cheek and his lip was swollen.

"Harry!? What the hell-"

"I've been stabbed." He said, his voice a lot calmer than his expression.

"Oh my God, we've got to take you to a hospital!" I said frantically and he shook his head.

"No, I'll be fine."

"Fine!? You've been stabbed!"

Devlin by this point had emerged from the living room, her eyes were wide and she was staring open mouthed at Harry.

"Why the hell is he here?!" She asked and I looked over at her.

"He's been stabbed!"

Her face changed from annoyed to serious.

"We have to take him to a hospital-"

"I already tried he said he didn't want to go." I said and she threw her arms up in the air.

"Tough shit! You've been stabbed, you have to go to the hospital it'll probably need stitches."

"I don't need to go to a hospital, do you have thread and a needle? Some rubbing alcohol would be good too and maybe some towels." He said, his voice gravely.

I turned to Devlin, she started to argue but decided against it when Harry coughed and more blood splurted through his fingers.

She disappeared into the kitchen and I helped Harry on to the couch.

"How the hell did this happen?" I asked and he started to speak but Devlin was back with the supplies he'd requested, handing him the alcohol first.

He lifted his shirt and I sucked in a breath, I had never been particularly queasy around blood but the wound itsself looked really bad.

It was about six inches across and was pouring blood like a spicket.

Harry carefully poured the alcohol on to the wound, sucking in a breath as he did so, squeezing his eyes shut.

"Son of a bitch that hurts!" He said through gritted teeth.

He applied pressure to the wound and then held his hand out for the needle and thread.

"You've got to stop the bleeding first." Devlin said looking at the already soaking towel.

"Do you have any cotton balls?" He asked and Devlin was on her feet again in a flash returning with a bag of large cotton balls.

He removed the towel and carefully placed five cotton balls inside the wound, the bleeding slowed down a little.

"Okay, let it slow the bleeding down and then remove them and stitch-"

"I know what to do." Harry grumbled and Devlin rolled her eyes looking offended.

"Sorry, I was just trying to help."

Harry shot her a look but leaned his head back against the couch arm.

"Harry what happened?" I asked, his eyes were closed and for a split second I thought he'd fallen asleep due to the pause between my question and his answer.

"Some guys down at the pub jumped me."

"What do you mean they jumped you? How many were there? Two? Three?"

"Six." He said and I gasped, six men?

"You're lucky you're alive." I said and he opened his eyes to look at me, the all too familiar Harry smirk poking out on his lips.

"You should have seen them."

I gulped, the feeling was back in my stomach, the feeling that Harry was dangerous and I should stay far far away.

"Why did they jump you?" Devlin asked with a knowing tone, Harry looked at he for a minute before looking at me.

"You didn't tell her did you.."

"I did, but Harry she's my best friend and she won't tell anyone, will you Dev?" I asked and Devlin shook her head.

"No, I won't." She promised, her eyes sincere.

Harry relaxed a little, seemingly satisfied with her answer.

"Langston was involved, he wasn't actually there but they were friends of his." He said and instantly I knew that the gut suspicion that this involved Langston was confirmed.

"Harry you have to go to the police." I said and he shook his head.

"No, they'll probably find some way to turn this around and make it my fault because they're still pissed that I got bailed out." He said wincing as he began pulling the soaked cotton balls out of the wound, the bleeding had slowed down by this point.

Carefully he threaded the needle and penetrated his skin and I couldn't believe my eyes as I watched Harry stitch himself up but yet here he was doing just that.

I noticed then all the bruises on his body, he had really took a beaten. I noticed all the tatoos too, they covered his torso like inky artwork, there was a butterfly and swallows, some weed looking things, several other tattoos laced up his arms and his hands.

He caught me staring and he cleared his throat making me jump and look away.

"They all mean something." He said and I looked at him quizically.

"The tattoos I mean, they all have some sort of meaning."

I nodded and Devlin cleared her throat beside me, I looked at her and she was staring back at me with an odd look on her face.

"There. Finished." Harry said tying a knot in the end of the stitch and cutting the access off.

"Right, well, okay then." I said and he sat up carefully, the skin restricting but the stitch holding nicely.

"Can I just ask where the hell you learned to do sutures?" Devlin asked finally and Harry smirked.

"It's among my many talents."

She rolled her eyes but then stood up, looking at me.

"Avery, will you come with me to the kitchen?"

I shot a look at Harry but he shrugged and stood up himself.

"I'm going to go wash my hands."

Miraculously there was no blood on the carpet or the couch, considering.

I followed Devlin into the kitchen and she started pacing, something she rarely did except when she was really upset.

"Harry Styles is in our home, he just stitched himself up, and now he's in our bathroom freshening up." She said and I nodded.

"Yes, and.."

"AND!?" She said raising her voice and I flinched.

"Avery he's a criminal! For God's sake he got stabbed doing God knows what and he shows up here for help!"

"I know, I know, but I couldn't just turn him away." I said defensively and she sighed rubbing her face.

"I know that, I wouldn't have expected you to.. but he can't stay here." She said and I nodded in complete agreeance with her.

"Tristan would have a freaking cow if he knew Harry was here." She said and as if on cue I heard the door buzzer go off and I froze.

"Oh this can not be happening." Devlin said exchanging a panicked glance with me.

I walked over to the buzzer.

"Who is it?"

"It's me, I think I left my phone charger there, can I come up?"

I looked at Devlin who was as pale as a ghost.

"What do I do!?"

"I don't know!? Why are you asking me!? He's your boyfriend!"

I inhaled and pushed the button.

"Sure, come on up."

Devlin ran over to me grabbing me by the shoulders.

"What in the hell are we going to do!?"

"I don't know, this can't be happening oh God I think I'm going to be sick." I said feeling vomit rise into my windpipe.

"Okay, okay, I'll keep Harry distracted, you get Tristan's charger and give it to him and make him leave!" Devlin said sprinting off to the bathroom and I nodded, get the charger, get Tristan to leave, got it.

I heard a knock at the door and I sucked in a breath, be cool, I had to be cool.

I opened the door, Tristan smiled a dimpled smile at me.

"Hey there you." He said and I forced the best smile I could back.

"Hey, come on in, I'll get your charger." I said bounding up the stairs.

When I got to the top I found Harry and Devlin standing outside of the bathroom.

"What the hell is going on?" Harry asked and I held my finger up to my lips.

"Shhh, Tristan's here."

His expression changed to aggravated in a split second.

"Oh for the love of fuck, I'm so sick of hiding from your police officer boyfriend I'm going downstairs." He said heading for the stairs and I grabbed his arm.

"Harry no please." I begged and he looked down at my hand and then at Devlin and me.

"Fine, five fucking minutes and then I'm gone whether or not Officer Shit Head is or not." He threatened and I nodded bounding past him into my room where I ripped the phone charger from the wall and raced back out the door, down the hallway past the two and back down the stairs where Tristan had taken a seat on the couch.

"Here's your charger." I said handing it to him and he stood up taking it.

"Thanks. Hey have you had dinner?" He asked pulling me into him and I put my hands infront of me pushing back.

"Actually, Devlin and I were just going to order some takeout and call it a night, I've got work in the morning." I said and he nodded, I thanked the lucky stars he didn't look upset.

"Okay, well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow then?" He asked and I all but pushed him to the door.

"Tomorrow." I agreed and he pulled me into him giving me a sweet kiss that lingered longer than I expected it to and then he smirked.

"See you baby."

I watched him head down the hallway and board the elevator before I shut the door quickly, exhaling a breath that I had been holding in for the longest time.

"He's gone!" I shouted up the stairs and down came Harry with Devlin on his heels.

"You're quite the host." He said sarcastically and I rolled my eyes.

"This is the second time I've had to all but push him out the door because you were here!" I said and Harry rolled his eyes.

"Oh come off it."

"No Harry, you can't be here, you've got to leave and quit coming here, I mean it. I can't have you showing up here eventually someone's going to get hurt."

"If your fucking prick head boyfriend lays a finger on me I'll end him." Harry warned and I inhaled slowly trying to keep my cool.

"That's what I'm trying to avoid, now, leave."

Harry started to argue but was cut off by a coughing fit, he winced and placed a hand on his now bandaged up wound.

"Shit that hurts." He grumbled.

"You've probably broken a rib with all that bruising." Devlin observed and Harry shrugged.

"Wouldn't be the first time."

I wanted to question how many times he'd gotten into a fight before but I decided against it.

"Look," Harry said running a hand through his hair, "the reason I came here tonight wasn't just to piss you off or to get you to help me. I came here because I need a place to stay, I was staying with a friend but that didn't work out and I've got nowhere else to go as of right now." He said his eyes looking everywhere but my face, I could see how wounded his pride was by asking.

Devlin shot me a look and then Harry.

"Kitchen." She said and I trailed behind her leaving Harry in the living room.

"He's got to be fucking crazy if he thinks he can stay here!" Devlin said and I nodded.

"I know, I know.. it's just.." I started and she narrowed her eyes.

"Oh no, you're not actually thinking about letting him stay here are you!? Avery he's a criminal! He got fucking stabbed! He's nothing but trouble and eventually his trouble will catch up with him and he'll be here!"

I knew she was right, I knew that Harry was bad, he was a force to be reckoned with. Yet something inside nagged at me to let him stay just for one night, he had just gotten out of prison and the chances of finding somewhere to go right off the bat were slim.

I sighed pinching the bridge of my nose and screwing my eyes shut.

"Just for one night. After that he leaves." I said and Devlin's eyes bulged out of her head.

"You're kidding right?"

"Come on Dev, the guys been stabbed for Christ's sake. He's got nowhere to go."

"And that's his own fault." She said crossing her arms and I sighed.

"I know, and I know it's a horrible idea but I can't help but feel like we have to."

"We ain't gotta do nothing." She said sarcastically and I rolled my eyes.

"Don't be like that.."

"No seriously Avery, I'm not taking any part in this."

"Dev.." I said putting on my best pouty face and she shook her head.

"Oh no, that shit doesn't work on me and you know it."

"I know, but it was worth a shot. Just for tonight. Tomorrow he leaves and doesn't come back, if he does, I'll call the police myself." I promised and Devlin looked at me with uncertainty for a moment before sighing.

"Fine, one night. But I swear to you Avery if shit hits the fan I willl not take the blame."

"Agreed." I said and she rolled her eyes and sighed again.

"Come on, let's go tell the inmate he can stay."

Harry didn't argue when we told him that he had one night and then he had to be gone, if anything he looked a little relieved that we didn't give him the boot; although I'm sure he'd never admit that.

Devlin went to bed not long after, saying an awkward goodnight to Harry and shooting me a warning glare.

I stayed up a little longer to make myself a sandwhich and make sure Harry was comfortable before going to bed.

I took a seat beside him on the couch, allowing enough space between the two of us and began watching tv munching on my sandwhich, he hadn't said much since we told him he could stay and the quiet was unnerving.

Finally he spoke and I jumped a little at his voice.

"Sorry." He mumbled and I shrugged.

"You just haven't spoken in a while."

"Right."

I turned my attention away from the tv and looked at him, he was now shirtless and I was having a hard time keeping my eyes above his shoulders, his body although battered and bruised was undoubtibly one of the best looking I'd seen in a long time. It was firm, you could tell he worked out a good bit by his physique which was nicer than Tristan's, the thought alone made me feel guilty.

But it was more than the etching of his skin, it was the black ink swirls that splotched his torso, arms, hands and even ankles I noticed when he brought his legs up to him on the couch, he was a giant canvas covered in intricate artwork.

"I wasn't looking for a fight." He said snapping me out of my thoughts and I cocked my head.

Harry shifted, wincing a little when the stitches pulled and rested in a comfortable position for himself before speaking again.

"I was going to see a friend, I hadn't seen him since I got arrested, but as it turns out he was killed a couple months ago." He said, I could hear the sorrow in his tone.

"Douglas." I said and his eyes narrowed.

"Yeah, how'd you know that?"

"I had to invistigate his father, Mr. Tracey, it was his gun you had that night after all."

Harry nodded, and for the first time I could see him zoning out, no doubt going back to that night.

"Doug had given me the gun, I told him I needed one, he didn't ask questions or try to talk me out of it.. he was always a good friend, hell maybe my best friend." He said and I swore I could see tears forming in the ducts of his eyes but he blinked them away quickly.

"I never wanted to get Mr. Tracey in trouble, he's not in trouble is he?" He asked eyes wide and I shook my head.

"No, he's not. He said he figured that was what happened and told me he didn't want the gun back."

Harry nodded and ran a hand over his face.

"Mr. Tracey had always been like a father to me, even when my own father wasn't. After I found out about Doug, I went to Brigg's Bar, the one right off the point."

I nodded, I had seen Brigg's Bar but I'd never been inside of it, it was more a roughend type place, a place not for someone like myself.

"I got a few drinks and caught up with a bunch of old friends, well, more like acquaintances that I knew. I guess I drank too much, I've always been a mean drunk." He said scratching the back of his neck.

"I was on my way out and two guys I'd never seen before came up to me asking all these questions about Wesley, and Gemma.." He stopped talking, recollecting the thoughts, the words said to him about his sister that I was sure weren't pretty.

"I just, lashed out. At first there were two and then four and by the time it was said and done there were six of them all together, I didn't even realize I'd been stabbed until I walked away. I didn't kill any of them, incase you're wondering." He said looking at me and the tightness in my stomach let up a little.

"But I did fuck them up pretty good. Anyway, I knew I would need stitches but I didn't want to go to the hospital because they'd of called the police and I'd probably get arrested again for fighting, so I came here."

He finished his spew and we sat in silence for a few minutes.

"Harry I'm sorry this happened to you, to your sister, to your family." I said and he shrugged.

He got quiet and I thought maybe he was getting tired so I went to get up but he spoke again.

"About the tattoos.."

I turned and looked at him, he was leaned back against the arm of the couch.

"I take back what I said, they don't all have a meaning, but some do."

"Oh yeah?" I said cocking an eyebrow.

"Which ones?"

He went on to explain all about his tattoos, what they meant.

"And this one, this one is special." He said pointing to the butterfly on his stomach.

"And why's that?" I asked and a smile played on his lips.

"I like butterflies."

I laughed.

"You'd be surprised, it's location really."

"I know, I've got two." I said and he lifted an eyebrow and his signature smirk appeared.

"Really? Where?"

"Well I've got this one." I said holding up my foot to show him the small anchor tattoo on my foot.

"Okay, explain." He said and I giggled.

"Devlin and I got matching tattoos in college." I said and he nodded.

"Simple enough."

"And then I've got this one." I said moving my hair out of the way and struggling to move my shirt out of the way so I could show him the tattoo on my left shoulder blade.

My breath hitched a little when I felt his hand replace mine in holding my shirt down so he could see.

"What is it?" He asked, his breath tickling the nape of my neck he was so close.

"It's uh.. it's a deer." I said, finding it harder to concentrate with him breathing down my neck, literally.

"A deer?" He asked, his voice husky, huskier than it usually was.

"Yes.. I- I'm a bit of a Harry Potter nerd, it's my patronous." I said knowing how lame it sounded but he didn't mock or make fun, he didn't say anything for a few seconds, we sat in silence my shoulder still bared, holding my hair I could feel his hand still on my back.

"I like it." He said finally, his breath tickling my neck and ear sending shivers down my spine.

This is dangerous, abort mission now. I warned myself but I continued to sit there, frozen in place.

"You've got goregous skin." He said and I felt his finger tips tracing the tatoo, my heart began beating wildly in my chest, my breath becoming more erratic. I couldn't breathe.

I turned my head just a tiny bit and he was right there his face inches from mine, eyes staring into my soul.

His breath tickled my nostrils, it smelled of alcohol and faintly of mint.

"Harry.." I said slowly and his hand snaked around under my chin bringing my face closer to his, any second and our lips would connect, that's when it hit me.

I jerked back looking at him wildly, my chest heaving up and down, his expression never faltered.

"I- I have to go bed." I said scrambling to my feet.

I saw a small smirk play on his lips but he detained it.

"Goodnight Avery." He said as I walked past him towards the stairs.

"Goodnight Harry." I responded scurrying up to my room where I closed the door and flung myself on the bed.

I almost kissed him. And I wasn't going to stop myself either.

I kicked myself in the ass mentally and settled between the sheets, he was messing with my mind and I was so incredibly thankful he'd be leaving tomorrow.

I closed my eyes and rested my head against my pillow, his smell still clouding my senses.

I couldn't ignore the warmth that had spread throughout my entire body but I sure as hell wasn't going to act on it.

Or so I hoped. 

A/N: so if you've gone over to Wattpad and read this story on there you have probably noticed there are some things that are different that I deleted/added in on here because the story was written a few years ago and I am changing it as I go along if I feel like it needs to be changed. Eventually I will change it up on Wattpad as well, but for now these are gonna be the revised chapters. I hope you've enjoyed reading them as much as I've enjoyed writing them. Love to you all!

[marvelmymarvel]

Taxi Ride

Joseph Liebgott x Nurse!Married!Reader

Band of Brothers!AfterWar

Synopsis: After the war, you and Joe went your separate ways. You became a Nurse and married a wealthy man. He became a taxi driver and prayed that you would cross paths. One late night you take a taxi home, and after you find out who will be driving you home, you decide your life needs to change. 

You searched through your purse for money as you walked up to the Taxi you just called. The hospital glowed behind you, illuminating your form to the driver who was patiently waiting. Opening the door, you plopped in rather forcefully. It had been a long night. These types of nights had you feeling like you were back in the war, running to the sound of cries for a medic as bombs exploded around you. You never knew how you survived and you never knew how you handled the death of so many men, but you knew one thing. 

You would never stop saving people.

“179 Carl, Cole Valley please” you huffed out before rubbing your face anxiously. You felt the car move and you pulled your hand from your face to keep looking through your purse to find money. “Shit” you whispered to yourself as you looked around the back of the taxi floor. “Sir” you started as you leaned forward to get his attention, “Sir, I don't have any money on me but my husband can pay you if that's alright?” you asked sweetly. Hoping he would believe you as you were telling the truth. Out of all the money your wealthy husband gave you, you always seemed to spend it fast. He looked in the rearview mirror and you sat back a little as your heart began to race. Blue eyes. They didn't mean anything to you. You didn't know this person.

Yet they felt so familiar.

“Your husband eh?” He asked softly. Your eyebrows scrunched up in confusion as even the voice sent shivers down your spine, but the confusion was replaced with annoyance at his prodding. “Sir, I don't know you but yes I have a husband and he will pay you whatever you want for just bringing me home” you snappily replied while sitting back angrily as he pulled up to a stop sign that was under a light. “You got it Princess” he stated out sharply as his face was illuminated from the light. Your scowl dropped quickly as the nickname rang a bell, but the light on his face showed who he truly was.

Joe.

“Oh my God” you whispered out quietly as you felt your hands begin to sweat and your heart began to pound around inside of your ribcage. “Joe?” you questioned out as you leaned forward again, still in shock that he was really here. Right in front of you. 

You could just kiss him-

You caught the reflection of your diamond ring from the corner of your eye. Sitting back, you looked down at your hand that held the large diamond. “Yeah, how have you been?” he asked quietly as you played with the ring intently. You weren't happily married, you just married the guy for his money so that you could survive in San Francisco. You wouldn't have married him if you crossed paths with Joe earlier. You let your left hand drag down your face as the thoughts raced faster and faster. The cold metal ring seemed to feel foreign on your skin now that Joe was in your presence. “I’m doing fine” you croaked out as you put your hand down, trying to ignore the nagging feeling that you were somehow betraying your husband. You would never betray him, not even because you weren't happy in the relationship.

‘You would betray him for Joe’ your brain taunted and you inhaled sharply as you silenced it. 

“What about you” you called out a little forcefully, you closed your eyes in embarrassment and scolded yourself for being so damn nervous. You prayed he would forget the little thing that you do when you get nervous. Normal people stumble over their words. You? You blurt things out loud and proud as if you were physically trying to silence your thoughts. You opened one eye and saw him smirking as he turned a corner. “I’m doing fine Princess, wasn't expecting you at all to end up in my cab, but I’m kind of happy that you did” he teased as his blue eyes flicked to yours in the mirror. You blinked quickly before looking away as a blush rose on your cheeks. You hated the way he still made you feel even 6 years later. He always made you feel like you couldn't breathe and you often worried if your cheeks would ever be a normal shade ever again. He made you feel things, that not many people could do. You and Joe had dated. Very briefly, but by the time Germany surrendered, you two were just fooling around. Nothing more. Nothing less.

Or so you thought. 

“So your husband is wealthy?” Joe pressed as he stopped at a stop sign and looked at you in the mirror once more. You nodded before opening your mouth to answer but closed it knowing he would judge you on your life choices. It wasn't like you wouldn’t have married Joe. You would have loved to, but he didn't feel the same. “You married him for money didn't you Princess” he stated in your silence and you just scoffed bitterly. Same old Joe, thinking things about you that always seemed to turn out true. “That's none of your damn business Joseph” you snapped out and he just chuckled darkly.

“Wealth sure has made you a bitch” he whispered out.

Your face dropped as you looked at your feet in shame. He knew he hurt your feelings by the way the air changed in the small vehicle. “I’m sorry Y/n” he stated loudly and you just shook your head as you sniffled. You didn't want to cry. Your husband scolded you for crying so much, but the way Joe thought of you mattered. 

And his words hurt.

He sighed before pulling over to your house where you looked up the steps in despair. Tears falling down your face when you walked in the door would certainly get you scolded. He turned and looked at you as you just watched the house quietly. He wanted to take you away from here. He wanted to make you his. He could tell by your tears that you weren't happy. That this man couldn't make you as happy as Joe once did. Inhaling shakily, you opened the door and got out. The cool summer night of San Fransisco hit your tear stained cheeks as you composed yourself. Leaning back in to look at him you talked firmly and calmly “I’ll be right back with your money-”

“It's okay...” Joe stated stubbornly, he was ashamed that you didn't take the opportunity to run away with him. Blinking, you nodded before pulling your head out and standing up straight. You looked out across the road as your hand stayed firmly grasped onto his Taxi cab door. 

‘Close it, Y/n.’ your thoughts urged.

You closed your eyes slowly as you felt all of the emotions fill your body until you felt like a total wreck still holding onto the door. Your fingers tightened onto the door until you couldn't stand anymore from the pain that was bubbling under the surface. Dropping to the curb, you sat down roughly with a sob. You couldn't close the door on him. You couldn't leave him again. He got out of the taxi the minute he heard you fall, rounding the back he saw how bad you were. “Oh baby” he whispered out before dropping down onto the curb beside you. You kept sobbing harder and harder the more you imagined him driving off and you never seeing him again. Leaving you alone and afraid.

Could you ever handle that again?

“I shouldn't have let you go Joe” you cried out as you tried to stop the tears from falling so fast. By this rate, you were going to cause a flash flood and you would most certainly get a scolding from your husband. He nodded before grabbing your hand and touching your ring. 

“You are happy now Y/n” he stated as he showed you your ring as if that was supposed to snap you out of it. You gave out a dry laugh before ripping the ring off of your finger and throwing it to the ground. The diamond flew off and Joe's eyes widened in shock as you stood up swiftly and began to stomp on the metal ring in anger. He stood up to stop you but you just grabbed his shoulders tightly in desire. You wanted him, all of him. You wanted him now. You wanted him forever. 

You wanted him.

You felt so free now without that stupid ring on your finger and the way Joe looked in the moonlight made you want to start over. “Aren't you happy?” he questioned you calmly as you just stared up at him manically. You felt so stupidly free that you didn’t know what to do. But you knew where to start. Shaking your head, you stepped closer.

“I’m not happy unless I’m with you” you whispered out finally. 

A smile formed on your lips as he processed your words. “I think you should go Y/n” Joe gulped out as he bent down to grab the crushed metal and diamond from the ground. Your face fell once more and you felt embarrassed for your words that he clearly didn't reciprocate. “I should have known you didn't love me” you whispered out before taking the ring pieces and storming past him. You stormed up the steps before he called out to you once more. 

“I love you more than you will ever fucking know Y/n.” 

The words stopped you in your tracks as you were halfway up the stairwell to your front stoop. Turning around slowly, you looked at him quizzically. “But you deserve more than me-”

You shook your head before cutting him off with a sharp no. Storming back down the stairs, you threw the ring and your purse on to one of the stairs, not caring where they landed. “No see that's where you're so wrong Joseph Liebgott” you barked out as you hit the ground and continued towards him. “I deserve you and only you.” you stated finally as you practically leaped off the curb and into his arms. You silenced yourself by pressing your lips to his fiercely. They felt warm and familiar. 

They felt like home. 

Pulling away, you both were breathing heavily as you had both many times prayed for another moment like this. So much fire. So much passion. It was everything you wanted, it was everything you deserved. “I’m going to divorce him” you whispered out as you pressed your head to his lovingly. “He isn’t all too kind and I can't let you leave me. Not again.” you continued out as you searched his face for any sign that he didn't want this. But all you saw, was love. He opened his mouth to approve, but you heard the front door open. You turned a little in his arms to see your husband at the door. “Y/n! What are you doing?!” he screamed out and you just moved out of Joe's arms before storming forward. Grabbing the ring off of the step, you met your seething husband halfway. 

“I’m divorcing you Stan” you pressed angrily before shoving the ring back in his hand. Storming into the house, you gathered all of your stuff with a sobbing Stan following close behind you. He always yelled at you for showing feelings, but he cried more than you ever could. Finally, with all of your stuff in your hands, you stormed back out of the house. Handing the bags to Joe, you heard Stan call out to you once more from the stairs. “Can we fix this?” 

You opened the passenger door before looking at him long and hard. 

“No.” you snarled out before climbing in and slamming the door. You left Stan a crying mess on the stairs, but you didn't care. Turning to a smiling Joe, you for once, felt the same happiness. “Are we going to get married?” you questioned seriously as you leaned across the center console to kiss his cheek. He looked at you with twinkling eyes before looking back to the road and grabbing your hand in his.

“Anything for my Princess.”

Tags: @hell-itwasyou  @desired-love- @gaslyf1 @whatwouldidowithoutgeorgeluz @etainlord @longing-for-the-past-times

[spacelionspchew]

I don't know if your still doing an emergency ask, and its fine if your not, but can you do a Keith one shot with a reader who feels ignored all the time, and sad, but she (if can be a she) just hides it, and even when confronted just smiles and tells people not to worry about it, but when alone she just screams an cries, and Keith is there for her? I'm going though some stuff right now, it can be platonic, it can be romantic, IDC, I just want some love right now. From Keith. My sad boi.

This is set before Keith joins the Blade, sorry for spoilers!!!

 You were wandering through the castle, you had just finished cleaning the kitchen after a pretty bad space goo mishap, and now you were wanting to just relax with the others in the lounge (you know that room with like 3 or 4 couches? I’m referring to that). Once you got to the room, you could hear laughter and the voices of the other residents. You weren’t sure if you could consider them your friends you wanted to, you really wanted to. You wanted to be able to tell yourself that you were friends with everyone here, but you weren’t sure. You plopped down next to Keith. You felt the closest connection to him since he too was a loner and pretty awkward with people.

              You were hoping someone would acknowledge you, but Lance was telling a very thrilling story, and everyone was too enraptured to care about you. You noticed a lull in the conversation and decided to test your luck.

              “Hey guys, wha-“ you were immediately cut off by Hunk starting a story about some mischief he, Lance, and Pidge had gotten into at the garrison.

              You wilted and pressed yourself into the back of the couch, hoping you could somehow disappear. As quickly as you sat down, you got up and left, heading towards your room. You shut and locked the door and flung yourself onto your bed, sobbing loudly into your pillow. You weren’t even able to get a word in and you were considering calling these people your friends. They didn’t care about you. The paladins were all friends, but you weren’t in that social circle. You rolled over and wrapped the blanket around you, staring at the ground. You wiped some tears off your face but the tears kept falling along with your motivation to hide them. Maybe I should just leave… you thought to yourself and you unceremoniously rolled yourself out of bed. You looked in your mirror, trying to disguise you make sure it wasn’t too obvious that you were crying.  You managed to get the puffiness in your eyes down to a minimum. You opened up your door and tried to rush to the shuttle bay as nonchalantly as possible.

              Once you entered the room with the ships, you took a moment to compose yourself. You looked around at the vehicles, trying to decide which one would be missed least. You finally decided on one and hopped in. You weren’t 100% sure how to fly it, but you thought you could probably figure it out. You heard the door opening up and decided it was time to skedaddle. You turned on the ship and started to hit the buttons that you thought looked right. This was nothing like the ships you were used to. The ship came to life and you flew away from the castle, not daring to look back.  You heard someone calling after you but you only quickened your speed.

              A few moments later you heard a loud roar and then another and another. You couldn’t believe they actually were bringing the lions after you. They probably just want the ship back, you thought to yourself, but couldn’t help feeling a bit hopeful that they actually cared about you. You were debating going back but then realized that they were probably pissed at you for being so dramatic. You accelerated until you were at max speed. However, now that you were going faster it was harder to steer and you were starting to discover that. You were also discovering that you were very lost. You had left without a plan of where to go. You were quickly approaching an asteroid belt and trying your best to pull away from it. The ship was a bit too responsive and you ended up flipping away from the debris, but losing control of your ship in the process. Then you saw it. The red lion gaining on you.

              You decided to stop your ship and let yourself float freely, you were caught, no use spinning in hopeless circles. The lion engulfed your ship and you were met with a very angry, yet concerned, Keith.

              “What were you thinking?!” he yelled as he pulled you out of your ship. “You could’ve gotten hurt out here or even killed!” You could tell he had more to say but Shiro’s voice came through the radio.

              “Any signs of Y/N yet?” this surprised you. Shiro always seemed far too busy to notice you.

              “Yeah, I’ve got her,” Keith replied, his gaze not leaving you for one second. “Y/N,” he began, voice low.

              “I just… I don’t know. I’m no paladin, as you could see out there, I’m no pilot. You guys don’t need me. Most of the time no one even seems to notice me!” you could feel tears forming in your eyes and you went to wipe them away before they could fall.

              “What are you talking about? Listen, I’m not the best at words, but,” he lets out a big sigh. “Why didn’t you tell me? I… I was so worried when I saw you entering that ship. I thought I’d never see you again.” His started blinking quickly and it didn’t take you long to figure out that he was blinking away tears.

              “I’m sorry. I just I didn’t know anyone would care if I left,” your shoulders slumped and you couldn’t keep Keith’s eye contact anymore. You looked towards your feet and let the tears just fall, not worrying about them anymore. “I just feel so alone around the group. No one ever seems to want to talk to me or hang out or anything. And it just hurts. It really hurts. I thought if I left it would be the same, no one would notice,” you were choked up and your voice was cracking. You wanted to say more but you were being packed against Keith’s armored chest, his arms wrapped around you in a tight, desperate hug.

              “Y/N, of course we would notice. Earlier today, as soon as you left the lounge, I wanted to go after you but I thought you wanted space. We were all so worried. Of course we’d notice Y/N. Of course we would,” he rested his head on your shoulder (or your head if you are much shorter than him) and you could feel the back of your shirt getting wet. Keith was crying because of you.

              “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to make anyone worry. I just… I just don’t know. I didn’t think anyone cared about me…” you moved your arms to wrap around Keith.

              Keith pulled back to look you in the eye, “Of course we care about you. Y/N, I care about you so much. I thought I was going to lose you. You don’t have any idea how terrified I was. Please tell me next time you feel like this, I know I’m the last person who should be giving this advice, but you shouldn’t run from your problems. I can help you if you let me,” his tear-filled violet eyes practically bored into your soul.

              “I’ll try,” you smiled. “Thank you, Keith. Thank you for caring,” you nuzzled your face into his shoulder and gave him a squeeze.

[ts-janus-rp-blog]

"You are not my child anymore!! You lost that right when you betrayed my trust! No child of mine does that! Amber won't ever do that to me, nor would my dead sons! They would never take advantage of my trust like that! Unlike you! You are not my child anymore, you have been disowned. If you were my child I would never hurt you like this! If you would've just listened to what others were saying to you I would've never punished you! Even Amber knows to listen to us! Even when she was younger whenever she acted up she still knew to listen to me! Unlike you! And she's younger than you and yet she's able to follow instructions! What does that say about yourself, huh? An actual child can listen better than you! You just listen to yourself and then wonder why you are being punished for it! That may work in the human culture but that does not work here! And I warned you! But again, you didn't listen!" Then she chuckled, "There it is... Monster. Bringing it up again. Of course you would only see me as a monster. Looks like both of our true colors are coming out, huh?"

"Maybe you should take a good long look in the mirror yourself, child. Maybe you aren't any better than your abusers too! Ever thought of that? The apple really doesn't fall far from the true...now does it? Maybe we both are like our abusers. But you know what? I don't betray people's trust. I don't use people. Unlike you. I'm trying to do good. What are you doing? Hm? Lying to others? Using others for your personal gain? Using your cuteness to your own advantage? At least I don't do that! You really aren't much different from your parents then, are you?"

But then when she heard the loud noise she turned, then she started laughing. "Oh... If you think what I was about to do to you is abuse... You aint saw nothing yet!! The king will do more than just rip out your wings!" As she was laughing she was starting to change back to her normal form. But then she turned back to face Virgil once she went back to her normal form fully. "And why would I do that? Oh no, I want to see what the king will do! He'll be furious at his own son! He may not even give him fake eyes! Oh, this will be grand!!" She continues laughing, until she glared down at Virgil. "I won't hurt an innocent to get to a person like that. I only hurt roman cause I had to. I had to get to his father and hurt him where it matters. I would rather hurt a person directly but if the situation calls for it... I would do anything to hurt someone who deserves it. But, I know pups can be very fragile. And if what you were saying is true, that he's a deformed? Then I won't hurt him. Cause I knew if I did he could easily die. But, of course... Why would you trust me, right? Why would you trust me... I'm only the queen of monsters, right!!! Why would you believe someone like that!!! Why would you trust an ugly ol' monster like me!!!" She bellowed out in laughter as she watched the king step out of the largest limo.

The king was...massive. Way bigger than any of the alphas put together. He wore a dark red fancy shirt with a feathered collar around his neck. His muscles were...huge. very massive. And his shirt exposed his massive chest. There were three deep claw marks across his chest that looked like really old scars. His hair was white with age and he had a huge white and grey beard that went down to the top of his chest. He had an eye patch over one eye and a deep scar across his jaw. He stood tall and proud with a cane in his hand. "MEN! TO ARMS!" He bellowed out across the empty field and just like that other wolves started emerging from the vehicles and drawing to his side.

Romans face turned pale when he heard the command from his father. He started shaking slightly as he tried to take steps back. But as he did the minions would come forward and push him forward. "We're...fucking done for now... Shit... Shit... Shit... He's going to kill me. He's... He's literally...going to fucking kill me for showing weakness to the enemy... Oh...shit..."

🐺🔒-Part 18-🔒🐺

TW: Misgendering. Rape. Swearing. Blood (mention). Injury (mention). GRAPHIC - Read at your own risk.

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↣P1-P10, P11, P12, P13, P14, P15, P16, P17↢

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@ts-janus-rp-blog

"Clearly you didn't have enough trust in me though. Why else would you even attempt to turn into something I hate, hm? We hate?" Then the queen rolled her eyes, "I am the queen!! I can control everyone! Don't you understand that?! I get why you dont trust them! But clearly you can trust me to control them enough so we can figure out something! But again, you don't trust me. You never trusted me, I assume... No... I didn't need to see. Not really. Cause I knew if that was the case and it worked..." She glanced over to the crowd, "Everyone would leave me." She took in a breath and petted amber's horns, "No, I didn't need to see. I didn't need to know. But I did it anyways to please you. Guess that was my fault after all. It worked half way, and that's enough right there." Then she snorted, "Yeah... Okay... I broke your trust. Mhm... Okay then. Typical human... Typical human brain at it again."

"Youll be left out here until the king arrives. If he doesn't come? Then... I'll take you back to the mansion. And wipe your memories of this place so you'll forget all about me and this place. I think that's for the best. But we shall see what the king does. You stopped being my child when you lost trust in me. When you didn't trust me to protect your family. That's when you stopped being my child."

She walked over to the mansion doors, and started walking up, before Virgil stopped her. She glared down at him, before she suddenly froze in place. Her eyes were wide for a moment before she closed them. Her body started to shake violently and in turn the ground below her feet started cracking and splintering. Her pair of wings flapped behind her back, causing huge gusts of winds. Amber was trying to calm her down but nothing was working. The crowd of vampires tried to rush forward and help calm her down too, but even their attempts were for not. Nothing could work. There were cracks and shifts coming from the queens body, loud snarls and growls came from deep in her throat.

"Uh... Virgil? I don't...think that was such a good idea? Pissing off the queen of vampires... When...your kinda...trapped...on her land for the next ten or so hours... We kinda can't run anywhere and... You just...really pissed her off..." roman whispered to him when he ran up to catch up with him, or well...tried to. He did followed the sound of his footsteps though. Then he flinched as there was a sudden loud roar coming from behind them. "Oh shit..."

In a flash of light there was suddenly a huge creature on top of Virgil, it didn't look like the queen at all. On the contrary it almost looked like...a huge frickin bat. Even the face resembled a bat. She didn't look like a person at all. Somehow her body has gotten bigger and taller than even before! Her wings now were her hands and they moved to hold Virgil down to the ground. Instead of one pair of horns, she now had three pairs. And every single one had a ball of flame in the center. Tears were streaming down her eyes as she held Virgil down by his neck. "Don't you dare ever say that to me!!! You little piece of SHIT!!!"

Just as she was about to raise her other wing to probably slice across virgils neck, there was a sudden loud blowhorn. She turned to see what the sound was, and coming up to the bubble...was about thousands of cars driving right towards the bubble. All of the cars looked exactly the same... Tinted black windows... Solid black cars... It came down to the same make and model too... The queen chuckled at seeing that and she let Virgil go. "Looks like the king is here!"

[witness-protection-official]

Warning! Lots more cussing this time, mention of doing drugs, and god tier acting from both parties

Also very long this time I spent a sold three hours writing this

Witness Protection - An Eyeless Jack x Female Reader Fanfiction

Chapter 3

You felt as though you were going insane. The man hadn't said a single word to you since the weird field area. Only lord knew if the ancient vehicle you sat in had a working radio. Asking was out of the question, you still had tape over your mouth. Couldn't check, you had tape gloves that went all the way up your arms, rendering them useless. With half lidded eyes, you stare at your disheveled figure in the side mirror. Dear god, you looked like shit. The blood on the side of your face had caked into a gross brown and was beginning to flake off, leaving you looking like you were a burn victim. You wince internally. You had mangled hair, with strands sticking every which way. Bags under the eyes displayed your lack of sleep and slowly depleting sanity. With a nearly inaudible groan, you tap your head against the glass. 'Can't he just kill me and get this over with? I don't know how much sitting in dead silence I'm going to be able to handle.' You slouch heavily, slowly sinking to the floor of the truck.

"You'll hurt your back sitting like that," his monotone voice stated off handedly. You huff and remain there. He sighs and grabs the back of your shirt, tugging you up to sit properly. You groan. Apparently sitting weirdly isn't even an option. He remains facing foward, not even glancing in your direction. Unable to spit insults at him, you level a heated glare at instead. He either doesn't notice or doesn't care. Maybe a good mix of both. It wasn't easy to tell how long you sat there, giving a dirty look to a man that probably couldn't even see you past the hood he had been wearing this entire time, but you assumed it had been about ten minutes or so. The truck suddenly stopped. You break out of your hate filled trance and look around. Why did he park in an actual parking lot? Was he going to let you go? The thought filled your heart with hope. He popped open the center console and pulled out a large bottle of what sounded like pills. Christ, was he about do just pop a few pills to deal with your bullshit? He pulled his mask off, placing it in the back seat. The cap popped off and he dumped a few out, throwing them into his mouth and closing the bottle. He pulled the hood down, giving you a clear view of the side of his head. You voice your distress at his appearance in muffled screams. He sighs heavily, leaning his head back against his seat, not seeming bothered. The screaming grew louder as his features shifted.

He opened his eyes and glanced at you, letting you get a clear view of his eyes. The screaming ceased in shock. How had you not seen them under his mask? With how bright the blue of his iris was, one would think they would glow in the dark. He pulled the visor down to examine his face in the small mirror embedded inside. He licked his teeth, turned his face from side to side. It finally clicked why he sounded familiar. He was the weird guy that had been staring at you when you changed out shifts with a coworker. You sigh internally. No point in thinking about it now, you guessed. He had murdered someone and kidnapped you, you had bigger things to worry about. His buckle clicked and you snapped out of your thoughts.

"I'll be back," he said simply, clicking something on the side of the door and closing it. Did- did that fucker just turn the child lock on?! Where the fuck were you gonna go in blood soaked clothes and taped up arms?! You send a hateful glare at his retreating form. He went into a store. A very large store. The fuck was he doing?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

He bit the inside of his cheek as he entered the store. Did she really have to scream like that? Probably, not everyday you see a man with grey skin. And it's also not everyday you see him suddenly become a shape shifter after popping some pills. Either way, it really wasn't a boost of confidence for his already weak self esteem. Whatever. He had a reputation to uphold, and that meant keeping his cool, constantly. He'd already almost lost it on her while she was being annoying the night before. No point in risking it now. Jack sighed and rubbed his eyes. He began his journey towards the clothes section of the store before he paused. He forgot to ask what her sizes were. He facepalmed. And she had been wearing heels too. He grumbled, figuring it'd be easier to deal with that later. Right now he had to focus on getting her clothes that weren't stained with blood. He debated on heading to the woman's section, guess her size. No, bad idea. Someone is bound to try to talk to him. He was a tall man, he had no reason to be in the woman's section, and people were bound to wonder. Both his pride and crippling social anxiety told him to not risk it. Avoid talking with people was a priority. With a deep breath, he swiveled on his heel, headed towards the mens. He'd just grab some smaller sized jeans or something. There was a time where baggy jeans were popular right? He furrowed his brows as he thought, as he did a lot. His mind continued to wander until he reached the clothes. He eyed the jeans and opted to grab a pair of skinny jeans, in a random size that looked like they would fit her. He wasn't exactly staring at her legs, so he hoped that brief mental image he had in his mind was enough. He turned to the shirts. Any of them would work, they just couldn't be too big. He really wasn't in the mood to listen to her bitch and whine about him being a 'pervert' because it dipped too low and showed her bra.

He grabbed a basic black tee, looking to be maybe a size smaller than he got his own shirts. That'll do. He got a second pair of pants and a second shirt, just for good measure. He bit his tongue. He knew a little bit about the hygenic needs of a woman, but he hadn't smelled any blood or hormonal spike on her, so he figured she'd be fine for now. As he made his way to a different part of the store, he passed a shelf of hoodies. He backed up. Should he get her a hoodie? That would be awfully nice of him. She had done nothing to deserve any form of kindness from Jack. Letting her live was the extent of his mercy for her. 'But if she isn't cold that's less things she'll have to bitch about…' he mulled it over in his head before deciding. He'd get another hoodie for himself and let her wear it passively. 'What a fucking genius you are, Jack, absolute genius' he congratulated himself, grabbing a dark colored hoodie that was in his size. He nodded, satisfied and went to get a few more items.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

You had been pretty confident he up and died in that store, he took so long. But alas, he had to return. You watched his form make it's way to your side of the truck and reflexively shifted away. He swung it open, placing the bags he held ontot he ground while he stood onto the step to reach your seatbelt clip. He tore off the tape, unclipping the restraint. The tape on your mouth went next.

"Spit an insult at me and I'll cut off your tongue," he quipped. You closed your mouth. "Good girl," he himself seemed to cringe at what he just said, judging by the sigh he released. You scrutinized his face as he worked on the tape on your arms with intense concentration. He had tiny freckles all over his face. They were so small it was impossible to see them from a distance, but they were everywhere. His nose, his cheeks, even the top of his neck and between his eyes. You would've found him attractive if you didnt know it wasn't what he actually looked like. Tanned skin and soft looking auburn hair helped him sell the whole 'fucking gorgeous' thing.

"What's with the whole 'pretty boy' get up?" you murmur. He pauses and looks up at you, confused. "why did you choose this look to be normal?" He searched her face for any underlying intentions. When he found none, he shrugged.

"Didn't get a choice," He finally managed to get the tape off of your hands and arms.

"You got damn lucky with it then, you coulda been ugly," you shrugged. He took a deep breath and didn't respond, instead reaching into the bag and pulling out a package of what appeared to be baby wipes. "I'm not a baby,"

"I noticed," he opened the package and pulled out a wipe. He gripped your jaw and turned your head to the side.

"I can do this myself,"

"Don't trust you," as usual, his response was simple. He wiped the dried blood off of your face rather harshly.

"Hey, hey! Be gentler! I'm not dead yet!" He growled lowly and held your face tighter in his hand, wiping the rest of the blood off of any currently visible skin. He took another wipe and used it to wipe off any tape or dirt residue off of you. "What gives with the mini bath?"

"You'll see," He pushed your head down, bending you so that your chest was pressed tightly against your thighs. He threw what you assumed to be the wipes into the back before letting you sit up again. He picked up the bag from off of the pavement and handed it to you. "Change," he closed the truck door. He must've gotten you clothes so you wouldnt be covered in blood constantly. You pull out a pair of jeans and a shirt, followed by an extremely oversized hoodie. You quirk a brow but peek out the window. The man was scrolling on his phone, back pressed against the car door. You deemed it safe to change and stripped down, pulling the new, clean clothes on. You rummaged through the bag some more and came across a hair brush, dry shampoo, and deodorant. Questionable items, but you put them to use. You felt like a human again. A soft knock on the window startled you. There he was. You blink dumbly at him. He points down. You look down. You had locked the door. With a sigh, you unlocked the door and he opened it.

"You didn't stare at me while I was changing, did you?" you narrow your eyes in suspicion.

"I've got no reason to," he took the hoodie out of the bag and threw it at you. "Wear it if you want," he threw the bag in the backseat. You huff and pull the sweater over your head. He closed the door and moved to the drivers side. He strapped in and started the truck.

"Why'd you make me freshen up and stuff?"

"You need food. I don't know what you want," He made the short drive to a gas station that was only about five minutes up the road. He unstrapped and went to your side, opening the door. "Out," You unstrapped and slipped out of the truck, a little wobbly from not standing for so long. The heels didn't help.

"You're coming in with me?"

"I'm the one with money,"

"There's another reason, isn't there,"

"That one is obvious. Now listen. You go in there, grab anything you need, and if anyone asks, I'm your boyfriend," he briefed.

"Why do I have to say you're my boyfriend?"

"You won't have to if you don't act suspicious, now lets go, I've spoken to much,"

"You got a word limit or something?"

"Mentally," he ushered you inside.

"You gonna act all boyfriendy?"

"Boyfriendy?"

"Are you gonna act like my boyfriend?"

"Yes, and you'll have to deal,"

"Ew, but why,"

"There won't be any kissing," he rolled his eyes.

"What if you need to?"

"I won't" he guided you to the hot foods area. "Now get your food," He stayed close as you grabbed two slices of pizza and a hot dog, putting them in mini bags. "Its a long drive, go get yourself some snacks," you nod and sort of hand him your hot food, which he holds with no complaint. His eyes hold a glimmer of warning, telling you not to do anything stupid.

You're examining the chips on the different shelves when some girl about your age comes up to you.

"Did you hear?" She leans in close.

"Hear what?" you tilt your head.

"About the murder at that hotel. Apparently the murderer took a hostage with them, one of the staff," you pretend to be shocked and that the hostage was 100% not you.

"Really?" top tier lying this was. You just hoped it was believable. She nodded.

"By the way that guy has kind of been staring you down this entire time," she whispered. "Hey, creep! Why don't you go bother some other chick-!"

"Wait! It's ok," you subtly gulp and turn to your kidnapper, acting as natural as possible. "Babe, are you gonna keep standing there like a stalker?" He shook his head.

"S-sorry," he chuckled awkwardly, moving to stand next to you. He somehow managed to look bashful, blush and all. His posture was slouched to look more weak and not as standoffish. He probably took an acting class at some point.

"Oh, you're dating," she seemed relieved. You nod. "Can I have proof?"

"Why- why do you need proof that we're dating?"

"With the whole hostage thing I just wanna make sure he isn't the murderer, or you aren't, you never know,"

"It does make a bit of sense," your abductor agreed, somehow flying through this whole interaction look weak and pathetic, and making it look like he was completely off the list of possible suspects. She raised her eyebrows, waiting. He looks down at you and you look up at him, seeming to have the same idea. He lean down and you meet him halfway in a short kiss. The taste of iron and blood you expected never showed up. When you two pulled away from each other, the woman visibly relaxed.

"Alright, sorry for being weird. Have a nice day!" she waved. You waved along with the man. He grabs your hand.

"She made a scene, we gotta keep up the appearance," he whispered as he leaned down, followed by a kiss on the cheek to cover it up. You notice some people were definitely staring.

"Got it," you whisper back. Pulling your hand away from his you grab a bag of chips. "Do we wanna get chips or something else for the trip?"

"You'll be eating them more than me,"

"Yeah but I don't want you to think I'm greedy for eating them all,"

"I won't think you're greedy,"

"Yes you will," you put the chips back.

"You can get the chips, babe," You whine.

"But-!"

"You're fine," he took the chips off of the shelf and placed them in your hands. He mouthed something to you. 'Jack'. You assumed that was his name.

"You sure, Jackie? You're 100% sure?"

"Yes," You shrug and grab the collar of his hoodie and yank him down, planting a kiss on his cheek.

"Thank you," you coo. He hums and pecks your lips. The line is fairly short as you two go to pay. Jack pays and before you leave the guy manning the register bids you farewell.

"Be safe, you two lovebirds,"

"We will, have a nice day!" The moment you're both in the car you place the bag down and go to fetch the wet wipes to wipe your mouth off. They wer to far back and you sighed. "You're a really good actor," you comment. "Your affection felt real," he hums.

"Likewise," he seemed greatly uncomfortable, and it made you wonder what he meant by metal word limit. Either that or he just really did not like pretending to be dating his hostage. You shrug. Best to ask once you've eaten. You unwrap your hotdog and take a bite.