#I know we all stopped caring three years ago but I was just reminded that this show happened and I got mad at it all over again.
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deadsince1973 · 1 year ago
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Does anybody else remember how Tiger King made it out like Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin were doing the same thing?
That both of them were abusing animals?
That they were both abusing their employees, Joe Exotic by paying them a pittance and feeding them rotten meat, Carole Baskin by working her "employees" for more than forty hours a week for no pay?
How the show never clarified that Carole Baskin's Big Cat Rescue is an accredited sanctuary that legitimately helps big cats?
How the show never mentioned that Big Cat Rescue is a registered nonprofit, and that Joe Exotic's accusations that she was lying and manipulating her employees to get them to work for free is at best misleading, because they were legitimate volunteers who were knowingly donating their time to help big cats?
Does anybody else think it's weird that the one woman in the cast was the only one intentionally misrepresented to make her seem like a much worse person than she was?
That there was a stronger backlash against the one woman in the show than there was against Joe Exotic, even though she was the only person in the cast *not* abusing animals OR other people?
I just think that's weird.
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astonmartinii · 1 year ago
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we don’t play about halloween | max verstappen social media au
pairing: max verstappen x fem reader
max doesn’t play about three things: formula one, his cats and his girlfriend’s love for halloween
MASTERLIST | TIPS
yourusername
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liked by oscarpiastri, maxverstappen1 and 607,344 others
tagged: maxverstappen1
yourusername: yes we dress up to carve pumpkins, it’s rude if you don’t.
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user1: gosh they are so cute
user2: did max just dress as himself whenever he’s within 5ft of y/n?
maxverstappen1: i get why the americans don’t play about the statue of liberty
yourusername: i think they should build one of you in zandvoort
maxverstappen1: and they still wouldn’t worship it as much as i worship you
yourusername: i literally light candles in your name and pray for you with you mum, i think i worship you more sorry
maxverstappen1: the ONLY loss i’ll take
user3: i feel lonely year round because of them but it’s SO much worse during halloween
user4: they are the definition of the couple costume they invented it and they PERFECTED it
landonorris: i thought your apartment was a safe space, why did i get harassed over my costume?
yourusername: it was more of the lack of costume? “streamer” does not count
landonorris: who actually dresses up to carve pumpkins?
maxverstappen1: COOL PEOPLE
yourusername: imagine not dressing up and having an awful pumpkin … could never be me
landonorris: STOP BULLYING ME
maxverstappen1: do better then.
user5: obsessed with how peace and love y/n is for the whole year but as soon as someone doesn’t care about halloween it’s fight time
charles_leclerc: remind me to never accept an invite to a halloween event at the verstappen-l/n household - far TOO much stress
yourusername: but you’re like the only one who deserves an invite to next year because the air max costume slayed
maxverstappen1: i might even let you back on it
charles_leclerc: might???
maxverstappen1: follow me on instagram
yourusername: 2019 was so long ago we really need to move on
danielricciardo: you seriously underestimate just how petty these men are
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maxverstappen1
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liked by danielricciardo, yourusername and 894,560 others
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maxverstappen1: halloween is a full family affair
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user8: JIMMY AND SASSY I CAN'T
user9: yall looking at the croissant and the lobster i'm focusing on AMY AND NICK?
user10: has max even seen this film?
maxverstappen1: nope i just like doing the costumes y/n wants to do
user11: i wish i had enough friends to have like ten billion halloween parties
oscarpiastri: i didn't know what to expect but i did not think i was going to see alex trying to drown george at the apple bobbing station
yourusername: i let them work out their own mess as long as they don't accidentally flood our living room again
oscarpiastri: AGAIN?
maxverstappen1: f1 drivers are just competitive about apple bobbing as they are about driving
alexalbon: in my defence there is a sick trophy for the champ i simply cannot let anyone else win it
user12: they got a trophy made? and girlies are serious about this?
yourusername: custom trophies for apple bobbing, pumpkin carving and best costume
alexalbon: three time apple bobbing champ right here
charles_leclerc: i'm coming for best costume this year
danielricciardo: pumpkin carving was an easy dub last year
maxverstappen1: but no one has out done us for costumes thus far
yourusername: and that's not bias, there is a democratic voting process x
user13: i need to be in this friendship group right now
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yourusername
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liked by georgerussell63, maxverstappen1 and 723,409 others
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yourusername: it's the most wonderful time of the year ! thanks to everyone who came out and making the spooky season special. p.s. shout out to max who found this wig while going through our costume box and insisted on not taking it off the whole set up.
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user16: NOOOOO WHY IS HALLOWEEN OVER ALREADY
user17: rip to all of us who were hoping for a sexy y/n x max costume
user18: they heard we wanted sexy and gave us ratatouille i hate their asses
oscarpiastri: okay so lando wasn't lying when he said you guys go insane for halloween
yourusername: i fear not. i hope you enjoyed your dip in the pool, we found you in a guest room in my bath robe at 3am
oscarpiastri: oops.
maxverstappen1: you fared better than others on their rookie halloween appearance, just ask lando and charles
landonorris: you told me there was no alcohol in the jelly so it's not my fault i ate the whole bowl and threw up in your shower
yourusername: wow way to blame the victims there lando, you literally blocked the drain
landonorris: MAX SAID THERE WAS NO ALCOHOL
yourusername: it was labelled with the ingredients. you just can't read
landonorris: no comment
yourusername: and charles got so drunk that he decided he would sleep on the couch but got 'lonely' and insisted on cuddling with us
charles_leclerc: Y/N!!!! YOU SAID YOU'D KEEP THAT A SECRET
maxverstappen1: don't worry we thought it was cute
carlossainz55: wait is that why you came as a "cuddle bug" this year?
charles_leclerc: NO
alexalbon: and that must be why he got best costume RIGGORY
yourusername: no riggory here, you and lily as mavis and jonathon were a close second
user19: i won't rest until i have an invite next year.
maxverstappen1
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liked by charles_leclerc, yourusername and 821,309 others
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maxverstappen1: sorting the recycling with your head barely attached is always the worst part of halloween
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user20: drunk max looks like so much fun
yourusername: i think i might drink my weight in coffee today but i need to see the kitchen floor soon before i lose my mind
user21: ma'am i know you're clinging to life rn but can we know who won what?
alexalbon: ALEX ALBON APPLE BOBBING CHAMP FOUR YEARS IN A ROW
charles_leclerc: i won best costume and it's purely because i'm cute cause NO one there knew about my cuddling escapades last year
landonorris: ugh pretty privilege back at it again
charles_leclerc: jealousy is a disease get well soon
oscarpiastri: my pumpkin ended up winning !! turns out people love a kangaroo in the ghostface mask
maxverstappen1: first rookie to win that title (i am so impressed by the kangaroo)
yourusername: you were actually so good you have to help me with all the decorative ones next year
oscarpiastri: i'm in
user21: but who won the real award - most embarrassing moment?
maxverstappen1: daniel got stuck in the door in his inflatable horse/cowboy costume
danielricciardo: NO esteban dressing as the cheese string man was worse
estebanocon: that's real creativity at least i didn't fall asleep in the bath like carlos
yourusername: not to gang up on carlos but the blanket you took in their is damaged beyond repair and i request a replacement
carlossainz55: fair, but it was me, lando and george in the tub
georgerussell63: fake news @carmenmundt
carmenmundt: i was also at the party babe, it was impressive how you all fit in there
user22: the fact they do all of this and race like two weeks later and the teams just deal with it
maxverstappen1: we've done much worse on race weekends
yourusername: someone didn't have to try and get home after abu dhabi 2021, halloween is nothing compared to that
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note: a lil halloween one for you all. i also DO NOT PLAY ABOUT HALLOWEEN. and am currently planning my costume lol. just wanted to get a small one out before all my work comes in tomorrow, much love xx
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drak3n · 11 months ago
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REAL ESTATE AGENT!NAOYA
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CONTENT WARNINGS: exes to lovers trope, smut, angst, mean naoya, praise, (consensual) recording and sending of sextape, creampie — scroll down for smut!
sena’s note: i love him no matter what y’all say 😻😻
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➩ REAL ESTATE AGENT!NAOYA who hated his job and working in general; whose father had more than enough money as he owned a lot of buildings and offices all over kyoto
➩ REAL ESTATE AGENT!NAOYA who had been forced by his father to do something after getting his business degree, something other than enjoying his life, spending his daddy’s money and traveling the world
➩ REAL ESTATE AGENT!NAOYA who hasn’t really been the same ever since your breakup two years ago; who was in denial for the longest time about missing you until he decided to make peace with his mistakes and move on… try to move on
➩ REAL ESTATE AGENT!NAOYA who knew you had moved on a long time ago, as he had seen multiple pictures of you with another guy on your socials, pictures where you looked at someone else the way you used to look at him
➩ REAL ESTATE AGENT!NAOYA who didn’t give a damn about his clients and whether they liked a place or not, but who was still very good at his job due to his cunning and manipulative ways
➩ REAL ESTATE AGENT!NAOYA who didn’t really look at his next client’s name, all he knew was that they were in dire need of an apartment for one person
➩ REAL ESTATE AGENT!NAOYA who showed up to the apartment he’d found, a shabby place that was way too expensive for the state it was in, but they didn’t have to know, right?
➩ REAL ESTATE AGENT!NAOYA who stood in the dim living room on old, croaking parquet with his expensive, shiny dress shoes and crisp, perfectly tailored suit, hearing the doorbell ring
➩ REAL!ESTATE AGENT!NAOYA who ripped the door open just to see his ex-girlfriend he had wasted spent three years of his life with
the first thing naoya noticed was that you looked like shit. not even in an offensive way. you just looked terrible. sleepless, sickly, with crinkled clothes and messy hair. back then, you made sure to look presentable even on your worst days.
he didn’t think he’d ever see you again. especially not in such a state.
“naoya?” your voice was hoarse, and you made no move to crack a smile. he didn’t smile either. “my coworker organized this, i didn’t know it was going to be you. i’ll just leave and—”
“stupid. come in.” the apartment wasn’t very inviting, and naoya’s face wasn’t either, but it was better than spending any more time outside in the cold. your jacket was too thin for the weather, as you still hadn’t had time to pick up all of your things from—
“how are things goin’ with your boyfriend?” silence. you didn’t bother asking how he knew you had someone else… used to have. you picked on the laces of your coworker’s hoodie she’d let you borrow, seated on the run-down couch while he opted to stand. of course he wouldn’t sit on a couch that wasn’t made of exquisite, original leather.
“we broke up,” you stated after some time, not quite meeting his amber eyes, “that’s why i need a new place.”
➩ REAL ESTATE AGENT!NAOYA who almost laughed in your face at that; and who let his bitterness of the breakup get the best of him as he told you that he knew that no one else would be a good match for you, reminding you of the words he had spat at you two years ago
➩ REAL ESTATE AGENT!NAOYA who didn’t bother stopping you as you left the shitty apartment through tears, and who didn’t care until he received a call from your coworker demanding to know what the hell happened because you hadn’t talked ever since the incident
➩ REAL ESTATE AGENT!NAOYA who found out from your coworker that you were staying with her, whose jaw tightened when he heard that your ex-boyfriend dumped you for his ex who moved in with him immediately and wanted you out of the apartment
➩ REAL ESTATE AGENT!NAOYA who appeared at your coworker’s apartment days later — after finally checking the data sent to him by her — while she was at work and you had a day off, and who looked at your miserable state when you opened the door
“do you really want to give that ugly bastard the satisfaction of being all depressed?” he sneered, hands shoved into the pockets of his brown dress pants. you didn’t see how his hands twitched in anger at your condition. he always hated seeing you like that. it was him who was supposed to be moody and grumpy, not you.
“did you come here to make me feel even worse?” you bit the insides of your cheek, feeling self-conscious at how polished he looked while you looked like you were homeless. technically, you were. “you got what you wanted, naoya. i’m unloveable. are you happy now?”
he kept quiet for a few seconds, and you took it as a sign to shut the door. before you could, he stopped you.
“pack your things. you’re staying with me.”
➩ REAL ESTATE AGENT!NAOYA who didn’t take no for an answer and nearly smirked in victory when he had you sitting in his passenger seat just like back when you were his
➩ REAL ESTATE AGENT!NAOYA who frowned upon seeing that you only had very few clothes, meaning that most of your things were still over at that bastard’s place
➩ REAL ESTATE AGENT!NAOYA who heard you crying yourself to sleep that same night in the guest room he offered you, and who shrugged innocently when you asked the next morning how your bags of belongings were suddenly standing in the middle of the blonde’s spacious living room; “someone set them down in front of the door. must’ve been your colleague.”
➩ REAL ESTATE AGENT!NAOYA who watched you open up more and start smiling again, and who felt something inside of him blossom once more, something that had never quite withered away to begin with
➩ REAL ESTATE AGENT!NAOYA who couldn’t be happier when you asked if he was willing to try again with you, more maturely this time, and who knew you were dying to get revenge on your shithead of an ex as much as he was
“arch your back more— yeah. fuck.”
a breathless chuckle was heard and you wiggled your hips, face buried in silky pillowsheets as you heard the sound of your phone recording. “n—naoya, please—” his hand massaged the flesh of your ass greedily, and you whined.
your thighs shook in excitement as naoya slid inside of your already drenched cunt, and you moaned loudly into the fabric as you started fucking yourself on the cock you had missed so, so much.
“hey, y’see that?” he wasn’t talking to you. you could tell from how condescending and arrogantly he spoke. “look at how she’s moving so prettily for me. s’your new bitch doing the same for your ugly ass? i doubt it.”
your phone camera captured your body glistening with sweat, shoulders and ass littered with hickeys and bite marks, and naoya made sure to record where your bodies connected, revealing how your squelching pussy pushed out a ring of your combined arousals.
“fun fact.” he kept talking while shallowly thrusting into you, kissing your womb with every push. “she’s lettin’ me hit it raw. never let ya do it, hm? because no one can compare to me, right baby?”
your trembling body along with the muffled squeal you let out was proof enough as you were tipped over the edge, squeezing naoya deliciously. he grunted, hips stilling before he pulled out. in your fucked-out state, you barely registered naoya’s digits spreading your lower lips to record how his cum oozed out of you.
your ex could never.
“and no one can compare to her. fuckin’ perfect pussy. look at what you’ll never have, son of a bitch.”
➩ REAL ESTATE AGENT!NAOYA who was disgusting, but who grinned widely when your shaky fingers pressed send before you chucked your phone aside to take one or two more loads that night
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fairlyang · 3 months ago
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Dos Locos 🕷️
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ཐིཋྀ W/C: 1.8K
ཐིཋྀ PAIRING: ex!miguel x latina!reader
ཐིཋྀ TAGS: 18+ smut. toxic af, broken up, pettiness, cheating x2 (never do this), still so toxic, unprotected sex, being insufferable x2, awful humans, creampie
notes: i wrote the beginning on the last day of may i’m so dead😭 kinda back to writing for mig again 😀 july was for qimir oops. also was thinking of insomniac peter not peter b but it doesn’t matter sjsjsjjs
Broken up. Separated. End of. Not together.
You and Miguel both decided to break up because the relationship had gotten so toxic over the past year and you were both growing tired of it. So you ended it mutually but deep down you weren’t over him and he wasn’t over you either. after all it was a three year relationship.
Unfortunately you were both stubborn and were not going to make the first move to get back together or have one final fling. Especially since you found out he was on some petty shit after a month of being broken up and already seeing someone new.
in another world where his brother Gabriel wasn’t taken, he would’ve been the first choice. but you weren’t a homewrecker. famous last words.
So you did the only logical thing you could think of and hit up one of his work friends because you needed to out-petty him.
You ended liking him the tiniest bit and it may not have been so healthy to do it so soon after the breakup but you couldn’t help it.
Peter was just so sweet and funny, and didn’t nag at you over the littlest of things.
It was a surprise when you started officially going out with him two weeks after that. You saw him nearly everyday and he always spoiled you. Maybe a bit of love bombing but it was just so nice. it was a huge difference from the end of your relationship with Miguel.
You didn’t even care when you found out Miguel was also going out with that girl you saw him with two months ago.
After all, you were broken up, right?
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imagine knowing damn well you’re both seeing other people, hell just full on taken but after an accidental sighting of each other at a bar you ended up in a hotel room together.
both of you folding like a book as if you weren’t in supposed happy relationships. neither of you could deny your feelings for each other and the chemistry was still there as if it never left.
so it wasn’t much of a surprise when he was on top of you, pounding into you as if the breakup never happened.
but his dirty words would quickly remind you.
“eres tan terca-“ he groans as you roll your eyes. (you’re so stubborn)
you had been denying that you missed him since you entered the room. he wasn’t wrong but you weren’t going to be the first to openly and verbally admit it.
“lo dices como si tu no eres!” you scoff making him grunt. (you say it as if you aren’t!)
“you’re a pain in my ass.” he mutters making you chuckle.
“yet here you are fucking me.” you spat quickly earning yourself an eye roll.
he was already so tired of your shit. it’s like he’s getting reminded of the reasons you broke up in the first place. it was bad enough you were as or even more stubborn than him but for it to not even stop while he was fucking you?
even after three months had passed?
and the fact that he liked it? he knew there was something wrong with him.
so he did what logically made sense in his head and started giving you deeper thrusts while keeping his same brutally fast pace.
you yelped and squirmed around but he held your legs in place. you bit your lip and gave him a glare.
how was it possible for him to be this annoying and still not put you off?
the grip he still has on you made you sick.
“aw estás enojada?” he teases making you let out a groan. (aww are you mad?)
he was just so aggravating. but lord was the bickering so badly missed.
so you decided to change the topic on the argument. just to have a slight upper hand.
“so are we gonna talk about the elephant in the room?” you say breathlessly.
“what the fact that you practically jumped into my arms first chance you got?” he murmurs with a smirk.
you shake your head and roll your eyes, “that is not what happened-“ you start but cut yourself off, “how about the fact that you moved on after a fucking month?”
“what jealous?” he taunts and you groan again.
“you fucking wish.” you say and give him a grin.
“if anything you wished i was jealous.” he says stifling a laugh back.
“oh please.” you scoff and he shrugs before coming down so his face was closer to yours.
your hands were on his biceps, because if there was one thing you missed was having them to grip on to. Peter was rather… scrawny.
and as if reading your mind, he continued. “did you think you’d really make me jealous with Puny Parker?” he laughs, making you groan.
“i wasn’t trying to make anyone jealous.” you quickly defended yourself but he didn’t believe a word.
“yeah okay.” he mumbles and holds back a smile.
he did miss this, so of fucking course he was jealous. he was so fucking pissed when Peter started talking about chasing after a girl he was crushing on only to find out it was you.
he wanted to kill him.
but then he realized he shouldn’t be jealous. you weren’t his anymore and he had Dana. he should be more than happy and not jealous out of his mind but yet you always haunted his thoughts, dreams, hell he nearly moaned out your name when Dana was sucking him off.
he fucking knew Peter was giving you eyes but you always claimed he was just being nice.
nice would be letting you go without any marks on your body. even that was pushing it.
he quickly decided against it and leaned down, letting go of one of your legs to squeeze your left breast before sucking on your nipple. he moaned and pulled slightly back before he flicked his tongue over it,
he then went higher and kissed the top of your breast, everything happening so fast your mind didn’t even process when he started to suck onto your skin.
you gasped and smacked his arm before trying to push him away but he wasn’t budging. now you were getting worried.
sure you knew you’d have to face the music at some point but now with a fucking bright ass mark on your breast you’d have a harder time dragging it out.
“estás loco!!!” you hissed and he finally pulled away, with the biggest shit-eating grin. (you’re crazy!!!)
he decided to finally fall into being honest.
“por ti lo soy. quisite escuchar eso verdad?” he murmured and you feel your face flush. (for you i am. you wanted to hear that right?)
he moaned as you clenched against him, a big indicator that he was right. your body always gave you away and you wouldn’t even be able to lie about it.
“you’ve been dying to hear me admit how badly i missed you, haven’t you?. how i missed your hugs, missed your cooking, your kisses?” he admits and you bit your lip trying to fight the urge to give in.
his hand went up to your cheek, forcibly making you lock eyes with him. as if things couldn’t get worse he just kept going, “wanted to hear how fucking badly i missed your mouth? how fucking much i’ve been needing your pussy?”
his tone hit you and you couldn’t stop the moan from leaving your lips. your eyes rolled to the back of your head as he slowed down, focusing on hitting it deeper inside you.
“ahora dime, soy el único loco?” he asks and you look back at him, beyond happy. (now tell me, am i the only crazy one?)
because you knew it and were glad it was mutual, and because you didn’t give in first.
he looked at you expectantly, he knew the truth the whole time but he knew with his admission that yours would follow.
you quickly wrapped you arms around his neck, bringing him closer before whispering, “somos un par de locos.” (we’re a pair of crazy people)
he leaned in and kissed you. you kissed him back immediately and it instantly turned into a heated kiss with his tongue clashing with yours. his hands were all over you and yours moved to scratch at his back because him fucking you again was what you’ve been craving.
he went back to pounding into you like there was no tomorrow and knew he wasn’t going to stop until he came inside you. he was already feeling so close and with the way you squeezed him to perfection like you always did, it wasn’t the tiniest bit surprising.
he pulled away so you could both catch your breath but mostly because he wanted to see your face. he loved looking at you when you came. even more so when you came at the same time.
he leaned his forehead to yours, his eyes all glossy, and his thrusts becoming slopping. you clenched against him and felt your orgasm build up quickly. “missed you so much baby.” you whimpered and he nodded, pieces of his hair falling down.
“you have no idea how much i missed you mami.” he murmured making you moan and hold onto his face as your legs began shaking.
“moaned your name instead of his.” you admitted making him smile.
“nearly did the same.” he chuckled making you laugh.
you were truly so alike. in more ways than you could ever count.
“you’re gonna call him after this and tell him to fuck off.” he muttered and you could only whimper.
“you’re all fucking mine i don’t care.” he purred and grabbed your hand, intertwining it with his.
“toda mía, verdad hermosa?” he murmured and you quickly moan out a yes which was enough to push you both off the edge. (all mine, right beautiful?)
he groaned as he spilled his load inside you, making sure it was as deep as possible before doing slow thrusts to ride out your highs. your legs shook and your cries only drove him more insane.
he kissed your forehead as you brought your legs down and he slowly started to slip out of you. as much as he wants you to keep all his cum, he knew you were about to knock out.
his dick slipped out with a loud plop and his cum oozed out and dripped down to your asshole. he quickly got up and ran to the bathroom, getting a towel before running back to you to clean you up.
you closed your eyes as he made sure every drop came out and he softly cleaned you up before throwing the towel away and getting back into bed.
you quickly got comfortable on his chest as he wrapped his arms around you and lifting the blanket over your bodies, so happy to have you back.
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rainbowberriesandcookies · 27 days ago
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Orihime's weird food combinations actually make a lot of sense-
It's one of those things that in the moment, it's used for comedic relief when other characters see her or hear about her weird food combinations but honestly there's also a lot of subtlety that makes me wonder if Kubo has more personal experience growing up poor or with food security because my god it makes too much fucking sense.
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We know that Sora and Orihime had abusive parents who were described as the types of people that would hit a child until it stopped crying and that Sora intentionally hid her away from them to take care of her.
Chances are, their parents never taught Sora how to cook or take care of himself properly, and growing up, he likely had to feed Orihime little bits of what he could put together before he was able to turn 18 and run away with her.
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At the start of the story, Ichigo says that Sora died three years ago and at the start of the story, Ichigo and Orihime are both around 15 years old. Which means Orihime was no older than 12 when Sora died.
Have you seen what 12-year-olds left to their own devices eat? And eventually, we find out that Orihime is taken care of by a distant relative who only sends her money as long as she keeps her grades up. Given that she lives by herself, it's likely only enough money to ensure that Orihime isn't homeless or starving - but not enough to actually buy proper meals.
And if it is - Orihime likely doesn't know what a proper meal looks like. From how Sora described their parents, he likely had to raise himself as many children do in abusive relationships, and then had to raise Orihime. But children often learn things from their parents like how to cook, clean, etc.
Another character with a similar home life that Orihime reminds me of is Taiga from Toradora.
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Until she met Ryuji, Taiga pretty much lived on convenience store food as her parent(s) only sent money every so often. Likely - once again - it was just enough to make sure she wasn't homeless or on the streets but not enough to be able to afford cooking proper meals and Orihime - like Taiga - likely doesn't really know what normal food or meals really look like.
And as early as the volume 2 character profiles, we learn that Orihime is supported by relatives.
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At one point, she's even seen eating bread likely because it was all she could afford.
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In Chapter 14, Orihime just brings an entire loaf of bread and a can of red bean paste to lunch and as early as Volume 2 we learn that she's supported by relatives - yet we also know that she lives alone which even as early as this it can be assumed that they're fairly distant and only do so out of obligation rather than love.
Come Chapter 450, this is elaborated on even more
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She outright mentions that a distant aunt pays for her living expenses and sends her less when her grades go down. And here, you can see her recounting what she heard about her parents being "really abusive" from her brother all with a smile on her face despite the fact that it's a pretty somber.
Another hint to the food insecurity is how Orihime looked at the donuts earlier and Riruka upon hearing this, let Orihime eat as much as she wanted.
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It's in her own way, but Riruka clearly understood that Orihime didn't really have a good home life. But she's a tsundere so Riruka has to say that she doesn't want them anymore instead of outright saying she feels bad and doesn't want to deprive someone who likely has never really had too much food security of food that's right in front of them. The typical "It's not like I care or anything" from tsunderes like Riruka.
Jumping back to earlier chapters-
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Orihime joked with Tatsuki about having to carry around a sleeping bag and sleeping outdoors after being kicked out of her apartment following the hollow incident in Chapter 24.
Given that Tatsuki didn't appreciate the joke and up till this point, she's one of Orihime's closest friends, chances are Tatsuki knows that Orihime has a precarious living situation which is why the joke didn't come off as funny because Tatsuki would also know that Orihime is the type to just smile her way through all of her troubles.
So combined with what we know...
As early as Chapter 4 her apartment was damaged as a result of Ichigo's battle with Acidwire, in Chapter 14 she brings bread and red bean paste to school to eat and in Chapter 24 Tatsuki doesn't appreciate her jokes about having to be in a sleeping bag until she finds a new place before admitting that she's actually staying in a hotel.
Chances are her grades slipped to the point she couldn't afford rent anymore or the damage to the apartment was that bad - either way the result was a pretty big strain on her already tight finances.
Orihime's odd food tendencies aren't just to make her quirky, but one of the only ways she knows how to survive. After all - a lot of people who live in poverty or struggle with food security eat and enjoy strange meals like mustard sandwiches where it is just bread and mustard or sugar sandwiches where it's just butter, bread, and sugar... A lot of struggle meals honestly involve some type of bread because it is cheap and filling.
Bread is one of the cheapest food items you can afford and while everyone else thinks that her food combinations are horrid... there is at least one person who appreciates them.
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Rangiku!
And from what we know, Rangiku also had a very similar upbringing where she was found starving and alone by Gin. He offered her persimmons, a fruit that when eaten at the wrong time is very sour but when it's ripe it's mushy/soft. Because of this, persimmons can be something of an acquired taste - and when they're dried the flavor of them is even more concentrated
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All in all, her quirky food habits are a subtle nod to her upbringing, and thinking about it now, it makes sense as to why it never really sat right with me when people would callously make fun of her food combinations or rather treated them like a genuine character flaw to mock and demean her over.
It's used for comedy because when you hear certain struggle meals, they really don't be making any sense and sound disgusting! Yet at the same time, it's a result of having to make do with what you have and your tastes revolving around that.
Even with the consistency of Rangiku, someone who was found starving enjoying her food combinations - it makes me wonder if Rangiku is no stranger to eating weird things or combinations on occasion. It also contrasts with Toshiro who was shown not really enjoying the food combinations, but unlike Orihime or Rangiku, he's never really been shown starving or hungry in his backstory because he had his grandmother and Momo with him.
Because of that, it's kinda hard to chalk up Orihime's weird food tendencies and growing up poor to be a "lucky coincidence" because the other person who enjoys them too grew up similarly to her - where food was scarce. Given how seemingly well thought out it is, it makes me wonder if Kubo himself may have either had or knew someone who struggled with food scarcity.
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mccardswife · 10 months ago
Text
You are enough
heyy! this is my first one shot so it is not the best but feel free to give any tips!
arsenal wfc x teen!reader
warnings: mentions of violence, bruise, angst, sh, a few cuss words, suicidal thoughts, protective awfc and fluff in the end. Please remind me if I have forgotten some! (don't read if you get triggered)
(not proofread so if any mistakes give me a heads up)
word count: 2144
enjoy!
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Being a 16 year old professional football player is not the easiest thing in the world. Yes, you do what you love everyday but it has its up and downs. I signed for arsenal 3 months ago but I had no idea it would be that difficult. I don't feel like I belong here, all the girls on the team are truly amazing don't get me wrong, but it is so hard living up to the standards. Especially when I am me, just me and only me. I don't feel enough
After my alarm went signaling me to get ready for another day of training, the thought of going to training today dreaded me, and it has for weeks. Silence, I lay in my bed in silence just thinking of all the bad things that can happen today. If you are wondering where my parents are, the truth is. I live alone, yes, alone as a 16 year old in England. My parents has never supported me playing footy, not even when I was little. They wanted me to have a career that was meant for "girls" and not "boys", but that sounded bizarre. Football is for everyone, but they don't seem get that into their head. My parents kicked me out when they found out I signed for Arsenal, we lived in London, but since I got kicked out I had to get an apartment for myself. It was pretty hard but my best friend helped me and I am so grateful thankful for her. I have not told the team about me living alone for 6 months, they would go all protective and wanting to know why but I can't tell them, not yet. I don't want to be judged. Saying to the girls that I got kicked out of home, even thinking about it makes me feel so embarrassed and ashamed of myself.
I lay in bed, in pain. Physically and emotionally. Last night, after I was out grocery shopping I took the metro home as always, when a man probably doubled my age walked over to me. I then realized that it was my father, he dragged me into a corner and asked me if I still was into all that "football shit". I got furious and started whisper shout at him, turned out that was not the best idea. He started going about me being a disgrace to the family, not only the family but the world, that no one is ever going to love me for playing football, and then he punched me right in my cheek. I felt thrilling pain in my face, but he grabbed my wrists hard and said in my face "You useless bitch, no one cares about you and never will".
That sentence goes through my mind over and over again. I was almost impossible to fall asleep last night, because of the pain I was in both physically and emotionally. What my father told me, got to my head and I was thinking. Maybe he was right, I am a disgrace, no one will ever love me, maybe if it would be better if I just disappeared.
Well, well. Got to get up for training and stop thinking. Seriously y/n, get your shit together...
I walked downstairs to the bathroom and got dressed and tried to cover the bruise on my cheek that now has gotten all blue, yellow and purple. It was really painful and very difficult but totally worth it when I was done and I literally could not see a damn thing. Then I did the same to the bruises on my wrists and after I tried to cover up the dark bags under my eyes but that was a bit more of a job.
Suddenly I got the urge, the painful urge. I took the hidden blade from the mirror cabinet and drawed lines on my right arm. One, two, three, four.
Then I looked at the clock. Shit, I thought. The training starts in two hours and we have breakfast together in the dining room an hour before. The metro usually took 30 minutes, I packed my bag in a hurry and left.
When I walked in to the facility I heard two voices yelling my name behind me. Lotte and Alessia walked quickly over to me. "You excited for training?" Alessia asked you. "Yes totally" I said in a lie, I think they saw that I lied because it did not look like they believed me at all. "What about you Less and Lotte?" you said to try getting the attention away from you. It seemed that it worked because they said in sync "Yes". Less and Lotte looked at each other and we giggled.
When we walked in to the dining room, everyone was there. I tried to brush off all the looks I got. Why does everyone look so suspicious today...
"Come here Y/n, sit with us", Leah said after I served myself food. Leah sat with Katie, Kim, Lia, Caitlin, Steph, Beth, Viv and Kyra. I walked nervously over to them and sat down in the seat beside Beth. They started talking and I just sat there quietly eating my food being in my thoughts until Viv said "Y/n, you've been quiet, are you good". They looked at me concerned, "Me? Yes of course Im good, just sat thinking about the upcoming training today". I lied straight through my teeth. "Okay, if you're sure. but you can talk to us though", Caitlin said. I just said a quietly thank you, and then we walked to the locker room and got ready for training.
We started doing some light jog then got into some training drills. I was already sweating, it was surprisingly very sunny outside today and I wore a long sleeve training jersey because of my scars. "Aren't you hot in that", said Jen to me. I just simply shrugged her off saying no.
I was so exhausted, my body is so tired and I really want to lay down. When we had water break I just laid down on the grass. Sweating, I rubbed my face because I was so tired.
Beth and Viv walked over worriedly, they have become my unofficial parents after my transfer to Arsenal. They looked shocked when they saw me. "What" I said in a panicked voice. "Why do you have a big black bruise on your cheek?" Beth said, "And on your wrists?" Viv said. "Is something going on at home?" Viv asked with a knowing look. "No, no of course not, why would you assume that".
After training everyone looked worried and concerned, my passes and shots got sloppier and sloppier, I was hurting more and more. When I was about to leave, Kim, Katie, Leah and Jen cornered me. With Beth and Viv looking guilty behind. They brought me into a private room and they started telling me what Beth and Viv told me. Then all of a sudden Kim said "You know, all the team has been worried and concerned for a while, I can't remember how many times the girls have repeatedly come and talked to me". I looked at her ashamed. "Why do you have bruised?" Katie asked, "I just fell" I said, the lie obvious.
I started scratching because my scars got really itchy, I really wanted to just disappear right there and then. Then Leah grabbed my right wrist softly and pulled up my sleeve, the last thing before I broke down was gasps from the girls. I started trying to make up excuses but none of them were having it, "come with us" said Beth, "We will bring you to the medical room and then we want you to tell us everything". I desperately did not want to but I knew it was no chance of me getting out of this.
When we got to the medical room they put me on one of the beds. My scars were infected, that is why they itched so damn much. Jen was cleaning up my bruises while Kim cleaned up my scars. I know the people who worked here could do it but I did not want them right now, it is bad enough that now the whole team knows.
Leah then said in her stern but soft captain voice "Now tell us everything". I tried to tell her that it was nothing. What Katie said broke me "Please babe, we only want to help you. We know it has been hard for you but please". Then I broke down again, full on shaking and crying. Desperately gasping for air.
I started telling them everything, how my parents are and that they has never supported me once for the choices I have made, that I don't feel like I belong here because I am only me... When I spit out the truth about me living alone for 3 months because my parents kicked me out and that they were abusing me for years before, I saw tears in all of the girls faces. It was a heartbreaking sight. I told them how I ran into my father last night and what he did and said to me and I started sobbing again and saying silently to myself "It is true, what he said. I am a reckless disgrace full kid".
"You are enough y/nn, I promise you babe" Viv said. All of the others agree but I could not help believing my fathers words. "Actually me and Beth have been thinking for a while, we have a spare room and big enough place for 3, and you are like our kid. I am being for real, we love you as our own family. All the team does, but we wondered if you wanted to come live with us?" Viv asked me. I was hesitant and I think Beth saw that because she said "We are not taking no for an answer". I felt a smile creep up on my face and as desperate I was trying to hide it all the others saw and started smiling too. I said to Meadema, "thank you moms". I realized what I said "shit fuck, sorry I did not mean to".
"Y/nn it is okay, you have no idea how glad that made us, you are like our kid" Beth and Viv said.
After a while of me telling them about my thoughts, how I have been feeling for the last weeks, they decided to get me into therapy. We have a therapist at the facility so we agreed to be going to her twice a week. "I am grateful for all of you, I really am but I just feel like a bother" I said quietly.
"No babe stop" Jen said, Katie walked over to me, she took her hands on my head and said "You are enough, a hundred times enough". "You are like a younger sister to me, it breaks me to see you like this, not only me but all of us. We and all the team loves you. You are the baby of the team."
"We will always protect you, and we will get your so called parents locked up." Kim said to me. "Not Viv and Beth but the other parents" Jen said in a playful tone.
"That I understand" I said with a smile of my face.
Leah asked me if she could tell the other girls and the Gaffer, she needed to anyway but it was nice she asked me. I said yes then she walked outside.
A few minutes later they all came in. Kyra, being kind of like my annoying twin ran over to me and hanged on for me for dear life in a bear hug. I started explaining to them a bit more, and reassured them that it was not their fault but my manipulative parents.
I also said that I called Viv and Beth mum and that I am moving in with them and Lessi and Laura said at the same time "about damn time". All the team broke out in laughter.
"I am sorry for not telling you but I feel a thousand times better now after telling you, I have been scared and not felt at home here for a while but telling you and knowing that I can count on you girls will help me. The whole team is kind of like my family I never got and I can't ask for more than that. I am so grateful for all of you, and I love you"
"We love you too y/nn", Leah said with the softest most heartwarming smile ever. "You are our family, blood or not you will always be family" Kim said reassuring.
"Always," Katie said
"And you are enough" the team said lovingly.
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hungermakesmonsters · 3 months ago
Text
(Once Bitten) Twice Shy
Chapter Seventeen
Plot summary : Desperate to get away from your controlling family, you take a job in New York as a wealthy vampire's blood source. A million dollars awaits if you can make it through a year, but life with Billy Russo is not going to be as simple as you think.
Pairing : Billy Russo x Reader
Story Rating : R  Chapter Rating : PG
Warnings : [This is a fic for 18+ only, minors DNI] Nothing too warning worthy, just some really creepy vibes at the end. All chapters will contain mentions of blood. Please check the warnings on each chapter if you choose to follow this story. 
Word Count : 4.5k
A/N : happy fic-friday!
CHAPTER ONE | CHAPTER TWO | CHAPTER THREE | CHAPTER FOUR | CHAPTER FIVE | CHAPTER SIX | CHAPTER SEVEN | CHAPTER EIGHT | CHAPTER NINE | CHAPTER TEN | CHAPTER ELEVEN | CHAPTER TWELVE | CHAPTER THIRTEEN | CHAPTER FOURTEEN | CHAPTER FIFTEEN | CHAPTER SIXTEEN
MASTER LIST
Chapter Seventeen
You sat in silence, too paralysed by fear to think rationally. There were things you knew you should be doing, like looking out of the window and trying to figure out where you were and, perhaps more importantly, where you were going. But, really, what did it matter? You’d always known that it would come down to this, that you’d end up his prisoner and, now, you knew for certain that no one was going to save you.
Your eyes drifted to the rear window, not looking at him, not even acknowledging his existence. 
The streets of New York all looked the same at night; all bright lights and crowds of people. The only thing you could tell was that you didn’t seem to be leaving the city. Somehow that made things worse, knowing that you were still so close to Billy but you might as well have been a million miles away. 
And, suddenly, despite your situation, Billy was all you could think about. He was probably at Josie’s by now, he’d probably realised that you were gone and that he’d never see you again. He was probably so angry.
“You’ll soon get tired of giving me the silent treatment,” he stated with a confidence that made you sick to your stomach, “but I’m not going to rush you. I have patience and we have the rest of forever.”
Forcing a breath, you tried everything you could to keep a blank face and not give into the scared helplessness that was filling you. Your gaze remained focused on the window and the streets you’d been so excited to explore only a few weeks ago. 
A sense of claustrophobia took hold the moment the limo turned into an underground parking structure, darkness filling the car and making you feel more trapped than ever. Then the car stopped.
You didn’t move, didn’t even tear your eyes away from the window.
Until he reached for you.
His cold hand on yours caused you to flinch and pull away, only to find fingers tightly gripping your good wrist.
“You’re going to behave for me,” he told you, the slightest hint of annoyance seeping into his tone.
“Or what?”
You weren’t sure what came over you in that moment but you were just as surprised by your sudden snap as he was.
“Do I have to remind you what will happen to your family?” He asked, leaning closer, gripping tighter. “Or maybe I should remind you what I’m capable of...”
“You don’t scare me anymore, Mr Drake,” you answered back, his name spat from your mouth like venom despite knowing you were only making things worse. 
“Please, you should call me Justin since you’re going to be my wife,” he offered with a smile that made you feel ill. “And you should be scared of what could happen if you try to refuse me again.”
“Am I supposed to care what happens to my parents after they sold me to you?”
You didn’t expect the laugh that followed, a sound that caused the dread in your stomach to continue to build.
“And what about Irene? You still care about her, right?”
The sound of your sister’s name on his lips was almost enough to cause your heart to stop. It was a lie, it had to be. She’d been gone for years, no one knew where she was or how to find her.
“You’re lying.” You decided to call his bluff.
He let go of your arm to reach into his pocket and pull out his phone. A moment later you felt bile rise in the back of your throat at the picture he showed you. It had been years since you’d seen her, but there was no mistaking that it was your older sister. The sickening feeling only continued to increase as he started to swipe through pictures; pictures of a family, of two young children and a telltale bump on her belly.
“If you’d prefer I could take what’s owed me from her instead, along with your nephews and your unborn niece.” He put the phone away, no longer needing it to threaten you. He’d made his point.
“You’re a monster.”
He laughed again.
“Oh, darling, you have no idea.” He leaned to open the door and then gave a wave of his hand, indicating that he wanted you to move. “It’s up to you whether we do this the easy way or the hard way.”
For a few seconds you remained completely still, defiant.
Then you moved.
What choice did you have? You knew he could bend you to his will if he wanted to, you knew he could hurt you and those closest to you. More than that, you knew that you were completely alone. No one was going to look for you. No one was coming to your rescue.
“Good choice,” you heard him mutter as he followed you out of the limo.
You bristled at the touch of his hand against your lower back, guiding you towards the elevator but you moved regardless, knowing better than to think you could outrun a vampire in the gloomy parking lot.
The elevator doors slid shut, trapping you with him and his driver, watching as he swiped a key card for the penthouse floor. Your heart lurched along with the elevator and, despite wanting to remain steely and unphased by the situation, you found yourself pulling your arms across your chest.
It was only then that you realised your suitcase was nowhere to be seen. Try as you might, you couldn’t remember what had happened to it. It had been with you when you left Josie’s but then you’d walked into Krista and -
And after that, everything was hazy.
“Where are my things?” You asked. “I had a suitcase.”
“Gone. You don’t need it,” he answered.
Your chest tightened, squeezing out a breath. Your eyes fixed forward, unblinking, not wanting to show him how upset you were. You weren’t bothered about your things, about your purse or phone, but your heart was breaking over the stuffed beagle that meant so much to you, the last little piece of Billy that you had.
“I want it,” you demanded defiantly. 
“Why?” He asked, a hint of annoyance in his voice.
“Because it’s mine. If you want me to stay here and not cause problems, then you need to find it.” You glared at him as he spoke, as if there was really anything you could do to hurt him. 
He seemed disinterested but shrugged before giving his driver a glance. The man nodded, understanding his orders without a word even passing between them. Though, by now, you knew it was probably too late. You’d probably never see Bill the Beagle again.
As he led you into the penthouse suite, his driver disappeared back into the elevator, but you weren’t so naive as to think that you were alone with him. He’d have his goons somewhere near, in case he needed them. If you wanted to even think about trying to get away from him again, you were going to have to bide your time.
Your stomach dropped when you were led into a bedroom. You lingered in the doorway, leaving as much space between you and him as you could and, of course, he noticed.
“There’s no need to be shy,” he told you, barely holding back a smirk.
“I’m not being shy,” you answered back. 
His gaze darkened.
“I can’t say that I like this new attitude you seem to have developed. I can see now why William Russo had to resort to physical means to keep you in line,” he stated, gesturing at your broken arm.
“You don’t know anything about Billy,” you snapped through gritted teeth.
“Oh, Billy is it?” He asked, looking at you like he could look right through you, like he could tell every little thought in your head, and he didn’t like what he saw. “Got close to him, did you?”
You felt your cheeks start to burn while your hands clenched to fists at your side, and he noticed it all.
“More than that?” He asked, though he didn’t need to hear an answer. “You’re lucky I’m not a jealous man, otherwise I might have taken it out on poor dear Billy. But, then, why should I be jealous of a vampire who likes to play with his food?” 
“You know nothing about it or him.”
“Oh, I know plenty,” he answered back. “Enough to know that he’ll have a new girl in his employ, bleeding for him by the end of the week and probably in his bed just as quick, just like he replaced your friend Krista...”
You shook your head, insolent, even though some part of you wondered if he was right. Perhaps Lissa had already put out an advertisement for your replacement.
But you weren’t given time to linger on the thought. He closed the distance between you, his cold fingers grasping your chin, turning your head one way and then the other as he inspected your neck.
“Did he bite you?” He asked and you stayed silent, so he resorted to threats. “Do I have to strip you and check for myself?”
The threat was enough to break you. “No. He didn’t bite me.”
“Good. Now get changed out of those clothes, so we can have supper and discuss our future together.” A wave of his hand led your gaze to an outfit that had been set out for you on the bed.
----------------
“Why didn’t she tell me?” Billy asked as if he thought Karen might have some magic answer to explain everything that was going on.
She’d explained about Madani, about the questions the Homeland agent had about Billy, as well as the warning that she’d offered outside the hospital. But she only knew what you had shared with her and the little that Madani had been willing to say, and it wasn’t a lot. 
And it certainly wasn’t enough for Billy.
“I don’t know, I guess because she didn’t believe it, she didn’t think it was worth worrying you with it,” Karen offered, lifting her glass and taking a slow drink.
Billy and Frank had asked around, hoping someone had seen you while Karen called Madani, but the most they got was from a drunk who thought you might have gotten into a limousine with friends. By the time they sat to wait for the Homeland agent, Billy was crawling out of his skin.
“And you’re sure she didn’t believe it?” He asked, again trying to get an answer that he knew Karen couldn’t possibly know.
“Well, she saw Krista, didn’t she?” Frank offered. “Hard to think you killed someone who’s still walkin’ around.”
“But, what if -” he started and stopped as Karen dared to reach across the table, placing a hand on his arm.
“Billy, she didn’t leave because she thought you’d done something wrong,” she offered.
“No, she left because I’m like... this...”
Frank bristled at his side but didn’t say anything, though Karen could tell just how much effort it took for him to bite his tongue. She’d seen them have that argument before, and she’d been the one left to console Frank afterwards.
“We’ll find her, Billy,” Karen tried again, pulling back her hand.
“I just -” he started but stopped the moment he noticed a woman in a suit approaching them, eyeing him with very obvious suspicion.
Karen’s eyes followed Billy’s, and she quickly stood up.
“Agent Madani.”
“Ms Page,” she greeted Karen before uncomfortably eyeing Billy and Frank.
“Something’s happened and we need your help,” Karen tried to explain, waving a hand, trying to get Madani to sit. 
Between the three of them, they explained what had happened as far as they knew, up to the point where they found your suitcase on the sidewalk. An uncomfortable silence fell while Madani took it all in.
“How can you be sure she didn’t just abandon it?” Madani asked, glancing at the case.
“She wouldn’t do that,” Billy answered, his hand resting on the stuffed beagle. “Why would she leave her phone and purse?”
Madani looked at him for a few moments, saying nothing.
“And how do I know that any of this is true?” She finally asked. “How do I know that this isn’t some elaborate ruse? How do I know she isn’t dead somewhere and all of this is to stop me from asking questions later on?”
“I didn’t kill her. I haven’t killed anyone. I -” Billy started to snap.
“Bill,” Frank warned, silencing him.
“You’ve got a badge, right?” Karen asked. “The store across the street has got a security camera pointed at the street, you can take a look at the last hour and see if we’re telling the truth or not.”
Frank struggled to fight back a grin, nudging Karen with his elbow, impressed with her. Madani on the other hand, seemed a little less enthusiastic. 
“It’s not that simple, I’d need a warrant, and -”
“We don’t have time -” Karen started.
“Fuck this,” Billy muttered, getting to his feet.
Frank followed suit. “What’re you doin’, Bill?” 
“I’m going to get the security footage myself,” he answered.
“Hey, if you think I’m going to sit back while you commit a crime -” Madani was on her feet a second later.
“The more time we waste, the harder it’s going to be to find her,” Billy snapped. “And I’m not going to lose her. You can either help or you can stay out of my way, but I’m warning you, Agent Madani, I’m not someone you want as an enemy.”
Without another word, he started towards the door, Madani and Frank following after while Karen opted to hang back with your suitcase.
Billy made his way across the street, not caring if he was followed; he was determined to find out what happened, with or without help. With the way he was feeling, he’d tear the store owner apart if he even tried to get in his way. And Frank seemed to realise that. It was why he didn’t let Billy get more than a few feet ahead of him.
And Madani followed because she was almost hoping that he’d do something to prove her right about him.
“How we doin’ this then?” Frank asked just outside the little corner store, stopping Billy in his tracks. 
“That’s up to Agent Madani,” Billy answered, glaring at the Homeland agent.
For a few seconds she looked at the two vampires, hating that she was being put on the spot but realising that there was nothing that she could do to stop them from looking at the footage one way or another.
“Fine, wait here,” she answered, as she moved to step past Billy.
“What? If you think I’m -” Billy was silenced by Frank’s hand on his shoulder.
Madani waited for a beat before entering the store alone.
The bell over the door chimed, signalling her arrival to the young guy behind the counter who looked up from his phone for a split-second before dropping his gaze again. Madani strode towards the counter, reaching into her jacket for her badge and ID. For a few seconds she didn’t say anything, instead she listened to the faint sounds coming from the assistant's phone.
‘If vampire’s keep taking all the wealth and making it so honest, hard working humans can’t find a decent job that pays a decent wage -”
She cleared her throat, having heard all she needed to. Anti-vampire sentiment was still widespread and there were plenty of online commentators willing to try to make a quick buck from it, and in this situation, it was something she could use to her advantage.
“Agent Madani, Homeland Security,” she stated. The kid looked ready to shit himself at the sight of her badge. “I’m going to need to see the CCTV footage from the front of the store for the last couple of hours.”
“I -” for a moment he struggled to find the words, “- I think I’d need to ask my boss.”
“Is he here right now?”
“No, he lives in Jersey...”
Madani let out a sigh, letting the kid see her frustration.
“Listen, I’ll level with you, I’m tracking a dangerous vampire,” she told him and saw a flicker of anger on his face. “I think they’ve hurt a lot of people, a lot of young women about your age...”
“Fucking bloodsuckers,” he muttered.
“If I could see that footage, I might be able to catch him and, if I do...” she shrugged, “well, there’d be nothing to stop you from posting the whole thing online. I hear you can make a lot of money with stuff like this.”
Madani could practically see dollar signs lighting up behind his eyes. At any other time it might have bothered her just how easily influenced the kid was, but time was of the essence and she needed to know if Russo was lying to her. 
“Yeah, okay,” the kid relented, “it’s in the back here.” 
He gave a quick glance around the store, making sure it was still empty before showing her into the backroom. The set up was hardly state of the art, but it was easy enough to use - in fact, she’d used several similar systems in the past, so it didn’t take her long to scrub through the video and find the exact moment that you left Josie’s. The picture quality wasn’t brilliant and the poor lighting on the street didn’t help, but you were easy enough to spot with your suitcase.
Madani watched as someone deliberately stepped into your path before taking you by the arm and leading you towards a waiting limousine. She managed to get half of the licence plate of the limo and snapped a quick photo of the blurry figure with her phone while the kid’s back was turned, then she stood.
“Is it on there?” He asked.
“No,” she answered, forcing another sigh, “looks like the bastard managed to slip by just out of range of the camera.”
His disappointment was palpable.
“But that isn’t to say that he won’t come back,” Madani offered, “so it’d be best if you didn’t mention this to anyone, otherwise you might spook him and... well, I wouldn’t want to see you charged with obstruction after you’ve been so helpful.” 
He nodded and she didn’t waste any time in making her excuses to get out of there.
Billy was pacing by the time she stepped back outside, both men seemed to be engaged in a heated debate about something, and it looked as though Russo was on the losing end of it.
“All I’m sayin’ is -”
“What did you find out?” Billy asked, ignoring Frank and quickly refocusing all of his attention on Madani.
“I’m not sure,” Madani stated, pulling out her phone, “she left the bar and someone met her outside before leading her to a limousine. There wasn’t a struggle but... something didn’t seem right...”
“You think someone was compellin’ her?” Frank asked.
“Maybe. I can’t be sure. I got a partial plate and I’m going to call in some favours to run it, see if I can figure out who owns the limo and where it went,” Madani explained before holding up her phone to the men, showing the blurry image she’d captured. “But, while we wait, we should try to figure out who this is.”
“Fuck,” Billy grit out almost instantly.
“Goddamnit,” Frank let out a second later.
“Well, that was quicker than expected. Care to fill me in?” Madani asked.
“I knew I should’ve killed her,” Billy muttered, forcing an uneven breath, struggling to stay in control of himself.
“It’s Krista Dumont, alive and well, and still pissin’ everyone off,” Frank answered, though his gaze stayed on Billy. “You went lookin’ for her, right, Bill? Know where she might be now?”
“Yeah, I know where she lives,” Billy answered, his attention quickly turning to Madani. “You wanted to know what happened to my previous employees, right? Well, you’re about to find out.”
Without another word, he started moving back towards where he’d left his car. Frank and Madani quickly followed after, the latter on her phone calling in those favours to try and track down the limo.
----------------
You were finally left alone to change, though you spent at least five minutes searching the room, looking for anything that might help you escape. As much as you’d felt resigned to this eventuality, just being around him again had panic and dread gnawing at your insides. You had to get away.
The first thing you did was check the windows, despite already knowing that you were too high up to even consider it an option. In fact, the penthouse suite was so high up that the people on the street below seemed like ants.
Next thing you checked was the room’s phone by lifting it to your ear. No dial tone. No cord connecting it to the wall. If you could get a cord from one of the other phones in the suite, you might be able to call for help. You filled away the thought for later. 
Then you checked the drawers and the wardrobe, feeling sick to your stomach when you found several outfits that were obviously for you. They looked like the sort of clothes your mother would have picked for you and not at all like the outfits you’d enjoyed wearing over the last six months. Even the dress he’d laid out on the bed for you felt uncomfortably conservative - though you supposed you should be glad he wanted you to dress that way.
Shaking your head you tried to force the thought away and concentrate on finding things that might be helpful. 
Wooden hangers could perhaps be turned into weapons but... well, that was a line you didn’t want to think about crossing until you really had to.
“Dinner is here,” you heard his voice from behind the door. “Unless you want me to come in there and dress you myself, I suggest you hurry up.” 
As much as you wanted to be stubborn, as much as you wanted to cause him as much trouble as possible, the sorry fact of the matter was that you were scared. And you had every reason to be scared. So, you gave up your search and quickly changed into the clothes that he had left for you and stepped out into the suite.
The main room was lit by lamps, creating a romantic glow that made you feel sick.
Instead of looking at him and the table, you glanced around the room, taking note of where the phone was and how close the door was. But your host seemed to realise what you were doing.
“Sit,” he ordered, pulling out a chair at the table.
You made a point of walking around him and taking a different seat.
“You’re starting to test my patience,” he remarked, taking his own seat. 
“Already?” You remarked off-handedly, reminding him of the comment he’d made not two hours ago in the limo.
“Did Billy Russo let you talk back like this?”
“He never gave me a reason to,” you answered without hesitation, despite knowing it wasn’t strictly true.
He gave a grunt of irritation before uncovering your food. You looked down at the plate, your lips curling at the sight; tuna steak and salad. While he started to eat, you simply stared down at the plate. Even though you knew you’d never see him again, let alone bleed for him, the thought of eating anything from his list of prohibited foods. It took Justin Drake  a minute to realise that you weren’t eating, and then came the frustrated sigh.
“Are you going to fight me on everything?” He asked.
“I don’t eat tuna.”
“Since when?”
“Since I decided I don’t like it.”
“Then eat the salad,” he snapped.
You took small consolation in the fact that you were already getting to him, showing him that you were going to be far more trouble than you were worth but, again, you knew better than to push too far too soon. He could hurt you. He would hurt you if he felt like it. 
Reluctantly, you began to pick at the salad with your fork, silently wondering if you’d be able to sneak any of the cutlery away from the table.
You ate in silence, neither speaking until you were both done. He’d poured you a glass of wine, but it had been left mostly untouched and, thankfully, he hadn’t thought to order dessert.
“Tomorrow we’ll be travelling home,” he informed you. “The wedding is being arranged as we speak and, by this time next week, you’ll be my wife, so you should rid yourself of any childish notions of escaping or denying me.”
“I won’t marry you.”
“Yes you will.”
“Why? Why any of this? Why me?” You asked, anger quickly starting to bubble over. “I’ll never stop fighting you, I’ll never be yours. How is any of this worth it to you?”
He just laughed at that, sitting back in his chair and lifting his wine glass to his lips, taking a slow drink before even thinking to answer you.
“Because it’s fate.”
“What?” Had you heard him correctly? Had he called it fate?
“It was never about the money - that was just to keep your parents in line - it’s always been about you, my sweet girl.” He continued to smile as your skin started to crawl. “I knew I had to have you the first time I set eyes on you.”
Your stomach continued to churn and tie itself in knots as you thought how long ago that must have been.
“Why?” You dared to ask even though you were terrified of how he might answer.
“You look just like your great-great-great-grandmother.” He paused as if he was expecting you to say something but the shock had rendered you silent. “She was like you, she refused me what should have been mine, and she paid the price.”
It felt like your blood had turned to ice in your veins, not sure exactly what he was telling you, but not wanting to ask for clarification either. You remained silent, wondering how long he’d been tormenting your family like this and if you were the first to find yourself in this situation with him. 
“I always regretted it, once she was gone I mean. I should have handled things differently, but I was young back then, barely past my first century...” he sounded almost wistful, like he was recounting a fond memory. “But then I found you. And I won’t make the same mistake twice. You will bend to my will. You will be my wife in every sense of the word and, when you’ve finally accepted your place at my side, I will give you the greatest gift imaginable.”
You didn’t have to ask to know what he was implying.
“No,” your head shook. “I don’t want to be a vampire.”
“My sweet girl, what makes you think you have a choice?”
End Note : ... I'm not even sorry about ending it like that, I'm having too much fun getting things ready for the final confrontation. I think that there's probably only two more chapters left of this one now (depending on how carried away I get with the next part), so I hope you all enjoy what I've got planned. Also I'm sorry I picked that name for the bad guy...
As ever, thank you so much for reading/liking/reblogging/screaming at me in the comments! Have a great weekend!!
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lauraneedstochill · 2 years ago
Text
Make a move
summary: you think Aemond is too arrogant to woo you, but he’s got some tricks up his sleeve. pairing: Aemond Targaryen x F!Reader words: ~ 6000 warnings: a bit of bickering and teasing, it gets slightly heated (Aemond has a praise kink, but I doubt anyone is surprised), mostly it’s just silly fluff author’s note: this was inspired by “Crazy, stupid, love”, particularly the scene where Emma kisses Ryan (one of my favorite on-screen kisses!) and everything that follows. I recently rewatched the movie and had an idea for this story (also, I may or may not have a thing for men’s hands... you’ve been warned)
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You keep mindlessly tapping your fingers on the wooden table, your cup of wine untouched. You don’t really notice the movement, too wrapped up in your thoughts, until your friend Margaret sneers.
“If you don’t stop, I might bite your hand off,” she says, sitting across the table.
“Then I’ll use the other one,” you huff but pause your fidgeting. “Better bite my head off, it will do us both more good.”
“But I like your head very much,” she pouts. “Is this about Thomas again?”
You groan, hiding your face in your hands and thinking back to the conversation you had earlier today with said man. Your emotions are a mix of annoyance and embarrassment as you can’t stop thinking about his words.
“He said the meeting will be of great importance. What if he...? You know,” you mutter, and Margaret huffs.
“I hope he won’t.”
“Hey, you are supposed to be my friend!” you playfully pinch her hand, and she fakes a gasp.
“I am your friend. And as your friend, I think you deserve way more than that sad excuse of a man,” her face gets serious for a second, and you feel your smile waver.
“Mar, you know I don’t have much of a choice,” you breathe out, and your heart sinks at the thought. “He isn’t that bad, really. He’s always been kind to me.”
“Sounds like every girl's dream,” she rolls her eyes. “And you want to settle down for a kind man? Nothing else?”
“What do you think my options are? Please, enlighten me since I’m clearly missing something,” you cross arms on your chest. You know she’s right and she means good, but your frustration gets the best of you.
Luckily, Margaret catches it and gives you a sympathetic smile.
“All I’m saying is that for as long as I can remember you’ve always dreamt of something more,” she extends her hand across the table and lightly squeezes yours. “We’ve been friends since we were little kids, and you are the most loving person out of everyone I know. Should I remind you who taught me how to dance? Protected me against my idiot brothers?” you giggle at the memory. “You’ve got an adventurous spirit and a heart of gold. You deserve an epic love story,” there’s a hint of sadness in her voice.
For a minute you sink into your thoughts again.
“And you think Thomas is not the one?” you sigh.
“He’s epically boring at best,” Margaret takes a sip out of her cup. “I know he’s not the one — and you do, too.”
“My parents approve of him,” you try to argue, but she’s quick to object.
“They only care about your approval. And they mistakenly took your lack of protest for it,” Margaret gives you a gloomy look.
“You are aware that I can’t wait forever, right? I’m not getting any younger.”
“Nor smarter,” she snickers.
“Not everyone is lucky to meet the love of their life at the age of ten-and-two,” you frown. Margaret and Jamie got married three years ago, but they have been betrothed for seven prior to that.
“Fair,” she beams, and you can’t stay irritated for long. They are still ridiculously in love with each other, and you are really happy for her. You just wish to feel that, too. You crave that indescribable feeling of longing and wanting and caring for someone else — and being loved just as much in return.
“Maybe the concept of love is overrated,” you ramble. “It was easy to believe in when I was a kid but... As I am growing older, it’s getting harder to cling to hope, I guess. And I’m trying to make an effort and meet new people and... to show just enough character to not scare them away,” you quote your mother. “Yet all of them just make me feel nothing. At all. And I—” you realize that Margaret isn’t listening, her gaze is on something else behind your back. “Hey, I’m pouring out my heart of gold,” you hiss, and her sight shifts to you.
Before you can question her behavior, she informs. “Someone’s been keeping an eye on you.”
“Margaret, I’m trying to have a serious conversation about my future,” you fight the urge to turn around.
“Maybe this is your future!” she winks, and you grunt at her silliness.
“We are in a tavern out of all places! I’d rather take a kind man as my betrothed than a drunk one,” you’re about to scold her, but your friend’s eyes go wide.
“His hair,” her voice is barely above the whisper. “I can make out the strands of silver,” Margaret slightly leans towards you. “You know what that means?”
“That you had too much wine? Mayhaps we should head home,” you suggest, but your friend protests.
“Sit down!” she shushes. “He is coming over here,” Margaret puts on a smile that looks painfully forged. The never-ending chattering of people around you makes your head hurt, and you’re too tired to play along.
“Mar, it’s been a long day, and the last thing I want is to waste my time entertaining some man’s arrogance and...,” you don’t get to finish because he interrupts your train of thought. 
“What if a man entertains you?” his voice is low and cocky. You close your eyes for a second, taking a deep breath. You don’t want to make a scene in a public place so you pull yourself together, thinking that you can talk your way out of this ridiculous situation.
But when you turn to him, your eyes meeting his, your plan is suddenly forgotten.
He is taller than you, a black cloak covering most of his body and his head, so your attention is naturally drawn to his face. He wears an eyepatch, and you look over his sharp features — his prominent nose, high cheekbones that flow down to the curved contour of lips, plump and alluring. Margaret was right about the hair, but she failed to mention the color of his eye. Taking that into account, it’s not hard to guess that he’s a Targaryen. Which means that he definitely is arrogant.
Well, two can play that game.
You ignore his question and pointedly don’t stand up in his presence.
“To what do we owe the pleasure of your company?”
“I believe the pleasure is all mine,” he is only looking at you.
“We just met, you should not jump to conclusions,” you feel Margaret kicking your leg under the table but dismiss her warning.
“Sharp tongue,” he notes.
“Will this be a problem?” you challenge him.
“On the contrary,” it sounds like he’s actually enjoying it.
It is tricky to read his intentions. But when his gaze is concentrated on you, it makes you feel like there’s no one else in the room, and that sensation is thrilling.
“What brings you here, if I may ask?” you press, trying to ignore the unknown feeling creeping up on you.
“It is a nice tavern, wouldn’t you say so? Since you are here, too.” 
“No, I mean what brings you to our table. There are plenty of others you could’ve graced with your presence.”
“Something must’ve caught my eye,” he says, and you see a hint of a smile on his lips.
“Some thing? Well, the interior isn’t very eye-catching if you ask me. But we might have to disagree on that.”
“You aren’t being very agreeable, it seems.”
“That’s what servants are for, and I’m not one,” you’re being defiant yet it doesn’t bother him.
“Please, do tell me more about yourself,” he swiftly pulls up a nearby chair and sits right next to you, his eye never leaving your face.
“Should you pull another one? For your ego, since it takes quite a lot of space.”
He squints at your words, and the corners of his mouth turn into a grin.
“I think we have that in common,” he bites back, but there’s no anger in his voice. If anything, the man looks curious, and you have to admit that you don’t take offense at his wit.
“Are there any other far-reaching conclusions that you managed to come up to?” you turn your body to him, so now you two are opposite each other.
“I only got here a few minutes ago. But I am a great observer should you give me a little more time.”
“Am I supposed to take your word for it? You are not as convincing as you think,” you impugn, so he pauses briefly.
“You don’t trust people easily, do you? How’s that for an observation,” his voice gets quiet, but his gaze is piercing.
“Men,” you correct him. “I don’t trust men.”
“Any of them dared to break your trust?” he gets a little closer, and you instinctively gravitate toward him.
“That would’ve required them to gain my trust first,” you retort.
“And what would it take for me to do so?”
“Do you expect me to make it easy? That’s not very observant of you,” your grin matches his own.
“Nothing good comes easy,” he murmurs, and you involuntarily lay your eyes on his lips. “But I expect it to be worth it.”
You feel a pull toward him, something that’s hard to describe but oh so natural to give into. His confidence isn’t intimidating but rather attractive, and you can’t help but notice how his gaze warms up your whole body. He makes you feel wanted without even doing anything.
But then you think of Thomas. Of the upcoming meeting and your future that depends on it. And you know you can’t throw it all away for some silly conversation with a self-confident stranger. No matter how enjoyable it seems to be.
You bite your lip and look away from him.
“That is enough entertainment for today,” you put some distance between you two. When you give him a quick glance, you catch a shadow of disappointment on his face.
“Didn’t take you for a quitter,” the blond comments.
“You should manage your expectations.”
“Maybe I should manage yours,” he has some nerve. 
“That would be very time-consuming,” you suddenly realize that he’s sitting in your way, and it looks like he isn’t going to move.
“Are you in a rush?”
“I am” — “She isn’t,” you and Margaret say at the same time. You feel your cheeks heating up as you give her a death stare.
“Has anyone told you that you look charming when you are embarrassed?” he remarks, and you want to wipe the smirk off his face. Preferably with your lips. You mentally scold yourself and push that thought away.
“Does this usually work for you?” you get up, thinking of a way out.
“You tell me,” he leans back on his chair with a shit-eating grin on his face, clearly aware that he's blocking your exit.
“Cornering women in taverns is your way of courting?” you think how to distract him, but nothing springs to mind. “And then what, you just drag them into your man cave?”
“They come voluntarily,” it looks like your words struck a chord, but he keeps up the facade of indifference. “I happen to live nearby,” he notes casually.
“We both know that’s not exactly true,” you scoff with a tilt of your head. You are positive that the walk to the castle will take at least thirty minutes.
“Want to bet?” he sits up straight.
“And what do I get out of this?”
He looks you up and down before answering:
“Me.”
He’s pushing his luck at this point.
You glance around and take note that the tavern is packed with people, and no one is paying attention to you. You also realize that Margaret already sneaked out and is standing at the door. She raises an eyebrow with a silent question, as if asking what are you going to do.
That’s when you decide you can push some boundaries, too.
Your eyes are back on the man in front of you. Without giving it a second thought, you step closer to him.
“Was that supposed to make me weak in the knees?” you whisper, and his face expression melts into an amused one. Seizing the moment, you yank your dress up and throw a leg over him. He immediately looks down at the exposed skin of your thigh, his mouth is slightly agape as he’s now sitting between your legs. You see him tensing up, his fingers clenching into fists as if he’s fighting the urge to put his hands on you. You think that if he does, you are not going anywhere. You wouldn’t want to go anywhere — the realization makes you tremble, and you know that you don’t have much time.
You boldly place your hand on his shoulder, pressing him back onto the chair.
“I hate to break it to you, but you are not that impressive,” you say, throwing your other leg over him and successfully moving away.
When you get to the door, the look on Margaret’s face is priceless. You grab her by the arm and drag her outside in a hurry, merging into the crowd of passers-by.
“I need you to explain what the h—” she starts, but you interrupt her.
“Please, don’t,” you snarl. “Don’t say anything, just give me five minutes.”
You can’t even explain to yourself what happened back there and why you did that. You think of his gaze roaming over your body, the depth of his voice and the curves of his lips. You tell yourself that you need to get him out of your head as soon as possible. You fail miserably.
One week later, you are dining with Thomas at his house, and yet your mind wanders back to the arrogant one-eyed man. Aemond, as you’ve learned — and it wasn’t that you wanted to, but fate had other plans.
And by fate, you mean Margaret.
Once her five minutes were up, she couldn’t stop talking. By the time you came home, you got his whole backstory — the second-born son of the King, has two brothers and two sisters, rides the biggest dragon in the world. Overly confident, stubborn, wears an eyepatch because he doesn’t want to scare the ladies of the court. Usually doesn’t talk much.
Unlike Thomas who gathered his whole family and can’t stop blabbing. You struggle to participate in their conversation, giving polite smiles left and right. You don’t know what to expect of the evening, and it makes you nervous. And not in a good way. All of a sudden the possibility of marrying Thomas doesn’t seem to be the best.
From the corner of your eye, you catch him standing up, clearly readying himself for a speech. He has a manner of pursing his lips every time he’s agitated, and it looks weird. That’s also how it felt when he kissed you, which is probably the reason you haven’t done much kissing after that. You wonder what it’s like to kiss Aemond. Just thinking of it makes your heart rate speed up, and you nervously gulp half a cup of wine.
“I gathered all of you today to make an important announcement,” he starts his pompous monologue, “that may not come as a surprise to some of you.”
You cautiously look at the door.
“But, as of recently, I received inspiration to change the course of my life. And I decided to devote myself to the service of Gods.”
You nearly choke on your drink. In all the years you’ve known Thomas, he’s never been to the Sept once.
“And I wanted to grant you this privilege to be the first ones to know.”
You’ve got to be kidding me. You wait for any other announcements — literally anything else — but Thomas goes back to chattering, also accepting pointless congratulations. It takes you ten painfully long minutes to get a chance to talk to him alone.
“May I have a word?” you inquire, and the two of you move to the far end of the room.
“It is about your speech,” you clarify. “It might sound silly, but I thought that you were planning... Um,” you’re trying to formulate your concerns. “I was wondering, how would you describe our relationship? Or the prospect of it, I should say,” you give him a tight smile.
“Oh,” his face pales slightly.
Your facial expression mirrors his. Oh?
“I am actually glad you asked,” he awkwardly takes your hands in his, and you notice how sweaty his palms are.
“You know, you’ve been a great companion of mine,” his voice is as weak as his smile. “And I am forever grateful for those moments that we shared as they only brought me joy,” his hands feel like jelly, and you don’t want to hold them. Like, ever. “But now that I’m choosing to follow my destiny,” you do your best to suppress a chuckle at his dramatic phrasing. “I decided that... I need some time to figure out how I feel. About us.”
You look at him, dumbfounded, his words sinking in.
“You need... some time?” you drawl, feeling an emotion bubbling up in your chest. You are not sure what it is. “You? Need to think about us?” you repeat, and he nods, his brows furrowed at your reaction.
There is a moment of silence, and then you hear yourself laughing. You can’t control it as you’re overcome with emotion, your laughter only growing stronger, to the point of you tearing up a bit. The emotion is relief. There’s no way you’ll ever marry this man.
“I am the one who should be glad, Thomas,” you shake his hand while he seems wildly perplexed, all of his guests staring at you. “Thank you for your honesty, really. I hope you will be successful in all your endeavors, marriage included.”
He opens his mouth to say something, but you already turned around.
“Where are you going?!”
You stop for a second, your thoughts rushing back to the conversation with Margaret. To that evening in the tavern.
“I have a meeting, it’s of great importance,” you say and quicken your pace. You reach the tavern when it’s already getting dark, the weather is cloudy, and your coat is wet in the light drizzle. You walk in a daze as you’re torn between being excited and anxious. There is a chance that Aemond won’t be there. That he doesn’t remember you. That he’s with someone else. That he had a change of heart. That he...
You spot him almost immediately after you walk in.
Coincidentally or not, he’s sitting at the exact same table you were at the first time you met. You stay still as his eye absentmindedly wanders around the room and then lands on you. Aemond stands up — way too quickly — and you see a well-known grin growing on his face. Your eyes dart to his lips, and the question pops up in your head again.
You feel the pull — and before you can think, your body follows it.
He keeps his gaze on you, his brows rising at the speed of your approach. You cover the distance in a heartbeat, your hands reaching his face, and he slightly flinches, probably because your fingers are cold from being outside. And then you stand on your tiptoes and crash your lips onto his without any hesitation.
He gasps, surprised and frozen for a moment. It takes just a couple of seconds for him to melt into the kiss, and his hands are instantly on your waist, pulling you closer to him. Aemond’s lips are way softer than you anticipated — and it’s the only thing on your mind. His mouth on yours, warm and exploring, the slow pacing of the kiss that leaves you lightheaded and yearning for more.
He presses your body into his, lifting you up with ease, and your feet leave the ground. You tug his hood further down so it covers most of your face, too, and then you slide your thumb up the sharp line of his jaw. His tongue runs over your lower lip, and you feel a wave of heat rising in your stomach.
You pull away before you can take it too far.
“You remember me?” you ask him, panting.
He hums, his eye focused on your lips.
“Still believe that nothing good comes easy?” you mimic his words, but he ignores your jesting.
“Definitely,” Aemond looks you in the eyes, keeping his hands on your waist.
“Is the bet still on?”
“Yes,” the corners of his mouth curl.
“Lead the way, then.” By the time you reach the castle, the rain is pouring in full force, and your clothes are drenched. The two of you rush through the streets, your hands intertwined, and it feels like it only takes about ten minutes before you sneak into his chambers, both out of breath and giggling.
Only when you take a look around the unfamiliar settings, it suddenly dawns on you that you are all alone with a man you barely know, and your bravery starts fading away.
Whether Aemond notices the change in your mood or not, you can’t tell, but he respectfully keeps his distance.
“You need to get out of these,” he points at your coat and dress. “They’re soaking wet.”
“Is this your way of trying to get me naked?” you eye him suspiciously, making Aemond scoff.
“I just don’t want you to catch a cold,” he honestly states. “I’ll fetch you a shirt of mine.” Sensing your doubts, he adds, “Don’t worry, it is long enough.”
He brings you the shirt and politely turns away, going to the other end of the room to light the fireplace. On his way there, he removes the cloak and the jacket, his upper body only covered by the same piece of clothing he gave you. You watch him carefully, noting the movement of his back muscles as he bends down.
The sparkling glow of fire brings you back to reality, and you hastily remove your clothes, leaving the undergarments on, which are luckily dry. You put on his shirt, and it barely reaches your knees, but the material feels nice and comfortable. While Aemond is still busy with the fire, you glance over his room.
It’s spacious and simply furnished, and your attention is drawn to a couple of shelves nearby. You look at the tightly packed rows of books, some of the hardcovers are worn out from old age. You catch the familiar naming and pull one of them out, gently flipping through the pages.
“You take interest in philosophy?” his voice startles you. You missed the moment he came back, and when you take your eyes off the book, you see him leaning on the nearest shelf, looking at you inquisitively.
“I do, indeed,” you confess. “And I read this one so many times, my own copy pretty much fell apart.”
“You can take mine,” Aemond offers.
You notice that despite his cockiness, his presence is actually very calming. Everything is easy with him — striking up conversations, making jokes. Taking his hand in yours, running in the rain. Kissing.
Your heart skips a beat, and you sheepishly move on to another topic:
“Shouldn’t you change as well?” you refer to his shirt, but he shakes his head.
“No need.”
“Oh, was it the Targaryen’s dragon blood that helped you dry up?” you tend to jest when you’re nervous, and right now is no exception.
“My cloak is too thick for the water to soak through. But I like your version, too,” his lips ripple into a smile.
You can help but smile back. “Thank you for the shirt.”
“It looks really good on you,” the words smoothly roll off his tongue and ignite the familiar burning deep in your core. He keeps his gaze on your face, your eyes locking for a moment.
You look away first, letting out a timid laugh.
“I must admit, I like this way of courting better,” you place the book back. “But you can cut it short. What’s your move?”
“My... move?” Aemond gives you a quizzical look.
“Yes, your big move. Show me,” you request eagerly.
“Don’t know what you're talking about,” he looks down, his aplomb faltering.
“What do you usually do to impress a lady?”
“I don’t really need to do anything,” Aemond shrugs.
“What a humble individual you are,” you chuckle and give him a minute to think. “So what is it?”
“I just told you...,” it seems like he’s trying to dodge the topic, which only sparks your curiosity.
“Oh, come on! You princes always have a move. Let me guess, you speak to her in High Valyrian? Men like to talk big,” he snorts. “No? Try to win her over with your...,” you gesture at his bookshelves, “...precious collection? Although it’s risky because what if she’s not into reading, that would be awkward,” and then it hits you. “Wait, it’s the dragon, isn’t it? You show her your dragon? Got to make sure it’s well-fed, though, otherwise you’ll have a date with a roasted —”
“It’s my sword,” he cuts you off, and you swear you can see him blushing at the confession.
“Um, your sword? Is this a metaphor for someth—”
“Gods, no. I mean the actual sword. The one you grip with your hand and poke people with.”
“That description didn’t help,” you tease, and he groans.
“You know what I mean,” Aemond gives you a pointed look, but his face flushed pink, and you can’t take him seriously.
“I do, you just look really charming when you are embarrassed,” you say cheekily, which makes him huff. “My apologies. Please elaborate on the sword. How does it work?”
Aemond hesitates but then realizes that you will never let it go, so he gives in.
“I bring my training into the conversation. And then I... show them,” he talks with his hands when he’s uncomfortable, and you find it endearing.
“And that’s it?”
“Pretty much,” Aemond nods.
“They watch you train, and that’s what does it for the ladies?”
“I don’t know why, I never gave it much thought.”
“Well, someone should. Can’t imagine it ever working on me.”
You feel a sudden shift in the air as Aemond slowly looks up at you. You’re standing a few feet apart, and he’s yet to initiate anything, but once again, it only takes a look from him for you to feel a familiar flare-up of the tantalizing desire.
“I’m not going to take you to the training yard in the pouring rain,” he concludes.
“But it’s not about the place, is it? Must be something about you,” now you’re the one champing at the bit to see what the fuss is all about.
“I don’t have a sword on me.”
“Opt for something smaller, I am sure it will do,” you hint at the dagger that you’ve seen him carry, and wait expectantly for him to agree.
Aemond reluctantly contemplates your suggestion, then sighs and goes to get his dagger which he left next to the cloak.
You wonder if the ladies are attracted to his competitive spirit. If they enjoy the feeling of danger they get at the sight of steel, the cold shine of it, the clang of swords. Or maybe it’s the urge to take sides and root for the winner?
And then you see Aemond rolling up the sleeves of his shirt, — and your breath suddenly hitches.
The room is lit by fire, the warmth of it illuminating his skin, casting shadows that frame every muscle of his arms. He takes the dagger in one hand, the movement fast and honed, and your eyes follow it. You notice the scattering of his veins that go down his wrist and into his palm, the blue lines tightening with every swirl. The silver blade catches and reflects the light, but you are focused solely on his flexing muscles.
He’s maneuvering the dagger with ease, almost carelessly, yet you know that every motion is well-practiced through years of training. His long fingers grip the hilt, revealing the sharp outline of his knuckles. The steel silently cuts through the air, again and again, but your eyes are glued to his hands. The way they move, the power that he holds in them. The things he can do with them, with his fingers. The way they will feel on your bare skin and in your... You swallow, letting out a shuddered breath.
“Are you weak in the knees yet?” his words bring you out of your trance, and you blink a couple of times, trying to shake the feeling off. Your body is so heated, you’re surprised you are not sweating yet.
“Is this the point when the ladies throw themselves at you?” your voice is hoarse, and you take a deep breath in an attempt to calm yourself.
Aemond stops his movements. You feel your skin tingling with anticipation, waiting for him to finish what he started, but he doesn’t budge. For a short while, you’re taken aback by the change in his demeanor — and the realization strikes you.
“Wait, how many ladies were here before me?”
“I never said I take them here,” he puts the dagger back in its sheath, averting his gaze.
“But you told me that you do your... thing with the sword for them.”
“In the training yard, with other people around us, yes.”
“So then you just leave them all hot and bothered? Aemond, that is cruel,” his actions confuse you, but while you’re looking for an explanation, he turns back to you and finally meets your gaze.
“It would’ve been cruel to lead them on when I feel nothing for them,” he reveals, and you discern the raw honesty in his words. And you know exactly what he means. It’s the tiresome attempts to find someone who will spark your interest, to spot a connection, all of those efforts leading nowhere and making you feel like you’re the one at fault. But you aren’t — and he isn’t, either.
Aemond looks almost ashamed of letting out something so personal, but you welcome the intimacy of this moment.
“I shall consider myself lucky, then,” you say softly.
He gives you that same look that makes you feel like the world around you disappears.
“You are... something else,” Aemond mumbles.
You guess that he isn’t used to being straightforward about his feelings, nor does he know how to express his affection with words. You really, really want to kiss him again.
The boyish grin reappears on his face.
“Did you mean I left you all hot and bothered?” Aemond narrows his eye.
“I never said that,” you smile coyly. “Maybe you should’ve tried a little harder.”
“I happen to have some tricks up my sleeve,” he takes a step towards you and, before you can ask for details, you feel his fingers on your ribs as he starts tickling you, and you immediately burst into laughter.
His touches are light, fingers grazing against your clothed skin as he subtly moves you further into the room until your legs bump into his bed. Losing your balance, you fall on it, your back met with the fluffiness of thick blankets. Aemond hovers over you, and you can’t stop giggling, trying to wiggle away from his tickles.
Wrapped up in the moment, you make a careless move, your hand brushing up his cheek — and you suddenly see a bright gleam of blue on the right side of his face.
Aemond freezes at the spot, halting his actions, and momentarily flinches away. You are gawking at the sapphire, unable to form a coherent sentence.
He makes a move to fix his eyepatch, but you stop him.
“Don’t,” you catch his hand mid-air, your grip delicate but firm, and he doesn’t fight it. You would’ve been surprised by your own quick reaction if only your mind wasn’t completely occupied with the sight in front of you.
It looks like the gem absorbs all the light in the room, shimmering with various shades of blue. It’s cut in a way to imitate a surface of an eye, the sides of the sapphire polished and blending into each other. There is a depth to it, bright sparkles drowning in a color that’s close to black, and the spillovers are mesmerizing.
You bring your hand closer to his face, to the area that’s been left covered and unloved, and touch the skin with the tip of your finger. He lets you.
“Wow,” you breathe out, gently tracing his scar. “This is the most badass thing I’ve ever seen.”
Aemond looks at you in disbelief, his eye fixed on your face, and his lips parted.
“...What?” he manages to ask.
“You look like a pirate. A really badass... sky pirate?” you suggest, and he lets out a light chuckle, still not entirely sure he believes you.
So you shamelessly continue.
“A pirate with his own dragon. The largest one in the Seven Kingdoms as I’ve heard,” you can almost feel him swelling with pride. “He charms the ladies with his fighting skills — and has a gem for an eye? Incredibly irresistible,” your index finger circles the area around his sapphire.
He listens attentively, holding his breath.
“A prince who is as good with his sword as he is with his wit, fond of reading and isn’t averse to mischief. Any lady of the court would’ve been fortunate to get a hold of such treasure,” you remove the eyepatch and tenderly cradle his face. “Yet I am the one who’s been honored to see all of him,” you glance from the bright gemstone to his eye and back. “Honestly, it’s kind of hard to pick which one I like more...,” you are barely able to notice him sharply lower his head, and your words die down.
Without a warning, Aemond covers your lips with his, the intensity of the kiss pulling the air out of your lungs right away. He’s been holding back the first time, but he isn’t now, and the passion sets you ablaze. His tongue slips into your mouth, easily tangling with yours, and you moan at the contact. Aemond skilfully unbuttons your shirt, and the second his fingers touch your skin, you shiver, the quivering sensation washing over you. His hands slowly slide down your ribcage, tracing the curves of your body, making your back arch, your chest flush against his, your heart pounding. He contours the bend of your hips, then presses his palms there, his touches rough, claiming, burning. You move your fingers up the base of his neck and run them through his hair, and he releases a shaky sigh. Aemond relishes in the feeling of your compliance, the fervor of it, your body being so needy and welcoming, until you are both gasping for air.
“Was that impressive enough?” he rasps, and you look up at him through your lashes, spellbound and breathless. His pupil is dilated, gaze clouded with lust, your noses adjoin.
“Yeah-yes. Yes, very,” you utter, at a loss for words.
“Good. Because I’m about to outdo myself,” he tightens his grip on your thighs, picking you up and moving into the middle of the bed. Your head barely touches the pillow when his lips are on yours again.
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🔥 my masterlist
English is not my first language, so feel free to message me if you spot any major mistakes
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jadeylovesmarvelxo · 7 months ago
Text
Back to You 💌
You and Eddie used to be friends, the best of friends since meeting during childhood. Now your friendship is in tatters and Eddie hates you? Right?
Enemies to lovers fic, childhood friends, idiots in love, protective Eddie, minors shoo.
Eddie Munson x Reader
Brief Billy Hargrove x Reader
If you have any requests send me an ask 💌 make sure to read my request rules on my pinned post 💞 💌
🎀
You remembered the day you and Eddie stopped speaking like it was yesterday.
Exactly a year ago you auditioned for the cheerleading squad and made the team, you were so excited and rushed to tell Eddie.
He was actually supportive of you joining the squad but the thing he didn't like was your new friends. They thought Eddie was a freak and Eddie hated the lot of them with a passion.
No matter how you tried to make it work the distance grew between you both and culminated in a final argument that the two of you never recovered from.
It was now your senior year and the bond between you and Eddie was still shattered, he became more ensconced in his group of friends and in Hellfire Club and you settled nicely with your friends.
Animosity hung between you both and more often than not it led to the two of you bickering. It was like the two of you were never friends at all.
The thought makes your stomach clench and your throat tighten. For as much as you pretended to despise Eddie, it couldn't hide the fact that you missed him, the little ache never really went away.
Though you had no doubt that Eddie didn't care one about you anymore and that sends a wave of hurt through you. There was only so much that icy glares and mean barbs could hide.
Speak of the devil. Eddie stops talking to the rest of Hellfire and glares at you, there's a stubborn frown on his face that turns into a smirk.
"Staring at me again sweetheart? Anyone would think you were into me" he looks so smug and you clench your fists, remind yourself to count to three before you engage in his shit.
"As if Munson, Your voice carries across the cafeteria. Not everyone wants to hear your delusional rants you know" Eddie's eyes narrow and he folds his arms across his chest, his gaze pins you to the spot.
The rest of Hellfire looks back and forth between the two of you. You and Eddie both argued so much you were sure it must be entertainment for his friends.
Gareth and Jeff used to be your friends too a tiny traitor voice whispers to you and you swallow down the fact that you miss them too.
"Why don't you go back to your table and continue being a bitchy, vapid princess yeah?" God you hated him, you really did.
You give him one final dirty look and don't give him the satisfaction of seeing the words have upset you. It's not like he would care if they did.
He stopped caring about you a long time ago.
...
Parties really weren't your thing at all but this was the third one that Jason invited you to in two months so you figured you better show your face for a little bit.
As soon as you enter the party you wish you could turn around and go back home. The only saving grace is Chrissy who tucks you by her side and takes away some of the anxiety you're feeling.
Eddie is here because of course he is. No doubt he's selling weed, you'd give him shit for it but you know that he does it to help his uncle with money. How could you give him shit for that?
You're pulled out of your musings by a gentle tug on your hair and you turn to find Eddie behind you with a shit eating grin on his face.
"Did you just pull my hair, what are we five again Edward?" His eyes light up and he smiles at you, all dimples and mischievous.
"I love when you're angry princess. It's kinda hot" you still and his words disarm you for a minute. Only a minute.
"Hot? As if you would sully your precious reputation by dating one of them and I quote "Buttheads from the dark side" he was just doing this to rile you up and it was working.
He doesn't answer and you realise your heart is racing waiting for him to say something. A tiny bit of disappointment fills you but you choose to ignore it and storm past him.
Maybe you would be able to enjoy the party if you could just avoid Eddie but then you see one person who you work hard to never see at all costs. Someone worse than running into Eddie.
Billy Hargrove, surrounded by people as he chugged from a keg of beer.
Ugh. Seeing Billy was enough to annoy you at the best of times but this? Drunk Billy was a whole level of irritating. The two of you briefly dated last year and it was nice at first, until he cheated on you with some girl from another school outside of Hawkins and you found them at the cinema making out with not a care in the world.
What the hell did he want? "Hey babe, fancy seeing you here?" he smirks and walks over to you, swiftly blocking your way out. Fuck.
"Hargrove. Move your ass from my sight will you?" you snap, you're already verging on getting a headache, talking to him will just make it worse.
"Such harsh words honey. I mean last year you were all over me and now this?" You wince as you remember being really into Billy, god you were an idiot.
"Temporary insanity" you snap and he grins and leans close to you.
"Oh honey, it's your fault if you think you meant anything to me in the first place" fury curdles in your stomach. Asshole.
"Is there a problem here?" you freeze and let out a groan. Oh great. Just who you need to appear, Eddie.
His eyes are narrowed as he looks at Billy who smirks and moves past Eddie. "Nah Munson, just catching up with an old friend" he winks at you and you turn away still fuming and your eyes wet. Ah fuck.
"Dickhead, Eddie mutters and his glare turns to you but softens just slightly at your tears, "What the fuck did you see in him princess?" He demands and you shrug.
"No idea. He is a dick" it startles you that both you and Eddie are in agreement. You wipe your eyes and Eddie's fist clenches.
"You shouldn't cry over him princess" he tells you and his voice is still gentle. You peer up at him and feel that pull towards him, the pull that never really went away.
"Like you can talk Munson" Eddie's eyes widen and he stiffens when you say this and his gaze turns agonized.
"I never want to make you cry sweetheart" he swallows hard and still looks bereft. You can't stand seeing that look on his face.
"It only happened once" you shrug it off but it still doesn't clear that look from Eddie's face. He follows you as you need outside, trying to think of something to say to him.
Then the heavens open and rain begins to beat down on you both.
"Uh shit. Do you want me to take you home or something?" You shake your head at Eddie's suggestion, it's sweet but your parents aren't home tonight, you were meant to be staying with one of the girls.
"They aren't home. I'm supposed to be staying with one of the girls but I just want to get away from this shit for a night" Eddie nods and opens his van door for you.
"Then milady. To my castle I shall take you" you hadn't been back to Eddie's in such a long time but right now it was all you wanted and you gesture at him to lead the way.
Billy's words still echo in your mind as eddie drives. You thought you meant something to Billy last year but your hopes were quickly dashed. Your hopes of maybe finding someone who could love you for you were smashed to pieces.
If you were being honest with yourself the one person who you thought you would end up with was Eddie, when you were friends the thought would sometimes enter your mind. A far off future after high school where you and Eddie were happy and in love.
Obviously that went to shit too. You weren't Eddie's type. You had seen the girls he hooked up with occasionally and they were nothing like you, now it didn't matter because he hated you.
This makes your mood worse, just a bit. Then again if he hated you why was he being so kind to you right now?
You ask him as he leads you into the trailer, the question won't leave your mind and you need to ask.
"Eddie why are you doing this? You hate me don't you?" his eyes widen when you ask this and you flash back to the first time you met Eddie when you were four and he ran off some jerk who tried to steal your sweets in school. He was protective of you, even then.
"Okay uh let's get one thing straight, you can annoy the hell out of me but I could never ever hate you princess" this warms your heart just a little bit.
"Well ditto"
You kiss Eddie's cheek, his heated gaze meets yours and you're so tempted to kiss him. It's an impulsive thought but it's not really all that surprising.
"You want to kiss me" he gently teases and you swat his arm playfully. He really could read you like a book, even now.
"Please, as if. I know I'm not your type anyway. I've seen the girls you've hooked up with" Eddie is quiet for a second and that startles you, he's never quiet. He's always on the go and running his mouth about something or other, usually Jason.
"They didn't mean anything. They weren't you" he says the last part so softly that you have to move closer to hear it but you do. Like magnets the two of you move closer and closer...
Then Eddie's lips meet yours and it's... It's everything. It's perfect. Wayne also picks the perfect time to walk in and you and Eddie break apart.
Wayne smiles when he sees you, "Well hi there honey, haven't seen you around in a long time" it has been a while and you feel an ache deep in your bones. You've missed being here, it's one of the places that feels like home to you.
"I've missed it, being here" you admit to him and Wayne smirks a little bit.
"Mmm, someone else has missed you around here too" he nods to Eddie who glares at him.
"Yeah thanks for that old man" Wayne shrugs looking like he's trying really hard not to laugh and invites you to stay for a little while longer.
When he's busy with setting up some dinner Eddie leans into you and whispers in your ear.
"I do miss you" his voice shakes a tiny bit and his big brown eyes are full of tenderness. It's taken a lot for him to admit it and you take your hand in his.
"Ditto"
💌🎀💓
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mj0702 · 8 months ago
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The other Bronze – Part 11
Hey guys... here's the promised next Part
As always my thanks go out to all my anons (especially gold star and lunatic), to my Bubs @samkerrworshipper and my best management @valewosomtb 🤣
I hope you enjoy it and since I'm bored AF Part12 is already in the making ❤️
“Hey... hey” you suddenly hear after you stomped out of the hotel and you felt a hand on your shoulder stopping you from getting away “What's the matter Liefje?”
You turned around to come face to face with one Sarina Wiegman who looked at you concerned. You were so angry that you couldn't answer her and just started to throw your arms up and around trying to bring your point across while grunting deeply
“Okay... calm down...” Sarina said after a minute of you flinging your arms around grabbing your shoulders to ground you
You took several deep breaths knowing your adoptive mom wouldn't push you and most certainly wouldn't judge you for your actions
“Good... you're doing good.... just calm down and tell me what happened” the Dutch woman spoke calmly seeing that Leah came sprinting out of the hotel looking for you. Sarina shook her head at her Capitan and the blonde retreated back after she saw the national team coach already took care of you
“She roomed me with... LJ” you practically spit out the name of the young player
“Who? What?” Sarina looked confused
“Leah... she roomed me with James” you got upset again
“Okay.... keep calm Liefje... I'll talk to Leah – but I think she had her reasons... and you can always sleep in my room if you want” the blonde Dutch said keeping her voice calm
“But WHY would she do that?” you asked your voice getting desperate
“We can go ask her – and don't forget y/n... none of the know what happened three years ago” Sarina reminded you softly
“Still.. it's not really a secret that we don't get along” you huffed knowing your “mom” was right once again
“Just get your stuff I'm in room 528” Sarina smiled giving you the opportunity to swap rooms if you wanted to
“Naah it's fine... wouldn't go over the Skippers head” you smiled already planning tons of pranks on Leah and tons of things to annoy LJ
“You know where to find me if you need me” the Dutch smiled back “And now off you go... meeting in 30 minutes”
“Yes mevrouw” you saluted mockingly
“Your dutch gets better... Viv or Jill?” Sarina grinned ignoring your little teasing
“Viv... Jill only teaches me stuff you wouldn't approve of” you grinned
“Why am I not surprised.. now off... 25 Minutes” the blonde smiled “Oh and y/n...” she said after you started to scramble off
“Yeah?” you turned around again
“If you ever need to talk about what happened back then... I'm always here to listen okay?” the dutch said and you heard that she was serious
“Yeah I know Mama Rina... thank you” you smiled softly
“Always Liefje” Sarina smiled back before shushing you away
“y/n” you heard when you entered the lobby again
“Not now Williamson” you growled at her “Just give me my fucking room card and leave me alone”
Leah was taken aback at your aggressive tone and handed you your card
“406” the blonde Capitan said as you snatched the card out of her hand
You grabbed your bag which was standing next to Leahs feet (definitely NOT where you left it) and walked towards the staircase
“There's an elevator” the blonde yelled after you confused
“Need to let some steam off or I'll rearrange my roommates face” you yelled back as you pushed the door to the staircase open disappearing in it
You used the stairs to the first floor to warm your leg muscles up before doing high knees until the second floor and then do some footwork until floor 3 and then use the remaining steps to cool down a little. When you finally reached your room you pulled out your phone asking your girlfriend for her room number before you took a deep breath swiping the card to open the door.
“There you are slow poke” LJ grinned at you while you considered ignoring her or punching her but since you knew Sarina wouldn't be too happy with you punching one of her forwards you decided to ignore her
“Hey... I talked to you... you really going to ignore me?” the dark skinned woman said confused
“Okay look... here's how this is going to work... If I'm in here, you are not... if you are in here I won't be” you sighed deeply throwing your bag on the empty bed
“What... what's wrong? Jesus y/n... why are you hostile towards me?” LJ asked and THAT really hit a nerve with you
“Really??? YOU of all people asked why I'M so hostile?? YOU were the reason I nearly needed a FOURTH ACL surgery bitch” you exploded not knowing Keira was right outside your door
“Oh my god... is this what this is all about?? For god heavens – that was like... three years ago” LJ rolled her eyes
“I told you the whole time I CAN'T kick a ball.... and what do you do? You passed it right into my walk... I was on crutches!!!” you yelled “YOU made me fall and instead of coming over and help me you fucked off because you were scared Lucy would rip you in half!! Sarina of all people found me... SARINA who just took over from Phil... she found me and alerted the medics that I needed med aid... and what did they do... shipped me off to hospital because my stitches ripped open and I was bleeding like fuck... they wanted to fast track me into the OR... they just didn't because neither Luce nor Keira were there with us to approve for a surgery... so thank you for that backstabbing bitch...”
“It wasn't on purpose!” the darker one defended herself
“Bullshit!!! Your accuracy is at something over 90... you knew EXACTLY where that ball would end up!!” you were THIS close to strangle her
“You can't prove it” LJ said and you knew you were right
“I don't need prove because I KNOW... and now fuck off... I need to shower” you growled turning towards the bathroom “Oh and if you decide to ignore my warning... I bet you look DASHING without eyebrows”
When you exit the shower you were relieved to find the room empty – or so you thought. You just started to change when you heard a voice behind you
“Is it true? That it was LJ who made you trip and not your clumsiness?” you immediately reconized Keiras voice.
You didn't even jump. You just stilled your movement hanging your head low sighing deeply
“You were never meant to hear that” you said your voice barley above a whisper
“God y/n... that was a yes or no question” Keira pressed the matter
“No comment” you sighed
“Why didn't you tell me?” the blonde asked
“There's nothing to tell... I tripped” you sighed again before pulling Georgias shirt over your head and turning around faking a happy smile
“You never lied to me.. don't start now Bitsy” Keira said immediately her eyes locking on yours
“I won't say anything regarding that matter... it's in the past and it's over...” you shrugged your shoulders
“Then tell me at least why” the blonde said not letting go – you never expected her you just knew Keira too well
“I ain't no snitch... she was... is.. she is the “new star” in this team... isn't that what the media called her... if I'd said something Lucy would have probably killed her... you too... so.. I tripped” you shrugged your shoulders again but the look on your face was deeply sad
“God Bitsy...” Keira sighed sadly running her hands over her face “... you should have said something... it all makes so much more sense now... you don't touch a ball only because you're hurting... but because you're scared – the last time a ball touched your feet you ended up in hospital again... alone”
“Wasn't alone... Sarina was with me – never let go of my hand” you mumbled
“Is that why you were suddenly so close to her?” the blonde asked
“Yeah... she knew all along... she saw what happened... but I made her promise to not say anything to you or Luce... and to not kick LJ of the team because she is a good player – not a good person, but a good player... she fits in the teams playing style” you explained
“I will...” Keira started and you interrupted her quickly
“You won't anything Keira Walsh... I swear to god if you risk your place on the team then I seriously go all ballistic on your ass” you said sternly
“I don't think you realize how many people in this team love you... you grew up with 70% of the team y/n... I don't have to risk anything... I just would have to mention it to some people” Keira simply shrugged her shoulders
“Kei no... if you do that I will never forgive you... that's my thing... it doesn't concern the team or players – it only concerns me and James” you held Keiras look your features hardening
“Okay... okay” the blonde lifted her hands in a surrounding matter “But if anything else happens I want you to tell me”
“Pff... she doesn't have the balls to do anything” you rolled your eyes “But you could help me out for a hot minute” you smirked
“Your girlfriend is already downstairs hoping to escape your sister by sitting right in front of Sarina when the meeting starts...” the blonde chuckled
“That's why I didn't get an answer” you huffed “... but not the help I need... I need you to distract Lucy... just for a minute”
“Really... a quickie?” Keira raised her eyebrow
“No... god Kei... are you that desperate that you want to get included in MY sexlife???” you asked bewildered
“God no...” the blonde rolled her eyes “... you are not really my type”
“Good... because you wouldn't be able to keep up anyway” you waved off “I need Luces leather jacket...”
“I won't comment on your statement and just gonna ask... what do you need the leather jacket for?” Kei asked already starting to pinch the bridge of her nose
“You'll see... but Kei.. Pleeeaaaase... you just need to distract her for a second” you begged puppy eyes full on display
“I basically raised you... these don't work on me.. one question... whatever you planned... is it dangerous?” the blonde asked seriously
“I promise on all that is holy to me... it's not... it's just fun... your type of fun... not my type of fun” you answered honestly and Keira saw you weren't lying
“How do you want to get the jacket out of there” Keira mused
“That won't be a problem... you just need to keep her occupied for a minute” you grinned your phone already in your hand
“The things I do for your happiness Bitsy” the blonde rolled her eyes but stood up to leave for your sisters room
Two minutes later Keira knocked on the door just for Less to open it. She quickly smirked at Keira winking at her before turning around
“Lucy... Keiras here for you” the youngest one said retreating back into the room
“Yeah?” your sister said as she stepped into the doorframe
“Ehrm... yeah... I...” Keira started being a little taken aback at how Less would know before she suddenly KNEW how the holy leather jacket will exit the room and when she glanced past Lucy she already saw Less rummaging through Lucys bag “I wanted to ask if we could probably switch holidays back”
“Huh?” Lucy said confused
“Sorry... with Narla... you know how I said I would like her for Christmas? If it's okay with you could we maybe switch so you take her at Christmas?” the blonde tried to sound as convincing as possible
“Of course... you know you didn't have to come here to ask... you could just have texted” your sister looked even more confused
“Just checked on Bitsy... Leah roomed her with LJ... so I was around the corner anyway” the blonde shrugged
“Really... that's awesome!!” Lucy exclaimed happily “Maybe they start to finally get along again – I mean they were really close when they were younger”
“Scuse me...” Less pushed herself out the door lightly pushing Lucy out of the way as Keira just stepped aside seeing the light bulge under Lessis shirt
“Oi... where you going??” Lucy asked confused
“Picking up Toons for the meeting... you know her – need to be there a few minutes early to kick her ass to be there in time” the young blonde yelled as she sped walk down the corridor
“Gosh... those kids these days” your sister rolled her eyes but smiled anyway
“If I remember correctly Bronze I always had to kick your ass too so we would be on time... and the ONE camp I didn't attend you were running laps over laps because you were always late” Keira teased
“ONE time... I was late ONE time” Lucy exclaimed
“Not what Jill said” the blonde shot back laughing
“Oh please... Jill didn't even remembered her name after the Euros” your sister rolled her eyes again smiling
“You didn't either” Keira smirked “I had to pick you up”
“I mean... I was rather... tipsy” your sister smiled embarrassed
“Tipsy??? You hit on me... TWICE” the blonde bursted out laughing “Apparently I reminded you of your ex”
“Don't start...” Lucy grimaced “You want to accompany me to the meeting Mrs. Walsh?”
“Oh my... what an absolute honour Mrs. Bronze... please lead the way” Keira played along as Lucy offered her arm to her
“Okay everyone... Welcome to the first Lionesses Camp on our road to the World Cup” Sarina opened the meeting smiling as she heard a few cheers at the mention of the World Cup
“Wait... where is Less??” Tooney suddenly asked looking around
“Where's the smaller Bronze?” now Millie asked too confused
“Stanway!!” Lucy immediately yelled thinking you and your girlfriend snucked away
“Over here!” Georgia yelled back lifting her hand
“Oh... oh.... okay good... stay there” your sister pointed her finger at G narrowing her eyes
“God Luce... you're worse than your mother when we started dating” Keira rolled her eyes next to your sister
“Still... WHERE IS LESS???” Ella pretty much screamed
Suddenly the team heard the surround system springing to life as the opening cords from “You're the One that I want” starting to play. Everyone looked around confused while Sarina tried to keep her players under control. You more or less kick the door open sporting a black tight jeans and a Lioness Vintage College Jacket which you had made just for THAT entrance walking inside you looked around confused as Less rounded the corner leaning against the doorframe smirking. Who wasn't smirking was your sister when she saw what Alessia was wearing – Less wore a skin tight black leather leggings with high heels (which kicked Sarina into a frenzy already seeing Less breaking her ankle because that girl tripped over air) a 80s black top and HER holy leather jacket. You locked eyes with Less and smirked as she pushed herself off the doorframe and you started your little dance like Danny and Sandy all those years back. You even recuted Millie, Rach and Tooney as Pink Ladies pulling out the signature pink jackets from their hiding spots where you placed them before. To say there were a LOT of pictures of Millie “the brickwall” Bright stuffed in a pink jacket which was at least one size too small was an understatement. In the end three quarters of the team was dancing along while the remaining quarter took videos and pictures laughing along. Even Sarina showed off one or two dance moves. As the song ended you had Less in your arms her legs around your waist as you carried her down the aisle laughing loudly. That you stepped on LJs foot hard when you passed her was pure coincidence.
“Oh my god that was amazing” Less laughed as you set her down again
“Only took us 4.5 month to get it done but hey... a dare is a dare” you grinned
“That was one of Toons best dares to day” the blonde grinned “Did you see Sarina... she was full on groovy”
“Didn't knew she could throw out moves like that.... but now we should head back” you smirked “Not that I have to attend but I’ll suffer with you out of sympathy”
“Come on in Danny and Sandy” Sarina grinned as she saw you standing in the door again “May I ask what caused this interruption?”
“Tooney dared us” you shrugged smirking as Ella yelled a “Backstabber!”
“Oh really... not that I didn't enjoy your little show.... so a round of applause for Danny and Sandy over here” the Dutch started and then paused for the applause the team graced you with “... but now we're behind on the schedule and you know what I hate nearly as much as losing?”
“When someone takes your last stroopwaffle?” you smiled innocently already knowing where this rhetorical question is heading
“Nice one... but no... I hate being behind schedule with a passion... so both of you laps tomorrow morning before training” the blonde Dutch woman smiled sweetly as you and Less groaned out
“I even speak with the stadium manager if they could play your song while you're running” Sarina smirked
“Ugh” you rolled your eyes but accepted your fate huffing out as you plopped down in the seat next to your girlfriend which was earlier occupied by Ella who miraculously was sitting next to Niamh now.
Just as your ass touched the chair you heard Lucys signature whistle which made you turn towards her instantly looking at her confused. She nodded her head signalling you to move seats so you wouldn't sit with Georgia. You looked at her even more confused as you shook your head. Your sister nodded your head again this time with more authority to which you just lifted your middle finger smiling before pulling a face at her turning back around
“Y/n” you heard the warning of your sister clearly from three rows behind you
“What... I can sit wherever I want...” you said back but not turning around anymore before starting to smirk
“Sarina” you said innocently lifting your hand like you were back in school
“Yes? Didn't know that this was a Q&A but yes?” the Dutch said a little annoyed
“Lucy is interrupting my concentration with her talking” you faked innocents smirking as Sarinas eyes snapped towards your sister
“I didn't do anything” Lucy defended herself “Just told her to move”
“And why would she do that?” the blonde Dutch asked raising her eyebrow and you snickered knowing you just activated Mama bear mode
“I don't think it's a good idea my sister and Georgia sitting next to each other” Lucy grumbled out
“Why? Because they're dating? Dear god Lucy... grow up... I let you room with your girlfriend at the time and don't think the whole floor didn't hear what you were up to” Sarina shot back successfully making your sister blush embarrassed while Keira coughed which sounded suspiciously like a “told you”
“Anything else to discuss?” the Dutch asked strict into the round of world class players who all shook their head eyes wide
“Good... then we can finally continue... and y/n... keep your hands to yourself so your sister won't die of a burst vein” Sarina rolled her eyes looking at a red headed sulking Lucy Bronze
“It's not like I'm gonna rip her clothes off right here and have my way with her in front of all of you....” you grumbled which caused Millie to burst out laughing at Georgias wide eyed shocked impression
“Please stop talking” your girlfriend begged with you already feeling the holes in the back of her head from Lucys hard stares
“I mean I wouldn't have a problem with it.. I already saw every single woman in this room naked so nothing to be embarrassed about for me...” you shrugged your shoulders as G covered her face with her hands groaning
“Okay...” Sarina clapped her hands “I have two more topics to discuss and then you are free for the night and you can do whatever – or whoever – you want”
You snickered as now Lucy AND your girlfriend groaned loudly. Millie actually took the opportunity to reach over Rachel to high-five you. The meeting went by without any more interruptions and about 20 Minutes later Sarina officially ended the meeting. You immediately shot out of your seat grabbing Georgias hand to pull her up but you let go immediately as you notice your sisters glare.
“Just helped her up” you lifted your hands in surrender as you walked towards the exit.
You noticed Keira bumping into you grinning knowingly. You looked at her confused but she just winked at you.
“You with me...” Lucy said as she pulled you along her arm over your shoulders
“Excuse me... this is a free country and I can go wherever I want” you exclaimed as you had no choice than to follow her
“You'll spend the evening with me...” your sister growled lowly just seconds before Tooney screamed so everyone would hear it
“Team bonding in Mearps and my room... 30 minutes... bring all the snacks we're not allowed to eat for the next week”
Mary didn't look happy but with all the happy cheers surrounding her she just sighed and just accepted it
“You'll sit next to me” Lucy declared before letting you go
“You know I have two sides, right? G can still sit next to me... or on top of me” you smirked
“My favourite place anyway” you heard your girlfriend mumble under her breath as she passed you and Lucy
“What did you just say??” your sister looked at her friend shocked
“Nothing” your girlfriend said quickly embarrassed and started to walk away a little faster
“Hey Luce” you pulled a little on your sisters shirt (mainly to distract her from going after your girlfriend)
“Yeah?” Lucy looked at you annoyed and you put on your best puppy eyes face
“Can I have a tenner please? Pleeeaaaase Lucy” you begged your voice sweet as sugar
“What you need a tenner for?” your sister asked confused
“Need to buy some snacks... saw a Tesco down the road” you shuffled around knowing small you always did the trick
“You're not going there alone... give me a minute and I'll go with you” Lucy rolled her eyes
Yep – still works. You grinned as your sister parked you at Millies side with the order to not let you wander off to which the tall player just grabbed your shirt before returning to her conversation with Lotte. Three minutes later Lucy was back with a jacket and a baseball cap on her head taking your hand as she led you outside
“I want you to know I'm not against your relationship” Lucy started once you were out of earshot from everyone
“Feels like it” you mumbled
“I'm not.. I just want to see if G stands up for you if she gets pressured” your sister assured you “Because fuck Bubs... if anyone outside of this team finds out you both are neck deep in shit”
“Lucy... I really appreciate you looking out for me... really... I love you you are my sister – more than my sister... you are my best friend... but you can't do that to G... because being pressured from YOU is far worse than anything the press could throw at her... you are her idol – she looks up to you” you said as you grabbed your sisters hand continuing to walk
“I need to be sure she can protect you Bubs” Lucy said insistent
“You know she can... who do you think she learned it from?” you answered just as firmly
“I just... I need to know she won't run” your sister said her voice now lower
“Did you know she nearly didn't take the call up for this camp because she's so scared that you basically tell her you don't approve” you blurted out “I PROMISED her that everything is going to be okay and work out... don't make me a liar Luce... I'm a lot of things but I ain't no liar”
“I... didn't know that... and I promise I will turn it down but I can't let her off the hook so easy – I'm your sister after all” Lucy said and a small smile appeared around the edges of her mouth
“How about you turn it off instead of turn it down?” you asked hopefully as you grabbed a shopping cart pushing it right into the aisle with all the sweets loading everything you could grab into the cart
“No sorry... can't do that... but I promise I turn it down... hey... you said a tenner... that's much more than a tenner” your sister exclaimed as she saw how you loaded up your shopping cart
“Good thing my sister is earning a shit ton of money then” you grinned as you climbed up the shelf to reach Starburst, Dweeps and some Taverners.
“Come back down... you space cadet will hurt yourself” Lucy whisper yelled looking around the aisle if anyone was watching you
“I'm too small to reach them otherwise” you huffed out as you stood on your toes on the second shelf
“That's a sign from God that you shouldn't eat that sugary stuff” your sister growled as she stepped behind you to hold you at your waist so she could catch you if you slip.
“We don't believe in God” you grumbled back as you FINALLY got the bag of sweets you were angling for “HA!!! Gotcha bitch” you exclaimed happily grinning widely as you hopped backwards right into Lucys arms
“Aaaaand five sets of 15... you really cashing in those push ups” your sister grinned as she caught you easily
“Oh come on... you can't up my push ups...” you whined as you started to walk towards the check-out
“That makes no sense and yes I can...” Lucy rolled her eyes smirking
“That'll be £78.85” the teenager behind the register said as he threw all your stuff in plastic bags
“EXCUSE ME???” your sister exclaimed loudly looking at you shocked “You said a tenner”
“One tenner... eight tenner... tomato tomahto” you waved off but nodded towards the cash desk grinning
“I get that money back” your sister narrowed her eyes at you as she pulled out her debit card
“How?? I don't earn money” you shrugged your shoulders as you grabbed the multiple bags
“Then you work it off... my apartment is usually a little dusty when I come back from camp” Lucy smirked as she followed you out of the shop
“Okay... don't come running to me if something important is broken” you said nonchalantly
“True.. that's not a good idea... you probably wouldn't even do it on purpose...” your sister huffed “Oh... you will be my bag boy this week...” she grinned
“Yeah no... still female” you answered after you pulled your shirt forward glancing at your chest
“God you are unbelievable” Lucy groaned
“Learned it from the best” you grinned back
“You know it Bubs” your sister smirked as the two of you entered the hotel again
You saw Sarina before she could spot you and Lucy. You quickly looked down to all the bags you were carrying and decided you got in enough trouble for one day. So you looked at Lucy with puppy eyes
“Could you please hold the bags for a second? I have something in my shoe” you pushed out your lower lip
“Course...” Lucy shrugged as you handed over all the bags getting down to untie your shoe.
“Lucia Bronze I hope these bags are not filled with snacks” you heard Sarina exclaim firmly and looked up to see Lucys white shocked face.
You couldn't help yourself and snickered quietly because your plan worked just too well
“Ehrm” Lucy started to stutter
“Why do you Bronzes always feel the need to give me a headache?” the Dutch answered not even waiting for your sister to answer
“Keira always says something similar” you grinned from your place on the ground
“Hand them over” Sarina pointed to the bags
“Mama Rina please...” you started to beg not wanting to give up your goods
“No... we are preparing” the Dutch started and you interrupted her
“... for a World Cup I know... but let us have this evening...” you used your best puppy eyes “Just tonight... Pleeeaaaase”
“You can keep ONE bag...” Sarina said giving in slightly
“Two” you quickly started to hackle
“ONE...” the Dutch stood her ground while Lucy just silently watched
“Can I put it together myself?” you asked carefully
“Sure... ONE bag Liefje” Sarina nodded
You emptied all the bags on the ground of the hotel lobby starting to sort through all your sweets already a plan forming in your head. It took you about seven minutes and all the sweets were in little piles around you.
“One bag, yes?” you asked the womens head coach
“One bag” she confirmed raising an eyebrow catching on that you got a plan
“Challenge accepted” you smirked as you carefully started to stacking the candy into one plastic bag.
And god you really outdid yourself this time. The bag was ready to explode but you fitted everything (except a bag of Wine Gums but you knew Sarina loved those) into the plastic sack smirking widely
“One Bag” you smirked smugly as Lucy couldn't hold back and bursted out laughing
“Well played Liefje... go before I change my mind” Sarina smirked back
“Come on Luce” you quickly got off the ground shoving the heavy overfilled bag in your sisters arms starting to run off.
“Please don't let her eat too much of that” the Dutch laid her hand on Lucys arm
“And let her have a full grown ass sugar rush? Absolutely not...” your sister smiled back
“Good...” Sarina nodded smiling as you turned around waiting for the elevator
“Come on Lucy... how do you want to play in a World Cup when you can't even make it to the elevator??” you yelled happily that you “outsmarted” Sarina
“Coming...” your sister yelled back not even caring that half the lobby now turned their heads towards you
“I thought you were getting snacks?” Ella said first thing as she opened the door seeing you standing there empty handed
“Sloth over there has it” you nodded towards your sister who was about three doors down carrying the bag in her arms
“Oh my GOD” Tooney gawked when she laid eyes on the full bag
“Been called that before” you said as you grinningly winked at your girlfriend just for your sister to kick you gently
“Stop it... you want me to turn it down so you turn it down as well” Lucy grumbled as she pushed past you throwing the bag onto the bed
“What... I got that through Sarina” you exclaimed
“True... that was good” your sister said impressed
“Thank you...” you grinned happily “Millie Bright I KNOW you just didn't grab MY Dweebs!!” you shouted as you threw yourself on top of Millie wrestling with her over a bag of candies
“Bitsy stop it” Keira interrupted sternly “NOW”
“But...” you whined as you sat half on top of Millie who had the Dweebs behind her back grinning at you
“No buts... come here” the blonde said firmly
“Someone is in trouble” Millie grinned
“I don't even know what I would have done” you said clueless
“Bitsy” Keira said again and her tone was just a big fat warning
You climbed of Millie and quickly shuffled over to Keira standing in front of her like a kid that just got caught with its hand in the cookie jar. Keira just nodded next to her and you knew where you would sit the entire night
“Why?” you whined as you plopped down next to her
“Over my dead body will you eat Dweebs at this time” Keira coughed “I won't have you running wild at 2AM waking up an entire hotel”
“That's not fair... I got it all up here” you grumbled and sunk back against the back of the couch
“And the team thanks you for your service” the blonde rolled her eyes as she fished a Mars bar from the pile of sweets “But no sugar for you at this time a night”
“I hate you” you looked at her darkly
“You can hate me all you want Bitsy... I'm not letting you have sugar” Keira shrugged her shoulder as Ella began to speak/yell
“Okay guys... we have a few newbies... so we start with the usual Truth or Dare... you know the rules... if you don't want to do or answer something you have three pass but then if you still deny something you get balled tomorrow” Tooney said happily as a few players groaned “We go youngest first.. y/n... start us off good” the brown haired women smirked knowing you have a few dares up your sleeve
“Okay... lets see...” you mused as your gaze over all the women in front of you before you suddenly smirk
“Lucy... truth or dare” you smirked at your sister
“Why meeee??” Lucy groaned
“Youngest to oldest” you couldn't stop smirking
“Dare... I don't want to know what you would squeeze out of me” your sister rolled her eyes
“Big mistake” you grinned darkly “I dare you to send the pretty spaniard a half nude AND get colorbook spaniard to record her reaction”
“WHAT??” Lucy exclaimed shocked as Keira burst out laughing while the rest just looked at you confused
“Pass or do it... but you know I start off lightly...” you smirked
“Scuse me who?” Mary interrupted
“Oh... sorry... pretty spaniard is Putellas... colorbook spaniard is León... OG is Batlle...” you explained “Lucy overdosed my pain meds and let me run loose at Camp Nope”
“You forgot two” Keira laughed
“Uh... yeah... the flawless and the sexy” you remembered suddenly
“I know who sexy is... and I approve” your girlfriend grinned proudly
“Oh I know... I mean I would be up...” you started before Keira put her hand over your mouth
“No sweetie...” she grinned fake
“I would be up for it too” Georgia ended your thought for you shrugging her shoulders as Kei groaned out
“Made for each other” Keira mumbled before letting you go again
“Come on Luce... what it's gonna be...” you smirked seeing your sister struggle to make a decision
“If this bites me in the ass I'm taking you down with me” Lucy narrowed her eyes at you before dialling Mapís number
“I was nice enough to say half nude and not nude” you grumbled
She quickly spoke to the blonde spaniard being as vague as possible basically threatening Maps with broken ankles if she wouldn't do as she says and to send her the video later. Poor Mapí was at the receiving end of threats again but she said she would do it but to give her five minutes as she was just on her way down to dinner. That made you burst out laughing knowing Alexia would receive a half nude from your sister while being surrounded by her whole team. Your sister ended the call and looked at you
“I don't have nudes” she pulled a face at you
“Liar liar pants on fire” you yelled out pointing at her since Keira held you back by your shoulder
“Not a liar” Lucy yelled back just as loud
“I KNOW you have nudes on that phone!!!!!” you exclaimed
“Yes but not of ME” your sister shot back before slapping her hand over her mouth while you gagged loudly and the room interrupted in laughter
“You asked for that Bitsy” Keira wiped a tear out of her eye still laughing “How did you know that anyway?”
“She has a folder on there labelled “private”... with a pin... doesn't take a genius to figure out what’s in there” you rolled your eyes which caused Keira into a new laughing fit
“She has that folder since we started dating” the blonde laughed as you looked at her shocked and started to shuffle away from her
“Oh Ew... isn't it illegal to say thinks like that to a minor??” you heaved
“You have sex you can cope with knowing that” Keira couldn't stop laughing at your horrified face
“Lucy... you still haven't fulfilled your dare” Rachel now smirked
“Yeah yeah... on it... is a photoshoot picture okay?” she looked at you
“Want to see it first” you grinned as Lucy turned her phone to show you the picture she meant
“That's not a half nude... that's you in a sports bra and jersey shorts... you run around the pitch like this” you said bewildered
“I don't have anything else” your sister defended herself
“There's a bathroom...” you pointed to the door “Get to it”
“Dear god... I really feel sorry for everyone who picks dare after me” Lucy huffed but pushed herself up walking into the bathroom locking the door behind her.
A minute later she came back her face grumpy
“That was quick...” you smirked “Experience?”
“With quickies in Bathrooms? In fact.. yes is do” your sister smirked back while half the room gagged because at least half the team walked in on Lucy and Kei getting some somewhere
Lucys phone went off and she threw it to you to open the message from Mapí. It showed Alexia in conversation with Jenni as she quickly glanced at her phone (most likely at Lucys picture) and quickly panicky turned her phone looking around horrified. It was just perfect and you immediately forwarded the clip to your phone to have back up and blackmail material.
“God... just perfect” you laughed so hard that tears were running down your face
The game continued but relatively calmly since the newbies were still a bit star struck and the veteran players went easy on them. Not when it came to you tho. Rachel dared you to jump into the pool naked from the second floor (which was quickly shut down by Keira – safety reasons and Lucy and Georgia – privacy reasons) so you had compromised with doing a backflip from the edge of the pool wearing just your underwear (Lucys boxers and a sports bra). You turned your back on Kei getting her into a slight discussion with your sister after she chose truth and you asked who satisfy her more her ex or her current girlfriend. You laughed so hard at Lucys offended face after Keira answered with “Totally different” that you fell of the couch (again). Then it was Georgias turn and she smirked at you.
“Hey Babe” your girlfriend grinned at you “Truth or Dare?”
“Truth” you answered quickly since you didn't want to find out what she would have dared you to do
“Okay... if we were married” G started before getting interrupted by Lucy
“Which is a LONG way down the road” your sister grumbled
“If we were married... if I were to cheat on you... would you stay with me?” your girlfriend asked and half the group went with a impressed “Oooooh”
“Would I stay with you if you cheated on me?” you repeated her question faking thinking about it “Yeah... yeah I would stay with you”
“Really?” Georgia looked at you surprised
“Yeah... yeah I would really stay with you” you shrugged your shoulders
“You said that so fast” G said smiling lovingly
“Wait for it” Keira mumbled knowing you wouldn't just forgive something like cheating easily
“Yeah... cus we got married... we promised each other vows and stuff” you looked at her with a blank face “...in sickness and in health till death do us apart”
“Aw... I love you so much” your girlfriend basically swooned while some of the Lionesses in the room got a soft smile on their lips
“Yeah... I'd stay with you for the rest of your tragically VERY short lived life...” you kept going and your girlfriend got big eyes
“Huh? What?” she asked a little frightened undertone
“... that ended suddenly... quickly... randomly...” you started to smirk evilly your voice calm as the sea before a storm
“Why are you so scary?” Tooney now asked
“... without a trace... no one could find you” your smirk stayed on your face as you raised an eyebrow not breaking the eye contact with your girlfriend.
Everyone looked at you. The newbies looked at you scared, the crazy veterans like Millie and Rach impressed and Lucy of course had a proud smile on her face
“Still a Bronze” your sister said proudly “Good answer Bubs”
“My turn... LJ” you smirked darkly and Keira perked up “Truth or Dare”
So did your sister but for a different reason than Keira
“Ehrm... truth?” the dark skinned woman asked and you shook your head and she quickly changed her answer “DARE!!! I take the dare”
“I dare you to stay as far away from Lucy this camp as possible without interrupting your training or schedule” you grinned as Keira pinched your side
“I'll pass” LJ said now smirking smugly
“Okay... consider this your only warning” you smirked back
“Okay... Woah... calm down” Lucy interrupted your stare off “Can't you two just get along? You were such good friends when you were younger”
“Yeah... were... correct use of past tense” you said flatly still holding eye contact with LJ
“I said I was sorry” the black haired player said
“Yeah... sorry isn't cutting it this time” you shook your head as you pushed yourself up “Friends don't do that what you did” you said before you left the room
“Bitsy” you heard Keira called after you
“y/n” you heard G simultaneously as she quickly got up to go after you
“You stay here Stanway” Lucy got in her way
“Lucy I say that with the most respect I can muster up right now but get out of my way or I'll kick your bad knee” Georgia said calmly only thinking about you in the moment not even realizing that she just threatened your sister
“Calm her down... either I or Kei will find you two” Lucy said lowly before she stepped aside letting Georgia sprinting after you
“Okay... Spill LJ.. My sister doesn't get upset that easy... what was she talking about” Lucy turned around fixing Lauren with a glare
“Something between us” the young one shrugged her shoulders “I swear I sort it out Lucy”
“You better... because as much as I admire you as a player and also as a friend but she is my sister” Lucy warned before leaving the room searching for you and Georgia as Keira looked straight at LJ
“You won't be able to fix this... but I promised her I won't take any actions against you so you can call yourself so SO lucky... and thank God that she is the bigger person” the blonde said her tone lightly threatening as she was standing up leaving to
Neither nor Keira were able to find you which was very unusual as you normally stick to places where one of them two would find you for comfort. But not this time. After 45 Minutes and more recruited veterans and without a result Keira told Lucy to give up and since Georgia was missing too she was sure you were safe
“G will keep her save Lucy...” Keira said softly as your sister looked behind the plants down by the pool again
“It's just...” Lucy started looking so lost
“I know.. but she still needs you Luce... even if she has G now...” the blonde said softly understanding immediately what Lucy was trying to say
“Yeah... it's just so.. odd... one moment I hold her hands as she's taking her first steps next moment she has a girlfriend and is all grown up” your sister mumbled
“Oh Luce.... she's still that kid that needs to hold onto your hand but she also needs to experience life” Keira said sympathetically
“You'll text when you hear something from her or G yeah?” Lucy mumbled as she gave up looking for you
“Of course” Keira smiled as she squeezed Lucys shoulder lightly
“There you are” Keira said as Georgias finger flew up to her lips signalling the blonde to keep her voice down as you were fast asleep on top of your girlfriend your face pressed into her neck your right hand on top of her heart with an icepack laying on it
“What happened?” the older one whispered as she spotted the ice pack
“Found her in the staircase punching the wall... nearly got a shiner meself” Georgia said as she adjusted her hold on you pulling you closer
“Fuck... what a mess” Keira sighed as she sat down on the bed next to you stroking some loose hairs out of your face “You need to be there for her G... no matter how hard she tries to push you away you need to stand by her”
“I won't let go, Kei... never” your girlfriend whispered pulling you as close as physical possible.
“Good... because you will face a lot of pushback and on top of that you'll have Lucy breathing down your neck” the blonde said while she kept her eyes trained on you looking for just a simple tell that you feel uneasy but to her big surprise you were completely relaxed and calm “And you are good for her G.. don't listen to anyone who tells you differently”
“Thanks Kei... means a lot to have you on my side” your girlfriend mumbled and pressed a kiss to your forehead
“Just want the best for the two of you.. now act asleep I need a picture for Lucy that her baby sister is save and sound” the blonde smirked as she pulled out her phone.
Lucy was pacing in her room as Alessia just watched her
“Hey Lucy... is y/n okay?” the young player asked sadly
“Hm?” your sister looked up from her pacing noticing Less sad face “Yeah Less... she'll be alright... you know her”
“Good... I don't like to see her upset” the blonde huffed
“Me neither Less... me neither” your sister mumbled as she got the picture of G and you “sleeping” in their room “But she's going to be okay – she has picked a good one... if you ever tell G I said that I force Brussels sprouts down your throat” your sister immediately threatened Lessi as she started to smirk
“Ugh... not the little balls of hell” the blonde gagged
“Come on blondie... let's hit the hay... Sarina will have our asses tomorrow morning for y/n fooling her with the snacks and sweets” your sister grinned as she changed into her pjs
You woke up feeling absolutely exhausted glancing around the room. After a minute you realized Georgia right next to you snoring (not so) lightly her arm holding you securely to her side.
“Go back to sleep Bitsy” Keira mumbled
“How did you know I was up?” you whispered back
“Over the years I learned to listen to your sleep even when I sleep... your breathing changed” the blonde mumbled half asleep
“It didn't” you grumbled
“It did... you stopped snoring – and now go back to sleep... it's 3.30” Keira said knowing she only had a small window where she could get you back to sleep before you were too awake and started to get antsy
“But...” you whined
“Bitsy I love you but go back to sleep... enjoy the moments you have with your girlfriend because this probably will be the last time for this Camp that Lucy will let you stay over”
“Hm... okay” you yawned and snuggled back into Georgia who - despite being asleep – pulled you closer to her
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firstdivisiongirl · 6 months ago
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Please Izana + 6 (picnic) on the summer/spring event??
Hi. Thank you for the request. This one got a little long. Izana is fun to write for and sometimes I can’t stop. Hopefully, you like what I came up with.
Izana Kurokawa x Reader: Rest of His Life
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Izana was never the perfect boyfriend.  He had no idea what the perfect date was.  Half the time, he just let you pick.  But, something in his mind right now made him start to doubt himself and his skills as a good boyfriend.  So, he asked Kakucho what to do. His advice was a picnic date since the weather was nicer.  Izana knew this was just what you two needed.
When Izana suggested a picnic date, you were dumbfounded.  He never picked a date.  Heck, he hated romance half the time!  But, you really liked the idea.  It would be nice to get away from the gang life and the members of Tenjiku.
The sky was the perfect shade of blue, not a cloud in sight.  He carried a large wicker basket full of food, utensils, a blanket, and all the other things that were essential to a romantic summer picnic courtesy of Kakucho who wanted this date to go perfectly for his two favorite people.  You were already waiting outside for him, ready to spend time with your love.  He took you to a beautiful spot in the park, under a cherry blossom tree.  The two of you set up.  You laid the blue gingham blanket down on the ground, while he pulled out all of the food and utensils.  It was a great day.  The food was good and the company was even better.
As the two of you ate, he was a little puzzled.  One thing that Kakucho said was that this date would be nostalgic for the two of you.  Izana couldn’t figure out what he meant.  He didn’t remember you two doing anything like this recently, let alone when you two were in the foster home.  His thoughts were disturbed when you grabbed his hands.
“Thanks Izana,” you said, interwinding your fingers, “it reminds me of when we were kids and the three of us used to have picnics outside during the summer.  Those were always my favorite days.”
That was it!  It was something you loved as kids.  “I’m glad you like it.  To be honest, I didn’t think of this idea.  I’m not very good at this stuff, but I wanted to try for once.  I wanted to do good for you.”
“I know Kakucho told me.  But I don’t care about any of that.  All I want is to love you and for you to love me too.  I love you Izana!”
Izana kissed your temples, “I love you too.  And I will love you forever.”  After  finishing and packing up, the two of you headed home.  He might not have remembered the picnics from years ago, but he knew he would remember this picnic for the rest of his life.
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Please do not copy, modify, translate or repost my writing on other platforms. Comments, reblogs and likes are highly appreciated!
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lemonmaid · 10 months ago
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"I was reincarnated as a baby in a video game that I originally trapped in!"
Finally, the long wait sequel 😭
Warnings: fluff? Malleus is delulu
A/N: I've had to rewrite this four times due to my shit just not saving and I kinda got burned out and gaveup? I'm sorry if the ending looks rush, I will try to make a final at one point
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"Sebek!!! Please for the love of the sevens, please quiet down! You're making the baby cry!"
"HOW CAN I? THERE IS A BABY IN THE WOODS! IT CAN BE A DEMON!".
Silver and Sebek bickering, it was almost reminiscing. Well if only they haven't left this place only a couple of hours ago just to re-land back into this place.
'Sliver, Sebek, please! I'm crying because I'm a fucking baby. Come on guys? Don't you recognize me?'
(Name) thought about it, if a couple of hours back in their world was only a few decades for this world- (Name)'s faced paled, 'Oh my God, do I even look the same? Do I have a tail or ears now? Lets just pray I have magic this time'.
"Maybe they're hungry?"
"Let's take them to Master!"
On the way to the castle, the two still bickered, leaving (Name) to remember what it was like before.
(Name) looked around, nothing looked too familiar but Silver and Sebek looked older. Silver had grown out his hair, holding it in a ponytail like Lilia. Sebek had also grown scales on the side of his face, like his grandfather. 'How long has time passed?' (Name) wondered.
Thunder was getting louder as they reach the castle, light spread in the sky. Causing (Name) to involuntary cry, 'Everything is so much louder as a baby' (Name) noted.
"Hey hey, shhhhh, it's okay little one, no more crocodile tears" Silver commented.
"STOP THAT"
"stop what"
"Puns!"
'Yep, just like old times' (Name) sighed.
As they reached the gate (Name) noticed that the Valley of Thorns wasn't so much a valley anymore but a fully flourished town, bustling with those old 1920 wind-up cars.
Sebek turned to Sliver, "stay here while I go fetch us a car, I don't think we could walk anymore with that thing hold us back".
As Sebek left it was just Silver and (Name), Silver had a sad look in his eye while looking at (Name). "You know it's kinda funny... we are kinda of the same".
Thunder roared in the sky. Sliver looked up to the clouds, "it seems like Malleus is upset again, maybe father cooked again" he chuckled.
'Silver has matured...' (Name) wanted to tell Sliver how proud they were, but all that came out was small cooing.
(Name) fell alseep in the car, their small baby mind and body made it exhausting to do anything, even thinking was exhausting.
"Hmm, they seem a bit malnourished". Lilia stared at the sleeping child.
Sebek scoffed, "Well of course, we found them in the labyrinth".
Malleus sat on his high thrown, watching the three bicker around the sleeping babe 'Reminds me of a certain tale'.
Malleus was uninterested, Sebek requesting an audience, rather demanding. Malleus could careless about a baby found in the middle of a labyrinth, he was more concerned about the shining light that came from said labyrinth. He thought about the perfect, he thought that they finally came back after all these years, maybe they had change their mind? Maybe they realized that this world was better than their own magicless, depressing, pathetic-
"Mallllleuus~ you're ruining that family relic we call throne with your nails".
Malleus scoffed, " I don't have time for this. Where is the perfect? Did you two come empty handed?".
Malleus's loud voice awoke (Name), startling them. Malleus aged like wine, his piercing green eye stared into their soul.
Sebek coughed before yanking (Name) out of Silver's arms. "Master! We found them where the light ended...... There was no perfect....".
Green magic engulfed their tiny body bring them close to Malleus.
"Now be careful Malleus~ they are just a babe".
As (Name) floated in the air, Malleus stared into their soul. "You're telling me... that this is all the sevens have blessed us with? How.... generous". Thunder echoed through the throne room, lighting flash. Sometimes (Name) forgot how powerful Malleus was. This was the man who could change the weather based on his mood.
As (Name) floated closer, the more scared they became, not of malleus but how utterly helpless they were, stuck in a baby's body.
"Hmmm, I smell no magic in them, but their eyes..... me of a certain human....from many years ago". (Name) floated into Malleus arms, his breathing hitched. Wrapping their tiny arms around the man, hugging him. Feeling his breathing change and how the storm that roared slowly soothed.
Malleus smiled fondly at (Name) their eyes locked.
"You shall be called "(Name)" in rememance to my dear friend, no, someone who was very dear to me. Now, now do not argue young one That is an honor. I have alot of respect for this name".
'How original Malleus'
"And you shall call me father aswell".
'WHAT' (Name) wailed.
The kingdom of thorns rejoiced when Malleus announced his new "hier", the kingdom could be heard throughout the night celebrating.
Malleus rocked (Name) back and forth as they slept.
Malleus looked at (Name) fondly, “How old do you think they are Lilia?”
Lilia sighed as he watched the celebration down below.
“I do not know, but I do know that the-”.
Malleus growled, “I do not care for what those old bag of”, he breathed, calming himself before he could awake (Name).
Lilia looked at the scene before him, reminding of himself in the past. Scared and alone with a baby, trying to fill a hole on his heart that was empty at the time.
“since the perfect’s birthday soon, that shall be (Name)’s new birthdate, (birthdate), that's soon, right Lilia? We must have a celebration!”.
Lilia sighed looking at the boy he could call a son, “I'll call the Rosehearts-”.
A celebration in deed, it reminding (Name) of that one scene in Shrek 2. No, it was that scene. A large red carpet to the entrance of the castle, the throne room decorated way to elegant for a baby's birthday, clothing to elegant for a mere child's birthday. (Name) watched boredly in Malleus lap, watching many make conversations. Some would occasionally walk up to the two, bow, leave a gift for (name) and walk away.
“Well look what that cat dragged in” Malleus teased.
‘Leona! Ruggie!’ (Name) involuntary cooed. The two obviously aged, while the Fae barely tinted. Leona’s hair gotten darker and Ruggie got taller.
“What poor person had the unfortunate to bed with a lizard?” Leona snickered.
Ruggie sighed, “Leona! Best behavior man-”
“Yes Leona, best behavior we wouldn't want another PR incident”. Malleus smiled.
‘election? I thought the Sunset Savannah was a monarchy? Is Leona trying to turn it to a democracy?’ (Name) was in deep thought, just how much has changed.
Lilia walked up to the three, “Boys couldn't you pick another day to brawl? Leona, hold your comments, aren't you trying to get supporters on your side for an election?”.
As (Name) was in deep thought, they were then host into Leona's arms.
"What's their name?"
"(Name)".
Leoma looked at Malleus with disgust and rage, "you think you can replace them!?".
Malleus glared, "I could never replace (Name) that is (Name)!".
Leona felt rage boil within him, staring down at (Name).
"Your scent... it smells like"
'Come on Leona, you can recognize me!'
"Like shit! Does anyone around here know how to take care of a baby? Their diaper is full!"
'DAMN IT'
"Stop that crying, you have no reason to cry".
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wukong-s-only-wife5000 · 1 year ago
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Hi there if possible could we get a Monkey reborn where he is Jealous please?<3
Reborn!Wukong: Jealous.
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Content/Trigger Warnings: N/A.
Authors Notes: I think that Reborn Wukong is the most easily jealous out of the four Wukongs that I'm going to write. Make this before the movie. Definitely will be making a fluff taking place after the movie and involving Fruitie. Enjoy!
<---Previous | Start | Next--->
He couldn't help it. He was just… naturally territorial, especially when it came to you. In his defence, though… How dare that bastard even look at you like that? How exactly? With his eyes. That punk that ran the Inn you all were resting at for the past three days had no right to look at his goddess or have the audacity to openly flirt with you in front of him. 
Since you all checked in, whatever his name was had continuously given you the sweet eye, but you either didn't notice it or didn't care. In Wukong’s mind, your innocently pure soul didn't see it, since you didn't.stop.talking to what's his face. He wasn't anything to look at really, Wukong was taller than him and compared to the Monkey King, the human was a twig, and that was saying something.
I could take him out easily. He thought to himself as he watched with narrowed eyes as you spoke with the male with Wujing. His punishments would be limited considering his master already went to bed, so the only thing he had to worry about was your wrath. Sun Wukong, The Great Sage Equal To Heaven, the Monkey King, the Demon King… couldn't stop himself from boiling over with pure jealousy at the fact of human male audacity.
“(Y/n), can I talk to you for a second?” He asked through gritted teeth as he tried to remain calm. 
“In a sec,” 
You should've taken this as a sign, but the conversation with the mysterious stranger was too exciting, you didn't see the signs. The poor Demon King was seething and on the verge of dragging you away by force, but he knew better than to do that. 
“(Y/n),” he once again tried to get your attention. 
“Can't you see we’re talking?” the male looked at Wukong in slight annoyance, yet you still didn't see the red flags… not till it was too late. 
“Wukong!” you scolded and were about to run over to check on the poor guy who was kicked through three trees, but Wukong grabbed you by the arm and dragged you away. “Wukong, listen to me!”
“No, you listen!” he finally snapped as he turned to look at you. “I don't know if you realized this, (Y/n), but you're mine,”
“I know that,” you always got so flustered when he reminded you of that fact, especially when he said it in that growl that gave you goosebumps.
“That punk was flirting with you, and you let him!”
“What are you talking about? He wasn't flirting with me,” You were kinda oblivious to others flirting, getting used to Wukong being the only one to flirt with you. He sighed heavily and turned away from her. 
I should've known… He thought to himself. 
“It was obvious to everyone that he’s been flirting with you since we got to this piece of shit temple.”
“C'mon, Sunny, that's not nice,” you said and got him to release you.
That wasn't true… was it? You really did think he got a bit too comfortable with you, but you just thought he was being hospitable to a travelling guest… apparently, not everyone saw it that way.
In all honesty, since you started dating Wukong a little over a year ago, the advances of other men seemed to naturally filter out of your head. You only saw Wukong in that light, there was only him for you and you for him. Of course, he knew this, but he has had too many restless nights about some human man taking you away from him.
“What the hell was that for?!” The human looked at the Demon King with narrowed eyes as he stormed back over holding his arm. 
“You're getting too comfortable with my woman,” he snarled as he got in the male’s face. “So I gave you a light warning.”
“Light? You almost killed me!”
“But I didn't,” he tilted his head slightly. “Is that little body so weak it can't withstand a little kick?” he raised a brow slightly.
“Okay,” you immediately got between the two to avoid your boyfriend giving the male any more ‘gentle warnings’. “That's enough.”
“I'm just talking,” he looked at you with a much gentler expression. He turned back to the human male with a glare when he scoffed in disgust at the new information. Wukong’s manly instinct was right, the bastard was just trying his hand to bed you. 
“You're actually with this hairy demon?” he looked at you in scorn. 
“Pardon?” you couldn't help but question him. 
“I didn't think a beautiful girl like you would degrade yourself being with an unwanted mongrel-” Wukong's mouth opened slightly in shock as he looked from the male you'd just punched to you. 
“You better not dare speak ill of him ever again,” you warned, giving the man a menacing glare that pleased and made the Monkey King smirk at you. He could kiss you at that very moment. “Unwanted mongrel? He's mine. He may be a demon, but he is more wanted and loved than you could ever dream, and with a personality like yours, I understand why you're single.”
He'd never thought it possible, but he was immediately more in love with you at that moment than before. Yes, he was yours, all yours. Unaware, Wukong straightened up while his prideful expression turned to the man holding his now swollen cheek. He knew how it felt to be hit by you because he had been hit many times before. Even though you would feel bad and apologize when you hit him too hard, treat him like your little baby afterwards.   
“Whatever,” the male scoffed and walked away, not wanting to risk either of you hurting him more. 
“Big jerk,” you grumbled and puffed your cheeks slightly in frustration. He smiled slightly at your display before he took the hand you punched the guy with and kissed each knuckle softly… which not only calmed you down but made you extremely flustered.
“That's my girl,” he smirked a bit at you before he intertwined your fingers with his. He couldn't help that he was protective, he just didn't want to lose you. You were his everything, his anchor, his peace, and his love. 
“Wukong~” 
Oh, no… He knew that tone and, as he looked at her, that smirk. 
“What is it?” he questioned, as if he didn't already know what you were going to ask.
“You wouldn't happen to be… jealous, would you?”
“No,” he huffed and folded his arms. “I just don't like that some bastard thinks that he can flirt with you in front of me.”
“That's jealousy,” she chuckled, but hugged his torso and buried your face into his chest. “Foolish Monkey King. Don't you know that you're the only person I’ll ever love?”
“Yeah… but I'm not a person” he mumbled stubbornly, trying to ignore you, but his blush gave him away. He found comfort in both your words and your embrace. You could tell that the demon king was starved for touch and affection. He was weak against your simplest advances.
“Wukong, look at me. Come here,” you said as you reached for his face. Instead of lowering himself as you wanted, he picked you up by your thighs and brought you to his level.
“Hm?” He tilted his head, smug as ever to see your expression as he held you in his arms.
“Look, I don't care if you think you're just a devious demon that only does wrong… I know that you have the purest heart and soul. I love you, you stupid demon, nothing and no one will ever change that,”
You hugged him tightly, making him tense, but quickly relaxed and buried his face into your neck. You always knew just what to say to warm and make his stone heart, which he swore he didn't have, race and have him weak to you, just puddy in your hands. 
“I love you too, peach.”
“You don't need to be jealous, especially not of someone like him,” she assured, and though you doubted mere words soothed his worries, they did. 
“Good.” he tightened his grip a bit. Because you're mine.
“I am…” You smiled and held his face as you pulled back. “And you're mine.” That made him smirk at you before he carried you to bed to get some… sleep, and cuddle… a lot.
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suzukiblu · 5 months ago
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WIP excerpt for ducksandswans behind the cut; the wet nurse omegaverse. (( chrono || non-chrono ))
“What do you need to get through this?” Bruce asks, because getting Clark through this as emotionally stable as possible is still the obvious priority. 
“I need to have been a better mother,” Clark says tiredly, shaking his head. “But we missed that boat, so just–don’t worry about it. I’m fine. I can handle existing in the same building as a wet nurse for a little while.” 
Existing in the same DEN as a wet nurse who’s going to be feeding both your pups for possibly months? Possibly YEARS? Bruce doesn’t say. They don’t know how long Lor’s going to need a wet nurse. Don’t know if they’re even capable of actually creating a formula his system will accept, much less actually do well on. Clark grew up malnourished on human milk, even coming from a packmate who’d adopted him as her own pup, and he was three when Martha and Jonathan found him. 
Lor’s likely going to have health issues, and he might need to nurse longer than a human pup for lack of the full nutrition he needs; might just want to. And what, Clark and Lois are going to wean a three or four year-old if they don’t absolutely have to? Also, given the kind of sire and dam he came from, he might not take well to being “abandoned” by someone he has a bond with. Even a feral bond. And given how strongly Carl reacted to him in turn, and the fact they feral-bonded at all . . . 
It’s going to be a long time before they can wean Lor even if they do manage a successful formula or supplement for him. At least, it’s going to be a long time if they don’t want to incite severe psychological distress in a toddler. 
“You’re being exactly the mother Chris needs,” Bruce says evenly. “You’re taking care of him, whatever it takes.” 
“I can’t even get milked up for him when he’s starving,” Clark says tightly, folding his arms under his chest and staring back out the window. 
Bruce doesn’t think Clark would appreciate hearing that PTSD symptoms aren’t that easy to ignore. It’s something he knows, but not something he’s willing to acknowledge. He blames himself. Hotels it against himself. Carries it like a weight that even Superman can’t be expected to take. 
It’s understandable, but it’s also a problem. 
“That’s not reflective of your ability to be a parent,” Bruce says. 
“It is right now,” Clark says as he shakes his head, his voice gone even tighter. “Lois and I don’t even have another omega in our family pack. I should’ve at least–I could’ve found another omega to nurse Jon years ago. He was four, and we made him stop nursing without even going through the actual weaning process. We could’ve taken someone in or just–” 
He cuts himself off. Keeps staring out the window. 
“You can’t be expected to force a pack bond like that,” Bruce tells him. “No one ever did expect you to.” 
“But I could’ve,” Clark says. “I should’ve. Chris could’ve died because I didn’t. And what if I’d gotten pupped again? We couldn’t have kept them. I couldn’t have–what could we have even done?” 
“We’d have had nine months, Clark,” Bruce reminds him patiently. Clark’s obsessing over irrelevant fears, and they both know they’re irrelevant, but Bruce still can’t help presenting options for dealing with those fears. It’s the same thing as Clark’s irrelevant fears, as a response. “We’ve already found a wet nurse Lor accepted, and we’re still in early stages with the supplement and formula tests. There would’ve been plenty of time.” 
There’d be plenty of time if it happened now, even. And given they’re already working on formula for a purely Kryptonian pup . . . 
Bruce makes a note to get working on a version specialized for Kryptonian-human hybrids, once they manage something for Lor. 
Assuming they ever do, anyway. It’s possible they just can’t produce what a Kryptonian pup actually needs on Earth. Not without a Kryptonian dam. 
Better to realize that’s a concern now, though, as opposed to after Clark does get pupped again or Jon grows up and sires a pup of his own–one who might need the same things Lor does, and not be old enough to survive without all of them, or not have powers strong enough to absorb as much from the sun that would keep them alive, or– 
It’s better to have realized it now, especially when they don’t even know if Lor actually will be able to survive on a human omega’s milk. 
It’s an ugly thought, but Lor has a better chance for a better life here than he does back with his sire and dam, and they can’t even trust his sire and dam would actually take care of him if they did send him back. Lor doesn’t have another option. 
A pup or a litter that Jon one day sired deliberately, though, without knowing better . . . it would’ve been much worse, if they’d had this problem then. 
Though it’s bad enough having it now, of course. 
Bruce very, very much hopes that a human omega’s milk is enough to keep Lor reasonably healthy, at least for now. It’d be better if Kryptonian pups didn’t eat so much, probably–he’s sure Lor was only fully satisfied today because he’s been so hungry for so long–but anything that’ll buy them time to figure out a better fix is better than nothing at all. 
He doesn’t dwell on the fact that Lor didn’t tolerate a single one of the formulas they’ve tried, or the fact that Jon refused formula when Clark stopped nursing him. It’s not conclusive evidence. 
Lor did take to Carl’s milk, Bruce reminds himself. And feral-bonded with him immediately, too. 
But that’s not conclusive either, of course. 
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thedeviltohisangel · 6 months ago
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All The Things I Did (Interlude): My Little Loves
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a/n: Mother's Day, 1950. a super long, fluffy fic about Mother's Day! there is also quite a bit of angst as this takes place about one month before John would ship off to fight in the Korean War. I really hope you all enjoy this little bit of a deeper look at the twins/Lillian's personalities and Cass/John as parents and the absolute chaos that their house always is but they fucking love it because they fucking love each other. chat soon my lovies xoxo
The gentle tickles of John’s lips pressing to her back caused a smile to spread across her face. She kept her eyes closed as he kissed every inch of her skin that was exposed by the dip in the back of her nightgown. 
“I know you’re awake, baby. Can see the goosebumps when I kiss you.”
“Keep going. I didn’t tell you to stop.” He smiled against her shoulder and reached for the hand resting against her rounded belly and twisting their fingers together. “Waking me up like this is exactly how we came to celebrate this day three years ago.”
“Happy Mother’s Day, my love. Last one as a mama of three, huh?” Cass hummed and wiggled her back further into his chest. He kissed behind her ear and buried his nose in her hair, relishing in the simple feeling of her in his arms. It would never get old for him. The quiet moments between them and their growing family were his favorite. There was no moniker he loved more than husband and father.
“If you had it your way I would always be pregnant.” 
“Can’t argue that. I love filling you up with my babies.” As if to illustrate his point, he found the hem of her silkwear at the top of her thighs and lifted it to expose her belly to him fully. She was two months along with the next addition to their family. They were both already so eager to have a little baby again. “And how can you blame me? We make the prettiest little ones.”
“I have to agree. How do you make it so they all have your eyes?” She rolled over to face him and look at the baby blues in question.
“I don’t do it on purpose. Just a side effect of my-” There was a gentle knock on the door. “My bets on Penny,” he whispered. 
“Fine. I’ll take Lilly.”
“Mommy? I come in?” It was Gale. They were both wrong. 
“Yes, my little dove.” Knocking on the door to Mommy and Daddy’s room was one of the most critical things they had taught the twins. It had only taken one time for them to walk in on a moment their innocent eyes should never be exposed to for John to use his stern dad voice. The tone was so rarely used that their toddler ears had listened very closely and had obeyed ever since.
“Happy Mama Day!” He came scurrying into their room, his blanket trailing behind him, and Cass caught him in her arms as he jumped onto the bed. 
“Careful, buddy,” John exclaimed as his wife grunted and fell against the pillow with the impact of her son. 
“Sorry!” A few days ago, John had reminded the kids that the day where they celebrate their mother was coming up. Gale had been particularly excited, giving John a stack of drawings that he wanted to gift her and asking if they could have pancakes for breakfast because they were her favorite. 
“Did you sleep well?” she asked as her hand stroked through his curls. He nodded from where his head was tucked under her chin. 
“Hungry,” he offered simply. All of a sudden, John had two sets of eyes on him. “Daddy, we have cakes?”
“We did say that was mommy’s favorite.” He stroked the pillow soft cheek of his son and Cass smiled as she recognized the look in his eyes. One of pure adoration. One that he only ever looked upon her and their children with. “Go get your sisters so they can help.”
“Okay. Love you mama. Love you papa.” Gale reached for his dad first, kissing John’s puckered lips, before he tightened his little arms around Cass’ neck and accepted her request for a kiss as well. He shimmied out of the bed and was off in a scamper down the hall.
“When are we going to tell them?” she whispered with sadness as she watched her son. As she felt her husband’s hand tuck her hair behind her ear.
“I want today to be one of happiness. For you and for them.” He thinks the twins would be able to understand he was leaving for a while. That they would be able to feel the ache in their chest at not seeing their father for months. Maybe longer. Lillian had just turned two. Her grasp of the world around was still taking shape. But there were medical appointments and chauvinistic doctors. 
John knew his wife was strong enough, their love for each other was more than strong enough, to survive his deployment to Korea. He just didn’t know how he was going to say goodbye to her or the little one growing inside of her. He was at his strongest in the presence of his family. 
“I want every day to be happy for us. But especially for them.” Cass had promised her children they would never not be with their family. That nothing would ever separate them and that is exactly what their mother and father had fought for. And now it was all unraveling. “Look at my first baby coming to see me because he knows I’m sad.” Butter came padding into their room with a sock monkey in his mouth. 
“No, he just knows I’m about to get out of bed and wants to take my spot.” Butter whined as if to ask if he could hurry up and do just that. They heard two sets of feet quickly patter down the stairs and smiled as their littlest one rubbed her eyes in their doorway. The stairs were a bit of a daunting task for her so she knew to ask for help. “Hi, ladybug.” John was quick to swing his legs onto the floor and pad over to his princess. 
“Does it look like she was scratching at her ear again?” Cass welcomed Butter onto the bed with a scratch to the top of his head. At her last doctor’s appointment, they had poked and prodded as they tried to find a comfortable hearing aid for her little ear. It had left her with even more discomfort than she normally walked around with and it broke Cass’ soul she couldn’t fix it. 
“It doesn’t look as red as it did yesterday.” John kissed the ear in question as he rested his daughter on his hip. She smiled and gripped the collar of his shirt tighter. “Should we go make sure Mommy has a breakfast that’s actually edible?” Cass melted as she watched him rub his nose against their daughter’s. Lillian was so attached to her parents, only ever at complete peace in their arms and seemingly feeling a little lost in navigating this loud and crazy world. The most rewarding gift she could have given her children was this man as their father. 
“We can’t miss mass either, John!” she called as he disappeared towards the sounds of giggling children and bowls clanging together. “What are the chances they don’t make my entire kitchen look like a warzone?” she asked Butter as she turned to kiss his nose. He looked at her as if to say zero.
----
“Penny, I love your coloring so much and it is so beautiful, but can we keep it on the paper and off the table?” Cass normally put paper or an old tablecloth under their paper when they were coloring to avoid this very issue but the thought hadn’t crossed his mind until it was too late. 
“Daddy, sing please!” Penelope asked with a smile as she looked up at John.
“Please!” Gale emphasized.
“Sing? What should we sing?” He was balancing Lily on his hip, her little hands occupied with the piece of fruit she was sucking on and refusing to eat, while grabbing pancake ingredients with one hand and monitoring the bacon crackling on the stovetop. 
“Twinkle star,” she offered as she got down from her chair and moved to the counter by her dad. 
“You want to start the song, lovey?” Penny wrapped her arms around John’s leg and hugged tightly as he struggled to measure the flour with two of his limbs occupied by cuddly babies. 
“Twinkle twinkle star,” she began singing with her toddler lisp glossing over some of the consonants in the words. 
“How I wonder what you are,” John continued as his son padded over to join in on use Dad as a jungle gym time, taking the empty leg for himself to match his twin. “Up above the world so high…” He looked down as the twins mumbled along to the song.
“Like a star in the sky,” they sang. He smiled at their new lyrics. Diamond was a hard word for them to pronounce. “Twinkle, twinkle, little star.”
“How I wonder what you are!” He bopped his finger against Lilly’s nose as the song came to a close. “Excellent job, my loves.” 
“We help?” Gale asked as he was already moving his little stool so it was flush to the counter. 
“Stir very carefully,” John said as he offered the wooden spoon to his son. He switched the hip Lilly was resting on and dropped a kiss to the top of Gale’s head, checking in on Penny who was happy to stay wrapped around his leg like a monkey. “Should we add some chocolate?” 
“I love chocolate!” Penelope answered as she stood to try and peek at what her brother was doing. 
“Penny, careful,” Gale cautioned as he furrowed his brow with concentration at the task his father had given him. John smiled at the interaction as he offered Penelope a little bowl of just chocolate chips. 
“Don’t tell your mother,” his finger against his lips as if to seal in the secret.
“Thank you, Daddy,” she giggled as she scurried back to the table with her little treat. Lillian squeaked with delight as Butter came loping down the stairs to join in on the chaos and get closer to the smell of bacon. He sniffed at her feet as she laughed and reached to pet him. 
“There you go, ladybug.” John set her down and she was off towards the living room with her best friend in tow in search for his favorite basket of toys. “How we looking, Gale?”
“All done!” John gave it a quick stir to make sure everything was incorporated and gave his son an impressed nod when it looked perfect.
“Mommy’s going to love these,” he whispered as the little one smiled. 
“I love mommy.” 
“She loves you, too,” John slid the pan of bacon to the back of the stove and let Gale drop a pad of butter into a new pan, “and you know I love you a lot, right?” 
“This much?” Gale giggled as he spread his arms out wide. 
“This much,” John answered with a smile as he extended his own arms. He brought his arms around his son’s little body and squeezed as tightly as he could, kissing the side of his head. There was a happy screech from the living room, distinctly the sound of Lillian, that had both Egan boys turning their heads. “You want to check on your sister?” The twins were just as protective over their little sister as their parents were. John and Cass had done their best to explain to them she was a little different than the little siblings their friends have or even than they were as babies. That she needed a little extra love and attention sometimes. Cass had let the thoughts eat her alive that she wouldn’t be able to love the twins as much as they deserved if she was so focused on Lillian. John had assured her that her heart was big enough for the task.
“I be back!” John watched with a smile as his son ran off into the living room and felt his chest swell at the little humans he and his wife had created and were raising to be kind, loving and giving. It was these exact moments that had spurned his heart back to life on the back of the carriage in the German forest or when his stomach was cavernous and his nose felt like it was going to fall off in Stalag. He was on this earth to be a husband to his wife and a father to his children. 
“Daddy, more chocolate?” Penelope presented him an empty bowl with the evidence of her treat streaked across her cheeks and even a little on the pink of her pajamas. 
“Little lamb, how did you get a tiny bowl of chocolate chips all over you like this?” he asked as he crouched down to her height. 
“More, daddy? Please?” 
“I’ll put some in your pancakes, how about that?” 
“Smile face?” John had been known to try and turn his kids food into a smiley face whenever he had the chance. Most notably was Sunday morning pancakes with chocolate chips.
“Yes, baby, daddy’ll make your pancake into a smiley face.” Satisfied with his answer, she too ran off towards the room that held a fraction of her toys, her dog and her siblings. He thought about calling back for her so he could wipe her face and hide the evidence from his wife but he could already hear giggling and thought it best to leave it be. 
Of course his three kids were an absolute handful, he doesn’t know how their nanny did this by herself everyday or how Cass managed at night before he got home, but he had never felt as fulfilled as he did in the moments with them. When he had gotten the orders to Korea, it was missing these moments that made his heart stop. Missing Gale and Penelope’s musicals they put on with their stuffed animals most nights. Missing guidance from doctors on how to help Lillian still hit milestones and reach her full potential in this life. Missing the sight of Cass’ smile and the way she mumbled in her sleep and how she fiddled with her wedding band when she was reading. 
The United States Air Force was a bitch of a mistress.
----
John had every intention of bringing her breakfast in bed and snuggling as a family under the covers. But Gale had spilled the orange juice on his way up the stairs and Butter had stolen a strip of bacon from the plate while he was trying to clean up and Penny had already picked chocolate chips out of two pancakes before he realized it might have been too noble of an intention. 
“What have we got going on down here?”
“Mommy!” It was a chorus of loving children as Cass appeared at the top of the stairs like an angel. She tiptoed around a defeated John and welcomed all three of them in for a hug as she reached them. 
“Did my little loves help Daddy make breakfast?” The twins nodded and Lillian crawled into her lap, her ear dropping to her mother’s chest and smiling at the feeling of her heartbeat instantly. “Let’s go set the table so we can enjoy it.” 
“I’ll meet you guys over there,” John sighed as he was picking up ripped pieces of pancake from the stairs.
Just like the goddess he always knew she was, Cass had the kids cleaning up coloring supplies, setting placemats and settling into their wooden booster seats all while they hummed Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star again. He watched silently as she wet a napkin and wiped Penelope’s giggling face and helped Gale cut his breakfast into smaller pieces and took extra care to make sure Lillian was comfortable with her miniature fork. “I’m sorry, baby, we were supposed to be waiting on you, not the other way around.” 
“I’d rather dote on the little doves that made me a mother today.” She fell against him with ease, his lips against hers quickly. “Thank you for breakfast.”
“You haven’t even eaten it yet. It could be disgusting.” 
“The lack of Egan jabbering coming from the table due to their eating of it leads me to believe it can’t be that bad.” Cass pressed onto her toes to kiss John the way she always did when they got to talking about their babies. Like she wanted another one promptly. It was how the current Egan in her belly got there. 
“Since when is their jabbering from me? You’re the one who sweet talks people for a living.” He fisted her nightgown as he tried to restrain himself against the efforts her tongue was making with his. “And so successfully I might add, baby. So good at being my little Spook.”
“John Clarence Egan,” she squeezed his cheeks into his chin with one hand, “stop with that bedroom voice. We have no time-”
“Oh, Cass, I don’t need that much time,” he sniped back with that grin that normally made her knees fall open. 
“Mommy, Daddy, sit!” Penelope pointed at the empty chairs they normally sat in, her face covered in even more chocolate than it was before. 
“What do we say when we ask someone for something?”
“Please!” she answered. Cass kissed the top of her head and sat down across from her as John carried over two plates. 
“Thank you, baby,” she kissed his arm as it reached in front of her. 
“Mama!” Cass smiled as Lillian called for her attention and reached out her arms. It wasn’t very often she tried to speak and it made her heart soar whenever she did. Even more so when she used her voice to call for her parents.
“Yes, my sweet girl, I’m right here.” She brought her into her lap and swallowed back tears as John looked at them with a sad smile. “I’ll always be right here. I promise.” Cass buried her nose in Lillian's hair and breathed deeply as John held her hand on top of the table.
“Daddy, too?” Gale asked quietly as he paused his eating. 
“I’m always, always, going to do everything I can to be with you.” He squeezed his wife’s hand tighter.
“Okay, Daddy!” Satisfied with the answer, and not understanding the true sentiment behind John’s words, Gale was focused on his fork and making it sound like a plane. 
Cass did her best to smile the rest of breakfast. She snuck some bacon under the table for Butter. Bounced Lilly on her knee while she laughed. Felt her sides hurt with joy as John mimed eating the chocolate off of Penelope’s cheeks. It was exactly the kind of family she had always wanted to build. One of pure love and happiness. One that didn’t feel like it needed to be molded in some kind of high society pressure. One where her kids would always know she loved them. Where they would always know their parents loved each other. 
“Alright, monkeys, let’s go upstairs so we can get changed for church.” The twins groaned like teenagers trapped in toddler bodies, Penelope dramatically going limp in John’s lap while Gale dropped his forehead to the table. “Hey, we said today was Mommy’s day right? So we agreed to do whatever Mommy wanted?” 
“No church, Daddy.” To them it meant stockings and sitting quietly and there were the Carter kids that they despised seeing. 
“For me?” Cass asked with a pout. It worked on their father. Maybe it would work on them. Penny looked to her dad.
“Do it for Mama,” he whispered like it was a secret just between them. Penelope relented with a nod and after a kiss to the top of her head from John was off his lap and holding her brother’s hand to scurry up the stairs. 
“You want to help them while I clean all this up?” He was already standing from the table and gathering plates. 
“I’m going to find a way to get us to Japan.” John froze and turned back to look at his wife, her focus on Lillian. “I’m not letting anything separate this family. Not even another war.” He set the plates in the sink and moved to crouch at her side, tucking her hair behind her ear and noticed the way she was shaking with the strength it took to not break down. 
“Cass, baby, nothing ever will separate us. Even if I am physically far away, you know my heart is always with you five.” 
“Last time…last time…” Lilly squeaked as her mother pressed her into her chest. Cass so rarely thought about Germany. Used all her compartmentalization skills to keep the years without John shoved away. Her time at the camp and their journey to make it out of there tucked away even further. She had always been adamant that misfortune only befell them when they were apart. When the distance allowed the malevolent spirits to find their way in. 
“Hey, ladybug, come here.” John gently pried Cass’ hands from around their daughter and set her on the ground. “Butter!” The hound came trotting when he heard his name. He whined at the sight of Cass and the state she was in. 
“Mama?” Lillian tilted her head and reached back for her mother with curiosity. Understanding why John had called him, Butter distracted her with a lick to her cheeks and she was giggling at the dog instantly. He gently nudged her until she was toddling out of the kitchen and he followed after her. 
“Talk to me, Spook. Tell me what’s rattling around that gorgeous mind.” John cupped her cheek so he could look her in the eyes. 
“I had the worst two years of my life because I wasn’t with you. I was hopeless and lifeless and had no purpose without you, John. I’m so afraid that when you leave, I’ll go right back to that place and I have those three I have to be brave for and this little one and oh, God, they’re going to come while you’re gone and I can’t-” Her head was tucked under his chin in an instant as the sobs racked through her body. 
“Breathe, baby, breathe. I’ve got you.” Cass had gotten so good at tucking her emotions into a little box that she kept in a dark and tiny corner of her heart. It had been years since the memories inspired a breakdown such as this. “If you and the kids moving to Japan is going to fix that ache, then we’ll figure it out. We’ll find a way. Just like we always do.” 
“I don’t want this to weigh on you. Just give me a minute and I’ll be fine.” She pushed off his chest and stood on shaky legs. 
“Cass…” he reached for her but she didn’t grab his hand. He recognized the glazed look to her eyes. It was the same she had the previous few times the ghosts of the past had come to haunt her. It was Central Intelligence Agency Cassandra Egan taking the reins. Urging the version of her that felt too hard and too deeply to let go of the wheel and let the cold as stone version take control. “Cass, baby, don’t do this. Don’t run from your emotions. Don’t shut me out.”
“Mommy! I need help!” Penelope’s voice called from the top of the stairs. 
“I’ll be right there, little love!” She turned to look at John who looked like he was going to stay exactly where he was until she crawled back in his lap and worked through this with him. “I’m not running and I’m not shutting you out. Now’s just not the right time.” 
“When will be the right time?” He wasn’t going to let her say the things he wanted to hear and get away with no following through. 
“Tonight? You, me and our pillows?” It was where their most important conversations seemed to be had. The place where they could relax and breathe and touch each other and whisper softly and kiss each other through whatever problems arose. They had yet to find a problem they couldn’t kiss their way through.
“I’ll be there.”
----
Gale and Penelope held their mother’s hand tightly as they walked out of the church, anxiously awaiting the lollipop their father normally handed to them once they hit the sidewalk if they had behaved. Penelope had done her best to not plug her ears at the sound of the organ and Gale had only stuck his tongue out at Jeffery Carter once and his mother hadn’t even noticed. 
“Alright. Good little lambs lollipop time.” John dropped Lillian to her feet and squatted to be at the same height of his cheering children. “One for each of you.”
“Thank you, Daddy!” the twins said in unison. 
“Give me a kiss.” They giggled as they each pressed their sticky lips to his cheeks. 
“Oh, Cass! It’s so good to see you! Happy Mother’s Day!” Grace Carter. Self-proclaimed Queen of Great Falls, Virginia. 
“Grace, it’s good to see you.” Cass greeted her politely. “Happy Mother’s Day yourself.” She was acutely aware of her twins staring daggers at the two Carter boys. She gathered them against her legs and smoothed her hand over their hair. 
“Lieutenant Colonel Egan, you always look dashing in your Sunday best.” Cass gathered her breath before Grace became acquainted with her right hook. 
“Thank you, ma’am. How are you doing, Adam?” he reached to shake his hand firmly before settling Lillian back on his hip and kissing his wife on the side of the head.
“I’m good, John, nice to see you.” For all the women that fawned over John Egan, much to the nearly violent chagrin of his wife, the husbands were never worried. No one in Great Falls or Charleston or Europe had ever seen him look at a woman that wasn’t his wife. 
It incensed the local gossipers that he only ever seemed to be a devoted, attentive husband and father. He had been seen taking the twins to a park by himself, the horror. Seen picking them up from preschool instead of the nanny and while his wife was at work, the scandal. And the absolute most incredibly inappropriate display of Lieutenant Colonel John Egan handling a temper tantrum on the sidewalk of Walker Street with soft words and an understanding tone. Not a scream or a yell or a rough hand to avoid the prying eyes. Ghastly. 
“Well, we best get going.” Cass smiled in the way that John knew meant she was moments from kicking someone’s ass, her hands pivoting the twins away and towards the car.
“Cass, will we be seeing you at the school’s bake sale Wednesday afternoon?” 
“No, Grace. I’ll be at work.” That was another thing the local gossips loved to make a topic of conversation. The fact that Mrs. Cassandra Egan worked. That she wasn’t at every bake sale or auction but somehow always managed when it was a recital or art show. They were annoyed she had priorities and boundaries and enforced them and had a partner who seemed to do everything with her in perfect tandem. They never worked against each other, always rowing in the same direction. 
“Such a shame you always have to work. Especially in your condition. You really should be resting.” John felt the air turn cold and tightened his grip around his daughter, his other arm wrapping around his wife’s waist and resting on top of their precious bump. 
“And what condition might that be? The blessing of another child?” He knew where her mind was going. The acrid comments from doctors that somehow Cass was to blame for Lillian’s deafness. That she hadn’t taken enough care of herself during her pregnancy or rode her horse one too many times or that having twins had ruined her birth canal and damaged their daughter during birth. “I could only hope to be in this condition more often than not, Grace. I mean, you said it yourself. My husband looks so dashing in his Sunday best.” 
----
A long afternoon of lollipops and the sprinkler in the backyard and babies falling asleep around the outdoor fire with chocolate on their cheeks, turned into a slow night of baths and bedtime stories and lullabies as Cass tucked the blanket around Gale’s tiny frame.
“Mommy?” he asked groggily as she was just about to close the door.
“Yes, little love?” Cass padded back to his bedside and gently knelt down to look at his precious face, cheek squished against his pillow and stuffed animal tucked under his chin.
“I love you.”
“I love you so much, my baby. So very, very much.” She stroked his cheek gently and kissed his forehead.
“Stay together forever,” he mumbled as his eyes grew heavy and he drifted into dream land. Cass held her breath as she watched peace settle over him. Peace that their family would remain intact and together. Forever. 
“I’ll do everything in my power, baby, I promise.” She gently pushed his curls off his forehead and pressed a kiss to the skin there, sealing in her promise. 
Cass closed the door as gently as she could and rested her own forehead against the wood to steady her breathing for a moment. For someone who prided themselves in keeping their emotions at bay, she was having a hard time breathing against the waves crashing against her. She knew she was stronger than this. Knew that her relationship with her husband and his bond with their kids was capable of withstanding any test that was thrown at them. The point was that Cass thought she had passed enough tests for the universe to give her a break. That she had earned a modicum of normalcy in waking up next to her husband every morning and both of them raising their babies together every day. What more did they want from her in order to give her that? Cass wasn’t sure she had much left to give them.
“Gale fall asleep before you even made it out the door?” John asked as he was arranging the pillows the way he knew his wife liked. “I didn’t even have to read to little ladybug, she practically fell asleep before I even got her pajamas on her.”
“For all the sugar he consumed today, yes, he fell right asleep. Penny is probably still awake making flashlight puppets.” Ever since John had used the flashlight and his hand to act out a scene from her favorite bedtime story, Penelope had been working to perfect her craft. More than once she had been caught by her parents in the middle of the night. 
“Just the fact that we created humans amazes me but the fact that they have imaginations and dreams and personalities…learning who they are is never going to get old to me,” John mused. He walked around the bed and tried to bring Cass into his arms but she was already crawling onto the bed and sliding herself under the blankets. “You’re not going to let me hold you, baby?” He looked dejected as he stood there with his arms open like he was still expecting her to fall into them. 
“I need that big brain of yours to help me work through some problems, Lieutenant Colonel.” She patted his pillow next to her for emphasis. He smiled wickedly and leaned down to kiss her, crawling over her body until she was horizontal across the bed. “I love when you look at me like that. Like you can read me and understand without me having to verbalize it to you.”
“Because I can, Spook,” he hummed. His lips dropped to hers once, twice, three times before his eyes were right back on hers. “You scare me when you shut down like you did earlier, Cass. You have to let yourself feel things in order to work through them.”
“I feel things when I’m with you. When I’m with our kids. It’s the feeling of not being with you and us all not being together that I want to avoid.” His finger drifted down her cheek and left a pleasant tingle in its wake. 
“It’s not forever, baby. With those three and one on the way and Butter, you will be so busy you won’t even realize I’m gone.” She sat up and held John’s face between his hands. 
“Please tell me you don’t think that’s true. There will always be a hole in my chest whenever you aren’t near.”
“I know. I’m just trying to find the right words to say to soothe your ache, Cass.” She leaned down and kiss him gently. Conveying all of her love, or as much as her human form could summon, letting herself melt under his gaze. 
“There’s a position in Tokyo. Mary told me about it a couple of weeks ago and I’ve been holding back on asking for it because of our little ones. All four of them.” Her hands fell to her pregnant belly and John rested his cheek on top of them. “I’m scared to fly with them that long and I’m scared of my choices fucking with another one of our-”
“Don’t finish that sentence, Cass. You did nothing wrong when it comes to Lillian. You carried her and provided for her and were put here on this earth to be exactly the mother that you are to her.” John wasn’t ashamed at the level of anger he had shown the doctors that had tried to pin this on his wife. Wasn’t ashamed that he had almost throttled them through the exam room door. She smiled through her tears and combed her fingers through his curls. 
“See? I need you.”
“We need each other.” She nodded in agreement. 
“And we’ll always have each other. We’ll always make sure of it.”
As she kissed John in the warmth of the lamplight, the ache in her chest was soothed but not solved. She had a plan percolating in her mind on how to do so but fears that were acting as barriers towards diving in. It was uncharted water for her. Unsure of her choices and calculating the ripple of implications they would have on her children instead of just herself or an operation. It was the first time there may be a conflict between her desires as a wife and her desires as a mother. Ultimately, she would be the only one able to reconcile them.
But there were a few things she would always know for certain. Firstly, that John Egan loved her and she loved him. Second, that she loved every inch of all of her children and always would, for all time. Third, that she had fought tooth and nail for the life that she currently had and nothing would ever be worth losing it for.
Lastly, Cassandra Ann Egan knew that she deserved happiness. And fulfillment. And peace. She had fought a war to find the stable ground she was sitting on and supposed she would fight another one to maintain it. To protect it. To preserve her little corner of the world that darkness was not allowed to touch. 
They’d have to get through her first. And she wasn’t going to go down without a fight.
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tihgnari · 4 months ago
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✮ 03. not my favorite (ღ)
tw: none / wc: 1k
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"mom, no way," you beg, looking at her exasperated across the kitchen as she takes out the leftover containers. "you can't do this to me on my first day back. you will not subject me to this torture."
your mother is in her sleepwear, hair already in rollers with the korean face mask you gave her earlier already stuck on her face. she laughs at you, taking out all the leftovers from earlier's late dinner. "oh, stop being dramatic. you act as if you didn't grow up with those boys."
"but it's —"
"no buts," she cuts you off. "besides, just welcome them over. let them eat the remaining stuff, i'm sure they'll finish everything. i also heard kazuha's coming over, which is rare because it's usually always just the three boys swinging by here after their gigs to put back their stuff in the garage… so…" she drags out the last vowel of her sentence, looking at you suggestively. "maybe he's here to see you! not every day his childhood best friend comes back to town."
"mom, please —"
"they have a new guy in the band, too, by the way — well, second new guy after the other one left. his name's kuni, the poor guy moved here with his uncle when his father, his last parent, passed away two years ago and he had to stop college, can you imagine how hard that is? i wouldn't wish that on anyone."
"who even is the source of that gossip —"
"you go get ei and miko over there and just, hang out, you know? buy some drinks for all i care, i trust you. make friends, make memories, make the summer count, okay?"
at this point, she's done putting everything out of the fridge. she crams most of them in your tiny microwave, unintentionally doing what she initially asked you to do and why she pulled you out of watching a netflix movie with the gays in the living room. after you sense she's done with her little speech, you approach her, putting the remaining containers into the tiny device. your mother offers you a tight hug and a kiss goodnight, and you let her because you know she hasn't done that in a while.
your mother scurries back to her bedroom after muttering a quick "so glad my baby's back," and you finish putting the containers in rows of three on the kitchen island.
how do you say 'no' to that?
"YN!"
"AETHER!"
"YN!"
ALBEDO!"
you let out a delighted shriek as they tackle you in a hug, genuinely happy to see them after a few years. the van with their belongings is pulled up at the back of the house, for easy access to the garage — which, you learned from your mom, is where they've been practicing since last year after she offered it to the boys — "well, it was empty and no one was using it anyway, so why not?"
albedo and aether practically jumped out of their respective seats at the front of the van in their excitement. with their blonde locks flailing about, you're awfully reminded of golden retrievers that are happy to see their favorite person back after a long day. "so nice to see you guys again! how have you guys been? you both have gotten so handsome i can't believe you guys actually had it in you!"
"and you're still shabby yourself!" the three of you laugh as aether retaliates immediately, ever quick-witted and sharp-tongued.
"ah, well," albedo starts. "same old kids in the past, just playing smaller instruments. we finally became regulars at nowhere, so you should definitely come to our gigs sometime!"
you gasp. "no way, that's great! you guys have been waiting for a consistent gig for so long! how did you guys do it?"
"well —"
"i convinced them," a fourth voice says, butting into the conversation as you hear his boots hit the gravel and a car door shutting. "the owner adores his only daughter, and his daughter unfortunately adores me… so, it wasn't that hard to convince her, really."
you catch his innuendo and it makes you roll your eyes. "not even five seconds after seeing you again and i already remember why i hate you."
you turn around from the two boys and there he is in all his glory. kazuha laughs, pulling you in for a hug that you do not return. you keep your arms strictly across your chest as you turn your head away from him in disgust.
"oh, don't be like that to your favorite."
flabbergasted by what you hear, you look at him challengingly, the close proximity nearly catching you off guard. "you're not my favorite."
kazuha smiles.
"say that without blushing, and maybe i'll believe you."
a silence entails you both, neither one backing away from the intense eye contact until — "oh! yn, meet our new drummer, kuni!"
thank you, albedo.
you pull away from kazuha like he's a walking plague, straightening yourself to meet the guy your mother was talking about. his name sounds familiar as she often mentions him fleetingly when you text, only earlier at the kitchen did she actually take the time to introduce him and give him a proper introduction.
"hello, nice to meet you," he says. kuni's handsome, that was your first impression. from the way he carries himself, you know he's the calmer one in the band. from texts exchanged with your mom alone, you inferred he's helping your mom run the flower shop.
"i heard about you," you offer a handshake. "you help my mom run the shop, correct?"
"yeah," he takes your hand. "why, is there a problem?"
you shook your head, a small smile playing on your lips. "well, if that's the case i owe you! thanks for helping out my mom, especially when i'm not always here."
kuni slowly smiles, "it's a pleasure, really."
you usher the misguided boys back to the house to offer them something to eat after helping them put their stuff in the garage, and through all that, a certain someone's ruby red eyes can't put a finger on how his bandmate looked at you — like a spark of interest broke through that usual air of nonchalance to him.
well, that's something you don't see everyday.
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BAD BLOOD » previous : masterlist : next
a genshin impact band au w select characters
summary — you thought you'd be spending summer break helping at your mom's flower shop or attending kazuha's gigs, but the last thing you expect is to be caught in the crossfire of two band vocalists who hate each other's guts with a burning passion.
note — kazuha and yn's dynamics are so fun to write lmao
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